Purchased & Reviewed: Marc Jacobs Beauty

I’ve been fangirling over MJ Beauty since it was born. From the Twinkle Pops that I hawked from the rooftops to the ReMarcable concealer and Le Marc Lip Creme lipsticks – I have yet to purchase a disappointment.

I recently added another nail polish to my collection. I’ve never posted on the polish (shame on me) and not because it’s part of a master plan to keep that goodness to myself so now is as good a time as any. I’m all about sharing the knowledge on the best shades, finishes, and brushes for your buck. I chose Blacquer because I haven’t had a black in a while and my go to is MJ. Also – it boasts the shiniest, deepest black your emo nails will ever display.

I also picked up O’Mega Lash Volumizing mascara when I was on a mission for the new Velvet Noir. I went with this one because I had a trial version that made my lashes look as if I plucked them off one of those freakishly terrifying dollies.

Behold my opinions.

*Disclaimer – They’re the usual wild delirious raves.

Enamoured Hi-Shine Nail Polish

Packaging: Short and flat – I love the outer shell of these polishes. The curved top is simply for decor and hides the brush inside. They look gorgeous and sleek on display and are easy to store if you’re not a crow like I am. The name Enamoured is inspired by Marc’s highly glossy, lacquered coffee table. His inspiration. Not mine.

Product: This polish has staying power. Enamoured yes – because you will not be able to fall out of love since it ain’t planning on leaving you anytime soon. Each use lasts significantly longer than any other polish I’ve ever used (including Dior & Chanel.) The only other polishes that have come close to the longevity are Deborah Lippman and Butter London. The shine is apparent and the application is fool proof. With a slimmer brush end it’s so easy to apply – preventing the embarrassing – I did my nails while drunk look.

Application: Each polish contains bonding agents that give off a plasticized, wet look. The creamy colours, the metallics and the mattes ensure chip resistant, fade proof, clump free manicures. The hi-shine is apparent in each polish (it boasts 1 application worth 30 coats). I can delightfully confirm that little nugget of truth as a fact but will say that the shine doesn’t last the whole manicure unless you’re someone who has hired help to do your manual tasks for you. Side eye.

Price: $22 CDN and $18 USD. Reasonable for a polish with lasting power like this one. I wouldn’t expect anything less considering its Marc Jacobs. These days all brand name polishes are $18-40. Hey, at least you save with an at home mani!

*Try them for yourself by clicking the title.

O’Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara

Packaging: Sleek, no nonsense typical mascara with a glossy exterior. I love how Bond all MJ packaging is.

Product: Sometime I’m apprehensive when I leave the house with this on. I would straight up snatch the lashes off a B and I full confidence in my suspicion that there will be no hesitation for someone to do it to me. It’s that good. They look THAT good. It boasts high drama lash extension with a ton of volume. I wouldn’t put it any other way other than by my whole doll metaphor above. It’s blacker than black, insanely volumizing (I always wiggle my brush with each application because I go sans curler) and will put falsies to shame. The double teddy bear brush (my favorite kind) is formed by stitching together two different brushes – that’s what assists in lash separation, curl, and volume. Reduces the amount of coats too…

Ingredients: Water based formula with rice bran, bayberry, carob and African acacia tree extract for that long ass stretch in your lashes. Essential oils for conditioning (and not clumping), and Vitamins B5 & C to strengthen and hold them up.

Price: $33 CDN and $26 USD. Steep for mascara but if you love it then it’s worth it.

Verdict: I came across some reviews complaining of smudging and clumping but if you apply it correctly there shouldn’t be a sign of either. I’m usually half asleep when doing my makeup and find that if you concentrate on application there shouldn’t be any smudging. Motivation is key here. If you’re an on the fly kind of girl applying mascara at a red light (or while in rush hour traffic) you deserve every single smudge you get. Also – shame on you for distracted driving you little jerk you. Soo…if you’re applying it with the right technique you’re going to reap the benefits. I absolutely love it. From the brush to the volume to the doll like fan out it gives me – yes yes yes. No. Yassssssssss.

