October 2014 Favourites

Here are our favourites from the past month!

1. NYX Cosmetics HD Concealer Wand - This is one of the best drugstore concealers I've tried. It does an amazing job at concealing zits. I don't have undereye circles so I cannot comment on that but I think it would do an adequate job with that since you don't need much, and since the concealer stays on for the whole day. It is easily blendable so not much of the product is required.

2. L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer - I love this highlighter because it is subtle enough to use all over the face as a primer, or as a highlighter. I have not broken out from this, and although I have oily skin, this does not make me look extra oily or dewy.

3. Anna Sui Mascara Base - This is one of my favourite eyelash primers I've tried (I've tried the one from Lancome, Dior, and MAC). I love that the wand is smaller than your typical mascara and eyelash primer brush. This means you can really get in there and coat all of your lashes. The consistency is also like a gel - and even though the product is actually purple (the purple does not show up on your lashes) - so it is not super wet such that it will make your lashes droop. You can put your mascara on right after applying this or after a few minutes; I found that I get the best results when I apply mascara after ~10 seconds after primer application. The Anna Sui primer makes my lashes look thicker and longer.

4. Maybelline Baby Lips - Peppermint - This is the only Baby Lips I've tried from Maybelline but I really like it. This particular lip balm does not have any colour/tint (as many do) and does not have too much of a scent besides a bit of menthol scent, which does not linger at all after application. I think this does an adequate job of moisturizing the lips but it is not at all a heavy duty lip balm. For that reason, I do not recommend it for the fall or winter time.

5. Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Toilette - I absolutely love this scent. I wore this throughout the summer because it was an EDT so it was not overpowering. It was light but still sexy at the same time. Of course, being an EDT, the scent did not last a long time but I think it is a compromise for wanting to wear this very sexy and night-out-type perfume in the daytime. I will definitely be buying myself a refillable Eau de Parfum bottle.

What were your favourites from the past month?

XO Jenn & Nicole

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Review

It Cosmetics has been getting a lot of attention this past year, so I decided to try their "neutralizing correcting cream", Bye Bye Redness. This is the only CC cream that I've tried but I liked it enough to repurchase a second jar. For me, it is not a HG product but it is handy for those who struggle with redness. It does an amazing job at correcting redness so if that is your only concern, then you this would be one product to try. You can wear this under your foundation or by itself - I wear this instead of foundation on good skin days. My favourite thing about this product is the consistency. The consistency is rather thin and blends to a powder finish/texture so it is super lightweight on the skin. With that said, I find that this does not blend with using your fingers. My favourite way to apply this is with a fluffy synthetic brush like the Real Techniques Buffing brush (I also end up using less of the product when I use this brush). It has a (sweet, pleasant) scent but it does not linger. Bye Bye Redness does come in one shade that is slightly more orange than neutral or yellow, so I don't think this would work for skintones that are super pale or super dark. I recommend this for people who want a lightweight product to even out their skintone.

XO Nicole

Buy at It Cosmetics for $32USD

Sephora F&F 2013 Haul (Hourglass, GLAMGLOW, Kat Von D, etc)

I went a little crazy with the Friends & Family 20% off sale (which, combined with the 5% cash back from ebates, I actually saved 25% off my order). I have also included a smaller Sephora order I made a while back because the Disney Collection Ariel Set the Mood Compact Mirror was back in stock.

From the Sephora F&F sale, I picked up:
Kat Von D Sinner Perfume
Kat Von D Saint PerfumeHourglass Ambient Lighting PaletteGLAMGLOW Super-Mud™ Clearing Treatment & Youth-Mud™ Tingling & Exfoliating Treatment SetMDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen

Thierry Mugler 500 Point perk - I feature this product in this post here.

The MDSolarSciences suncreen was a total impulse buy! I usually never spend too much on my sunscreen but I was very intrigued by all the additional benefits that this sunscreen claims to have. This claims to be suitable for acne-prone skin, which I have, and it also uses physical sunscreen blocking agents, which I prefer. If you noticed, I actaully purchased two of them... I was so excited about this product that I accidentally added two into my cart.

