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Saturday, September 29, 2012

My Collection: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

When these first came out, I thought people were crazy to be hauling at least 5 of these lip butters. Yes, they are drugstore and therefore, considerably a lot more inexpensive compared to lip products you buy at department stores, but these babies retails for $8.99-$11.99 (for CAD prices at least), so for people to be buying almost the whole collection would easily total up to $50+...

But once I bought the first one, I couldn't stop. I looked at a bunch of the reviews about these and decided on two that I liked, Creme Brulée and Creamsicle. At the store, they sold out on Creamsicle so I decided that maybe it was destined that I could only try one and that would be Creme Brulee.. Well, after the first try of these, I instantly fell in love and had to buy another. I ordered Creamsicle on Well.ca.

Yup, you've guessed it, one thing turned into another and my collection has expanded. However, although I do love almost everything about these little babies, I am very picky about lip colours. As you can see, I really only wear peachy/nudes and my-lips-but-better shades as to not emphasize my lips so much, especially in school settings. So while I have seen that their reds and plums are gorgeous and super pigmented, I am going to stop the collection here.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter
XO Nicole

Thursday, September 27, 2012

My Collection: Pink Lipstick Swatches

I do not have the biggest lipstick collection - if you even consider this a collection at all. It just consists of some ‘here and there’ lipsticks that I picked up along the way for occasions that I feel requires a more put together look. Most of these lippies are permanent and therefore, are still accessible at drugstores or online!

This is part one of my swatch series that I will be posting this summer. Enjoy!

Think Pink, Party Pink, Pout, Pink Gold, Copacabana
  1. wet n wild MEGA LAST LIP COLOR - 901B Think Pink
  2. e.l.f. Mineral Mineral Lipstick - Party Pink (discontinued)
  3. Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick - Pout
  4. New York Color Ultra Moist Lip Wear - 318B Pink Gold
  5. NYX Tinted Lip Spa - Copacabana
XO Nicole

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

My Collection: NYX Goddess of the Night Lipgloss (Swatches)

Unfortunately, this line of glosses by NYX have been discontinued but I decided to post this anyways just for those of you who do have access to these products and wanted to see swatches of them!

NYX GODDESS OF THE NIGHT LIPGLOSS (SWATCHES)
Natural, Lollipop, Pink Frost

NYX GODDESS OF THE NIGHT LIPGLOSS (SWATCHES)
Natural, Lollipop, Pink Frost
  1. 122 Natural
  2. 111 Lollipop
  3. 127 Pink Frost
XO Nicole

Thursday, September 20, 2012

My Collection: Concealers Photos and Swatches


concealer swatches - mac, hard candy, maybelline, physicians formula
PF Light, Hard Candy Light, Sand 40, NW 25, NW 30
  1. Physicians Formula Concealer Twins 2-in-1 Correct & Cover Cream Concealer - Light
  2. Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer
  3. Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer - Sand 40
  4. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - NW 20
  5. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - NW 25
XO Nicole

