Quantcast
Channel: Sparkled Beauty
Viewing all 873 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

FOTD: Vasanti, NYX & Cala

February 12, 2014, 6:22 am
$
0
0
A soft FOTD to show you how the Vasanti and NYX products look on.

t have been doing so many neutral looks lately for work, I can hardly recognize myself anymore lol. So for this look, I went for a bit more colours on the eyes, paired with neutral lips.

What I used:
- Vasanti All Star 2-in-1 face and eye primer
Of course you can't see the primer but it is working in the background :)
- Vasanti Vitamin E-infused Lipshine in Darling River
With no lip liner or other lip colour underneath, Darling River is a good everyday shade
- NYX Skinny Black liner
Was not easy to get it on my eyes there, but I warmed up the tip a little between my fingers before application so it did not tug much.

I also tried the Cala Brow/ Lash comb, but again, you won't see it :)

Other products:
- CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation SPF20 in 957 Golden Tan
- Maybelline The Eraser Dark Spot concealer + treatment in Light/ Medium
- NYX eyeshadow trio with White in the inner corner and on the brow bone, Tropical on mid lids and Silver in the crease (swatched in the Vasanti review linked above)
Tropical looks more red than orange on the eyes, and Silver has a hint of lilac. I like them more than I thought
- Marcelle Xtension Plus + Pro Lash Growth Complex mascara in Black
- Marcelle Eyebrow pen in Universal Dark
These two Marcelle Spring products have become an everyday duo for me since I tested and reviewed them
- Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush in Plum Wine.

This could work as a typical gentle V Day look if I were to go out on a date this Friday. But the plan is Squirt and I would go to dinner, and it wouldn't be me if I am not wearing at least a bold lip for the occasion :) I do have pink nails on now, shocking huh?

YT in the last week has been filled with V Day tutorials and ideas, very helpful :) Squirt has made me a tiger charm with her Rainbow Loom (thanks to YT of course), plus 2 V Day cards, couldn't ask for more!

Do you have plans for V Day yet? Either you are with your other half or not, celebrate the day for love and emotions. Cheers for that!
↧
Search

Lush Valentine's Day

February 13, 2014, 6:30 am
$
0
0
The day before Valentine's, are you ready to indulge? I received some Lush V-Day goodies to test out, and they definitely put me and Squirt in a good mood :)

The Neon Love soap (LE) definitely catches our attention with the pink/ white heart pattern on the red background.

The soap has passion fruit juice to cleanse and soya yogurt to nourish, both of which I haven't experience in a soap before. As with other Lush soaps I tried, this one is not drying and gets the job done.

Contributing to the scent are citrusy bergamot, rosewood and spicy cinnamon leaf oil, so this is one gently spicy soap, invigorating!

Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Rapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil (Brassica napus; Cocos nucifera), Fresh Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis), Cornflour (Zea mays), Sodium Stearate, Fresh Figs (Ficus carica), Fragrance, Cinnamon Leaf Oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Rosewood Oil (Aniba rosaeodora), Bergamot Oil (Citrus Aurantium bergamia), etc.

Good for hand and body, the soap retails $6.95 for 100g.

I finally has a Prince Charming, a (LE) shower gel that is lol.

Keeping with the citrus trend, this product has fresh pomegranate juice and grapefruit oil to cleanse; Fair Trade vanilla pod infusion, marshmallow root and almond oil to soften.

I also used the shower gel as a bubble bath, as I enjoy the scent quite a bit (pomegranate and grapefruit together is a fun scent), just have to swirl the gel around a bit to help it dissolve.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Lauryl Betaine, Grapefruit Oil (Citrus paradisi), Sandalwood Oil (Santalum austro-caledonicum vieill and Fusanus spicatus), Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens), Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Titanium Dioxide , etc.

Prince Charming is yours for $9.95 (100ml), $19.95 (250ml) or $29.95 (500ml).

Another cute factor - the Love Locket bath bomb (LE).

This heart is huge (see it next to a regular bath bomb for size comparison), good for at least 3 baths - two with each half of the pink heart and one with the yellow center.

The surprises: the paper hearts embedded in the pink layer that will float to the water surface, making a scene, and the red seaweed hearts inside the center layer. Hearts overload, I have a lot of fun with this bath bomb!

The scent is from a blend of vanilla, jasmine and neroli essential oils, a bit sweet and calming.

Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla Planifolia), Neroli Oil (Citrus Aurantium amara), Gardenia Extract (Gardenia jasminoides), Eugenol, Geraniol, Methyl Ionone, Linalool, Limonene, D&C Red No. 33, D&C Red No. 27, Pink Heart Confetti, Red Edible Hearts (Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), etc.

This bath bomb is $10.95 for 269g (vs. $4.95 - $6.95 for a regular bath bomb of 180 - 200g).

Finally, rub some of the Tender is the Night massage bar on your skin before you leave the house or before bed, and your day ends in a very good note.

The bar contains shea and murumuru butter that melt easily onto skin for a smooth, tender massage. It erases all the dry spots on my arms and legs, gives off a scent (vanilla, jasmine and ylang ylang) that lasts for hours.

I am addicted to using it every day now! It is so easy to use and store (the tin is available at Lush too, $3.95).

Ingredients: Murumuru Butter (Astrocaryum murumuru), Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii), Fragrance, Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla Planifolia), Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), Ylang Ylang Oil (Cananga odorata), Titanium Dioxide, Cornflour (Zea mays), Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, etc.

The good thing is this massage bar is available all year round, $11.95 for 60g.
↧
↧

Weekly flyer deals

February 14, 2014, 8:08 am
$
0
0
Happy Heart Day to all of you. We have an amazing lineup of deals this week, so let's have some fun.

Some product news to start you off :)
- Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine lipsticks have made it to Dollarama for $3 a piece. I spotted the whole line!
- The 2 Milani matte baked blushes (Bella Rosa and Delizioso Pink) will be available at Lawtons the first week of March. I am crossing fingers for those who don't have a Lawtons that Walmart and Superstore (where Milani is also available) will have them in too, but don't know for sure at this point
- The Milani (LE) rose blushes won't be coming across the border, unfortunately, but I list the shades here in case you are asking US friends to get some

This is the (LE) Fall 2013 group with 01 Romantic Rose, 02 Flora Passion, 03 Warm Petals and 04 Bella Rosa.

I was lucky to get the two darker shades through a CP from the US. Didn't try them out yet but I've have gotten them again just to put them on display anyway :)

And this is my chance. This year release (still LE) does not seem to be a repeat as the shade names continue: 05 Coral Cove, 06 Lady Rouge, 07 Love Potion and 08 Tea Rose.

I am feeling the two brightest shades this time lol. How about you?

- The Maybelline (LE) Dare to go Nude collection that created quite a stir in the US (with 6 new Colour Tattoos, including a black, Master Glaze blushes, etc.) will also come to Canada mid March but is slightly varied. Once again, my fear is we'd miss out on an important shade here and there. Will keep you posted if I have more details.

Shoppers: Today is 18,500 points with $75 purchase using this coupon with the current flyer (posted last week)

*** Saturday and Sunday: Free $20 Petro Canada gift card with $75 purchase, plus a bonus card to save 5 cents/ liter on 50 litters of fuel
-  Revlon ColorBurst lip, PhotoReady/ Lash Potion mascara: CAD4.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD7.99)

*** All week:
- Olay Fresh Effects, Aveeno skin care: 25% off
- Vichy Dercos hair, Normaderm, Homme skin care: 25% off
- Cetaphil skin care: 20% off
- L'Oreal skin care: 30% off (plus x10 points)
- Garnier Ultra Lift Transformer facial moisturizer: 30% off (plus x10 points)
- Garnier facial moisturizer: CAD12.99  (plus x10 points) - the pic is off the 5 Second Blur
- Garnier facial cleanser: 30% off (plus x10 points)
- Garnier 7 Day Intense body lotion (250ml): CAD2.99 (plus x10 points)
- L'Oreal Expertise hair care: CAD3.99 (plus x10 points)
- L'Oreal Ever Curl hair care: CAD6.99 (plus x10 points)
- L'Oreal Elnettt hair styling products: CAD6.99 (plus x10 points)
- Garnier Fructis hair care: CAD2.49 (plus x10 points)
- Batiste dry shampoo: CAD7.99
- Maybelline Elixir: CAD6.99 (plus x10 points)
- Maybelline Baby Lips, Great Lash mascara: CAD3.99 (plus x10 points)
- Maybeeline Fit Me: CAD8.99
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara: CAD6.99 (plus x10 points) - the pic is of the Butterfly version
- L'Oreal Extraordinaire lip: 30% off (plus x10 points)
- L'Oreal Double Extend mascara, Telescopic eye, Visible Lift makeup: 20% off (plus x10 points)
- CoverGirl Bombshell/ Flamed Out eye: CAD6.99; Blast Flipstick, Lash Blast 24hr mascara, TruBlend makeup: CAD9.99
- Marcelle BB cream 24h Intense Moisture, roll-on concealer: CAD19.99
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin CC cream: CAD12.99
- Physicians Formula: 40% off
- Rimmel Apocalips: CAD6.99
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish: CAD1.99
- Essie nail polish: CAD7.99 (plus x10 points)
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: 3/CAD9 (plus x10 points)
- L'Oreal Press-on nail, nail polish: 30% off (plus x10 points).

