Thursday 8 January 2015

Lancôme City Miracle CC Cream

Lancôme came out with a new product!

This all-in-one colour and care daily defense fights pollution, sun, aging and dullness. It's Lancôme's first CC Cream and was tested in some of the world's most polluted cities and is therefore formulated to help protect against daily aggressions.

You can think of it as a "city shield" for your skin.

There are 5 features and benefits to this product.

Anti-Pollution: with detoxyl, it actively fights against polluting substances, acts like a natural detoxifier, and reinforces the skin's resistance.

Sun Protection: with UV filters that provide a sun protection factor of 50.

Anti-Aging: with adenosine and vitamin CG, a synthetic form of vitamin C that firms the skin and ensures it has enough antioxidant defense to fight free radicals. It also reduces dark spots and depth of wrinkles. (I don't like the idea of a synthetic anything, so this is a con for me).

Anti-Dullness: with kombuchka and rosehip oil, it improves the skin's quality by making the complexion look fresher and more luminous. It contains anti-dullness blue pigments which enhance your skin tone.

Healthy Glow: with mineral pigments it brightens up the complexion for radiant looking skin.

Apart from the synthetic vitamin C, I really like this CC cream a lot. The texture is light yet has good coverage and a very natural wear. It protects, hydrates, illuminates and perfects my skin.
My skin felt glowing and dewy. 

It comes in 3 shades; 01 Beige Dragée, 02 Peau de Pêche, 03 Beige Aurore.
To apply use a brush or fingers starting in the centre of the face and working outwards.

This CC Cream is a definite BUY!
I give this product 4-out-of-5 lipsticks!!
Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, The Bay, Sears, Holt Renfrew, $46.00 (prices may vary).




Wednesday 7 January 2015

Biotherm Aquasource Cocoon Balm-in-Gel

Who wants to feel cocooned for the winter? I do!

Biotherm Aquasource Cocoon Balm-in-Gel will do just that!

For years now, the Biotherm Aquasource line has given our skin amazing hydration benefits and has been a go-to for many people during the winter. And they have done it again with this new balm-in-gel innovative skincare product.

A new generation of formula that combines the lightness of a gel with the nourishment of a balm. It is is the heaviest type of texture you can get, usually used for the body, and formulated for very dry skin. If I can apply a balm on my dry and crippled face that feels light as a gel, I will do it!

In winter, the skin loses up to 50% of its moisture! Agh!!

This cream, fit for normal to dry skin, guarantees 48 hours of deep hydration (5 layers of skin) and ultra comfort. My skin immediately felt very soft and hydrated and remained that way until the end of the day. Usually my cheeks would get dry towards the afternoon, but I didn't experience that with this cream. Therefore the level of hydration is undeniably high.

As for the texture, it feels very light and non-sticky. (I find gels to be annoyingly sticky.) It absorbed fast into my skin leaving a nice velvety finish and silky-smooth touch.

This cream has a refreshing and invigorating citrus scent, I love that!
The scent of a cream, I find, is a deal breaker. If you don't like the way it smells, you won't buy it.

It protects the skin, has an ultra comfortable feeling and quenches it with hydration. The ultimate cream to feel cocooned all day long. Your skin will never know it's winter!

Tip: use a q-tip to extract product from the jar as it keeps bacteria away. (I would love it if all creams came in a pump.)

This skin product is a definite BUY!
I give it 5-out-of-5 lipsticks!!
Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, $49.00 (prices may vary).










Tuesday 6 January 2015

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

Another interesting product was launched last week!

This new primer in form of a water is suppose to be light and refreshing. Infused with replenishing electrolytes, it apparently improves makeup application, adds hydration and radiance. It's also suppose to be silicone, alcohol, oil and shine free. Fit for all skin types.

Okay, so I'm going to try and go easy on Smashbox because overall I like their products. It 'sounded' like an interesting and exciting product, but after trying it, not so much.

First, I had to spray it really close to my face to get any of the mist. Their '8"-10" away from face' is not exactly accurate. If you follow those instructions, the product will end up on the floor.

