Mika for Shu Spiral Eyeshadow Duos in 01 and 02

You could simply disregard the product contained in the packaging of the Mika for Shu Spiral Eyeshadow Duos ($60 each) altogether and just "ohhh" and "ahhh" over the graphic of the "melting sweet dream" candies and eyelashes. In my eyes, the borderline child-like packaging is not just a casing for makeup, it's a work of art. The cute candy aesthetic is very much to my liking - sugary sweet and cute yet creatively mysterious...In a nutshell, pure eye candy. 

The only thing I truly dislike about the packaging is that it's not like the custom palette eye shadow cases (i.e., they're not reusable). 

In general, the shadows of the palettes are buttery smooth and fairly long lasting (4-6 hours on oily lids). The shadows are sheer yet buildable (one swipe for a wash, three for full pigmentation). As per usual, a primer will amp up the colour payoff and lasting power by a few additional hours. For both palettes, the left side is shimmery while the right is a satin without shimmers. The shadows become more versatile if you decide to concentrate your brush in a specific area of the spiral or by mixing the two shadows together.

Spiral Eyeshadow Duo 01 (Beige/Brown)

If you love eyeshadow as much as the next girl, I can assure you that you already own these two neutrals somewhere in your collection. The left "beige" side translates to a shimmery white. I love the sparkle of the shimmer, as it creates an almost watery effect on the lid when applied liberally. The satin brown shade is quite pedestrian, but something you can make use of for everyday. 

Spiral Eyeshadow Duo 02 (Orange/Purple)

You can refer to yourself as a true eyeshadow junkie when you own colours like these. The bright yellow, orange, and pink is suitable for spring but a tangent from what you might call "wearable". However, the sheerness of the shadows make them workable into a potential night out or editorial look. See how I used these shadows to re-create the Mika for Shu makeup look here. 

Yes, the Mika for Shu Spiral Eyeshadow Duos are a very pretty penny, but with the packaging as beautiful as this inspired by an epic artistic collaboration, this is a collectors item to sit on top of your boudoir, not just some colour to slap on your eyes. One duo is wearable while the other is editorial. Whether you're looking to try something new or stick with neutrals, these two duos offer both in dreamy limited edition packaging. 

Have you tried Shu Uemura eyeshadows? What do you think of the packaging? 

Press samples featured

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Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Endless Guava

I know what you're thinking. Stop it, Stephanie. Enough with these Cheek/Lip products, ughhhh. So sorry, I can't deny a good matchy-matchy cheek and lip look with one product. First, it was the Besame Crimson Rouge. Then, it was the Shu Uemura Tint in Gelatos. Now...the Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oils ($21). 

The Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oils are available in six shades - Everlasting Honey (rosy nude), Limitless Pink (medium pink), Timeless Coral (vibrant warm coral), Endless Guava (vibrant poppy pink), Always Cherry (vibrant cool red), and Boundless Berry (rich cool wine). At Sephora, I spent a good half hour tied between Boundless Berry and Endless Guava but went for the one that looked more wearable and spring/summer appropriate. 

[Boundless Berry, Timeless Coral (similar to Rimmel Stay Blushed Pop of Pink), Endless Guava] 

The word "creamy oil" freaked me out a bit but I reminded myself of the beauty of products like cleansing oils and oil masks, and my fear dissipated. The Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy oil is actually modeled after another product - the Josie Maran Argan Cream Intensive Creamy Oil ($34), a all-purpose non-greasy cream that melts into an oil. The Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil shares the same packaging and the applying the cream with the warmth of your hands immediately melts the product into an oil that sinks the skin for a soft-focus luminous look.  

It's sheer yet pigmented. I'm bamboozled. Don't even get me started on the colour. The poppy shade is bright but the sheerness makes it so easy to wear. Texture-wise, it's very similar to the lightweightedness of the Rimmel Stay Blushed Cheek Tints but much more slippery, like oil, as the name suggests. Thus, the on both the cheeks and lips it sheers out very easily, only requires a pin drop of product, and looks slightly dewy when first applied. 