Lawtons: It's the bonus Airmiles week, too many offers to list. Please refer to your flyer when shopping :)
- Vichy Neovadol: 20% off (with bonus Airmiles); serum: 25% off
- Bioderma: 20% off
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur, Sublime cleansing: 25% off
- La Roche-Posay Tolerane/ Substane: 20% off
- Montagne Jeunesse: 20% off
- Upper Canada: 50% off
- Goody hair care: 25% off (with bonus miles)
- L'Oreal Infallible lip/ face, True Match: 25% off
- Maybelline lip: 25% off
- CoverGirl: 20% off
- NYX/ LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off (with bonus miles)
- LA Splash: 25% off
- Sally Hansen nail polish: 20% off
- Mavala nail polish: 50% off
- Revlon ColorStay nail: CAD6.95 (with bonus miles)
- Wet n Wild nail polish: 20% off
- Del Sol, Crabtree & Evelyn nail polish: CAD4.99
- Nicole by OPI nail polish: CAD6.99.

Superstore:
- Maybelline Colossal Smoky Eyes, Volume Express, 1BY1 mascara: CAD5.97; Color Sensational Elixir: CAD7.97; Baby Skin: CAD9.97; Dream Wonder powder: CA10.96
- L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly, 24h Power, False Fiber mascara, SuperLiner Silkissime, Kajal liner: CAD7.97; Extraordinaire, Caresse lip: CAD9.97; Magic Nude liquid to powder: CAD14.97
- CoverGirl Lip Perfection, Jumbo gloss balm: CAD6.97; Bombshell mascara: CAD7.97; TruBlend, TruMagic: CAD8.94
- Revlon Shadow Links: CAD2.97; Color Burst matte/ lacquer balm: CAD5.97; Age Defying foundation: CAD15.97
- Almay Shadow Softies: CAD4.47; Liquid lip, Intense I-shadow, mascara, liner: CAD5.97; Smart Shade Ideal 10 makeup: CAD12.97
- Garnier Ultra Lift transformer: CAD15.99
- L'Oreal facial moisturizer: 30% off
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: CAD3
- CoverGirl Stay Brilliant nail gloss: CAD3.97
- Revlon classic nail polish: CAD3.97
- L'Oreal Press-on nails: CAD10.97.

Target:
- CoverGirl (selected items): CAD6.99 (the pic is of the Jumbo gloss balm and Lash Blast mascara)
Don't forget the $2 off coupon for CoverGirl in the coupon booklet (good until the end of the month), available at Customer Service
- L'Oreal RevitaLift/ Age Perfect (selected) skin care: CAD17.99
- Herbal Essences hair care (including the new Naked line): CAD2.49.

The Bay: Extra 15% off with your Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard, plus double points with Hudson's Bay credit, until Monday. Excludes cosmetics and fragrances.

Pair that discount with the clearance sale on shoes and sandals:
- $19.99 for those with reg price up to $79.99
- $29.99 for reg price between $80 and $119.99, and
- $49.99 for reg price between $120 and $179.99.

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

Beyond the Rack: Michael Todd skin care is back. If you missed previous sales on the brand, now is the time to pick up some goodies.

My link is on the left side bar, if you need it.

The Body Shop: F&F 40% off sale starts online today, in store tomorrow until Monday.Free Hemp hand butter with $75 online purchase with code "MOISTUREHIGH".

All body butters are $10 right now too.

BBW: Last day of V Day promo of B3G3F body care products.

La Senza: Get a $10 reward card when you buy a $50 gift card, in store only. I am not sure the redemption condition of the reward card, however.

Cult Nails: Save $12 for every $24 spent, today only. No code needed. Maximum discount is $48.

Rexall: Last day to use the $5 off $25 coupon.

And for all Canadians out there, we are so awesome at Sochi that BuzzFeed has a post on 10 ways Canada has already won the Winter Olympics. I got teary eyes reading it :)
↧

Shoppers haul

February 17, 2014, 6:25 am
$
0
0
Happy President's Day/ Family Day for those who are lucky to have a day off today. I don't, plus had to deal with a mail box key issue with CanPost (I haven't been able to get into my mail box for 2 weeks), so I wasn't in the best mood :)

Did have some good retail therapy at Shoppers in the weekend though.

I caved and got 5 of the Maybelline Elixirs, on sale for $6.99 a piece. If you prefer the L'Oreal Extraordinaires, they are $8.99 (30% off) this week too.

From the 20 shade range, I picked out Signature Scarlet, Raspberry Rhapsody, Vision in Violet, Fuchsia Flourish and Hibiscus Haven.

Just what you would expect from me, right? No nude, no gentle shades, they are all bold and bright. And no, they aren't just summer shades for me, as I would wear them year round :)

I don't know if you guys need any swatches, as my bloggers have done that now, but if you do, let me know.

On to Physicians Formula. I have been patiently waiting for a 40% off sale to try their new Nude Wear stuff.

You probably all know that PF products aren't cheap in Canada, even with 40% off, they are still in the $10 - $15 range. But, there are items with rebate stickers, and that would bring the cost way down.

I got the Nude Wear Glowing Nude blush in Natural and Glowing Nude bronzer in Light. After rebates, they are between $2 - $4. So yeah, make sure you pay attention to those pink stickers :)

And then, there is the nail polish clearance section!

I was glad to find some shades from Nicole by OPI Gumdrops (texture) collection for $4 each. I overlooked it the first time and I couldn't risk missing them again.

I bought That's What I Mint, I Lilac Gumdrops, My Cherry Amour and Cinna-man of my Dreams.

That's What I Mint (and a yellow called Lemon Lolly) was not part of the original release of the collection, glad I found it.

If you missed the $20 Petro card promo in the weekend, there is a coupon for Tuesday and Wednesday: x20 points with $50 purchase or 20% off regular priced items (excluding prestige cosmetics and fragrances).

To end the post, thought I would share this little picture, tweeted by @evilpez4. No, that wasn't Santa lol, just someone snowblowed on his roof :) That's the Maritimes/ Canada for ya.

Wet snow froze over night on Saturday and turned everything into ice blankets. Squirt could actually slide down our driveway on her knees without breaking the snow surface.

We stayed in on Sunday, while I tried to work on organizing my makeup room. Still don't know to put everything, I have too much. I need an IKEA in my backyard to get this room in order :)

Have a good week, and Canadians, go roll up some Timmy's rims today!
↧

Epic Blend lip balms

February 18, 2014, 6:37 am
$
0
0
Epic Blend is a Canadian company launched in BC in 2007, specialized in lip balms with natural and organic ingredients. They sent me a bundle of their products for review, so here are my thoughts.

This is the Lip Lovin' superpack with all the lip balms Epic Blend makes. The first four: Hemp lip balms (with anti-oxidant) in Coconut, Mint, Citrus Kick and Vanilla.

This line works quite well but does not offer anything above and beyond compared to my other favorite lip balms.

The scents are fun to experiment. Citrus Kick is the best one for me, very refreshing. Coconut smells a bit more chemical, and Vanilla is a little sweet. Mint is a hard one, as it always reminds me of toothpaste :)

Ingredients: Organic sunflower seed oil, organic beeswax, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic hemp seed oil, organic flavor, Vitamin E, rosemary extract.

