Top Five Spring Eyeshadow Palettes!

What I love about Spring is seeing those rosey gold tone colors come out to play.  While I am a total nude palette eyeshadow girl, however after this horrible cold winter I am ready to wipe out my pinks and purples and paint the town with colors!  So below are my top five picks of eyeshadow palettes for the Spring!

Dior five Colour Eyeshadow Palette - $62.00 CDN

Nothing says luxury like Dior.  Dior makes some of the most amazing palettes that you will ever see and try.  The firs time I saw this palette I was in love with its color scheme.  This palette has a mix of pink tones, with neutrals and white.  It makes great for a beautiful but subtle wash of color on the eyes for Spring.  Prefect for everyday wear to the office or quiet night out.  It really reminds me of Spring flowers in the warm May weather.  The colors blend well, hardly any fallout and last for hours.  Now, while I won't pretend that this palette is cheap, however this Five Colour Eyeshadow line has at least 10 other palettes to choice from if you aren't sold on this one.  

Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette - $46.00 CDN

Even though this palette came out in June of last year, its colors are great to use year around! It has beautiful hues of purples and pinks to make any Spring look awesome! These 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. It almost comes with a great pink blush, bronzer and highlighter! Everything you need in one compact!

Too Faced Boudoir Eye Soft & Sexy Shadow Collection - $36.00 US / $45.00 CDN

I bought this palette when I went back to work last year after my maternity leave and wore it to death.  I reached for this palette and only for this palette for months on end. I love that fact that it has colors you can wear all year around. But most importantly is that it carries beautiful hues of pinks, purples and browns that work well for the Spring time. They have both matte and shimmer shadows.  You can apply these shadows either day or night with no problem. The formula is amazing with hardly any fallout and no creasing.  One of the most sexiest looking eyeshadow palette I have ever owned!  I guess the name truly does says it all!

Chantecaille The Coral Reefs Palette - $79.00 US

I love beautiful makeup! So when I saw this palette on a youtube video, I just needed to have it. This palette is so beautiful that you feel guilty using it. However with the price tag it carries, you will feel even guiltier if you don't!! This palette has two eyeshadows, a blush and an eyeliner. You can use all these colors just for eyes if you like. They have two beautiful neutral light pink and dark pink colors. They work well for Spring due to their lovely rose tone hues.  Chantecaille donates 5% of their sales to the wild life conservation that their palettes are currently themed after each year. I bought this palette on Amazon for $39. It is currently no longer sold on the Chantecaille site.

Urban Decay Naked3 - $64.00 CDN

When it comes to the Naked palettes, hands down they are one of the most versatile palettes you will every use.  When Naked3 came out, I was in love.  This palette carries beautiful rose tone colors that work amazingly for Spring!  You get 12 colors of mixed matte and shimmer shades that blending amazingly well with each other.  The color scheme work well to flatter just about any skin tone and the palette works to create either day or night looks.  While the price tag is a bit steep, but for 12 shades in a fairly large shadow case, you can't really complain.    

Well there you have it! My top five eyeshadow palettes for Spring! The majority of all these palettes are sold at Sephora.  And luck be a lady.  If you wait till April 12 and if you are VIB Rouge member you can get 15% your purchases for one week.  Use the code ROUGELOVE to pick up these palettes if you looking to add Spring shadows to your collection!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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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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Are You a Product Junkie?!

If you can read this title and automatically relate, then you know you have a problem.  However if you are not clear and need further clarification, then read on!

Product Junkie: Someone who buys way to many beauty items and never actually finishes using one before they buy and move on to another.  

Product Junkie: Someone who has so many beauty products that their shelves, drawers and bathroom is overflowing. 

Product Junkie: Someone who buys (on impulsive) the latest beauty products without actually needing it.

Product Junkie: Someone who buys beauty products without any real intentions on using them ever, or more then once. 

So if you can relate to any of the top four comments, then this post is surely for you.  You are a product junkie and you truly have a problem!! But don't worry, there is help for you and together we will get you through this!!

So now that you figured out you have a problem, below are a few steps you can take in order to help yourself stop being a product junkie and on the way to the road of recovery with clearer shelves.  Now don't get me wrong, it won't be easy, but trust me once you start de-cluttering, you will see its all well worth it!