Second, it feels like you're spraying perfume on your face. It tastes awful...inadvertently you get some on your lips. I literally had to go and rinse my mouth out. I looked at the ingredients and noticed it had fragrance/perfume. That means there IS alcohol in this product, unless it's an alcohol free fragrance, which I highly doubt.

Third, I noticed absolutely no hydration on my skin. It was, on the contrary, quite drying. Hence the alcohol.. Once again, not accurate. It doesn't fit all skin types because a person with dry skin will end up with even dryer skin. I did not find it refreshing at all nor did it add radiance to my skin.

I can see a debate on this product, because some people will probably disagree with me, but I was left disappointed.

I would much rather use my old time favourite mist, that is everything it claims to be. Avene's Thermal Spring Water. The best facial mist on the market in my opinion. It's not a primer but delivers that refreshing feeling and hydration, IS absolutely alcohol and fragrance free, and all of the above, as it's only ingredient is water infused with natural minerals.

This primer water is a definite PASS.
I give this product no lipsticks. Sorry Smashbox.
If however you want to try it: Shoppers Drugs Mart, Sephora, $37.00* (oh and did I mention how overpriced it is?!)




*Prices may vary.

Monday 5 January 2015

Nuxe Nuxellence Detox Night Cream

A lot of new products are being launched at the moment and this new anti-aging detoxifying night cream caught my attention.

Nuxe's Nuxellence Detox Night Cream, with passionflower,  is a revolutionary anti-aging product because it works in the heart of the skin's cells to supply them with enough energy to function properly. Kind of like an alarm clock and a huge coffee every morning. It has 10 patents that distinguishes it from other night creams.

It combines anti-aging power with detoxifying properties to keep your skin young-looking and fresh. It smoothes fine lines, regenerates your skin and revives dull complexion by reinforcing the major natural cellular detoxification system of the skin.

Some impressive statistics: Upon awakening, 91%: complexion looks fresher, 77%: dull complexion is revived. Night after night, 95%: skin appears regenerated.
With statistics like these it's a must try! We'll have to wait for a couple of weeks to see if there really is any improvement, but I have a good feeling about this product because after only one application my skin looked fresher and less dull in the morning.

So far what I didn't like is the fragrance. It reminds me of the CK One perfume I use to wear when I was a teenager. That's a definite con for me. Figuring these products are made of plant extracts, I was quite surprised. The texture, on the other hand, is very light and the cream absorbs very well into the skin, leaving a non-greasy feeling. It also has a pump, which I prefer, as it keeps bacteria away.

Use it in synergy with the Nuxellence Youth and Radiance Day Cream for optimal results. You can apply it on its own or under your regular cream. Fit for all ages and skin types.

This night cream is a definite BUY!
I give this product 4-out-of-5-lipsticks!!
Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, London Drugs, $65.00 (prices may vary).



Sunday 4 January 2015

Stila All Day Wear Waterproof Brow Color

I have been looking for the perfect waterproof brow pen/pencil for a long time and I have finally found one!! If this is your case too, then look no further.

Stila's All Day Wear Waterproof Brow Color is the one!

Not only is it waterproof and actually stays on all day, it has a flexible felt tip applicator for the finest precision on your brows and allows you to draw in those fine little hairs.

The formula is thin, so you don't have the feeling of using a sharpie on your brows or having that tattooed effect, and has a natural-looking finish. It deposits just the right amount of colour and dries very quickly.

It comes in three colors, 'light', 'medium' and 'dark'. The colors are quite cool toned, except for the light shade which has a slightly warmer tone. The colour is quite build-able, so even if the match is not perfect, you can reach it by layering it on a couple of times.

The 'light' shade is perfect for blondes, the 'medium' shade has a soft gray-taupe colour, and the 'dark' shade, for example, could work for a black brow effect as it has a cool undertone. Of course in a perfect world they would have shades to match all of our brows.

You can use it to just fill in the gaps in your brows and extend the tips, or draw them in completely.
I can assure you that it is waterproof and will stay on all day.