*Try it yourself by clicking the link to shop.

xo

Friday Favourites: Weekend Edition

Since I haven’t posted a “favourites” post in over a month, you should grab a glass of wine, your credit card, and a cozy blanket. This is a humdinger.

Favourite Hair Product

Lush Solid Shampoo in Karma Komba 

I’ve been using Lush shampoo bars for the last 6 months now and don’t plan on switching it up anytime soon. They last forever, require a small rub for the biggest lather, and they smell amazing in the tin and on your hair. This one contains patchouli oil, pine and lemongrass oil (among others) and the Karma fragrance is heavenly. All their shampoo bars leave my hair feeling really clean and soft so unless you hate clean and fragrant hair you have no excuse because they come in like, 20 different scents.

Favourite Skincare Product

L’Occitane Weekend en Provence Almond Discovery Set 

I got this little set in my stocking for Christmas and was thrilled because my almond supple skin oil was half empty (half empty is enough to give me anxiety). The set contains Almond Shower Oil (which is heavenly in the shower), Almond Milk Concentrate (body lotion for post shower), and Almond Delicious Hands (perfect for a luxurious travel lotion). The smell is divine, definitely something to try if you’re looking for a trial pampering session.

Favourite Scent

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom 

I know I’ve mentioned it before but honest to sh*t this smell is one of the softest, elegant, musky and sweet scents I’ve ever worn. Mimosa, spiced cardamom, tonka and sandalwood, powdery heliotrope (which is so intense with each spray) and Damask rose. I cannot emphasize how cozy and dignified this particular scent is. Jo Malone is a scientist. I was gifted it for Christmas and a day hasn’t gone by since I’ve worn it.

Favorite Gift 

Diptyque Holiday Coloured Glass Trio

I not so subtly hinted to my sister all November long that I would drop to the floor in a dramatic and hugely fraudulent fainting spell if I didn’t welcome this set into my life. She shut me up. This limited edition Diptyque candle trio gives Diptyque cult followers life. Me. It gives me life. The set includes Sapin (pine tree scent with mingling notes of mandarin orange), Liquidamber (amber from a tree with red leaves, mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg and muscovado sugar – which I honestly know nothing about but love), Oliban (woodsy and sweet). I’ll be melting these (I have a handy little candle warmer because there’s no way I’m even remotely comfortable burning 80 dollar candles) all year long. I usually save my muskier and woodsier candles for rainy and overcast days when I’m settled indoors with my pyjamas. The rest are for warmer sunnier days when I’m settled indoors with my pyjamas. (Just keeping it real).

Favourite Wardrobe Item

Wildfox Let’s Stay Home Sweater 

I was eyeing this cozy sweater since the day it was introduced but it fell off the radar somehow (the shame). How thrilled was I to find it under the tree this year? Thrilled AF. (Sorry) It’s deliciously cozy, easy to style with a pair of jeans or a skirt and can be thrown over pretty much any set of pyjamas for the utmost at-home comfort. And the saying speaks for itself. If people came with a tagline, this would be mine.

Favourite Wishlist Purchase

Aquazzura Wild Thing Sandals

The Christmas sprites picked me this season and it’s not because I’m their most vocal spokesperson – it’s because I’ve been long-thirsting for these heels right here. I would search my favourite online haunts and never make it to “purchase” because my size was almost always disappointingly sold out. Until now bitches. That last size 37.5 is mine. All mine. Bless you Forward by Elyse Walker. May you always be blessed with abundant stock. The open toe suede fringe, the delicate straps, the 4″ yet comfortable heel. Nothing short of perfection. I’ve never been so pleased with giving away my money. (PS: They’re in limited stock at most online boutiques right now – you’re welcome).

Favorite Pastime

Colouring 

I’m fully aware that this is a so-called trend these days but I’m been going HAM with colouring since 83. Fine, I just recently picked it up again but it’s always been within me yearning to come out and show ya’ll what fine tipped markers were made for. I picked this gem up at Chapters Indigo (along with The Time Chamber by Daria Song). I try and sneak in some colouring time during my hours allocated to TV each evening, also I find that when I colour during the Hawks games I’m less likely to jump up from the couch threatening bodily harm to the opposing team when something goes awry.

