Annabelle Retractable Eyeliners in Peacock and Twilighting

Eyeliner Monday! I swear I could keep on going with these forever. I have a gazillion eyeliners. This week's eyeliner feature is the Annabelle Retractable Eyeliner ($9.95), which Annabelle claims has rich intense colour and creamy texture that glides easily. Waterproof and long-lasing formula. 12 h wear. 

The Annabelle Retractable Eyeliners are available in 6 shades - Chocochip, Insomnia, Jet Black, Peacock, Twilighting and Bronze Age. As the name states, these eyeliners are fully retractable. Packaging is even more on point with the addition of a pop-off sharpener at the bottom of the pencil. 

Peacock is an olive green with a subtle golden shimmer running through it and Twiligihting is a deep eggplant purple with a hair of silver sparkle. 

These two colours bear an uncanny similarity to the Shu Uemura Lasting Gel Eyeliners that I had reviewed back in October 2014. The difference? For one, the price of Annabelle's options are much more wallet-friendly. Also, the colours are a tad richer and the formulation of the eyeliners are much creamier and easy to blend. The creaminess means that these eyeliners make for a stellar eyeshadow -base (see Maleficent) also affects the staying power of which Annabelle's 6-8 hours doesn't come close to Shu's 12 hour mark. 

Overall, these are really awesome eyeliner options. The colours are rich and the creaminess of the Annabelle Retractable Eyeliners make them easy to use and quite versatile for on the upper or lower lash lines or as an eyeshadow base when blended out.

Creamy and smudgeable or slightly harder and long-lasting - which do you prefer? Have you tried the Annabelle Retractable Eyeliners? 

Press samples featured. This is part of my eyeliner monday series - where I review a different eyeliner every...Monday. :) See more eyeliner reviews here. 

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Annabelle EyeInk Liquid Eyeliner

EYELINER MONDAY! This week, it's the the Annabelle EyeInk Liquid Eyeliner ($9.95), which claims to be the perfect tool to create multiple looks! This deep black liquid liner allows a precise line from soft to dramatic. Its formula is long-lasting and water-based. Ophtalmologist tested. Here's the lowdown on this eyeliner... 

While the eyeliner is fairly precise I wouldn't go as far as calling it ultra precise. The felt tip allows for a fair amount of precision but not razor sharp lines. I find the felt tip is useful for creating medium to thick cat eyes. The liner is slightly watery, fairly black (as opposed to ultra black) and bleeds slightly into the fine lines of the skin. On plus side, it dries down quickly, and lasts all day without smudging. 

Because this liner isn't super black, I like it for natural days when I want a winged liner that's slightly more subdued. The formula is slightly watery which makes it quite fast drying, which is great for rushed mornings. 

Have you tried the Annabelle EyeInk Liquid Eyeliner? 

Press samples featured. This is part of my eyeliner monday series - where I review a different eyeliner every...Monday. :) See more eyeliner reviews here. 

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Annabelle Kohl Eyeliners in 156 Rhone, 138 Silver, 172 Curacao, 159 Milky Way & 124 Taupe

Eyeliner, eyeliner, eyeliner. Yet another impressive eyeliner offering from Annabelle Cosmetics. With 26 shades, the Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner ($5.95) range has the most colour selection out of Annabelle's 5 different eyeliner formulas. I first reviewed the Annabelle Smudgeliner (see here). 

Annabelle Kohl Eyeliners in Rhone, Silver, Curacao (metallic), Milky Way and Taupe

Compared to the Annabelle Smudgeliners, Annabelle Kohl Eyeliners are quite different. They're a bit less expensive at $5.95 and the texture is slightly harder (they're still smooth but harder and less smudge-y than the Smudgeliners, not ideal for the waterline). Furthermore, the tip tends to smush if you don't use press too hard onto the eyelid. Similar to the Smudgeliners, the Annabelle Kohls are pigmented in one swipe and fairly long lasting at around 7-8 hours for the dark colours and 5 for the Silver and Milky Way. 