Stop Shopping! Period.  The truth is, just about everyone feels good when they buy something.  However once that rush, that high is over then we all move on to the next bigger and better thing.  However, at some point we need to know when enough is enough.  I like trying out different type of products; hair products, skincare products, body products, just about any beauty product available for the body from head to toe I want to use and try.  Nonetheless, we need to be mindful to take inventory of how many shampoos for example we have underneath our bathroom sink and why we never finished using them up before we go out and buy more.  When you start shopping in excess you end up with your own mini drugstore in your home.  So stop shopping and start taking inventory of all your products and see what you need and what can be thrown out.

Take Inventory!  Once you stop shopping, take inventory of everything you have in your shelves, drawers and bathroom.  Pull it all out and start going through it one by one.  The only way to help de-clutter is to know how much of what you have and what you don't need.  Many times you will find bottles of things that are expired, empty or simply just not worth holding on to.  Once you pull all your beauty products out, start REALISTICALLY classifying them.  Make two piles.  Keep and Throw.  Remember, keeping what you don't need is no different then throwing it out if you never really plan to use it.  If you plan to have it sit on the shelf for another year or two, then you might as well throw it out or re-gift it as it truly serves you no purpose or use.   

Throw it Out!  Many of us have a very hard time of letting go of things.  The first thing that always comes out of people's mouth is "but if I throw it out then I just wasted money" versus you keeping it on your shelve and letting it expire or never using it?!  Truth is, if you bought it with no real intentions of using it, then you wasted money.  If you bought it and a year later you still have it hardly used and/or untouched, then you already wasted money.  If you already bought it, period, then you already wasted the money.  No matter how you classify it, once you buy it, the money is gone. No matter what you do (unless you return it) you are not getting your money back.  So the moment you can start putting things in perspective, the easier it is to let go of it.  Anything expired throw it out.  Anything that you NEVER plan to use because you hate the smell or texture of it, throw it out.  Sure you can re-gift it. But come on let's be real.  Are you really going to do that, or is it just an excuse to shove it back in your closet?  If you plan to re-gift it, then make sure to get it out of your house in two weeks or less.  If not, I can assure you, it will end up right back from where you originally pulled it out of. 

Display It!  Once you decide as to what you are keeping (and I mean seriously keeping AND using) you need to display it.  If you put it back in your drawers, closets, shelves or underneath your sink, will end you back up in the same syndrome.  The "out of sight out of mind" syndrome and thus telling yourself you need X products and start shopping all over again.  However if you display it and its in your line of view everyday, then chances are you will use it up before going out and buying more.  One of my New Years resolutions was to start using up everything I had in my bathroom before buying anything new.  In order to do this, I started displaying everything I was keeping and putting it in places where I knew I would be able to reach for it and use it with ease.  So for example, after going through my drawers, I realized I had three hair masks (one I completely forgot about) that needed to be used up.  One had one more treatment left in it, one was half way used and the other one hadn't been opened.  Mind you, I bought that one last year in the fall so keep in mind its been there awhile.  I pulled all three out and displayed them on top of my toilet bowl with my other three body creams.  So now every time I come out the shower, I can see them right in my line of view.  Due to this, I was able to finish up the hair mask with one treatment left last night.  I was also able to finish using one of my three body creams that I have in my bathroom, plus I finished using a shampoo and conditioner that I bought last year around this time that was sitting underneath my bathroom sink.  

Part of de-cluttering is saving yourself and your wallet from being a product junkie and being realistic of what you currently have, need and don't need.  I assure you, if you follow these four easy steps above, you will have your bathroom shelves cleaned out within the next few months before you need anything new.   

Are you a product junkie in need of help? Tell me below what your vice is and how you plan to clean out your shelves!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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Best Lip Balms

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Lip balms are awesome. Not only do they work as chapsticks, but some actually offer a hint of color and totally moisturize your lips in a pretty tube. I have tried just about every lip balm out there and truly just love them! Next to lipgloss they are my go to products for my lips. Especially with this winter where my lips have been hit hard to the point of actually cracking and peeling which has NEVER happened to me before. And no matter how much lip balm I applied it wasn't able to stop the dryness. It did however help to alleviate the pain and the recovery time.

So I decide to narrow done the best lips balms that I have tried so far that have given me good proven results and that I love using the most.  They range from fairly inexpensive to just plain out there in price.  But hey when it comes to the wellness and health of your lips, can you really put a price tag on those smoochers of yours?!

