August Beauty Favourites

This time of the year really makes me remember my childhood. Gearing up to go back to school meant shopping, new supplies, new clothes and when I finally was old enough, new makeup. Today I want to share a few of my favourite beauty buys with you – just in case you are in the market for a little back to school nostalgia. In the near future I will share more depth product reviews of many items you see here.

Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer – If you have dry and flaky skin, this primer is made for you. It will smooth any rough patches and leave your face looking matte and beautiful. Just a caveat – if you have very oily skin this primer may be too heavy and could cause breakouts.
YSL Babydoll Mascara – This is my go to mascara. I use it day in and day out. It plumps and separates my lashes like now other. If you’re interested in a full product review just click here.
Guerlain Lingerie De Peau – A foundation that applies effortlessly and provides moisture and medium coverage for the entire day – no reapplication required. Layer Lingerie De Peau over the Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer and be prepared to receive skin compliments all day long!
Ageless Derma Satin Lip Gloss* – This moisturizing gloss is made with aloe vera and green tea extract which makes avoiding cracked, dry lips a total breeze. It isn’t often you find a lip gloss/lip chap combo that actually delivers the results it promises. After a swipe of Ageless Derma Satin Gloss your lips will be thanking you.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate – I received a tiny tester of this exfoliator and I was hooked. In just two minutes, twice a week you’ll notice a significant change in the appearance of your face. This product will rid your skin of dead cells and eliminate bacteria leaving you feeling fresh faced and beautiful.
Almay Lash Care Makeup Remover Pads* – I’ve been known to sleep in my mascara more often than I’d like to admit. In all honesty, finding cotton pads and makeup remover has always been a chore for me at night, but this gentle eye makeup remover allows me to skip this step entirely. These pre-soaked towelettes make taking off my mascara a breeze, consider my days of makeup removal excuses over!

Now it is your turn to share, what beauty products are at the top of your must buy list?

xo Lauren

*These products were provided to me directly from the company for review. All opinions are completely honest and as always, my own.

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Product Review

It has been quite a while since I’ve done a product review. When life gets crazy, the first thing to fall by the wayside is new product purchases. But sometimes a beauty item pops up that I just can’t resist testing out – Too Faced: Better Than False Lashes was one of those must trys for me.

It is no surprise to anyone that I love mascara. When asked what my best physical feature is my response will always be my eyelashes. If I am given the chance to enhance them, you better believe I’ll say yes. So off I went to Sephora to get my hands on this nylon lash system. This product is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, it is a three step procedure that includes priming the lashes, adding the nylon fibers and then sealing them in. Fiberwig mascara is the most similar product I can think of since it adds “fibers” to the end of your lashes. In my opinion, the results are not even comparable – you can see my product review for those paint of false lashes here. Better Than False Lashes comes with two wands of mascara. The first is your seemingly typical black mascara, which applies nicely and doesn’t clump. You need to use this both to prime and to seal.

Left side has one coat of “step 1” mascara.

The second is this white, fluffy, cotton like substance. In all honesty I was a little reluctant to put this near my eyes – but I went ahead with it anyways, I mean what’s there to lose [other than my vision..]. All you need to do is apply it generously to your primed lashes – you will start to see the pieces of white fluff sticking to the ends.

Capturing the white fluff on camera is a challenge. If you look closely you can see a few pieces.

The final step is to seal in the nylon fluff fibers using the black mascara [which is used to prime in step 1]. Although the directions don’t tell you how long you should wait for the nylon fluff to bond and stick, I usually wait about 30 seconds before applying the final sealing coat of mascara. I think that some of the fluff is picked up by the mascara wand when applying the top coat, but the majority of it does seem to stick to your lashes. You want to be generous with the product in this step but remember to take your time. If you rush you will end up with clumpy spider lashes.

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes (left) vs. natural (right)

One word of advice – do not use this system on your lower lashes – you will end up with a huge mess all over your face [yes, I tried]. Otherwise, this mascara is pretty fantastic. You will need to spend some extra time carefully applying each layer, but in the end the effort is worth the results – in my opinion. This system lasts all day for me [and depending how I sleep, I can sometimes get away with wearing it two days in row – BAD LAUREN]. I don’t notice any flaking during the day and the nylon fiber doesn’t irritate my eyes at all.

A rushed application job, but great results none the less.