Overall, these are a great budget buy. If you've got an extra few bucks on hand, there's some better options with the same brand. 

What's your favourite budget eyeliner? 

Press sample featured. This is part of my eyeliner monday series - where I review a different eyeliner every...Monday. :) See more eyeliner reviews here. 

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Annabelle Instaglam Eyeliner + Touch-Up Mascara in Black Star and Psychedelic

For the everyday woman, it seems as though beauty products are all about convenience. That's why there's lip/cheek tints, dual-ended brushes, and double-sided eyeliners. Now here's something interesting - how about a mascara and eyeliner all in one? Sounds convenient, doesn't it? 

Thick liquid eyeliner marker on one side and tube of mascara on the other, that's the Annabelle Instaglam Eyeliner + Touch-up Mascara ($12.95) in a nutshell. It comes in three shades - Abyss (blue), Psychedelic (purple) and Black Star (black). 

Annabelle Instaglam Eyeliner + Touch-Up Mascara in Black Star and Psychedelic

I feel like dual-purpose products can only be one of two things - either a gift from the beauty gods or a total gimmick. In this case, the Annabelle Instaglam Eyeliner + Touch-Up Mascara leans towards the gimmicky side of things. The eyeliner side is sheer and bleeds into the skin, which is a pretty look on nobody. Moreover, the mascara should be reserved for touch-ups only because it doesn't add much to my lashes. However, the purple is pretty cool (I wore it in this makeup look) and definitely shows some promise worn underneath a white primer. 

Overall, the Annabelle Instaglam Eyeliner + Touch-Up Mascara was not for me. Annabelle has much better offerings of eyeliner and mascara separately, so if you're looking to try something from the brand, skip this and be impressed by something else. 

What's your favourite dual-purpose product? 

Press sample featured. This is part of my eyeliner monday series - where I review a different eyeliner every...Monday. :) See more eyeliner reviews here. 

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Annabelle Stay Sharp Self-Sharpening Waterpoof Kohl Eyeliner in Cappuccino

The Annabelle Stay Sharp Self-Sharpening Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner ($9.95) is the latest of Annabelle's 5 varieties of pencil liner. You may have noticed that the Annabelle Stay Sharp Self-Sharpening Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner bears an uncanny similarity to last week's eyeliner feature, the Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liner. Annabelle's version is less than half the prices but the packaging and self-sharpening functions are very much alike, so the Smashbox Always Sharp will be the basis for comparison. 

The Annabelle Stay Sharp Eyeliners are available in 6 shades (as opposed to 8 from Smashbox) - Go Black, Cappuccino, Graphite, Midnight (blue), Ultraviolet and Forest (green). Pictured above is Cappuccino. 

The self-sharpening function of both the Annabelle and Smashbox liners are essentially the same. The sharpener is housed inside the cap, so that when you close your eyeliner, the used tip is sharpened. Both liners provide the same degree of sharpness and with the Annabelle Stay Sharp Eyeliner, you can create both thin and thick lines. 

Here's where the liners differ. The Annabelle Stay Sharp is much smoother in texture, takes longer to set, and is more easily smudge-able for a smokey, sultry look. However, the creamy, smooth texture comes at a cost. Despite Annabelle's 14-hour long-wearing claims, this liner only lasted on my upper lash line for 6 hours. After about the sixth hour, I could see the liner had transferred onto my lower lash line and began fading away along the upper lash line. 

Overall, price-wise the Annabelle Stay Sharp Self-Sharpening Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Cappuccino is a great option if you want to try self-sharpening liners. However, if you're looking for something more long-wearing, look elsewhere. 

What do you think of self-sharpening eyeliners? Gimmick or innovation? 

Press sample featured. This is part of my eyeliner monday series - where I review a different eyeliner every...Monday. :) See more eyeliner reviews here. 

