Sparkled Beauty

How is it for a "bold" post title eh? Product names though, not my creation lol.

Here is a look I did with NYC Big Bold items I just reviewed:
- Big Bold Curl mascara in Extreme Black and
- Big Bold Plumping lip gloss in Big City Blush, used on top of a stain to add some colour to the lips.

Like I mentioned yesterday, on its own, Big City Blush only adds shine, not colour, to my lips. I wear it by itself or on top of a nude lipstick for the bus ride to work, and touch up with more colour after my morning tea.

Also featured in this look is Avon SuperShock gel eye liner pencil in Cobalt, one of the pretties dark blue liners I have. To repeat myself, it is so soft and pigmented that I only have to apply it lightly to get tons of colour.

Other products used for the look:
- Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover foundation in 123
I am still recovering from a few breakouts I "earned" during vacation, thought a good coverage foundation would do me good :)
- It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes full coverage concealer in Neutral Medium
- Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tenacious Teal as base
- Marcelle Spring 2013 makeup palette (the one with 9 eyeshadows, 2 blushes and a highlighter, no specific name) - I used 2 shades of blue for the eyes, the white eyeshadow on the brow bone, and the peach blush for the cheeks.
Avon Cobalt fits right in the blue theme of things, but I am also known for wearing a random colour on my lower lash line too :)
- Avon Ultra Luxury brow liner in Dark Brown.

The lighting was quite forgiving in these shots, I was thankful for a bit of sunshine I got that day.

Been a bit under the weather and lost some sleep over crazy wind on Saturday and last night. Count me cranky! One positive thing is Squirt and I were productive in the weekend, putting together 2 Alex's, a dining set and 3 bar stools lol.

Shopping wise, I did make it to Victoria's Secret sale for a few makeup items and fragrance sets (65 - 75% off). Check it out if you haven't already. Also pulled some online purchases for clothes, resisted a Skindinavia order because they cancelled the discount code (good for my wallet then!).

And... my new US CP package is on its way, with items from QVC (It Cosmetics) and drugstores. I am super excited!

When time is an essence, a kit like Kiss Gradation Polishes would make a lot of sense. Check out Exposure, the Gold kit I received for review.

If you haven't guessed already, the kit contains 3 polishes (0.2oz/ 6ml each) in the same family colour, with different opacity and finishes to create a gradation effect on your nails with less guess work.

I follow the instruction included in the back of the box, and in the booklet inside.

This is the first step - Apply 2 coats of "Step 1" polish, let it dry. This off-white shade with gold shimmers is quite sheer, meant to give your nails some definition but not much colour, a good base for other shades to go on after.

Step 2: Apply 1 coat of "Step 2" polish on only the tip (about 1/3) of the nails. This shade, a shimmery gold, has much better coverage. It is opaque in one coat.

Since Step 3 directly follows Step 2 without allowing the polish to dry, I did not stop to take pics.

Here is what I got after Step 3 - Apply 1 coat of "Step 3" polish on the top half of the nails, let it dry completely. Then repeat the steps on the other hand.

This shade is a glittery full house, jazzes up the mani with good amount of darker gold shimmers and glitter pieces. As always, dabbing motion offers good glitter density on the nails.

I found myself liking this look more than I thought I would. While the concept is not new, like I said, a kit saves time, also convenient to travel with. The shades do what they are intended for quite well and look good together.

The little booklet inside the box is not really necessary, other than being a reference source for non English speakers (the steps are printed in another 11 languages).

If gold is not your thing, there are 3 other Gradation kits made by Kiss - Film Noir (black), Big Break (sky blue) and Freeze Frame (pink), retail around $10.97 each.

Some new store updates to start the post:
- Local: we are getting a Marshalls in Bayers Lake, where Value Village used to be, and a Bath & Body Work at Halifax Shopping centre - no opening dates were announced yet.

- Canada: Nordstrom just announced Eaton Centre as the 6th location for Canada for Fall 2016, joining Calgary (opening Fall this year), Ottawa (Spring 2015), Vancouver (Fall 2015), Ontario (Sherway Garden and Yorkdale, Fall 2016).

I can't wait for Nordstrom Rack! And maybe with this, HauteLook (under Nordstrom umbrella) will offer cheaper shipping (or no extra international charges) to Canadian orders. We can dream right?

Shoppers: No announced promo this weekend, customized offers are emailed out instead - from x20 points with certain amount spent, $10 off $50, or in my case 30,000 points back when redeem 95,000 points. Also, the flyer includes the "0114" code to use when you update your online profile, another reason to have an account on their site.

*** Sunday & Monday only: Garnier skin care: 30% off (rest of the week: 20% off)

*** All week:
- Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Aveeno facial moisturizer: CAD19.99
- L'Oreal facial cleanser, Nivea Aqua Effects skin care: CAD7.99
- Vichy Dercos hair, Normaderm, Homme skin care: 25% off
- St. Ives, Noxzema pads, Dial body lotion: CAD3.49
- Maybelline Eye Studio liner, SuperStay lip, Fit Me: 20% off
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara: CAD8.99
- Maybelline Dream Fresh BB cream, Dream makeup: buy 2 get 2,000 bonus points
- L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick, Infallible eyeliner, Telescopic eye: CAD10.99
- L'Oreal Infallible lip, Visible Lift makeup: 20% off
- CoverGirl Smoochies, Wetslicks lip: CAD5.99
- Physicians Formula: 30% off
- Rimmel: CAD5.99
- Sally Hansen Triple Shine, nail art, Diamond Strength, Insta-Dri nail polish: CAD5.99; Fuzzy Coat nail polish, treatment: CAD8.99
- Revlon nail polish, treatment: CAD5.99
- CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polish: CAD4.99.

Bonus Optimum points until January 24: x20 points when you spend $20 on participating L'Oreal products. The picture shows the RevitaLift Micracle Blur, Elnett hair spray, Hair Expertise, etc.

Lawtons: Bonus 95 Airmiles with $35 purchase of Compliments products
- Real Techniques/ Eco Tools: bonus 10 Airmiles when you spend $15
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur: CAD19.99
- Garnier Nutrioniste UltraLift skin care: 25% off
- Upper Canada bath: 45% off
- Marcelle skin care, makeup: 20% off
- Vichy LiftActiv skin care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Vichy cleanser, toner: CAD14.95 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- La Roche-Posay Redermic R skin care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Vichy/ La Roche-Posay sun care: 20% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- Neostrata Youth Factor GF: bonus 20 miles when you buy 1
- Bioderma: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Aussie hair care: CAD3.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Garnier Fructis hair care: CAD2.99
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Shine Sensational gloss, Baby Lips: CAD3.99; Fit Me, Dream Fresh BB cream: CAD7.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Maybelline mascara, eyeliner: 20% off
- CoverGirl blush, Professional mascara, Flamed Out eyeshadow: CAD3.99; TruMagic: CAD7.99 (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2); mascara, pressed powder: CAD7.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara: CAD7.99 (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- L'Oreal True Match: 25% off (bonus 25 miles when you buy 3)
- Annabelle face: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Milani: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $15)
- Vasanti: 15% off, free single eyeshadow when you spend $20
- Cargo: bonus 15 miles when you buy 2
- Mistura Ultimate kit, mascara, eyeliner: 40% off
- Almay Shadow Softies: CAD4.88
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $15)
- Revlon classic nail polish: CAD4.88
- Layla, Color Club nail polish: 50% off
- Essie Sleek stick, nail treatment: CAD8.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Kiss gel polish/ system: bonus 15 miles when you spend $20
- Red Carpet light/ kit: 25% off
- NYX nail polish: bonus 5 miles when you buy 2
- Wet n Wild nail polish: 25% off
- CoverGirl nail polish: CAD3.99
- Crabtree & Evelyn/ Del Sol nail polish: CAD4.99
- imPRESS/ L'Oreal press on nails: CAD9.99
- Seche Vite: 15% off (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2).

