Saturday, August 29, 2009

Monthly Favourites: August

Why is time flying by so fast?? Another monthy favourites entry already??? Reviewing back on my posts I have posted less than 10 entries over the past month -- I am soooo sorry =( Once I got lazy, it seems so hard to get back to blogging -- I still haven't made a new video yet for YT!! You guys need to nag me about these things! hehe

So here are my favourite items for the month of August:

Face:
Studio Fix Fluid (NW25):
I was never interested in purchasing this foundation since I've read less than favourable reviews that include major break-outs for many users. I was intriqued nonetheless (I have been testing out a lot of foundations this summer for some reason). I picked up a sample of this and to my surprise I was not matched to NC30 (what I'm typically matched to), but to an NW shade -- something I've never been -- and lo and behold it was a PERFECT match. I went back a couple of weeks later though to get matched again by a different MA (I do this often) and was matched to NC30 lol I told her that I had been matched earlier to NW25 and she said "that's ridiculous" -- I got the sample of NC30 as well and compared for myself when I got home -- NW25 was definitely my shade.
Anyway, I apply this foundation with a kabuki and the finish is so flawless -- what I wanted MUFE HD to be (but to be fair, I was not matched perfectly to MUFE HD, so it looked gross on me). It was long-wearing with my Urban Decay Complexion Primer and I really appreciated the medium to full buildable coverage it provided. I am not done the sample that I got, but will consider purchasing the full bottle for the fall/winter months.

Peaches blush: I'm only recently discovering that orangey-peachy colours are quite flattering for my skin-tone. This is a true peach shade and I gives the "just got out of the sun" flush, which I assure you is very different from the "just got out of the cold" flush. I've used this on and off over the summer but have really put it to good use this month.

Sunny By Nature MSF: I absolutely love this MSF. This is my favourite of all the MSFs from the Colour Craft collection. It's not shiny/glittery and is just the PERFECT bronzing shade for me.

Lips:
Gold Rebel l/g: This was part of my June's favourite entry. I'm not a huge lipgloss user, but I've found time and time again that I keep returning to this gloss. I wish I got a back-up =P

Eyes:
Sunny By Nature MSF:
Not only is this a great bronzer/cheek colour, but it makes a fabulous all over lid colour -- a great transitional colour from summer to fall!

Liquidlast Liner in Point Black: OMG I can't believe I've neglected this for so long. I was always so wary of using it because it is SO difficult to wash off. Once this liner is on, it DOES NOT EVER EVER BUDGE. I have super oily eyelids and even the best of the fluidlines smudge on me after awhile. This liner does not budge EVER even when my lids are shiny with oil (not a pretty image), the liner remains crisp with no flaking etc. I hate the brush it comes with, so I apply it with an angle liner brush instead. Yes it is difficult to clean off, and requires an oil-based remover, but I believe it's worth the extra effort for clean-up so long as it doesn't make me look like a hot mess while on my lids =P

Monday, August 24, 2009

Quick Review: Make-Up Art Cosmetics


What I hate about MAC collections is that it's incredibly damaging to my wallet lol. I am typically either VERY excited for a collection and go all out, or I'm lukewarm and just pick up an item or two and call it a day. Then there are those collections that you don't expect to like, or the influence of reviews are so overwhelming that you start to think "maybe the collection has potential afterall". MAC's latest collection: Make-up Art Cosmetics (MAC -- get it?) was slated to be a HUGE one, but I honestly wasn't too impressed with it at first. I had originally only picked up one quad and one single shadow. Then I read over some reviews and saw some swatches and I wanted more! lol
One of the items from the collection I've been debating over is Push the Edge pigment, but at first glance, it seems to look exactly like Grape Pigment (which I have). Buzzfuzzbunny got Push the Edge and posted her swatches on Specktra - they do look EXACTLY the same to me... BUT... for some reason I still WANT it... >_<.. we'll see... =P.

Photo Realism quad: Since the Colour Craft Collection didn't release a green MES 'quad', I knew that this was the quad I was going to get from the latest collection. I love greens and purples and I found this quad the most unique of the three that are available. I also love that this quad offers formulas (Frost and Veluxe Pearl) that are easy to work with. This is definitely the star of the collection and I advise you all to snatch one before it's all gone!