Edit: It looks like the Hourglass Ambient palette, and the GlamGlow set are permanently out of stock! No surprise there since the VIB sale is currently on. There is actually another GlamGlow set that is available. It is basically the same thing - it contains that same products and in same amounts - but the packaging is different, and it sells for a bit more expensive (here). Both that set and the one that I purchased have 1.2 oz of the SUPERMUD™ Clearing Treatment and 0.5 oz YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment, except the Tinglexofliate came in two squeezey tubes (0.25 oz each) instead of a small jar.

XO Nicole

Fall 2013 Wish List

Well, it's that time again! There is nothing more exciting than getting ready for another start of the school year, and for the Fall and Winter (my two favourite seasons - Fall, in particular). For some reason, wish lists for the Fall school semester and/or the Fall are so much easier to compile! Anyway, I decided to combine my Fall wish list with my birthday wish list - as I did last year - and share with you some of the things that I am coveting, and hopefully, will be getting. As with most of my wish lists, these are not new releases that correspond to the season - it's just things I have discovered and want to incorporate into my beauty rotation! These are more pricier items but most of them are base makeup for the face - I can easily justify these purchases because I feel it is so important to have a nice canvas and also, products that do not have horrible ingredients. I have a feeling that this wish list is really a shopping list because I feel like I genuinely need all these products!

1. Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation $34/$41CAD
2. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Anti-Aging Concealing Cream $32USD
3. L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm
4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light
5. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer $45USD/$49.50CAD
6. L'Oreal's False Lash Telescopic

XO Nicole

Sephora VIB Celebration Bag 2013

Sephora's VIB Celebration Bag is one of the latest perks for VIBs. Free with $35USD/CAD purchase, this "Celebration" bag comes with 9 samples, including some of which are deluxe samples. The bag that I received contained the following:

• Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional (0.25 oz)
• Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Dolly (0.07 oz)
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Nude (0.5 oz)
• Stila Lip Glaze in Apricot (0.05 oz)
• Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau de Toilette (0.04 oz)
• Sephora Collection Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 (0.17 oz)
• Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in N° 56 Queen For A Day (Gun Metal Mirror)(0.07 oz)
• L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (0.34 oz) L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil
• First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (1 oz) Boscia Bright White Mask

XO Je

Sephora Haul (feat. Kat Von D)

Ever since I have made the switch to BB cream and/or tinted moisturizer, I have been on the look out for a good powder to provide some extra coverage for the days that I need it. The Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation is a popular foundation for super high coverage, but since I am not a fan too high coverage foundation and also because the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation did not have any shades that match me perfectly, I passed on it. Just this year however, Kat Von D released a powder counterpart to the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation. Again, even though she has a wide range of shades to choose from, I still couldn't find a true match for my skin so I picked out two shades, Light 45 and Medium 53. Check out my post featuring these two products to get more details on the product. 

Check out what was in my VIB Celebration Bag here.

Featuring Sephora Beauty Insider 2013 Birthday Gift

It's finally my turn to haul the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift! If you guys haven't seen this, here you go! This year's gift is provided courtesy of Benefit cosmetics; it consists of a deluxe sample of their ever so popular They're Real mascara, and also a "luminous champagne" highlighter, Watt's Up!. I am especially looking forward to trying the mascara and seeing what the hype around the mascara is all about! Oh, and you can read about last year's Sephora BI birthday gift here - link.

XO Nicole

What's in My Makeup Bag?

I came across a few different blogs and videos on back to school makeup basics and they all seemed pretty redundant to me, ie. just conceal, light eyeshadow, tinted lip balm and mascara! I think we all know how to keep our makeup routine minimal just by choosing and using the essential products so I didn't want to go that route for this blog post. Rather, I decided to do a post on what I'm packing in my little makeup/emergency bag for back to school.

