Weekly Get To Know Me (Sunshine Award)







For my weekly get to know me this week, I will be answering these questions from the Sunshine Blogger award. I was nominated by Hannah from Floraful. I won't be tagging anyone but if you do want to participant, let me know and I will link you below.


Here are my 11 questions for you guys:

1. What type of camera do you use for your blog photos?


I use my IPhone 6S Plus. It's not the best solution but it's been working. At some point, I would like to upgrade my photography. 

2. What is your favorite fall beverage?


Hot Chocolate. Coffee Crisp Nestle Hot Chocolate to be exact. Costco, you better have some this year.

3. Which beauty products can you absolutely not leave the house without on your face?


Brows, and liner and some sort of concealer. I really hate my dark circles, and my brows are very sparse.

4. If you could go back and fix one of your biggest blogging mistakes, what would that be?


I don't think I've made any big blogging mistakes. I'm not really new to blogging and I've been doing it or 8+ years. This is a new blog and I'm learning more and more about increasing your traffic and SEO.

5. How do you manage blogging on top of your other life obligations?


The key to me blogging is keeping ahead of schedule. I like to have at least 2-3 posts pre-scheduled and I continue to add posts throughout the week. If I'm ahead, I don't feel pressured or overwhelmed to create content.

Maybelline Brand Review (Bronzer Palette, Lash Sensational, Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick)

Maybelline Brand Review (Bronzer Palette, Lash Sensational, Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick)
Maybelline Brand Review

Maybelline is one of those brands that I continually check out at the drugstore. They release items that catch my eye, and make me want to try them. The first item that really surprised me was the Master Bronze palette*. I'm fair skinned and I have to be careful with bronzer because I don't want my face to look to warm and muddy. I wasn't expecting much from the palette but I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I mix the first two bronzer shades and use a fluffy brush to apply to my face. It looks really pretty and natural on my skin. The highlighter is a light champagne and REALLY good. I find myself pulling this palette out so that I can wear the highlighter. It stays all day and looks very vibrant and pretty on my cheekbones. I added  the Master Blush palette and the Blush/Bronzer/Highligher Trio to my wishlist because I was so impressed.


Maybelline Lash Sensational

Colourpop I Think I Love You Palette Review and Swatches


Colourpop I Think I Love You Palette
Colourpop I Think I Love You Palette


Oh, Colourpop you did it again! I absolutely love this palette. Colourpop released the I Think I Love You palette, and I knew I had to have it. The colors are right up my alley, and they did not disappoint. This palette has 12 shades, and comes in the same size packaging as the She and Yes, Please Palette. . There are 4 matte shades, and 8 metallic shades. At the time I'm writing this, it is still in stock at Colourpop. 

I own all three of the pressed eyeshadow palette's that Colourpop has released, and all three perform really well. The shadows are so creamy, and pigmented. The metallics are stunning! Looking at all three of the Colourpop palettes, this is my favorite over the other two, just because it's perfect for every day. This will be a palette that I grab very frequently. The palette size makes it perfect for travel. There's no mirror but I'm okay with that. The copper reflective packaging is very nice, but hard to photograph. 



The colour selection is what makes me love this palette. I love the copper, bronze, neutral shadows. The first shadow in the bottom row is a beautiful rose gold. The transition shades are perfect for me. I also like the black. It's very easy to use and blend. It builds well, and looks great on the lower lash line. If you haven't tried a Colourpop palette and your wondering if they're worth it. Yes, they're definitely worth it. I'm not saying they're good for the price- they're just very good eyeshadows that compared to alot of my high end shadows. For 16$ I think you will be very happy with this palette.

Colourpop I Think I Love You Palette Review and Swatches

Monthly Beauty Favorites (September 2017)

