Pan Porn!

I have a little pan porn for you today. On the left is the Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Peach. I don't use this product all that often because I think I need a darker shade. Maybe Peach??? If anyone has any suggestions, I would be most appreciative! I am planning on finishing this off soon though so I can get another shade.

On the right is the Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in the shade 20 Classic Ivory. I have been enjoying this face powder. It provides coverage and makes your skin look glowy. It feels a bit heavy though on some days. It may just be the best stuff at the drug store. I do think I might go back to my MAC Natural Skinfinish though after this as I felt that was a lighter feeling product with similar results and almost double the product quantity. But MAC is triple the price...ouch!


Bits and Bites

• Should have my August Empties blog up over the next couple of days (I managed to have a few things...phew)
• Words of Wisdom: Don't buy a MAZDA! My husband's perfectly good car died a horrible mechanic-induced death this past week. I have another MAZDA model myself and it is the biggest lemon ever....Will never buy another MAZDA as long as I live.

Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Nicole - Review and Swatch

Back to Buxom today. This is the Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Nicole. I believe they have 100 different colours in this particular product line - literally. There is one called "Alexis" and obviously I will have to buy that at some point just to keep it. I don't really like the colour that they used for "Alexis", but we will get to that another day.

I have very mixed feelings about this lip polish or gloss if you prefer. The last Buxom lip product that I reviewed, I wasn't too crazy about. I have almost the opposite complaints about this one, however, this one has some redeeming qualities.

First of all, it's a plumper. Sigh....I hate plumpers. This one has a very strong minty, tingly sensation that really bugs me. I find it uncomfortable most days. I don't like being constantly aware of my lips in a tingle spasm. If this product didn't have the plumping action, it would be a very good gloss in my book.

I didn't like the look of the colour of this product in the tube. I thought I would hate it. It looks very similar to the other Buxom lip product that I reviewed the other day. It's like a hot fruit punch in the tube. When you apply it, it comes off as a subtle plum. Go figure! It has shimmer in it which I think in this case, and I usually hate shimmer in a lip gloss, helps make this a good looking lip gloss. You could wear this colour over just about any lipstick or on its own. Here is the swatch:

 

The other thing that I like about this lip product is that it stays in place. It doesn't leave your lip line or slide around. This is without a lip liner I might add. This is a very sticky lip product so if you hate that, you won't like this one. I don't mind that feature actually. I find the product is quite long wearing, but that tingling madness can last up to an hour and that is too much for me.

 

Buxom, if you are listening, please do something about that horrible tingling!

 

I guess this plumps my lips, but I have a pouty mouth so I don't need such things. I can see a little difference when I wear this, but this difference is not welcome! This product is $23 Canadian or $19 U.S. I have a travel size of this product currently from a Sephora Buxom promotion that they had a little while ago.

 

 

Packaging: 7/10 (a bit bulky)

Pigmentation: 7/10
Easy to Work With: 10/10
Longevity: 7/10
Texture: 8/10
Price: 7/10
Ingredients: 7/10
Travel Worthy: 8/10 (chunky monkey)
Comfortable to Wear: 0/10 (for the first hour)  (6.5/10 afterwards)
Attractiveness of Product: 9/10
Would I buy this again? Get rid of the tingle and we will talk
Overall Rating: 7/10

Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes - Review

Quick post tonight. I bought these wipes at Target I believe in the States last year. They are the Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes with Chamomile and White Tea. This is one of those products that I didn't like at first, but I have grown to like, not love, but like. I bought these last November and I tried them a few times over the winter and my face did not like them. They seemed too harsh at the time. I think that was because my skin tends to be sensitive and irritated in winter in general. It doesn't like much in winter touching it unless its very moisturizing and it's suitable for sensitive skin.

I also didn't like the smell of these. In fairness, I can't stand the smell or taste of chamomile. Since this has chamomile in it, duh on my part, why would I ever love them??? Some people don't mind chamomile and heck, some people even love it. So please take my thoughts with a grain of salt. The smell has grown on me a little and now I can stand it. Don't love it, but I can handle it. It has something calming about it (the smell) after the initial revulsion, and it makes you think, "hey, it's bedtime".

I put these aside after trying them one or twice over the winter. I can always use a wipe to clean up shoes with salt stains or makeup from coat collars etc. There is always a use for a wipe! Anyway, I busted these out a few weeks ago as my skin has been in good shape all summer long and it is not irritated at all. In short, I can use these in summer it seems. These are pretty good at taking all of your face makeup off (I wouldn't use these on your eye area though). They are quite thick and do not rip! They are also quilted and somehow they just seem more high end than most wipes. Also, they have miraculously stayed super wet or moist all of these months since I opened them. No drying out!

These have won an award according to the packaging through Allure magazine in 2012. Basically, these are decent wipes and if you like wipes, I would give these a try. I don't remember what I paid for them but I can't imagine they were more than around $5 (30 towelettes per package).

Packaging: 8/10

Texture: 9/10

Price: 10/10

Ingredients: 8/10

Easy to Work With: 10/10  

Travel Worthy: 6/10 (not unless you packed some in a separate leak proof container) 

Moisturizing: 7/10

Comfortable/Softening: 8/10

Would I buy this again? Maybe 

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Overall Rating: 7.5/10 (labour intensive but works!)

