Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette

Too Faced is known for their Chocolate Bar palettes (which I admit to never having used, but they are totally on my 2016 list after getting this palette!).  They include a great range of neutrals and brighter shades, and smell like chocolate.  What's not to love?  When they released this palette I knew what I was going to spend my $25 Sephora VIB Rouge voucher on!

Sears Canada: Look Good Feel Better*

A few weeks ago the nice people behind Sears Canada's Look Good Feel Better campaign reached out and asked if I wanted to attend.  The short story is that yes, I did want to attend.  The long story is that I had a work event going on at the same time, and usually real life has to come before blog life.  However they were kind enough to offer me some products to review!

I love...2015 Holiday Gift Set*

Where did the time go?  Seriously.  Christmas in two days?  So my family is at that stage in life where it is growing by leaps and bounds, and Christmas means more and more people.  Most of my cousins and I are in that 20-25 age bracket and we are all settling into stable, loving long term relationships (and marriages!!!).  Most of my cousins in my age bracket are guys, which means I am basically getting the female cousins I always wanted (Sorry guys!).  I can't go buying an expensive gift for everybody, but I want to show these lovely individuals that they are welcome to join my family over the holidays.  Enter:  I Love...2015 Holiday Gift Set.

ipsy | November 2015

Blargh, writing about ipsy bags sometimes is something I am never on time with.  I think lately it is because I haven't been thrilled with my bags as a whole.  Any ways my December bag showed up yesterday so if I needed motivation to get this one done...well that's it!  Keep reading to see what I thought!

Stila Eternally Yours Liquid Lip Set | Holiday 2015

This set is currently sold out.  However the majority of these lipsticks are available year round at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora.

One of my favourite things about holiday make-up collections is the chance to grab up sets of products I love in a whole bunch of colours.  Stila's liquid lipstick formula is one of my favourites: it lasts all day without totally drying out my lips, and the colour packs a real punch.  This set of minis is no exception.  My love affair with Stila started with their liquid eye liner pen, graduated to their convertible colour blushes (hi Peony!) and landed me in front of their matte lipsticks.  Other than this set I own a mini Beso and a full sized Veneztia. 

ipsy | October 2015

Yeeeeaaaahhh...so I forgot about this review.  The bag came in.  I opened it.  I thought it was nice.  And then I put it in the mythical box of things to review where it just...chilled.  So, before I can procrastinate another second...my October ipsy bag:

Too Faced | Born This Way*

"I'm on the right track baby,

I was born to be brave."

One thing I rarely review is foundation. As a pale girl with a neutral complexion I find most foundations are too yellow/dark/pink on me. Why can’t I find the neutral to pink foundation of my dreams? I was excited to get the chance to test out this foundation from Too Faced. I had heard good things from other bloggers: oil free, full coverage, beautiful finish. Sign me up.

Nail Art with Essence Gel Polish*

Last spring when I was in Europe I had the chance to check out some drug stores in Germany.  While there I grabbed a few of Essence's gel polishes, a base coat and a top coat, worried that they would never reach Canadian stores.  Well they did-- and in the process they revamped their entire (already excellent) nail polish collection.  The Base Coat and Top Coat each retail for $4.49. with the nail polishes retailing for $2.99.  You can read my first review here. 

My Top Picks | Christmas Gifts Under $30

Exactly one month to go until Christmas Eve! Where did Fall go?! I am really excited to say that I have finished 95% of my Christmas shopping!  The only thing missing?  A gift for my boyfriend-- because he changes his mind every day! I wanted to make a little post of my favourite things I have seen (and bought) while meandering through the mall in hopes of inspiring some last minute (is it really last minute?  I just love Christmas shopping) shoppers.

Sephora Favourites | Give Me Some Lip

Sephora Favourites makes some of my favourite holiday sets.  And, while I have had this set for a little while (is it holiday shopping if I purchase it in October?  September?) I am finally ready to review it.  This set has been in and out of stock, but I still think a review is worthwhile since all of these products can be purchased individually in their full size should you be interested.  So, let's get going.

Two New Brushes | Eco Tools & Real Techniques*

So I have been beauty blogging for just over two years now.  And on brushes, two things come to mind.  First, that they are always a heck of a lot harder to review than I give them credit for/  And, second, that you have to try them out for more than simply how they are advertised.  Let me explain...