When it comes time to wash your face at night, any kind of eye make-up removal will do the trick to take this mascara off – a few swipes and your lashes will be bare.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone who wants extra length and doesn’t have the time to apply false lashes. If extra volume is what you crave, you will see a bit of enhancement with Too Faced Better Than False Lashes, but you’re probably better of using a regular mascara and lots of coats.

Hope this review helps!

xo Lauren

Ask A Beauty Blogger

In my opinion there are two options for you. The first is quality and timeless – fewer items but ones you’ll wear everyday. The second is quantity and trendy.

I’ll show you what I would recommend if I were the one with $85 stashed my beauty bank!

$50 + $25 + $35 = $110

Okay so that is just a bit over budget… However, you are investing in high quality products that you won’t be able to live without. If you already have great skin – skip the BB Cream and just get the illuminator and mascara – and throw in a bottle of white polish while you’re at it, since you have a few dollars to spare.

As you know [from my review] I am very happy with Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream – it lives up to it’s claims while being long lasting and providing sufficient coverage. And don’t forget that this product has SPF35 so you don’t have to worry about lathering your face with sunscreen!

High beam has been my go to illuminator since I began using one. It has just the right amount of simmer and can be used anywhere. I even like to use it as eyeshadow sometimes! Who doesn’t love a versatile product.

Givenchy Noir Couture has a volumizing effect that no other mascara can match. If you’re lashes are a bit sparse this is the product for you. I also reviewed it a few months ago.

These are definitely my go to beauty product when it comes to quality – I use these on a daily basis, I don’t know what I’d do without them. However, if you are looking for a bigger haul of trendy pieces, check out the second option.

$5 + $10 + $18 + $10 + $3 + $7 + $10 + $12 = $75 (use the extra to cover the taxes… or treat yourself to some chocolate)

Clearly, this option gives you a lot more bang for your buck. These drugstore products are some of my favourites, many of which are basically high end beauty dupes.

The elf eyeshadow palette combines this seasons blue and green trends, along with a neutral grey and black and a summery pink – not to mention it comes with a brush. Maybelline Falsies is always rated among the top drugstore mascara brands by beauty bloggers and celebrities. This lash enhancer helps to separate and lengthen your lashes – and it is waterproof. When it comes to nail polish essie is one of my go to brands. I find spending a bit more on lacquer is worth it because it last longer without chipping. This fun set includes most of essie’s newest spring collection [resort 2013]. Coral lip stain doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for spring and summer so instead of spending $30 on the Yves Saint Laurent tube, buy this L’Oreal dupe that will save a tonne – the formula is almost identical! While you’re at it, pick up a bold red, it will make you feel sexy for those summer date nights – I recommend Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids in On Fire Red. One of my favourite spring/summer 2013 beauty trends is bold brows. This elf eyebrow Eyebrow Treat & Tame wand will ensure a great shape without looking like you’ve filled them in too much. Oh and it is only $3 – how can you resist tossing it into your shopping cart! Adding a shimmery bronzer to your collection will enhance your natural summer sun-kissed glow, and at $7 it is worth the investment, even if you don’t use it every day. Finally line your eyes with Maybelline’s Waterproof Line Works Eyeliner [a product I have just started to use thanks to one of my BFFs recommendations]. This liner will stay put through anything, even a day at the pool. It is easy to use – almost fool proof – just give it a shot, you won’t regret it!

After some careful thought, I would probably go for the quantity and trendy option. I love new products and these drugstore items are some of the best. $85 can buy a girl a lot of make up so have fun with it and send me some of your new looks!

Hopefully these tips are helpful! I’d love to hear your feedback – and for sure let me know if you end up trying one of these products.

If you’d like your question answered next week, head over here to send me a request.

xo Lauren

 

Product Review – Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll

If I were stranded on an island and could only bring one beauty item with me, without a doubt it would be a tube of mascara. Maybe I am vain, but adding a touch of mascara amps up any look and takes only a few seconds to apply.

I have been quite loyal to Givenchy over the past few months,but when I saw the new YSL Babydoll Mascara – I knew I needed to give it a try.

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll

Available at Sephora, this mascara retails for $36 CAD, only a dollar more than my go to Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1. YSL describes this product as:

What it is:
A unique mascara with a patented formula that provides defined volume, lash-by-lash separation, and up-to-24-hour wear.

What it does:
Baby Doll creates a full open-eye effect by lifting and separating lashes. The patented formula creates long-lasting volume and intense color that is evenly dispersed with no flakes, clumps, or smudges for up to 24 hours.