The next two are the Vegan lip balms, with 100% plant based ingredients and beeswax free, in Pineapple Mint and Wild Berry. The texture is a bit smoother. I prefer Pineapple Mint than Wild Berry as the berry scent is a little chemical as well.

Ingredients: Organic jojoba oil, candelilla wax, organic sunflower seed oil, organic cocoa butter, organic hemp seed oil, organic flavor, Vitamin E.

The last four are the More Moisture lip balms in Unflavored, Green Apple, Grape and Cherry. I enjoy the extra moisture from the shea butter and longer wear time on the lips but still need to reapply after eating or drinking, especially in this frigid weather we are having.

Ingredients: Organic sunflower seed oil, organic beeswax, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic castor seed oil, organic shea butter, organic flavor (except for the unflavored one), Vitamin E, rosemary extract.

There are 2 Limited Edition scents from the Hemp line at the moment: Banana and Chocolate Rum.

Banana is just like what it sounds, suits the Minion craze that Squirt is on right now :)

Chocolate Rum smells like chocolate, not much of rum in there but I won't complain. This is Squirt's favorite also, naturally.

Scents are personal, so you might find some scents more appealing than the others and we might end up liking different ones. I do realize that it might be hard to pick a lip balm without a sniff test.

Here they are all together, with Coconut modelling the balm inside the tube for you :)

Epic Blend lip balms do not have gluten/ petroleum/ parabens/ synthetic preservatives, retail $3.49 each or $12 for a 4-pack. I like the colour-coded labels that coordinate with the scents, making them a fun bunch to play around with.

You can find the lip balms at selected Canadian retailers and on Epic Blend website (shipping is free for Canadian orders over $15).
↧
↧

H2O Instant Hydrating stick

February 19, 2014, 6:30 am
$
0
0
Hi guys, I am reviewing H2O Instant Hydrating stick from the Eye Oasis line today (provided by PR), with a comparison to a similar product that you might have heard about on YT :)

Specified as an oil free marine hydration source, H2O Instant Hydrating stick illustrates its name well - instantly cools, refreshes and nourishes the under-eye area with:
- Caffeine: reduce dark circles and puffiness
- Marine rich algae extract: moisturize and sooth
- Hydrolyzed pea peptides: nourish and protect the skin.

I used the stick in the eye area in the morning (before makeup) and night, with no other moisturizer on top. The stick glides on very smoothly and the cooling and soothing effect was indeed instant. The skin does not appear to require extra moisture after, so the stick must have done its job.

I found applying the stick to my under-eye was pretty addicting. It feels good and it wakes up my eyes. The puffiness, as a result of those late nights we all have, is less visible with constant usage. What late night? :)

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sorbitol, Sodium Stearate, Glycerin, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alanine, Arginine, Betaine, BHT, Bisabolol, Caffeine, etc.

I do realize that caffeine is pretty far down from the top of the ingredient list, but it was enough for me.

The only drawback: the price - $30 for a tiny tube (4ml/ 0.13oz). The plastic cap that sits over the top of the stick when swiveled down (before the metal cap goes on) is nice to keep the stick from drying out, but with the speed I am using it right now, it won't :)

Another version of a hydrating stick that comes to mind? Elf Studio Daily Moisture stick you say?

Well, the elf version is 4 times bigger for a fifth of the cost ($6, 15g/ 0.53oz), very hard to beat! It is promoted as a multi-purpose balm, not limited to the eye area only. The formula has antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients (grape, cocoa, shea, avocado, macadamia, aloe and chamomile), quite moisturizing as well.

Texture wise, elf Daily Moisture stick feels drier, hence it does not glide on as smoothly nor feel as cooling. It takes a bit longer to absorb and become less sticky for other products to go on. I find it works better if I transfer it to my finger, then apply to the skin rather than gliding it on directly.

It does the basic moisturization well but does not do anything to the puffy under-eye area (which it does not claim to).

Ingredients for elf: Water, Sodium Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PEG-150 Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Menthol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mica, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkll (Shea) Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, etc.

The first few ingredients are the same as those in the H2O stick, in slightly different order. The elf stick has menthol and a few oils that might cause mild irritation if you have sensitive skin, but it also has cocoa and shea butter vs the caffeine in H2O. Ultimately, it would all come down to what your skin needs and the ingredients that work for that.

For me, I'll continue to use the H2O Instant Hydrating stick on the eye area. Not sure I'll repurchase as I have other eye creams to finish. The elf Daily Moisture stick for my nose, chin and elbows, including touchups.
↧

NOTD: Sally Hansen Grape Shifter

February 20, 2014, 6:16 am
$
0
0
NOTD with a newly released shade today, yay! :)

There was a bunch of Sally Hansen Insta Dri  came out in the US back in November but just made it to Canada this Spring - Walmart and Shoppers so far.

I was only interested in one shade, Grape Shifter, a multi-coloured glitter :) Because of the clear base, Grape Shifter still looks sheer after two coats on its own (on middle finger).

Not a big guess here, but it shows up a lot better on top of a dark base :)

Glowing in the bottle (and on my nails) are the micro silver and blue glitters, small purple/ pink glitters and silver holographic hex glitters in a clear base! Pheww, what a mix!

This might not sound very exciting to you, but I love a blue and purple glitter combination. Adding holographic hexes to that, not mentioning the wide brush, and we have a winner in my book :)

It has been a long time since I got an Insta-Dri, I am glad it is a good one!

If you are wondering, the base I used for this mani was LA Girl Addict in Intoxicate, a burgundy/ dark plum with gold (and sometimes coral) shimmers, opaque in one coat.

The whole Addict line from LA Girl is just awesome with beautiful shimmers and nontraditional combinations of shimmers and base colours. I love to dig them out when I need a base for other glitters.

A popular topic next: Weather lol. It has been really messy and confusing here. Wet snow frozen over night gave me hell with shoveling/ salting the driveway. And when I finally could clear it up a bit, I woke up the next morning seeing new snow has already covered it again. And last night was a mix of snow and freezing rain. Oh the fun we have when mother nature can't decide what she really wants :)
↧

Weekly flyer deals

February 21, 2014, 6:59 am
$
0
0
Some shopping news first:
- Revlon ColorStay Moisture Gel stain line is coming out in July - another drugstore answer to YSL Gloss Stains, we assumed :)
- Lancome Hypnotic Eyes Spring collection, with 3 Color Design matte 5-Shadow & Liner palettes, is out in the US. The Bay won't have it this Spring/ Summer, not sure about Fall. No news if other Lancome counters will have it, unfortunately.
- Hourglass Ambient blushes were up on Sephora yesterday, available to Canadians. In store release is supposed to be today, so check your store.
Note: Sephora now charges duties on Canadian orders. Boo!

Shoppers: x20 points with $75 purchase of cosmetics, select skin care, fragrances, hair colour, bath foam & gel, nail care, jewelry and hosiery all week
- Neutrogena/ Clean & Clear facial cleanser: CAD7.99
- Garnier skin care: 25% off
- No7, Yes To skin care: 20% off
- Blistex/ Nivea lip care: 20% off
- Revlon Lash Potion, Grow Luscious, PhotoReady mascara, eyeliner: 25% off
- Revlon Shadow Links: CAD2.99; ColorStay Ultimate Suede lip, PhotoReady eyeshadow, Nearly Naked makeup: CAD8.99; ColorStay concealer, PhotoReady makeup: CAD11.99
- CoverGirl Wetslicks lip, Flamed Up mascara, Clean makeup: CAD6.99
- CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara, Blast eye, CoverGirl & Olay makeup: 20% off
- Maybelline MasterSmoky, Line Stiletto eyeliner: CAD8.99
- Rimmel/ Almay: 25% off
- Quo brushes: 25% off
- Sally Hansen Nail art pen, Satin Glam, Sugar Shimmer nail polish: CAD6.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche/ CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polish: CAD5.99
- Nails Inc nail polish: CAD10.99.

Bonus Optimum points until March 14:
- x15 points with $25 Quo purchase.

