Beauty Review: Benefit Cosmetics Crescent Row:The Second Story

Benefit Cosmetics is one of the few brands that make me squeal with delight! If you're a sucker for cute packaging then your beauty stash is probably brimming with Benefit products. The Crescent Row perfume collection is one of a kind and in my books a collector's item. From box to bottle, everything about it is charming. When the box is opened, it's like walking into each "girl's" pretty little world.

Lookin' To Rock Rita: This is one of my favourites out of the new collection. Rita is described as "fruity green - exhilarating and stylish". My senses tend to swoon over deeper, exotic scents. This one is perfect for the summer season. The fruity vanilla scent still smells exotic but lighter and fresher. My mom has become completely smitten with it and has swiped it from me. Guess I will have to buy one - or swipe it back!

Top notes: lemon, coconut, freesia

Middle notes: juicy fig, hyacinth, violet

Bottom notes: sandalwood, brazilian rosewood, vanilla

So Hooked On Carmella: Described as "floral vanilla - exquisitely feminine", Carmella is my other favourite. It isn't pretty feminine - more sultry feminine. This is one scent that will be keeping me warm throughout the colder months. Sorry mom, can't have this one! 

Top notes: lemon, grapefruit, rhubarb

Middle notes: cyclamen, peony, tiare flower

Bottom notes: vanilla, sandalwood, amber

Garden of Good and Eva: If you prefer a cleaner, lighter scent then you will love Eva. It is a citrus floral that smells clean and fresh. Although it's not a scent I would buy, the smell is pleasant. I think with my body chemistry, warmer vanilla-based scents smell better on me.

Top notes: pear, watermelon, ozone accords, muguet

Middle notes: rosebud, jasmine petals, green violet leaves, freesia

Bottom notes: sandalwood, musk, cedarwood

I definitely recommend the Crescent Row collection. Not only do they smell divine and look pretty sitting on your vanity, the packaging makes it a perfect gift! 

Crescent Row fragrances retail for $36 USD and are available all across North America. Have you tried these lovelies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

www.benefitcosmetics.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Summer Faves: Last Minute Round-Up

Many apologies for the lack of posting! I'm trying to soak in the last few weeks of summer and cling to my summer faves as the autumn season quickly approaches. As excited as I am to play with all the colourful and sparkly goodies Fall has to bring, I just can't part with some new products that have been keeping me pretty this summer! 

1. YSL Rouge Pure Shine Sheer SPF 15 Lipstick in Blood Orange ($30 USD): When it comes to luxury brands, YSL lippies are at the top of my list. I love the ultra hydrating, smooth texture especially for my sometimes dry lips. The lipsticks have a sheer, gloss-like texture but are highly pigmented. They are a bit more slippery than a cream version and are not as long-lasting. But if you don't mind reapplying and prefer a glossy finish, you'll love YSL's Rouge Pure Shine lipsticks. Blood Orange is a gorgeous combination of red and orange with a golden shimmer. This shade is one of my go-to summer hues! The price is a bit steep for a lipstick but the juicy texture, luxurious click cap, beautiful colours and delectable mango scent make this a must-have!

 Top swatch: YSL Blood Orange, Bottom Swatch:  YSL Gloss Pur in Pure Watermelon

2. YSL Gloss Pur in Pure Watermelon ($30 USD): High shine and pure colour. If you prefer a super shiny gloss minus the shimmer you will love YSL Gloss Pur. Like YSL's Rouge Pure lipsticks, Gloss Pur also offers a moisturizing, sheer texture with a light mango scent. Pure Watermelon is a lovely shade that looks more coral on me. I love layering this over Blood Orange when I want a poutier lip with more impact. The only thing I dislike is the price tag. For something sheer that doesn't last too long, I'd opt for a cheaper gloss.

3. Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Silk Touch Lip Gloss in Rose ($22 USD): Rose is like a medium-dark gal's version of NARS Orgasm. The rosy-pink shade with a golden shimmer is so pretty and works with many looks and skin tones. This gloss is non-sticky and contains anti-oxidant Vitamin E. Unlike most glosses, these lippies offer long-lasting colour. If I had something bad to say about this gloss is that it can look a little flaky after a few hours of wear and it's not available in Canada! 