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Annabelle Smudgeliners in Purple Storm, Armour, Atomic Surf & Sea Green

Eyeliner, eyeliner, eyeliner. By the time Autumn rolls in, I'm all about the eyeliner. Annabelle Cosmetics is too! So much so that Annabelle has a whopping 5 varieties of pencil eyeliners with multiple shades of each variety. Since I've been wearing so my eyeliner, I'm setting out to briefly explore a few of Annabelle's options. First, the Annabelle Smudgeliners ($8.95) in Purple Storm, Armour, Atomic Surf & Sea Green. There are a total of 12 Annabelle Smudgeliner shades available. 

Purple storm (dark purple), Armour (lilac-grey), Atomic Surf (light aqua), Sea Green (medium green) 

The Annabelle website claims that these liners are soft, smudgeable, super long-lasting, and rich in colour-payoff for a defined look or smokey eye. Yes, they're indeed soft but not so soft to the point that the tip breaks off during application and sharpening (shu uemura I'm looking at you!). Smudgeable? Definitely and the liner even comes with a smudger at the other end (though I prefer a brush). The pigmentation is definitely there - one swipe is all that's necessary and the colours have a slight shimmer running through them. Finally, the lasting-power of the Annabelle Smudgeliner depends on what you consider to be "strong". The colours I tested all lasted around 6 hours but fades instead of smudging, which is so-so in my books. 

Overall, a pretty good liner. These are quite comparable to the Rimmel Scanadaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajals but a smidgen more expensive but with much better colour selection. 

Have you tried any of the Annabelle eyeliners? 

Press sample featured. This is part of eyeliner monday series - where I review a different eyeliner every...Monday. :) See more eyeliner reviews here. 

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Revisiting the Annabelle Twist-Up Lipsticks in Naked, Bubble, Divine & Cherry

I typically purchase products in singles, but somehow a whole range of colours of that same product has a way of making it onto my face in someway or another (gifts, press samples, goodie bags, more purchases). One of those products is the Annabelle Twist-Up Lipsticks (others include the Rimmel Apocalips and Kohl Kajals, Broadway Nails, and Revlon Shadowlinks. Once upon a time I had made my very first Annabelle purchase and in that order came the Annabelle Twist-Up Lipstick in Bubble ($9.95) - see my original review here. The other three (Naked, Divine, and Cherry) are press samples! 

So, I'm revisiting my thoughts on the product, now in terms of consistency across different shades! From the photo below, you can probably tell which one I've had the longest :) 

Annabelle Twist-Up Lipsticks in Naked, Bubble, Divine, Cherry

Put simply, these are lipsticks in twist-up crayon form. They're in no way a gloss/balm form like offerings from Revlon, Rimmel, or Clinique but a straight up lipstick with the convenience of a retractable pencil packaging. 

Yep, the formula is consistent across all the shades. Each offers high pigmentation and full coverage is achieved with about two layers of product. The lipsticks are smooth but not to the point of smushing and all four shades offer a sparkle-free finish with a slight sheen of moisture. Lasting power is ~4 hours for all but Cherry which sticks around for 5 or 6. Here's the lowdown on the colours. 

< Naked > A light pink nude. This one's definitely too light to wear on it's own but it makes the perfect mixing medium for lightening up other lipsticks or adding highlight to the centre of the lips. I mixed Naked with Cherry in a make up look here.  

< Bubble > A medium bubble gum pink. It's a bit pale for my currently still-tanned summer-fall transition skin tone but it's so bright that it adds a bit of something-something to the face on dull days. 

< Divine > The most natural of the four shades here, the Annabelle Twist Up Lipstick in Divine is a "my lips but better". The perfect everyday shade. 

< Cherry > This is the attention-grabbing berry-red of the bunch. It's bold but elegant, great for nights out or everyday (if you're feeling daring). 

Aaaaand the verdict? I'm still a fan of this product. There's TONS of shades in the Annabelle Twist-Up Lipstick range and I'm glad that I have a pretty good few to choose from. 

Have you tried the Annabelle Twist Ups? 

Purchases and press samples featured

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Everyday Glam Makeup with 5 Products from Annabelle!

