Makeup Love | The Wet n Wild #PhotoFocus Foundation - Natural looking foundation for combination skin!

Instagram made me do it! This is the foundation that Instagram beauty influencers told me to buy! Truthfully, I am glad I did!

Through my makeup counter experience, I have been lucky to have had an opportunity to test out a number of makeup from low end to high end brands. What I have learned is that, High end doesn't always mean it's the best for you or that you will even like wearing it.

I always stress that you have to figure out what works for you and what makes you feel your best.

There are 4 things you check off when you look for a foundation:

1. Coverage and how long it lasts
2. Texture of Product
3. The appearance of it on your skin (Skin Tone match and Finish)
4. Price 

For me, Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Foundation checks off as follows:

1. Medium Coverage and wears through the day well
2. Liquid and light weight
3. Looks like skin and melts into my skintone (Dark Skin Friendly)
4. Under 10 Bucks (Yep, it's $7.00 from Walmart.ca)

Seriously, you can't get a better foundation at this price! Especially when it checks off in the other categories as well. The foundation is awesome on coverage, finish and price!

I have been using this foundation for a few months now and it's definitely the one I reach for the most. (I have 3 Foundations - For light weight use, Medium coverage and 1 that is party friendly ie. Long wear).

For those who are just looking to have the 1 foundation to use, because they want a simple and easy routine, this a great option as well.

Why it's great:

• It wears well and you don't need a lot
• Blends into your skin tone and literally disappears 
• Comes in a number of different undertones (Warm, Cool and Neutral)
• A good range of shades for your skin
• Applies well with Sponge, Brush or Fingers (Clean fingers please)

I picked mine up from Walmart and the shade I got is called 'Desert Beige'. I did my research on a number of Instagram beauty influencers and then opted to buy it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Things to Remember:

• Always use a little to start and blend
• Not everyone has to wear their makeup the same way it's shown on Instagram
• Find the technique or application style that works for you

If you have tried the Wet n Wild #Photofocus foundation, or have picked it up, please leave me your thoughts below! In an upcoming post, I will share a #Makeup look with me wearing this foundation :)

Product Love | #Batiste Dry Shampoo

Get rid of oil and gain volume at the same time? Yes please! I wanted to share a time saving tip when it comes to styling hair. Dry Shampoos have gotten quite the shine in the last few years. The challenge is trying to figure out the one that works and doesn't cost a fortune.

I've tried many different Dry Shampoos over the years and I am currently loving the: Batiste Dry Shampoo

Batiste Impression/Thoughts:

• Medium Weight Spray
• Smells incredible
• Great for absorbing excess oil from roots
• Adds volume
• Price: $8.99 - $10.00 (200ml)

I loved the volume it created after spraying and working it into my roots. The smell is incredible. Great to add to your gym bag or weekend/beach bag. If you ever struggled with "Gym Hair" this product will help by absorbing excess oil, while keeping your hair looking fresh between shampoos.

Important TIP:

Now, here is the thing, if you are not familiar with how to use Dry Shampoos, be sure NOT to spray it all over your hair, it is NOT hairspray. Here is how I use it:

1. Lift small sections from your root and spray lightly
2. Spray 1 section at a time, focusing the spray towards the roots 
3. Wait about a 1 min, lightly work the spray into the roots. 
4. Brush out and you will see the fullness and volume

I will be checking out the other Batiste products for the summer! 

Product Love | Tarte Cosmetics #TarteistProPalette

If there was ever a makeup product that got rave reviews on Social Media, I pretty much went to the store and would buy it without question. Now, I take a bit more time to research, which I think is super important to do before spending any money.

If possible, take the time to see, swatch and play with a product prior to purchase. (This should be the case at most major retailers). I am happy to say that I compared 2 very gorgeous eyeshadow palettes that were launched around the same time. The winner for me was this baby right here: The Tarte Cosmetics #Tarteist Pro Palette!

Why I Love It:

• A mix of Matte and Shimmery finishes
• Loved the warmer and red toned shades 
• 20 Shades (16 Matte + 4 Shimmers)
• Beautiful packaging
• Travel friendly

My only concern was that the matte shadows would be a bit too powdery or ashy during application, but using the right brushes truly makes a difference and I had no problems!

Here are a few Makeup looks that I have done so far using this palette! FYI - I have been choosing this as my go-to Eyeshadow palette pretty much everyday!

One of my fave purchases so far! The price is $68 CDN, so it's on the higher price point side, but if you were to break it down to a per shadow cost, it works out to: $3.40 (Not to bad) :)

One of my fave things about this palette is the colour blocked effect for ideas on which shadows to wear together and the versatility to create literally a million eyeshadow combos!