Over time, the product dries down slightly and loses its luminosity. Luckily, the colour still persists on the cheeks and lips! I kept a close eye on this one (for fear of blush slipping down to my chin) and it stuck around on the cheeks for 6 hours and a tad less on the lips, no slips or oil slicks. 

Overall, this is a great product for both cheeks and lips. Contrary to what you may think of when it comes to "oils", the Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Endless Guava is moisturizing yet fairly long-wearing. I'd recommend trying one of the brighter colours, since it's quite sheer. Oh. And this is my first run-in with Josie Maran (other than the Argan Oil) and I think I'll be needing to try more makeup products from the brand! 

Got any Josie Maran product recommendations for me? Have you tried the Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil? 

Purchased by the boyfriend. He's awesome. 

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EVENT: Clark & James X Dot & Lil Launch at Scout

Dot & Lil is a vintage-inspired line of finely handcrafted bath, body and home products based in Montreal. I recently attended the launch of Dot & Lil's brother brand Clark & James (inspired by 50s movie stars Clark Gable and James Stewart) at a cozy little store on Roncesvalles in Toronto called Scout. 

Apparently the traditional brush + razor shave is on-trend for today's men. Clark & James caters to the classy guys, but the scents of the men's line are crisp, fresh and also usable by us ladies too. Take, for example, the Lake House cotton rope soap ($16) - it's meant to smell like a summer in the woods with notes of cedar and lemongrass. I'd fall in love with any guy who smelled like that but I'd wear it myself as well (I actually purchased it for me!). Plus, the made in Canada rope is a beautiful touch. The rope soap also comes in the "Garconniere" scent - hints of ginger, lime, juniper and rosemary. The aroma is a bit more manly-man but equally as swoon-worthy as Lake House. 

Also on display was the Dot & Lil Spring/Summer 2014 Line.  I was introduced to Dot & Lil at last year's Blush Pretty Beauty Board and I can't get over how perfect brand looks and smells. New in the Dot & Lil lineup are the Lilac Flower, Peach Blossom & Citrus, Lemon & Sage and Sweet Pea Flower soaps ($7 for one, $27 as a set); Facial Cleansing Bar ($15) and Exfoliating Facial Grains ($20); and the Lilac Flower Soy Candle ($18) and Perfume Oil ($25). 

I also spent quite bit of time browsing Scout. It's one of the most adorable stores with unique items that I've ever stepped foot in. From jewellery to houseware and home decor to Dot & Lil, here are a few snaps...

All in all, a pretty sweet event. Check out Scout at 405 Roncesvalles Ave. and shop for her at dotandlil.com and for him at clarkandjamesco.com. 

Have you tried Dot & Lil? 

Marcelle 2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner in Purpurite

Purple is my favourite colour. Unfortunately, incorporating a pop of purple into the daily makeup routine isn’t the easiest of tasks. Indeed, purple lip colours (i.e. Revlon Matte Balm in Shameless and CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Delicious) are amazing, as is a lilac smoky eye. But neither is particularly wearable on the daily. The solution? Purple eyeliner all day every day.  It’s not as dark as black, nor is it as boring as brown or as flashy as turquoise. For purple liner, the Marcelle 2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner in Purpurite ($10.95) is the way to go.

New for Spring 2014, the Marcelle 2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner in Purpurite is a dark purple pencil liner. It’s called 2-in-1 for the define (liner) and smudge (sponge) characteristics. I think 3-in-1 would be more appropriate (for define, smudge AND sharpen), as it includes a nifty detachable sharpener underneath the smudge sponge.

Purpurite is mid-spectrum in terms of creaminess/waxiness. It’s not the richest, smoothest liner that I’ve tried but it doesn’t tug at my lids and provides just the right amount of product in one swipe. I find that a lack of creaminess actually makes for longer lasting eyeliner. This is, in fact, the case when it comes to Marcelle’s. The product claims 12-hour hold, but I'd say that it’s more like 10 on my oily lids for both the upper and lower lash lines (which is still pretty awesome).