When it comes to Canadian brands, Annabelle is one of my faves. There's something about the HUGE colour selection and fun, innovative products that just gets me. A couple months back, I attended the Annabelle x Shenae Grimes Launch Party, which has now inspired me to create an "every glam" look. 

What is "everyday glam" supposed to mean? I kind of just made this up... ummm... think everyday makeup with hints of something fabulous. For this makeup look, I'm rocking a natural face (just concealer!) with a short-winged liner, PURPLE mascara and a bold lip. 

Here's the deets...

< Annabelle Stay Sharp Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner // Cappuccino > $9.99 - Sure it's not quite as precise as a liquid liner, but hey, I'm pretty happy if I can get a decent flick out of a pencil product, I'm very satisfied. The liner itself is highly pigmented and "waterproof" actually means waterproof with this liner. Plus, the self-sharpening tip makes the liner super versatile; you can create thin, sharp lines or soft edges.

How I used it: a tiny winged liner on the upper lash line and smudged on the outer half of the lower lash line. 

< Annabelle InstaGlam Eyeliner + Mascara Touch Up // Psychedelic > $12.95 - Since I have jet black lashes, the purple is very subtle. Presumably, you'd get more pop! out of this eyeliner if you use a white primer. It doesn't add much length or volume to my lashes, mostly colour so layer this on top of your favourite volumizing/lengthening mascara for more drama. 

How I used it: over my naked lashes 

< Annabelle Stay Sharp Lipliner // Java > $9.99 - This lipliner functions similarly to the Annabelle Stay Sharp Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in that when you place the liner on the lid, it automatically sharpens. Precise lines are easy to achieve with such a sharp tip. Plus, the liner itself is creamy and pigmented, making it easy to glide over the lips. The shade Java is a brown-mauve that's just about my lips but better... pretty much a universal liner that I can wear under any lip colour. 

How I used it: worn to underneath and to prolong the wear of... 

< Annabelle Twist Up Retractable Lipstick Crayon // Naked & Cherry > $9.99 - I've previously reviewed the Annabelle Twist Up Retractable Lipstick Crayon in Bubble and I really like these handy crayon lipsticks. They're quite long-wearing (5-6+ hours) and they come in a TON of different colours. The finish is satin (not too matte or glossy). Naked is way too nude on me so I layered Cherry (which is super Winter appropriate) for more of a dark pink berry colour. I've worn this lip combo three times in the past 5 days! 

How I used it: Layers upon layers of lipstick! 

Okay, so this is nothing too crazy, just a few simple ways to spice up your everyday look without seeming too outrageous. Annabelle has been coming out with quite a few new (and amazing!) products like the Stay Sharp Lip and Eye Liner, so they're definitely one to watch! 

How do you glam up your everyday makeup look? Have you tried any Annabelle products? 

Press samples featured

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Annabelle Big Show Lip Shine in Beam and custom colours!

Everybody wants different things. In the same way some like high-coverage foundations while others prefer a more natural finish, some love sheer shine on the lips while others prefer boom fully-fledged matte lips. The Annabelle Big Show Lip Shines ($9.95) are definitely on the sheer side of things. I received two custom colours (without names - but for now let's be blunt about it and call them pink and orange) and as well as the shade Beam (a pinky nude). 

Annabelle Big Show Lip Shines in "pink", "orange", and Beam

The GOOD: The Annabelle Big Show Lip Shines are perfect if you want a subtle sheen of colour over your lips. The product also works well as a layering gloss to add a little shiny somethin'-somethin' to your average lipstick. So much shine with a tiny bit of sparkle in the mix. The texture reminds me of the Almay Liquid Lip Balms except with slightly less slip and more thickness. It's smooth, non-sticky, and just the right thickness so that the product glides flawlessly over the lips. 

The BAD: As with most glosses, the product isn't long-lasting on the lips. Wear-time ranges around an hour or two depending on how often you eat or drink. Despite the short wear-time, these glosses are moisturizing enough that it's just like applying a balm. 