Nivea Lip Butter - $2.41US - $3.20 US

I bought these on a whim when my current lip balm ran out.  I didn't know what to expect as they looked so delicious in their tins but the taste was a concern for me.  However after one try I was in love.  They go on very creamy on the lips, not tacky or sticky at all and they don't travel all over the place or bleed.  I have only tried the raspberry Rose Kiss and the Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss flavors and just love them.  They are fairly inexpensive, can be bought at just about any drugstore or ordered online from Amazon.  I keep one in my purse and makeup draw at all times.

Supergoop! Acai Fusion Lip Balm SPF 30 - $8.50 US

I just love this product and not only because of its texture and smoothness on the lips, but because it actually contains SPF 30 which is seriously lacking in many lip products now-a-days.  When I step outside, I ALWAYS wear sunscreen SPF 60 UVA/UVB protection on my face.  No matter the weather, in daylight you won't catch me without sunscreen on.  With that same thought in mind, I also protect my lips.  Many people don't understand that you can still get lip cancer when exposed to sunlight.  This lip balm comes in two flavors but I would only recommend the Acai one because the other one contains mint which is a serious irritant to lips.  So if you are serious about protection your lips, then this lip balm is for you.

Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm - $29.00 CDN

Nothing says luxury like Dior. The first time I heard of this product was from Youtube were all the beauty vloggers were raving about it. So I decided to jump on Sephora online and buy it. However when I realized that it cost shy of $30, I turned the computer off and went to bed. However I had this nagging feeling that I really needed to try this. So after a month of having this sitting in my checkout cart on Sephora I decided to buy it. When it arrived three days later, I used it right away. I first noticed it had a waxy film at the top that you had to breakaway in order to get to the creamy part of the balm. But once you did, it was amazing on the lips. It was so soft and creamy. Was not tacky or sticky at all and had a lovely slight smell to it. I really like this balm, due to how it does hydrate the lips. However I don't use it often because of the price tag. So while yes it is crazy expensive for a simple balm, nonetheless it offers great moisturize to the lips.

 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Champagne - $30.00 CDN

When Bite Beauty hit Sephora, the first thing I heard about them was their Agave Lip Mask.  I was taken with the fact that this lip balm not only worked as a lip balm but also as a lip mask to help heal cracked dried lips.  I read many reviews on this product and realized that you generally use it at nights right before bed to allow the product to work its magic.  I noticed that when applied at nights, it lasted all throughout my sleep and never transferred, bled or stained my pillows.  I bought this in the color champagne the same day it was released in Sephora.  It gives you the slightest tint to your lips without coloring them fully.  It is also made of all natural ingredients which are safe to ingest especially for someone like me who is currently six months pregnant.  I love using this lip mask at night and the great results it gives me!

Sephora Collection Color Reveal Lip Balm - $16.00

I found this lip balm all by accident. It was on sale at Sephora during the holiday season and I became curious to try it out.  It stated that when applied to your lips, it gives you a slight tint to your lips according to your own lip color.  I saw some before and after pictures, so I decided to try it.  I noticed that once applied to your lips within seconds it gave me a nice pinkish tints to my lips that looked natural.  I also noticed that it really moisturized my lips and left the nicest feeling and lovely sheen.  It last for a good two to three hours on my lips before wearing off.  However the color lasted all the way until I brushed my teeth again at night.  Really worth trying if you are looking to add some color to your lips without using lipstick or lipgloss.

Julep Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment - $24.00 / $19.20 US

I first got this product with one of my Julep Maven boxes last year.  I loved the fact that it came with a cool metal tip applicator which helped to smooth it on your lips with ease.  This lip balm also has a lovely smell of Shea Butter to it which I love.  I have this on my bathroom counter and wear it in the mornings right after washing my face.   It helps to keep them moisturized while I am getting ready for the day and applying my makeup.  It last for a while on my lips and really love the cooling sensation I get every time I use it!  If you are a Julep Maven member you can buy it for $19.20 US. 

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment - $29.00 CDN 

The first time I tried this lip treatment was when I received it in a generous sample size.  I have used Fresh lip treatments before and just loved on some how it contains SPF in their formula.  I love keeping this in my purse because its small and has a twist top which keeps it from coming off and getting messed up.  It has no real smell to it and really works great on my dry lips during the winter season.  

So there you have it, my favorite lip balms to help beat this cold winter and relief dry chapped lips to reveal beautiful moisturized kissable lips! Do you have any favorites I should try?