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

My Collection: Fragrances

  1. Baby Phat Goddess Eau de Toilette - "Baby Phat Goddess has a blend of gardenia, white rosebuds, cedrat flower, blue lily, hyacinth, black pepper, seringa, musk and exotic woods."
  2. Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Eau de Parfum - "Notes: Wild Berries, Mandarins, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Jasmine, Amber, Caramel, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Praline."
  3. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Lola Eau de Parfum Spray - "Notes: grapefruit, peppercorns, pear, fuchsia, geranium, peony, rose, musk, tonka bean, vanilla."
  4. Vera Wang Princess Eau de Parfum Spray - "Notes: Water Lily, Lady Apple, Mandarin Meringue, Golden Apricot Skin, Ripe Pink Guava, Tahitian Flower, Wild Tuberose, Dark Chocolate, Pink Frosting Accord, Precious Amber, Forbidden Woods, Royal Musk Captive, Chiffon Vanilla."
  5. Britney Spears Hidden Fantasy Eau de Parfum - "Notes: Tangerine, stargazer lily, sweet orange, fluid sandalwood, jasmine, amber, vanilla bean, sweet Napolitano cake, verbena, jacaranda wood, grapefruit blossom."
  6. Chloe Chloé Eau de Parfum - "Notes: Pink Peony, Freesia, Lychee, Magnolia Flower, Lilly of the Valley, Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Honey."
  7. Hello Sugar by La Senza Eau de Toilette - "A deliciously sweet indulgence with sugary hints of berries and vanilla. A charming surprise of bergamot, raspberry and strawberry begins a fragrant journey with a touch of cotton candy mixed with addictive notes of black licorice and liquid caramel. At journey's end, the welcoming warmth of vanilla, sandalwood and musk."
  8. Britney Spears Believe Eau de Parfum Spray - "Notes: Guava, tangerine, Honeysuckle and linden blossom, Patchouli, amber and sweet praline."
  9. Jessica Simpson Fancy Love Eau de Parfum Spray - "Romantic fragrance blends goji leaf, peach blossom, bergamot and blush champagne with notes of lotus blossom, peony, plumeria, jasmine and rose. Fancy Love finishes with a heady touch of creamy amber, blonde woods, musk and patchouli."
I've lived and learned with perfumes. One of the lessons being not to purchase drugstore/cheap perfumes because quite frankly, most cheap perfumes smell just like, cheap perfumes. That is not say that all cheap(ier) perfumes are crappy but it is quite inevitable that a higher end/more luxiourous perfumes are so distinugishable as such and are more long lasting (especially if it's an eau de parfum) and therefore, in my opinion, worth the splurge (compared to "wasting" money on the cheap stuff that one, does not smell all that great and possibly can give you headaches with one spritz, and two, does not last at all).

Another dilemma that I have when it comes to buying perfume is that I can fall so madly in love with one particular scent for the longest time that I want to buy a big bottle but then I just get tired of so easily and so quickly. This has happened for me for all of these scents. Even the number one fragrance on my wishlist for the longest time, Chanel's Chance Eau Tendre, I have gone to get tired of it and I do not even own this! I have been smelling this everywhere I go that it's so common that I do not want it anymore (is that weird)? I still love it so much whenever I smell it on someone but then it just reminds me that every other girl has this perfume!

My top picks from my collection will have to be Chloé and Fancy Love by Jessica Simpson. Chloé just smells so soft and feminine. This along with Chance Eau Tendre would have to be the most girly and romantic scents that I have smelled. Fancy Love by Jessica Simpson was definitely a surprise for me. I did not expect it to smell that good that I had to go and buy a second backup set of this (pictured here is my second bottle). The set that I found at Shoppers Drug Mart for $20CDN also came with a rollerball that I am also very close to finishing up. This stuff smells florally but in a very soft way. Fancy Love is definitely an exception in that it delivers in scent, and affordability, and longevity.

This post made me realize that most of these scents that I own are very, very sweet, that it makes me totally justify getting Dior 'Miss Dior' Eau de Parfum Spray for fall/winter.

XO Nicole

Monday, September 17, 2012

My Collection: Foundation Photos and Swatches


These are the three foundations that I have to mix to get my current shade. I know this may seem kind of bizarre since all three are of different undertones and shades but they seem to work out. Usually half of pump of each does the trick. 



  1. MAC Matchmaster SPF 15 - 
  2. Stila Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup - A
  3. Revlon PhotoReady SPF 20 − 002 Vanilla

XO Nicole

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Beauty Rotation: Fall 2012

Every time a new semester rolls around, I like to switch up my beauty/skincare routine just a little bit - nothing too drastic of course. This gives me something to look forward to and at the same time, it allows me to try and incorporate new things/tools/devices that might turn out to be a HG and/or make a huge difference. Since I do have acne-prone skin, I have to be cautious in the new and different products that I will be using so this is a good way to keep track of what is actually causing any new breakouts, etc. There's also a reason I like to post this up (besides it being super fun) is because this is sort of like a “preview” of some of the items that I will be probably reviewing in the near future as I have had a chance to give these new products (to me) a go, so keep your eyes peeled.