Walmart:
- Maybelline Dream Wonder powder, Baby Skin Pore minimizer: CAD9.96
- L'Oreal Super liner: CD9.96
- Sally Hansen Sugar Shimmer, Satin Glam nail polish: CAD6.97
- Garnier Pure Control Charcoal cleanser: CAD6.97; Skin Renew 5 Second Blur, BB cream: CAD12.97.

Superstore: Tax free on Friday and Saturday.

H&M: With any purchase now till January 26, get a $10 off $25 coupon - redeemable between January 27 - February 9.

The Bay: Extra 15% off on almost anything in store and online with Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard, until Sunday.
* Lancome: with any skin care purchase, you can get a 11-pc beauty set for $50, values $203, with:
- Creme Radiance cleanser (125ml)
- Advanced Genefique Youth Activating concentrate (8ml)
- Visionnaire Advanced skin corrector (7ml)
- Renergie Lift Multi-action eye cream (6ml) and cream (15ml)
- Nutrix body lotion (60ml)
- Bi-Facil eye makeup remover (50ml)
- Definicils mascara (deluxe size)
- Tonique Radiance (50ml), and
- Cosmetic case and bag.

* Elizabeth Arden: PWP of $38 or more, in store only. The 7-pc deluxe bag filled with Elizabeth Arden must-have products would only cost you $35, values $191, includes:
- A deluxe compact: with 6 Beautiful Color eyeshadows (Romance, Tempting Taupe - highlighter, Sunset, Mystic Violet, Misty Teal - contour, and Classic Khaki - contour), a Beautiful Color blush (Romantic Rose)
- Ceramide Premiere Activation cream SPF30 (7ml)
- A Beautiful Color Luminous lip gloss (Sunset) (3.5g)
- A Beautiful Color lipstick (Rosy Shimmer and another shade), and
- Beautiful Color Lash Enhancing mascara in Black (mini).

*** Biotherm: GWP of $31 or more. The gift is a Blue Therapy serum (10ml) and Blue Therapy Night serum in oil (10ml), values $47.

I know everyone knows about Beauty Blender sponges by now, but I was intrigued by the black one called the Pro sponge (vs. the pink one as the Original). The Bay was so kind sending me one to try out.

First off, the name: The Pro sponge is exactly the same as the Original in terms of product design. Just because black is the universal colour of pro makeup artists, the black sponge is more appealing to them, especially men, hence called a Pro sponge :)

Secondly, the use: The Pro sponge is supposed to be stain proof, suitable for self tanners and bronzers as well. I only test it with liquid foundations and concealers, however.

And for those purposes, I haven't seen staining after washing, which was good. I hate to see beige/ brown spots on the sponge, giving off the impression that it is not clean (even when it is).

The storage: The base (Beauty Blender calls it an "insert pedestal") inside the container is actually great to hold the sponge why it is drying (duh), keeping from rolling around on a surface or touching other things on your makeup table. And the polka dots are adorable! :)

The application: The technique that Beauty Blender suggests (stippling/ bouncing) works quite well. I was so used to blending my foundation with a flat brush using circling motion and only stippling my blushes, so I had to adjust when using the sponge, but the effect, like we all have heard, is flawless.

You might be surprised to hear that this is my first full experience with sponges like this. I tried a sponge before, yes, but it fell apart at the first wash, so that hardly counted. Glad to say so far so good with this one.

My only wish is for the sponge to have a smaller base (and smaller container) to carry around with. The excessive space inside is not necessary, and takes space in your luggage while travel.

The size: The sponge is meant to be used damp, and it expands almost twice the size when it is wet.

Here is the damp sponge, comparable to my palm. I find the size and design suit the purpose - the round end works around the face effectively, and the pointed end fits well under the eyes, and around the nose and mouth.

All in all, the raves hold true for the Beauty Blender Pro sponge!

The price: 26 for singles or $34 for doubles. Of course getting the double pack is more economical, and you can always use an extra sponge :)

Beauty Blender also has the (liquid or solid) cleansers for around $20 but my Dr. Bronner's soap works just fine for a much lower price tag. There is also a white sponge called the Pure - the Original but without latex, scent nor dye - but I haven't seen it around here yet.

As a bonus pic, let me show you the "winter wonderland" we had Saturday night. The snow came down in big fluffy flakes that covered the ground (and the trees) very quickly in a few hours. Feel free to click to enlarge the pic :)

I was fascinated with the scene the next morning, my backyard turned out to be the most picturesque. Love snow when it's like this, beautiful to look at, light to shovel and is perfect to make snowmen with.

What did you do for fun this weekend?

This is my first experience with Styli-Style Cosmetics thanks to a PR package.

I had seen the brand before but always overlooked it. So today is the day we talk about them :)

Quite extensive lines of products they have. For eye makeup, I received loose and gel eyeshadows (on the right of the pic), a liquid eyeliner (green) and mascaras (blue and black).

Curious of how they perform? Let's see!

Up first are the Dramatic Dip Loose eyeshadows, $4.99 each. From top to bottom: Thunderhead, Tempest, Meteor Strike and Morning Dew.

Pretty good packaging for this specific type of product - a tube with a sponge applicator to pick up the loose shadows. The cap has a spring-mechanism to close tight once you press and twist.

Pro: less spillage compared to a jar, vs. con: harder to use with a brush if you chose not to use the sponge applicator.

And yes, there is a fallout issue, like always with loose powders, but the sponge actually holds the eyeshadow better than a (dry) brush. Best trick I learned though: use a damp brush, plus always a sticky primer to keep them on the lids.

So, make proper prep for your eyes (a base) and your makeup area (a tissue) :)

The shadows appear on my hand the same way of how they look in the tube, with some building up. On the eyes, they are a little less intense but still close, and easy to sheer out if need to.

I like the shimmer/ metallic effect in these, it makes them ideal either on their own or for topping off other eyeshadows. I can definitely use all 4 colours for either purpose. Looks to follow!

A different kind of eye product - It's a Breeze Cooling gel eyeshadows ($5.49) in Aqua Forever (top) and Chamomile (bottom).

Definite brownie point with the pencil format, easy to use and carry around. Just need a sharpener :)

The 2 colours I got are both in the pastel colour family, hence work better as base. On lazy days though, I did wear them by themselves just fine for about 6 hours with no creasing/ fading.

I can feel the slight cooling effect on contact, they will be great in the summer when it gets hot out :)

So Styli-Style has mascaras, and coloured mascaras at that.