Keep Smiling

Dayana

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette - $58 US / $67 CDN

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette is a limited edition palette containing three Hourglass blushes.  Two of these blushes are part of their previous permanent collection and one is a brand new shade.  This palette came out in October 2014 and constantly sold out online on Sephora.   The three shades you will find in this palette (from left to right) are Luminous Flush (a champagne rose blush infused with Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light), Incandescent Electra, (a peach blush infused with Ambient Lighting Powder in Incandescent Light) and Mood Exposure (a plum blush infused with Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light).  

The blushes come in a small gold like case.  The blushes are much smaller then their normal single size blushes.  So don't except three large blushes in this palette or you will be disappointed when comparing them to their normal size.  The casing is very beautiful, but its prone to smudging with fingerprints.  And if dropped, I can truly see these blushes breaking which has been noted by a lot of users who have had this misfortune happen to them.  I would not recommend this palette for traveling purposes due to this reason. Hourglass has also noted at the back of the palette the word "fragile".  So handle with care.  

All three blushes are amazing for application and blending.  They are highly pigmented and a little truly does go a long way.  If you dip your brush to hard into these blushes or pick up way to much powder, you will notice it with one swipe on your face.  It will give you clown like makeup if you are to heavy handed.  However, if you apply lightly, you will get the most beautiful blush application on your cheeks.  Due to it being infused with their Ambient Lighting Powder, it helps to not make pores look enlarged, does not leave behind a shiny or oily finish and truly works to give you a beautiful flush glow.  You can get at least 8-9 hours of wear with these blushes and probably more if worn with face primer.  I found that each blush is very appropriate to wear for either day or night.  These blushes had very little to no fallout and applied very smoothly and blended well on the skin. 

I was concerned that Incandescent Electra (the middle shade) would appear to peachy on my skin.  However I noticed this was not the case at all.  It appeared more of a coral color that wasn't to over the top and with the Ambient Lighting Powder infused it just looked marvelous.  Luminous Flush (the left shade) was a beautiful champagne rose color that looked very natural on the skin.  Mood Exposure (the right shade) was a very plumly color that if applied to heavily can look to dark on lighter skin.  However it leaves you such a nice plumy glow that blended beautifully with my bronzer when applied lightly.  So go easy with this color.  These colors are very versatile and can work with just about any skin tone.

Nonetheless, I will say this.  No two blush palettes are alike.  Even the website states this as well.  Moreover since these blushes are infused with Ambient lighting powder, you will end up getting a different mixture of color in each blush palette. As you can see from the two pictures above, some have more Ambient Lighting Powder then blush, while others have more blush then the lighting palette.  I would advise you buy these in person and take a look at the palette before heading to the purchase counter.  I have heard some reviews of people who were disappointed because the blushes did not apply correctly due it being more lighting powder then blush color. I took a chance and bought mine online.  However it was risky based on warnings of many.

Besides this small draw back, I would for sure recommend this palette if you are looking to try out new blushes but don't want a draw full of them.  They are pricey but truly some of the most beautiful blushes I have ever tried!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

 

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Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette

Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette - $49.00 US

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I love just about anything Too Faced. I have the original Chocolate bar palette and literally reach for it almost all the time. (Click here for that review). The original chocolate bar not only smells like chocolate but looks like a candy bar as well from the outside.  So when the Semi Sweet palette came out, I was happy to see that it had the same design and lovely chocolate smell to it!

When Too Faced came out with their Semi sweet chocolate bar palette I thought it was for sure going to be better than the first.  However upon examining the colors online, I was hesitant at first because of the cool and warm tone shades found all over the palette.  As you can see from the pictures below, the palette seems to have some identity crisis going on where it can't decide if it wants to be either cool or warm tone!  The palette contains 16 shades with eight being shimmery and the rest being matte.  The palette also contains a black shade called Licorice which the original Too Faced Chocolate palette lacked.  Moreover, a lot of the brown colors almost seem identical to each other and other colors just didn't seem to fit.

Especially that blueberry swirl color which seemed to stand out in the middle of the palette like a sore thumb. I literally could not get over it and really had no idea why it was there amongst the other more warm tone colors.  However, after watching a few Youtube videos on this palette, I was determined to give it a try.  So after about two weeks of thinking it over, I finally ordered it online.  I was pretty scared after I hit the order button to be honest as I had no idea what to except nor how I was going to be able to make a cool/warm tone palette work together!  However not to sound like Yoda, "but determined I was!"