What else you need to know:
Reach every lash, including the baby ones for a full fringe effect. The brush has duo-length bristles that adapt to all lash types, separating, coating, and multiplying lashes for defined volume.

More volume, lash separation and 24 hour wear. These are all essential qualities necessary in an outstanding mascara, but do the claims live up to their expectations?

In my opinion YSL hit the nail on the head with this formula. The product is thin and wet and is a dream to apply for those reasons, however, it is so important to wait until each layer is completely dry before adding another. I typically wear at least three coats of mascara and I will wait at least 30 seconds before apply each. The brush has tiny, stiff bristles to ensure that each lash gets coated in mascara. Babydoll is available in black and wheedler brown, but neither colour option is waterproof [which is a downfall in my opinion]. Luckily, YSL has created a non water proof mascara that can really stand the test of time – as long as you aren’t completely submerged in water you don’t need to worry about looking like a complete mess. I have slept in this mascara on numerous occasions [slap my wrist] and I wake up with perfect lashes.

All in all I am very happy with this product – I’d love to see a waterproof version, however, until then that isn’t a show stopper for me. Below are a few eye-catching [ha I’m so PUNny] snaps. You can be the judge!

Before [tired eyes]

After – Front View [YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll]

After – Angle View [YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll]

And just for fun – let’s compare the look to a few of my previous go to mascaras [all in black].

In my opinion, Babydoll has the most natural look while still enhancing my lashes. I will definitely be repurchasing this new YSL when I run out!

Which one would you choose?

xo Lauren

Fabulous Finds Friday: My New Beauty Essentials

If you shop at Sephora and have a Beauty Insider card, you may want to start adding items to your shopping cart while reading this. Until Sunday (or Monday if you have achieved VIB status) everything at Sephora is 15% off. This is not a joke – and rarely ever happens so I suggest taking full advantage of the discount and go stock up on your beauty essentials. Here are a few of my favourite items that I just can’t seem to live without lately.

1. L’Occitane Hand Cream – something about the texture and scent of these lotions makes them unbeatable. With a variety of subtle scents, there is a cream for everyone. The formula is long lasting and a tiny application will give you silky smooth hands for hours.

2. Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation – My new go to moisturizer. I cannot give this product enough praise, to this day it is the only face cream that can hold up to my parched skin without causing breakouts. I’m in love. This moisturizer is light and blends in easily and lasts all day.

3. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar – These fun mini glosses are just what you need to amp up your look. They are high shine and very bold – be warned they are a bit sticky and a little goes a very long way.

4. Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel – This exfoliation night mask feels a bit slimy upon application but it dries quickly and has done wonders for my skin. I never imaged a product could brighten, tighten and clear up my skin the way this gel has. Don’t worry about the tingly feeling at the beginning, it just means it is working [and it goes away quickly]. This has become my favourite before bed activity.

5. YSL Faux Cils Babydoll – Expect a review next week, but until then I’ll leave you with one comment. You will NOT be disappointed, especially if you’re on a quest for lash separation and serious length.

6. Phyto Phytocyane Densifying Shampoo – Since I began using this [interspersed between a colour saving shampoo] I have noticed fewer lost locks and mush less breakage. If hair loss isn’t an issue for you I would still recommend checking out the other shampoos Phyto has to offer – they seem to be the only brand in hair care that can live up to their claims.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

xo Lauren

Ask A Beauty Blogger

Truthfully, today’s question had me stumped. I don’t wear much eye makeup [other than mascara] so any answer I could come up with would have been a shot in the dark. Luckily one of my closest friends applies liner on the regular and agreed to help me out on this one.

I am so thrilled to introduce to you [for the third time], beauty queen extraordinaire, Sarah! I know that once you’ve read this post you will be dying to hear more from her so head over to twitter where you can follow @sarahfisherxo.Since ellepottsie is more of a subtle eye makeup fan, she knew exactly who to ask when it comes to dramatic black liner. For years, a dark black line has been a staple in my makeup routine, adding a more drastic outer corner flick for night. After a while, it kind of becomes a signature, to the point where I begrudgingly have to respond to those “are you sick today?” concerns on days I’m sans my coated for days black mascara lashes and lined lids.

In my experience, the hierarchy of long lasting liner formulas for the greasy lidded gal (sorry, there’s just no cute euphemism) is as follows:

Eye shadow

Kohl pencil

Gel

Liquid

The ultimate: Liquid Waterproof

Having tried a multitude of tubes, pots, and crayons from high street to pharmacy, there is only one formula that I universally recommend.

