March's Spotlight of The Month!

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Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette - $49.00 CDN

I know, I know Spring is in the air and everyone wants to take out their sunny clothes and bright colored makeup.  Trust me, so do I.  I think I have had enough of Mother Nature and her tantrums this winter!!  However one thing I have to say is that when it comes to makeup, some palettes are worth using year around to brighten up your life! Even if it does happen to currently be 19F in Oakville right now at the end of March!

Last year in the fall, Tarte came out with a limited edition Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette that actually left me wanting it.  The only time I have ever felt this moved for any eyeshadow palette was for my Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette and Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette.  Tarte seems to make the most amazing eyeshadow palettes that also encompass blush as well.  However many of these great palettes are only limited edition which really suck.  Cause once they are gone, you can't buy them anymore.   Unless you hit up ebay and pay through the....well you know.  Yet luck be a lady, as a few days ago I received any email stated that this palette was back again as a re-release for a limited time! 

The reason why I just fell for this palette was because of its all in one multi-purpose use.  First this palette design is beautiful!  It comes in a nice sturdy case that almost looks like Brazilian wood!  Next the circular palette disc is as big as the palm of your hand giving you plenty of product.  Yet what is most impressive about this palette is that you can contour, highlight, apply blush and eyeshadow all in one compact.  This palette is great for traveling because of its sturdy case and ability to offer you everything you need for your face in one place.  The mirror is also large which allows you a full view of your face while you apply your makeup.

The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, have little to no fall out and blend amazingly well.  You get three great lovely pink/purplish shades and three gold/nude/brown shades.  I wore this eyeshadow (with primer of course) for almost 15 hours straight without having any creasing or the shadows disappearing.  The blush is a lovely pink shade that is not to dark nor to light either that it can't be worn during the winter.  The pink blush color is midrange so it fits well for all seasons.  The blush was easy to pick up and offered great coverage that lasted all day without needed to be touched up.  This palette had an amazing highlighting shade that I was able to wear on my cheek bones, nose and chin which appeared lovely without looking too disco ball.  I also used it for my eyebrow bone and inner corner of my eye.  The bronzer is a nice grey tone which works lovely for contouring and bronzing.  It applied well and blended in seamless to my face and a little really did go a long away.  It lasted all day and because it has grey undertones and not red or orange, it works well for my yellow/green undertones. 

The only complaint I had with this palette, is while the colors are beautiful, the quality is amazing and the price afforded for all it offers, this palette doesn't work well with all skin tones.  I found by reading many reviews that some of these colors did not show up on darker skin tones.  It mostly flatter and appeared on those with light to medium skin tones.  So its something worth considering if you fall out of these two skin tone ranges.  I really wish makeup companies would try to be more universal with their color selections.  However Tarte does have other palettes that work for dark skin tones so its worth looking through their collection if one palette can't offer you what you are looking for.  Tarte does make amazing products which are worth exploring and do offer many different color selections for skin tones of all types.  

So there you have it! My Spotlight of the Month on the re-released limited edition Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette.  Let me know if you have tried this palette and what your thoughts are!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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Should You Wear Makeup To a Job Interview?

In a recent poll conducted in London, England, a group of employers were asked if they would hire an individual who appeared to their interview without makeup.  A large percentage said no, they would not hire the individual.  When asked why, the majority stated that while the individual was probably educated enough for the position, they failed to make a good first impression by not caring enough to to look and dress appropriately.  Now does this potentially sound like a sexist comment?! Probably.  But now-a-days wearing makeup to work or a job interview in many professions is right up there with men being forced to shave and appear clean cut. So why is it ok for women to not wear makeup to an interview, but to tell a man he must should probably shave in order to make a good first impression "not sexiest?" 

I decided to ask all my friends who currently are in a position of interviewing potential candidates for employment about this scenario.  In both cases they stated that a man appearing for an interview unshaven and a women appearing to the interview with no makeup on would fail to make a good impression in their eyes.  The majority stated that they would expect both male and female to bring their "A Game" for the day. 

