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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Hard Candy Baked Blush in HoneyMoon Photos, Swatches and Review

Hard Candy Baked Blush in HoneyMoon Photos, Swatches and Review

I finally got my hands on this blush! Well, that hype soon dyed down after testing the product out.



"Honeymoon" is one from Hard Candy's line of "Blush Crush Baked Blush" - it is a light peachy pink with lavender veins throughout it. This is a "cool-toned peach" blush that would look great with pale/fair skin tones.

I have rarely reached for this just because I find that it doesn't show up on me unless I pack it on, which I don't dare to do since I have oily skin (esp, around my nose/cheek area) and that would just be too oily/shimmery at the end of the day. However, I do like to use it over matte blushes just to give a soft and subtle glow.

When swatched, it looks gorgeous and it looks like a blush I would love to wear a lot, however, it doesn't give me that colour payoff when applied to the cheeks. Instead, I get a really nice glow though!

Reading other people's review on Makeupalley, it seems that it does really depend on skin tone and whatnot.

All in all, it is a very nice product but it works more as a highlighter than a blush.


Hard Candy Baked Blush in HoneyMoon Photos, Swatches and Review


Hard Candy Baked Blush in HoneyMoon Photos, Swatches and Review

Hard Candy Baked Blush in HoneyMoon Photos, Swatches and Review

XO Nicole

Sunday, August 28, 2011

YUM!: Bistro Chocolate Chewie Cake


We spontaneously decided to pick this up while shopping for groceries at Safeway yesterday (just a 'btw', my second favourite grocery store, second to Whole Foods :)).

Safeway calls this a 'chewy cake' and initiaitally, we though that the whole cake was suppose to chewy.. like Chips-A-Hoy, the chewy version, but nope. The chocolate chunks you see on the top are the chewy part. We were a bit disappointed .. but it was still good! For me, I never really can eat and buy Safeway cakes just because their icing is like majorly sweet and too nauseating for me ... this was no exception. But it never hurts to try though right? lol

Hope you guys have some yummy deserts in stored for tonight! :) We have more than half of this left .. It's going to take us forever to finish ..!


XO Nicole

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Sigma Miss Taylor Kabuki Brush


I just wanted to show this precious looking kabuki brush off! I know probably everyone of you have seen this brush but this has just got to be the cutest thing ever! Purple is the perfect colour too!


I got this in yesterday and I was so excited that I decided to post a quick blog about it - naturally. I just can't wait to put this to use. This is definitely going in my bag for touch ups!

This is my second Sigma brush (well, technically my first since I gave my F80 to my sister) and it is so soft! I am so impressed!


A review may be on it's way once I try this baby out but in the meantime, let me know how you guys use this brush and what you think of it.



XO Nicole

School Supplies Necessities (My favourites!) Haul


Yesterday was a big shopping day in terms of *essentials and necessities (ie. groceries and school supplies)

These are the basic school stuff I picked up for the fall semester. These may seem boring and simple but all three of these items, I CANNOT be without during the school year or else, nothing would be the same! I am so picky like that but having these exact brands - besides the Staples brand whiteouts, make such a difference.
This past summer semester, I was literally out of all three of these products! How I survived, I don't know but I'm glad I have a good stock for the next two semesters. I seriously go through all these stuff like crazy (ie. a 24pack in two years! That's basically one pen per month)!!

Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen, 0.7mm Fine Tip, Blue Ink: my number one go to pens. These are my all time favourite pens for school because they are relatively inexpensive so you don't need to feel like you're wasting expensive ink writing down what might be useless notes (guilty of that allll the time) and when you feel the need to doodle! :), they have a nice grip, the width of the point is just right and the ink colour and consistency is smooth and really nice!
 
BIC Brite Liner Grip Highlighter, Chisel Tip, Yellow: I love this brand and line of highlighters because the ink is super fluorescent, it doesn't go through, it has a grip and the width of the highlighter is perfect! * I think BIC might have changed the packaging for this and I hope so, because this new packaging is more yellow than fluorescent yellow as it used to be and the grip is now gray instead of black. So I'm hoping it’s just a packaging change and the product is still the same.

Whiteout: I'm such a neat freak when it comes to my notes so I abuse my whiteout like crazy. However, whiteouts are totally overpriced so I usually just stick with the Staples brand. They're OK but honestly, at the rate of how often and how much I use my whiteout... It is just not worth those few extra bucks for a brand name one.

J.E


Monday, August 22, 2011

New Stuff: Sephora ♥ Canada Minibag Palette


While on a trip to Sephora to pick up a new mascara base (and to take advantage of the BeautyInsider 15% discount), I stumbled upon this palette and I just had to have it! The packaging got me.. well technically, I wouldn't say that the packaging is insanely gorgeous but the fact that it's a 'loving Canada' palette (even though the colours aren't exactly representative of Canada.. like red and white? lol), being a proud Canadian, I thought, what the heck! It was definitely a impulse purchase but the shades are actually really nice and usable (thank goodness it's not red and white! lol) so I don't regret it.. It's still very cute to look at and to have around.