A little tip; store it with the applicator facing down to avoid fading or drying.

The lasting power is unbelievable and the precision, oh that precision, is absolutely amazing.

This brow pen is a definite BUY!
I give this product 5-lipsticks-out-of-5!!
Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, $21.00 (prices may vary).















Friday 2 January 2015

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream


The holidays and festive times are now behind us and here comes the time of the year we all dread. January, February and March are the hardest times of the year for all of us. Those three months when we drag our feet a little more, feel tired and a little depressed. Snow, rain and cold weather can really get you and your skin down.

Now that the winter is upon us, we need an energy boost for our bodies as well as for our skin. The dull and tired-looking complexions will have to be tackled!

I absolutely love Clarins products. The use of natural ingredients, such as plant extracts and essential oils, make these products stand out. Utilizing the best of what plants have to offer, they are perfect for people with sensitive or irritable skin.

Being the No.1 prestige face products company in Europe, not only for their amazing line of products but also for their unique application methods to optimize their effectiveness, they have certainly captured our attention.

It is the perfect time to start using the Daily Energizer Cream.

With extracts of alchemilla, gingko biloba, vitamin C and turmeric, yes turmeric, this cream gives the skin an energy boost and instant radiance by increasing microcirculation. Just perfect for those wintery mornings.

Its fresh and soft aroma immediately wakes you up. And unlike other creams, it doesn't smell like perfume or chemicals, which I personally prefer. Its cream texture is light enough for the skin but heavy enough to keep it well hydrated during the entire day. It doesn't make the skin feel oily or shiny, it absorbs very nicely and leaves a perfect finish. You can also skip the primer using this moisturizer as it helps minimize imperfections; excellent makeup base.

To apply, warm the product in your hands, massage on face and neck (don't forget your neck ladies!) without pressing, and then gently press on the cheeks, the forehead and the neck. Your skin will instantly look firmer by draining pressure points. Video link: http://youtu.be/_tB1uEm3QA4

To enhance results use in synergy with the Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel and the Daily Energizer Wake-up Booster Toner. For those who have oily skin, you can opt for the lotion or cream-gel texture. You could also use the cream for your cheeks and the lotion for your t-zone if you have combination skin. And don't forget to exfoliate at least once a week to keep dead skin cells away!

This morning face moisturizer is a definite BUY!
I give this product 5-lipsticks-out-of-5!!
Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, $26.00 (prices may vary).




Thursday 1 January 2015

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette

Over the holidays I treated myself to some new and exciting makeup at our new downtown Vancouver Sephora.

My favourite purchase was the Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette. I have to say, the packaging was the first thing to catch my attention. It comes in a beautiful metal tin (which can be reusable or kept as a keepsake) and looks so girly and pretty. It almost looks antique. It has an integrated magnet to ensure it closes properly and comes with a built-in mirror. It also comes with a how-to guide! What else can you ask for? Ahhh but of course, amazing quality eyeshadows!

There are 9 nicely pigmented shades (3 mattes, 4 satins and 2 shimmers) to accomplish any look you want, from soft to sexy to bold. They're categorized under "Day", "Classic" and "Fashion". The names are obviously in theme with the 'bedroom', which is all good, but maybe not appropriate for the younger crowd. For example, 'French Tickler' and 'Lap Dance'; I don't even want to know what 'Sugar Walls' is, but if it means what I think it does, then it's definitely not for the youngsters. Although these days what aren't they doing?

Apart for those questionable names, which is subject for another blog, I absolutely love this eyeshadow palette.

Rich and silky colors that are a definite BUY!
I give this product 4-lipsticks-out-of-5!!
Sephora, $45.00 (prices may vary).





Welcome to 365 Days of Beauty!

Hello everyone and welcome to 365 Days of Beauty!

Here I will be reviewing different beauty products that range from makeup to skincare, hair and nails. Pros and cons about each one will be mentioned, places where you can purchase them, prices, pictures and how to's. 

I want to share my passion, so if you're an avid beauty aficionado like me, follow my blog!