Violet Trance e/s: VT has a matte formula and although the colour is gorgeous, I found that it is quite chalky (when trying to pick up the colour with your fingers). Because of the formula, I was supremely disappointed. But then I did some swatches with a brush and it's not so bad afterall. This is a re-release from a past collection, which was part of a quad (Balloonacy?). Of all the single shadows released with this collection, this is the one to get.

Heritage Rouge pigment: I went back for this because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think this is the first pigment I've actually bought from the store (all my pigments are from the warehouse sales). It's a re-release and omg it's SO gorgeous -- beautiful crease colour!

New Spirit l/g: Initially, I think of all the lipglosses, this was the only one that caught my eye and therefore the only one that I had swatched when I was with buzzfuzzbunny. My immediate reaction was "ugh... I have something similar to this already" then put it back, to which buzzfuzzbunny said, "I'm so proud of you!" lol. Then I got home and read Temptalia's review and thought "damnit... I should've gotten it". What I THOUGHT I had similar was Style Warrior's Gold Rebel l/g. Gold Rebel is much more bronzey whereas New Spirit is a peachy-pink colour that is (also) great for an every look. I heart my neutrals.

On Display l/g: This was a HUGE surprise, since I didn't even think about or consider this product AT ALL before reading Temptalia's review and seeing her swatches. It is SO pretty! This is a very wearable berry coloured gloss with a tinge of blue. The pictures/swatches does this shade no justice. It is not so dark that it should only be limited to night wear but packs just enough pigment to give you an edgy look during the day.

Overall: Personally, I think this collection was a hit or miss. There are some promising products within the line, but there are some I felt could be skipped. All the technakhol liners were a disappointment. They don't show up as pigmented as I expected (although I don't like the formula of tecknakhols in general anyway). None of the lipsticks interested me and I felt I could pick up the glitters whenever I wanted, since they are part of the permanent Pro line. Violet Trance is a MUST HAVE, whereas I found Crest The Wave and Off The Page are too similar to Going Bananas and Fab and Fabulous, both of which I already own. The lipglosses were a surprise purchase of course and it seems that the Photo Realism quad is the hit of the collection. Because this collection is so huge, there is definitely something for everyone.

Haul: Make-Up Art Cosmetics

Violet Trance

Photo Realism Quad

Photo Realism (F)/Fresh Approach (VP)/Image Maker (F)/Grey Range (VP)


Heritage Rouge Pigment


Full Force Violet Pigment and Violet Trance

Heritage Rouge, Grape pigment, Full Force Violet, Violet Trance

On Display, New Spirit

New Spirit, On Display

New Spirit

On Display

Sunday, August 23, 2009

FOTD: Neutrals

Went out last night for one of my besties' birthday. This was my first night out in MONTHS and I was stressing over what to put on my face lol. I settled with something safe -- neutrals (plus I thought it would work best with my green contacts -- Geo Angel Green). I have been so out of practice with my make-up application (MONTHS!!!!!) that I wasn't happy with it AT ALL... the blending is horrible... but that's ok.. I have two more weeks off before school starts again to practice some.
I apologize for the lack of posts... I'm such a horrible blogger. I promised more posts once school was over, but it's been so long that I've gotten such a lengthy break that I've been out almost every night catching up with friends and just enjoying my time off. Sorry -_-.


*All MAC products unless otherwise specified*


FACE
* Philip's Milk of Magnesia
* Urban Decay PerfectComplexion
* Studio Fix Fluid NW25
* Studio Select Pressed Powder NC30

CHEEK
* Emote blush (contour)
* Sunny By Nature MSF

EYES
* Fast Response Eye Cream
* Studio Finish Concealer NW25
* UDPP
* Sunny By Nature MSF (I LOVE THIS AS AN ALL OVER LID COLOUR!!!)
* Spiced Chocolate e/s (Cult of Cherry Spiced Chocolate Quad)
* Kid e/s
* Vanilla e/s (highlight)
* Liquid Last in Point Black
* Fluidline in Blacktrack
* Ardell Demi Wispies
* Cover Girl Lashblast Waterproof Mascara
* Fluidline in Dipdown (brows)