P.S. I'm starting my senior year of university today - it's last home stretch till graduation so I'm keeping my makeup minimal to save time for sleeping and acing those courses! What about you?

1. Maybelline Dream Matte Pressed Powder - as I mentioned in the corresponding blog post for this product, this does a really job of absorbing the oil on my face, although the shade is a bit to pale for me at this moment! I really like the fact that this does not cake your face and it is relatively inexpensive. By the way, this is my second compact of this stuff! (Full review here)
2. Dr. Bronner's Magic Organic Lip Balm in Peppermint - this has been my favorite lip balm thus far. I have opted for this lip balm over the EOS lip balms (both are organic and natural, which is what I am going for) and I really enjoy this. When I apply this, it feels like it's literally putting butter or oil on my lips - like it's melts instantly on your lips. The peppermint scent is great too - it feels like I have fresh breath! It also gives a slight tingle which I also love. I will definitely be purchasing another Dr. Bronner's lip balm when I finish this one up.
3. Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks - these are a lifesaver, especially if you are like me and have oily eyelids and are always experimenting with new mascaras. I have a ton of sample mascaras that are unfortunately nonwaterproof so when I wear them, I might have smudges throughout the day but these can clean them up in no time.
4. Oil-Blotting Sheets - I purchase pretty 'generic' blotting sheets because they do the job at a very low price. I should also mention though that since using the Skindinavia Make Up Finishing Spray, my oil-production has been more controlled and I have not found the need to reach for this as frequently.
5. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 - I love the fact that this lipbalm has SPF in it as my stick chapstick does not. I also love this because it gives crazy shine on your lips. If layered over a lipstick, it will look like you have a lipgloss on. I love it even though it is not my #1 most moisturizing lip balm product.
6. Travalo - I find spraying on perfume as opposed to using rollerballs to be more effective and more long-lasting for me so I always have to have this handy.  You can read more about the Travalo here. As of right now, I have my travalo filled with a mixture of perfumes. I love to combine perfumes (that might be weird to some of you but I have yet to come upon a nasty chemical reaction between different scents - phew!) and I also like to switch them out every once in a while so I usually do not fill it in to the max (just a tip if you guys are like me)!

This is all I take with me because I really do not use much makeup for school. To be honest, school brings out the competitive academic side of me and when my performance and marks (and precious sleeping time) are on the line, I could really care less about having a flawless complexion and perfectly arched brows, etc etc; however, at the same time, the beauty-addict inside of me forces me to at least carry some oil-absorbing products ;) (no grease ball sitting in lecture rooms here). That was my little rant but all and all, I hope that you all have/had a great first week of school - fall and Christmas is in the horizon :).

XO Nicole

Featuring Sephora 500 Point Perk Summer Kit

I usually save my points until the end of the year because the 500 point perk is usually a more luxurious brand (think Dior, see my post here), but the point reduction for this kit lured in. Plus, there's a few months left before the end of the year to replenish the deficit (wink!). This kit is pretty complete - they did a good job thinking about the whole routine. First off, sunscreen and moisturizer, followed up with a nice primer (I was most excited for this Hourglass primer!), and BB cream. A mascara and a brow gel is also included. The only thing I could find to criticize is the makeup bag - I would have chose something that is brighter and maybe something that is made out of a waterproof material that would be perfect for bringing to the beach/pool.

XO Nicole

Featuring Youngblood Natural Loose Mineral Foundation

I am not on the market for a new powder foundation as I am currently using and enjoying my Shiseido "The Makeup Powdery Foundation", but I was watching someone's YouTube video on foundations and she had said this was one of her favourites so I caved. I've seen Youngblood being mentioned here and there so it was not something that was totally new and risky. It is really pricey though, for a powder foundation. This cost me $42 CAD at nailpolishcanada.com (which, by the way, they threw in a liquorice lolly... I think because one of the items I ordered was backordered and they had to cancel it. Nice touch!). A review will be up as soon as I give this a go! Stay tuned.

