Purchased & Reviewed: Anastasia Glow Kit – That Glow

I told myself that on the days my inner aura ain’t bright enough – having another highlight kit on hand is necessary. Right? Load of BS but creative is key to convincing yourself when purchasing items you really only want because you’re a closet makeup hoarder. 

Those who know me know that the hoarding doesn’t just start and end with makeup but – denial/no time for interventions. 

Anyways, that stiff breeze you feel when walking by Sephora these days is the culmination of 262819 females tearing each other’s fingernails off trying to snatch up one of Anastasia’s newly launched glow kits. I,for one did not indulge until I had to make a tip in to replenish my MJ Velvet Noir and ever so innocently happened to stroll by that specific section of the store. Lo and behold, That Glow was the only kit left and the only one that I held even a modicum of preoccupation with (apparently I have enough highlight to lead a search through a thick forest) but listen – I’m not one to mess with the alignment of the universe, nor do I tussle with higher powers sooooo…7 days later and here’s the review. 

Packaging: The palette itself comes in a sleeve-like cover and gives off major JLo vibes. Not saying it’s a rip off the Queen’s Glow-days but it’s a hair flip in her direction. The product itself comes in 4 individual circular pans a la most highlighter palettes available. 

Product: I mean, c’mon. It’s Anastasia. She’s the world renowned Queen of brows. I haven’t used anything other than her brow tools (and single highlighters) just yet but now that I’ve divulged I’m planning on expanding both my wallet and my horizons. Each highlighter/bronzer is a soft metallic and gives off a lot of color. Depending on your skin tone you could actually use them as bronzer or a compliment to your contour. They’re really blendable and offer a lot of dimension but I would use them sparingly at first and then build up if you need more. I can’t quite classify the payoff as a shimmer or a highlight to tell you the truth – it’s more of a glow, so hey, no BS, it stays true to name. 

Wearability: Easy to blend and apply – i use a small highlighter brush for a more concentrated application but you could use a larger blush brush or fan if you choose for a lighter look. The shades are different enough to distinguish between but easy to meld together to produce a multi dimensional effect. The colour stayed on all day, but I have a base foundation and primer to keep my money where it should be – on my face. You can also use them as eye shadows or décolletage highlight so it’s multi-functional if you’re looking for a product to serve more than one purpose. 

Price: $52CDN – I mean, it’s expected, especially for highlight palettes being at their prime. It’s the makeup blogger era so unless brands start coming out with $200 palettes not an mascara’d eye will blink. 

Verdict: Yes. I like that there’s 4 different shades and they’re unique from each other. Nothing crappier than getting a palette with quadruplets. If you’re a hoarder you’ll appreciate the hype and if you’re into strobing, glistening, shining, and straight up installing a mirror on your face you’ll like the colour payoff, the glow and the staying power. 

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

Favorite Purchase

Wilfred Free ball cap(s)

I snatched these up during the Aritzia Clientele sale a couple weeks ago and love them so much I wish I could wear them to work without getting sent home to think about my choices. I like the neutrals and suede for when I feel like a bum but want to class it up a bit. (The camo print style is the Lakeview cap which is currently sold out because everyone clearly out hiding in the wilderness – it’s just pictured for contrast). 

Favorite Beauty Product

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Cheek Palette

I’m working on a review for this highly sought after and completely sold out palette, but in the meantime have to say that it’s the perfect little family of blushes and accompanying highlighters. 

Favorite Wardrobe Item 

Wildfox Rad Kim’s Raglan 

Considering I’ve invested half my salary for the past 8 years to the brand – it better make my favorites list. The softest material, the comfiest fit and the cheekiest adornments. I’m into stripes and the 90’s comeback right now so I had to. 

Favorite Product

Lush Solid Shampoo – Soak & Float

I’ve been using Lush’s solid shampoos for the past year or so and love them because they exceeded each of my expectations. They lather like crazy, smell original and leave your hair feeling really clean and soft. Misconceptions can take a seat.

Favorite Look

Stilts

I’m not short by any means – a solid 5’6″ to be precise but any added height is welcome especially when it’s somewhat disguised in a platform. Sneakers, bluchers, heels, espadrilles – everything. Everywhere. I added to my sneaker collection with a pair of clomping Supergas and a pair of chunky heeled sandals from Zara, a la Cher. See. Added bonus is that they’re insanely comfortable to walk around in. Baby calfs take note. 

Happy Weekend xo

Purchased & Reviewed: Nudestix Matte Lip & Cheek Pencil

I’m usually all oooh’s and aaaah’s when it comes to my reviews because let’s face it – my choices are almost always impeccable. [Not so humble brag].

It was a ominous day from the get-go. Let me set the scene – crows squaking, a bite in the air, a cool sinister departure from the otherwise sunny and cheerful week… Ok not really but I’m doing all I can to take the blame off myself and put it on the shitty weather that come to think of it, is completely inaccurate. 