4. Jemma Kidd Skin Rescue Bio-Complex Veil SPF 15 ($24 USD): Looking to cut down your makeup routine in the morning? This multi-tasking product works as a moisturizer, primer, illuminator and tint in one! I was skeptical that this would make my face look more oily than radiant, but once it set my skin looked smooth, even-textured, and luminous. Mind you, if you have acne-prone skin and need more coverage then I'd look elsewhere. My skin usually looks its best during the summer months, so the light coverage has been perfect for me especially in this humid Toronto weather. Love the slim, pump bottle packaging but hate that its only available at Target locations in the US.

5. Lancome Tropiques Minerale Bamboo Bronzer (Bronze Riveria Summer Collection $52 CAD): When I first opened this product, I was amazed at how big this bronzer was! The size alone is worth the hefty price since it will last forever. What really makes it worth it is the beautiful detail baked into the bronzer. I almost don't want to use it because it's just too pretty! I tend to gravitate towards matte bronzers, but the mineral-base leaves the skin with a bronzy glow without too much shimmer. This bronzer highlights and contours all at the same time. Just swirl your brush all over for the most perfect summer glow! If you're a makeup junkie that loves collector's items, this is one to add to the collection! 

6. Jemma Kidd Blush Wear Creme Cheek Colour in Guava ($23 CAD): This has quickly become one of my all-time favourite cream to powder blushes! Guava is a vibrant coral-pink that perks up your complexion. Vitamin A, C and E work together to brighten, condition, and nourish the skin while anti-oxidants protect from free radical damage. These shimmer-free blushes are well-pigmented and easy to blend. Although it sets to a powder finish, your cheeks will still look naturally glowing!

7. Mereadesso Beautiful Body Balm ($54 CAD): When it comes to makeup I don't mind having multiple products, but when it comes to skincare less is more for me. I love one-step products that do it all. If you aren't familiar with Canadian skincare line, Mereadesso, get familiar fast. They strive to create skincare products that are simple, easy and efficient packed with minerals and botanicals that are good for the skin. The lovely and talented Lucky, key makeup artist for MTV Canada, is a big fan of the Face + Neck Toning Gel and has used it on The After Show co-host, Jessi Cruickshank.

This body balm is hydrating enough for the body, hands, feet and the packaging is so sleek that even men won't mind using it. It's a must-have for these skin-baring months - nothing looks worse than dry, flaky skin in the summer! Blended with 8 vitamins and minerals along with 28 globally sourced botanical ingredients, the body balm will help improve skin's texture and elasticity. It has a light scent which fades after so it won't interfere with your favourite perfume.

8. Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner Duo ($42 CAD): When I saw that this shampoo and conditioner was humidity blocking, I couldn't wait to test it out in the hot humidity. I find some no-frizz hair products tend to weigh the hair down but my hair has stayed voluminous minus the frizz. My hair can usually look and feel dense in the summer, but this hair duo has tamed my mane leaving it manageable, shiny and healthy. It provides gentle-cleansing making it great for coloured hair and is sulfate-free. Available at The Shopping Channel.

Have you tried any of my summer must-haves? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? Stay tuned for my Fall beauty trends and must-have products!

All products were sent for editorial consideration.

Summer Faves: Blush

If there is one product I've been obsessed with this summer it has to be blush and the punchier the colour the better! During the hot humid days, I tend to wear less on the eyes and more on the cheeks and lips. Finding a blush that can hold up to the humidity in the past has been a challenge but not anymore!

1. Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in Shimmering Peach ($38 USD): Armani foundations are a cult classic and for good reason. When applied, it looks like your skin but much better. The new Blushing Fabrics are very much the same concept mimicking your natural flush but better. Inspired by Armani's finest couture fabrics, you feel like you're applying a rich, weightless mousse to your skin. On me, the blush applies more pinky than peach and I'm absolutely in love with it. You can apply as sheer or as heavy, but beware - you only need a pinch to get your cheeks blushing. I find it easier to dab a little with my ring finger on the apples of my cheek and blend, but it works wonderfully with a brush as well. In my line of work, I sweat A LOT. This pretty blush definitely holds up until I'm ready to remove my makeup.

The hefty price tag may keep the wallet in the purse, but you won't be disappointed with these blushes. After all, it's Armani - would you expect anything less? To make your dollar stretch, I suggest using it as a lip stain and/or apply a gloss over top. Mix it with a bronzer and you'll have the ultimate summer flush!

2. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #10 Orange ($22 USD): This is one brand that has everything you could possibly want from a makeup line and then some. I'm so in love with these Aqua Creams that my kit is screaming to have every single one! If you've been searching for something that won't budge, smear, or melt-off then look no further. These creams are highly pigmented and water-proof. They come in a rainbow of colours and can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Shades #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are formulated for the Lips & Cheeks.
Shades #1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are formulated for the Eyes & Cheeks.

If you're daring and love bold colours that make a statement, you will love Orange this summer. This shade is just gorgeous on tanned or deeper skin tones. On someone really fair it will look equally as beautiful but use sparingly as it packs a lot of pigment and is hard to remove once blended. The texture is dreamy and creamy. Looks amazing as a blush or bold lip colour! The price point is a steal for how functional the product is!

Have you tried these blushes? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Summer Faves: Eyes

In the summer time I generally don't wear too much shadow for fear of having them smudge or crease on me. However, this season's stay put formulas give me reason to reach for the hottest summer hues!

1. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion in Eden ($18 USD): The original UD primer is an absolute staple in my kit and when Eden came out I was definitely intrigued. A primer/shadow in one? Right up my alley. I received a sample to test out and decided to wear it alone as a shadow. 

Left side blended, right side not blended

On me, this "tawny matte hue" shows up more like a bone shade on me. A little goes a long way. With too much on, I felt it almost lightened my eye area too much making it look ashy against my skin tone. Definitely use sparingly. The primer does have a brightening affect as it lightens the eye area and reduces redness on the lids. Underneath a shadow, it is as long-wearing and crease-proof as the original. All in all, I prefer the original over Eden but it works great when a little amount is used.

2. M.A.C. To The Beach Shadow in Firecracker ($17.50 CAD): I know, this is so last 2 collections ago! M.A.C. is known for launching so many collections a month so even though this is the summer collection, it seems so passe! Nevertheless, Firecracker is still a must-have summer shade.

Firecracker is a warm, burnt orange-coral shade. The colour looks delish against bronzey skin. It's a bold shade but the warmth of the hue makes it so wearable for summer. Pair this with golds and bronze or smut it up with black khol rimmed eyes. Balance the shade with peachy, bronze or coral cheeks and a light gloss.

3. YSL Fard Lumiere Aquaresistant in Golden Sands ($35 CAD): Luxury in a pot. It's like sweeping real gold over your lids. I received Golden Sands to sample and fell in love with the high-shine shimmer. When I first opened it, I thought the shadow had a glitter finish. Thankfully, it doesn't but has strong shimmer pigments. For day, apply a small amount for a sheer luminous finish. To make it wearable for the office, mix with a matte shadow. But for night, layer the shimmer on! The more your layer, the more intense the pigment and shine. This light-weight, water-proof formula has a nice cooling effect and seriously does not budge. Sweat, swim, dance - this shadow isn't going anywhere!

4. Everyday Minerals Loose Pigment Shadow in Mall Punk ($2.50 USD): I don't usually gravitate towards loose pigment shadows but Mall Punk has become one of my everyday go-to shadows. It's actually a warmer pink in person and pretty much looks delicious when paired with peachy, bronze and pinks. This shade gives the eyes a luminous glow. I need about 2-3 layers until I'm happy with the intensity of the shade but when applied wet one swipe is all it takes. When applied with a primer, it lasts all day with no touch-ups! 

5. CARGO Cosmetics Color Eye Shadow Palette in Tahiti ($28 CAD/US): The price point of these gorgeous palettes are a steal! The Tahiti palette is definitely one to have this summer. These shades ranging from olive gold to bright teal are one of this season's hottest trends. I'll be honest, I haven't worn these colours in a while. But with my basic work wardrobe, I've been inspired to wear more colour! To make it more wearable for day, mix 2 shades together one lighter and one darker and smudge a little liner into the lash line. Since these shadows have a metallic finish, opt for a more matte blush and go for a creamy lip than high gloss. The shadows are highly pigmented and only took one swipe for the colour to show. The texture is velvety-smooth and doesn't budge. As a sucker for packaging, I adore all the different designs on each palette!

