Ace Beaute Grandiose Palette Review and Swatches


This Ace Beaute Grandiose palette is stunning and I was so excited to get it through a recent Boxycharm box. It's not exclusive to Boxycharm, you can also purchase it through Ace Beaute, if you're interested. The warm colours in this palette are what I'm constantly drawn to and I was so happy to add this to my collection. Ace Beaute is a brand that I've seen around but never tried any products. They do have a nice variety of palettes, lashes and brushes. The newest palette in their line up is the Oceanic palette that has blues and greens. 

NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil Review

NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil Review

The NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil is part of a new collection. The collection tag line is "Feels Like Nothing, and Looks Like Nothing" which was intriguing to me since I've been loving sheer coverage products. In this collection, there is also a multitasking spray, hydrating jelly primer, and cheek tints. I was sent a few of these products to review, and I'll start with the skin veil.  If you're wondering if it's a BB Cream, I would say it's more of a tinted moisturizer. It is available in twelve shades, vegan, and delivers up to 8 hrs of hydration. As a person with dry skin, I'm always looking for hydrating. This product has a satin finish which looks very natural and healthy on the skin.

Makeup Revolution Reloaded Deep Dive Palette Swatches and Review

Makeup Revolution Reloaded Deep Dive Palette Swatches and Review

When Makeup Revolution released the new Deep Dive palette, I had to pick it up. The Reloaded palettes are some of their most popular palettes and they've been mostly a hit for me. I don't own many blue eyeshadows and really wanted to try the blue eyeshadow trend on myself and finding an affordable palette is a great way to experiment with an eye look. In full disclosure, I like the palette but I do not like all blue eyeshadow looks on myself. I'm going to have to find a way to make this palette more wearable for myself. 

Hidden Gem at the Drugstore: Essence Metal Shock Eyeshadows

Hidden Gem at the Drugstore: Essence Metal Shock Eyeshadows

The Essence Metal Shock Shadows really surprised me and I think they're hidden gems at the drugstore. Cream/Liquid shadows are a fun way to play with eyeshadow. These particular shadows come in seven different shades, they're very easy to work with and very shimmery. I initially bought three shades and had to go back and pick up the rest of the shadows because I was so impressed. You are probably familiar with the Stila Glitter and Glow shadows and I want to tell you they're not as reflective with the glitter particles. I don't feel like they're dupes, but the Essence shadows stand on their own and I find them easy to wear every day.

Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Color Review

Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Color Review


The Stila Lingerie Souffle is a newer product from Stila and I was excited to try this mousse-like complexion product. This was sent to me for review purposes and claims to be a  "lightweight, delicately tinted skin perfector. Advanced pigments and light refracting particles smooth, blur and even skin tone creating the optimal illusion- skin that looks naturally fresh and perfected." Lately, I've preferred light coverage and I thought this sounded like something I would really enjoy. The Lingerie Souffle has 8 shades available and comes in a glass luxurious jar.

It Cosmetics Confidence in Your Glow Palettes (Natural and Nude Palettes) Plus, One Sweep Wonder Brush Review

It cosmetics Confidence in Your Glow Palettes (Natural and Nude Palettes) Plus, One Sweet Wonder Brush Review

If you like quick makeup looks in the morning, and you like to have everything in one palette, take a look at these It Cosmetics Confidence In Your Glow palettes. They've quickly become my "go to" palettes when I want a quick makeup look. The nude palette does look a little more peachy in real life, the other rosy palette is the natural palette. Both of these are gradient/ombre palettes with a highlighter, blush and bronzer section. You can also buy the One Sweep Wonder brush that is designed to pick up all three products and apply them on your face; if you're wondering how that works here is a video by Youtuber Leesha that will give you a better understanding of the concept. I will give my thoughts on the brush too.

Wet N Wild | Not A Basic Peach (Review and Swatches)

Wet N Wild | Not A Basic Peach (Review and Swatches)


Wet N Wild 'Not a Basic Peach' is one of the many 10 pan palettes available through the brand. When I think of summer, I think of peachy eyeshadow looks. I recently took this palette out and realized I didn't have a review posted and decided to post a review and swatches. These 10 pan palettes seem to have a nice range of shades with both matte and shimmers with two larger pans marked for 'transition.'

Mascara Declutter (Essence Volume Hero, Smashbox Superfan, Annabelle Skinny Mascara)

Mascara Declutter (Essence Volume Hero, Smashbox Superfan, Annabelle Skinny Mascara)

Mascara is one of those beauty products that can be hit or miss, it really depends on your lashes and what you're looking for in a  mascara. One person can love a mascara and when you try it, it doesn't work. You also have to keep in mind the three-month expiry date, if you don't want to chance an eye infection. When it comes to mascara I tend to purchase more affordable brands, I think the drugstore has great options and it's not necessary to purchase high-end mascara. I do like to purchase mascara samplers that give you the option to try different high-end mini's and sometimes a voucher is provided that you can redeem for one full-size mascara. It's great because you can try the mini and know which full size will work best for you. I think those samplers are a great way to try more expensive options.

Let's get into the three I recently tested out...

Essence Volume Hero (Purchase)

When I saw this Essence mascara the name reminded me of the It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara. The Superhero mascara has been raved about, and normally Essence Mascara are some of my favourites. I wasn't sure of the wand, the plastic applicator didn't have that many bristles and it didn't look similar to the Superhero wand. I will say I was very disappointed with this Volume Hero. It really didn't add length or volume to my lashes. I'm decluttering this one and moving on. 

Miniso Rose Natural BB Cream

Miniso Rose Natural BB Cream

This was the first product that I tried from Miniso and I opted for a BB cream. I've been leaning towards lighter coverage and thought this would be fun to try. Miniso has opened stores in Canada and they had brands that were completely new to me. When looking at the product I noticed the word natural and was interested to see how it would apply. It does not smell like rose which I was happy about, and it does look natural when you first apply it. Throughout the day I do start to look dewy and I'm sure the setting spray on top helps that out. I have dry skin and do feel that it gives me some moisture when applying it. 

Boxycharm May 2019 Unboxing (Theme: Make Waves) (Alamar Cosmetics, Glam Glow, Dose of Colors, Ciate, Bodyography)

Boxycharm May 2019 Unboxing (Theme: Make Waves) (Alamar Cosmetics, Glam Glow, Dose of Colors, Ciate, Bodyography)

My May Boxycharm showed up and I was so excited to get into the box. Throughout the month I keep an eye on spoilers and possible variations in the boxes, and this month there seemed to be a lot of variations and it was truly a surprise when I got mine. Each month Boxycharm gives you 4 or 5 full-size products, you will find some products that every charmer receives and some products are variations; so not every subscriber will receive it. Each month the boxes are also given a theme and this month was 'Make Waves." Let's get into the box...

Glamglow Gentlebubble Cleanser MSRP 28.00$

I've never tried any products from Glamglow and I do enjoy trying new cleansers. This product claims to effectively cleanse the skin and dissolve your makeup. It's recommended for all skin types, and will apparently bubble up when deep cleaning the skin. I'm interested to see if this will be a "one and done" makeup remover and cleanser. I usually double cleanse my skin. This was a product that every subscriber received.

Pur Festival Palette (Boxycharm Collaboration) Review and Swatches

Pur Festival Palette (Boxycharm Collaboration)

Pur's Festival palette is a newer palette added to my collection. It was included in a recent Boxycharm subscription box, and looking into the palette I learned that this palette was a collaboration with Boxycharm. It is limited edition and intended for one-of-a-kind festival looks with blue light defence. While I'm not a festival goer, my first thoughts of this palette were that I could wear it. It has neutrals, a few pops of colour, and two glitter pigments which make it different from my other palettes. At this time, I only have one other palette with pressed glitters. I was excited to see how this palette would perform since I own the Soiree Diaries palette and really do like it. Going into this palette, I wondered if Pur's formula would be up to par with that palette. 

The Ordinary Serum Foundation Review

The Ordinary Serum Foundation Review

I've been wanting to try The Ordinary's foundation for a while, and recently decided to give it a try. I've been enjoying trying new complexion products and with spring and summer, I like lighter coverage. Lately, I've been preferring lightweight natural foundations, especially with my current allergies. The Ordinary has this Serum foundation and the Coverage foundation which has more coverage. I decided to give the Serum Foundation a try since they are known to be lightweight products. The foundation does come in 21 shades and was less than 7$ in Canada. It does come with a pump which is always appreciated, and it has 30 ml of product.

Boxy Charm April FOMO 2019 Box Unboxing ((Ace Beauty, Luxie Beauty, Bang Beauty, Tatcha, Tarte))

Boxy Charm April FOMO 2019 Box Unboxing

It;'s been a few months since I resubscribed to Boxy Charm's monthly subscription box. I had tried it a few years ago and chose not to stay subscribed due to the fact that many of the products received weren't being used. In recent months Boxy Charm tempted me with the boxes I was seeing. One of the boxes I would have liked to receive was the month that they included the Ace Beauty Grandiose palette and the Luxie Beauty Luminous Eye Set. The palette has the colour story that I love, and those detail brushes are right up my alley. I subscribed not long after that box, and when I saw the April FOMO box could be purchased separately for already subscribed users, I decided to go ahead and get it. As a Canadian, I pay 35$ including shipping but the value far exceeds what I pay.

Let's look at what I received in the box:

Ace Beauty Grandiose Palette featuring 4 shimmer shades and 4 mattes. I've been wanting to try this palette and the brand and this was a great way to get my hands on the palette. The pan sizes are pretty big and I'm excited to give this a try. MSPR 24.99$

Urban Decay Naked Reloaded (Review and Swatches)

Urban Decay Naked Reloaded (Review and Swatches)

Urban Decay retired the iconic Naked palette and we all knew they would release an updated version. It was just a matter of time. When the Naked Reloaded was announced I was really happy with the shade selection and knew I would end up purchasing the palette. I didn't think this palette was groundbreaking but I did think it would be a great palette to grab for every day. These are the shades that I would use and love. It would allow me to have a variety and have what I need in a palette.

Pur Cosmetics Lit Mist Review

Pur Cosmetics Lit Mist Review

I'm a huge fan of setting mists and use a mist every day after I apply my makeup. It helps to melt all the powders into the skin and hold your makeup in place. I have dry skin, lasting power isn't a main concern of mine but I do believe using a setting mist will help make it last longer. The Pur Cosmetics Lit Mist is an illuminating setting spray that is supposed to hydrate, give you a glow, set your makeup and protect against "high energy visible" blue light. At first glance, this reminded me of the Cover FX Illuminating spray. It has tiny shimmers at the bottom of the bottle and you will need to shake it up before use. Unlike the Coverfx Illuminating spray this is more subtle and I don't notice any shimmer particles on my face but it does give me a nice glow. 

My Current Favorite Brow Products for Natural Brows (Cheekbone Beauty Perfect Brow and Benefit Ka-Brow)

My Current Favorite Brow Products for Natural Brows (Cheekbone Beauty Perfect Brow and Benefit Ka-Brow)

Isn't it lovely when you find those core products that you love and you don't even think twice about it when doing your makeup? That's what I found in these two products. If you've followed my daily Instagram flatlays of my morning routine, you'll have seen how often I use these products. The Cheekbone Beauty Perfect Brow in Brunette has replaced my beloved Essence Make Me Brow. The Perfect Brow is more suited to my dark hair and it has a better hold. You can also purchase the blonde shade. The brush does look bigger and it did worry me but I didn't have any issues with applying the product to my sparse brows. This product claims to "fill, tint and sculpt' and if I'm going for a no makeup, makeup look, I can use this alone. However, I usually use the Ka- Brow to create some natural looking brush strokes and fill in some sparse areas. If you have enough brow hairs, you might be able to use this on its own every day. 

Burt's Bees All Aglow Lip and Cheek Sticks, Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation, Nourishing Mascara

Burt's Bees All Aglow Lip and Cheek Sticks, Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation, Nourishing Mascara

Burt's Bees is a brand that has recently expanded its range of products in Canada. Recently, Top Box Circle sent me some products to test out and review for their program. I was excited to also review them for my blog. I was provided with the Goodness Glow foundation, nourishing mascara, and four of the blush, bronzer, highlighter cheek and lip sticks.

Burt's Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation

When looking at all the products I received; the foundation was one that I almost purchased myself and I couldn't wait to give it a try. It claims to be a full coverage mineral foundation that "leaves the skin smoother and more radiant with a natural finish that's never heavy, cakey or greasy."
In terms of packaging, it has a glass bottle with a nice controllable pump. I have dry skin and I'm sad to say that this foundation didn't work for me. I found it hard to blend, it clung to drier parts of my face and it did not like certain powders that I would use to set my face. I tried it with both a brush and a sponge and I had the same results with both. It wasn't horrible but I could see it sitting on my skin and didn't melt in as much as I would have liked. It did get better after I wore for a little while, but still not the best. As I'm writing this I wonder if it would have worked with using my fingers to blend it in and warm it up. I will try it and update this post. I also tried mixing in my moisturizer to thin it out and see if I liked it better, and it didn't make a difference.

Now, on to the products that I did like...

Fey ACQUA Hydrating Serum Review and Thoughts

Fey ACQUA Hydrating Serum Review and Thoughts

Recently, I started to incorporate a new serum into my night routing. I have dry skin and I'm always looking for more hydration. Fey reached out and asked me to try one of their serums and I thought the hydrating one would be best for me. Let's talk about the company. Fey is an independent Canadian skin care company that currently have serums, lotions, cream, and masks on their product listings. The founder Marie France Sabini struggled with skincare products for years and decided to "create a new line of highly effective natural and organic skincare products that would be entirely based on the eco-friendly lifestyle" that she had been living.

The ACQUA hydrating serum product description:

Powered by a breakthrough formula of different size Hyaluronic Acid fragments and organic/natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Meadowfoam seed oil, our ACQUA serum gel possesses a unique ability to deeply moisturize skin. It also provides an instant plumping effect while smoothing fine lines and making skin silky soft. Dermatologist tested. 

Milani Pure Passion (Review and Swatches) Drugstore Eyeshadow

Milani Pure Passion (Review and Swatches) Drugstore Eyeshadow

Milani Cosmetics is newly available in Canada, and it wasn't until recently that I saw these 12 pan palettes in store. Currently, the Soft and Sultry and the Pure Passion palettes are available at Shoppers Drug Mart. I decided to go for the Pure Passion because I do love my warm tones. The Pure Passion palette has the shades that I love, rose golds and berries. It's also a complete palette in terms of shade range as it has light, medium and deeper shades. I had heard a lot of positive reviews on these palettes and couldn't wait to give it a try.