Christmas | Too Faced Melted Mini Set

Can you believe that Christmas is finally in the air?  I know today in Toronto is a little soggy and less than nice, but with my red cup from Starbucks filled with hot tea, and over half of my Christmas shopping completed (I know, right!) I think I am finally in the mood to review some holiday sets.  Now, I went a little crazy during the Sephora VIB Sale (hello 20% off everything in sight) and I will be posting about my haul once it all arrives (please don't hate me mail man!).  I actually ordered this before the sale because I didn't want to miss out on it.  Long story short, I love the set.  Keep reading for the full break down!

Dufferin Mall Shop Crawl | Swag Bag

Earlier this month I had the pleasure to attend Chick Advisor's Dufferin Mall Shop Crawl!  For a more detailed review of the actual event, check out my post about it here.  Today I am excited to share a review of their (fantastic) swag bag!  Valued at about $170 this bag features everything from make-up to skin care to mini dry shampoo!  What more could a girl ask for?

Too Faced | Love Flush Long-Lasting 16 Hour Blush*

p.s. Today is Election Day here in Canada.  So, if you haven't already voted go do it!  Your boss must permit you 3 hours off (if needed) in order for you to get to the polls.  So really, no excuses!  Not sure who to vote for?  Make sure you read multiple news papers for a balanced perspective, and don't forget to research your local candidates.  After all, they will be representing you at the local level and will be a voice in caucus, on committees and in the House of Commons.  Okay, now that you have promised to vote... back to the make-up. 

Recently I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to test out Too Faced's new(ish) blushes: Love Flush Long-Lasting 16 Hour Blush.  These blushes are about the size of the palm of your hand and come in a pretty heart shaped compact.  In high school I would always covet their classic Sweethearts Classic Flush Blush, and I am so excited that they have added a new line of heart shaped blushes.  

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream | Morocco, Istanbul, Athens & Addis Ababa

Sometimes you find a great drug store product that makes you fall instantly in love.  Other times you find a product that stirs up such a sense of wanderlust that you simply need to buy every colour named after a place you long to go.  And, every once in a while you find a product that fits both those criteria, while also being on sale.  This my friends, was one of those times.

Dufferin Mall Shop Crawl | Part 1

On Thursday night I had the opportunity to attend the #DufferinMallShopCrawl put on by the lovely ladies at Chick Advisor.  Because talking about their (amazing) swag bag and my (amazing) haul would be way too much for one post I have decided to split it up.  Today I am talking about my experience and next week I am going to follow up with a review of my swag bag.

I will admit that I went into this experience with a tiny bit of trepidation.  For context, I live in the far east end of Toronto, and this event was taking place in the mid west end.  After a long day at work I started my commute in the opposite direction from home and then walked 5 minutes in the drizzling rain to arrive at the Dufferin Mall.  I checked in and plotted my route to maximize time in the stores I really wanted to shop in.  In short, I could spend an eternity at Winners, so I decided to end my trip there.

Christmas Gifts | Volume 1

Taken at the Distillery District Christmas Market 2013

There are only seven more Fridays until Christmas!  Where did the year go?  Wasn't it *just* Christmas?  Funny how as a kid you can't wait to see what you get for Christmas, but as an adult you can't wait to give?  Well clearly I am adulting hardcore this year because currently my gift list is pretty short (more on that later) but my list of gifts to give is always growing!

IPSY | September 2015

This month my IPSY bag came in a pretty warm brown textured bag.  This is one of the more subtle bags I have received, and I think it is spot-on for fall.  I love that this one matches my fall scarves and coats-- It will be getting some use over the next few months!  This month I was pleased with my bag.  Not head over heels, but pleased.

Introducing the Beauty Department at H & M*

When I first heard that H & M was totally re-vamping their beauty line up I was pretty interested.  H & M is in the fast fashion industry, which means they produce things cheap, and they produce them fast.  When trends change, H & M can turn on a dime.  In the beauty world this really excites me because I know that when trends change H & M will be among the first to know.  H & M was kind enough to send some products my way and I am excited to share my thoughts with you!

My Scent Memory | Mr. Bubble Cologne Spray by the Demeter Fragrance Library*

Recently I received this delightful scent as a part of the Canadian Beauty Bloggers Network.  The challenge?  Review this product, and post about a scent memory that I associate with it.  You mean I get to smell bubbles and have test it by spraying it around? OKAY!

Best Bite Rewind | Christmas Set

This set appears to be out of stock on Sephora's Canadian website, however check back often because you never know!

For the last few Christmases Bite has released a set of four minis in a little tin.  I passed on last season's set because it was too similar to the year before, however this year each lip crayon had a matte creme finish...so you know.  I simply had to have it!  This set retails/ed for $29 CAD at Sephora, making it an affordable way to test out some great colours.