6. Milani INFINITE Liquid Liner in Infinite ($5.99 USD): Milani Cosmetics has definitely opened up my eyes to drugstore brands. I am in LOVE with these liners. The black shade is my go-to liner on brides when covering up falsies. Infinite is a bright ocean blue and is the perfect shade when you want just a pop of colour on the eyes. Whether you're a fan of bright colours or not you have to admit this shade is fieerrrce! Pair this with a neutral eye, peachy cheeks and lips this summer. I find the brush firm enough to work with but I'm also used to applying liner. If you have unsteady hands, I recommend using a thin angled brush. These liners are budge proof so after it sets it is hard to remove. Use a powder shadow in a similar shade as your guideline the apply the liner over top.

Have you tried these must-haves for the summer? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Summer Faves: Face

Summer time fun is no fun when your makeup is melting off your face or looks caked on. Here are a few face savers that have been in heavy rotation in my kit! 

1. Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Travel Kit ($34 CDN): If you want to achieve an HD ready face on and off camera this is the kit for you. Set includes 3 best-sellers: HD Elixir, HD Microperfecting Primer, and HD Microfinish Powder. 

The Exlir is a gel serum designed to boost the skin's moisture by 520% in 15 minutes. I really love this serum. My skin is pretty sensitive and without a moisturizer feels really tight. I tried the serum without a moisturizer and my skin felt well hydrated. Only a small amount is needed to cover the face.

The HD Microperfecting Primer is fantastic! It has an oil-free formula that glides onto the skin. My skin feels so smooth with the combination of the Elixir and primer. Makeup blended perfectly onto the skin and lasted all day. It has become one of my new favourite primers!

The HD Microfinish Powder is made with 100% mineral Silica powder. I love the soft focus effect it gives your skin. It works for all skin-tones and definitely helps the staying power of the makeup. Overall, it's a great sample kit if you've been wanting to try these products.

2. freshMinerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($25 USD): Absolutely loving this tinted moisturizer for many reasons. This all-natural mineral tinted moisturizer gives the skin a beautiful healthy glow and protects your skin from the sun. It's tinted but it definitely gives the skin good coverage and it's water-proof. However, if you have a blemish or pimple it won't be enough to cover it. My favourite feature is the twist top foundation brush. I've used similar products and the brush always made a mess. When you squeeze the tube an excess amount doesn't spurt out. You get just enough and the on and off twist top prevents messes and wasting product. There are 5 shades to choose from - I'm Sand and works great from my bronzy skin.

3. Benefit POREfessional ($34 CDN): If you suffer from big pores suffer no more! I am so loving the silky smooth balm that instantly minimizes the appearance of pores and primes the skin. It is oil-free, extremely lightweight, and can be used over and under your makeup. Makeup just glides on effortlessly and keeps your makeup looking flawless all day. It's also great at mattifying the skin. Available July 2010. 

4. LUSH Colour Supplement ($13.95 CDN): LUSH has makeup?? This mineral-oil free multi-purpose base can be used in many different ways. This base offers full coverage but if you prefer a lighter coverage mix with your favourite moisturizer for a lighter, dewier finish. It also works amazing as a concealer. Made with red rose petal infusion to calm redness and glycerine to help retain moisture, it gives the skin a beautiful finish. It is available in 4 shades: Light Pink Colour (lightest shade and most versatile), Dark Pink Colour (darkest), Light Yellow (pale or ivory skins), Dark Yellow (olive and yellow skins). The Dark Yellow works great for my skin tone. The only downside is that since it is an all-natural vegan product, the shelf-life of this is about a year and since it comes in a jar you'd have to use a spatula to avoid contamination. And beware, it may melt! 

5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller ($19.99 CDN): I'll be honest, I was prepared to be disappointed by this product. I've tried tinted under-eye products before and all have been a complete fail. I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage and how the mineral pigments instantly brightened my death circles! The cool feel of the roller ball also soothed my puffy tired eyes. The combination of the caffeine gel formula and the roller ball help energize and stimulate circulation. The lemon essence is known for its clarifying properties and brightens the eye area. I was afraid it would alter the colour of my concealer but it didn't. In fact, I ended up using less concealer! The shade is a shimmering beige and is supposed to be a universal shade. It says that it offers "flawless coverage for most skin tones" so it probably is too light for you dark-skinned beauties, however, may work underneath your concealer or foundation. Available August 2010. 