XO Nicole

Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Review and Photos

I am so glad Maybelline finally came out with their own eye makeup remover. They know their stuff and created a eye makeup remover that actually works for waterproof mascara. 

Because I wear a million layers of waterproof mascara, I am not expecting for any makeup remover in this planet to remove my eye makeup with ease. I still use coconut oil on my lashes, which I have to leave on my lashes for at least 10-15 minutes in order to remove 80% of it. The remaining 20% (little clumps) is removed using the Maybelline remover. Even past removers (Neutrogena, Clean & Clear) have had trouble removing what is left so I am quite impressed with this one. When I only wear one or two coats of waterproof mascara, this remover is sufficient to remove them. For makeup or mascara that ends up on the skin, this works wonders. A little bit can take off all the makeup in one go! Another plus about this product is that it is oil-free! I also love the pink packaging and the thin sleek shape of it. Even though the opening is just a hole, it is a fairly small one that you can easily control and not have all the product spill out at once. 

This line also includes a variety of removers; they have the classic, non-waterproof version (Classic Eye Make Up Remover), a lotion version (The Flash Clean Makeup Removing Lotion), in addition to towelettes (Facial Towelettes). 

1. XO Nicole

Sephora Haul (Clarisonic, Shiseido, Josie Maran)

I placed this order because I was running low on my Cover Fx Pressed Mineral Foundation powder. Although I love that Cover Fx provides great coverage without being cakey and the shade matches me amazingly, I was ready to try a new powder. The reviews on this powder are nothing but great so I had to try it out. 

Shiseido The Makeup Powdery Foundation (in shades O20 & O40) - What is cool about this product is that the powder is sold separately from the compact itself (although I believe a lot of Shiseido (powder) products are sold like this). I really like Shiseido for doing this; not only it is more eco-friendly, and I think it just goes to show how confident they are in their products to believe that customers will keep repurchasing. The case is sold separately for $8 CAD. I did not buy the case just yet because I wanted to make sure that I did like the powder enough to repurchase it in the future.

I bought two shades because I was not sure how I matched – this is an online only product so I had no way of swatching and seeing it in person. 

Cleansing Brush Head Value Pack (TYPE: Acne- excellent for acne-prone skin types) I am down to my last Clarisonic brush head so I was happy to see that they offer this value pack of 4 brushes for $75 . Of course, I chose the acne brush heads. This is a great deal because one brush head is $29 CAD (and a twin pack is $48) .

When I placed this order (prior to the Sephora ChicWeek sale), they had a promo for a deluxe sample of the new Josie Maran Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil. I have been so curious about her products so I thought this was a great opportunity to try a product of hers.

Having made this haul, I controlled myself and skipped the Sephora ChicWeek sale, which is fine with me since I didn't have much that I wanted and needed to get. (Random fragrance rant ahead!) The only real thing I need is a new spring/summer fragrance. Last year, it was Marc Jacob's Lola. I was thinking about LaVanila Pure Vanilla but it does not lasts on me and I barely smell it throughout the day. I am really falling for Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. I love the bottle (hello, it's a pink grenade!) but at the same time, every girl out there wears it! I'm quite torn! 

XO Nicole

Drugstore/Whole Foods Skincare Haul

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner 

Heritage Products Rose Petals Rosewater Spray

Calgon Ageless Bath: Exfoliating Mineral Scrub and Soak -  Exfoliating your body is key to achieving a more realistic and seemless tan with gradual tanning lotion, which is my method for a sun-kissed glow in the summer. This scrub sounded like it would be really pleasant - "scrub and soak" - and it's a really large tub and it was on sale; I couldn't say no.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation - I searched high and low for Bourjois' Healthy Mix Foundation, specifically in SDMs because they are the only ones that carry Bourjois here in Canada, but it seems that they only have the serum version. I was desperate for a new foundation so I purchased this one anyway. I got this in the shade 52 Vanilla. Hopefully, the shade matches and that it won't turn out to be a hot mess on my oily skin. 