I was looking to add to my collection of nudes. Not those nudes, ain’t nobody need to see those priceless artifacts. I’ve never used Nudestix even because I’ve been on a Marc Jacobs kick since the debut of his lipsticks but the trial in store looked so good I figured why the hell not?

Here’s a real life story as to why you shouldn’t always trust love at first sight. 

Packaging: The pen itself comes in a sleek-ish black tin with a lift top case. I was pretty impressed to find a sharpener with it as well, most pencils leave you to your own devices so I thought it was handy to include a personal sharpie. 

Product: I was fooled by the Mayfair halo Sephora’s mirrors created around me during the initial meet and greet. The texture seemed unlike a typical matte – it was smoother and applied without any pulling or tugging. The description on Sephora’s site claims it’s a non drying , smudge-proof, non feathering matte lipstick, liner & cheek blush in one. The shade I picked was Entice (a soft fleshy nude with light orange undertones). It seemed flattering and worked with the rest of my makeup so I gave it a little kiss and took it home with me. 

Wearability: This is where it all went wrong for me. I usually condition my lips before bed and once again when I wake up so I can’t blame the product on shoddy routine. I applied it without any other liner and/or lip combination and thinking it would do me right, left without any qualms. An hour later my lips felt dry and cakey and all I was contemplating rubbing it off completely and going at naturale or ripping my lips off in frustration. Au naturale won and in all honesty – I hardly ever go sans lipstick (I feel that my lips succumb to dryness without a shield from the elements), but dire circumstances led to dire decisions. Anyway the point is that it was insanely dry and cakey, although the descriptions boast otherwise and I was disappointed and hurt by something I thought was going to treat me right. 

Price: CDN $28 was attractive but not worth having to deal with a sub par product. Thankfully I was able to take advantage of Sephora’s empathetic refund/exchange policy and opted for a matte from the new Marc Jacobs Lip Cremés (which I’ve posted on in the past to rave reviews complete with dripping saliva).

Verdict: A resounding no from me. It was my first heartbreak with a lip product since Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss lipstick and it brought back some pretty unsavoury memories so..my short lived romance with Nudestix could be attributed to poor chemistry, bad application or a defective product but the end result was the same – we were doomed from the start. 

Purchased & Reviewed: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush in Tigerlily

It’s been a while since I’ve published a purchase post but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been making them 24/7 all around town. What better way to get back to it than by reviewing a Becca product? They’re hotter than me running around a mall with 13 different shopping bags. Shall we?

Packaging: Compact, snap to close circular shell, akin to most Becca powders & blushes. I was a little surprised at the smaller size of this particular product (I guess I’m used to the larger highlighters. The only aspect I can’t get comfortable with is the outer shell of Becca compacts – the material picks up a lot of makeup transfer and are hard to keep clean unless you’re Lysol wiping on the daily. Minor.

Product: Ever since Champagne Pop and the Champagne Glow palette – I have been sold on all things Becca. I had no idea who Jaclyn Hill was nor do I watch her videos but I knew that the highlighter palette she conjured up with the brand was straight out of the golden gates and the rest is history. Anyway, back to the product – it’s sublime, perfect, the ideal blush, the holy grail if you must. The pigment, the shimmer, the multi-dimensional matte/glow effect and the staying power – 10’s across the board. I have not one complaint.

Colour: This is my favourite shade out of all the Shimmering Skin Perfectors. I love me a nice orange especially for my skin tone. This particular shade is a medium orange with red undertones. The gold flecked finish is what’s making makeup hoarders lose their shit. The colour is build-able but I find that a little goes a long way (also depends on which kind of brush you’re using). The end result for me is semi opaque, medium orange and gold glow that’s the focal point of my face. I blend in a little highlighter and add a nude-y lip and have pretty much secured my go-to face for the rest of the summer.

Wearability: All over town. If you use a light hand you can wear it alone for a little pop of colour or if you got your Go – Go – Gadget Sephora hands on you can add it to a matte blush of your choice and up the force shield. I myself wear it as a blush alone over my contour and the colour pay off is more than enough…intense even. I find that I like this particular shade better with a nude/light lip because the orange/red undertones are a little too #ootn for a daytime look.

Verdict: You have to have at least one Becca product to experience what the hype is all about. Whether it’s the blush, the highlighter, or the new eyeshadow palette – the hype is legitimate. These blushes have staying power, nice pigmentation and allows you to build it up to create either a flushed peach look or one that mimics the Snapchat filter of that cute trans. You hold the power.

(Photo above was taken au natural).

Try it for yourself here.