6. Cover FX Conceal FX ($27 CDN): The lovely team over at Cover FX held a flash mob outside Toronto's Eaton Center back in April. After the crazy mob of people died down, I luckily went home with a full-size sample of their popular Conceal FX! It erases under eye circles, blemishes, sun damage, redness, tattoos, birth marks, and even moles. I love how opaque yet emollient the concealer is. I've been finding my Benefit Erase Paste is a little too creamy for this humid weather, but Conceal FX doesn't feel heavy and stays put. It is also water-proof and HD friendly. This is a must-have concealer! 

7. Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish ($12.50-57 USD): I haven't actually been using this on myself because I don't really have a problem with excess oil. Instead, I've been using it on my brides at bridal trials to see how well this spray actually works. I sprayed this on prior to foundation then once again after all the makeup had been applied. The verdict? There's no question the makeup lasts longer, but my brides did notice the shine creep up after 3 or 4 hours versus the 16 hours that it claims to do. However, the amount of oil and shine that appeared was a lot less and kept the shine at bay a couple more hours longer than without. But even with a bit of oil, the makeup did not smear or melt off. Only touch-ups required was a little blotting. If you have oily skin I'd recommend trying the smallest size before committing to a full size bottle. Overall, my brides were happy with the results! 

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? What must-have face products have you been using for the hot weather?

Summer Faves: Bronzers

You don't have to be "Jenny from the Block" to get that J-Lo bronzey glow. I am all for bronzers when it's done right (sorry Snooki!). There's just something about a summer tan that makes everyone look healthy, gorgeous and radiant! The key to a natural looking tan is to stick to bronzers that have a golden undertone rather than an orange base. You want to avoid the "Jersey" tan at all costs! Use a fluffy powder brush and apply bronzer on the forehead, cheeks, bridge of nose, and chin. 

Get gorgeous this summer with some of my favourite bronzers this season!

1. YSL Terre Saharienne in No. 2 Copper Sand ($60 CDN): This is pure luxury in a bronzer. The bronzer is formulated with the new "Sun Radiance" pigments which capture the light and diffuse a golden reflection in all directions (don't all bronzers do that?). What I love about this bronzer is that it imparts a natural glow to the skin rather than a shimmer. It blends amazingly onto the skin so no streaky tan lines! It's available in 3 shades: Sand (fair to medium skin tones), Copper Sand (med-dark to dark) and Golden Sand (medium to medium-dark). Copper Sand is my favourite. I get really dark in the summer so the warmth of the copper undertone enhances my tan nicely. The price tag is very steep so I'd only recommend if you are a YSL junkie or you feel like splurging on a bronzer ( a staple in my books). 

2. Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer ($39 USD): After being a fan of the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder (you can read review here) I knew I would instantly love this bronzer. It gives all the same softening, luminous effects as the powder just with a lovely bronzey hue. It is designed to minimize the signs of aging over time while hydrating your skin. This one-shade suits all gives me the perfect tan, however, I'm not sure how it appears on darker skin tones so I would be interested to hear if anyone has tried it. The finish on the skin is more sheen than shimmer which I love. I found the packaging of the original powder very bulky but the bronzer comes in the same shaver-dispense design in a travel-friendly size. The price is still a bit steep for a bronzer but you can double as a shadow!

3. Everyday Minerals Hiking Everest in Heels Blush/Bronzer Duo ($12 USD): If you're looking for value in a bronzer then look no further. This vegan, all-natural line has quality products at affordable prices. Love the name of this bronzer duo. You not only can achieve a faux tan with this pressed powder but the other side is a peachy-coral blush. Gorgeous! At the moment, this is only available in the On The Reef, Coral Collection which is a definite must-have. For $34, you get a sweet collection of loose eye shadows, blushes, face powder, lippie and brushes with a reusable canvas tote included. 

4. Mary Kay LE Cooling Bronzing Stick ($25 CDN): There's all this buzz right now about Mary Kay's newest crop of products. This line has been around for ages but is slowly replacing the "granny" image to suit a much younger makeup-loving audience. The cooling sensation of this bronzing stick could not be more perfect for the hot steamy weather. It has the creamy texture of a cream but the staying power of a gel stain. The finish is high-shimmer which is perfect for highlighting the cheekbones and bridge of nose. Great for giving the skin a dewy finish. However, if you plan to use it as a blush prepare for lots of shine. If you have imperfect skin, I would stay clear as it will only accentuate blemishes. To tone done the shimmer and for extra staying power, dust a translucent powder over top. If you're in a hurry, swipe on the lids and lips! 