Until March 21:
- 15,000 points with $150 Lancome purchase
- 4,000 points with $40 Lise Watier makeup purchase
- x10 points with purchase of any Shiseido White Lucent product.

Lawtons: Super bonus Saturday: x2 Airmiles with $25 purchase or x10 Airmiles with $65 purchase
- Garnier Clean +: 20% off
- Simple Sensitive Skin Experts skin care: 20% off
- Aveeno Positively Radiant skin care: 25% off
- L'Oreal Sublime cleansing product, Age Perfect skin care: 25% off
- Vichy 3-in-1 cleanser, Dermablend, sun care, skin care kits: 25% off (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- H2O Oasis: 25% off (bonus 25 miles when you buy 2)
- Olay Clean & Mild makeup remover cloths (20's): 50% off
- Lotus Aroma bath, body: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Terractive face/ hair masks: 50% off
- Revlon/ Milani face: 25% off
- Revlon blush: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- CoverGirl Lip Perfection, Outlast lip: CAD7.99 (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara: 25% off
- L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara: CAD9.99 (bonus 15 miles when you buy 3)
- Physicians Formula: 25% off
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: 25% off
- Sally Hansen nail polish, treatment: 15% off
- Sinful Colors nail polish: CAD1.89
- Revlon classic nail polish: CAD4.88
- L'Oreal nail polish: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Red Carpet LED gel manicure: 25% off
- Revlon beauty tools: 25% off.

Superstore: Tax free on Saturday (NS)
- Garnier skin care: 25% off
- Revlon Super Lustrous lip, Color Burst lip butter: CAD4.97 (save $4); Color Burst matte/ lacquer balm, Just Bitten Kissable balm stain: CAD5.97 (save $3)
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara: CAD3.96 (save $1); Dr. Rescue Baby Lips, Color Show Kohl eyeliner: CAD4; Volume Extress/ Big Eyes/ 1BY1 mascara: CAD4.97 (save $2)
- CoverGirl Professional mascara: CAD4.44; Clean makeup: CAD5.87 (save $1); Lash Blast mascara: CAD6.47 (save $1)
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara: CAD4.98 (save $1.75); Voluminous False Fiber/ 24h Power/ Million Lashes/ Excess mascara: CAD6.97 (save $3)
- Revlon classic/ Top Speed nail polish: CAD3.97
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon nail polish: CAD5.97 (save $3).

Walmart:
- L'Oreal RevitaLift skin care: CAD17.97 - CAD21.96 (Miracle/ Moisture Blur)
- Aveeno cleanser, moisturizer/ Nivea 1-2-3 skin care: on roll back
- Revlon Ultimate Suede lipstick: CAD9.87; Age Defying CC cream, makeup: CAD14.96
- Maybelline Baby Lips, Great Lash mascara: CAD3.56; Dream makeup: CAD9.87
- Rimmel Colour Rush balm: CAD5.98.

Target:
- Aveeno lotion (532ml), selected bath treatments: CAD9.99; body products: 25% off
- Maybelline (selected items): 25% off - the pic is of the Master Glaze blush.

The Bay: Shop more, save more event
*** Shoes & sandals:
- Spend $50, save 15%
- Spend $100, save 20%
- Spend $150 or more, save 25%.

*** Accessories (fashion jewelry, accessories and sunglasses):
- Buy 1: save 15%
- Buy 2: save 20%
- Buy 3 or more: save 25%.

*** Handbags:
- Spend $60, save $15
- Spend $100, save $25
- Spend $150 or more, save $50.

The Body Shop: $10 off $20 coupon for in store or code "THEBODYSHOP" for online, good until Monday. Current in store promo is B3G2F, B2F1F or B1G1 50% off.

Rexall: 50 bonus Airmiles with $50 purchase until Sunday.

The Shopping Channel: Free shipping on orders of $100 or more with code "SHIP100".
↧
Search

MysteryBrand Vox Box

February 24, 2014, 6:34 am
$
0
0
It was a good round of Influenster Vox Box when they peaked testers' curiosity with a MysteryBrand box.

At the beginning of the month, Influenster sent out a box containing 3 hair care samples under the L'Oreal umbrella of 25 brands: a shampoo, a conditioner and a split-end serum for distressed, damaged hair (50ml each). We were encouraged to make guesses of the actual brand that makes them.

I was having some issue with my mail box, didn't get to test out the samples long before my blogger friends' disclosed the brand. So that was that :)

And the second box arrived, confirming the brand and revealing the product line - Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser.

The line features the Phyto-Keratin complex (a natural protein source with active fruit concentrate) and Cupuacu butter (a superfruit with protecting lipids) to reconstruct and preserve strength for strong hair that looks rejuvenated.

The packaging is eye catching with orange and green theme, and the scent is quite good and refreshing.

The basic first: Fortifying shampoo and conditioner in traditional 384ml bottles.

The duo does the job very well. The conditioner is very smooth and dense, like a hair butter almost and not the runny liquid kind. I was very impressed.

My hair feels soft (but not the softest I have seen) and light. The brushing every morning yield a little less fallouts, which gives me hope. I have been losing hair so much, it is not even funny.

Also, I am not sure these products are colour safe, so I did not use them as often as suggested.

Ingredients for shampoo: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coca-midopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Amodimethicone, CI 19140, CI 15985, Guarhydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, etc.

Ingredients for conditioner: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Paraffinum Liquidum, Behentrimonium Chloride, CI 19140, CI 15985, Niacinamide, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Saccharumofficinarum Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, etc.

Now the Split End Bandage (125ml) is interesting! Advertised as a product to help prevent split ends, not cure them, the serum is meant to be applied on towel-dried hair to damaged areas, without a rinse afterward.

I use the product to the ends of my hair every time I wash it. The texture is that of a typical conditioner, smooths out easily on the hair. The pump 9with a locking mechanism) makes it easier too.

I do have a history with split ends if I don't have a trim often enough (which I don't), so I use the Bandage as often as I could, hoping it would prevent the issue. Time will tell. For now, my ends look as healthy as the rest of the strands :)

Ingredients: Aqua, CI 19140, CI 15985, CI 17200, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Niacinamide, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Saccharumofficinarum Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolized Soy Protein, Hydrolized Wheat Protein, etc.

And lastly, the Strength Reconstructing butter, a hair mask of sort, that comes in a 250ml jar. Plenty for your hair :)

As suggested, I apply the butter after shampooing, from root to tip, leave on about 5 minutes and rinse. Not very different from how I use the conditioner.

The butter is thicker than the conditioner and is meant to do more intense work. It feels more like a special treat to the hair, not just routine washing. Depending on the hair condition, I alternate them.

Ingredients (with a few repeats compared to those of the conditioner above): Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Candelilla Cera, Cetyl Esters, Glycerin, CI 19140, CI 15985, Niacinamide, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Saccharumofficinarum Extract, etc.

All in all, Damage Eraser is a good hair care line. Long term effects are to be further confirmed, but the products work well for what they are advertised to do during the testing period. I hope they work for you too, if you decide to give them a try.
↧
↧

NYC Vox Box gift pack

February 25, 2014, 6:27 am
$
0
0
I received a NYC package from Influenster Vox Box last week, as a gift after completing the review of NYC Big Bold products with a FOTD last month.

Reviews were not required for these but I thought some of you might be interested in seeing how more NYC products perform.

What I got, from L-R:
- HD Felt tip liquid liner in Extra Black (which I won't review, as I have others to finish before they all dry out)
- City Proof Twistable Intense lip color in Ballroom Blush
- Sun 'n Bronze bronzing powder in Hamptons Radiance, and
- Individual Eyes palette in Smokey Charcoals.

The Sun 'n Bronze bronzer looks quite nice with stripes of colours running through it. However, it shows up light on my skin tone.

The swatch on the left was done heavily with the darkest stripe only, with a narrow brush, for colour concentration. I tried to contour my face this way but the colour did not show up well. It would look nicer on lighter skin though.

On the right is how the bronzer looks all swirled together with a blush brush. Hamptons Radiance will add a touch of warmth all over face with a light sheen, like a finishing powder, not a bronzer per se.

Despite the name, the Twistable Intense lip color is a little sheer with the first swipe but buildable (the swatch is with 3 swipes). Ballroom Blush is a quite bold fuchsia pink once built up, has a nice sheen to it.