Favorite Makeup Product

Anastasia Illuminator in Starlight

I kept forgetting that Macy’s carried Anastasia’s full makeup line (most of the time) so this time there was no way I was going to walk past without stopping in to check for her insanely popular highlighters. I chose this shade (an iridescent white gold) because, let’s be honest – I have pretty much every other shade possible. This was a little brighter than the rest, a little more YouTube guru, and a lot more Khloe Kardashian – AKA – this glow is not from within (even though the site boasts that it’s meant to give off that result). I’m going to do a full review but I will say for now that this shade is nice for adding a real sheen, like full on glamazon glow. You can be heavy handed (like me without natural light during application) or go easy with a fan brush (to add a bit of radiance). 

Favourite Treat

Soft Peaks Ice Cream

I know it’s the dead of Winter but I rarely get a chance to indulge in Soft Peaks ice cream. Although, I can hardly call it indulging since it’s organic, all natural, low in fat and calories, with just a tiny little smudge of sweetness. When I dive face first into their churning tub – that’s when we can call it indulging.

Happy Weekend

xo

Purchased & Reviewed: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors

I took a month off blogging because Christmas (and the accompanying holiday season) is my favourite time of year and I feel that every fibre of my being must be allocated to that and only that. I slept, ate, and shopped Christmas. The latter which will lend to the next 36 posts for 2016. Here’s to hoping that you holiday season was jam packed with family that didn’t annoy you, presents that were on your wish list for months and treats that didn’t morph your ass and hips into Kardashian assigned proportions.

I’ll take this opportunity to talk about pretty much each and every single beauty gift I received this Christmas. Really. Not kidding.

Ok kidding.

I’ll stagger them out. This review is on Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfectors in Blushed Copper and the Jaclyn Hill collaboration, Champagne Pop (which I’ve reviewed before).

Packaging: The gold boxes these highlighters come in are fancy as heck and are indicative of what you get on the inside. On the other hand, the actual compacts are more utilitarian and no nonsense. I find that the outer shell for Champagne Pop is easy to get dirty with your grubby little makeup covered fingers so have a Lysol wipe handy. Blushed Copper has a shinier compact and for some reason is lighter in weight. I wish they would have made Champagne Pop identical to the box it came in (as they did with Blushed Copper) but I’ll let it slide since the product is like crack for your face. If you’re into crack.

Product: Gold. Crushed, crumbled, pulverized & pounded pieces of gold. If you own these then you know exactly what I’m talking about – if you don’t – you can solidify this shit and deposit it into your bank account. Do not get it twisted. The texture is creamy, and for a powder that is absolutely ridiculous yet marvellous. The fine pearls that are infused into this fairy dust is meant to absorb, reflect, and refract light so it looks like your highlight is natural and not man made. Or woman made, should I say. Compared to dry pressed powders, this one blends it’s ingredients with liquid binders which results in the luxuriously creamy application and consistency. The Blushed Copper has a prismatic appearance whereas the Champagne Pop is completely smooth. They both apply in the same fashion, it’s the collaboration with Jaclyn Hill that has Champagne Pop stand on it’s own.

Wearability/Colour: I use Champagne Pop as a highlighter and Blushed Copper as a blush to blend my contour with. They apply with ease, are wildly pigmented and long lasting and honestly, compliment various skin tones. The rose gold Champagne Pop is amazing as a highlighter and Blushed Copper (a warm copper with rose gold undertones) is one of the most flattering blushes I’ve ever come across.

Verdict: You have to have these. They’re not a fad. They’re not a artsy piece or celebrity collab that you need to purchase just because you have zero control when it comes to makeup, and you have an inch of counter space that needs to be filled. These are versatile, reasonably priced for their product range, flattering AF (I know, I know, super millennial ditz of me), and are long lasting in both wear and wallet. Unfortunately the limited edition Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Glow trio palette is no longer available (unless you can find it on Amazon or eBay) because that’s when my love affair with Blushed Copper commenced. Take my advice and don’t be shy. They’re well worth the hype.

Get them here and here.

(The photos are as is – no filter just enhancement to showcase the colours).

xo