LIPS
* Brave New Bronze l/s
* Miss Marble l/g

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

OCC Pigmets and Glitters

So Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) has been becoming more and more popular within the beauty community thanks to the YT gurus (ie. QueenOfBlendingMUA). I've had the opportunity to pick up a few of their glitters and a pigment from last year November's Make-Up Show (now IMATS)... they were only $5CAD each!! When I bought these I had never heard of the brand and only got them because of the range of VIBRANT colours and it was a great price (I believe they sell it on their site for $13USD + shipping). I really hope that the prices remain the same come this year's IMATS because I am dying to try their lip tars, but I can't justify the price + shipping.... I picked up 1 pigment and 3 glitters. The glitter swatches do not do them justice since the photos don't pick up the glittery/sparkly effect of them. They are not as finely milled as MAC's reflects glitters, but are definitely smaller than their crystallized glitters.
Pure Pigment: Blue #1

Glitter: Blue

Swatch of "Blue"

Glitter: Navy

Swatch of Navy

Glitter: Magenta

Swatch of Magenta







Monday, August 17, 2009

Back-Up Tag

Tagged by fellow beauty blogger and YouTuber xinarox , I thought this would be fun to do since I'm typically not a believer of back-up products... but then I realized... I have quite a bit! =P

Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder: I purchased this at the warehouse sale a month before it was released in stores. I had purchased two because it was CHEAP... but I realized how much I liked the product and kept the extra one =)

Prep+Prime Skin Refined Zone: I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff... It makes my pores look virtually invisible and creates a fabulous canvas for foundation application. It was available at the warehouse sale and I had picked up 4 additional tubes (I think I have a total of 5). The tube is so small and it's limited edition, so I have to use it very sparingly =(

Petticoat MSF: I received one in a swap from MUA and when I saw it available at the warehouse, I snagged another one. Each one is so unique and Petticoat is a cult favourite, so even though I know I will probably never finish my first one, I wanted to keep an extra one handy.

Lollipop Loving Lipstick (Glaze): My HG. I bought 2 backups from the stores. They had it available at the warehouse sale in the Heatherette packing but I didn't get it because a) I wasn't a huge fan at the time and b) I read that the formulation for Heatherette is different.

Lavendar Whip Lipstick (Cremesheen): So unique and so pretty. Limited edition item and god knows WHEN MAC will repromote it -- it was a no brainer =P

Brave New Bronze Lipstick (Satin): LOVE this colour so much. Perfect everday nude colour that isn't dramatic. Why are all of MAC's best colours limited edition???

Sweet Sienna Pigment: I would NEVER EVER finish a jar of pigment, but Sweet Sienna is SO gorgeous and so rare/hard to find that I HAD to pick up an extra jar from the warehouse sale JUST IN CASE.

* There are two slimshines and a shadestick pictured but I didn't buy them for "back-up" purposes... they were just part of the charity packages I got from the warehouse sale and they just happen to be extras. I'm saving those for giveaways/contests =)

** I realized my entire list consists of LE products. Which if you think about it makes sense. If a product is part of the permanent line, there is really no need to buy multiple back-ups since you can always pick them up at the store anytime =)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mini Haul

Sanderlees is finally done school!!!! (For now =P)... So after catching up with some much needed sleep (woke up at 3:30pm today)... caught up with my cousin at Yorkdale this evening and did some light shopping...

We first went to MAC and I picked up Spring Bean lustreglass which I've been eyeing for a while thanks to MUA (I swear MUA reviews has been a big influence on my purchases lately) as well as Brun eyeshadow.
Urban Decay's Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion finally hit Sephora... so I jumped on it! The inital feeling of it is thick, even though I've only swatched it on my hand, I feel that it dries down the way UDPP does. The packaging has obviously improved -- something that should be done to UDPP. However, at the store when we twisted open the lid we felt the packaging was still lacking a little. Even though it is a squeeze tube, the opening was WAY too big and too much product would be dispensed... BUT when i got home I relalized you can TWIST the lid and the TIP of it opens up to reveal a small opening to squeeze a controlled amount out -- GENIUS!!! I'll be giving a thorough review on it as soon as I've used it long enough to judge =)