It lasts a few hours on me with eating and drinking and does not seem to leave any stain on the lips. It is comfortable to wear, and needless to say, the twisting mechanism is appreciated.

The Individual Eyes palette has 4 eyeshadows - Highlighter, All Over Lid and 2 Crease/ Contour (powder), plus a primer and an illuminator (cream).

The eyeshadows are by themselves on the top half and on top of the primer on the bottom half. The illuminator is across the bottom, quite shimmery.

The eyeshadows are not extremely pigmented, take about 3 swipes in the swatches. They all have a satin finish, are easy to blend. The black could be more pigmented to support the Smokey Charcoals name.

The primer goes on as a skin-tone-coloured cream but dries to a powder finish. It does not improve the colour payoff but keeps the eyeshadows in tact for about 6 hours on me. I use the illuminator on the brow bone, toned down with the white eyeshadow from the palette on top.

The palette has a hard plastic sheet that fits on top of each pan to minimizes contamination between the two textures, simple and effective. If the colour pigmentation is improved a bit more, this could be a great smokey palette on its own.

Overall, the Twistable Intense lip color wins the competition. With the $2.99 price tag, I might have to check out the purple shade called Gramercy Park Plum soon. FOTD to follow.
↧

FOTD: NYC Vox Box gift pack

February 26, 2014, 6:49 am
$
0
0
Following the NYC Vox Box gift pack review yesterday, I did a look with the products:

- Individual Eyes palette in Smokey Charcoals
A daytime smoky eye look with all 4 eyeshadows on the lids with the primer underneath and the illuminator on the brow bone under the white highlighter shade
- Sun 'n Bronze bronzing powder in Hamptons Radiance
I used Real Techniques foundation brush to apply he darkest colour under my cheekbones and on the side of my nose. It is, as expected, a bit too light to show up on my skin tone
- City Proof Twistable Intense lip color in Ballroom Blush
The colour is beautiful but would pair better with a neutral eye look. I have been wearing it at work, toned down or sheered out but still pretty.

Other products used:

- L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector serum concentrate
- Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 CC Tone correcting moisturizer SPF15
- CoverFx cream foundation in M50
- Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch highlighting concealer in Buff
- Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Precision pen in Blacquer
- Milani Liquid Eye liquid-like eyeliner pencil in Black
- Styli-Style ColorLash mascara in Blue
- ArtDeco bronzing glow blusher.

Thought I would include the skin prep items in the product list. I am trying to be better at using a serum before my moisturizer (after sunscreen of course) as serums are overflowing my skin care drawer lol.

Also tried to practice my liquid liner skill, so there is one in the list too :)

It is sunny outside, but freezing cold with windchill too. Not that it's something new this winter around here, as you all know. I am worn out, a number of people at work off sick too. Something in the air, and it's not Spring, I tell you.

So what's IS new with you all? You have been quite quiet on here, sometimes I feel like I was talking to myself lol.

I am looking forward to the trip to Toronto in April - just to see friends, eat out and shop. I do need some drawer organizers from IKEA when I'm there, after buying like mad at Dollarama here. Muji drawers look great but they are tiny. I'll need a truck load of it if I want to put my stuff on display like that :) Any tips for me?
↧

NOTD: Kiss Top coat trio

February 27, 2014, 6:59 am
$
0
0
Another Kiss kit I received for review, this is the Top coat trio with Glossy, Matte and Shimmer Effect top coats. Just like in the Gradation kit, the bottles are 0.2oz/ 6ml each, very travel friendly.

On the first try, I applied the top coats on a nail colour I wore that day.

Before (left): Rainbow Honey Apple Kid from the Summer of 199x collection, a beautiful hot pink with shimmers. After (right): Gloss Effect on index, Matte Effect on middle and Shimmer Effect on ring and pinky fingers.

Since the polish already has some shimmers, the Shimmer Effect top coat did not make much of a difference and looked similar to the Gloss Effect. The Matte Effect is quite noticeable but unfortunately only lasted a day as my middle finger started looking like the rest on day 2.

Second try, with a dark shade - Essence Chic Reloaded. Same top coat placement above, but both pics are for the after this time.

The Matte Effect top coat gave Chic Reloaded a wax/ semi-matte finish, while the Shimmer Effect gives off a pretty pink sheen.

I'd say the Shimmer Effect works the best among the three top coats but the effects depend a lot on the base colour. The trio is convenient to travel with, to serve whatever mood you have for your nail finish, but for daily use, I would reach for better top coats.
↧

Weekly flyer deals

February 28, 2014, 6:40 am
$
0
0
If there is only 1 thing you will buy this weekend, make it L'Oreal Sublime Soft micellar solution. My review will be up on Monday, but heads up is that it is on major sale (50% off almost, see below, in bold) and I even have a coupon for you!

Shoppers: Saturday - Monday: 18,500 points with $75 purchase
*** Sunday & Monday:
- Revlon nail polish, treatment: CAD3.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD4.99)
- Aussie, Herbal Essences hair care, Balea kids shampoo: CAD2.49 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD2.99).

*** All week:
- Softsoap, Irish Spring, Gear body wash: BOGO
- Renu, Sensitive Eyes multi-purpose solution: BOGO
- Vichy skin care: 20% off
- Aveeno, Olay, L'Oreal Sublime facial cleanser: CAD7.99 ($2 coupons on the display or printable coupon)
-  L'Oreal Skin Expertise facial moisturizer, Neutrogena skin care: CAD12.99
- Garnier UltraLift skin care: 20% off
- Biore, Jergens skin care: 20% off
- Vaseline body lotion, Pond's facial moisturizer/ cleansing cloths: CAD4.99
- Marcelle facial cleanser, cleansing cloths: 20% off
- Marc Anthony hair care: BOGO
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise, Vidal Sassoon, Clear hair care: CAD3.99
- Batiste dry shampoo: CAD7.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire, Voluminous Butterfly mascara, Infallible Blackbuster liquid liner, Silkissime eyeliner: x20 points
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Line Express eyeliner: BOGO
- CoverGirl TruBlend: x15 points
- Rimmel Vinyl gloss: BOGO; Natural bronzer, Scandal Eyes Retro Glam mascara, Apocalips, Stay Matte makeup: CAD6.99
- Physicians Formula: 20% off
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: BOGO
- Sally Hansen Triple Shine: CAD6.99; I Heart nail art kit, nail polish: CAD5.99
- Essie Quick-e drying drops, nail polish: 20% off
- Nails Inc nail polish, treatment: CAD10.99
- Quo, Life Brand cotton pads (125's): BOGO
- Quo nail polish remover: BOGO.

Bonus Optimum points until March 14:
- x15 points with $25 Quo purchase
In the picture is Quo Spring 2014 collection, out now.

Until March 21:
- 15,000 points with $150 Lancome purchase
- 4,000 points with $40 Lise Watier makeup purchase
- 3,000 points with purchase of L'Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue
- 1,500 points with purchase of 2 Maybelline fashion week products (the pic includes the Elixirs and Big Eyes mascara)
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Aveeno products
- x10 points with purchase of any Shiseido White Lucent product
- x10 points with purchase of any Nivea face care product or body lotion.

Lawtons: Bonus 10 Airmiles with every 95 miles you redeem until Monday. The offer is also valid at Sobeys, Rona, Pharmasave, etc. Plus, for every $25 spent on cosmetics in March, swipe your Airmiles card and receive 1 entry to win free cosmetic for a year ($1,200 in Lawtons gift cards)
- La Roche-Posay: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Vichy Normaderm: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Fruits & Passion body lotion, cream, shower gel: 50% off
- Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra Lift skin care: 25% off; Pure Control skin care: 20% off
- L'Oreal Youth Code skin care: 25% off
- Montagne Jeunesse mask: 20% off
- Ombrelle sun care: 25% off
- Maybelline Baby Lips: CAD3.99 (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 3); lip: 25% off
- Revlon: 25% off (bonus 15 miles when you spend $25)
- CoverGirl single eyeshadow: CAD3.99; Clean makeup, mascara: CAD6.99 (bonus 25 miles when you buy 3)
- L'Oreal mascara: 25% off
- Marcelle (selected items): 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2); Ultra Gentle cleansing gel: CAD9.95 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Annabelle eye/ lip liner: CAD3.99
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off (bonus 15 miles when you spend $25)
- Wet n Wild: 25% off
- NYX eyeshadow, lip/ eye pencils: 10% off (bonus 15 miles when you buy 3)
- Milani lip: 15% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 3)
- Vasanti: 20% off (free single eyeshadow with $20 purchase)
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: CAD3.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Revlon nail polish, beauty tools: 25% off (bonus 15 miles when you spend $25)
- CoverGirl/ LA Splash nail polish: CAD3.99
- Milani nail polish: 15% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 3)
- Essie nail polish, treatment: CAD8.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Layla nail polish: 10% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $25)
- Seche Vite: CAD6.99 (bonus 25 miles when you buy 3)
- Sinful Colors nail polish: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 3)
- Red Carpet Manicure nail polish, treatment: CAD8.99
- Ardell lashes: CAD3.99 (bonus 20 miles when you buy 3)
- EcoTools/ Real Techniques brushes: 15% off (bonus 5 miles when you spend $10)
- Terractive masks: 50% off.

