Becca Velvet Blurring Primer (Review) (Dry Skin)

Becca Velvet Blurring Primer (Review)

The Becca Velvet Blurring Primer is one of the strangest primers I've ever tried, and I wanted to talk to you about it. I picked up a small sample from Sephora with 100 points, and had no idea what this primer was all about. This is a liquid to powder blurring primer that claims to "diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections to leave skin porcelain smooth with an airbrushed finished." Sounds good right? Yeah, I didn't like it. It does claim to be good for all skin types but my dry skin didn't like this.

Newtrals 3 Eyeshadow Palette by Revolution Beauty (Another great affordable Fall palette)

Newtrals 3 Eyeshadow Palette by Revolution Beauty (Another great affordable Fall palette)

When fall comes around, I love to wear berry shades and this Newtrals 3 palette has been so much fun to wear. It has a nice mix of matte and shimmers shades which are what I look for in a palette. I need a variety of shimmer shades for my lid or I lack enthusiasm for a palette. This is another Revolution Beauty Reloaded palette. The Reloaded palettes have been mostly hits for me, and I do recommend them. I think my absolute favorite would be the Velvet Rose palette which you can read my review of here. It reminds me of the Soft Glam palette and I love it.

Real Techniques Instapop Cheek Brush and Eye Brush Duo

Real Techniques Instapop Cheek Brush and Eye Brush Duo

Real Techniques has a great brush range, and the brushes that I own have lived up to years of washing and constant usage. I've had my eye on the Instapop collection for awhile but I never saw them in store and kept putting off purchasing online. When I saw these pop up at my local Winners, I thought it would be a great time to give them a try. The Intapop collection has a cheek brush, eye duo set and a face brush. These brushes are cut at an angle and allow for a full coverage application but still allows you to blend easily.

Empties (Stila, Revolution Beauty, Essence, Rimmel, Remay)

Empties (Stila, Revolution Beauty, Essence, Rimmel, Remay)

These are the products that I have used up recently. Some I liked more than others, and some I would repurchase. Let's chat about these empties.


Stila One Step Correct Primer (Buy*)

I really enjoyed this primer. I didn't need the color correcting aspect of it, but it felt really nourishing and wore well under my foundation. Before I repurchased this primer, I would like to try the Stila One Step Primer. It doesn't have the color correcting but claims to Prep, Sooth and Nourish which I think is what I would really need. This primer is 50$ which I do believe it is worth, but I would need to fit it into the budget because that is steep.


Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Armed and Gorgeous (Review and Swatches)

Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Armed and Gorgeous (Review and Swatches)

I previous reviewed the Ring the Alarm palette, and I told you the other palettes in the collection were a little out of my comfort zone. Let's discuss... The Armed and Gorgeous palette is perfect for fall. I was really  hesitant to try this palette, I wasn't sure how these colors would look on me and I am so happy I gave it a chance! I'm in love with this palette! This is why I love makeup, it's so fun to step out of your comfort zone and see what works. I didn't know how I would like the yellow tones, and now I'm excited to keep experimenting. The shade Classified is amazing, it stole my heart.

Take A Peak In My Work Makeup Bag (Affordable)

Take A Peak In My Work Makeup Bag

When it comes to my work makeup bag, I keep it affordable and simple. This bag is carried around alot in my work bag, or kept in my desk and tossed back and forth. Typically, I don't touch up my makeup during the day. I like to have some items on hand, if I need to do a touch up or want to add a bit more makeup than I applied that morning. I have dry skin so there's no need to blot or reapply. For the most part, my makeup will fade but not really break down.

Let's Get Reading: Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight



Weekend Reading: Reconstruction Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

Reconstructing Amelia is an amazing debut novel. I had only heard good things about this book, but kept an open mind going in. A lot of times young adult books are hit or miss with me. I really needed something entirely different from my previous read, otherwise I would surely be disappointed in my next read. It’s really hard to pick up a new book when the one you finished was so good. Immediately, Reconstructing Amelia grabbed my attention and demanded that I pick up the book every chance I got. So,  let’s dive in and let me explain a bit about this one:

Revolution Beauty Emily Edit The Wants Palette (Review and Swatches)

Revolution Beauty X The Emily Edit Wants Palette (Review and Swatches)

I've already declared my love for Emily Noel on my previous review of her "Need Palette" and you can go check that out if you're wondering. Today, I want to focus on her "Wants" palette. This palette is very large, it has 24 matte, satin and shimmer shades. Looking at this palette, it screams Emily to me. These are the colors and tones that she loves. The names themselves are adorable and you can pretty much know what she is referring to, if you're a subscriber. 