Also, I was overcharged (sort of) for this product. They had it displayed for $30 and it rang in for $39... I was confused at first but paid for anyway. On my way out, I double checked the price and it DID say $30, so they had to refund the amount they overcharged me for. Funny thing is, the $$ they had displayed was in USD, and the Canadian amount for this product is $39. So for those of you interested and want to save $9 before it's too late, run to your sephora before they make the price adjustment =)

Sanderlees

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Pot Pourri

I have my final exam of the summer tomorrow and I'll get 4 full weeks off to relax, catch up on sleep... catch up with my friends... and most importantly, catch up with my blog posts and video posting!! I haven't written or filmed anything yet, but I wrote down a list of things I want to do... requests or suggests are always welcome!!!

I have also been thinking about a contest I wanted to do before the summer ends... I originally planned my next contest for my next YT subscribers milestone/blog followers milestone, but I have an idea that I'm anxious to do =P

Anyway... it's been a stressful summer and I look forward to finally getting some time off =)

Thanks so much everyone for your patience <3

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Monthly Favourites: July

Another month... another set of favourites... unfortunately, much like the month of June, I have been extremely busy with my school schedule and haven't really had the opportunity (or enthusiasm) to wear any make-up. This month's favourites list is short and I would like to put it out there that I will be MIA for the next week. I am currently in the middle of writing 2 essays (due back-to-back) and have a final exam on Aug. 10th.
After school I will have FOUR weeks off before the next semester starts in the fall -- I am so excited because I haven't had THAT much time off in such a long time. Hopefully, I can be more active on this blog after that as well as make more videos!!!

On to the favourites (everything on this list has been pretty much my go-to look for the month):

Face:
Make Up For Ever Face and Body Foundation (#34)
I was really intrigued with all of the Makeupally.com reviews on this product recently and really just wanted to see what this foundation was all about. I. LOVE. THIS. STUFF.
Although my HG foundation is MAC's Studio Tech, it's a little heavy for everyday, summer use.
I thought about how to describe the formula of this foundation exactly: For those of you who've ever tried MAC's See Thru Lip Colour -- It's gel-like and sinks into your lips. It leaves a bit of colour or stain but your lips feel bare. This is what the foundation is like. It really does just LOOK like your skin and it feels like there is NOTHING on. The formula SINKS into your skin leaving it looking radiant. It's pricey... but for the amount you get, (50ml compared to the typical 30ml), it's actually quite a deal since the consistancy requires you to use VERY LITTLE product. I have never applied my foundation using my fingers (I never understood how people did so)... but I can with this foundation.

Prep+Prime Face Protect SPF 50
I've always been on the look-out for a good face SPF... I hate the stuff because it's normally really thick and sticky and it usually creates a white cast. This is thick and sticky at first as well, but once set, it actually dries to a very smooth matte finish leaving a great canvas for make-up application. However, since MAC has increased it's prices, I'm not 100% sure if I'd repurchase again.
$36.50 for 30ml is just a tad steep.

Sunbasque
This was my first love, but I had neglected it for a while and decided to try it again this summer. Because I haven't really been wearing make-up a lot, when I do, I have kept my look very simple. Sunbasque is a bronzer-blush hybrid in my books and it just looks super natural and makes my skin look sun-kissed.

Lips:
Miss Marble Lipglass
From the Colour Craft Collection, this is a very pretty pinky-peach colour that is so easy to wear. I especially like the non-sticky formulation of this compared to the traditional MAC lipglasses.

Eyes:
Painterly Paintpot
This paintpot is so hard to find and I actually picked it up at one of the warehouse sales. It's a great neutral base colour and probably the one I reach for the most (other than Quite Natural for my brows). This does crease on me though if I don't use an eye primer (udpp/TFSI) underneath.

Satin Taupe Eyeshadow
This is a cult favourite but I've actually never used it even though I've had it since the holidays (from the holiday collection smokey palette). I think I might pick up an individual pot of this since I've been using this almost daily in my crease with Painterly. I can see why eveyone likes this colour so much -- I LOVE taupe-y colours and I really have no idea why I've waited so long to use this.