Around the blogosphere, I've heard that purple is one of those colours that complement brown eyes. Marcelle’s 2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner in Purpurite is on point for this particular usage and makes my eyes feel spring-time pretty.

Do you wear coloured eyeliner?

Press samples featured

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Empties #7 [Back to School]

My dollar store blue bin of empties has been emptied. In Empties #6, I promised myself I'd try to do a "Products I Used Up" post every other month. The timing works out quite well because I'm spring cleaning and moving back to school in Waterloo for early May. Everything is linked to the original reviews/features and there's a good amount of content here for your reading pleasure. So cuddle up with a cup of tea and get ready... 

The Empties Legend: 

*** = fo sho repurchase

** = maybe repurchase

* = probably won't repurchase

Make-up

The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind The Perfector Powder* had not even hit pan yet and it broke on me. In the grand scheme of things, the powder worked well, but I'm too lazy to mend it back together and I have other powders that I prefer over it.

I like to hold on to mascaras way past their prime. The 6 month threshold was up for these six and it was time to say goodbye. Of course, I'll be converting the wands into brow spoolies (see the DIY here). The Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion*, Pop Beauty Smoky Lash Kapow Mascara *, Benefit They're Real! Mascara* were all pretty good in terms of volumizing and lengthening but smudging and racoon eyes erase any benefits I may have thought up.  

My current favourites CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara*** and the CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara*** are just overall awesome. The CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara* has a similar formula but the wand is weird and hourglass shaped so I'll skip the Flamed Out and stick with what I know. 

Almay Intense I-Colour Volumizing Mascara in 031 Plum*** does everything that my beloved CoverGirl mascaras do, plus the added feature of enhancing eye colour with a slight tinge of purple. When I run out of my CoverGirl stash, this is what I'll consider picking up next. 

Despite the hype (and the expense), NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Primer* didn't do much for me. I found it to be too thin and not sticky enough to hold onto my shadows or increase colour payoff. 

I used up the Laura Mercier Loose Powder Foundation ** in a little less than a year. I love the coverage and the overall finish, but the colour "Real Sand" wasn't the perfect match for me. Foundation is something that I always like to mix up, so repurchasing is on the backburner for now. 

Hair

At best, my hair during the winter can be described as thirsty. It's frizzy and staticy and tangly and dry. The Pantene Moisture Whip*** was my shining hair saviour. I dollop of this cream in my ends and a little blowdry and it looked all silky, smooth and gorgeous. 

It took me a little over six months to get through the Pantene Ultimate 10 Shampoo and Conditioner**. It's  great affordable shampoo/conditioner set if you're looking for something very hydrating. It has a funky lightweight squishy gel texture that I enjoy. Similarly, the Garnier Damage Eraser Shampoo and Conditioner** is a good affordable haircare option (but doesn't have the same fun texture. 

From the lovely Gummy of GummyVision.com, I had won the Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner***. It's a little more gentle and lightweight than the two previously mentioned and has a non-offensive citrus scent. It's also 400% more pricey but worth it, in my opinion. 

Hair (cont'd)

The Biotera Ultra Color Care Conditioner* did absolutely nothing for my hair. 

The L'Oreal Total Repair Extreme*** and the Pantene Expert Advanced Keratin Repair Ampoule*** work in similar ways. They're haircare pick-me-ups for dull, unhealthy hair. One time use yields shiny, moisturized, and strong feeling lengths. The L'Oreal has a bit too much product (even though I have quite long hair) but both products perform the same. 

Skincare (and toothpaste)

The Skiin Instant Skin Tightener and Line Filler* made my skin feel weird and tight. Blegh. 