Monthly Beauty Favorites


This month I had some standout favorites. First, I will start with makeup items. A palette that really shocked me was the Too Faced Just Peachy palette(Review). I don't normally go for all matte palettes, and if I'm using one I will usually incorporate a shimmer shade. I was surprised that I liked to use this palette on it's own and create matte looks. It made me step out of my comfort zone and try something new. The shades are so pretty, and I was happy that the smell wasn't as powerful as the Sweet Peach palette. I also pulled out my Makeup Revolution Bronze and Glow and the bronzer suits my fair skin really well. I don't have to worry about it being too pigmented and I can put it on quickly without being too careful. The highlighter isn't a favorite but it does look nice. For mascara, I've been using my Roller Lash by Benefit. It separates my lashes really nice and adds length and volume. I really like the shape of the wands for my upper and bottom lashes.
Skincare, I found a few stand out items. The Delectable Triple Moisture lotion by Cake Beauty is a new favorite. I'm very finicky with lotions, I don't like it being too greasy and often I find lotions make my dry skin itch more. This lotion is not greasy, smells fantastic (Coconuts) and it absorbs into my skin really quickly. I can use it after a shower or on it's own. I will need to buy the bigger size tube soon. I also repurchased the Coconut Water Facial Mist by Pearlessence. This comes to our Winners store occasionally and I've been waiting to repurchase. It has a great nozzle that sprays very evenly, and it doesn't feel tacky on my face. I will continue to repurchase when I see these in stock. 

Nails...I'm really bad at taking care of my nails but i'e been trying. My nails are very brittle and I have trouble growing them out. I decided to start keeping them painted and using a strengthen to help them out. It's actually been working because they've been growing and feel much strong. I've been using Essie Treat Love and Color*. It's a strengthener that adds a faint amount of color. I have one that leaves my nails looking frosty and one that leave a hint of purple. If I don't have time to really paint my nails and do a top coat, I use this in the meantime. I've also been using the Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polishes, and they last really well. To remove all of these products, I've been using a Quo nail polish remover with a sponge inside the container. It works well and it less messy. 

These are the products that stood out to me in September. I really tried new products this month and found some favorites. Have you tried any of these? Were they a favorite of yours?


* Marks products sent to me in consideration for a review.

Lifestyle Favorites September 2017


Lifestyle Favorites September 2017
September Lifestyle Favorite

September is almost over, and I'm so excited for fall to come. It's my favorite season of the year, and I have a two week vacation coming up. We'll be going back to our hometown, and I get to relax for two whole weeks! I plan to get alot of reading and blogging done. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite lifestyle items that I've been loving. I'm still testing out the waters on this blog, and I thought it would be a nice addition.

The first item I wanted to share was my Kobo Aura One ereader. I've read exclusively on an ereader for a few year now, and it works great for me. I don't have alot of space for books and an ereader gives me the ability to have hundreds and hundreds of books available to me. This reader has a big screen, it has a 7.8 inch screen and I can bring it in the bath and not worry about it getting wet since it is waterproof. The comfort light makes reading in the day or night very easy and it doesn't strain my eyes.

Tarte Blush Bazaar Palette (Holiday 2017) Review

Tarte Blush Bazaar Palette (Holiday 2017) Review
Tarte Blush Bazaar Palette (Holiday 2017)


Tarte usually releases these double-sided blush palettes for the holiday season. Doesn't it seem like brands have been releasing their holiday collections earlier and earlier as the years go buy? Last year, I didn't pick up Tarte Blush palette and regretted it. I knew this year, I would pick one up as soon as it released at Sephora.

This limited edition palette comes with 8 blushes and 2 highlighters. It ranges from warm to cool tones and has pretty much every blush shade I will ever need. It is also great to travel with. The palette came with a plastic sheet in the middle to cover both sides of the blushes. I removed it from the palette, but kept it for travel. You also have both matte and micro shimmer finishes.

Tarte is a brand that I'm very loyal to, and I love their blushes. They wear very well on my skin and I don't find them too pigmented where I'm afraid to touch the brush to my cheek. These clay blushes are packed tightly and I use a stiffer brush to pick them up. This palette was no different from what I normally expect from a Tarte blush. The highlighters also work much better with a stiffer brush. The shades are really gorgeous on the skin.

The packaging is really pretty, and comes in the familiar Tarte Gold packaging. It does feel more plastic-like but not cheap feeling. It still is weighty. It's clearly not the same quality as usual, but I have no complaints. The value that you get in this palette for 10 blushes and highlighters is great.

Purchase Here*

*Post contains affiliate links.

Weekly Get To Know Me (Makeup Edition)



I want to start a new weekly series where you get to know me. I will answer some questions, and give you a better idea of what's going on in my world. It doesn't have to be just about makeup. If you have any questions, you'd like me to answer. Go ahead and ask in the comments. I like learning more about the bloggers that I follow.


Favorite high-end makeup brand?