I am aware that Asos.com sells this in addition to the original/non-serum version but they are all out of my shade at this time. I contacted Asos about restocking the shades but they told me that they don't restock their items. I believe it was an automatic reply because I don't think that this is true for beauty products so I will be keeping my eye on the product page. This cost me $27 CAD whereas it only costs $19 ($17 for non-serum version) on ASOS and they ship for free.

XO Jenny

Drugstore Haul (Spring Empties Follow Up)

This shopping trip was well needed to replace most of the "necessities" that I have used up (see previous posts). Some stuff were extra but nevertheless, justifiable. Most of these items were purchased at Walmart with an exception to a couple things that were purchased from London Drugs.

Goody Classics Mini Claw Clips - I love these mini claw clips and must have them with me at all times. Needless to say, I break these easily and even though I can do with one missing claw, it always bothers me, I don't know why. I am glad that Walmart had these again (for a period of time, I couldn't find them anywhere or they were too expensive). This pack costs $4 CAD and comes with 9 clips.

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil - The two organic lip balms that I finished up  during last semester left me wanting something more exciting. While people may not think Burt's Bee is exciting, I was really looking forward to trying their lip balms because I have never done so. London Drugs was having a Buy 1 Get 1 promo on this duo pack so I decided that it was a sign for me to finally try them. Of course, I get tired easily and need something new so I am not anticipating that I will use all four chapsticks by myself, unless they're life changing - which I am doubtful.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Face Powder in Translucent Light - I've gone through 2 Dream Matte Powders (by Maybelline) and so I was ready for a change. I decided to try this powder because it had good reviews (on MakeupAlley) and because it is made by PF, I thought it would have good ingredients. Though I have never really tried PF products before (because it is quite pricey for a drugstore brand) but I was under the assumption that they had this kind of a philosphy. However, this product contains parabens (as does the Dream Matte powders), but every powder that I have looked at (that are also affordable/from the drugstores) contains some kind of paraben so I guess I will have to live with it. I also wanted to try Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder but that does not come with a puff or a mirror. The puff and the mirror is essential for me in a pressed powder because it's the one face product that I am most likely to bring with me so I want it to have dual-function.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Expert Face Brush - I got overly excited when I saw that London Drugs now carries the individual brushes (both LD and Walmart initially only carried the collection sets). We all know that I do not need anymore brushes, especially buffing/synthethic foundation brushes because not only do I have my Sigma brushes waiting for me to use but also because I don't even wear foundation on a day to day basis - though I have recently been longing to buy a new foundation. I guess this was a sign of my itch to start wearing foundation again.

Aveeno Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer - This was crazy expensive for a drugstore moisturizer but because I have been breaking out for some unknown reason, I wanted a moisturizer that would help with my breakouts. This moisturizer has salicylic acid in it.

Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening System - Trying a new whitening system/impulse buy (I was initially going to buy Crest Whitestrips but this was on sale so I took that as a sign...)

XO Jenny

Spring Empties Part 5 - Face Makeup

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm - I had a pleasant experience with Dr. Jart BB cream but I ready to move on. Even though it was good, I wanted to try something else. I really liked this BB cream but it did not last on my face and it felt kind of “filmy” and it does have a strong pink undertone to it. Look out for a comparison post between this BB cream and the new one I have been using. Read my full review here. Also look out for a post where I compare this BB cream with Missha BB cream.

CLEAN & CLEAR Soothing Eye Makeup Remover - I am so happy that I finally finished this makeup remover! I purchased this on a whim because I needed some kind of makeup remover so I didn't have time to read the reviews on this. This is probably the worst makeup remover that I have ever tried. No matter how much I use and how long I leave it the cotton round on my eye, nothing comes off – even with a little bit of rubbing. Keep in mind that I do wear a bajillion layers of waterproof mascara but the fact that this barely removed even one layer is a bit ridiculous. This did do the job of removing makeup on the skin (ie. Mascara on my eyelids) but again, I have tried better. Read my review on a new makeup remover that actually works on me!

Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray - This makeup setting spray does nothing for me. I still get oily half way through the day (I don't have overly oily skin either) and my makeup does not last all day. My days can start from 6am – 12am and even though I am not expecting my makeup to look exactly the way that it did at 7am, this spray does not keep my makeup looking great halfway through the day. That being said, I have 2 more bottles of this to go. One of them is the bridal version so hopefully that one will deliver.

Maybelline Dream Matte Pressed Powder - Another Dream Matte powder done! Although this does a great job in mattifying the face, I am ready for something new. I do recommend this for very oily skin. It's a great powder - I just hate the packaging.

XO Nicole

Featuring: MAC Strong Woman Lipstick (Photos, Swatches)

Strong Woman is a dark matte purple lipstick from the MAC Strength Collection. It is very opaque but because it has a warmer and red undertone, it makes it less dramatic. 

(I wanted to feature this lipstick because it is so different than what I am used to! Excuse the super messy lipstick - it's been through the ringer)

XO Nicole

My Collection: My Lash Stash

I was cleaning out my makeup train case for the new year and I found an overwhelmingly large collection of high end mascaras in there. These were collected from GWPs and Sephora. I thought it would be fun to include this in a "My Collection" post. In this little "lash stash" of mine, I basically have all the popular high end mascaras out there. More specially (in the order from left to right):

• BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara
• MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash
• Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara
• Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara
• Clinque Lash Doubling Mascara
• Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara
• Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
• Lancôme Definicils High Definition Mascara
• Lancôme CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base
• Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara

The one huge downside to this collection is that I will probably never use any of them because I desperately need the waterproof formula to help retain my curl and to prevent smudging. Therefore, I will probably end up giving these away! I would still like to keep the MUFE Smoky Lash and the YSL Faux Cils just to try because I cannot resist them after hearing so many people rave about them!

What are your favorite high end mascaras?

XO Nicole

Standout Skincare and Beauty Products of 2012

The year of 2012 has been a quiet year for me in terms of buying new "unnecessary" makeup as I initially set out a 12 limit beauty product buy last year - which I failed miserably, but nonetheless, I did find some great products that I could argue were more on the "necessary" side. Most of these products were either "needed" for the face or cleanser or remover.

1. SEPHORA COLLECTION Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover - I am a mascara/big lashes fiend - if you know me, you will know that I am absolutely obsessed with layering my mascaras. By the end of the night, I probably have 10+ coats of waterproof mascara on and this is the only eye makeup remover that I have found to be even close to effective in removing any mascara.
2. Cover Fx Pressed Mineral Foundation - Since I have been using a BB cream this year, I needed a bit of help for that extra coverage and this product has been amazing. Not only are there a huge variety of shades that I found one that matches me perfectly, but this product is so finely milled and pigmented that it does not make me look cakey at all. 
3. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm - I love this product - it matches me great, has decent coverage and has a lot of great benefits! Read my full review here.
4. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel - This has to be my favorite cleanser that I have tried this year. It smells great, a little goes a long way and it removes makeup amazingly! This is perfect to use in conjuction with a Clarisonic too, however, the one downside to this product is that it contains parabens! If this cleanser did not have parabens, I would definitely be repurchasing this. If parabens do not bother you, I highly recommend this cleanser - it is a bit pricey for a cleanser but it is really lovely.
5. Skindinavia Original Make Up Setting Spray - I purchased this on a whim but this product proved to come in handy when I was in a rush and layered my makeup quickly (and sometimes, very messy) but with a few spitz of this spray, I did not have to worry. My makeup looks nicely blended afterwards (I don't really know how?) and it makes my makeup lasts longer than when I go without this product. It does not control oiliness though.
6. Jurlique Calendula Cream - This is a pricey moisturizer but it has proved to worth it. At first, it is quite a thick consistency but when you warm it between your fingertips (as directed on the tube), it becomes very easily to apply to the skin. It contains Calendula which is an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe the skin and reduce any redness. I have been using this at night even though it says it is most ideal for daytime and in particular, after sun-exposure, but nonetheless, when I wake up in the morning, my skin is not as red.
7. NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna - I finally broke this out because I did not want it to go to waste and I love this stuff. I have super pale skin and this adds such a nice warm glow to my complexion. I never go without this product when I am wearing makeup - I would even choose this over blush any time when I was in a rush.
8. L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes - Fibre mascaras are definitely the way to go if you are looking for length. I have tried the Maybelline Illegal Lengths and loved it but I find this mascara to be more lengthening and volumizing. This is probably most lenghthening mascara I have used thus far.