So after reading this poll and speaking with my friends I decided to put together a list of makeup tips do's and don't for when attending a job interview!

Do Wear Makeup! Don't Over do It!

Remember at a job interview you are there to impress, not scare the interviewer.  Keep makeup light and fresh by using neutral tone colors.  Stay away from red lipstick, smokey eyes and wild vibrant colors.  While all those looks are awesome, but they also have a time and place for everything.  You don't want to seem like you are going clubbing right after or make it hard for the interviewer to stare you in the eyes with all that black eyeshadow on.  Remember "less is more" in this case.  Moreover don't experiment with new makeup or new looks.  If you never tried it before, then now is not the time.  The last thing you want is your new bottle of foundation that you never used before to oxidize and  turn you orange!  I seen it happen!  Stick with what you know on that day! Leave the rest for after!   

Do Wear Mascara! Don't Wear Over The Top Lashes!

While many believe the eyes are the windows to the soul, however with that being said if your eyelashes resemble more spider type legs or Kim Kardashian's type eyelashes, then you know you gone to far.  Try wearing one or two coats of mascara to open up your eyes and give you length, volume and curl.  Stay away from any look that belongs on the runway.  Remember you are probably going for an office position.  Keep this mind when it comes to your eyelashes and wear them appropriately for the day.  You don't want anyone staring at you wondering what the hell is going on on your eyes.

Blush, Highlighting & Contouring

The latest thing in the makeup world is highlighting and contouring!  However for job interviews keep it simple.  While just about everyone wears blush over their cheek contouring, to much blush will make you look like a clown. Moreover, heavy contouring and highlighting can make you look like you have drag makeup on during the day.  So in this case, don't over do it.  Keep it simple so that it still gives your face definition without look like you belong on the red carpet.  Its important that your makeup make your facial features stand out but not so much that it makes someone wonder if those cheeks bones are really yours or not prosthetic implants like Lady Gaga!  

Keep Eyebrows Normal!

Lately the Instagram eyebrows are literally everywhere.  However no matter what you want to tell yourself, drag queen or sharpie eyebrows do not look on everyone or let alone hardly anyone.  Feel free to fill in your eyebrows to give it some definition.  However, don't do them to the point where it looks like you grabbed a black sharpie or where you belong on the movie "Bird Cage".  Keep them simple. Over drawn eyebrows do draw massive attention to your forehead area.  You want the interviewer to pay attention to your eyes (not your eyebrows) when you speak and the words coming out of your mouth.  So be careful here as eyebrows do frame your face and can totally be a distraction to others if you don't take caution.  However with that being said, make sure your eyebrows are properly manicured.  Having un-manicured eyebrows can make your face look dirty and unkempt.  So either pluck them or fill them in appropriately before the interview.  

Do Your Nails/Manicure

Keep your nails neutral.  Either stick with the classic French Manicure or stay with a neutral color.  A light pink can work as well as long as it doesn't look like a cute bright pink outfit you put an adorable baby girl in.  Again you don't want to draw attention to places that don't matter.  However with that being said, if you are a non-nail polish person then settle for a colorless manicure.  Don't appear to an interview with broken, uneven, dirty, jagged torn nails.  It looks unprofessional and unclassy. Remember, you are probably looking for a job in an office and not a construction site.  So make sure your nail look appropriate for the job setting.  

Keep Your Hair Style Simple

When it comes to your hair, same rule applies.  Keep it simple!  Don't start experimenting on that day with a new hair color or do's you have never tried before.  Wear your hair either down in lose tamed waves/curls or straight.  Keep it away from your face so that the interviewer can see your eyes.   And for God sakes DON'T TOUCH OR PLAY WITH YOUR HAIR!  This is very poor etiquette to play or touch your hair while in a meeting/interview.  It can come across that you are either nervous or not interested.  So keep your hands off your hair at all times unless you need to move it away from your face.  Which brings me back to my first point. Why was it in your face in the first place?!  If you plan to do an up-do then a simple bun or pulled back ponytail works as well.  Stay away from to much teasing or hairspray in order to get volume.  Again, keep it simple.  You are there for a job interview and not a hair commercial.  Unless you are there for a hair commercial... then that's a different story!