I picked up mine from Sephora and got myself a few cute Makeup samples, which has worked out well, because I have found thee best Waterproof Black eye pencil! I will also share 4 Makeup looks using the colour row options! Stay tuned :)

Happy Shopping!

Product Love | My Daily #Foundation Tag Team :)

 

For the last few years, these two Giorgio Armani products have been my daily go-to when it comes to foundation! Now truthfully, Giorgio Armani beauty products are on the higher end when it comes to the price point, but the pay off is a good quality finish on the skin.

The Luminous Silk Foundation by Giorgio Armani, is perfect for everyday wear because it mimics radiant skin once you wear it. A few drops (dime size amount is the max) is all you need. This is not something you want to cake on, because it's not needed. Unless you prefer a full face, you can achieve it, however, this foundation is meant to give you a healthy glow, therefore, the "less is more" rule works best.

This Foundation is great for:

• Everyday wear
• Bridal Makeup
• Boosting your skin's complexion
• Medium to full coverage

Fluid Sheer by Giorgio Armani I have raved about non stop already. It's gorgeous, light, shimmery and natural looking but you can also intensify the glow you want. I also like that in the summer, I can use it to add warmth to my foundation shade! It comes in a range of shades and my top 3 are Shades #2, #10 and #11.

Fluid Sheer is great for:

• Mixing with your Foundation
• Putting it on as a sheer glow all over
• Spot Glowing highlight
• Primer for eye makeup

If you want to treat yourself, than definitely invest in these goodies from Giorgio Armani Beauty! They are worth the extra $$ and your skin will look amazing!

Happy Glowing!

Beauty Tip | Affordable #eyeshadows by #CoastalScents

So let's be honest, if you are a Makeup Artist or a Makeup Junkie, the costs of buying makeup add up when there is so many products & tools you have to invest in. With Social Media, it makes it harder to resist to add new items to your collection or kit because everything you see looks good ;)

The way we find info on makeup is really easy, just look at your phone! You can do your research via YouTube Videos, blogs and you can get recommendations by asking other makeup artists or friends. Doing your research before you buy anything, may help you save some money in the long run.

I came across CoastalScents via YouTube through Makeup YouTubers and I noted that they had a lot of affordable makeup products. Their eyeshadow palettes were SUPER popular and I ended up purchasing a number of palettes and other makeup as well. The products have worked well for me both personally and professionally.

What I LOVED the most is that the 28 Neutral Eyeshadow Palette had shades that were similar to MAC eyeshadows and the cost ($11.95 CDN)! I have shared the swatches below and the MAC shadows they dupe for:

• Naked Lunch
• Nylon
• Soft Brown
• Haux
• Expensive Pink
• Jest
• Beauty Marked

• Hush
• Vanilla
• Phloof!
• Tempting
• Cork
• Era
• Mythology

• Gleam
• Creme Royale
• Wedge
• Sable
• Amber Lights
• Corduroy
• Patina

• White Frost
• Quarry
• Grain
• Blackberry
• Brown Script
• Brown Down
• Carbon

This is one way to help get you a large quantity of eyeshadows for a lot less. The 28 Neutral Eyeshadow Palette, is a great palette if you are:

• Starting out in Makeup
• Looking for a perfect Bridal Eyeshadow palette
• Interested in getting a high quantity of eye shadows that are affordable

Happy Shopping!

Beauty | Want glowing skin? or an epic Makeup Highlight? Keep reading ;)

Photo Courtesy:  https://ca.caudalie.com

This product is epic. The.End.

Seriously though...The Caudalie Divine Oil is legit. Multi-purpose product, good for your skin and there's more to love...

Caudalie Divine Oil:

• I can use it mixed with my Foundation (Always Giorgio Armani)
• I can use it as skincare (Apply it on cleansed skin, on days I am makeup free)
• I can use it on top of Makeup as a highlight (This is the EPIC portion of why I love it)
• It contains Antioxidants = Great for your skin
• Dry Oil which can be used on Face, Body and Hair

Now there are a million ways to highlight your face to achieve the ever popular "insta" glow, but if you are looking for something easy to use and can be worn naked on skin, this is the oil to try. BONUS POINT: It smells great!

Here is a pic of me using it on top of my makeup, right after I set it with Powder. I patted it on very lightly and then used my foundation brush with the same motion.

Check it out if you get a chance, worth it to add to your Skin AND Makeup routine!

Product Love | My #Lipstick Love

Is it a shock I love lipsticks? Not at all. My current lipstick love is here with my three newly acquired, gorgeous hued lipsticks! I had my eyes on them for awhile and finally got these babies to join their friends!

1. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Le Nu #70
2. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Pink Nouveau
3. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Cosmo

Of the three, my fave at the moment is the Yves St.Laurent Le Nu #70! (Trust me I love all of my lippies equally but there are a few that just had me at first application!)