  1. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm -  click here to see the corresponding haul and/or here to read my review
  2. MARC JACOBS Lola Eau de Parfum
  3. Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser
  4. Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head - Delicate
  5. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve - click here to see the corresponding haul
  6. L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes
  7. Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara
XO Nicole

Monday, September 10, 2012

Sephora Haul (MUFE, Rosebud Perfume Co, UD, Sephora)


Yes, another haul from Sephora - this time, due to a tempting offer for VIBs! (More on that later.) I really did not have anything in mind since I just recently made a Sephora purchase so everything here is something that I don't really need but would like to try.

Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve - I have heard a lot about this so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try this especially since the fall and winter months are around the corner, however, during the shipment, I took the oppotunity from B&BW and bought 3 of their version of the Rose Salve. I will be returning this product.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Full Cover Concealer Vanilla 5 - For the fall semester, I would really love to keep my makeup very minimal - i.e. BB cream, concealer and mascara, so I thought I'd at least get a good concealer. I was debating between this concealer and the Kat Von D Tattoo concealer but since I do have the Hard Candy Glamoflauge dupe for that, I chose this MUFE one.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Double Contouring Cream Blush No 04 Golden Spice - I've noticed that I have not really been into using blush lately so I really did not need to buy something that I'm not excited about BUT I saw a swatch of this and thought I needed this for my lazy makeup days, as this is advertised to be a contour and a blush.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Vintage Threesome - I hardly wear eyeshadow but when I do, this is the primer that I reach for. In fact, I still have one extra large one including two samples still waiting for me to get through, but I guess my rationale was that I did not have the other two shades! And while this older packaging is not the most efficient (hence UD making the packaging switch to the squeezy tubes), I really like it. A tip is to take off the top plastic rim - this allows the doe foot applicator to reach more product!

Now for the main reason for this order.The promo was for VIBs: with a $35USD or more purchase, you get a mini clutch filled with deluxe samples that includes:
  • Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional
  • Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
  • Smashbox Hydrating Primer
  • L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream
  • Sephora Collection Instant Moisturizer
  • Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel
  • Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream
  • Stella McCartney Stella


XO Nicole

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Summer 2012 Favourites


Finally summer is nearing its end (September 22 2012 marks the first official day of Fall) but for me, it's never too early to throw summer its farewell party - yes, I'm that person who hates on summer (I realize hate is probably too strong of a word). Nevertheless, I had to endure it and I tried to embrace it with using some fun and/or easier products to help me survive the crazy heat and sun rays.
  1. Vera Wang Princess' Eau de Toilette Spray - I loved this perfume during the summer time because it is florally but very light and fresh at the same time.
  2. The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil - This is another product I found in my stash that I fell in love with this summer. I am very pale so I self-tan with a gradual tanner but sometimes, I still need a little bit of a extra glow and this gives that to me so easily. It’s very blend able, adds the perfect amount of shimmer and most importantly, it does not leave you like a oily mess.
  3. Bobbi Brown beach Body Lotion - The fragrance of this lotion is basically summer in a body lotion - it reminds of me a typical suntan lotion on the beach on a sunny day! The scent is light but very long-lasting.Not only that, but it does a great job of moisturizing without feeling greasy and sticky. I am so obsessed with this that I am sure this will become a staple in my summer routine.
  4. Jane Iredale Dream Tint - I randomly stumbled onto this product when I was looking for a tinted moisturizer for the summer. While Jane Iredale is mostly geared towards more mature skin-types, I found this ™ to work well on my combination skin and it gave me light but enough coverage for using everyday. One of the things that intrigued me with this product besides the promo which I felt was a sign for me to get this product, was that the active ingredients for the SPF property were physical blockers. I could do with the lavender scent though.
  5. OPI Strawberry Margarita - For the summer, I love wearing bright and bold colours on my toes. Strawberry Margarita was the go-to polish for me this summer. The colour is gorgeous: it is a vibrant and warmer-based pink that just goes on so easily, as it is very opaque - two coats does it perfectly!
  6. Essie Silken Cord Nail Lacquer - Silken Cord is a "risque red" so I tend to wear this mostly on my toes as well for when I really want to add a pop of colour to my toes and my outfit.
  7. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Water Light Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 60 -This product is amazing. For those of you who do not like the feel of heavy sunscreens and/or are lazy to wait long enough for the sunscreen to be absorbed into the skin (like myself), then this is the product for you. This was so perfect for summer with the broad spectrum SPF protection in addition to the very lightweight feel. I would definitely repurchase this if the active ingredients were zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead of the soluble sunscreen ingredients.
XO Nicole