Check out the Colorlash mascaras ($6.99) in Black and Blue - there are also Green and Purple if you want more :)

The cone-shaped brush is standard, easy to use. The colours build up on my lashes well, and do not flake during the day. I find these offer more volume than curl. I'll talk more about the mascaras in FOTD posts to follow.

The Sharp Eyes Liquid Dip liner ($5.99) has a felt tip, easy on newbies like me. This shade is Envy, a beautiful moss green (see a swatch below). I'll have a look to show you, of course.

Here are swatches of the eyeliner and the gel eyeshadows. That green in Envy is definitely eye catching, and the felt tip contributes to the application confidence I have.

The gel eyeshadows apply a little less intense than how they look but are beautiful still, took about 3-4 swipes here.

Aqua Forever is a toned down baby blue while Chamomille is a cool gold with shimmers.

For the lips, there are Lip Paint liquid lipsticks ($5.99). From top to bottom: Tres Chic, Cosmopolitan, Country Girl and Pink-a-Boo. They are supposed to offer shine of a gloss, with colour payoff like a lipstick.

The square tube stops them from rolling around, and the simple packaging is quite cute. The brush applicator is a bit messy at times but not hard to control.

They are all cream, and they are bright!

The colours go on easy, with a tiniest hint of stickiness. Pigmentation wise, they are not fully opaque, especially once you start spreading them on the lips. My lip colour still shows when I wear them.

These does have a sweet floral scent, not the typical scent you generally find in a lip product. The scent does not linger but I do get a quick whiff of it once in a while.

The colours don't stay on through meals/ drinks, so I have to reapply. They are not drying, quite comfortable to wear. If you are a fan of sheered-out lip colours, give these a try.

So far, Styli-Style does quite well with their products. I like the colours in the loose eyeshadow and liquid lipstick lines, but there is room for improvement with fallout control and opacity. The brand is available at Lawtons or Farleyco online.

Check out the FOTD I did to see the products on :)

Snow Day today! There is another blizzard out there and -16/ 3F windchill, I am happy to stay in.

Did a look for you today, using some Styli-Style makeup I reviewed:
- It's a Breeze Cooling gel eyeshadow in Aqua Forever as base
- Dramatic Dip loose eyeshadows in Morning Dew all over lid and Thunderhead to blend up the crease
I use the sponge applicator, the colours look great, don't they? Because of fallouts, I did my eyes before everything else on the face.
- Colorlash mascara in Black, and
- Lip Paint liquid lipstick in Cosmopolitan
Like I said, it does not look as intense as the swatch when blended out. Good everyday colour.

Also showing you here Avon SuperShock gel eye liner pencil in Aqua Pop, thought it fits the green theme on the eyes.

Other products used for the look:
- Avon Ideal Flawless foundation in Medium Beige
- It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes full coverage concealer in Neutral Medium
I used the Beauty Blender Pro sponge for the moisturizer, foundation and concealer but think it sheered out the concealer more than I wanted. I'll save it for foundations only.
- Marcelle Multi-colour powder blush in Pink Fusion
I am falling in love all over again with Pink Fusion, it could go dark or light on the cheeks depending which strips you pick up the colour from. The tempting of high-end shimmer bricks fade away now. So glad I pulled it out to use again, almost forgot I had it :)
- Avon Ultra Luxury brow liner in Dark Brown.

I am happy with how the colours turn out together, but loose eyeshadows require more patience than I normally have in the morning :)

What are you guys up to today? Squirt and I have major cleanup work to do in the house, and laundry and stuff, boring stuff. I won't complain about being stuck inside, as it is worst getting out :)

A bit more than a week till Lunar New Year, I miss my family badly. It is always that soft spot in me when a holiday as big as this one comes around. I love the feeling sitting with my loved ones welcoming the refreshing air of a new year, and count my blessings.

Have a good Wednesday everyone.

I sure was in for a big surprise when I swatched Finger Paints Spell Binding from my Boxing Week haul.

In the bottle, it looks like a deep red with multi coloured/ holographic glitters throughout. On the nails, it is matte and textured but still maintains the glittery look. How does that all work? I don't know, but I am super impressed.

Once I realized Spell Binding was a texture, no top coat came near it. The colour was pigmented enough with one coat, but I did need to touch up a few spots where I did not pay enough attention to the texture and applied it hastily.

Nowhere on the bottle notes this special effect the colour has. Turns out, the whole Enchanted Winter collection from Finger Paints are textures with glitters. I figured not all bloggers are smitten with textures, which might be why the collection didn't get featured enough.

I personally couldn't get enough the glittery shine on top of the textured matte base, so I went back for Winter Chill. Couldn't find Sparkle in the Sky, which to me is the best shade among them, a lighter cousin of OPI Alcatraz ... Rocks :(

You definitely have to look at Spell Binding in closeup as it is that beautiful!

Finger Paints got it right with this collection, and have you gone out and grab a few flakies from their latest Kaleidoscope collection? The display is small, only has about 2-3 bottles of each shade.

There will be a BOGO deal on Finger Paints next month (already online if you are in the US, shipping to Canada is not worth the saving), by then the collection would probably be gone for good. I won't recommend waiting :)

So, Halifax is done with another blizzard yesterday. Snow drifts are horrible in my back driveway, so shoveling won't be fun. Oh my (old) back! :)

Update: The brand new Ambient blushes from Hourglass are up on Sephora exclusively for VIBs and VIB Rouges in the US only, unfortunately. I can see them on Canada site but it'd say "not shipped to Canada". Boo! They are supposed to be in store February 21.

Shoppers: Saturday to Tuesday: 18,500 points with $75 purchase
- Neutrogena hair/ skin care: 25% off
- Garnier facial cleanser, cleansing cloths: CAD6.99; Skin Renew skin care: CAD14.99
- Clean & Clear facial cleanser: CAD8.99
- Vaseline Spray & Go: CAD4.99
- Peptalash, Nanoblur, Retinol: CAD19.99
- Revlon ColorStay Shadowlink: 3/CAD8
- Batiste dry shampoo: CAD7.99
- Revlon Nearly Naked, ColorStay/ PhotoReady makeup: CAD10.99
- L'Oreal HIP eyeshadow, Voluminous mascara, True Match makeup: 20% off
- CoverGirl Smoochies, Smoothers: 20% off
- CoverGirl Ink It liner, LashBlast mascara, Clean makeup: CAD7.99
- Maybelline Color Tattoo, Volume Express mascara, Fit Me: CAD6.99; Color Elixir, Sensational lip: CAD8.99
- Marcelle bronzer, pressed powder: CAD14.99
- Rimmel Clean Finish foundation, eye, lip: CAD5.99
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: 2/CAD6
- Revlon Brilliant Strength/ ColorStay nail polish: CAD6.49; nail art: CAD8.99
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon nail polish, treatment: CAD7.99
- Quo by Orly nail polish, treatment: CAD8.99.