Purchased & Reviewed: Skincare – The Thirst Is Real

I recently picked up a couple of new products for my skin – not because what I already use wasn’t cutting it – moreso because I am a hoarder and bright, shiny new purchases make me feel whole. I had a sample of Glamglow’s SUPERMUD cleaning treatment which led me into Sephora to perhaps make the purchase for the regular sized version. Instead I laid eyes on the YOUTHCLEANSE Daily Exfoliating Cleanser which appealed to me because it infused into my mind promises to keep me looking duh, youthful, and it contained both cleansing and exfoliating abilities – which, for a lazy person like me – are an award winning combo.

I also pranced into Lush (because there’s absolutely no other form of walking into that place) and after being slapped in the face with the intoxicating and suffocating (I mean that in the most gracious of ways) mish mash of scents – found what I was on a mission for. I learned of Skindrink after coming across an article of the best ever Lush products and since then, HAD to have it. I can’t believe it wasn’t already snug and secure with the rest of its family.

The Reviews:

Glamglow YOUTHCLEANSE Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Packaging: I like how massive it is. For $43 CDN I was quite pleased to find that it was larger than expected for the price. Honestly, the smallest tubes and bottles will run you upwards of $60 – 80 these days so the fact that this is the size of a house made my credit card breathe a sign of relief that it didn’t have to replenish too soon. I love the packaging of all Glamglow products – anything that shines and shimmers and is even minutely glitzy looks great on your countertop – I hate having to hide an ugly product because more often than not, I’ll forget about it. (I’m not that superficial IRL I swear). The pump is ideal for this product – I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Product: It’s a daily cleanser that transformed a mud into a foam and it’s kind of cool to experience. You’re witnessing science here – soooo intellectual. You’ve earned your faux hipster frames from Urban Outfitters. Yeah you have. Anyway, the lather is intensive and foams up pretty quick so you don’t have to waste too much time at the sink. It removed my makeup (huge round of applause) and exfoliated all at the same time. I didn’t feel the need for a two step application which was really nice. One pump is all you need. (Bottle is 5 oz). The smell is amazing – like a light perfume you’d expect from a fancy pants product.

Ingredients: A bunch of good sh*t. I mean it is born and bred in Beverly Hills. What do you expect? Brazilian super fruits (acai, guarana, & acerola) which are antioxidants and quinoa and flaxseed (both popular in my daily diet) which are obvs rich in Omega 3, 6 & 9 fats for healthy skin (and fitter bodies). It also contains French sea clay for revitalizing skin, microalgea scrub and phytic acid for a more gentle exfoliation, and TEAOXI green tea leaf for EGCG super antioxidants to protect against free radicals. (It’s the most potent component in green tea). If that isn’t enough – add in ginkgo biloba for skin renewal. Overall, it has a ton of stuff that’s good for your skin and no bad stuff that’s bad for your skin. Mmmmkay?

Price: $43 CDN and $39 USD. For a 2 in 1 combination product I find it right on point (if not a bonus). I’ve only been using it for a week or so and can guesstimate that it’ll last me a few months if not more. For a brand of its prestige I think the price is great.

Verdict: Yes. Try it and see how it fits into your skincare routine. I love 2-1 products because I’m lazy and hate waiting around with masks scaring the sh*t out of myself when I catch a glimpse of my face in the mirror and I don’t like applying so many different skincare products that might counteract with each other. My skin feels fresh afterwards (free of any makeup remnants, even mascara), and it feels scrubbed but not to the point of tightness. I’m sure my skin has been glowing but I wear makeup and use highlighters so I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Just keeping it real my friends, just keeping it real.

Lush Skin Drink Moisturizer 

Packaging: It’s the same as most Lush products. In a pot with a screw on no nonsense lid. Nothing out of the ordinary here folks.

Product: One the richest moisturizers I’ve ever used. It’s thick & creamy but it doesn’t take too long to rub into your skin. A small dab goes a long way to rid any dry skin or tightness. Let me tell you about tightness – the thirst is real. It doesn’t matter which makeup remover/cleanser/exfoliator I use – I almost always experience a bit of tightness afterwards so I use moisturizer right away. This stuff feels so rich when applying – words cannot describe, I’m actually speechless.

Ingredients: You should check out the site (click in the title above for direct link) yourself since Lush products are made of pretty much every toxin free, cruelty free ingredient known. The main contenders – Sesame oil, rose petal infusion, almond oil, fair trade organic cocoa butter, organic evening primrose oil and fresh organic avocado. Mmmm. Sounds like a delectable salad of goodness to me.

Price: A non-issue. $24.95 for a 45g tub is nothing considering how long it lasts and how little you need to make your skin feel like a organic, healthy, moisturized slice of heaven.

Verdict: A resounding yes. This is a must for anyone who experiences even a infinitesimal amount of dryness. It’s even better for winter months when dryness is tramping all over town. Bonus – use it on your cuticles or hands or heels for when you’re in need of some extra lovin.

*Get them for yourselves by clicking the titles.

xo