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Fall/Birthday 2012 Wish List ♡

September is my birthday month! To be honest, I had to really think about what I materialisticallywanted. Three of these products were things I haven't even thought about wanting until the night before I created this college and blogpost, but I decided to add it in just for fun - they add a bit of elegance to this collection. Can you guess which products there are?
  1. Yale Bulldogs Champion Hoodie 
  2. Marchesa Parfum D'Extase
  3. Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum
  4. The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam 2nd Edition
  5. Lakers Hoodie
  6. Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display
  7. Cover Fx Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation -  M20 Warm Cream
  8. Tory Burch Robinson Envelope Continental Wallet
Or, the ultimate (and easiest) way win my heart (the materialistic route), my dream car - Range Rover Sport. I practically drool every time I see any Land Rover on the road.


XO Nicole

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Mahogany Teakwood by White Barn Review


Mahogany Teakwood by White Barn is a musky and woodsy scented candle with the variations of different wood scents from mahogany to oak to cedar, aiming to mimic the scents of a the selection of woods you would choose to start up a nice, warm, cozy fire. However, there is an obvious consensus (by fellow purchasers) that this particular candle smells exactly like a men's cologne (it is quite undeniable actually), so that in itself, makes this candle so alluring. It's not a yummy-in-my-tummy scent but more of a yummy-man scent.

Needless to say, Mahogany Teakwood is an entirely different take on Fall: combining the earthiness of Fall with that of a more sexy and manly scent if you will, and deviating from the common ingredients and notes of cinnamon, pumpkin and the likes that you typically find in fall-themed candles. While candles found at B&BW are of high quality and are thus usually highly aromatic, it is important to note that this candle is not overwhelming at all (it is not as in the case of some men who seem like they've literally doused themselves in cologne - a pet peeve of mine because I like to breathe, thank you very much). It is masculine yet soothing and pleasant at the same time. On another note, the light cream coloured wax brings some softness to the candle.

With all that being said, this candle may not be for everyone as some may think that it is too manly smelling to be a candle but it is worth giving a whiff if you are at your local Bath & Body Works store.  This has quickly become one of my favourite candles (translation: definitely buying-backup worthy) because it is so different than the usual fall scents, but at the same time, does not lack the warm homey feeling of cult favourites like Leaves and Marshmellow Fireside. The packaging is gorgeous. This is really like the perfect man in candle form: gorgeous looking, warm and cozy, manly yet soft, and smells really good... ;)





XO Nicole

Read more:

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Bath & Body Works Candle Haul (Fall 2012)

Bath & Body Works Candle Haul

As if I didn't already love Fall and Winter on it's own, Bath & Body Works makes these two seasons inevitably pleasant. Canada recently got Bath & Body Works just within the last year so it has only been last year that I have become addicted to their fall and winter candles. The bottom line is that the Slatkin & Co. Leaves candle has basically became the epitome of Fall and what Fall should and smells like to me now. I've been so good with not splurging on candles this year after I realized that I did indeed have a B&BW/candles addiction, only picking up my Aromatherapy 3-Wick Candle Eucalyptus Spearmint candle because I "needed" it for stress relief purposes, so I am allowing myself to indulge in their new Fall scents. Also, I am not inclined to burn candles in the Summer so that's another reason as to why I am able to resist any B&BW temptations.