Lawtons: Bonus 25 Airmiles when you spend $25 or more on nail polish, implements, polish remover
*** Friday - Sunday: Aussie hair care: CAD1.99 (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2) - Rest of the week: CAD3.99
- Softlips: 40% off
- Eucerin skin care: 25% off
- L'Oreal RevitaLift skin care: 30% off
- Vichy Liftactiv Advanced concentrate: bonus 25 miles when you buy 1
- Vichy 8-in- cleanser, Dercos, Dermablend: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Marcelle New Age Precision skin care: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Garnier Intense 7 Days lotion (250ml): CAD2.99
- Goody hair care: 30% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- L'Oreal hair care: CAD6.99
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara: CAD5.99 - CAD7.99 (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- L'Oreal foundation, concealer, powder: 15% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind: 20% off (bonus 25 miles when you buy 2)
- Maybelline lipstick, gloss: 15% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy2)
- CoverGirl (selected products): CAD8.99 (save $4)
- Revlon eye: 25% off
- Annabelle mascara: CAD7.95 (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Marcelle foundation, powder, concealer, blush: 20% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- LA Splash: 25% off
- Bonne Bell Eye Definer liner: CAD.99
- Physicians Formula: 40% off
- LA Colors/ LA GIrl: 20% off
- Styli-Style lip: 50% off (I just reviewed the liquid lipsticks, if you need swatches)
- China Glaze nail polish: CAD4.99
- OPI/ Essie nail polish: CAD8.88
- Nicole by OPI nail polish: CAD6.99
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: 2/CAD5
- Revlon nail art: CAD7.95
- L'Oreal Colour Riche nail polish: CAD5.88; Colour Riche press on nails, Nail Lingerie: CAD9.99
- Red Carpet/ Nutra Nails: CAD8.99
- Revlon beauty tools: 20% off.

Walmart:
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Moisture Blur/ Miracle Blur eye: CAD24.96; RevitaLift Triple Power LZR overnight mask: CAD26.96
- Garnier Clean+ cleansing products: CAD6.97
- Dove Oxygen Moisture/ Pure Care shampoo, conditioner: CAD6.96
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara: CAD4.98
- L'Oreal Super liner: CAD9.96.

Superstore:
- L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly/ 24h Power/ Falsies mascara: CAD7.97 (save $3); Extraordinaire liquid lip, Caresse lip: CAD9.97
- Maybelline Color Elixir, SuperStay 2-step lip colour: CAD7.97 (save $2)
- Revlon ColorBurst matte/ lacquer balm, lip butter, Just Bitten Kissable balm stain: CAD5.97 (save $3): Lash Potion/ Grow Luscious mascara: CAD6.97 (save $2.50): ColorStay Ultimate Suede lip: CAD7.97 (save $4).

Target:
- Maybelline (selected items): 25% off - the picture shows the Baby Skin
- Sally Hansen Triple Shine nail polish, treatment: CAD5.99; Insta-Dri nail polish: 20% off.

The Body Shop: A few days left on their sale since Boxing Day. In store and online this weekend, you'll get B3G3F or B2G2F the whole store.

The Bay:
- Extra 50% off on women's clearance priced footwear
- Extra 25% off on women's clearance priced fashion, sleepwear and intimates
Both offers exclude Alberta stores), are good until January 30
- Save up to 50% on men's/ kids'/ babies' clearance priced clothing, footwear, sleepwear, etc.

Rexall: $5 off $25 coupon until Thursday, January 30.

So.. I found some good deals at my Target this weekend :)

The most talked about Maybelline Baby Skin is 25% off this week (reg. $8.99), I paid $6.74 for it. Best price, compared to $9.96 at Walmart and $12.99 at Shoppers.

Some "Temporary Price Cut" deals:
- CoverGirl Clean Whipped Creme foundation, $3.99
- CoverGirl Lip Perfection jumbo gloss balm $4.99 (all shades), I got Jam Twist
With the $2 coupon from P&G Brandsaver (or from the Target-exclusive booklet), these are even sweeter deals.
- Some Physicians Formula products are on half price, with $5 coupons attached to the packaging. I paid $2.44 for the Sexy Booster blush.

Note:
- The "price cuts" did not ring in right at my location, so make sure you remind the cashier of the discounted prices
- Certain items were noted in my receipt with "refund value" that was less than the final price (i.e. if you return the item, you will be refunded about 70 cents to $1 less than what you paid for). CS said that was how the system worked and she didn't have an explanation for it. Be warned!

Selected jewelry was on discount up to 75%.

A quick representation of what I bought here, all 70% off. The fish bone/ leaf necklace was $14.99, down to $4.49, while the delicate bow necklace $29.99 down to $8.99. The earrings were $7.99, now $2.39.

Accessories were on sale too - bags, winter items (scarves - see below, mitts, hats, jackets, etc.). Not much home stuff on clearance at the location I went to, but the flyer did say up to 70% off, so check yours.

The two scarves I got, $16.99 down to $5 - $8.50 (50 - 70% off). Not the warmest but I like the prints. Let's hope winter is over soon so I can wear them for the spring weather.

Other sales news: If you had some Old Navy Super Cash, now is the time to redeem them, online or in store. I actually found some great sales in store to pair with my Super Cash, was quite excited.

My Winners put some Anna Sui makeup on clearance with a few dollars off. I found more face masks, by 2 different brands, made in Korea. Also bought some clear drawer organizers for my new Alex's.

Hope your weekend was relaxing. I did not watch the Grammy but was pretty up to date via twitter :)

Marcelle's new focus for the season: The Eyes!

Not MY typical eye product (i.e. eyeshadows), but the accents to make the eye makeup pop. And I have no problem with that.

Here we are longing for Spring, for the warmer weather, and for new makeup. I received a mascara tube and 2 types of pen products which turned out to be brow and eye items.

I am happy to see our own trusted Canadian brand keep working on new products to keep us intrigued. Continue to read and find out what these new products are :)

First off, this is the Xtension Plus + Pro Lash Growth Complex mascara in Black.

It is the step-up version from the well-known Xtension Plus mascara. with a conditioner (with glycerin, panthenol, vitamins, amber extract and peptides) to stimulate lash growth while maintaining the lengthening and curling effects.

The brush stays the same, with the bristles being a smudge longer. I am happy to see it again as it worked well for me in the original mascara.

After about more than a week of use, I can see that my lashes are stronger at the root but am not sure if it is longer yet. I enjoy the original Xtension Plus, no doubt I will like this new one even more when it takes care of my lashes in the process!

Retails $14.95 (9ml), the mascara is paraben and perfume free, safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers (same goes for the next two products as well).

There is a new Eyebrow pen in town.

What I like most about it is its slanted felt tip which makes depositing colour on the brows very easy and fast. Applied with small strokes, the pen gives off a natural look of the brows which even a newbie like me could do.

It dries quickly and stays on well till the end of the day with no smudging/ fading. Since the edges on the tip are sharp, I just need to work on shaping the brows with it. But I know we will be good friends for a good long while.

Available in Universal Light and Universal Dark (my shade), the Eyebrow pen is $13.95 (1.4ml).

Lastly, there are 2 new shades added to the 2-in-1 Retractable eyeliner line, namely Azurite (blue, pictured) and Purpurite (purple).

Automatic liners (with the sponge tip on the other end for smoky eyes, a sharpening tool included too) with pretty colours and 12 hour hold, plus being waterproof. Don't mind if I do!

These are $10.95 each, available in now 6 colours in total.

Swatches:
- Left: Eyebrow pen in Universal Dark
- Right: 2-in-1 Retractable eyeliner in Azurite - lined and smudged right after applied.