Now some final thoughts that I think should go without even being noted.  However I have seen these happen before.  Make sure to shower and wash your hair before attending any interview.  No one wants to be stuck in a room with someone who looks and smells dirty or like they just rolled out of bed.  Moreover stay away from perfume.  Many offices due to allergies now-a-days have a "no scent policy."  So unless you know ahead of time, stay away for any scents or perfume.  However if you know ahead of time that the office is ok with  scents, then keep your perfume light and simple.  You don't want to give anyone a headache with a strong scented perfume which I have seen happen.

Make sure to brush your teeth and have mints on you just in case.  However don't go in there chewing gum or with anything in your mouth.  Chew your mints BEFORE hand and not during the interview.   Stay away from gum as you might forget your have it in your mouth and might walk into the interview chewing it.  Chewing gum or playing with a mint in your mouth can and will come across very unprofessional.  Again, it's what's coming out your mouth that matters, not what you have in it. 

Wear clean, washed and pressed clothes.  Don't wear dirty, smelly clothes that look like you just took out of the laundry basket un-pressed.  Make sure your clothes also resemble the work environment you are interviewing for.  In some offices, certain attire is mandatory.  However lets say you are going for a modelling job, wearing a suit may not be in your best interest.  So check the industry out ahead of time so you know what to wear and what to steer clear from! 

Finally and above all, make sure your hair, face and outfit all match up together.  Don't get creative or too over the top.  Again keep it simple but elegant.  You only have one shot, so make you first impress with not only your words, resume and brain, but with also your looks.  It all goes hand in hand when you know what you are doing and are prepared ahead of time!

So there you have it! My makeup, hair and hygiene tips that can possibly help you land that job interview!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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Does SPF in Makeup Actually Work?!

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Click here to read my original post about the harmful rays of the sun.  

Ah, Spring is in the air which means lighter clothes, warmer weather and more sun! However for many, the sun factor can be a serious problem if you are not properly protection your skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays.  Nonetheless, many rely on their makeup to offer them SPF protection which is actually a big no no.  The rays of the sun are actually very harmful to your skin and body. Regardless whether you want to accept this fact or not, but those who sunbath without SPF protection are more prone to skin cancer, uneven skin tones, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, liver spots, wrinkles, saggy skin and so on.   

I love to wear makeup!  I actually have two full drawers of it! I know its insane! But no more insane then probably your average collector of everyday things.  Nonetheless, I admit I have a lot.  Yet with that being said, I am very picky about the makeup I buy and only buy quality.  I don't care if it comes for the drugstore or Chanel.  If it can't offer me the quality I need, then I won't even spend my time looking at it.  However with all that being said, makeup means nothing if you have bad skin.  While makeup can help to hide imperfections, it can't fix them.  Skincare above all when it comes to cosmetics is the number one most important thing to me.  I will sooner not buy that Tom Ford shade of lipstick if I realize that my Paula's Choice BHA is running out.  I actually keep backups of my Paula's Choice skincare products because the thought of having to use something else or running out stirs my heart in a not so happy way.

In the last few years, makeup companies have started to become more diligent in offering SPF in their products due to the harmful UVA/UVB rays that come from the sun.  Now-a-days its hard to find a foundation without SPF in it.  Many individuals who wear either liquid or powder foundation have come to rely solely on their cosmetics to offer them SPF protection.  However this is a massive mistake.  While a makeup product can claim that it has SPF in it, unless you are aware on how to apply this product in order to receive the full SPF protection it claims, you are actually not only being mislead but not been protected from the sun.

Why SPF in Makeup Doesn't Work!

