The Art Walk Collection | Julep September 2014

I actually really, really love this collection.  The only part I didn't one was when Julep casually forgot to ship my red and magenta plush pouts.  I was waiting to post this until they arrived but its been weeks and theres no sign of them.  So...

From left to right: Kirby, Quinn, Mary Lee, Ryan, Elaina, Mahima, Lupita, Fifi, Erin

Elaina, Mahima, Mary Lee, Quinn, Erin, Kirby, Fifi, Ryan, Lupita

For me the real winner this month was Lupita.  Seriously, a perfect coverage creme that simply screams fall.  Paired with the Almond Nude Plush Pout? Perfection.  I was getting compliments all day.  I actually loved both products so much that I ordered backups.  Oops?

I wasn't much of a fan of Mary Lee.  I was really excited about her satin formula.  However she was much darker than I anticipated, had a funky smell, and an awful wear time.  Great in theory, but not so much in practice. 

Swatch time!

I ordered all four Plush Pouts this month, but only two arrived (sad face).  I called Julep and they were nice enough to send me what I ordered.  But they won't  be arriving for at least another week.  Seriously excited to try Cardinal Red.  In general I don't find the core any more moisturizing than the rest of the product.  But thankfully that wasn't the draw of this product for me.

Aurora Pink (top) is pretty, but I find it isn't flattering on my super pale skin.  I find it gives me a bit of a porcelain doll look, but not in a good way.

Almond Nude on the other hand I just can't stop gushing about.  It is just a flawless colour that looks laid back but professional and pretty.  My boss actually said my nail polish (Lupita) and my lip stick were a perfect match.  So clearly she and Julep know whats up.

Swatches of Almond Nude and Aurora Pink!

Lupita looking flawless

This was a little nail experiment I tried and totally fell in love with.  Eliana for a base and Mahima for the accents.

Right now I am not impressed with Julep's shipping and packaging.  I was pretty bummed to be missing out on the two lip products I ordered.  I love Julep, but right now I just don't like them very much.  Over all this collection was out of the park. Plus, being able to upgrade with Jules was a nice little perk ;)

September Empties, Purge & Update

Where did this month go?  It was here and then it was gone!

This has been a crazy, hectic, busy, fun, empowering month for me.  I'm back in class now taking a mix of classes I find interesting and classes I tolerate because I have to.  I have a part time job that I love.  And, today I made a huge decision and decided to invest in myself and get a personal trainer.  Our first official workout is bright and early Monday morning.  With that in mind I am sure that this blog will begin to include healthy living...and makeup.  Lately my body has been sore and tired all the time as I have started going back to the gym very frequently doing the workout my personal trainer made for me during our first meeting a few weeks ago.  All I can say is the stuff he has me doing is way more brutal than the treadmill I have been using this summer.  I am really excited about this new healthier chapter in my life!

Granted, my room is still a total mess from moving back home but I am planning to make a dent in it tonight.  I just don't know where to start.  I would love to have one of this pretty rooms where I can display my makeup and jewellery.  Right now everything just looks like a mess.

Empties

Marc Anthony Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner - LOVE.  I love how it smells and how rich and creamy the formula is.  Such a treat in the shower.

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo - Meh.  

Caudalie Face Cream - Like.  I could see myself using this on a regular basis.  Light, absorbs well.  Not sure yet though.

Ole Hendriksen On the Go Face Cleanser - LOVE.  This orange scented face wash is a staple in my life.

Living Proof Restore Conditioning Treatment - LOVE.  The best deep conditioner I have so far tried.  I love how thick and creamy it is, and how I can feel the results in my hair for the rest of the week.

Living Proof Prime Spray - Like.  I bought the full size and I use it...but not as much as I use other products.

Body Shop Shea Body Scrub - Like.  Nice smell and wonderful texture, butI prefer their Honey scent.

MAC Blush "Vintage Grape" - LOVE.  Sadly this colour goes for like $70 on E-bay.  My favourite all time contour/blush.  The perfect deep purple shade.  sadly it fell for the 4th time and shattered beyond repair.  Typically I use the rubbing alcohol method but it was too far gone even for that. :'(

Joico Deep Conditioner - Meh.  Doesn't compare to the Living Proof conditioner.