As for the price, I was actually surprised it is $25. I've never bought anything from Mary Kay in the past. If you love NARS The Multiple, this could be a cheaper dupe for South Beach. (Limited quantities while supplies last. Offer expires September 15, 2010.)

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

Summer Faves: Lips

It's not officially summer but it sure feels like it! My usual staples for the summer season has always been punchy brights on the lips but lately I've been reaching for my more muted shades. The effect is still gorgeous, effortless beauty.

1. Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Secret ($30 USD): Everyone was raving about the new Rouge Coco's and being the makeup junkie that I am, I had to see what all the buzz was about. Back in April the lovely and fabulous beauty blogger, Michelle from Lipstick Rules, met up with me in her second home, Holt Renfrew. I was tempted to purchase Cambon (gorgeous) but since I had so many brights, wanted a subtle shade for everyday. Michelle excitedly suggested Mademoiselle, which is beautiful on her but I wasn't really feeling it on me.

Long story short, the sales lady suggested Secret, a peachy rosy-brown, and applied it with a nude lip liner and Galactic Glossimer which gave the most amazing shimmering effect (will have to save for another post). With many ohhs and ahhs from other Chanel fans, I purchased Secret and Galactic. However, when I got home and pulled it out of the box I wasn't too excited about it. I went a week later to exchange it for Perle but they were all out. Over a month later, I was curious to try Secret again on its own and I am in love! I think the nude lip liner made the shade look more muddy but on its own is divine. It's the perfect summer nude and goes great with bronzy skin and peach cheeks! The texture is ultra-moisturizing and the colour is long-lasting. Definitely a winner and I may have to pick up a few more shades!

2. Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin in Crazy Raspberry and Dot Apricot ($22 CDN): Juicy Tubes are a cult classic and the first glosses to come in a tube.  Lacome is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and has collaborated with renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who has created 5 optimistic and colourful designs to customize this it-gloss. I absolutely adore the funky designs. Limited edition and if you're a die hard Juicy Tubes fan, a collectors item. 

The 100% Natural formula is made with shea butter and honey, leaving your lips hydrated and unbelievably smooth. These glosses are more for shine so if you're looking for more colour you won't find it with these sheer glosses. Crazy Raspberry has a tint of raspberry pink and Dot Apricot is a sheer apricot but looks more clear on my lips. These are fabulous for those days when you just want a glossy finish or layered over top of your favourite lipstick or lip stain.

3. M.A.C. To The Beach Tinted Lip Glass in Splashing ($16.50 CDN): I love the packaging of M.A.C.'s summer collection! In the past, I haven't really been a fan of the stickiness of the tinted lip glasses but the eye catching shades get me all the time. Splashing is the pink to wear this summer! This blue-toned pink with soft gold pearl makes it so versatile. Layer over top of a pink lipstick for intense pop, swipe over a peach lipstick for a peachy-pink finish (love pairing it with Chanel's Secret), and worn on its own gives just enough colour without looking overdone.

4 & 5. Balmshell Lip & Cheek Gel Stain in Tabloid Tammy and Lip Gloss in Curse of the Purse ($20 CDN): Balmshell hosted a blogger event a few months ago which I wasn't able to attend. But the awesome ladies at Balmshell reserved a sweet swag bag for me with my chosen products.

I love lip and cheek stains and was very excited to try out Balmshell's version. Tabloid Tammy is beautiful bronze, a shade I had yet to add to my collection of stains. I tested it out on my cheeks bare and with a tinted moisturizer. Unfortunately, the stain on the cheeks was a complete fail for me. I really wanted to love it but  found it blended horribly and looked splotchy on my cheeks. However, on the lips looked lovely especially with the gloss in Curse of the Purse, a sheer creamy peach, over top. The stain and gloss combo made for a long-lasting lip colour and gave my skin a warm toasty glow. The gloss on its own is pretty and subtle and looks amazing with a colourful or smokey eye.

6. Everyday Minerals Lippie in Enough Talk, Kiss Me! ($8 USD): If you're looking for an organic, vegan, and eco-friendly makeup line that is packed with pigment and affordable you will love the products from Everyday Minerals. This new lippie is included in the On The Reef, Coral Collection. This warm coral shade can be worn anytime of the day whether you're off to work or sunning on the beach. The balm-like finish keeps your lips feeling hydrated yet stains the lips for lasting colour. Add a gloss over top for a shimmering effect. The easy and portable twist-up tube is great for throwing in your tote or beach bag!