According to Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD and Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting, Makeup does not provide enough coverage. You need seven times the normal amount of liquid foundation and 14 times the normal amount of powder foundation to get the sun protection factor on the label re-applied every two hours. So in order words, in order to get the actual protection that a foundation bottle claims it has, you would have to apply it every two hours, six times over for liquid foundation.  For powder foundation the number doubles.  You would need to apply it 14-16 times over and again every two hours.  By a show of hands, who actually applies their foundation in this way?! Anyone? Anyone? Yeah, I didn't think so. Cosmetics companies fall short of offering actual SPF protection is their products despite their SPF factory claim.  In order to properly come up with the amount of foundation one needs in order to be offered the SPF protection that is stated on the bottle, you would have to do the math to get your answer.  Scientists have to test liquid and facial powders foundations in order to determine SPF ratings as mandated by law under the FDA in the USA.  

The average foundation offers an SPF of 25.  The average human face size is about 400cm2-600cm2 give or take as each face size and shape is different.  So for the sake of argument, lets go ahead and assume that 2mg of product will be used per cm2 of skin.  2mg is about the size of a Canadian $1 or $2 dollar coin.  In US its about the size of an American Dollar coin.  So that means that an average person would need to apply 2mg of liquid foundation per every cm2 of skin on their face in order to cover 400cm2-600cm2 of their whole face. 

Remember, the average face size is about 400cm2-600cm2. The average woman only applies 0.3 mg of liquid foundation and about 1.2g of powder foundation.  So based on these numbers (again give or take) you would need about 828 mg of foundation on every application in order to get SPF 25 protection on your face.  For powder foundation you need fourteen times that amount.  So basically your average bottle of foundation (liquid or powder) would last you about a week...if that.  Also, and lets not forget the best part, you still need to apply this crazy amount of foundation every.two.hours! 

In reality, if you are solely relying on the claim that your foundation can offer you SPF protection as good as a normal SPF face cream, then you are not only kidding yourself, but putting your skin in danger to the harmful rays of the sun.  Now you might be asking yourself "if makeup companies know this, then why aren't they tell their customers the truth?"  Let's be honest NO ONE buys foundation thinking "Oh yes this will offer me great protection from the sun."  When you buy any sort of makeup especially foundation your first thought is "does this color match my skin?"  No one buys foundation thinking they will compare it to an actual sun protection product. Consumers aren't that stupid or dense.  We know damn well what we are buying when we are buying makeup.  We are buying makup, plain and simple.  At some point the SPF protection might be a factor in our buying power, but that mostly comes at the end of the list.  Moreover, a lot of people are now looking for SPF free foundation in order to avoid looking like a coke head in flash photography.  Some individuals are walking around with NO sun protection and they know it but sadly don't care. 

Why You Need SPF Broad Spectrum Protection (UVA/UVB)      

The best protection you can give your skin is by wearing a minimum of a separate SPF 30 Broad Spectrum protection which means it protects you from both the UVA/UVB rays of the sun.  Now-a-days you will be hard press to find sunscreen that doesn't offer both because of the law that was recently passed.  Moreover, you should ALWAYS wear sunscreen all throughout the year when stepping outside during the day REGARDLESS of the weather conditions, rain or shine.  Just because its overcast and you can't see the sun, doesn't mean the rays aren't in full force.  Which as an FYI the rays are actually in full force during overcast weathers.  

You should ALWAYS apply sunscreen as the last product in your skincare routine before moving on to your makeup.  Wait at least 5-10 minutes to allow the sunscreen to absorb into your skin before applying your makeup.  By not allowing your sunscreen to adsorb and applying your makeup right after will cause the product to lose its efficacy by being diluted.  After applying my sunscreen I either start getting dress or do my hair in order to give me that 5-10 minute window I need before applying my makeup.  Also, keep your sunscreen in the same place where you keep your skincare products so you make it part of your morning routine.  Remember, "out of sight, out of mind."

Lastly, also look into lip balms that offer SPF 30 protection and up. Remember to wear these OVER your lipstick and lipgloss in order to protection your lips for the sun.  Lip cancer is on the raise lately due to lack of sun protection in this area.

Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Lip Gloss SPF 40 - $15.30  / $18.00 US

Paula's Choice just released a new lip balm with SPF and Broad Spectrum protection in two shades, sheer pink and clear! This is a prefect example of a lip protection that offers SPF 40 with broad spectrum protection!  Very few lips products offer a protection this high let alone SPF in it! You can wear either the clear or sheer pink version over any lipstick or lipgloss without disturbing the color. As with any SPF, make sure to apply this every couple of hours as most lipsticks/lipglosses only last that long before needing to reapply.  Also, if you are going to be eating during this time, remember to reapply right after!

BONUS: If you click on the link above, you will receive $10 off any purchase of $15.00 or more for first time shoppers on Paula's Choice website.  To find this product, just click under "shop" at the top left hand side, then scroll down to the "makeup" section and click on "lips" and this is the first product you will see in that section.  It is truly worth checking out if you are someone like me who cares about protecting their skin all year around!

Well there you have it, my review on makeup products with SPF claims!  Let me know if you are using a separate SPF skincare product and if so which ones!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana    

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Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish - $26.00 CDN

Winter is harsh. Period.  And when you live in a country where sometimes the weather can dip to -24F (and lower) on a normal cold winter day, then that gives a new meaning to the word "DAMN"!  Needless to say I have lived through that and then some.  Nonetheless while I might be able to handle this harsh weather in warm clothes; my skin, hands, feet and lips always take a toll.  

I normal apply heavy body cream during the winter and get out my face oils to keep my skin nice and hydrated.  I use a lot and I mean a lot of hand cream and foot lotion to keep the skin on both these areas feeling nice and looking silky and not ashy.  However I was noticing that I was suffering from lip burns due to the cold.  I mean to the point that my skin was peeling off my lips and bleeding! I have never had that happen to me before.  And though I use lip balms like its going out of style (literally have at least two lip balms/chapstick in each room of the house) and I exfoliate my lips with my toothbrush twice a day, nothing was helping to get my lips under control.  

I decided to google the net and realized that everyone has been talking about using sugar lip scrubs either by Fresh or Sara Happ for the winter weather.  I was just about to place an order online for Sara Happ when I first decided to "shop my stash" and see if by chance I so happen to have a lip scrub on hand.   It so happens that I did! I realized that I had a Julep lip scrub and the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish.  I have used the Julep one before but I felt like I needed something stronger.  So I decide to give the Fresh one a chance.  

I pulled it out and set it on my bathroom counter with the rest of my skincare products.  I figured if I place it there right in front of me, then I would not forget to use it everyday twice a day as my final skincare routine.  I noticed that it had a brown sugar smell to it.   While on some websites it looks like it has sugar crystals in it,  however in reality it looks like a gritty brown paste.  At first glance, I didn't know what to thing of the formula.  But as I always say "in the name of beauty, you try it all" (well almost).   My lip polish was a sample size I received from Sephora when I placed a order back in July.  The sample size is quite generous and I hear the actual size is pretty big and will last for awhile.  

This product states to apply a generous amount with your finger on your lips and rub the paste in. Afterwards, you can wipe it off with a tissue.  I prefer to wash it off gently because I don't like the feeling it leaves behind when you don't get all the paste off.  You can feel the crystals as you rub them into your lips and how it exfoliates them.  Afterwards you can see and feel a major difference. Even when I gently wash it off, my lips feel like a moisturizer has been left behind on them.  It doesn't feel waxy or oily.  Rather like a soft lip balm was just placed on my lips.  I noticed that my lips feel conditioned for hours afterwards.  I also noticed that I was reaching for my lip balms a lot less then usual throughout the day.  This sugar lip scrub keeps my lips feeling awesome almost till the night time when I have to perform my skincare routine again.

I really like this sugar lip polish and will keep using it till it runs out.  I am planning to try the Sara Happ one as well since they retails for almost the same price in Canadian with a four dollar difference.  I know that you can also make these lip scrubs yourself, but seriously like current famous saying on the net "ain't no one got time for that!"  I rather use something that comes already made and not me having to whip it up in the kitchen....er...bathroom.

Well there you have it, my lip beauty treatment to survive this winter weather! If you have tried other lip scrubs, then let me know in the comment box down below so I can look into them as well!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana   

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Feburary's Spotlight of The Month!