When it arrived to my house, I unpacked it right away and went to work to create a blue eyeshadow look that didn't look like circa 1970's Studio 54.  My greatest concern was that  my eyeshadow would warp me back in time with that blue color.  However I played with the color wheel and planned the look out. I use Rum Raisin on the crease of the eye, Peanut Butter on top of the crease, Licorice on the lid of the eye as a base for the blue color,  Blueberry Swirl on the lid for the main color and Hot Fudge on the outer corner of the eye. I used Pink Sugar for the inner part of the eye and Coconut Creme to highlight my brow bone.

The color range of these shadows are awesome as it gives you the ability to work with many different colors and create many warm or cool tone looks which can be found in one palette. The shadows blended well on the eye with a bit of fallout which wasn't the end of the world. However the pigmentation needs help and I mean serious help. While it does appear on the eye, its nothing compared to the original palette.  I noticed when I wet my brush the colors come out more vibrant. Yet when I don't wet my brush, I have to pack on more color then normal to simply get it to show up to a point where I am comfortable with it.  the Blueberry Swirl color; I first wore it on one of my eye's without the black base color and it barely popped.  It looked dull.  I had to wet my brush to get it to appear and shine.  However when I wore it with the black base underneath on my second eye (so I could compare) it appeared nicely but still dull and a wet brush was also needed.  Moreover some colors like Pink Sugar; while its a beautiful beautiful color, works better as a highlighter in the corner of the eye and not as an overall shadow as it will not appear no matter if you wet your brush or not.  I also noticed other youtubers having to wear a base color underneath in order to get the blue color to pop.  Some used a color pencil (blue) on their lid and then layered the shadow in order to help the color appear more vibrant.

I would recommend that Too Faced work on the pigmentation of this palette in order to bring it up to par with their original Chocolate Bar Palette.  While not all the colors need help, but a vast majority due.  So if you don't have an issue with having to wet your brush on some colors, then this palette will truly make you happy.  If you do, then stick with the original chocolate bar palette or wet your brush.  Outside that, not much more you can ask for when pigmentation is in need of help. 

Yet with all that being said, I would still recommend this palette due it its ability to make many different looks that can be truly stunning and worthwhile as long as you are willing to put the time in to making them work!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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September's Spotlight of The Month!

Bite Agave Lip Mask Champagne  - $30.00 CDN

Ah fall is here! And with that comes nasty dry chap lips as winter sets in.  Since I was 13 years old, I have always brush my lips with my toothbrush after brushing my teeth.  I learned from a dentist that if you do this everyday, you won't have dry chap lips or dead skin left behind.  I have to say after doing this for 20 years, I have never had chapped flaky lips. That is on till now.  I don't know what happen, but ever since becoming pregnant my lips are flaking off like sheets of paper.  They are dry, chapped and they hurt like its nobody's business.  I brush them everyday, twice a day after brushing my teeth.  However with all that they are seriously chapped.  I was using Vaseline which is amazing, but my daughter decided to empty the whole bottle on top of her hair and body.  So there went that!

As you all know, I love youtube! I love watching other youtuber.  I recently heard a bunch of them raving over this Bite Agave Lip Mask.  They said its a product you use at night right before bed.   Its a lip mask treatment that is suppose to work wonders for your lips.  I figured at this point I give it a shot.  I mean whats the worse that could happen.  My lips fall off?! Its not like they aren't there already!

I bought this product off Sephora's website.  When this arrived to my house I couldn't wait to use it for night time!  This comes in a small squeezable tin like tube.  I have to say I am not crazy about the tube.  Its hard to squeeze out and I bet you anything that I am going to have to cut it open once it reaches its end of life because half of the product will be stuck inside!  Nonetheless, the product is awesome.  It comes out in a pearl like champagne color that looks great on the lips.  Its very soft, silky, smooth and overall very buttery. 

After spending some time wrestling to squeeze the tub out, a little drop smaller than a pea size covers both my top and bottom lip.  A little does go a long way.  After using this for a week straight, my lips felt better conditioned, softer and the chapness was gone.  The dryness had settled down a lot and my lips looked well hydrated.  I found I wasn't reaching for my normal lip balm as often throughout the day.

I apply this lip mask right before bed and leave it on overnight.  It comes out a bit dry but once it touches your lips it melts like butter to a creamy form.  When I wake up in the morning, I notice my lips feel amazingly soft.  There is no greasy feeling left behind or bleeding from the product onto my mouth.  It just feels like sweet and lovely moisture all over my lips.  This product is not an all day lip balm wear.  Its best you use this product at night right before bed for best results. 