My favorite high-end makeup brand would have to be Tarte Cosmetics. I'm always drawn to Tarte eyeshadow palettes and blush palettes. Tarte Shape Tape is great too. I do wish it was sold in Sephora though. If I just need one item, I would prefer to go in store to pick it up rather than pay shipping fees.

Favorite online brands?

My absolute favorite online brand recently has been Colourpop. Their pressed eyeshadow palettes have really blown me away and I will continue to buy them. Their Ultra Satin lips are very comfortable to wear. I also want to try they concealers. Morphe Brushes is also a favorite. When I use their eyeshadow palettes there's no denying the foiled shadows are great.

Do you wear false lashes?

Yes, I do wear false lashes. I don't wear them every day but if I feel like putting them on and I have the time in the morning, I will. I don't usually wear them on weekend, because I like to nap with my son.

Favorite Drugstore Brand at the moment?

I've been pretty impressed with Maybelline. I love their mascaras and I recently tried their bronze palette and was surprised by how much I liked it. I want to get the blush palette next. They've been releasing some great products recently.

What beauty product do I buy alot of?

Palettes... I love eyeshadow and blush palettes. I feel like you get a great value when you buy them in palette form. I would say my top product would be eyeshadow. I have a hard time saying no to eyeshadow palettes that catch my eye.

What is on top of your current wishlist?

The Tarte Limited Edition Buried Treasure is on my wishlist. It looks so pretty, and I love the burgundy shades. I'm hoping it will come to in store at Sephora soon.


Tarte Buried Treasure Palette

What Concealer Have I Been Using? BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Concealer Review

B H Cosmetics Studio Pro Total Coverage Concealer
Studio Pro Total Coverage Concealer

The BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Total Coverage Concealer is one of my favorite concealers. Concealer can not be missed in my daily makeup routine, because I have pretty dark circles that I don't like to see. My 3 year old that still wakes up EVERY SINGLE NIGHT is to blame for that one, but concealer does the trick. I alternate between the B H concealer and the Tarte Shape Tape because both are really good in my opinion. The BH concealer is very affordable and comes in 17 shades and 4 color correctors.

This concealer is very creamy, not too thick and blends very well. It does remind me of the Tarte Shape Tape. I have used both a sponge or brush to blend it out and had no issues. It has very high coverage which I appreciate.  I use shade 101 and the Pink Corrector and using both layered together doesn't feel too thick or cakey. I always set my under eye and have no creasing with this concealer.


The applicator is not my favorite but it does the job. I would have much preferred a doe foot applicator to make it easier to blend on to my under eye. Maybe they will eventually change the packaging? The first tube I received was faulty, when I opened the cap, the pressure would squirt some of the product out. However, I have since repurchased a new tube and this did not happen. Overall, when it came time to repurchase. I didn't hesitate because B H Cosmetics has affordable international shipping rates and the concealer was 5.99$. Also, I received a second free with their Bogo sale that was going on at the time.

If you haven't tried BH Cosmetics, they are definitely work checking out. I've mostly has good experiences with their products. A few misses, but mostly hits.

Purchase here*



*This post contains affiliate links.

Maison Jacynthe | 100% Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-Free Canadian Brand

Maison Jacynthe Foundation Blush and Highlighter Review
Maison Jacynthe

Maison Jacynthe is a Canadian brand that is 100% Natural, Cruelty Free and Vegan. They have a wide range of products from makeup to nail polish: perfume, soaps, skincare and lip balms. I'm fairly new to this brand, and was happy to be provided three products to review. Both the blush and highlighter are single pans that can put into a magnetic palette or you can purchase an interchangeable case.

The light weight foundation comes in 5 shades and is easy to apply. It has a natural finish on the skin, leaving a dewy look. It definitely has a light coverage and applies best with a brush. I didn't like using a sponge, as the sponge soaked up alot of the product. It worked well with my dry skin. The one issue that I have with this foundation is the scent. If you're like me and are very sensitive to smells, this one might bother you. I struggled with it the first time I applied it.

Both the blush and highlighter come in single pans and are quite large. The highlighter is a standout product for me and I would love to try more of the shades. It has a light golden reflect and it's very pretty on the skin. I was shocked by how much I loved it. It's great for an every day highlighter- not too intense and not too natural. The blush was too dark for my skin tone but I did use it very sparingly and it blended very well. I think a lighter shade would be great. Both the highlighter and blush have that same scent but it's not as strong as the foundation.