Shop My Stash For Fall (Violet Voss, BH Cosmetics, Colourpop, Morphe, L'Oreal)

Shop My Stash For Fall (Violet Boss, BH Cosmetics, Colourpop, Morphe, L'Oreal)

I've been shopping my stash for fall, looking for warmed toned palettes, peachy blushes and less dewy foundations. In the summer, I'm all about the glow and while I still enjoy a nice glow, I like to have a more targeted glow on my face throughout the fall and winter. I can achieve this with a more natural/satin foundation and still highlight my face. I've been using the Covergirl Vitalist Elixir foundation and I really like the finish that it gives me. I wear it as a medium coverage, by using a large kabuki brush to apply it. It is a foundation that I need to set because it doesn't fully dry down and I don't like the tacky feeling. I don't like to set my face in the summer, and for this reason I think it would be better suited for colder temperatures. I hope the shade continues to match me, because it's not as light as I would like it do be.

Can We Talk About Grief? Losing My Mom




They say grief comes in waves, and it's absolutely true. Grief can be overwhelming, all consuming and exhausting. It has been 6 months since my Mom passed, and I'm still adjusting. We've gone through winter, spring and summer and as we move into fall it feels like she passed so long ago, but at the same time it feels like it happened a few days ago. I guess I'm shocked that six months have passed and I'm still standing and figuring this all out. Grief has surprised me in many ways. I thought I would share my journey so far. Grief is not something we tend to talk about, and everyone goes through it in their own way. When you lose someone, in those first weeks, it seems like everyone wants to help but as the months go by, it seems like they've all moved on and you're hesitant to bring up your emotions.

Let's Get Reading: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell



Cath and her twin sister Wren are starting college, and Cath can’t believe that her twin sister doesn’t want to be her roommate in the dorms. Cath is an introvert; she suffers from anxiety and can’t believe her sister is ditching her.  When they get to college, Wren even further distances herself from Cath and Cath is a little scared of her roommate. She doesn’t know where the dining hall is and doesn’t really want to find out. She has peanut butter and protein bars stashed under her bed.  Wren seems to be partying all the time, and Cath just keeps her distance and lets her be. Cath enjoys writing, and school, but her passion is fanfiction, Simon Snow fanfiction to be precise. Online she has a huge following, and Cath has no problem writing in her free time. However, college really begins to unlock Cath. We see her grow and face her fears.

Revolution Beauty X Emily Noel 'The Needs Palette' (Review and Swatches)

Revolution Beauty X Emily Noel Needs Palette (Review and Swatches)


Emily Noel is one of the first Youtubers that I watched when I was a very tired mom, going back to work and really in need to self care. I found the beauty community when I needed to start taking care of myself as well as my family. She has remained one of the Youtubers that I watch because she's so honest, and sincere. You can hear her passion for makeup in her reviews. When her collaboration with Revolution Beauty was announced, I was so excited because I truly love the brand and thought the two collaborating would be a great fit. She released two palette, "The Wants" and "The Needs." Today, I'm going to talk about "The Needs."

Happiness Boutique Cuff Bracelets Review



I'm a rose gold, yellow gold lover and never really ventured into the white gold/silver jewelry trend. I'm really happy that yellow gold, and rose gold have made a come back. I was approached by the Happiness Boutique to pick out two jewelry pieces for review purposes and before I agreed, I took a look at their site to see if I would be interested. I thought they offered a great variety of options and agreed to review two bracelets. They have bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings. They ship out from Germany, and have free worldwide shipping. Consumers have a 60 days return policy. The bracelets shipped out within one day, and arrived to Canada in about a week.

Veriphy Skincare (Canadian, Women in Science, Cruelty Free, Natural Beauty)

Veriphy Skincare (Canadian, Women in Science, Cruelty Free, Natural Beauty)

One of my goals this year was to dive more into skincare and learn more about products. When it comes to my skin, I have dryness but it's pretty good overall. As we move into the colder months, I'm looking for a moisturizer that will maintain my skin. I've been using the Veriphy Self Absorbed Moisturizer for a few weeks now, and I've been impressed. We'll get more into the moisturizer in a bit. First the brand, Veriphy Skincare is a new Canadian skincare brand. Veriphy is a natural beauty start up led by a team of women in science. They're also cruelty free. To start, they launched 3 core products that give you the base for a skincare regime. At this time they have a moisturizer, eye cream. and a serum. They're currently available online.

L'Oreal Paris: Paradise Enchanted Eyeshadow Palette (Review and Swatches)

L'Oreal Paris: Paradise Enchanted Eyeshadow Palette (Review and Swatches)


Have you seen this palette in the drugstore? It's beautiful and peachy but I wasn't sure what to think of it. Drugstore shadows can be hit or miss, and this palette is priced around 20$ in Canada. While it is an affordable palette, I was really hoping that it would be satisfactory. I picked it up on sale, which was a plus. I had read some positive reviews on the palette and thought it would be fun to try. It really fit in well with summer and wanting a lighter look. The L'Oreal Paris 'Paradise collection' also includes a pink tinted eyelash primer, a high shine black and a rose gold eyeliner as well as four blushes. At some point, I would like to explore this collection and test some of the other products. The rose gold eyeliner has peaked my interest. 