Dr. Jart+ BB Cream  - Meh.  Nice enough product, but there about 8 different BB creams I prefer so sorry not sorry.

Even More Empties

Based on the foil packet samples I really love the Air de tent by Lancome (foundation in 005), Glamglow Thirstymud (which I already own in full size), Ole Hedriksen Melt Cleanser, his Power Peel, and the Marc Anthony Coconut Deep Conditioner.

The Purge

I counted and I have 41 unused mini mascaras.  That is ridiculous.  So, I am making a concerted effort to use them, to pitch the ones I don't like, and to pitch the ones that reach the 3 month mark.

On the left is my favourite Stila liner.  I love it for a simple cats eye.

The Dior mascara and Smashbox Full Exposure are two of my all time favourite mascaras.  I love the bug fluffy brush and the volume they build.  It made me sad to throw these out, but if they are still my favourites once I get through the other 41 mascaras then I will happily buy them again.

The Buxom mascara was a real surprise for me.  I loved it-- very lengthening.  Its on my list to possibly purchase when I get through my pile.

These have been lurking around my bathroom since who knows when.  If I can't remember when I bought it then its been too long and needs to go.  Besides, they were taking up precious real-estate that could have been filled with products I actually love.

So that's it for my September update.  Hope things have been great with you!  Happy October <3

Ipsy | September 2014

So I've given it a lot of thought, and I use to research the value of each item I received in my ipsy bag.  But if I'm unhappy with a bag it doesn't matter if its worth $40.  This month has been so crazy for me and I didn't have time to do the research.  So I'm just going to tell you what I like and dislike and overall how happy I am with this bag.

I received the Caviar CC Cream, the Hikari lipstick, Pacifica eyeliner, brush, and the Nourish Organics face cleanser.  

This month's bag was a huge step up from last month's plastic mess.  But still...not my style.  I'll probably add it to the pile or pass it off to a friend.  

I am so in love with the Hikari lipstick.  At first I was skeptical of the colour, but I simple adore it for fall.  I paired it with a simple eye and a warm scarf and I just felt good.  When a lipstick makes you feel good, you know you found something special.  The colour is called "Cabaret" and I would describe it as a plum-berry or logan-berry.

As for the Caviar CC Cream, it is one of my favourite hair products.  I picked up two of them when they were 100 point gifts at Sephora and was just running low when this graced my mail box.  With this product a little goes a long way.  I apply a small amount through my hair after I shower and style it into a low, loose pony tail.  When I wake up my hair is wavy like usual, but less frizzy and softer.  When I run out of this sample I will be purchasing it in full size.  Also-- this sample size is pretty generous.

The brown Pacifica Eyeliner is...fine?  I'm pretty unenthused about it, but I will either put it in my travel bag or gift it to my mom.

Now, that Eyeshadow Brush... super soft and fluffy.  I love it.  And I love that my mom got one in her bag and gave it to me.  So I have two. Tehehehe.  The smaller end is okay.  But the big fluffy end is fantastic for a quick simple look.

Annnd Nourish Organics Face Cleanser is...bleh. I mean its fine, but I already have my skin care down to an art and I don't want to mess with it.  And I didn't like the hand cream I got from them from tipsy a few months back.

So overall I al actually really happy with this bag,  I love the CC Cream, the brush, and the lipstick.  Good job ipsy! The bag its self if ugly, but oh well.

Side Note: MY mom got this Cailyn lipgloss in her bag and it was literally 1/3 empty and not sealed.  I heard other girls had this issue too.  Not cool ipsy.

Julep | October 2014 Black Magic Collection

Today Julep released their October 2014 Maven collection.  At first I was a bit underwhelmed-- it reminds me a lot of the September collection, but with more sparkle.  After taking some time to look through it and think about it I decided not to skip.  To see the full collection, click here.