Daytime Pink Ribbon Planner - $25.41 US

I normally ONLY write about beauty related subjects on my blog.  I try to stick to products and issues that are currently trending in the beauty world.  However one thing I can't deny is that fashion is also part of the beauty world.  And while I don't really write about that topic, nonetheless it exist. One thing for me that makes beauty and fashion worthwhile is being organized.  Being organized is not only attractive, but it helps to keep your mentally fit when life gets complicated and stuff needs to get done!

Back in the 1990s and early 2000's I use to use a day planner by Cambridge.  I eventually switched over to a Palm Pilot (I know I just dated myself) until it was eventually bought out and no longer exists.  For the last few years I have been using Google calendar to track all my stuff with.  However I noticed that at times I was still missing the ability to organize myself in the way I use to.  By writing it down!  

So I finally caved in and decided to buy a day planner in February.  I know, I know I am about a month late. But who cares! At least now I know everything that is going on!  I also bought this planner because my google calender is shared with my husband.  So at times I like to keep some things private and don't feel the need to let the whole world know what I am planning in regards to my thoughts.  The one thing that I love about planners is the ability to also "journal" your thoughts for your up coming days or months.  While my google planner still has all my important dates that my household needs to know about, however it doesn't have room to record things I am planning. Like for example what my next blog post will be about. Or what type of youtube video I am planning to film.  Or help me keep track of my online orders.  So this is where my Daytime Planner comes in handy.

When I was looking for a planner I had a few criteria's in mind.  First, I didn't want to break the bank on buying one.  I checked out so many and realized some were running in the $50 and $70 margin. Next, it needed to be functional but not overly complicated.  I wanted it to have places were I can record appointments, see a weekly and monthly calender and allow me room to make notes.  Another important thing for me was that it needed a space for me to hold my pen and a folder to hold other smaller pieces of paper.  These two things were important for me.  As a mom, my kids have doctors appointments and at times I need to bring medical documents for their checkups.  So I didn't want to be smashing papers in my purse that my day planner could of held.  

Also, when I finished grad school, my husband bought me a Montblanc pen and I realized that it just sitting in desk drawer was not making good use of an expensive pen. Finally, (and most important) it needed to be pretty! Ever since I had my daughter two years ago I fell in love with the color pink!  So, I went on a mission looking either for a pink (but sophisticated planner) or an aqua blue planner.

I finally settled on the Daytime Pink Ribbon Planner when I realized that it was offering me everything I stated above PLUS for every planner you buy, they donate a portion to breast cancer research!  I love this planner, not only for its pink and black colors, but because its size is great to fit in my purse and gives me space to write down notes and appointments.  I can also see my weekly and monthly schedule in one glance.  The planner isn't bulky and doesn't have a million pages to it either.  It gives me the functionality I need without being overbearing and cost effective.  It also allows me to display my fancy pen in the a nice and secure pen holder and has a lovely pocket folder at the back for smaller papers.  I truly love having this planner as it has helped me to keep me more organized and on top of things that needed to get done but that just kept slipping my mind.  

So if you are looking for a planner so late in the season that offers mulitifuction and is affordable, give this one a try! Not only is it fashionable, but it it can truly help to keep your beautiful self in line! 

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

FTC: This is not a sponsors post.  All product(s) were bought with my own money and all opinions are my own!!      

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette

 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette - $58.00US / $67.00 CDN

Post contains affiliated links

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette was a limited edition palette back last year containing three hourglass lighting powders.  You can now find this palette with no problem at your nearest Sephora as it is considered part of their permanent collection.  Hourglass also has these powders (with the exception of incandescent light) in single form that come in seven different colors.   

While two of these lighting powders are part of their permanent collection, one is a limited edition shade that can only be found in this palette.  The three beautiful shades that you will find in this palette (from left to right) are  Dim Light (neutral beige toned color), Incandescent Light (a slightly shimmery pinkish beige color) and Radiant Light (slightly shimmery golden beige color). 