Walmart:
- L'Oreal Youth Code skin care: CAD18.94 (the pic includes the Pore Vanisher)
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara: CAD5.96
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise: CAD3.92
- Vaseline Intensive Care lotion (725ml, with 20% bonus): CAD6.77
- Dove hair care, bar soaps, body wash: CAD3.

Target:
- Revlon (selected items): CAD3.99; mascara: 20% off
- CoverGirl (selected items): CAD3.99; Clean, Flamed Out, Ink It: CAD5.89.

The Bay: Extra 15% off on almost anything in store and online, and double your points, with Hudson's Bay credit card/ MaterCard until Sunday.

The Shop more Save more Spring Accessories event I mentioned in last week's post is still on.

Estee Lauder GWP of $36.50 or more, values $85 until March 16. The gift includes:
- Your choice of moisturizer: Resilience Lift creme or DayWear creme
- Your choice of lip & eye shades: Subtle or Bold Pure Color lipstick and eyeshadow quad
- Advanced Night Repair
- Take It Away makeup remover lotion
- Sumptuous mascara, and
- Lilly Pulitzer cosmetic bag.

Additionally, with an Estee Lauder of $80 or more, you'll get to choose your shade of a dual-ended Double Wear concealer/ Pure Color gloss duo, and a lip conditioner, a lipstick and at travel mirror with Lilly print.

Until Sunday, with an Estee Lauder purchase of $75 or more using Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard, you'll get a $20 saving card, redeemable on your next purchase of $100 or more (excluding cosmetics/ fragrances) with Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard until March 16.

Sally: China Glaze nail polish and Gelaze are on BOGO all month of March.

Bath and Body Works:
- 3-wick candles: 2/CAD34, Mason jar candles: 2/CAD18
- Mini candles: 3/CAD10
- Signature body care: B3G3F
- New hand soaps: 10/CAD33 or $5 each
- Room perfume (1.5oz): CAD6
- Aromatherapy, True Blue Spa, C.O. Bigelow: B2G1F
- PocketBac: 3/CAD5
- Liplicious, C.O. Bigelow lips: 3/CAD10
- Wallflowers: 4/CAD20.50 or 6/CAD25.50.

H&M: Denim is on BOGO1/2.

Starbucks Canada:  Select winter tumblers and mugs are up to 30% off. I am after those rose gold ones :) Shipping is $4.95 or free with $75 orders.

Ebates Canada: Mommy Madness Double cash back event
- The Shopping Chanel: 3%
- Walmart: up to 4%
- Old Navy, GAP, Roots, the Source: 4%
- The Bay, French Connection: 5%
- Macy's, Ardene: 6%
- Justice: 7%
- tarte: 8%
- TOMS, The Body Shop: 10%
- ShoeMe.ca: 24%
- Entertainment Book: 35%, etc.

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

L'Oreal Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar

March 3, 2014, 6:23 am
$
0
0
As luck would have it, I found the L'Oreal Sublime display a week and a half ago at the third Shoppers location I went to, on sale, plus coupons... You know the rest :)

What I got:
- From the Sublime Soft line (for dry and sensitive skin, with pink themed packaging): the famous Gentle Micellar solution (called Skin Perfection 3-in-1 Purifying Micellar solution in the UK, no news for the US yet)
- Sublime Radiance line (for dull skin, orange themed packaging): Sensational cleansing oil and Revealing exfoliator
- Sublime Fresh line (for normal to combination skin, teal themed packaging): Purifying gel wash.

There are also a Sublime SoftSoothing gel cream wash, a Sublime FreshPurifying foaming cleanser, and cleansing wipes from both lines, if you want to check them out. Packaging is all plastic, no breakage risk while traveling :)

I am reviewing the Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar solution today and the rest tomorrow.

As part of the Sublime Soft line for dry and sensitive skin, the Gentle Micellar solution is indeed gentle, like water.

It feels like water too, no scent, no greasy oil, no residue after removing my makeup and no rinsing required. My face feels so relaxed and clean. It is a good feeling!

And it works for both my eye and face makeup, so I do not have to double cleanse nor follow up with any other cleansing products. On waterproof mascara and liners, it still needs a tiny bit of help from my favorite makeup remover of all time (Marcelle Soothing cleansing water), so I'd say it removes about 95% of what I put on my face :)

This Micellar solution works best for those late night when all I want to do is fall into bed instead of removing my makeup. 2 cotton pads, both sides, are all it takes, maybe a third one to go over the whole face for good measure or when you have super dark eye makeup.

The bottle is flat, with a flip top to discharge the liquid. It takes a bit of quantity control here, as I find myself pouring a little too much at times. Maybe L'Oreal will consider putting a pump dispenser on there some day.

Ingredients: Water, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodyacetate, Disodium EDTA, Poloxamer 184, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (F.I.L.: C54894/3).

The bottle is 200ml, retails $14.99 at Shoppers ($7.99 this week!), $9.96 at Walmart. As mentioned in my flyer deal post, there are $2 coupons for the line. So, go get it :)

P.S.: I didn't make any comparison to Bioderma as I haven't used it for a long time after I discovered the Marcelle version mentioned above. For the price, L'Oreal definitely enter the market with a bang!

There is also another micellar cleansing water from Garnier that surfaced in the UK (again). Garnier Canada says they will be expanding the lines in Canada but no details have been mentioned.
↧

L'Oreal Sublime Radiance/ Fresh

March 4, 2014, 6:15 am
$
0
0
With the great success of L'Oreal Sublime SoftGentle Micellar solution, I gotta tell you about the rest of the products I bought :)

The Sublime RadianceSensational cleansing oil, meant for dull skin, is to remove makeup (even waterproof) instantly without a greasy finish.

In a few words, this cleansing oil combines 2 steps of the oil cleansing method (cleanse with oil, then follow up with a cleanser) into one and save you time.

2-3 pumps of the oil to your dry hands, massage on dry face AND eyes, emulsify with a few drops of water, then rinse. A bit of cloudiness might happen when the oil is rubbed over your eyes and lashes but it won't last. Try to keep your eyes close as much as you can while washing :)

The oil just disappears without a trace when you wash it off, and it probably remove 98% of my waterproof makeup. My face feels clean, soft and nourished after each wash. Sublime Radiance is one of the most comfortable cleansing oils I have tried. The pump is great to dispense the oil and the scent is delightful and light to add.

Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylstearate, Isohexadecane, PEG-20 Gylceryltriisostearate, Water, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum (F.I.L.: C158176/4).

The bottle is 150ml, same price point as the Micellar solution.

From the same Sublime Radiance line, there is a Revealing exfoliator. Still with the same refreshing scent, with the micro beads working to exfoliate and clean your face.

The beads are gentle enough to be used daily on the face (not suggested for the eyes). I rotate my cleansers often, but during the testing period, this works really well. Not sure if it is a radiant look, but like the cleansing oil, the exfoliator offers a post-wash good feeling. A nice and gentle scrub to have, if you like the scent.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Polyethylene, Acrylates Copolymer, Coco-betaine, Benzyl Salicylate, Citric Acid, Glycerin, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Prunusarmeniaca Seed powder, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum (F.I.L.: C43258/2).