The main product this month is "Night Shift" which is a night time moisture mask.  I thought about it, but I am really happy with my skincare routine right now and just received the GlamGlow Thirstymud Mask so I decided to swap it out for an additional Plush Pout in Almond Nude.  I love that lip product-- super flattering.  Review to follow.

I ordered 4 polishes:

Tia

Ledi

DeAnn

Dana

I also added on two sets of white chevron nail decals and two sets of black cat nail decals.  Not sure if I really need two of the cat sets, but at $2.99 I am not complaining.

Really excited to give Ledi and Dana a shot.  

What are you ordering this month?

Empties | August 2014

This month was just crazy for me!  I finished up my dream internship, packed up my apartment, moved back home, and went on an amazing week long vacation with my boyfriend.  I finished up a whole lot of minis, and had to leave some *almost* finished products behind.  As much as I love my products...packing up a conditioner with only one or two uses left to transport across Ontario just isn't worth the trouble.  

I am still busy unpacking and getting ready for school, so instead of reviewing every single product I used this month I will just give you the "Sparks Notes" version.

Hair Care

Re-Purchase:

Heathy Sexy Hair Soy Beach Spray - I already bought this in full size.  I love spraying it through my hair after I shower for a quick, cute summery look.

Marc Anthony Conditioner - This is my conditioner.  No question, I have been using it for months!  I love how it takes care of my hair, and keeps it shiny and healthy.  I have noticed so many improvements since I started using this product!

Living Proof Restore Treatment - Wow.  I was blown away with how much I love this conditioner.  I really enjoyed using it twice in one week to help nurture my dry strands after enjoying a dip in a (chlorine) pool.  I was delighted to receive two more of these for free from my most recent Ulta purchase.

No Re-Purchase:

Pantene Shampoos and Conditioners - With samples this size its hard to notice any real benefits.  However I didn't find these were anything special.  They did the job but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them.
Keratin Oil Deep Conditioner - Despite using this frequently I found no noticeable improvements in the health and shine of my hair.
Macadamia Oil Deep Conditioner - Don't get me wrong...I like this product.  But I just discovered their coconut version...and I LOVE it.

Re-Purchase:

The Face Shop Honey Mask - I love a little luxury in my life.  And for $2?  Yes please.  Love how soft it leaves my skin.

Bioderma Face Water - Simply the best way to remove makeup. Gentle but effective.

Lancome Moistuizer - Don't mess with a good thing.  It keeps my skin healthy and happy.

Julep Bare Face Oil - I love using this to remove my make-up before an evening shower.

Ole Henriksen Face Peel- Wow.

Volcanic Clay Nose Strips- These things really take the gunk out of your pores!

No Re-Purchase:

Balea Face Wipes - These make me tear up and leave my skin red and blotchy :(

Other random small things - Not notable.

Make-up

Re-Purchase:

Hourglass Veil Primer - This product makes my skin velvety soft, but without making it feel heavy.

Dior Nudeskin Foundation 010 - Simple.  When you find your perfect foundation colour you stick with it.  I use this product daily.

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow - Whats not to love about a pearl eyeshadow that is universally flattering and can be used as a highlighter incase of emergancy?

Smashbox BB Cream "Fair" - This BB cream is perfect for casual days.

No Re-Purchase:

Pür Big Look Mascara - Literally impossible to remove.  I had to use 3 different makeup removers before I gave up.

Re-Purchase:

Almande Oil - This smells soooosososososos yummy and keeps my legs soft after I shave.

Lush Products - Can't wait to pick these cuties up later this fall (Lush is expensive!)

No Re-Purchase:

Everything else - Eh?

Samples

Purchase:

Glamglow Thirsty Mud - I got this as a gift from my boyfriend.  I know-- I'm a lucky girl.  Smells like coconut and leaves me super hydrated.

Urban Decay Sin Eyeprimer  - Can be used as a simple all over champagne eyeshadow or as a base for shimmery eyeshadow.  

La Petite Robe Noire EDP - Also a gift from my boyfriend.  It smells so...sexy?  Musky?  Mysterious? Flawless.

Total Empties - 47

All in.