Overall, I enjoyed trying these products and the highlighter was my favorite of the three. I would like to explore the brand more. If you're looking for a natural, cruelty free, vegan line- check them out.

* This post was not sponsored by the brand. Products were received for free inconsideration for review*

Morphe 35F Palette: Fall Into Frost Palette

Fall Eyeshadow Palette
Morphe 35F

Isn't this palette gorgeous? As soon as I started thinking about fall and eyeshadows, I knew I wanted to pull this palette out of my collection. It's not too warm compared to alot of newer palettes I've been playing around with lately. The 35F has 28 shimmer shades and 7 matte shades. I really like the layout of this palette because the matte shades are condensed and put together in the last row. I prefer Morphe shimmer shadows, and this doesn't give me 4 matte shades that are almost the same in a 35 pan palette. The shimmer shades have a good variety of colors. You have green, copper, purple and cranberry shades. It allows me to stick to my neutral shades or step out of the box and try something new.

Too Faced Just Peachy Matte Palette

Matte Palette
Just Peachy by Too Faced
When I first saw this palette, I really liked the colours but was hesitant because Too Face likes to scent their products and I'm very sensitive to smells. The Sweet Peach palette was a "no go" for me because when I opened it up in the morning to do my makeup, it was too heavily scented. I wouldn't want to use the palette. I went to Sephora and smelled the Just Peachy palette and it didn't seem to bother me. Yes, it's scented and I notice it right away when I open the palette but it's not as strong.

The packaging is well thought out. Too Faced did an amazing job. I think it's one of the most gorgeous palettes I own. The clasps on the front are little peaches, how cute! The pan sizes are nice, and it has a mirror. The formula is very nice. The powders blend very well, and it doesn't have a lot of kickup. This palette has 12 shades, all of them matte except the shade Peach Sangria which is more of a satin shade. I feel like each shade stands out on it own. They don't seem to resemble each other much, they each have their own undertone.

I know I said before that I don't like all matte palettes, and that's generally true but this palette makes me step out of my comfort zone. I like the range of colours and putting looks together has been easy for me. It's not just another all brown matte palette. If you're like me and struggle with all matte palettes, this might be a good one for you too.

Swatches of Too Faced Just Peachy Palette
Too Faced Just Peachy Palette

Giveaway Pur Cosmetics Soiree Diaries Palette



Giveaway for Pur Cosmetics Soiree Diaries Palette
I'm giving away the Pur Cosmetics Soiree Diaries Palette. Thank you to all those who visit my blog.
Open Internationally (Winner has been contacted)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Testing New Mascara: L'Oreal Lash Paradise and Essence Volume Stylist Curl and Hold

New Drugstore Mascara
L'Oreal Lash Paradise and Essence Volume Stylist

When it comes to mascara it takes a lot for me to be impressed. My lashes are short, don't curl easily and tend to stick straight down. I know if I want length and volume, I should just put on lashes. However, there are days that I'm not able to apply them and these two mascara's have been my "go to" lately. Both are great affordable drugstore mascara's but they work differently for me.

New Drugstore Mascara
L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise

3 Well Loved Products (Urban Decay, Becca, Estee Lauder)

Makeup Favorites
Urban Decay Naked Palette, Becca Afterglow, Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess


If I'm in a hurry, I like to grab products that I know will work. These three products are very well loved in my collection. The Urban Decay Naked palette is one of my favorite neutral eyeshadow palettes. I love that I can throw Naked and/or Buck in the crease, a shimmer shade on my lid and I'm done. This is a simple look that will still look put together and very nice. I know we like to have alot of mattes in a palette to create a gradient look on the eye but sometimes less is more. I like that I don't have that many matte option in this palette, I don't have to think too much if i'm in a hurry.This palette is a cult classic and for good reason. I use this palette often, and it will remain a favorite in my collection.

The Becca Afterglow palette has 2 shimmering skin perfectors and 2 mineral blushes. This was a limited edition palette and I wish it was not. Moonstone is the lightest highlighter and I do love it. It works very well with my fair skin, and I would love to get a full sized Moonstone at some point. Rose Gold and Topaz are too dark but I like to use them as eyeshadow toppers. Both the mineral blushes (Wild Honey and Flowerchild) are so pretty on the skin. They last very well and blend beautifully. This is a small palette and great for travel.