And from the line that is meant for my skin type (normal to combination), the Sublime FreshPurifying gel wash peaks my interest.

And yes, it cleans my face nicely but nothing extraordinary. The scent, however, is a bit overwhelmingly soapy, even though it does not contain any soap. I prefer the scrub over this gel wash, after all said and done.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Benzyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Menthol, Geraniol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronella, Limonene, Citronellol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Parfum (F.I.L.: K51645/2).

The tubes for the scrub and the wash are both 150ml, with same retail price as the oil.

So, the winning products in my book are the micellar solution and the cleansing oil. What Sublime product(s) are you going to try?
↧
Search

NOTD: L'Oreal I Like It Chunky

March 6, 2014, 7:12 am
$
0
0
So I missed a post yesterday for being sick like a dog. It hurt to cough or to stand up, so I was glued to the recliner and a blanket :(

I am back at you today with a cool shade from L'Oreal Gold Dust collection. If you haven't indulged, these texture shades have awesome characters and stand-out glitters that shine like crazy on the nails.

This is I Like It Chunky (yes I do lol), a shade that does not get as much buzz as it deserves. What a shame!

Two unique things here - copper is not a popular shade among texture lines across brands, and then copper with silver and sometimes pink glitters that are visible on the nails is even more rare.

I applied only one coat of I Like It Chunky, was very impressed at the pigmentation and coverage.

The wear is pretty good as well, I didn't see tip wear until day 3. Besides that, it is still going strong on day 4. I am sure if I touch it up with another coat, it would be as good as new :)

Closeup on the copper and glitter goodness that I Like It Chunky has going on. IRL, the copper is more muted and less red, which is totally work appropriate. I am totally sold on this one!

Have you checked out the Gold Dust line, or I Like It Chunky in particular? I went a little overboard when Lawtons had a sale, plus a bonus Airmiles offer on the line, ended up with 4 :) You probably see them all in future NOTDs.

It has been a tough week at SB HQ, plus record low temperature this time of year (it is March, if mother nature forgot!), I just can't wait for the weekend. Anything exciting at your end - shopping. spending time with family?
↧

Weekly flyer deals

March 7, 2014, 6:39 am
$
0
0
Shoppers: Saturday & Sunday (ON, NS, NB, NL, PE): Spend your Points event
- 50,000 points = $100 (extra $15) or
- 95,000 points = $200 (extra $30).

For BC, AB, SK, MB, NT or YT:
- 50,000 points = $85 (regular redemption rate) and a free $15 gift card, or
- 95,000 points = $170 (regular redemption rate) and a free $30 gift card.

All week:
- Bio oil (125ml): CAD19.99
- Garnier skin care: CAD14.99; Pure Control facial moisturizer: 15% off
- Olay skin care: 30% off
- L'Oreal, Neutrogena facial moisturizer: CAD19.99
- Simple, Balea facial cleanser: CAD5.99
- RoC makeup remover, facial cleanser: 25% off
- Marcelle New Age makeup/ skin care: 20% off
- Organix, Gosh hair care: CAD6.99
- Pantene, Vidal Sassoon, Herbal Essences Naked hair care: CAD3.99
- Soap & Glory bath: x10 points
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara, Color Sensational lip, Fit Me: CAD6.99
- Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lip, PhotoReady eyeshadow, Nearly Naked makeup: CAD12.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire: CAD8.99; Telescopic eye, Colour Riche lip: CAD9.99; Magic makeup: CAD14.99
- CoverGirl Lip Perfection lip: CAD8.99
- Rimmel Exaggerate/ Scandal Eyes waterproof eyeliner: 20% off
- Rimmel Clean Finish foundation, gloss, Scandal Eyes: CAD5.99; Apocalips, Lash Accelerator mascara, Stay Matte: CAD7.99
- Gosh makeup: x15 points
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri: CAD4.99; Diamond Strength nail polish: CAD5.99; Big Matte/ Shiny top coat: CAD7.99
- CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polish: 25% off
- Revlon nail art sun, Moon Candy: CAD7.99
- Quo by Orly Instant Artist: 2/CAD7
- Sensationail starter kit, Color gel polish: 20% off
- Neostrata skin care GWP of $60 or more. The gift includes Lash Enhancer serum (3ml), Firmalift body cream (30ml) in a cosmetic bag.

With a purchase of $125 or more on cosmetics, skincare or fragrance at beautyBOUTIQUE now till March 21, you'll get a clutch filled with over 20 luxury cosmetic, skin care and fragrance samples.

Note that you won't get this freebie if you redeem your points, as you actually have to spend $ to count. Maybe we can hope for a x20 points or something to pair with this offer before it expires :)

Bonus Optimum points until March 14:
- x15 points with $25 Quo purchase
Quo Spring 2014 collection Modern Muse is out now.

Until March 21:
- 15,000 points with $150 Lancome purchase
- 4,000 points with $40 Lise Watier makeup purchase
- 3,000 points with purchase of L'Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue
- 1,500 points with purchase of 2 Maybelline fashion week products (the pic includes the Elixirs and Big Eyes mascara)
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Aveeno products
- x10 points with purchase of any Shiseido White Lucent product
- x10 points with purchase of any Nivea face care product or body lotion.

Lawtons: For every $25 spent on cosmetics in March, swipe your Airmiles card and receive 1 entry to win free cosmetic for a year ($1,200 in Lawtons gift cards).
Until Sunday, you get $10 Sobeys/ Foodland gift card with $50 purchase.
- Marcelle New Age Precision skin care: 20% off (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- Vichy skin care: 20% off, purchase 9 Vichy products using your Airmiles card and get the 10th product free
- Neostrata/ Cliniderm skin care: 30% off, purchase 9 Neostrata/ Cliniderm products using your Airmiles card and get the 10th product free
- Avene sun care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Upper Canada Fruit Frappe: 50% off
- H2O body: 20% off (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2)
- Garnier UltraLift/ Skin Renew skin care: 30% off
- Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days lotion (250ml): CAD2.99
- Garnier Fructis: CAD3.29
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Shine Sensational gloss, Baby Lips: CAD3.99 (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2); mascara: CAD6.99
- Maybelline eyeliner, eyeshadow: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- L'Oreal face: 25% off
- L'Oreal mascara, eyeliner: CAD8.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Revlon lip: 25% off
- Annabelle TwistUp lip/ eye: CAD6.99 (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- Physicians Formula: 40% off
- Almay: 15% off (bonus 15 miles when you spend $25)
- NYX: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $25)
- Styli-Style: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $20)
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- Mistura beauty kit, Luminada mascara, eyeliner: 50% off
- Cargo: bonus 50 miles when you spend $20
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: CAD3.99 (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2)
- Revlon classic nail polish: CAD3.99 (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2)
- Nicole by OPI nail polish: CAD6.99
- Red Carpet Manicure LED gel: 25% off.

Superstore:
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Moisture/ Miracle Blur, facial moisturizer: CAD19.99
- Garnier Clean+, Pure Control cleanser: CAD6.99
- Neutrogena oil free makeup remover: CAD7.99
- Maybelline Color Show Khol liner: CAD3.97; Volume Express Colossal Smoky mascara: CAD5.97; Color Sensational lipstick (Buff collection): CAD7.97
- L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly/ 24hr/ False Fiber mascara, Infallible Silkissime eyeliner: CAD7.97; Colour Riche Extraordinaire: CAD9.97
- Revlon Color Burst matte/ lacquer balm, Just Bitten Kissable balm stain: CAD5.97; Age Defy CC cream/ liquid makeup: CAD14.96
- CoverGirl Bombshell mascara, shine shadow: CAD7.97; TruBlend foundation, TruMagic skin perfector: CAD9.97
- Rimmel BB cream matte: CAD6.97
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: CAD3.97
- Revlon classic, Top Speed nail polish: CAD3.97
- CoverGirl Bombshell Outlast nail polish: CAD4.97
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish: CAD3.50; Complete Salon manicure nail polish, Salon Effects nail polish strips: CAD6.97
- Essie nail polish, Quick-e drops, Good to Go: CAD8.97.

Walmart:
- Garnier Fructis: 2/CAD6
- L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly, False Fiber, 24hr mascara: CAD8.96
- CoverGirl Flamed Out mascara, eyeshadow pencil, Ink It: CAD5.97.