All in I used up 47 products including full sized and sample products.  I found some new favourites and used up some products that were taking up space.  Not too bad!  I'll have to pick up that Ole Henriksen peel once I get through some more of my skin care.

Sorry my posts have been on and off.  My new goal is 2 per week until exam season and then I will reevaluate.  <3

The Original Tangle Teezer*

I've seen Tangle Teezers in store and in salons and was always curious what the big fuss was about.  So what? Its a hairbrush with out a handle (or so I thought).  I've only recently bumped up my hair care routine from shampoo, conditioner, and styling product so I was really excited when Nail Polish Canada reached out to me and asked if I was interested in reviewing this on my blog.  They even let me pick what colour I wanted!

This brush can be used on wet or dry hair.  It it supposed to be gentle on hair so that breakage is prevented, and it aims to promote shiny, healthy hair.

It fit nicely in the palm of my hand-- sort of like a large computer mouse.  At first, I found it a bit tricky to switch from a "traditional" brush motions to using the Tangle Teezer. The bristles are shorter than I am use to which was a bit hard to work with given the sheer volume of how much hair I have.  However after using it a few times I got the hang of it:  Its all about going slowly and gently. 

When using it on dry hair I found there was much less hair in my brush when I was done which was great!  This brush isn't really suited to styling.  However I really enjoyed using it before I styled my hair.  As an added perk, this brush is fantastic for a scalp massage, especially after taking my hair out of a bun!

I really love the little UK flag that it came with!  But, of course, I accidentally smudged some nail polish on it.

The real benefit of this brush was using it on my hair when it was wet.  It separated each strand with out causing and frizz.  I couldn't stop brushing!  I tossed a bit of hair product in my hair, brushed it some more, put it in a loose pony tail and went to bed.  When I woke up my hair was the softest and silkiest it had been in a while.  And the best part?  It stayed that way all day!  

Much to my delight and surprise I really love this product.  It wasn't a gimmick like I thought it would be.  I love the results of using it after I shower.  This brush has quickly worked its way into my daily routine.  I think it is a great addition to a hair routine that includes deep conditioners and styling treatments.  I highly recommend this product to women looking to maintain long hair or who are working on growing it out.  The less breakage and frizz, the better!  And as a scalp massage tool? Ama-zing.

The Original Tangle Teezer goes for $14.99 and ships free anywhere within Canada when you order from Nail Polish Canada.   

This product was provided free of charge for me to review from the lovely people at Nail Polish Canada.  Opinions are my own!

My Ipsy Glamroom | September 2014

Ipsy has redeemed its self! I completely love the Alterna CC Cream (I have two deluxe minis that I need to use up before buying the full size.  But I won't complain about pushing that off a little longer).  I'm always happy to get more eyeshadow brushes and lipstick.  I'm not as excited about the eyeliner or the face cleanser.  But the first 3 products more than make up for it.  I think Ipsy is really starting to get me.

Not a fan of this month's bag though.  To the gift pile it goes!

Ipsy Spoilers | September 2014

Back to school...unpacking...getting back in to the swing of post vacation life, and swatching my finds from the States has kept me pretty busy over the last few days and I ended up missing most of the Ipsy spoilers.  And now my glam room is open!  

Wish list:

1. Pacifica Eyeliner

2. Hikari Lipstick

3. Sally Hansen Gel Nail Polish OR the NYX Eyeshadow

4. Eyeshadow brush

Anti-Wishlist:

1. Cailyn Lipgloss

2. Avon Mascara

3. Hello Fragrance 

4. Be a Bombshell Finishing Powder

1) Either a Pacifica nail polish (Red red Wine) or eyeliner (Gunmetal or Fringe)

2) One of : a Hikari lipstick, a Cailyn lip gloss, or a Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick.

3) 1 of: Harvey Prince Hello fragrance, Avon mascara (Big & Daring Volume in Blackest Black), Harvé Benard Precious Gold for Her, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel duo-pack, Nourish Organic Cream Face Cleanser, Lee Anni Eco3-i1 Revolution Light, NYX Hot Singles Eyeshadow

4) A double ended eyeshadow brush or a Be a Bombshell finishing powder.