This may be a good or a bad thing, but the palette is pretty small so some might argue that $18.00 CAD is a teeny bit pricey for it. Nonetheless, I think it's a perfect on-the-go palette since it comes with lip glosses and a blush (even though most of us do not use or enjoy the lip glosses that comes with eyeshadow palettes, the options all there if you ever need it).

From the Sephora.com:

Sephora Loves Canada Minibag Palette ($50 Value)

What it is:
An adorable little compact in the shape of a Sephora shopping bag.

What it does:
This palette offers a versatile collection of natural and nude shades in a collectible compact featuring imagery that celebrates Canadian landmarks.

This mirrored compact includes:
- 9 x 0.02 oz eyeshadows
- 0.67 oz blush
- 4 x 0.011 oz tinted lip glosses

XO Nicole

Study Food: Part 2 - The Salads

Since we're done with studying, I thought it'd be fun to show you what we ate and drank during our studying "sessions" on campus - it comprises of a lot of coffee (of course!) and junk food! Because of this "variety"/category, I'm going to make this like a "mini-series". 

Needless to say though, there aren't many healthy options - the healthiest food I could probably think of is T&T's salad combos so that is what and where I get my "healthy food". I usually go for this when I don't feel like eating something light. I always go for the sashimi salad when I'm feeling like eating sushi, sans the carb! :)




 XO Nicole

July 2011 Favourites


Nyx Blush in Angel & Sephora Loves Canada Palette
I've been reaching for this blush a lot because it is just a easy and fool proof shade with no shimmer, just a slight sheen. Usually I put the blush from my Sephora loves Canada palette on top of it and it just emphasizes the pretty mauve-y pink colour a bit more. On some days, I would use Nars Orgasm blush on top and that is a very pretty combo too.
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer
I dug this back up! My skin has been acting up a lot this month so I really needed not only something to help make my foundation last (not a fan of the CG True Match foundation), I wanted something to tone down the redness due to my breakouts. Again, this does not fail me! I love it.


Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
I just LOVE the smell of this. It just wakes me up in the morning. The consistency is a bit thick (not surprising since it does contain a SPF of 30) but the moisturizer is easy to blend and does not leave an immediate white cast at all (I don't know about in photos though)


 


COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara
I didn't like the LashBlash Length mascara but I love this LashBlast fusion. Before I found my next favourite below, I found myself just reaching this mascara without using a lengthening mascara first! This does an amazing job at volumizing and it doesn't lack lengthening properties either! It says this is water-resistant.. Which is not true. It didn't even make it through some tears...



Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara
On another hand, I finally found a decent lengthening mascara! I love this stuff - it actually lengthens my lashes! I will definitely repurchase this.. Except this mascara is a pain to remove! But thankfully, this is where my next favourite comes in handy...

Marcelle Gentle Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes
This makeup remover, specifically formulated for waterproof mascara, is awesome! Granted, it does take patience when removing the mascara, but it does eventually take the stubborn mascara off unlike my Neutrogena Oil-free remover which also claims to remove waterproof makeup as well.


Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - Pink Slip
I don't think I've worn any other nail polish shade for this month except for this one (I know, boring) but I've been playing it safe. It is such a pretty natural, pink colour so You just can't go wrong with something like this.


XO Nicole

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Study Food (Part 1): The Coffee (aka. Too MUCH Starbucks!)

 Since we're done with studying, I thought it'd be fun to show you what we ate and drank during our studying "sessions" on campus - it comprises of a lot of coffee (of course!) and junk food! Because of this "variety"/category, I'm going to make this like a "mini-series".


Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush Photos, Swatches and Review

Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush
How many of us own this and the main reason why we own this is because of the packaging? I, for one, am going to admit that the packaging played a HUGE role in this purchase.. practically 90% why I bought this (good job to their PR/advertising dept!). BUT anyway, there's more to this than the pretty packaging - thankfully! This comes in blush, translucent powder and bronzer but as I am obsessed with blush and I am more in need of a matte bronzer, I chose ROSE because I just wanted more colour in my blush (vs. Natural) which is one of the two shades for the blush.

Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush
Rose has a mix of medium rose-y pinks with shimmers (as in the whole line). The shimmer is just perfect - it gives your cheeks a nice subtle glow. It is also very pigmented too so if you do chose ROSE, it will definitely give a lot of colour to your cheeks. The brush, of course, I'm not even going to take it out of the packaging but it's cute though! There is a slight scent to the product yet it is not too overwhelming.

Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush
In terms of whether I feel more happier when applying this.. well, I am not so sure about their "happy boosting" claims but I can for sure say that the ridiculously cute and pink packaging can easily do the trick.

Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush
Price: $16.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart (25% off sale)

Description (from PF's website): Ultra-soft and blendable blushing powder features a fresh and vibrant mix of blushing tones infused with a pop of color to create a healthy glow.
- Multi-reflective pearls provide a soft iridescence to highlight contour and add radiance to cheeks.
- Infused with our Happy Boost Blend, featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress.
- The sweet scent of Violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply.