Joe Fresh Bath Shower Back Brush...A Beef!!!

I have a quick something different that I thought I would share with you today. I purchased this Joe Fresh shower back brush a little while ago. I have used it four times exactly. I bought it at the Superstore for a few bucks. I guess you get what you pay for sometimes. I have never had a back brush do this even after use for years. The bristles basically caved in. Most of them did after the first time I used it! I hoped they would pop back up after it dried out but nooooo.....

Of all of the cheap ^%$#ing stuff that is made in this world! Seriously??? Seriously!!! Here is a close up and a side shot to illustrate my point.

Can you believe it??? I would return it if I knew where the receipt was and if I thought they would take it back! My husband took one look at this brush tonight and asked me what I scrubbed with it. I said, "my back". He was taken aback (no pun intended) and said my back must be as hard as a rock! Very funny!

Basically, I just wanted to let you all know that Joe Fresh makes one cheap ass shower back brush. You have been warned!

I am going to start a new feature at the end of some of my blogs to let you know what I am up to and have planned for future blogs, it will be called "Bits and Bites". So without further ado...


Bits and Bites...

• Using the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette a lot lately and working on an upcoming review
• Some Pan Porn is finally coming hopefully later this week
• I think I lost a MAC makeup brush in Vegas and I am not too pleased with myself

Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss in Sweet Thing - Review and Swatch

I got this lip gloss as part of a free gift set promo thing from Sephora recently. The colour I have is "Sweet Thing" which is described as hot pink. I would say that description is fair. Personally, I don't really like this colour on me. It's like an orange fruit punch. I prefer pinks and reds that are blue based, not orange based, but that's just me. If you like orange based pinks on your lips, you might very well like this one.

This is a "no tingle" lip gloss that is a plumper. I hate plumpers. I have pouty lips and I wish that cosmetic companies would stop making so many plumpers! Many people don't need them and those that do tend to not see much of difference when they use one. Also, most of them are damn uncomfortable!!! Not my thing. So this one you don't feel, but I think my lips looks funny when I use this. I find the colour runs and it's just not pretty. The formula is moisturizing and comfortable though. There is a touch of shimmer in this shade and I can't say that it is that noticeable nor that nice. I think out of all of the colours in this line, this was probably the shade that I would like least. Dumb luck.

Here is the swatch of course. These retail for $23 Canadian or $19 U.S. and is 0.15 oz.

I can't say I am a fan of this product in general and the colour is just not me. I also find that the product is not long lasting and the pigmentation isn't great. It leaves a stain on your lips and the product disappears fast. The only thing that I really liked about this product is the flat wand which I thought was neat.

Packaging: 7/10

Pigmentation: 2/10
Easy to Work With: 5/10
Longevity: 2/10
Texture: 8/10
Price: 8/10
Ingredients: 7/10
Travel Worthy: 8/10 (a bit chunky)
Attractiveness of Product: 1/10
Would I buy this again? NO WAY
Overall Rating: 4/10

Kat Von D Everlasting Face Shaper Blush in Wish - Review and Swatch

For ages I have been meaning to pick up a Kat Von D blush or two. I kept forgetting about them and they kind of fell off of my radar for a bit. Lately, I have been hearing a lot of hype about them again so I picked up "Wish" while I was in Vegas. Wish is a pale peach with shimmer. They are $25 U.S. or $31 Canadian, hence why I picked mine up in the States. Also, less tax....

 

 

Each blush is 7.0g or 0.25 oz. which is generous. The formula of Wish is so soft, creamy and silky to the touch. I have to saw that it is the nicest feeling blush that I have touched in a very long time. So softly milled! Feels like air on your cheeks. It blends so effortlessly. This colour would be flattering on light to medium skin tones and may work well as subdued highlighter for darker skin tones. This colour gives your cheeks a nice little glowI wouldn't say that Wish is the best colour choice for myself out of this product line but I can certainly wear it, especially with a tan and especially in the summer.

 

 

 

 

I like the packaging very much and the mirror inside is huge. The packaging is sleek and compact. I would say this is very good value for your money. I certainly intend on picking up some more colours. I have Essex, Por Vida, Truth and Bellisima on my brain. I wouldn't say that this blush is extremely long lasting, but it will take you through the bulk of the day. Here is the swatch:

 

 

 

Packaging: 8/10  (nice, big mirror and good for travel) 

Pigmentation: 7.5/10
Easy to Work With: 10/10
Longevity: 7.5/10
Colour Stays True: 10/10
Texture: 10/10
Price: 9/10
Ingredients: 8/10
Travel Worthy: 10/10
Attractiveness of Product: 9/10
Would I buy this again? YES
Overall Rating:  9/10

 

ELOTD MAC Young Punk a la Motley Crue

To say that I am not master of the selfie is the understatement of the century. I am a bit like what Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty always says about himself but with a spin to suit me,  "I am a low tech girl in a high tech world". I didn't grow up in the age of the "selfie" so please forgive me as I am still trying to get a hang of it.