I would suggest letting the liner set lightly before smudging for good colour payoff and staying power.

Look for these new products in stores (or on Marcelle website) starting next month.

For Canadians, shipping is free (no minimum). For the US, shipping is free with $50 orders. And you earn reward points with your order(s).

I am watching a sale to get a backup of the Eyebrow pen so I can practice more :) Stay tuned for a look tomorrow.

This is my attempt of a "runway" FOTD, inspired by Chanel Resort 2014 look, using Marcelle Spring Eye products I featured yesterday:
- 2-in-1 Retractable eyeliner line in Azurite applied heavily on the lower lash line
- Eyebrow pen in Universal Dark
- Xtension Plus + Pro Lash Growth Complex mascara in Black.

Pairing with Azurite is Annabelle Smoothie eyeshadow pencil in Licoriche on the upper lash line up near the crease. It is my product of choice when any black eye look is needed, pigmented with well lasting power.

To go along the upper lash line is LA Colors Grafix liquid eyeliner in Black, to darken the area where Licoriche misses.

I know my lining and brow filling skills need work, but hey, I tried! :) It's not everyday that I feel up to doing some crazy look like this. Did not leave the house with is, of course lol.

Other products contributed to the look:
- Marcelle DD cream SPF25 in Medium to Dark
- Marcelle Matte Finish make-up in Almond
- LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer in Pure Beige
- Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink all over lid
- Annabelle Custom Quad eyeshadows in Buff Naked as brow bone highlight and Tutu as blush
- Marcelle Rouge Xpression lipstick in Paris Rose
Couldn't get away with just a lip balm on the lips like the models at Chanel, I opted for a pink, rekindled my love with Paris Rose.

Tried my best not to smile, as runway models don't normally smile lol but Squirt said I looked sad when I don't. This is a smirk somewhere in the middle.

After I did the look, I saw that Chanel had another run of the lining work for the Spring/ Summer 2014 Haute Couture collection, using hologram glitters instead. I am feeling quite fashionable :)

What is everyone up to this weekend? I know I will have to shovel at some point, as we are getting about 15cm of snow today. Want to stuff my face with food for Lunar New Year, but not much good food found around here. I need my mom!

Safe travel today and stay warm!

Happy New Year's Eve to those who celebrates! I am super nostalgic today, but also in a festive mood. So let me show you festive nails :)

This is Rainbow Honey Hellfire from the Final Battle collection (Fall 2013).

A perfect "Party in Asia" nail colour because of the gold and red (among other colours), very appropriate for the occasion today. The gold glitters are super reflective, especially under yellow lights. If I were out partying tonight (which I am not), these nails would be handy.

I did two coats of Hellfire, it shows great glitter intensity. Also great glitter shape combination - stars, bars, small and large squares, and they equally disperse on the nails. You don't know what shapes you will get on your nails until all the layering is done :)

The clear base makes it a good glitter top coat on top of almost every colour. Here I chose a pale pink nude, la couleur couture 1992, 2 coats.

And if you already celebrated New Year at the beginning of the year (hah!), I have something equally fun for you - Rainbow Honey Lifestream, from the same collection.

The mint fever is definitely not over, cause I am so in love with this combination.

Lifestream houses mint and white glitters in its clear base, and it is natural that I layer it over a mint base - la couleur couture 1968, 2 coats each.

On my middle finger is Lifestream by itself, it is transparent, ethereal looking. If you layer it over a sheer nude base, you would have very eye-catching mannequin hands :)

The small bottle size of Rainbow Honey shades (5ml) is for samples only, provided by Nailpolish Canada for review. The full size (15ml) retails $11.50, with free shipping on all Canadian orders.

Don't party too hard tonight (or this weekend), but do wear something red (or festive). Have a great new year, everyone!

Shoppers:
*** Saturday only: x20 points with $50 purchase
- Quo brushes: 40% off
- Revlon nail polish, treatment: CAD3.99
- Garnier Fructis hair treatment, Pantene hair care: CAD3.77 (Limit 4, after limit/ rest of the week: CAD3.99)
- Renu, Sensitive Eyes, BioTrue multi purpose solution: CAD12.99 (Limit 4, after limit/ rest of the week: CAD13.99

*** All week:
- Head & Shoulder shampoo; L'Oreal shampoo, conditioner; Marc Anthony hair care: CAD6.99
- L'Oreal, Nivea Visage Vital facial moisturizer: CAD19.99
- Vichy Neovadiol, ProEven skin care: 20% off
- L'Oreal Infaliible eyeliner, Voluminous mascara, Magic makeup: 30% off; Telescopic eye, Visible Lift makeup: 15% off
- Revlon PhotoReady eye, ColorStay lip: CAD9.99; ColorStay concealer, PhotoReady/ Nearly Naked makeup: CAD10.99
- CoverGirl LashBlast mascara, Wetslick lip, Clean makeup: CAD6.99
- CoverGirl Ultimate Finish, Advanced Radiance, TruBlend makeup: 15% off
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind makeup: 15% off
- Marcelle blush, eyeshadow: CAD11.99
- Gosh/ Quo makeup: x10 points
- Rimmel Clean Finish foundation, Stay Glossy gloss, Scandal Eyes eye: CAD6.99; BB cream, Lasting Finish/ Wake Me Up foundation: CAD8.99
- Almay Color + Care liquid lip balm: CAD6.99; Shadow Softies: 2/CAD9
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear; Rimmel 60 Seconds nail polish: CAD2.99
- Sally Hansen Triple Shine, Diamond Strength, Fuzzy Coat nail polish, treatment: CAD6.99
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: CAD3.49
- Essie Quick-E drying drops, treatment: 15% off
- Quo by Orly Gels starter kit, nail polish, accessories: 15% off
- Elizabeth Arden GWP of $38 or more.

Bonus Optimum points, until February 7:
- 8,000 points with purchase of Vichy LiftActiv Advanced concentrate

Until February 21:
- 8,000 points with purchase of Clarins Super Restorative Day
- x10 points with purchase of Indeed Lab Hydraluron Moisture Boosting mask
- x10 points with purchase of any Yes to Grapefruit product
- x10 points with purchase of any participating Gosh hair product
- x10 points with purchase of any Marc Anthony Regenerating 12-second Miracle or Salon Expert product.

Lawtons:
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal skin care: 20% off
- Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy: B2G1F
- L'Oreal/ CoverGirl/ Almay/ Revlon: 20% off
- Maybelline: 20% off (bonus 10 Airmiles when you spend $25)
- Wet n Wild: 30% off
- Milani (selected items): CAD3.88 (reg. $3.99 - $6.29)
- Annabelle eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara: 20% off
- Marcelle makeup, skin care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $20)
- Physicians Formula: 20% off (bonus 6 miles when you buy 2)
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off
- Real Techniques: 15% off
- Revlon nail polish, treatment, beauty tools: 20% off
- Compliments nail polish remover, implements: BOGO
- Basicare makeup accessories: 40% off.

Walmart:
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Moisture Blur, Eye Blur treatment: CAD24.96
- L'Oreal Age Perfect Glow Renewal day lotion: CAD19.96
- Revlon Shiny Matte/ Sun Candy nail art: CAD7.46.

