Featuring Lancome Mini Brush Set

I love cute little things like this. I wanted to share with you this mini brush trio that I received as gift with purchase - you can read about the actual haul here. This actually suckered me into making the purchase in the first place. I don't have any mini brushes nor do I bring brushes with me for touch ups, but since I hate using the puffs that come in powders, I thought this would come in handy. I only every used the powder brush. The other two brushes are pretty much a joke but they are the most cost-effective option. Maybe it will come in hand one day though that I never use these eyeshadow applicators. The "eye liner" brush looks too filmy and weak to execute a presentable winged look - and who brings gel liner with them for touch ups? Not me. Ok, the last bit was a harsh rant but that's really my honest opinion. Regardless, I did have all these in mind when I made the initial order so I really can't complain. The idea of this kit is really cute. I actually have used the powder brush a handful of times now! Random observation - the pouch is also the perfect size to fit your cards in there.

XO Nicole

Real Techniques Blush Brush Review

Real Techniques' blush brush is a large, tulip-shaped brush. This is a unique blush brush because of the large size and shape, but I think these two characteristics are what makes applying blush with the brush such an easy task. The tapered shape allows blush to be deposited where you want it and the large size comes in handy for quick and easy blending. This brush, as with all the other brushes from Real Techniques is super soft. I definitely recommend this blush brush. Even if you find that it is too large for blush, this would still be lovely to use as a setting powder brush.

XO Nicole

New Year, New Make Up! 2013 Materialistic Wish List

As I am in the final year of my undergrad and as I take on more courses (6) than I will ever have, I want products that will be easy to slap on while delivering in coverage and finish. Based on the reviews I have read, here are some of the products that I see potential for this task. These products will be purchased when they are "needed" (ie. to replace something else) or when there is irresistible deal.

1. MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($28USD/$33.50CAD)- MAC has released this exfoliator on and off again for various collections, but they have finally decided to make this a permanent product in their skincare line. When this was a LE, I could never get my hands on this stuff, so now that it's permanent (with a significant price increase), I will finally be able to try this much raved about product (“Refines and unclogs the skin, adds instant moisture … mineral-rich”) - I am also looking to replace the abrasive St. Ives Apricot Scrub I am currently using.
2. L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Serum ($70USD) - Although this is an "anti-aging" serum, I get the impression that it is more suited for skintypes that already have wrinkles, I got hooked on this stuff after using sample. I may be only buying this for its heavenly scent.
3. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27USD/$32CAD) - I do not have an extensive
   eyeshadow collection so I can easily justify this even though I do have both NAKED 1 and 2. I feel like this is too "practical" to pass up.
4. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa ($29USD/$36CAD)- Matte, not too orange, no parabens = perfect for my new contour powder.
5. Bobbi Brown BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($42USD/- Although I do love my Dr. Jart Black Label BB cream, I am always looking for new things to try out; I love Bobbi Brown and I've heard many good things about this product!
6. MAC 109 Small Contour Brush ($35USD/$42CAD)- This may not be the most "necessary" item on this wish list because my Elf Complexion Brush but that ferrel is barely holding on. I love this because the shape is so unique, and God knows that after these holidays, I am in major need of some major contouring action.
7. DR. JART+ The Original BB Cream Set  ($34USD/CAD)- Instead of buying another Dr. Jart Black Label BB cream, why not go for a Dr. Jart set to try out all the other different BB creams Dr. Jart has to offer? This kit is perfect!
8. Dermablend Jar Cover Creme ($35USD/CAD) - I was sold when I saw the Dermablend commerical featuring the awesome Rick Genest! Full coverage, here we come!
9. SHISEIDO The Makeup Powdery Foundation - O40 Natural Fair Ochre ($29.50USD/CAD)- I found out about this product when I was looking for a medium coverage powder foundation. At that time, all the shades and the case were out of stock and people were saying that this was being discontinued or Sephora will no longer carry this product anymore ... of course, after reading all the raving reviews on the website, I was heartbroken. Nontheless, I put down my email for notification if this was coming to ever come back in stock, and thankfully, a few months later, I got the good news from Sephora. They were bringing this back! I cannot wait to try this out when I am done with my Cover Fx powder foundation.

If I can resist, these will probably be the only products that I will buy - unless, something incredible comes along and I cannot resist.

You may notice that I am holding off on purchasing a fragrance. I have a bucket load of perfume samples and I also have a brand new Lancome La Vie est Belle lying around, which I am hoping to sell off because I'd rather much get my Miss Dior! :)

Skincare does not count as good skincare is an absolute must!

XO Nicole

Featuring Sigma Synthetic Kabuki Kit (Haul)

Sigma Beauty has definitely improved their products throughout the years, and while I have not had the chance to experience the changes for myself, it is clear, even just by the new and innovative products that they keep launching, that Sigma is constantly upgrading and taking their products to a whole new level. Here, I am showcasing what I think is one of their most innovative brush kit - the Synthetic Kabuki Kit. They first came out with the F80 flat top kabuki that everyone was practically raving about and just when you think that that was it, they come out with four more brushes of that kind to cover all the needs that you could possibly need for a flawless face. Now, I have yet to try these brushes out for myself but by just feeling and holding these brushes, I can tell that they are of great quality. I love that the hands are glossy and that the brushes have a good weight to them. I cannot wait to try these out and see for myself, the result that these brushes yield!

F86 - Tapered Kabuki™: Apply cream and liquid foundations onto the harder to reach contours of the face.

F88 - Flat Angled Kabuki™: Blends foundation easily onto  hard to reach areas of the face. Angle fits all areas of the face seamlessly. Works especially well on cheekbones and contours of the nose.

F82 - Round Kabuki™: Blend mineral products onto the skin.

F84 - Angled Kabuki™: Buff cream blush or bronzer onto the skin.

F80 - Flat Kabuki™: Application of liquid or cream products to flat areas of the face such as the forehead and cheeks.

XO Nicole