One of the most amazing things about this product is that its all natural.  Literally just about every ingredient in this tube is made of a natural source.  So in case of a famine, you can actually eat this product with no big issue.  However I would not in any way recommend or endorse that idea.  I am just saying!  This product is good for those who don't like to use lip balms with two many synthetic properties in them.

If you are in the market for a new lip balm treatment than for sure pick this up!  You will love it!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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EnvyDerm Eyelash Enhancement and Conditioning Liquid Eyeliner

EnvyDerm Eyelash Enhancement & Conditioning Liquid Eyeliner - $29.00 US

I got this product as part of an advertorial 

I am an eyeliner hoarder!  I mean I have enough that its sick.  However with that being said, I always going through my eyeliners every few months and throw them out.  Recently EnvyDerm contacted Everything Beauty and Beyond to test out and review their eyeliner!  This company is based out in the USA and they shipped it to me in Canada!

I have been using this eyeliner now for about a week.  First thing that caught my eye about this liner was the pretty packaging it came in.  Now the real thing that made me go "wow" was that this eyeliner came with an awesome little booklet stating that this product is formulated without Prostaglandin, Parabens, Synthethic fragrance, Sulfates, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMO'S, Tricolosan, Mineral Oils and Animal Products to name a few.  Now, for the good stuff!  This product is formulated with Organic Moroccan Argan oil,  amino acids and Panthenol  to help make lashes healthier and stronger. 

What was also awesome about this product is that it is certified cruelty free, carbon free and Halal!  This is pretty cool for anyone out there who is sensitive about using animal products in their makeup.  Also, for anyone who follows a Halal diet/lifestyle this also allows them to use this product with no problem. 

I have to say, when I first cracked open this eyeliner, I was a bit scared since it didn't have a felt tip and was liquidity.  Nonetheless, I have always said in the name of beauty, you go for it!  Boy, was I amazed at this product and its ability to help you draw a straight line on your eye.  I have tried with just about every form of eyeliner made (gel, pencil, liquid) to draw a straight line in one shot! Yeah that never comes out good!  Yet with this eyeliner, I was able to draw a line with one straight shot! And I mean one good straight line!  It wasn't rigidity or had jagged edges.  Since the texture is very fluid, it draws on lovely and straight.  

I drew lines on the back of my hand with the liner and then tried rubbing it to see its durability and I was amazed on how well it held.  However with that being said, keep this in mind.  Your eyes secrete water and oils naturally.  The back of your hand doesn't.  So it's best when you wear any type of eye makeup that you always use primer to make it last longer and go on smoother.  This held better and longer when I used primer.  However when tried it without primer, it didn't last as long and flaked a bit.  So primer I would highly recommend. 

I have to say, this is one of the best eyeliners I have ever tried and I am very glad I got the chance to use it!

I have created (my first) youtube video talking about this liner!  You can either watch it here on my blog or go to my youtube channel to check it!  Sorry for the blurriness.  My camera focus on my makeup counter and not me!! Eh!! Next video's should be so much better!



I would say give this company a try if you are looking for a good liquid eyeliner with conditioning and enhancement properties!

If you decided to try this eyeliner out, use the discount code for 25% at checkout! Type in the word "Welcome"! Click here for their website! http://bit.ly/1trrb7w

CONTEST RULES!

To win a free EnvyDerm Liquid Eyeliner all you have to do is three simple things!

1. Subscribe to my Channel!!
2. Like this Video!
3. Tell me in the comments box Youtube what other eyeliners you tried and love!

The contest closes SEPT 07, 2014 so be sure to enter! I will private message the winner! The company will send you the eyeliner directly!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Blank Canvass Cosmetics 6 Contour/Highlight Palette!

 

 Blank Canvas Cosmetics 6 Contour/Highlight Palette- $15.99 CDN

As you all know, I am a Blank Canvas anything lover!  Not only do I LOVE their brushes, but I also love their makeup which is just as awesome as their brushes! 

When it comes to highlighting and contouring, a variety of methods can be used to achieve this look.  You can either use all powders, all creams, or a mixture of both.  However, when mixing both, you first must apply your creams before applying your powders. If not it will separate and make a mess of your makeup and face.  Think of it like this, its like applying your face powder and then your foundation on top.  Not a good idea if you ask me.  However with all that being said, you need the right products and brushes in order to get the right results. 