Target:
- CoverGirl TrueBlend: CAD9.99 (the picture includes TruMagic items too); other selected items: CAD4.99
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish: 2/CAD7
- Garnier Fructis hair care: CAD2.99.

The Bay: Clinique GWP of $31 or more from February 5 - 23. The 7-pc gift, values $85, includes:
- Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion
- Even Better moisturizer SPF20
- Take the Day Off makeup remover
- Chubby Stick Intense moisturizing lip colour balm in Plushest Punch or Heftiest Hibiscus
- Colour Compact in Plums or Nudes
- High Impact mascara in Black, and
- Cosmetic bag (floral prints).

Cherry Culture: 20% off everything with code "JTV14" until February 6.

We probably all heard about how fabulous Sleek Makeup products are together with how bad their CS is. Thought I would share my own experience to join in the fun :)

My first order with Sleek after a long while happened last June when the Candy collection came out. I ordered everything from the collection but here were what came!

- Blush by 3 in Sweet Cheeks with Cupcake (cream), Dolly Mix (shimmer) and Candy Floss (matte), $8.33 (reg. $12.49 at the time)
- I Divine I-Candy palette, $6.66 (reg. $9.99).

The story was I tried to change the shipping address after the order went through but CS never got back to me (email, FB, twitter - no phone number was ever posted on their website) until the package was returned to them. When it was reshipped (definitely took a while), only 2 items arrived. I was refunded for the rest, boo! Shipping was about $4 for these, no tracking.

Fast forward to a month ago, Sleek offered free international shipping with $50 orders (either tracking or non-tracking). I figured a tracked package would be safe, so I ordered again for things I have always wanted.

- i Divine palettes in Ultra Matte V1 and V2, $9.99 each (breathtaking!) and Sunset, $11.99 (not pictured)
- True Colour lipstick in Exxxagerate, $6.49 - purple, enough said!
- Blush in Rose Gold, $6.99 - I forgot to include it in the pic :)
- Pout Paint in Mauve-Over, $7.49 - another purple.

The package was shipped out the next day, and a week later, the tracking page said it was at their pickup location and that a message was left for me.

The thing is I didn't get any messages, and once again, no replies from Sleek. Days later, I found the package among others waiting for me at my local PO! So, if you chose shipping with tracking at Sleek, your package will be handled by Canada Post once it passes Custom.

Sleek met the shipping timeline this time, but their CS still sucks. I will enjoy the items I got but don't think I will be back in the near future. Did you have better luck than me with your orders with Sleek?

Latest product from Vichy today, it's the LiftActiv Advanced concentrate, sent to me for review.

Up to this point, I still love the Vichy products I reviewed on the blog and have repurchased when they ran out. And I will say I have luck with this new product too.

So basically it is a Daily Wrinkle corrector with an interesting combination of pure Retinol, LR2412 and Hyaluronic Acid.

We knew of LR2412 (and its repair property) in Vichy Idealia Life serum, and it works well for me. This time, LiftActiv Advanced concentrate incorporates LR2412 with Retinol (a form of vitamin A with anti-wrinkle properties, at the highest concentration of 0.2%) and Hyaluronic Acid (with its ability to retain water to hydrate and plump up the skin) to tackle wrinkles and facial expressions.

This is a hard one. My mom loves to laugh and she stays young because of that. I try to do the same now that 4...0 is creeping up on me. In the process, we both got smile lines, plus aging gives us lines at the most obvious spots on the face (forehead, under and on the side of the eyes and mouth, etc.) and they are here to stay.

Suggested uses for LiftActiv Advanced concentrate:
- Alone as a daily moisturizer in the morning on clean face and neck, combining with a SPF higher than 15
- Layered on top of a serum or under a moisturizer
- As a localized treatment, which was my choice.

I apply a tiny amount to the exact areas with wrinkles (mentioned above) after a SPF60 sunscreen, then go on with the regular (serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, etc.) and avoid the sun or other products with Retinol as suggested.

Coming out of the pointed tip on the tube, the product feels like a thicker lotion with lightweight texture. It disappears quickly after I tap it in and leaves no trace, easy to use.

A month is probably still early to confirm but to my eyes, my troubled areas do not look as prominent as they were. Yes, LiftActiv Advanced concentrate did not do this alone, as other skin care products in my routine contribute to a good looking skin too, but it feels good applying less makeup in the morning and my skin does not show my age.

Emotionally, I am more aware of facial expressions that enhance lines. I won't stop smiling but I can avoid squinting, frowning and all that "good" stuff. So, body and mind, I am (almost) ready to face wrinkles. Now about this diet of mine.... lol, that is another story for another time.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Ether, Isopropyl Isostearate, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Tetrahydrojasmonate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, etc.c

The tube is 1oz/ 30ml, retails for $49.50. The product is good for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

I am on a roll with skin care. To pair with Vichy LiftActiv Advanced concentrate I reviewed yesterday, I have been using Yves Rocher Elixir 7.9 line, provided to me for review.

Elixir 7.9 is a combination of 7 plants with anti-aging power recognized by 9 patents to boost skin’s energy reserves and smooth out first wrinkles and signs of fatigue.

The 7 plants:
- Apple oligosides (Origin: France): smooths wrinkles, boosts radiance and refines skin texture
- Apholoia extract (Madagascar): protects against environmental stressors
- Beet Root extract (France): protects against environmental stressors and dehydration
- Tara Seed extracts (Peru): improves skin's cohesion between the derm and epidermis
- Aloe Vera polyosides (Mexico): strengthens the derm, improves hydration and nutrition
- Sandthorn Seed extract (Asia): improves volume, elasticity and density of the skin
- Green Rice inositol (Japan): improves radiance of the skin.

The luxurious-looking product line with beautiful dark green packaging has 3 choices of day creams according to skin type (normal to combination, dry, sensitive). Day and night creams come with refills, AND for every Elixir 7.9 product purchased, a tree will be planted as part of the Yves Rocher Foundation's "Plant for the Planet" operation. I like it already!

This is the Youth Energy Day cream for normal to combination skin. For dry skin, the texture would be whipped cream in a similar jar, and for sensitive skin, a (fragrance-free) liquid in a pump bottle.

Besides the pretty packaging, its texture is quite unique as well - a cream gel. Unlike a previous gel cream moisturizer I tried (Garnier Moisture Rescue), this product feels like a whipped gel, lighter and more fluffy.

It almost feels like a piece of cloud on the skin on application. Absorption and moisturization effects are good as well. All around a good day cream. No SPF though, so make sure to apply your sunscreen first. For wrinkle reduction, again, it would take time. I do appreciate how my lines look less prominent (mentioned in yesterday's post) but I don't think I can pinpoint one particular product alone to take all the credits.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Methylpro Panediol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Betaine, Stearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit extract, Dimethicone, etc.

The Youth Energy Night cream is in the same type of jar but with a creamy balm texture instead.

I am happy to see the texture differences Yves Rocher offers in the day and night cream for this line. Otherwise, I can buy just one cream and use for both day and night.

The still fluffy but balmy texture is great for night time. The skin feels properly moisturized with no greasy feeling.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Methylpro Panediol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Betaine, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit extract, PEG-100 Stearate, etc.