Last night I went to a Motley Crue concert. My husband loved them as a kid and so I bought him concert tickets several months ago for his birthday and the concert was last night. Supposedly it is their last tour, but we've heard that one before. I wonder if some of you even know who Motley Crue is? Hopefully, most of you do. Anyway, what better time could there be to bust out the heavy makeup and eyeliner than when I was off to see one of the best 80's hair bands????

I admit that I stole the idea from one of Tiffany D's makeup videos from 5 years ago. I always wanted to do that look and I finally got my chance. I have some of the products she used and with a few tweaks, this is what I came up with. Hope you like it. Here is the link to her video where I got my inspiration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-c3SaXJkpY             or

http://makeupbytiffanyd.blogspot.ca/2009/10/style-black-look-fun-wearable-twist-on.html

Eyes:
Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Shadow Primer
MAC Blackground Paint Pot to the lid
Young Punk applied with a MAC 252 and some Fix +
Urban Decay Gunmetal crease
Smashbox Taupe inner corner
Urban Decay Virgin brow highlight
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black upper lash line
Makeup Geek Gel Liner in Electric lower lash line
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara
Ardell Demi Whispies False Lashes

Face:
MAC Stunner - Cheeks
MAC Syrup Lipstick and Smashbox Luster Lip Gloss - Lips
Clarins Ever Matte SPF 15 Skin Balancing Foundation in 109 Wheat (currently rocking a tan)
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance

July 2014 Empties!

Sorry, I have been a bit missing in action lately as I was just in Las Vegas for the past week and a half! I had 3 scheduled posts while I was away, but I know overall I haven't posted much in the past couple of weeks. My apologies for that and for this late "July" post seeing as it is August 7th...

On to the matter at hand. My empties for July are not too exciting. I have a lot of the usual suspects. Without further ado, here they are:

1. Esencia Mandarin Citrus Horsetail & Wheat Volumizing Conditioner - I love this conditioner and I am so sorry that I cannot find it anymore. It makes my hair so soft. I discovered it years ago when I was visiting some in-laws in California and bought it on sale for $3.50 U.S. from Ralph's. I later found it in Shoppers Drug Mart for $10 Canadian but it they stopped selling it 2-3 years ago. I had a little left in my bathroom cupboard so I decided I should use it up and move on. I think this line by Samy has been discontinued. If anyone knows if you can still buy it anywhere, please let me know. Sob.

2. Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover - I have ranted and raved about this stuff for the past couple of years. I love it so much. This must be my fifth empty bottle at least. The dispenser is the bomb and the product works pretty well too. Full review on my blog of this product if you are interested. Will repurchase for sure!

3. Tarte Maracuja Lip Gloss - No idea what the name of this colour was. It came in the Christmas Tarte of Giving Collector's Set. Not a bad product. I have finished two of these so far.  

4. MAC Capricious Lustre Lipstick - This is one of my favourite lipsticks and was part of a recent Back to MAC. It was the first lipstick of MAC's that I ever finished. It's described as a fanciful rose plum. Will repurchase for sure!

5. Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Crème - I got a good sized sample of this and I used it for a few weeks before it was done. Very moisturizing but does nothing for my under eye dark circles. I have a full review on my blog of this if you are interested. Will not purchase.

6. Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum - One of my holy grails. A must have in my makeup bag. Already repurchased.

7. Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes - I really didn't like these. I bought these when I was away from home and desperate. I didn't like the smell and didn't think that they removed makeup well. Used it to clean makeup off of my coat collar mostly over the winter. There were only 10 in here so I tried to quickly use them up and I finally did. As I recall they were not cheap and there are only 10 in there. Will not repurchase.

8. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in 02 Light Medium - I have a bunch of these. I usually get them free with my foundation purchases or in gift with purchase bags. This colour works well for me to help cover trouble areas. It blends in flawlessly with my regular Estee Lauder foundation. Have a stash of these so no need to repurchase yet.

9. Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup in Intensity 2.0 - This always seems to pop up in my empties most months. My favourite foundation. The colour is a bit light for me at the moment as I am rocking a tan. So I am digging into my stash for darker foundation shades for the month of August. Already repurchased.

So that's it! Talk to you all soon!

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer - Review

Quick post today. I have a ton of travel sized tubes of Estee Lauder's Matte Perfecting Primer in my stash. I tend use this primer when I am travelling coincidentally (haha). It is a really great primer, especially if you like your skin to look matte and your pores to not be so obvious. It glides on like silk and I really feel like I am nourishing my skin when I put it on. I have taken this with me to Las Vegas on vacation and it keeps my skin from looking shiny on even the hottest day. The oil control is superb.

What I also like about this primer is that your foundation stays on well and doesn't meltdown, even in high degree temperatures. Pores are minimized. This primer is a keeper. It sells for $34 U.S.

Packaging: 8/10 

Pigmentation: N/A 

Easy to Work With: 10/10

Longevity: 10/10

Texture: 10/10 

Price: 7.5/10

Ingredients: 8/10

Travel Worthy: 10/10 

Attractiveness of Product: 10/10

Would I buy this again? YES

Overall Rating: 9/10