The Estee Edit bronzer in Bronze Goddess is a beautiful bronzer that I love to use most days. It's a matte bronzer that I can apply to my face and not worry about looking muddy or it being too pigmented. I can apply it easily and enjoy the finished look. I believe the Estee Edit line has been discontinued but I really do like this bronzer.

These are 3 products that I go to very frequently because I know what I will be getting when I use them. As you can see, I love palettes. Eyeshadow palette, face palettes... I'm drawn to a palette. If you've used any of these, do you love them as much as I do?


Kat Von D Shade and Light Eye Palette Review

Matte Neutral Palette
Kat Von D Shade and Light Eye Palette

The Kat Von D Shade and Light Eye Palette is one of those palettes that I bought, tried and put it away. Initially, when I tried this palette I wasn't that inspired by it. I saw the 3 quads, but couldn't really see beyond those quads. I didn't feel that inspired by this palette. To be honest, I don't wear all matte looks because I prefer a shimmery lid. When it comes to putting together an all matte look, I'm not good at it. I feel like I have my technique down when it comes to matte crease and shimmery lid, but an all matte look starts to worry me. I do think it's something I would like to work on more. It might make me appreciate this palette more than I do. At this time, I use it more as a complimentary palette.  

This month I pulled this palette out, and made myself use it. I didn't create any all matte looks but I forced myself to get more comfortable using this palette. The shadows are very pigmented but it blends easily. I stay more in the warm quad, but I played around with the neutral quad too. That cooler toned quad in the middle, I don't know what to do with it. I can't think of a look I would like. The black is BLACK! I really like to use it to cover my lash glue when I apply fake lashes or as liner.

I need to start challenging myself with palettes that I don't use that often. This palette was a great example because I feel much more comfortable with it after using it for a month. Kat Von D has the Shade and Light Glimmer palette but I don't plan on purchasing it. I've heard it can be hard to work with, and I'm not about that life. I can't tell you how many times i'm interrupted as I do my makeup in the morning. Having a 3 year old is all about negotiations and our mornings are interesting... 

Do you have this palette? Is it a favorite? I will say it's not a favorite of mine but I'm happy that I have it. It's great to have matte palettes in your collection. For September, I'm going to challenge myself with my Modern Renaissance palette. Another palette I should be using alot more.


Manic Panic Dreamtone Foundation Color Corrector

Foundation Lightener Mixer
Manic Panic Dreamtone 

Have you seen white foundations and wondered if they worked? I can vouch for this one. Finding the correct shade of foundation can be tricky, and there's nothing worst than putting a foundation to the side because it's too dark for you. Manic Panic Dreamtone is a color correcting foundation that works great to lighted foundation. Mixing it well into a foundation that you want to correct is easy. It doesn't change the consistency of the foundation either. I use this often to lighten foundations or when foundations are too yellow for me. If a foundation looks too yellow on my neutral skin tone this corrects that for me. It's very pigmented and a little goes a long way. It comes in a glass bottle with a pump. This is marketed as a Vegan product, and it doesn't have a smell. I'm very senstive to smells, and appreciate when a product doesn't smell. I think this would be great to use with a foundation that oxidizes on you. It would allow you to lighten it up, just a bit.

For me it's a staple in my makeup collection. I've even used it in foundations with SPF and it didn't seem to disturb the SPF. I haven't tried any other white mixers at this point. I've seen The Body Shop and LA Girl have white foundations. The Body Shop also had a shade darker. Manic Panic Dreamtone is affordable and can be found online. I purchased mine through Nail Polish Canada for 14.95$. 

Have you tried this or any other white foundation mixer?

Lashes For Beginners

False Lashes Tips and Tricks
False Lashes Tips and Tricks


Have you thought about lashes but don't know where to start? Have you tried them and it didn't work? False lashes have a learning curve, and it took me awhile to figure out how to get them on. I have thin, short lashes that love to stick straight down. I love the look of lashes, and wanted to share some of my tips.

Selecting Lashes

If you're starting out with lashes, my first tip would be to find an affordable multi pack of lashes. This will give you a few pairs to practice with, if you trim one pair too short don't worry about it, you have a few more to try. You can find affordable pairs on Amazon (check reviews) that will give you some breathing room. Also, affordable lashes will let you try out different styles. Walmart has multi packs at an affordable price too. Do not buy a thirty dollar pair of lashes to start. It won't be good...You can also pick up some half lashes that would get you going and practicing. I started with half lashes and moved on to full sets soon after. Half lashes will be glued to the outter part of your lashes.