Hope you all had an amazing 2012 and on a more materialistic level (in relation to this post), have found some standout/HG products like I did. Check out my wishlist of products that I am looking forward to try for the upcoming year.

Related posts:

Sephora Haul (Cover Fx, Origins, Lancôme, Dior) 
Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm Photos, Swatches and Review
Skindinavia Haul
Nordstrom (Mario Badescu, Bobbi Brown), Coach, Las Vegas Souvenirs Haul

XO Jenny

Christmas 2012 Beauty Gift Guide

Here are some go-to ideas for your (last-minute) Christmas shopping. I picked out these items that are almost "fool-proof" in that they are sure to please the recipient. 

1. bliss Starter Series: Triple Oxygen - perfect for Mom or someone who puts everyone else first and does not splurge on themselves! This is a great way to treat them to a nice at-home facial.
2. bareMinerals The Total Package Collection - great for the glam-friend. The packaging is already so luxe too!
3. Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme Eau de Toliette Spray 2oz - This is my favorite men's cologne! It's one of the best-selling colognes on the Sephora website so you probably cannot go wrong with this.
4. THE ART OF SHAVING The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave - Unscented - great for Dad! 
5. tarte Pure Maracuja Oil - perfect for any of your girlfriends or even mom. Who would want a lux, yet pure maracuja oil to treat the face.
6. Hello Kitty Wild Thing Brush Set - super suitable for younger sister or cousin or neice, etc who is just starting out to experiment with makeup. You cannot go wrong with Hello Kitty (it also makes for a beautiful decoration item) as well as makeup brushes!

XO Nicole

Sephora VIB Beauty Insider Welcome Kit 2012

Seeing all the Sephora hauls I have posted throughout this year, it is no surprise that I would qualify for Sephora's VIB status again. This is for a few reasons; one being that Sephora is such an accessible and convenient beauty store - it has almost all of the higher end brands you could possibly think of, and they just keep having these fun little promos and gifts that just keeps luring you in to buying things you may not necessary need but end up justifying because you have a coupon, for example. Not to mention, online shopping from their site is also convenient as they lowered their free shipping minimun for Canadians to $75. These are just a few of the reasons why everyone loves Sephora so much (don't forget their awesome return policy!) so definitely shout outs to Sephora, so I do not regret dropping all my money on beauty there as opposed to different beauty sources for different products. I just wanted to show you what the VIB welcome package looks like. Now, I was a VIB only since last year but I did not receive this card/welcome-package because the last purchase that made me qualify was placed online and I guess, they do not give you this card the first time you go in-store. Regardless, here is the card - I love it. It's not the same filmsy materia that the beauty insider card is made out of, so it is much more sturdier and chic looking. In addition, you get a VIB mirror, much like the ones that come with Sephora gift cards but the finish on this one is reminiscent of NARS packaging in that it is not glossy but velvety and can get dirty easily.

As always, their welcome package comes with a 10% coupon (no minimum purchase required) to lure you in once again, as well as a voucher for a free makeover!

A little bit on the V.I.B program:

V.I.B. status is conferred on those registered Beauty Insider members who spend a minimum of $350 on merchandise, excluding gift cards, at U.S. and Canadian Sephora stores (including on Sephora online and in Sephora inside JCPenney locations) during one calendar year. V.I.B. status is good for the calendar year in which the BI member qualifies and the following calendar year; annual requalification is required

XO Nicole