Overall, what you see in the tube is definitely not what you get, but if you're sheer, moisturizing shine then this is perfect for you. Personally, I think these lightweight, natural-looking glosses are perfect for the summer weather and have been my go-to on the daily. 

Are you a lipstick or gloss kind of gal? 

Press samples featured 

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Maleficent Makeup Look X Angelina Jolie Cheekbones

Guess which Disney villain I am today? I have yet to watch the movie, but when I saw the promo pics for Maleficent starring Angelina Jolie, my first thought was "dang, I gotta recreate something like that"... and so here we are. :) 

It's kind of funny because I showed a guy friend this makeup look, and he's like "wtf. that's scary."... GOOD. I'm supposed to be a scary villain not a cute little princess, so I guess I did my job in recreating look and feel of Maleficent.

At a glance, the Maleficent makeup look is actually quite simple in the movie. Neutral brown eye shadows, heavy contour (really, really heavy) and a red lip. I decided that instead of neutrals, I'd play around with greens to better enhance the colour of the green contacts from Angel Contacts. 

EYES: 

< colour contacts > angel contacts geo tri-tone green circle lenses*

< brows > marcelle eyebrow pen*

< cream base > annabelle retractable eyeliner in peacock* 

< shadows > madison street beauty eyeshadow in golden olive / mary kay mineral color in stone*

< liners > annabelle smoothliner in jade* (waterline) / annabelle eye ink in black* (cat eye)

< mascara > annabelle big show mascara* 

LIPS: 

< lipstick > covergirl lip perfection in hot passion*

< gloss > almay liquid lip balm in just plum*

FACE: 

< foundation > covergirl outlast stay fabulous 3-in-1 foundation in warm beige*

< sculpting > MAKEUP FOR EVER sculpting kit in #2 */ mary kay mineral color in stone*

Yes, the eyes were a lot of work, but it's most certainly also about the contouring. Rather than just plain old sculpting, I traced my fish-face jaw line with a bit of the Mary Kay Mineral Eye Colour in Stone for extra definition and then went on to blend it out with the MAKE UP FOR EVER Sculpting Kit. I probably could have gone a LOT more dramatic, but the contour that I did do was even a little much for me. 

I'm superbly pleased with how everything turned out. This was my first experience with coloured contacts and I think they look a little creepy on me (in a good way). In some ways, this look could be wearable on a night out if you took away the ridiculous contour or maybe the red lip. How do you think I did? 

Have you watched Maleficent? What did you think? 

Press samples featured 

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EVENT: #AnnabellexShenae Launch Party

I am Stephanie and I am a TV addict. That's how I know Shenae Grimes-Beech was Darcy on Degrassi and Annie Wilson on 90210. Let the fangirling begin. Annabelle Cosmetics recently announced their new brand ambassador. She's the ideal mix of youth, talent, and elegance (and CANADIAN!) all in one pretty package - which seems fitting for the cosmetics line she has associated herself with. 

The launch party was situated at Oliver and Bonacini's Arcadian Court Loft above the Bay in Toronto. The venue - gorgeous. The food - nomnomnom. How Canadian is a DIY poutine bar? LOVE. 

As always, lots of familiar faces. I went in with my beauty blogging partner in crime Jenn of A Beautiful Zen and spent most of my night chatting (and stuffing our faces) with Maggie, Jenn, and Renee. No photo with Shenae Grimes, I was too shy and there were a ton of people. She's surprisingly petite, which made me feel happy to stand at 4'11''. 

Activities included lots of food, a mix your own customized lipgloss station (ingenious), a photobooth and a raid wall of Annabelle products to pick at. Of course, I indulged myself in all. 

Me and mah pretty gurl Jenn. 

All in all, a lovely night. It was a nice way to wind down from the stress of school and life in Waterloo and I'm excited to see what Annabelle + Shenae Grimes-Beech have to offer through this ambassadorship! 

I received the custom lip glosses for free, as well as a goodie bag for attending. Reviews soon to come! 

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