Glue

It was hard for me to figure out what beauty guru's meant by waiting for the glue to get "tacky." I purchased a squeezy tube of glue, and let me tell you- don't start with a squeeze glue. I find a brush tip lash glue to work much better. It's cleaner and you don't have to put as much on the band. It gets tackier much faster and it is easier to work with. I use both House of Lashes and Kiss glue. The House of Lashes is great because it's tacky almost immediately and you don't have to wait so long. I would be impatient and think I wanted long enough, but it was still too slippery and not dried enough. You have to wait for the glue to almost be dry so that it will stick to your lid and you can finish placing the lash.

Trimming

Trimming your lashes takes practice. My eye is pretty rounded and it's hard to see how much to trim. Start slow and trim from the outter portion, never the inner corner. Trim very little at a time, until it looks right. I use a small pair of nail scissors that I keep for lashes. Also, a nail clipper works well too. I keep a pair specifically for my lashes. Nail Clippers are great for lashes with a thicker band.

Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation

Maybelline Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth


Maybelline Fit Me Foundations can be purchased in the Matte and Poreless version or the Hydrate and Smooth. I have normal to dry skin and decided on the Hydrate and Smooth formula. The foundation comes in a glass bottle without a pump. I found the consistency to be just right, it wasn't thick and it wasn't too runny. It was easy to blend out. Since it doesn't have a pump, I like to pour foundation on a paddle brush to apply to my skin. It has a light to medium coverage, and builds very well. Once I have it on my face, I use a beauty sponge to blend it out. I really don't like to put makeup on the back of my hands. I always forget to wash it off before going anywhere..

I like the look that this foundation gives me skin. I can see my freckles peaking through and it gives me a nice even base to work with. It's lightweight and feels nice on my skin. As for the wear time , it gets me through my day at work but by the evening it's gone. It's a great day to day foundation, but not something that I would want for a special event. It does have a nice luminous finish. It's a great drugstore foundation for those with dry skin. As we go into the winter months, and my skin gets more drier. I'll keep using this one.

I would like to try the Matte and Poreless with a good moisturizing primer. I'll have to pick it up and see if I like it. Have you tried any of the Fit Me foundations? What did you think?

2 Fall Warm Eyeshadow Palette (Vice and Naked Heat)

Top Fall Warm Toned Palette
Makeup Revolution Vice Palette and Urban Decay Naked Heat

Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love the change in the leave, the cool crisp air and the coziness of the season. When I think of fall appropriate eyeshadows I think of warm shades. A palette that I've had for awhile now is the Makeup Revolution Vice palette. Makeup Revolution has great eyeshadows, in particular their "chocolate" palette are some of my favorites. I own most of them, and use them very often. The packaging is very study, great to travel with and it has a great mirror. I love the warm tones in this palette. In my opinion Makeup Revolution shimmers are better than the matte shades, but the mattes work well. This palette has those golden shades that I can't get from the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette. I really like that this palette has every thing I need for an eye look. I prefer not to have to pull another palette when getting ready in the morning. 

The Urban Decay Naked Heat palette is a great palette if you love warm shades. As soon as this palette released, I knew I wanted it. I used it a little bit when it first released in the summer, but I knew that I would pull it out for fall. You will get similar looks when using this palette, but I feel like that makes it easy to use. The mattes blend so easily! The shimmers are good, not as foiled as I initially expected but I do like them. I have no issues with them. The shades in this palette compliment each other very well. The packaging is very well made, and I prefer it over my velvet Urban Decay Naked Palette. 


2 Fall Warm Eyeshadow Palettes
Makeup  Revolution Vice Palette and Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette




3 Favourite Highlighters for Fair Skin

Top 3 Highlighters for Fair Skin
Sleek Solstice, The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer, ELF Starlight Glow)

When it comes to highlighters you really need to find one that will work with your skin tone. Many highlighters will look too pigmented on my skin and not give me a "glow within" look but a coloured strip across my cheekbones. I have to be careful with what I'm choosing. These 3 highlighters are great for fair skinned beauty lovers.