The BCC Contour and Highlight palette, was the first palette, product, anything I ever used when I first started contouring and highlighting.  I bought this palette after watching yet another youtube video (I really need to get off youtube) with a girl who was contouring and highlighting with this palette.  She did such an amazing job that I google the product and found it online.  Blank Canvas Cosmetics is a company that is based out in Ireland.  However they have amazing shipping rates which are actually cheaper then some of the products I have bought overseas and nationally.  It arrived at my home in less then two weeks and was nicely packaged to avoid damage in the mail. This palette is big and true to form.  The colors work well when contouring and highlighting your face. 

The highlighting colors come in 3 different shades and the contouring come in three darker shades.  What I like about this palette is that since it has a wide range of colors, it works great with all skin tones.  The colors are nicely packed and don't flake to much.  The palette is pretty big which surprised me when I first got it.  I didn't expect it to look as big as it did on the website.  Each pod comes with a generous amount of color which if used right, will last you a long time.

When I first highlighted, I noticed that the powder went on nice and smooth and didn't leave me looking like I was all raccoon eyed.   It didn't crease underneath my eyes or comes off throughout the day.  It was noticeable on my face, and gave me such a lovely sheen.  I use my BCC F14 small contouring brush to highlight with as it fits perfectly underneath my eyes, down my T-zone and chin.  The contouring colors work well as a bronzer and really showed on my face.  I use my BCC F16 Large contour/powder brush to apply the bronzer colors on my the hollows of my cheek, my temples and forehead.  Since this brush is pointed it really leaves you those defined lines you are looking for.  However there F30 Sculpt brush works amazing for contouring as it really defines your face.  Its on my wishlist to get so I can test it out!

I highly recommend this palette (and a youtube video) for beginners who are interested in learning this makeup technique.  Moreover BCC sells an array of amazing brushes that would work well with this palette that are worth trying!  My own husband was able to see the difference and comment on how great the makeup looked on me.  It lasted all day and never looked dull, flaky or lacked color or luster.

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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Chantecaille Beaute White Tiger Poudre Delicate

Chantecaille Beaute White Tiger Poudre Delicate - $85.00 US

For some women, there is nothing more exquisite than a beautiful piece of jewelry.  However, for me, there is nothing more elegant then beautifully defined makeup.  Whether that be an eyeshadow, face powder or blush, nothing speaks elegance like a well engraved image on the surface of a compact.

I heard of the company Chantecaille one day all by accident.  I was watching a youtube video where the Coral Reef eyeshadow compact was displayed.  I was immediately in awe of the beauty of that compact.  The lasered etched design was so precise that you swore you were looking at a beautiful piece of art.  The colors of the compact were so vivid, that it seemed like I was looking into a prism of colors that meshed so well with each other.  The gold stained coral reefs that laid on top of each eyeshadow were so alive that they speckled in the sunlight so lovely.  Sadly this compact is no longer in circulation.  Nonetheless they have others that are just as beautiful.  

I decided to google the company after seeing this beautiful work of art and see if by chance they had other amazing makeup "pieces".  And oh so they did to my great delight.  My search lead me to their face powders.  I love face powder and wear it all the time after applying my foundation.  However the one thing I dislike about face powder is that awful powdery look it leaves you.  The point of makeup is to seem as if though you are not wearing any.  However when others can spot your foundation and/or powder; well it destroys the look you were going for.

This compact is etched so precisely with the image of a beautiful White Bengal Tiger.  If you look closely you can see the lines that make the face and hair of the tiger.  The color of the tiger resembles a two tone effect.  The majority of the tiger is of a gold speckled color and the rest is of an off white tone.  When you apply this powder compact, it leaves your skin with an ever so subtle sparkle effect.  However after a short while, the two tone effect leaves as it is only superficially implanted on the face of the tiger and you are left with a translucent color compact which was the original point.

This powder in this compact is so finely milled that you never see it on your face when applied.  It doesn't settle into the fine lines of your face and actually works wonders for setting in your concealer.  Since its so finely milled, the powder will not deepen into your under eye lines.  Instead it sets your concealer so that it doesn't move all day.  It leaves you a matte finish that actually looks luminous and not dull.  Its infused with Tahitian Monoi which causes the skin to look and feel hydrated.  This compact comes with a velor puff which is found underneath the compact in a different compartment.   

However with all that being said, this compact is not cheap.  It cost $85.00 US and for many that is out of their price range or simply not worth spending.  Nonetheless I will say this.  This compact is not small.  It encompasses the full size of the palm of my hand.  I normally apply this compact with my Blank Canvas F25 brush as its large enough to envelop my whole face.  This not only sets my foundation but leaves me with that soft luminous look.  Since this powder is very light weight and finely milled, you can use it year around without the heaviness that some face powders offer.