It's a gorgeous nude with a beautiful pigment and finish. It's a warmer nude, which works perfectly with my skin tone and it looks great paired with a dark brown/grey lip pencil or a traditional nude for a more diffused look.

LIPSTICK DETAILS

MAC Cosmo
Shade: is a brown-based pink. It has a warmer undertones and enhances my natural lip pigment.
Finish: Amplified Creme that is full coverage.

YSL Le Nu 
Shade: is a warm, rosy beige Nude. It has a warmer undertone with peachy sheen.
Finish: Creamy texture that is light coverage.

MAC Pink Nouveau
Shade: is a blue based/cooler pink. It has vivid impact.
Finish: Satin texture that is full coverage.

SWATCHES

These are not typical of "Fall" or "Winter" shades, but makeup is about having fun and trying out different things that work for you. The perfect lipstick can really impact on how your day goes! Check out these colours and add them to your kit.

Product Love | Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio | Cream Pencil

My Eye liner series continues with the Maybelline Master Drama By EyeStudio - Cream Pencil in shade Midnight Master. I have never used just one eye liner product for my eyes. Different products offer different benefits for defining the eyes.

For the waterline, which is the inside of the lower lash line, you need an eye liner that will stay pigmented in colour and is long lasting, which can be a hard combination to find. This eye liner does it all!

Pros

• 16 Hour Wear
• Bold Pigment
• Oil-Free Creamy Application
• Ideal for Waterline
• Easily Smudges & Stays Put

Cons

• Creamy texture may be hard to work with, but once it glides it's good to go

I love that this liner LASTED all day. I happened to test it out on a regular day but I also enjoyed this liner recently at a family wedding I attended. From Start to finish, the eye liner did not budge, stayed bold and never faded! From mingling, through emotional speeches (yes I actually got teary eyed during the wedding) to dancing the night away, this eye liner did not move!

Here is a pic from that night, with me wearing that liner!

For years I have experimented with different eye liners in the various forms they come in. I highly encourage you to try different products and you will find what works for you. Be sure to check this liner out!

#Makeup Trends | Best Liquid #Highlighters for #Strobing or Highlighting!!

Whether you want to call it 'highlighting' or 'Strobing', the trend to add a beautiful luminous glow to your skin is definitely not going away! Giorgio Armani has been iconic in reviving and creating this beautiful glow, which have been featured on the models of many of his fashion shows over the years. As with most fashion trends, the makeup styles and looks eventually trickle down to the masses. Now even faster than before with Social Media.

If you are looking to create the JLO Glow, adding highlight or want to be an expert on strobing, be sure to add these beautiful products, the amazing Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers!

ABOUT FLUID SHEER

Fluid sheer is a beautiful skin illuminating product that offers radiance and glow. The formula is light weight, and easy to work with. It's available in over 10 flattering shades and can be used in multiple ways, a true multi-tasker!

• Instantly adds glow and illuminates skin
• Sheer, lightweight texture and coverage
• Use it as an eye shadow base, blush or bronzer
• Wear alone for glowing skin or tan enhancement
• Mix into your favourite foundation to add glow and enhance tonality
• Popular shades: #2, #10 and #11

SHADE DESCRIPTIONS

#2 Fluid Sheer: A light golden beige sheen. Excellent for spot highlighting/strobing effects on the cheeks and T Zone.

#10 Fluid Sheer: A medium golden bronze glow. Excellent for darker skin tones or adding a golden glow by mixing into your foundation.

#11 Fluid Sheer: A warm peachy shimmer. Excellent paired with blush and applied onto the cheeks.

These products are worth experimenting with since they leave a beautiful finish on the skin and offer multiple ways of using them! I also like that they leave a true sheen and not a sparkle, so it looks and glows like healthy skin. Be sure to check these shades out on your next Makeup Shopping trip!

Product Love | Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Liner

This week I shared 3 Liner looks using 3 specific liner products. As promised, I would be sharing my reviews on my fave liners at the moment. Maybelline has a series of products in their Stiletto collection from Mascaras to liners. Today I am reviewing Maybelline  Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Liner.

Pros:

• Great Colour - Black Ink
• Flexible Felt Tip 
• Dries Waterproof and lasts all day
• Smudge proof

Cons:

• Winged Edge may be tricky if you are used to a brush, but is achievable and looks amazing!

Overall:

This is a great Liquid liner, because it gives you a super black pigment, dries quickly and the line stays put. Maybelline has always made great liner products and this one gets my approval!

Here is a look I did using this product! It lasted the ENTIRE party! I will be sharing this fun look and more Bollywood inspired makeup looks in a few days so stay tuned!