These powders come in a beautiful shiny dark brown case.  Because these lighting powders come in a palette, you will not find these powders to be of the normal single standard lighting powder size.  Nonetheless, I have no complaints about the size because there is more then enough powder to be found with each color.  

Since these powders are so finely milled, its best to exercise caution when handling this palette.  Many people have stated that they have accidentally dropped this palette and have had it shattered to a million pieces.  Hourglass even makes note at the back at the palette the word "fragile".  So for traveling purposes, make sure to secure these properly in your suitcase to avoid any damage.  These are quite expensive so putting these in your everyday purse is a no no as well due to the risk of you dropping your handbag.

All three powders leaving behind a beautiful, natural and candle light sheen when applied. Even though some have a slight bit of shimmer in them, its not enough to make you look like a disco ball. They leave more of a sophisticated looked on your face which means it can be worn either day or night. Since they are finely milled, you don't need to be too heavy handed to pick up color. These powders not only work as highlighters for your face but you can also use them as overall setting powder. You can get at least 8-9 hours of wear with these lighting powders and probably more if worn with face primer. These lighting powders had very little to no fallout and applied very smoothly and blended well on the skin.

One thing to keep in mind about these lighting powders is that they are not universal and do not flatter all skin tones. Those who are of a darker complexion may not have some of these colors appear on their skin. Its best to buy these in person and swatch them on your skin in other to see if they work with your skin tone. Others have also mentioned that those with to light of a complexion; the lighting powders may standout to much and not look natural. So again, check these out in person. They are very expensive and worth buying if they can blend well on your skin.

Now let's talk about the colors. These shades are very beautiful and Hourglass did a great job incorporating these three into one palette. Dim Light (the left shade) is a beautiful neutral beige tone color with no shimmer sparkle at all. This one can be used with no problem all over the face as a setting powder. It blends in well and if used as a highlighter you will see it pop with just the right amount of highlighting effect you need. Incandescent Light (the middle shade) has a bit of shimmer sparkle to it and works great as a highlighter for those who really want it to show without looking over the top. Because these powders are finely milled, you won't see the shimmer effect pop up to much during the day (which is good for work makeup) and on the skin it will appears very sheen. This color has a slight pinkish tone to it but nothing so pink that it affects your actual skin tone. Radiant Light (the left shade) has a slight shimmer to it as well but is more of a golden beige shade. This one works well to appear on almost all skin tones. This color comes across more of a bronze color and can be used to give your face an overall bronzy effect. You can also use it as a highlight but keep in mind it might appear a bit darker on those will lighter complexions.

These powders have been made to work well with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette. I truly love this palette and love the fact that I can get three great highlighters/setting powders in one without having a drawer full of them. Though they are a bit pricey, but for the quantity and quality you get from this ambient lighting powder palette, the price is more then justified.

Well there you have it! My review on this palette. Let me know if you have tried this palette and what you think of them!


Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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February Favorites!

So its that time of the month again! No no, not when your darling "friend" comes to town, but when my favorites of the month get posted! As the months go on, I look forward to two things. 1. Warmer weather 2. Using new products or falling in love again with certain products!  This month's focus is a lot on skincare because with the harsh weather that has been hitting Ontario, trust me its needed!

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Oil Absorbing Mask - $19.00 US

I just love anything Paula's Choice makes. The reason is because she is one of the few people who actually took time to well formulate her products in order to show effective non-irritant results. This mask works to remove excess oil from your skin without causing it to dry out. The formula in this masks helps to draw out and dislodge blackheads and other impurities without stripping the skin of it's natural moisture. This mask is a clay like formula that when it dries to a hard consistency, it doesn't feel like it's going to break your face. This mask contains ingredients such as sea whip extract, kaolin, Salix alba extract, bisabolol, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal to name a few. This mask is actually worth trying out!

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Liquid BHA - $26.00 US

This product contains 2% salicylic acid which helps in dealing with oily and acne prone skin.  Salicylic Acid also known as BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) helps to increase the production in collagen in our skin, deal with blemishes and pimples and give us that over all smooth surface look.  I use this product just about everyday morning and night with the exception when I am using my other AHA products.  The first thing I noticed about using this product was that in less then a week my enlarged pores that I had on the side of nose right underneath my eyes were gone! I mean gone completely! My skin looks almost poreless and I hardly get any blemishes.   This product has got to be one of the most amazing products out on the market. If I were stuck on an island, this would be my companion hands down! Along with my sunscreen and chapstick of course!! 