A beautiful side note!  For every compact you buy, Chanecialle donates 5% of all sales to the conservation of these animals.  The founder is a serious and respected philanthropist who believes in the conservation of endangered animals.  Every year a palette is designed in honor of the animal they are supporting.  The only downside is that the majority of the palettes are limited editions.  While new ones come out each year I will miss my Coral Reef palette once it runs out! Check out their website in order to find other beautifully etched compacts! 

I truly love this face powder so much that I bought two! I would for sure recommend this compact despite the price tag!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana        

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My Favorite Top Six Eye Shadow Palettes!

 I just love eyeshadow palettes!  I really don't own (expect for two) single eyeshadow pots.  I normally like them to come in a palette as they are easier to travel with, carry and don't take up to much space or need massive depoting.

When I normally buy eyeshadow I look for three things; texture, colors and blendability.  The company who makes it doesn't really matter to me as long as it fulfills my top three requirements.  I have bought eyeshadow before for reputable companies who either had horrible selection in colors, bad texture (crumbled, creased and flaked easily) and did not blend well at all!  So here are my top six picks in eyeshadow palettes!!

NYX Love in Paris "A La Mode" Eyeshadow Palette - $10.00 USA

    

When I first saw this palette being used by a youtuber I knew I had to have it if I ever wanted to create a brown or black smokey eye effect.  I love this palette (literally) for its smokey eye colors.  It even come with a highlighter for the eyebrows!  These colors blend in so smoothly and are nicely pigmented.  It has little fall out or creaseability and for $10.00 is quite impressive and worth the money!

Urban Decay Naked 3 - $62.00 CDN

People rave about the Naked palettes and for good reason.  All the colors are highly pigmented, smooth and creamy to apply and have great wearability.  I love love the Naked 3 palette.  The colors are very rose tone in color and are great to use for all seasons and day/evening time hours.  They have a good mix of shimmer and matte colors.  I'll be honest, I love some shimmer in shadows so that it stands out a bit.  While I would prefer that my eyes not look like disco balls, nonetheless a little sparkle is always cute to wear in a sophisticate grown up type manner!

Too Faced Eyes Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection - $45.00 CDN

When I first saw this palette I fell in love.  The colors on this palette are just phenomenal.  This palette literally looks like a piece of artwork for me and truly makes my eyes look like a master piece after applying.  The colors are beautiful with lovely hues of purples and very light pinks.  I wore this palette for a month straight before I decided to give it a rest before I ended up hitting pan on all shadows!  I would highly recommend this palette as you can wear it any time throughout the day due to it versatility. 

Chantiecalle Coral Reefs Palette - $79.00 USA

I saw this palette one day while searching youtube and was in awe of its beauty.  I really wanted to buy it till I saw the price tag! Eh...yea no.  However I did find it online on amazon.com for $40 bucks.  I was so excited to receive it at home!  I love the fact that it has two eyeshadows, a blush and a liner all in one.  It really is a big compact.  However you can use all of them as eyeshadow if you like.  It has a beautiful gold painted reef on the front of each shadow.  Sadly, once you start using the palette the gold reefs does rub off.  Nonetheless these colors are just beautiful and literally feel like butter (I kid you not) when you are using your brush to pick up the color and apply them over your eyes!

E.L.F. Studio Baked California Eyeshadow Palette - $10.00 USA 

This was the first palette I ever bought!  I was so taken by the colors and for the price I knew it was right.  While this palette does have a lot of fall out when you are trying to pick up the color, however once applied to your eyes, it looks beautiful and really gives your lids a lovely glow and look to the them.  I especially love the mica color (the dark silver on the lower left hand side) and how great it looks when applied with any of the brown colors!  Worth the buy from E.L.F.

Smashbox Photo Op Eyeshadow Limited Trio - $29.00 CDN

I recently went to the Toronto Premium Outlets in Brampton, ON and came upon a makeup store that was selling this eyeshadow in a kit.  I got a full size mascara with an eyeliner plus this trio eyeshadow for $29 dollars! Sold!!  I have to say I love these shadows.  I have been using them non-stop.  They literally leave such a soft glow on a face especially when using them during the day.  The three colors just work so well and look so beautiful when applied.  Even though its only three colors to play with, but so worth the buy.  I don't know if Smashbox is still selling them, however you can buy this at the outlet mall in Brampton!

Well there you have it, my top six palettes that I reach for often!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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