Since we're on the topic of fall candles, I thought I'd throw out there that my favorite time to burn these candles is during my favourite time of day and that is dawn! Dawn in the fall time is so absolutely lovely; I love the darkness with the slight orange glow coming from the rising sun, and the cool and crisp air. I love to wake up extra early on weekdays/school days, open my windows (yes, even when it's freezing outside), light a Fall candle and do some school work before my classes - needless to say, school work is absolutely pleasant in this setting, no joke.

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Cafe Au Lait
White Barn 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Mahogany Teakwood

mahogany teakwood, cafe au lait

When I got there, I couldn't find any more of the Leaves candle by White Barn! The SA told me that they sold out within hours of displaying these candles! They did have the 1-Wick and the mini but I'm pretty sure I'm going to want a large one so I'll wait. I did take a sniff of it and it does smell different than the Slatkin & Co. one - I can't pinpoint the difference but I did notice that it was not as strong as the S&C one.

The mini candles were 3 for $6 - which I love, especially since they upgraded them with glass jars! I brought a whole bunch last year and am so glad that they are in glass jars so I can use them afterwards for DIY projects!

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection 1.3 oz. Mini Candle - French Baguette
Slatkin & Co. 1.3 oz. Mini Candle - Autumn
White Barn 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Black Pepper Bergamot 


french baguette, black pepper bergamot, autumn candle

I was so tempted to buy these candles purely because their packaging is so freakin’ cute and beautiful!
Bath & Body Works Signature Collection 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Paris Amour
Bath & Body Works Signature Collection 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Sweet Macaron

With the 20% off promo, I purchased three C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve which were 3 for $10, which means each of the Rose Salve cost me only ~$2.66 compared to its retail price of $6.50CDN (no doubt I will be returning my Rosebud Salve from Sephora.

rose salve

Overall, I loved the trip the B&BW and smelling all the different scents. I might have to go to another location tomorrow to see if they have Leaves, although then I might be tempted to buy more goodies! I really want a candle holder and I love the Antique Brass Iron Gate Pedestal, which I would love to have out all year round but am not sure if it would match my decor! Oh, dilemmas..

XO Nicole

Read my B&BW haul from last year here

Saturday, September 1, 2012

August 2012 Favourites

mac 188 duo fibre brush
MAC 188 Duo Fibre Brush
MAC 188 Duo Fibre Brush - I got this a while back so I have been using for the past month and so and I really love it. Before I purchased this, I was using a flat top brush to apply my foundation and while that brush does a good job of blending my foundation, I felt that the density of that brush makes me feel as though I am constantly dragging and tugging at my skin, especially when I'm in a rush. This MAC 188 brush is prefect because it's not dense but because it has duo fibre bristles, you can still easy get an airbrushed look but stippling on your foundation. This brush is my go-to brush right now.

lip butter creamsicle
Revlon Lip Butter - Creamsicle
Revlon Lip Butter - Creamsicle - I really did not expect to fall this in love with this product but I did! I love that it is a three in one and it is a great pick me up for those days when I want to tone down my naturally-pigmented lips. I'm not kind to wear lipstick and lipgloss for school but I have no problem popping this on.

cerave
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - I love this cream! The consistency is quite thick and creamy but it does not feel heavy on the skin at all. I used this as a facial moisturizer and it did not break me out. It's definitely a great moisturizer to use in the winter time and/or at night if you need that extra hydration. I do not use this in the morning because I do feel like it does need a little more time to sink into the skin. I am completely done with this huge tub of product (it lasted me for such a long time, at least 4 months, and I use this on my neck too).

nars douceur blush

NARS Blush in Douceur - While I do own a couple of NARS products (Laguna, Orgasm blush, etc) and the Danmari blush palette, this is the shade I have been reaching for. I’ve been loving this because of it’s “double-duty” function; since it is a neutral, brown and mauvey shade, it doubles amazingly as a contour. On those days where my face feels slightly bloated in the morning, I definitely use this (even over NYX Raisin) for a more sculpted look along with my bronzer. I am a big fan of NARS blushes as they are really pigmented and I love that this blush is not overly shimmery so it gives me a subtle glow but not too crazy such that the “contour” looks unrealistic and fake. One can absolutely use this alone as blush and contour.

XO Nicole