Do not let the, ahem, less than luxe packaging fool you; this drug store ditty is the real deal. 

Maybelline New York Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black (the package is labeled Line Works).

My absolute favourite based on staying power, application, finish, and ease of wear, with no irritation for my sensitive, prone to watering eyes. It just so happens to beat out all pricey contenders – werk.

What I do suggest to compliment your new liner routine is a quality remover.

My favourite formulas being Lancôme‘s Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover or similarly L’Oreal’s Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover.

Always soak a cotton pad in remover and hold gently against the eye. Be careful not to press too hard or tug the delicate skin, as you can damage your lashes and irritate this sensitive area. If your makeup is not coming off, soak the cotton pad a second time and continue carefully dissolving. 

If you are still worried about residue and would like to stay away from waterproof, a couple tricks will help you on your quest for a clean line.Although eyelid primers are now produced by luxury brands and down, I find this product unnecessary (this is saying a lot for someone who justifies 5 red lipsticks). Apply a little concealer on your lids, using your ring finger or a brush, as this will help make a base for your lids to stay matte all day. When you dust your face with powder to set your face makeup, close your eyes and be sure to concentrate a dusting on your lids.

For anyone who is a liquid liner virgin, I leave you with a quote from my all time favourite style and beauty icon on how she gets her cat eyes so perfect: “they’re twins, but they’re not identical” – Dita Von Teese.

___________________________

 

Thanks again to Sarah for some awesome liner insight!

Hopefully these recommendations were helpful! I’d love to hear your feedback – and for sure let me know if you end up trying one of these products.

If you’d like your question answered next week, head over here to send me a request.

xo Lauren

A Givenchy Product Review

I haven’t done a mascara review in quite a while – reason being that I have actually been extremely happy with YSL Shocking. But, all good things must come to an end, and when I finished my last tube of Shocking I promised myself I would try something new. I used to like Givenchy’s Phenomen’Eyes Mascara [you know the one that looked like a pom pom] the formula was great, but I found that it took quite a long time to build up enough coverage with that tiny brush – and I have little patience. Recently Givenchy developed a new mascara, using a brush similar to Phenomen’Eyes, but with three pom poms instead of one – which seems like it would paint your lashes much quicker. Obviously I was lusting after this item, and probably even more obviously – I went out and bought it [I’m a mascara addict – I admit it].

Givenchy Noir Couture

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara

The only negative comment I have about Givenchy Noir Couture is that it isn’t waterproof – otherwise this mascara is great. It doesn’t seem to flake much at all and it really lengthens and separates my lashes. I bought the black satin, but it also comes in brown if you want a more subtle look.

Here is a before and after comparison. I did not curl my eyelashes and I used two coats of mascara – this is my usual routine.

Before [tired eyes]

After

In case you wanted to see how the Noir Couture compares to Shocking, here is a photo.

 

YSL Shocking Mascara

The lighting is vastly different between the two pictures but I actually think the Givenchy give my lashes more length and thickness. I still love the YSl but I think I have found a new favourite mascara!

 

Paint-on False Lashes

As any of my close friends will tell you, mascara is my weakness. I rarely leave the house without it and I will have at least two or three different brands on the go at any given time. I like to think my eyelashes are my best feature. I am lucky enough to have been blessed with long, fairly curly lashes so it is only natural that I would want to enhance what I have been given – causing a mascara obsession. A few months ago I purchased a tube of Imju Fiberwig Mascara, which claims to be “paint-on false lashes”. The mascara is supposed to bind to the end of your lashes and add length. Another interesting feature was that this product was “cold-waterproof”, meaning that eye make-up remover isn’t required to remove the mascara. You just use hot water and peel off the “tubes”, which bind to your lashes to make them thicker and longer, so they claim.

http://www.amazon.com

Despite the interesting product description I felt that this mascara was nothing special. Apparently Sephora agrees with me as they have recently stopped carrying Fiberwig. I didn’t find that this mascara curled my lashes at all nor did it give me any volume. It did however do a great job separating my lashes, which is where many brands I have used in the past fall flat. This mascara gives you a very natural look, adding only a minimal amount of extra length. The brush was probably the best feature about this product since the bristles were thin which aided in lash separation. With that being said, I will not be going back to purchase this mascara again – especially since it unavailable in any stores near me. When I choose mascara I am looking for something that is dramatic and really enhances my lashes, this was just a little too subtle for me.