Too Faced Natural Matte Eyeshadow Palette*

Yesterday it really hit me: fall is here!  I was walking between shops downtown and I was chilly.  Suddenly Aritzia's fall collection looked that much more appealing.  With the shift from shorts to scarves also comes changes to my make-up line up.  I've been (slowly) swapping bright red-oranges for deeper berry shades, and moving from shimmery shadows towards matte.  Today I am sharing with you one of my fall favourites: Too Faced's Natural Matte Neutral Eyeshadow Collection*!

Sheet Masks | The Face Shop*

The lovely people at The Face Shop have teamed up with the CBB (check out our new website!) so we can share our thoughts on this fun brand.  I've shopped at The Face Shop a few times before, and am familiar with their "classic" mask but have not tried their VITA line.  I was pretty thrilled to come home to a surprise package of face masks, and am excited to be sharing my thoughts on their products with you.

Perfect for the Long Weekend | Apothic Wine*

I love that Apothic gets every little detail right.

Where did the summer go?  It seems like just yesterday that I was eyeing my turquoise nail polishes and shimmering bronzers, my bikini and my sun dresses.  This time next week kids will be back in school, and summer will all but be over.  Thankfully, Canadians have Labour Day weekend to celebrate the end of summer by hosting a family BBQ.  Yes, this means burgers and hot dogs, but for those of us of age it also means wine, cocktails, and more!

Worth the Splurge | NYX Istanbul vs Sephora Pink

Hey Classy On The Run readers! I'm interrupting your regularly scheduled program to do a little guest post today. I'm Danielle and you can find me over at DarlingMagpie.com, I'm a beauty blogger from Toronto who is obsessed with beauty challenges, subscriptions and excuses to use all the nail polish I've accumulated in my life.

My July IPSY Bag (+ swapping horror story)

I always love when my IPSY bag arrives easy month, but this summer I have been a bit slow to post since I am living away from home!  This month was a bit disappointing for me, but that was easily resolved by my first ever swap!

Colour Pop | Eyeshadow Haul!

Recently I made a (kind of) big Colour Pop order.  As mentioned, I divided my post into three parts. You can read about my blushes and highlighters review here featuring Birthday Suit, Butterfly Beach and Rain.  So far I am in love with the spongey texture of the products.  They swatch well, last all day, and are so affordable ($5 USD each!) that they are the perfect solution to buying brighter bold shadows you may not wear often.  The only downside?  Shipping to Canada costs an arm and a leg!

Colour Pop | Birthday Suit, Rain and Butterfly Beach

Last month I made my first Colour Pop order!  I was initially interested in the Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks but by the time I got there they were all sold out!  I'm glad I passed up on those, because I am thrilled with what I ordered instead.  Colour Pop has free shipping on orders of $30 or more in the U.S., but for us Canadians... well shipping is basically an arm and a leg.  On the bright side, cheek products are $8, eyeshadows are $5, and lippies are also $5 making the actual products super affordable.  To make this more manageable for me to write, and for you to read, I am going to divide my order into three posts: cheeks, eyes, and lip.  Today I will be sharing about my cheek products: Birthday Suit and Rain blushes and Butterfly Beach highlighter.

Essence Paint Nite!*

Last week I had the utter joy of attending another Essence event.  This time the theme was Paint Nite!  I loved getting to learn about their Fall/Winter launches in North America, and of course getting to paint!  The worst part about the event though was having just gotten back from Europe and seeing how many amazing different products they have there and then getting back to Canada and only having access to a fraction of them.  I love that the gel nail polishes are making their way across the pond...but about those matte lipglosses!

My Life In Pictures | July

Had this yummy ice cream crepe at Sicilian on College near Shaw.

July has been such a busy real life month that my blog got a little bit neglected.  Curious about what I was up to?  Keep reading to see my life in photos!  (Not in any real order)

Julep Drenched Collection | July 2015

Every month I look forward to both selecting my box and to the arrival of my box.  I know this review is a little bit late, but bare with me.  See, when I opened my box I was so excited to find my polishes, and my body wash...and a konjac face sponge.  I didn't want to provide a review without one of the items I was so excited to review, so I had to contact Julep and wait for my body sponge to arrive.  And let me tell you, it was worth the wait!  So, I ended up writing a post that includes both my box and my Secret Store order.

Tried and Tested | Waterpark Proof Make-up

So you know when a product claims to be waterproof?  And then you end up looking like a raccoon? Yeah, well today I'm talking about waterpark proof make-up.  The stuff that won't leave your side no matter how many water slides you go down, no matter how long you stay in the wave pool.  Keep reading to find out how I kept my make-up on fleck while having a blast at Canada's Wonderland.