Stay tuned for more summer favourites! Have you tried any of these lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Beauty Review: Zoya Nail Polish Sparkle Collection

Who needs fireworks this weekend when you've got some sparkle on your nails! Kick it up a notch this summer with Zoya's Sparkle collection. If you've never been a fan of glitter, Sparkle may just change your mind!

Zoya Charla: I was immediately intrigued by this "tropical blue sparkling metallic", but I wasn't so sure I wanted that much glitter on my fingers. So, I tested it out on my toes and I love! I just love the way it glimmers and shimmers in the light. The look is less glitter and more shimmer.

Zoya Mimi: This fab sparkling metallic royal purple is one shade I was brave enough to wear on my nails because of it's deep hue. I tend to choose this shade during the fall/winter season so I was surprised to see it as summer shade. The sparkling effect makes it wearable for the summer months.

Zoya Ivanka: I know green is a big trend right now but I just can't seem to get on board. This is described as "mermaid green sparkling metallic" but it just reminds me of grass - with sparkle. It really is pretty in the bottle, but I just don't love it on me.

Zoya Gilda: One of my fave shades from Sparkle! This "fashion pink sparkling metallic" is just a bunch of girly fun. If you love pinks you'll love this one!

Zoya Alegra: I thought this fuchsia pink would be shocking but it's actually sophisticated and would look pretty chic with a LBD. Besides the high shimmer, it's another classic shade that would look gorgeous on all skin tones. 

Zoya Nidhi: The collection wouldn't be complete without a red, a rich sparkling metallic red. Wear the cream version for day and heat it up at night with this shimmering shade!

I've never been a fan of glitter but as I mentioned before it's definitely more shimmer and less glitter. I was expecting to find hard glittery flecks in it but instead the texture is mico-fine sparkles which I love. The effect is just so pretty and sparkly! The only negative? When you remove the polish the sparkles get all over your skin but washes off with water. Otherwise, if you consider nail polish an accessory then you'll definitely want the Sparkle collection!

What do you think of Zoya Sparkle? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Zoya Individual Nail Polish retails for $7 USD and Zoya Sparkle Sampler retails for $36 USD. 

www.zoya.com

Beauty Review: Zoya Nail Polish Flash Collection

I anticipate nail polish launches just as much as makeup launches. I especially get giddy about Zoya's seasonal collections because they are always a mix of fun, edge, and dazzle. I don't think there has been one collection I've been underwhelmed by and Zoya's Flash collection has me swooning. 

The Flash collection is a set of bright cream polishes just in time for the summer heat. Full colour with no streaks!

Zoya Jolene:  I have found THE pink for me! Described as a summery, bold girly pink it looks fantastic against tanned skin. It's actually a lot brighter in person but not so shocking like a neon pink. My tips have received many compliments with this lovely pink!

Zoya Dana: An All-American rose cream, this rosy-pink is also gorgeous and a few shades deeper than Jolene. This is one shade that will look beautiful on all skin tones. A classic shade.

Zoya Perrie: A beautiful, soft glossy lavender. I really think this is a pretty lavender but doesn't really work for my skin tone. My skin looks a bit more sallow with this hue, but would be fabulous on my fair-skinned beauties!

Zoya Robyn: Loving this "perfect turquoise cream"! It reminds me of the aqua blue ocean on a far away island I've never been to...but I digress. I adore brights on my finger tips but if it's too much for you, wear it on your toes!

Zoya Jancyn: This not neon yet bold tangerine shade is a pretty juicy looking colour. I like it, but I think I will love it when my skin is a toasty bronze. 

Zoya Maura: An electric crimson red, the ultimate summer red. You can't go wrong with red. There is a shade of red for every time of the year! In person, this red has more cherry and less orange which I love. 

Overall, I was really impressed with the collection. Some cream polishes can be streaky but Zoya's formula is anything but. It applies smooth and only takes 2 coats to fully cover. I also find cream polishes to be a bit boring at times but these shades are daring, fun, and will get those nails noticed! Stay tuned for my review of Zoya Sparkle collection!

Zoya Individual Nail Polish retails for $7 USD and the Zoya Flash Sampler retails for $36 USD. 

What do you think of the Zoya Flash collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.zoya.com