The Quo Konjac Sponge** was my first step into the world of Konjac cleansing sponges. They're a gentle exfoliator to be used with or without cleanser. I found the Quo one to be effective but within a couple months it stained and absorbed my foundation residue, which made me doubt its cleanliness. 

An impulse skincare purchase, I used the Kiehls Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion* more as a primer than a moisturizer. I didn't find it to be hydrating but it definitely kept my oil at bay. It was a so-so product because I'm looking for something that can both moisturize and mattify. 

I found the Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser* to be a total dud. The scent bothered my eyes a bit, so I ended up just using it to clean my makeup brushes. 

Colgate Toothpaste*** - It's toothpaste. There's not much to say here. 

Bioderma Cicabio Repair Creme* - meant for irritated skin, I randomly just slathered this all over my face to try it out. There's no scent and the cream is extremely hydrating. I don't think I have a real use for this except for the odd time when the skin around my eyes gets irritated, itchy, and red from people who wear bath and body works lotions. 

Masks and Balms

I was expecting the Balea Warming Foot Balm* to warm up. Nothing happened and my skin didn't absorb the product. A little disappointed, so I'll just stick to regular foot creams. 

Another impulse skincare purchase, this is 1 of a 10 set of the My Beauty Diary White Pearl Brightening Mask***. I really like it. I think I'll put up a fuller review so I'll leave it at that. 

I love the one-use concept of the Montagne Jeunesse face masks. Through the #CBBMJMASKOFF, I've tried the Olive Oil Mask**, Chocolate Mask*, and Peel Off Mask* thus far. Overall, I like the Olive Oil for its cleansing and purifying qualities, the Chocolate Mask smells amazing but is drying (even for my oily skin), and the Peel Off mask is a bit messy for my liking. 

Maskeraide Pre Party Prep Hydrating Mask** X 2 - a great mask but a little on the pricey side compared to its T&T counterparts. I love putting this on before bed and then letting the essence soak into my skin as I sleep. 

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask** - It's hard to tell if this actually treated my dark spots as the packaging suggests continuous use. It did not break me out and felt hydrating while fitting my face well. 

Cleansing Wipes

I'm not one to purchase makeup remover wipes by my own choosing, as I find that the essence/wet stuff that the cloths are soaked in are typically not as awesome as my trusty cleansing waters and cleansing oils. For starters, Boo Bamboo Makeup Remover Wipes* are not wet enough, nor are they able to remove makeup with a single cloth. The Olay Fresh Effects Exfoliating Wet Cloths* make an attempt at being dual-purpose with one side being like your typical makeup wipe and the other with an exfoliating surface. The makeup wipes were too dry and the exfoliating side was itchy and pointless. The best I've tried recently are the Olay Wet Cleansing Towelettes ** good removing power and not too dry. 

Body Care

Obviously, I love The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Cream Body Scrub and Vineyard Peach Body Butter*****. Excuse me while I go buy 20 backups of the Body Butter. I'm not a fan of the Cream Body Scrub formulation but it smells absolutely divine. 

The scent of Kai Body Wash* stands no chance against other items that are more fruity. It lathers nicely and smells very... "mature". It's a fresh, earthy scent but not sweet enough for my childish tastes. 

Food

The Trader Ming's (Trader Joe's) Sesame Soy Ginger Vinaigrette*** wins the award for best salad dressing ever. The bottle is kinda small and it lasts only about 10-12 salads. Too bad it's only available in the States. I may have to try my hand at recreating it. 

Lindt Chocolate*** nom nom nom. Chocolate is a life necessity. 

A little intense but lots of stuff finished up this time around. Let me know if you like these lengthy posts! THE COUNT: 43 items...

Have you emptied any products this month? 

An InLinkz Link-up

Some items are press samples while others are not, but does it REALLY matter that much. I finished them up so that must count for something. You can check out the full reviews if you're that concerned! Sorry there's no review on the salad dressing. 