Things In Real Life

Here's a picture of my boyfriend's cat!

Hey Lovelies!

I feel like I have accidentally taken the last week or so off!  Normally I would post a little going away message, but one thing led to another and real life was just too busy and fun for me to sit down and tell you about lipstick.  So, here's a snap shot of where things have been for me this week:

What To Pack For a Perfect Day at Wonderland | Beauty Edition

Growing up in Toronto, I always looked forward to my annual trip to Wonderland every summer with my dad. I would always want to bolt out the door, but my dad would always make sure we double checked that we had packed everything. Sun screen, towels, bathing suits, phone charger, everything you could think of was packed neatly into his Roots backpack. I can’t help but think back to waking up at 6:30 AM so we could get there before the park even opened! This weekend I took my teenage cousin to Wonderland and we had a great time on the rides and in the water park!  Keep reading to see what we packed, and to hear about why it worked!

Too Faced Melted Strawberry Review + Swatches

For me, the metric of a good lipstick is how often you reach for it, no matter how many other options you have.  I actually purchased this while I was in Washington D.C. in February and have not reviewed it until now, despite the fact that I wear it basically weekly.  In short: I love that it is an easy to wear true red.  Want the long story, and swatches?  Keep reading! (Also #sorrynotsorry for sharing red lips two days in a row.  LOVE red lips in the summer :*)

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in "Arthur"

Last night I tried to switch my blog over to my own domain, however it did not go through properly, so hang with me and hopefully a call to GoDaddy will get it fixed on the weekend!

Coco Chanel once said that "Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."  With that in mind, sometimes a lipstick simply needs to be a true, luminous red.  A few months ago I had the opportunity to redeem a whole bunch of Shoppers Optimum points at the Shoppers Drug Mart at the Toronto Eaton's Centre.  What better to redeem for than Chanel?

Versatile Blogger Award | Getting To Know Me Better

Ugh so lately I have been in a bit of a blog rut over this whole instagram thing.  I'll probably do a post with all of the details some time soon, but right now I'm just frustrated.  In the mean time I have decided to give it another shot.  Please follow me @alanna.victoria and hopefully this one will work.  

Here is a pretty flower that I edited the heck out of.

Last weekend I was scrolling through other beauty blogs when I came across the Versatile Blogger Award on Melanie's blog.  She didn't tag anybody and rather encouraged others to answer it, so I thought I would give it a try!  I love these posts because they let me get to know other bloggers, and for my readers to get to know me. With that in mind I am going to try to keep my facts away from the beauty realm.

LUSH Empties & Mini Reviews

One of the great things about LUSH is that once you finish five products in the tubs you can exchange them for a face mask of your choice.  Until redeeming these I had never tried a LUSH face mask before, but I would never say no to a free LUSH product, so check back soon for my review of that!  I like that their "points" program is in line with their sustainable values: it encourages using the products, rather than simply buying for the sake of buying.  Sadly there is no points program for bath bombs!

Naked Basics 1 & 2 | Which One Is Best For You?

It is basically a fact in the beauty world that the Urban Decay Naked palettes are the gold standard for neutral eyeshadow palettes.  The basic run down is that the full size named palettes are a mix of shimmer and matte shadows with 1 being pretty much universally flattering, 2 best for cooler skin tones, and 3 best for those with rosy pink undertones.  But what about Naked Basics?  The Naked Basics palettes are smaller, holding 6 shadows compared to Naked's 12, and all of the shadows are matte.  While at first glance they may look similar, the palettes are in fact different.  Keep reading for a side by side analysis of these two palettes!

Guest Post | Canadian Love & Indie Polish

Hello everyone!

I'm Chantal from Chantal's Corner and I'm really happy to be a guest for Classy on the Run today as part of the Canadian Beauty Bloggers' monthly guest posts.

Our theme this month is Canadian Love and at first I thought "oh yeah this will be easy!" But once I sat down and really thought about it I was drawing a blank as to what I was going to do. My first idea was to do some nail art with a beaver. I tried that and failed miserably; my beaver looked like a bear with a really weird looking tie, lol! There was no way I was going to show those nail to anyone, so back to the drawing board I went. I then remembered that I have two nail polishes from Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics (a Canadian brand) that would look really well together as a gradient, so that's what I did and this is the result!