Both the day and night cream are in this 40ml jar, retail for $56 each, special launch promotion: $31 (45% off).

I mentioned the refills for the day and night cream above, so here they are!

The Refill Youth Energy Day care (only for Normal to combination, or dry skin) and Night care are in these round-bottomed pods with protective foil under the soft lid, easy to be popped in and out of the jars. I might actually carry just these pods when travelling.

The pods are $49 each for 40ml, currently $27.

One of my favorite little gadgets right here - the Youth Energy Eye care roll-on with a 3-bead applicator.

I squeeze the tube so that the gel comes out of the tiny hole right in the center, then use the beads to massage it in the skin. The cool effect of the beads plus the comfortable and fast absorbing gel makes taking care of the skin under the eyes a breeze.

Ingredients: Water, Methylpro Panediol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Betaine, Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit extract, Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract, etc.

The 15ml tube retails for $42, on sale for $22 (48% off).

And lastly, the Youth Intensifier serum.

It is a light fluid emulsion (with more concentrated in active ingredients than regular skin care), preps the skin with a smooth finish, ready for the day or night cream.

It feels like a thinner lotion, not really a liquid, and you need to shake it well before use. I am not sure a (glass) dropper is the best applicator for it. I guess it works with the glass bottle format, but not with the texture.

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methylpro Panediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, etc.

The 30ml bottle is $56 regularly, also on sale for $31.

The line is paraben/ mineral oil/ colorant free, available now Yves Rocher website.

We had about 15cm of snow last night! My polish is chipped here and there after a quick shoveling this morning so I will show you what I wore last week instead :)

This is Maybelline Color Show Embellished Blues from the Brocades (LE) collection which came out last December. I was lucky to find a few shades left on the display when I came back from vacation.

Embellished Blues is a beautiful dark navy blue with gold shimmers and blue/ purple chunky glitters.

I like that it's multi-coloured too, compared to some other Brocades shades that are monotones. And yes, it feels textured on the nails, even after top coat! Everything I ever wanted is in this bottle lol.

Embellished Blues is opaque enough to be used on its own with 2 coats, like I did here. But if you want an easier removal, use a base underneath it :)

The pictures just don't do this polish any justice, the mani is quite blingy. Did I say I love it enough? :)

See? I love it!

I don't know if you can still find the Brocades anywhere but if you did grab a few shades, treasure them!

I missed out on Gilded Rose in this collection but it seems Maybelline has made it permanent in the US. We'll have to wait and see if it will be the same case for Canada. If you guys spot it in store, please let me know. I want some more Brocades for sure!

Before we start, let me direct you to Beauty Geek's post about Joe Fresh Spring/ Summer 2014 release. Mousse blushes and an invisible lip liner (among other things) for $6? I'm in, but have to wait till March, lol.

Shoppers: Saturday to Monday: Beauty Super Redemption
- 40,000 points = $90 (extra $27), or
- 80,000 points = $200 (extra $64)
on makeup, facial skin care, fragrances, jewelry, hair colouring, hosiery, bath foam and gel, and hair care.

- Vichy Aqualia, Purete Thermale, NutriExtra skin care: 25% off
- Neutrogena, Olay Classic, Complete skin care: 25% off
- Skin & Clear skin/ acne care: 20% off
- Marcelle BB, CC, DD cream: CAD24.99
- Quo by Orly Argan Oil hand cream: CAD6.49
- Maybelline MasterDrama liner, SuperStay lip, Dream/ Fit Me makeup: CAD7.99
- Revlon ColorStay/ PhotoReady/ Grow Luscious eye: CAD9.99; ColorStay/ PhotoReady makeup: CAD15.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche lip: CAD9.99
- CoverGirl Flamed Out shadow pot, Smoochies lip: CAD4.99; Bombshell mascara: CAD12.99
- Annabelle Instaglam eyeliner + mascara: CAD9.99
- Rimmel Stay Blushed blush, Apocalips, Lash Accelerator mascara: CAD6.99
- Almay Smart Shade makeup: 20% off
- Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips eye: CAD9.99
- Sally Hansen Satin Glam/ Sugar Shimmer nail polish, Big Matte/ Shiny top coat: CAD7.99; Complete Salon nail polish, treatment: CAD8.99
- Revlon ColorStay, nail art Sun/ Moon Candy: CAD7.99
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: CAD3.99
- CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail gloss: CAD4.99
- Sensationail Fuse gel starter kit, nail polish: 15% off; Sensationail starter kit, gel polish: 20% off.

Lawtons: Free $10 Sobeys gift card with $50 purchase until Sunday
- Garnier skin care: 25% off
- Vichy anti-aging skin care, La Roche-Posay body care: 20% off
- Garnier Body Intensive 7-Day lotion: 50% off
- Organix hair care/ L'Oreal Elnett hair spray/ Aveeno lotion/ Neutrogena Healthy Skin CC cream: 25% off
- Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick, gloss, lip liner: 40% off
- Revlon ColorStay Shadow link: 2/CAD5 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 4)
- Maybelline/ L'Oreal/ Revlon mascara: 25% off
- Maybelline Baby Lips: CAD3.99
- CoverGirl (selected items): CAD3.89 or CAD6.89
- Vasanti: BOGO
- NYX: 20% off (buy any 2 single eyeshadows and get a free Slim eyeliner)
- Mistura Essential kit, lip: 50% off
- Sinful Colors: 25% off
- Sally Hansen Triple Shine nail polish: 20% off
- Milani nail polish: CAD3.99
- Essie nail polish, treatment: CAD8.99
- Seche Vite: CAD8.99
- Red Carpet Manicure: 20% off
- Broadway/ imPRESS/ Kiss nail dress, L'Oreal Press on Nails: CAD9.99
- EcoTools: 20% off
- Montagne Jeunesse/ Maska masks: 25% off.

Walmart:
- L'Oreal Youth Code skin care: CAD24.96; Overnight mask: CAD26.96
- Olay Regenerist Luminous skin care: CAD12.97 - CAD33.47
- Olay Fresh Effects skin care: CAD7.47 - CAD12.97
- Pond's cream, towelettes: CAD4.97
- CoverGirl Clean foundation, pressed powder, Clean Whipped cream foundation, Glow bronzer/ blush: CAD5.97; Last Blast mascara, LiquiLine liner: CAD6.96
- L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow, Color Riche eyeliner, Extraordinaire gel lacque nail polish: CAD5.96; Butterfly mascara: CAD9.96
- Maybelline Elixir, Big Eyes mascara, Pore Eraser, BB cream: CAD6.96
- Rimmel Stay Matte foundation, primer, BB cream: CAD7.98
- Almay Shadow Softies: 2/CAD8
- Essie Quick e-Drops, nail polish: CAD8.96
- Revlon classic, TopSpeed nail polish, nail buffer, file: CAD3.96
- TreSemme Keratin Smooth/ Renewal shampoo: CAD3.92.

Target:
- Neutrogena/ Aveeno cleanser: CAD7.99 (the pic includes Neutrogena makeup remover)
- TreSemme hair care: CAD3.99.

The Body Shop: Double LYB discount (20%) plus double points online and in store this weekend, paired with B3G2F, B2G1F or B1G1 50%, and $10 hand creams.