Target:
- L'Oreal RevitaLift, Age Perfect, Youth Code skin care: CAD19.99 (including Miracle Blur eye/ Moisture Blur, etc.)
- L'Oreal Colour Riche: 20% off
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise, Vidal Sassoon hair care: CAD3.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche press-on nails, Nail Extraordinaire gel polish: 20% off.

Marcelle and Annabelle: 40% off on their websites between March 8 -13 to celebrate International Women's Day :)

At the moment, Annabelle offers a free Shenae Big Show lip shine with every order, and a 8-issue subscription to Loulou Magazine with $55 orders. Both brands offer free shipping in Canada (US shipping is calculated based on weight and size of the order).

The Bay: Shop more Save more Spring Accessories event is still on.

Bath and Body Works:
- All candles: BOGO
- Signature body care: B3G3F
- New hand soaps: 6/CAD28 or 3/CAD18
- Room perfume (1.5oz): CAD6
- Aromatherapy, True Blue Spa, C.O. Bigelow: B2G1F
- PocketBac: 3/CAD5
- Liplicious, C.O. Bigelow lips: 3/CAD10
- Wallflowers: 4/CAD20.50 or 6/CAD25.50.

Note these promos don't a specific end date, i.e. they can end abruptly. Stores only know about sales the day of, so they can't tell you if the sale is still on the next day. Call your store right before heading out to avoid disappointment.

The Body Shop: Double your LYB points until Sunday. Online only: 40% off until Sunday.

All month for LYB members, the Vitamin E Overnight serum in oil is $10 off (reg. $28) in store (with your LYB card) and online (with code "LOVEYOURBODY10").

Cherry Culture: 40% off MSRP on everything until Sunday with code "MMM14".

Beyond the Rack: New low rate shipping, starting from $5.95, calculated depending on the items, shipping address, etc. (vs. flat rate $11.95 before). The 3 Day free shipping pass offer is still on, and their return period has been extended from 30 days to 1 year!

My link is on the left side bar, if you need it :)

Not beauty related, but I thought I should note it too: Canadian Tire now has Pay & Pickup: pay online and pick up the items a few hours later at the store you selected.
↧
↧

Maybelline Dare to go Nude

March 10, 2014, 6:13 am
$
0
0
Remember I mentioned a few weeks back that the Maybelline Dare to go Nude (LE) collection will be available in Canada mid March?

Well, it has been confirmed that the official date is tomorrow, March 11 :) As I mentioned, not all items in the US release will make it to us, but I haven't been able to confirm which ones will. We'll have to keep an eye out for them.

There are only 2 items that I want from the collection, as you all know I don't do too well with nude shades. To avoid the risk of not being able to find them here, I asked for a CP from my friend in the US.

I haven't indulged in any Master Glaze blush sticks from the core line, so I picked the less nude between the 2 shades in this LE collection: Barely Pink. It is so beautiful, a peachy pink nude that I don't think I have in the stash.

Among the 6 Color Tattoos, I only wanted one - Stroke of Midnight, the black! Not to say that the other 5 aren't worth getting (cause they are) but I always wanted a black Color Tattoo. As you might have heard, it is not a matte pigmented black but a sheer black with sparse silver fine glitters. Intrigued?

Swatches in different lighting for you:

On my skin tone, Barely Pink is indeed a barely there type of colour, just to give you a subtle hint of peachy sheen on the cheeks. The stick is creamy but not crumbly to the touch. Totally love it!

Stroke of Midnight is equally beautiful on the lids. However, it goes on sheer and is not as smooth as other Color Tattoos, works best as a base in the crease or close to the lash line only (not all over lids) to intensify your smoky eyes. The glitters are not very visible on and do not shine through your eyeshadows.

Overall, I am happy with these two items for the purposes they work well for. For the rest of the collection, I have to swatch the Master Hi-lighting blushes and the eyeshadow quads when/if we get them and probably skip the In The Buffs lipsticks, Elixir nude shades and the Color Show nude nail polishes. What are you going to hunt for?
↧

The Body Shop LE Blueberry

March 11, 2014, 6:28 am
$
0
0
The Body Shop latest (and Limited Edition) scent - Blueberry, turns out to be one of the best. And I discovered it all by myself :)

I always like the fruity scents at TBS, but it is still a surprise that I like Blueberry as much as I do. Now I love everything about this fruit and go nuts every summer eating it fresh, but I haven't seen anyone does a good blueberry scent in bath & body products. Until now!

Squirt and I decided to check out the blueberry corner at the store, not our first time seeing it but I overlooked it. The Special Edition packaging was pretty, and the moment we sniffed the body butter, it was over.

This is not a typical blueberry scent. Community fair trade honey has been added to the mix, which might explain why it smells juicy, fresh and delicate, not overly sweet. And it lasts quite long on, I couldn't get enough.

So a few Blueberry things ended up in our basket that day.

If you have tried TBS body butters, you know most of them are great, moisturizing while not being greasy. The Blueberry body butter is not an exception.

It is smooth and moisturizing enough for me. According to TBS, they use the oil from 500 blueberries in each body butter. Imagine indulging in that pool of goodness lol. And to add, I am sold on the scent already. 

Ingredients: Aqua (solvent), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed butter (emollient), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (skin conditioning agent, emollient), Glycerin (humectant), Cetearyl Alcohol (emulsifier), Glyceryl Stearate (emulsifier), PEG-100 Stearate (surfactant), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (skin conditioning agent), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Cera Alba/Beeswax (emulsifier, emollient), etc.

The body scrub is equally great, not abrasive, leaves the skin soft and refreshed. I love scrubs but have been so busy with sugar scrubs lately that I forget how fun gelly scrubs are. Glad I bought this one.

Ingredients: Aqua (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (emulsifier), Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell powder (exfoliant), Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed (abrasive), Silica (absorbent), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), etc.

Both tubs are 200ml, reg. $20 each.

Lastly, a shower gel to finish the "ritual" for days I don't use a scrub. Again, nothing to complain about. It is soap free and lathers well.

Ingredients: Aqua (solvent), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (surfactant), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (surfactant), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Glycerin (humectant), Sodium Chloride (viscosity modifier), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), etc.

The bottle is 250ml, reg. $9.

The line also has a body lotion $12, a lip butter $6 and a bath sponge (in the shape of a blueberry) $5. I know scents are personal, so give Blueberry a chance next time you are in store to see if you like it. My fear is it will be gone too soon.
↧

Flexitol heel balm

March 12, 2014, 8:27 am
$
0
0
Canadian winter does not treat our skin very well, especially this year. We have probably all experienced this by now. I used to be pretty keen on applying foot cream before bed but have neglected the task lately.

The product that helps me out quite a bit during this tough time (lol) is Flexitol heel balm. I wouldn't have known about it if it didn't arrive in a PR package for review.

Now once I look pass the not-so-nice-looking feet pic on the box (yeah, all foot products seem to have feet pics on the packaging to prove that they work, sigh...), it is indeed a great product. With 25% urea (one of the highest level on the market), the balm is the dry/ cracked skin relief for your feet.

Urea, being a humectant, has high water content and helps to hold in the moisture on the skin. It also is a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cell and improves cellular turnover in the epidermis.

With daily uses, the balm is supposed to keep your feet soft and smooth, which I did see and was happy with. Can't confirm the claim of preventing blisters and friction during exercise or when breaking in new shoes as I only applied the balm before bed.

The balm is thicker than regular lotions, so it takes a bit of time to absorb but is not sticky nor hard to spread. It is dry quite fast so I can move on to the next thing I need to do for the night (i.e. sleep) lol.

Note that it does have a medicated balm type of scent that is popular in lots of Asian balms and oils. I am used to that, so it doesn't bother me.

Medical ingredients: Urea, Lanolin, Allantoin.

Non medical ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glyceryl Stearate, Decyloleate, PEG-20 Stearate, Paraffin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium PCA, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Centipeda Cunninghamil extract, Glycolic Acid, Penthanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, etc.

The product is enriched with pro vitamin B5, E and L-Arginine and does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or parabens. Available at most pharmacies with Farleyco as the distributor in Canada.
↧
Viewing all 873 articles
Browse latest View live
Search