Beauty Tag | All of The Pretty Things

So I have to be honest, I have been in a bit of a writing rut lately.  Somewhere between actually having to cook for myself (moving out is hard!), commuting to work, and trying to be a functional human being I just haven't had the time to write fun posts.  So, I thought it would be fun to sit back, relax, and answer this quiz, which I found at Pretty Lovely Girls.  And yes, the My Little Pony is a McDonalds toy.  Also, yes, its mine.

Benefit WOWed My Brows | My Trip to Benefit's Toronto Boutique

Last week my brows were looking pretty rough.  I'm talking little stray hairs and baby hairs.  Typically I go to get my brows done once a every few months and then in between I clean them up on my own.  I decided to skip my normal place in favour of checking out Toronto's new Benefit Boutique. A chance to get my brows done and write a blog post?  Yes please!

Another (less than ideal) Birchbox | June 2015

"Say Yes"...to the Dress.  Sorry!  I couldn't help myself.  TLC Wedding shows have my heart.  #sorrynotsorry.  This box just screams wedding, until you open it, but that's another story.  I was not too impressed by my May Birchbox (you can read about my little rant here) and I can't say that this box was any better.  On the bright side I am only a few months away from getting something really exciting from their store.  In this box you will see the exact same brands you have seen in every other Birchbox, but hey, at least you can enjoy my commentary alongside it.

Essence from Europe | Gel Nail Polish

Hey friends, long story, but my Instagram was deleted with out my consent and with out me doing anything wrong (ie: buying followers-- who has money for that?!).  I lost all 200 of my followers and all 100 of my photos.  It would mean a lot to me if you would follow my new account: classyontherun.blog.  You can link to my account here. Thanks lovelies xoxoxoxox

Earlier this week I posted about some of the Essence make-up I purchased while in Germany.  Today I wanted to share with you a brand new gel system that I hear will be making its way to Canada this fall.  I was lucky enough to be able to buy it at a drugstore in Berlin, and I can't wait to tell you all about this great budget find!

No Buy July | Update 1

The perfect start to a no-buy post: Louis.  I took this photo while I was in Paris last year.  I didn't buy anything, but wow was the store ever something!

Last week I committed myself, before you, my readers, to No Buy July.  Any of the new products I have reviewed (such as my Urban Decay Lip Glosses, Stila Blush, and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer) were purchased pre-challenge.  This means no clothes, no make-up, no junk, no eating out and no Uber.  Here is my progress so far!

LUSH Turkish Delight and Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

Sometimes having a shower is a way to get clean before you go to bed or go to work.  Other times having a shower is an opportunity to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.  If the latter is what you are seeking, then you simply need Turkish Delight and Ro's Argan Body Conditioner in your life.

Champagne Pop Review & Swatches Compared to Becca Moonstone and Opal

Sometimes a new product hits the market and the beauty world goes wild, and rational me talks myself out of purchasing it because I already have something similar.  That was entirely my plan with this highlighter.  After all, I already have a deluxe mini of Becca's Opal, and a highlighter by Laura Mercier that I use almost daily.  Besides, I don't even really follow Jaclyn Hill.  But then it all went downhill with the ladies of the CBB created the biggest enabling threat in the history of ever.  I might have cheated on my no-buy a tiny little bit, but I am so very glad I did.  This highlighter is stunning.  Keep reading for swatches comparing it to Moonstone and Opal, and to see it on my face.

LUSH Solid Shampoo Bar in Seanik and Big Solid Conditioner

I've always been curious about Lush's solid shampoo bars.  My mom has one that she swears by, but I have never taken the plunge.  Recently Lush released Seanik, which is described as lemon and seaweed for shine and body.  Something about my intense wanderlust to go to a beach, my love of Lush products, and my interest in products that make travel easier made me decide to pick it up, and I am glad that I did!

Essence from Europe | Make Up

As many of you probably know, I spent some time in Europe in May.  If you want to read a bit about my trip, check out my post about it here.  Today I wanted to get into a bit more detail about some of the Essence products I purchased while I was in Germany.  Essence is a German brand, which means it was not only cheap and easy to find, but it also came with a huge selection.  In Canada we are limited to an end cap at Shoppers, in Germany the Essence selection is as wide as the Revlon selection is here.  I tried my best to only purchase European exclusives while I was there, but it is my understanding that many of the products I purchased there are either currently available, or will be available soon in drug stores across North America!

Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in Rosewater

Sometimes brands come out with innovative new products that you know you have to have.  Other times, brands come out with new products that are a little strange, and that you know you had to try.  This product was definitely the latter for me.  Something about a water based blush both intrigued and confused me.  Keep reading for my thoughts, swatches, and to see me wearing it!