Sephora: Triple points for BIs with any fragrance purchase now till February 14.

The Bay: Extra 15% off on women's fashion/ intimates/ sleepwear, men's clothing/ accessories, watches, jewelry, luggage and confectionary with Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard, plus double points with Hudson's Bay credit, until Sunday.

*** Clinique GWP is still on until February 23.

Here's a pic of the gift that I didn't include in last week's flyer post.

Until Sunday, when you spend $75 or more at Clinique using your Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard, you'll receive a $20 saving card, redeemable on your next purchase of $100 or more using the card above (excluding cosmetics and fragrances) until February 23.

Sally: Extra 50% off all red tag clearance items until Sunday.

*** 14 Days of Deals is going on, one deal a day until February 14
- Today: Heel to Toe travel size treatments $1.99 (limit 3)
- Saturday: $50 off Oster Juice cord/ cordless clipper
- Sunday: Ardell lashes BOGO (limit 3)
- Monday: China Glaze $3.99
- Tuesday: Hot Shot Tools Black Pearl dryer $39.99
- Wednesday: Femme Couture lip $2.99
- Thursday: Hot Shot Tools Translucent Pink dryer $39.99
- Friday: TIGI Pro shampoo/ conditioner (12oz) $7.99.

*** All month:
- Finger Paints nail polish: BOGO (excluding gel)
- Palladio makeup: B2G1F.

If you spent CAD35 or more at Sally last month, you'll get double discount (30% off) on February 22 with the reward coupon.

Ebates Canada: Double cash back event
- Victoria's Secret, Canon: 3%
- Roots, Dynamite: 4%
- Groupon, Macy's, Teavana, Ardene, Garage, Club Monaco: 6%
- Mexx: 7%
- Le Chateau, TOMS, The Body Shop, Keurig: 10%
- Perfume Emporium: 12%, etc.

As always, my link is on the left side bar if you need it.

The BOGO promotion on Vasanti products at Lawtons made me realize it has been a while since I last reviewed Vasanti 2010 Spring products. I received two items for review a few weeks ago, thought it is the right time to post :)

I had not been aware that Vasanti has made a primer called All Star 2-in-1 face and eye primer - the grey squeeze tube in a blue box.

The claims:
- keeps your face and eye makeup fresh, radiant and flawless for up to 18 hours
- blurs imperfections and fine lines with anti-aging ingredients.

The product comes out of the tube like an off white lotion but becomes clear once rubbed in, almost s liquid-to-powder texture. It makes the skin feel smooth and a tiny bit sticky.

I found the product works great on my lids, no creasing or fading of the eyeshadows for about 13 hours. Since it is translucent on, it does not improve the colour payoff of my eye products, which it does not claim to.

On the face, it only keeps my liquid foundation and concealer on for about 8 hours. Of course I touch my face a lot more often than I do my eye lids, but still I think the primer works better with powders than liquids. I'll keep using it only as my eye primer as that's what it does best, but if your normal day does not go beyond 8 hours, All Star is a good primer for both purposes.

For the tiny amount of product used on the face areas I want to use it at, I won't count too much on the anti-aging effect.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Trihydroxystearin, Hexyldecanol, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone, etc.

All Star is paraben/ oil/ gluten free, retails $24 for 15ml/ 0.5oz (the size pictured) or $39 for 30ml/ 1oz.

Then, there is Vasanti Vitamin E-infused Lipshine in Darling River, a mauvy pink with high shine but no shimmer.

On top of my dark lips, Darling River appears as a YLBB (and more pink) colour, which makes it an everyday choice easily.

The gloss feels very comfortable on the lips and not drying at all. The claim to be wind and cake proof, besides being cute and funny, is quite true lol. My hair does not stick to my lips in the wind. And while I did not have any cake during the testing period, the gloss does last through breakfast most days. I still reapply for more colour and for that comfortable feeling it gives.

The gloss has no paraben, mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfates, GMO's or Tricosan, retails $15 for 2g/ 0.7oz. Check out other colours in the line too.

Below is the swatch of Darling River up top, then three NYX eyeshadows (see the FOTD to follow) over All Star (bottom half) and by themselves (top half), in different lighting.

As I mentioned, All Star does not make the eyeshadows pop, so swatches don't help much in this case but its staying powder stays true. And Darling River is semi sheer but is buildable to a beautiful pink.

If you need more recommendations, I just picked up the staple Eye Wonder (eye cream), BrightenUp! Enzymatic face rejuvenator (facial scrub), and Sun Peached Glow brightening mineral powder (a light peach blush).

More brands available at Lawtons for you today. These two products were also provided for reviews.

This is NYX Skinny Black liner. I didn't even know NYX made a skinny liner until I read up about Collection Noir which it is a part of. The collection has 8 black formulations (matte, satin, or glossy pencil/ liquid/ powder eyeliners), waterproof and smudge free. Fun eh?

The Skinny liner is retractable, with 1.5mm skinny lead and fine tip for lining precision. It, being skinny, comes in a huge box :)

The first thing I noticed about the liner was the non-pointed tip. I am not sure if NYX wants me to sharpen it so I can make a precision line or just use it to wear it out to a point. If not, I'll start out with as thin of a line as it could be.

The liner is not supposed to skip, drag nor tug, and that holds true during swatching. But to my lightly sensitive eyes, it does hurt a bit getting the colour on the lower lash line and feels dry in contact.

The swatches: from the left, one swipe, then a few swipes to make the line thicker. On the far right is a comparison swatch of Milani Liquid Eye liquid-like eyeliner pencil in Black, one swipe.

So pigmentation wise, NYX Skinny Black liner is a big lighter than the Milani, and it does not perform as well either during the smudge test (after they both set). Overall, unless you need a precision liner, I would skip the Skinny Black liner this time around.

The liner retails for $7.99, with 0,09g/ 0.003oz of product.

Cala is a brand of brushes at Lawtons that I see a few times while browsing the isles but have not bought any product from.

This is the Brow/ Lash comb from the brand. It has been a long time since I have one of these in the stash, just because I don't have a use for it. But we'll see how it works.

The brush has quite long of a handle, looking thin and sleek. The comb side is plastic, with teeth close enough to each other to work through my lashes. But as expected, a plastic lash comb does not get through mascara clumps as easy as a metal one. It does brush off some of the clumps (when I pile up on mascara) but not totally.

The brush side is easy to use and not scratchy. It works fine on my brows, but for the purpose, a spoolie would take less space and still do the job just fine.

The comb sells for $6.99.

I won't totally disregard Cala as a brand just because this comb does not serve the purpose, and NYX does have some great products on their shelf. Just these two products do not work for me today :)

FOTD: Big Bold and SuperShock

NOTD: Kiss Gradation kit

Weekly flyer deals

Beauty Blender Pro sponge

Styli-Style makeup

FOTD: Styli-Style and Beauty Blender

NOTD: Finger Paints Spell Binding

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Target haul

Marcelle Spring Eye products

FOTD: Runway Blue graphic eyes

NOTDs: Rainbow Honey Final Battle

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Sleek Makeup hauls

Vichy LiftActiv Advanced concentrate

Yves Rocher Elixir 7.9

NOTD: Maybelline Embellished Blues

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Vasanti

NYX and Cala