XO Nicole

Friday, August 19, 2011

July 2011 Luxe Box

 Luxe Box is a monthly subscription service that delivers 3-5 deluxe-sized beauty samples to your doorstep in a chic box. The samples range from skincare and makeup to fragrance, body, and haircare. ...[The] samples have been hand-picked by [their] beauty experts...
- Loosebutton
My last Luxe Box from my three month subscription! I am still debating whether to continue my sub (I probably will end up continuing using their service just because I do love getting a nice surprise/present every since month..) but anywho, first things first, here is what I received in my July Luxe Box!



Stella in Two Peony Fragrance
From the sample bottle, you can somewhat already 'sniff' the scent and when my sister and I first 'sniffed' the nozzle part of the sample (man, that sounds so weird but you guys know what I mean right?) And right off the bat, we thought it smelled so good and that's why I saved it for this special occasion (not really but fridays are just a little extra special for me) and I'm glad I did! After just one spritz (I was running late) I was hooked. And when I really should've been thinking "I'm going to be late if I don't hurry!!", I couldn't stop thinking "Omg, this smells so good!! Oh. Em. Gee."

Now, I don't have an extensive perfume collection because sometimes I just can't get myself to fork out $50+ on a 30-50ml bottle of scent but this one is a definite must-have in my "collection"! I think this is the scent or the kind of scent I've been looking for: soft, floral-y, feminine and sophisticated.

Usually I'm not into super fresh daytime perfume but this one is a definite exception because it smells amazing! (This is basically like a rave/review blog itself!) Lol when I love something a lot, I have a lot to say :P

Needless to say, I am in love with this! Though it is an "eau de toliette" (scent more dilute than parfum) I'm going to have to suck it up cause I think I smell so good right now (lol!)

I'd say this is my favorite thing I've received in my Luxe Box and the only thing that I know I am definitely going to purchase! Good job Luxe Box!



Trucco Lip Liner Pencil
Even though I may not be using this anytime soon, I'm glad I have one now because everyone needs to rock that red lip sometime in their lip right?


Proclaim Argan Oil Hair Oil Treatment
- I don't really care for this since I already have argan oil from Organix for my hair (which I don't really enjoy ..) but hopefully it will be different!

Essie Nail Polish $8 - Silken Cord
- This is a really pretty colour - perfect for the summer!

It was really nice to receive two full size products in this Luxe Box!

XO Nicole

June 2011 Luxe Box


Luxe Box is a monthly subscription service that delivers 3-5 deluxe-sized beauty samples to your doorstep in a chic box. The samples range from skincare and makeup to fragrance, body, and haircare. ...[The] samples have been hand-picked by [their] beauty experts...
- Loosebutton
Quickly, I'll just list out the things I received - there weren't many.

I received two mini samples and a full sized product + bonus chocolate.

Demalogica - Daily Microfoliant
This is a very gentle everyday exfoliator. It's a powder so I just dumped some on my damp hands to turn it into a paste and exfoliated away! I only used it once but I like it - my skin felt clean and soft after wards.. it also did not break me out).

 Laura Mercier Eye Color: "Sandstone" I think this made up for the 'duplicate' samples. I received this really pretty and shimmery which would make as a perfect highlight shade for under the brow or in the inner corners.



China Glaze Nail Polish: "Code Orange"
... we've met before... I've received both these items in my last LuxeBox!!!!.. I don't know what's with that - it was really disappointing to see the same products but... thank goodness they're practical enough that they wouldn't have been a complete waste. Except the nail polish is in yet another shade that I probably would never wear :(

(I will probably do a separate blog post on this since this is my first Laura Mercier product!)



All in all, not the best LuxeBox (it's my second one) that I've received but I'm looking forward to July's - which would be my last one ... Fingers crossed for some good stuff in that box because that one might just be the determining box to whether I am going to continue with their service!

XO Nicole

May 2011 Luxe Box by LooseButton


Luxe Box is a monthly subscription service that delivers 3-5 deluxe-sized beauty samples to your doorstep in a chic box. The samples range from skincare and makeup to fragrance, body, and haircare. ...[The] samples have been hand-picked by [their] beauty experts...
- Loosebutton
My May Luxe Box finally came in the mail on Friday (May 13th). This is my first ever Luxe box and was definitely stoked to see what was inside (I had to refrain from seeing what other people got - for those who received theirs earlier).

For those who do not know what Luxe Box is, it is almost basically a Canadian version of Birchbox (in the US) - so it's a monthly deluxe beauty product samples subscription

This Luxe Box included:

Consonant Body Organic Olive Oil Body Soap

 Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

 Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Complex Day Serum

China Glaze Nail Polish in 'Platinum Silver)
 
& little treat/bonus: Hershey Kiss Chocolate


* I received a full size China Glaze nail polish instead of a mini one because I subscribed to a 3-month subscription of LUXE BOX - 'As a token of our appreciation, we have upgraded your Luxe Box this month! Instead of a deluxe size sample, you will find a full size product of the China Glaze Nail Polish'

I haven't tried any of the products out yet as I just got it but I am really impressed. I am really impressed with their packaging and the size of the samples! I'm already looking forward to my June Luxe Box.

XO Nicole