(To sweeten the deal, if you decide to buy any product from the Paula's Choice site, click here on my referral link to receive $10.00 off anything you buy over $15.00! Also, Paula's Choice has a money back guarantee on all their products!)

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish - $26.00 CDN

During the winter all our lips get dry from the harsh weather.  I normally exfoliate my lips with my tooth brush and then rub on some nice moisture rich lip balm.  However with the weather being -24F lately, that wasn't cutting it anymore.  Nonetheless being a beauty blogger, we always have awesome samples and products tucked away in our draw waiting to be used.  In a recently Sephora purchase I was given a generous sample of this Fresh Sugar Lip Polish.  I have to say I am amazed by the awesomeness of this product.  Not only does it exfoliate your lips, but it also conditions them afterwards.  I use this every morning and night after my skincare routine.  I have no clue why I haven't tried this sooner but this has totally helped with the dryness, flakiness and chapped lips I have been dealing with all weather long! While it is pricey, however its worth every penny for getting my lips back to their normal state!

Shiseido Facial Cotton - $11.00 CDN

If someone would of told me that buying 120 cotton pads for $11.00 was worth the money I would of said they were crazy!  However after trying them out, I have truly become a believer.  Now I know you can go to Costco and buy a set of 400 cotton pads for $15.00.  However what these Shiseido pads have that your normal cotton pads don't is that they don't absorb as much product and therefore it doesn't go to waste.  I have found that with my Shisedio pads, my toner and BHA/AHA exfoliants last longer because I don't need as much liquid on the pad in order for it to reach the surface.  I love these pads and while yes they are a bit on the pricey side for the amount of pads you get, however so are you liquid products which go to total waste when the majority is left on the pad and not on your face!  So totally worth trying out even if just once!

Julep Night Shift Sleeping Mask - $27.20 US

I have combination skin where oil is mostly in my T-Zone centralized on my nose.  However the rest of my face is normal with no real issues.  Nonetheless, being pregnant the last eight months and with this harsh Canadian weather, my face has taken a hit!  I started seeing dryness and flakiness around my face.  So when I saw that Julep had come out with this sleeping mask, I decided to give it a shot. I love rich thick cream during the weather for my night time skincare routine.  I have always been interested in trying a sleeping mask, but just couldn't find one worth my wild or that had safe ingredients.  However after checking the back of the label of this product, I was sold.  I started using this mask three weeks ago and have seen a massive improvement in my skin.  All my dryness is gone.  I never wake with oily skin and my face literally looks velvety smooth in the morning.  I would for sure recommend this product if you are looking for a safe sleeping mask with no harsh ingredients.  This mask is a bit pricey, however if you are a Julep member you can always find this mask on sale at their online store.  If you are not a Julep Subscription member, click here to sign up to get your first box free (shipping is $2.99) and you also get access to their sale store! It really is worth the price!

House of Lashes Ribbon Eyelash Case - $6.00 US

I wear fake eyelashes from time to time.  However the biggest problem I have is storing them afterwards.  I have tried many methods to keeping them safe, but I always end up losing them after a day of wearing them.  However one day after watching youtube, I noticed a few girls had this cute case which they were storing their lashes in.  I googled "eyelash case holder" and this lovely trinket popped up from House of Lashes for only six dollars.  You can not only store your lashes in this pink ribbon case, but you can also store your tools and glue so you have it all in one place.  For six dollars and a piece of mind this is really worth the investment.  Also come on, you have to admit its cute and looks great on your makeup counter!!

Well there you have it, my favorites of the month! Let me know if anything this month caught your eye from the products you being trying!

Keep smiling!

Dayana!

FTC: This is not a sponsors post.  All product(s) were bought with my own money and all opinions are my own!!  

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