Sleek Solstice Palette looks pigmented, but the peach and pink tones work very well on my fair skin. This palette is not for those looking for a "natural" glow, but those looking for an intense highlight. I can still wear it to work, but I know it doesn't look natural. I prefer to use the 3 powder highlighters, the cream highlighter is not one of my favorites. You do have to be careful if you have texture, these highlighter do emphasize any texture on my face. This is an affordable palette from the UK that I purchased through Amazon since I live in Canada.

The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer 

Mary-Lou Manizer was one of my first highlighters and I still use it alot. I love the "honey hue" of this highlighter. It builds very well, and it's great for a day to day highlight. You can have a subtle glow or build it up for a more intense highlight. I also like to mix this one in with warmer highlighters like Champagne Pop.  I prefer a more white toned highlighters.

ELF Highlighting HD Powder in Starlight Glow

I purchased this off the ELF site and didn't expect too much from it. I haven't liked that many ELF highlighters in the past. This highlighter surpassed my expectations and I'm really happy that I purchased it. It reminds me of the Mary Lou-Manizer but is much more affordable. The powder is soft and blends very well into my skin. If you've tried ELF's baked highlighters, this is completely different and much better.


Kara ES07 (Subculture Alternative) Swatch and Review

Kara ES07 Subculture Affordable Alternative
Kara ES07

The Kara ES07 has a similar color scheme as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Subculture palette. I've been going back and forth with the Subculture palette after all the controversy. Initially, I didn't like the colors and wasn't sure how I would wear them, but I started seeing some beautiful looks that peaked my interest. When alot of influences kept saying the Subculture palette wasn't "beginner friendly" I decided not to pick it up and try the ES07 palette first.

I bought this palette on Ikatehouse for 14.99$, this was my second Kara 35 eyeshadow palette and I hoped it would be similar quality. When it arrived, I couldn't wait to swatch and try it. If you're a beauty blogger you know the feeling of waiting until you get you're product shot...before playing with a product. I quickly fell in love with this palette, and the colors. Now, I'm putting the Subculture palette back on my wishlist because I would like to try it. 

The shimmers are very foiled, and I wear them both with or without a setting spray. The mattes are creamy, blend very nice, are are very pigmented. I have no issues with the staying power for these shadows. I always use a primer, mostly a Mac Paint Pot. 

The Kara 35 eyeshadow palettes comes in the generic black plastic packaging, but it does have a mirror and the palette name is printed on the front. I'm so happy I picked up this palette, and it's quickly become a favorite. 
Kara ES07 Subculture Alternative
ES07 Swatches
Kara ES07
Kara ES07


Cleaning Makeup Brushes (Tips and Tricks)

Quo Cosmetics Brush Cleaner

Washing your makeup brushes is essential but that doesn't mean you have to look forward to it. I know, I really don' t look forward to washing them. Honestly, it's not the washing part that bothers me, it's the waiting for them to dry.

Spot Cleaning

You can spot clean your brushes with a quick makeup brush spray cleaner and swirling the brush on a paper towel. ELF makes an affordable cleaner that I like to bring on vacation. I do like to spot clean my brushes but it doesn't compare to a good thorough cleaning. This will do between washes, but don't think that's all you should do. Deep cleaning will show you how dirty your brushes actually are.

Color switch (Review Here)

A color switch is usually found in a tin-like container and will allow you to swirl your brush on the rough sponge material to remove any leftover shadow from your brushes. If you're not sure what this is, check out my review linked above. Again, this works between deep cleanings but should not replace it.

Tarte Rainforest After Dark Palette: A Great Travel Makeup Palette Review and Swatches

Tarte Rainforest After Dark
Tarte Rainforest After Dark



Do you have a "go to" travel palette? I do, and it is the Rainforest After Dark palette by Tarte. This palette has every thing I need to complete a look. This palette includes one blush, one bronzer, one highlighter and six eyeshadows. You can easily create a neutral daytime look, or darken it up for a night out. This is the palette I bring, if I'm staying overnight while traveling. 

Tarte is one of my favorite brands, my absolute favorite palette from them would be the Tartelette in Bloom. The Rainforest After Dark palette has their amazonian clay formula and and it is drier but I didn't find it any harder to blend. The pigmentation is not the best I've seen, but it does a good job and the gold shade is my favorite. 

The blush, bronzer and highlighter work well on my skin. Often, I pull out this palette to use the face products. The CD packaging makes it very easy to travel with, and easy to store. It does have a mirror which is nice. This palette was limited edition, I'm not sure if it's still sold. I love "all in one" palettes and dream of owning the Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette.