HAUL: DECIEM The Ordinary Skincare

I've been wanting to try more DECIEM products so I made a little skincare haul on Hudson's Bay. It's hard to get everything on my wish list because as you may know, DECIEM - notably their line, The Ordinary - has been very buzzed about: it's affordable, and their ingredients and benefits sound pretty intriguing and effective. In Canada, you can get DECIEM directly from their website, Well.ca, and Hudson's Bay. They also have been opening up a bunch of stores all over the world! If you have a big wish list I suggest ordering through their website or going in-stores; however, I prefer to shop online because I get cash back on eBates (you can too - sign up here! Both Hudson's Bay and Well.ca are on eBates.ca). While there are still a ton of products I'd like to try, I was only able to pick up a few things that I thought would help with some of my current skin concerns.

A Few of My Favourite Things: October

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara - I got to try this mascara thanks to Chickadvisor and I genuinely love it. It has a big brush so it is able to grab all your lashes in one swipe. I definitely recommend this if you love having volumionus lashes.

MAC Lipstick in Candy Yum Yum - I agree, this shade is slightly too bright and more suitable for spring and summer! But I like to break this out now and then because it's bright and it makes me happy. I think it goes well with a dark scarf and outfit. Who says you can't wear bright lipstick during the fall and winter?

Anastasia Beverly Hill Brow Wiz - This is a cult favourite and I can see why. I've tried a handful of drugstore brow pencil and keep going back to this one even though it's 3x the price. The pencil is pigmented and goes on so smoothly and easily, and it stays on all day. Definitely worth the splurge! 

Kylie Cosmetics in Koko K - I am obsessed with this shade. Its opaque (I can easily get away with one or two layers) and it is long lasting without being overly drying. It's not too bright so its appropriate for the fall and winter!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Full Cover Concealer - This has been my go to concealer. I use it in the summer when I can't be bothered with heavy foundation, and I use it in the fall and winter when my skin is drier and I don't feel like putting foundation on my dry skin. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way!

What have you been loving lately? (Makeup bag is from Shiseido)

XO Jenn

Mini Review: Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara

To be honest, I haven't had the most luck with Revlon mascaras but I am always intrigued by new mascara formulas. Revlon Mega Multiplier mascara promises “mega volume and extreme length” but I didn’t get that at all. I’ve tried other fiber/tubing mascaras before and this Revlon one fell flat compared to the others. It didn’t do much for my lashes: I didn’t get enough volume or length! In general, I find that most tubing mascaras don’t allow me layer on the mascara without getting clumpy anyway, and this one was no exception. With that being said, it is a good mascara if you are into a more natural look and are looking for a just a little something for your lashes. It is also more affordable than the other tubing mascara out there in the drugstore, which is a plus if you 're interested in trying the tubing technology.

Note that while this mascara doesn’t tend to flake or smudge underneath your eye, it is not waterproof - the tubes will break off and run down your face if you get your lashes wet.

XO Jenn

I received this as a gift from Influenster for testing purposes.

August 2012 Favourites

MAC 188 Duo Fibre Brush

MAC 188 Duo Fibre Brush - I got this a while back so I have been using for the past month and so and I really love it. Before I purchased this, I was using a flat top brush to apply my foundation and while that brush does a good job of blending my foundation, I felt that the density of that brush makes me feel as though I am constantly dragging and tugging at my skin, especially when I'm in a rush. This MAC 188 brush is prefect because it's not dense but because it has duo fibre bristles, you can still easy get an airbrushed look but stippling on your foundation. This brush is my go-to brush right now.

Revlon Lip Butter - Creamsicle

Revlon Lip Butter - Creamsicle - I really did not expect to fall this in love with this product but I did! I love that it is a three in one and it is a great pick me up for those days when I want to tone down my naturally-pigmented lips. I'm not kind to wear lipstick and lipgloss for school but I have no problem popping this on.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - I love this cream! The consistency is quite thick and creamy but it does not feel heavy on the skin at all. I used this as a facial moisturizer and it did not break me out. It's definitely a great moisturizer to use in the winter time and/or at night if you need that extra hydration. I do not use this in the morning because I do feel like it does need a little more time to sink into the skin. I am completely done with this huge tub of product (it lasted me for such a long time, at least 4 months, and I use this on my neck too).

NARS Blush in Douceur - While I do own a couple of NARS products (Laguna, Orgasm blush, etc) and the Danmari blush palette, this is the shade I have been reaching for. I’ve been loving this because of it’s “double-duty” function; since it is a neutral, brown and mauvey shade, it doubles amazingly as a contour. On those days where my face feels slightly bloated in the morning, I definitely use this (even over NYX Raisin) for a more sculpted look along with my bronzer. I am a big fan of NARS blushes as they are really pigmented and I love that this blush is not overly shimmery so it gives me a subtle glow but not too crazy such that the “contour” looks unrealistic and fake. One can absolutely use this alone as blush and contour.

XO Nicole