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EVENT: Green and Good (May 1 to May 4)

Green beauty products are no longer clear flimsy containers that look like something you could DIY. There are a plethora of high quality and luxury options to choose from, along with a variety of products catered to different skin types and scent preferences. Green and Good, a collaborative natural beauty pop-up event hosted by Freshfaced.ca and Healthhutboutique.com at the Gladstone Hotel, is a perfect example of the types of amazing eco-chic local products that Toronto has to offer. 

I had the pleasure of attending the press event yesterday, which featured a talk by eco-expert Candice Bautista about how to be more critical of what you put on and into your body. Green and Good is opened to the public from today (Thursday, May 1) to Sunday (May 4). Here are a few snaps of the event: 

Aromacentric 

Christine Chanter Botanicals

Graydon: Clinical Luxury By Nature

Meow Meow Tweet from Healthhutboutique.com

One Love Organics from Freshfaced.ca 

Pai skincare from Freshfaced.ca

Province Apothecary 

Other brands featured included Ella's Botanicals, Sigrid Natural Skin Care, and Aime Luxury. If you're around town, be sure to check out this awesome event! 

Event Info: 

Green and Good

Art Bar at the Gladstone Hotel

1214 Queen Street West, Toronto

Thursday, May 1st to Sunday, May 4th 

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Mika for Shu Uemura Makeup Look

Mika Ninagawa (renowned photographer director) has imagined a wonderland of beauty, excitement, and discovery in her third collaboration with shu uemura. Shu's international chief makeup artist, Yuji Asano, has translated her vision into a makeup look: 

"Imagining the heroine of wonderland, I created a doll-like look with transparent white porcelain skin and also used gorgeous colours for point make-up to express Mika's world... Spring is a season with new encounters, new beginnings. Just as you take on new challenges and new experiences in your life, try out the new make-up collection and discover your new allure and beauty" - Yuji Asano

This rings true with my thoughts on beauty blogging. It's about trying new things, taking on new challenges, and seeing the world from a different new perspective. Case in point - I've challenged myself to recreate his look for the Mika for Shu collection. 

On the face: Shu Uemura POREraser UV under base (UVUB) mousse beige SPF 35, Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse  in "Soft Beige", Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder; Cheeks: Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato in "PK01" and Rimmel Apocalips in "Apocalyptic"; Lips: Rimmel Apocalips in "Apocalyptic" and Laura Mercier Lip Glace in "Bare Pink"; Tools: Make Up For Ever Artisan Brush - 122 Blending Powder Brush

For the most part, this look was quite straight forward - flawless face, satin raspberry lips, and dual-toned cheeks. In my opinion, there's no immediate focal point or highlight in this look. The look is a stunner in itself. However, if I had to pick my favourite part to mimic it would be the eyes. The warm, spring colour palette blended into perfection over the lids is something that I can 100% appreciate for its drama and whimsy. 

The actual makeup look by Yuji Asano features the Mika for Shu Eye Shadow Spiral Duo in 02 ($60). The orange side is slightly shimmery while the pink is quite satin. I started by swirling my brush in the orange/yellow/white side and brushing the colour all over the lid and on the centre of the lower lash line. Then, I took a small blending brush and concentrated it in the darkest areas of the pink. I applied this to the upper inner corner and the outer half of the lower lash line blending outwards. To diffuse the pink, I blended the yellow into the centre of my crease and also into the lower inner corner. 

Another reason I love this eye look is the false eyelashes ($35). The limited edition Mika Ninagawa demi lashes with yellow and pink wisps and silver stars are cute with a star-lit touch of glamour. Would it be weird if I said they look very "Japanese"? They add a doll-like beauty to the look. 

Not your typical makeup look but bang-on editorial, creative and fun to recreate. The next step for me would be incorporating the oranges and pinks into my everyday eye makeup. I'm not quite sure if I'm ready for that! 

How do you think I did?

Press samples featured. My opinions, face, and make-up skills (or lack of) are my own. :) 

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