Sunday Prep: Starting Your Week Off On The Right Path

Sunday Prep: Starting Your Week Off On The Right Path

Sunday is my prep day, it's the day where I reset myself and prepare for the week ahead. I am a wife and mom, and the more organized I am- the less overwhelmed I get. You don't want Monday to come, and you're already feeling frazzled and stressed. I love routines, and habits that turn into routines. Here are some of the things that I do that prepares me for the week ahead.

Laundry

I make sure that our clothes are all washed and ready for the week ahead. I don't want to be looking for clean clothes on Monday. I want to start the week knowing I won't have to do laundry during the week; when I'm tired and can easily procrastinate or when life can get in the way and I won't have a chance to do it. It would make an already difficult week, more difficult. I don't recommend saving all your laundry to do on Sunday but those items you know you will look for if it's not clean. Those items that will absolutely be used. (Tip: I save my towels as my last load, because it I don't have a chance to fold them. I don't have to worry about them wrinkling)

Let's Get Reading: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NG


Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NG

Everything I Never Told You is a heartbreaking and heavy story that will capture your attention and keeping you reading. The story opens with readers learning that Lydia is dead, and no one knows it yet. We soon learn about the parent’s: James and Marilyn. James Lee is an American-born Chinese professor who always felt left out. In his school he was the only Chinese boy, deeply embarrassed that his parents worked at his school. His wife Marilyn, blue-eyed and blond was the first girl who paid him any attention. She was a student, and him a professor at the time. Marilyn was a star student, who dreamed of medical school, a young woman who was determined not to become her mother- a housewife. When Marilyn became pregnant, and married James, she dropped out of school to raise her family. Before she knew it, Marilyn had two children, and school didn’t seem like an option anymore. She put all her hopes in dreams into her daughter Lydia, who secretly couldn’t keep up. Nath reminded James too much of himself, and Hannah was the forgotten child

Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Ring the Alarm (Review and Swatches)

Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Ring the Alarm (Review and Swatches)


If you've been reading this blog, you will know I'm a fan of Jaclyn Hill and a fan of Morphe. I have quite a few Morphe palette reviews and they really are my most viewed posts. When I first started seeing sneak peeks of this collection, I was so excited to get it. When the launch was pushed back, I patiently waited and ordered it when it finally launched. I am surprised that I don't grab for these palettes as much as I thought I would, and I will get into that a little later. First, the outter packaging on the Vault Collection is just gorgeous and looks much more luxe than the Original Jaclyn Hill X Morphe palette. I love the ribbon in the box which gives you easy access to the palettes, without having to shake them out and I love the subtle color difference that allows you to see which color story is in which palette.

Revolution Fast Base Concealer (Cushion Concealer)

Revolution Fast Base Concealer (Cushion Concealer)

Concealer is something that I wear on both makeup and non makeup days. I need concealer to cover my dark circles otherwise I don't feel like myself. When I saw the Fast Base Concealer on the Revolution Beauty site, I really wanted to give it a try. It reminded me of the Maybelline Age Rewind concealer which is a cult classic. If you've been reading my blog, you know I've been loving the Conceal and Define Concealer (here) and wondered how this would compare. In short, I like it but I don't love it. This concealer is lightweight, hydrating and offers a medium buildable coverage. I need a fuller coverage and while this might work great for some, my needs are different. This concealer would work best to highlighting for me, and I will use it with that intent. It would also be great to mix in with other concealers when I need to lighten it up. 

August Makeup Favorites (Velvet Rose Palette, Spotlight Palette, Brow Pomade, Kiss Gloss, Quo Lipstick)

August Favorites (Velvet Rose Palette, Spotlight Palette, Brow Pomade, Kiss Gloss, Quo Lipstick)

It's September, and almost fall and I am so so excited! Fall is my favorite time of the year, and while I dread the cold winter that comes after, I'm still so happy when fall rolls around. In my opinion, it's the coziest time of year. It starts to get a bit crisp outside, but you're still comfortable when putting on a sweater or jacket. Okay, back to the makeup... In the month of August, I was looking for quick and easy looks. The palette that stood out to me the most was the Revolution Beauty Velvet Rose palette. Yes, it looks like the ABH Soft Glam palette and I love the Revolution Beauty version. I can see this palette staying on my vanity and not moving. It has a different feel from your regular warm neutral look. If you want a more in dept review/swatches, you can check it out here.