Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in 08 Grand Cru

Keeping up with fall trends means...busting out the matte deep red lippies. Lately I've been wearing the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in 08 Grand Cru ($24). The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Liquid lipsticks are also available in five more shades Peach Club, Pink Pong, Frambourjoise, Personne ne rouge, and Nude-ist. 

The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in 08 Grand Cru, put simply, is a heavily pigmented deep red. The lippie has a slight sheen when applied but the hint of gloss wears away within the first half an hour. Because the product is so heavily pigmented, it takes a steady hand and a little concentration to get perfect lip lines. This is NOT a product to attempt to put on when you're in a rush. 

As a matte lip product, it's always best to exfoliate and moisturize before whacking the colour on your lips. If not, you'll get funky patches. To apply, I'd also suggest using a clear lip liner, as the product tends to bleed along the edges of the lips. Furthermore, the product transfers, so for the greatest longevity layer the product and blot in between layers. 

 

Throughout the day, the product doesn't feel particularly drying (it's more of a "soft", creamy matte) but if I wear the product for more than 10 hours I can feel the skin on my lips tightening up. Despite the transfer, the colour is ridiculously long wearing (6-7 hours+). Once upon a time, I was lazy and decided to fall asleep with it on. I woke up in the morning, and every bit of the product was still intact and not smudged all over my face. 

Overall, a great option for matte lippies this fall season. The Bourjois rouge Edition Matte Velvet Lipsticks are not the most convenient of products but they provide bold colour and long wear times. I find that Grand Cru is quite the fancy-schmancy lip colour, so I play it down by pairing the dark lip with a bit of volumizing mascara. 

Have you tried the Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Lipsticks? What's your go-to matte lippie for fall? 

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Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liner in 3D Galaxy

It's another installment of eyeliner monday! The Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liner in 3D Galaxy ($23) was featured in the 2014 Chatelaine Beauty 100  as the most "innovative" eye product.  Innovative, why? The Always Sharp 3D Liners are innovative because the sharpener is conveniently located inside the cap, so every time you close your liner, it will be sharpened and ready for the next time you want to use it. 

Available shades (8): 3D Black (black with silver pearl), 3D Sparks (black with gold pearl), 3D Billionaire (antiqued green with green and gold pearl), 3D Pacific (seafoam mint green), 3D Neptune (intense blue with black undertones and blue pearl), 3D Orchid (black with pink pearl), 3D Gemstone (midtone brown berry with gold pearl) and 3D Gunmetal (black grey with silver undertones)

Smashbox also offers the Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liners ($23), which come in 8 more shades, and are presumably the non-glittery version of the Always Sharp 3D Liners. 

You can't actually twist-up the product yourself. The pencil will do it for you. This is great if you want to save your precious 0.01 oz of product, tend to over-twist your retractable eyeliners and end up breaking the tips in the process, but it's bad if you want to see how much you've got left (you can't with this). And yes, the precise tip created by the self-sharpening cap is good for both thick and thin lines. 

As aforementioned, 3D Galaxy is a black with silver pearl. When worn, the silver pearl actually makes the black lean slightly blue. Creaminess is good (but not like butter) and the liner is highly pigmented in one swipe. This pencil liner sets very quickly (under 30 seconds) and doesn't smudge/blend out as easily as something like the Make Up For Ever Artist Liners, likely due to the pearl glitters.

The staying power is ridiculously impressive. Here's an example - One summer morning, Stephanie applied 3D Galaxy onto her upper lash line, spent all-day-long in the sweltering heat, forgot to wash her face in the night (*slaps self*) and woke up the next morning with exactly the same eyeliner she was wearing 24 hours ago. I'm not saying you should ever need to wear eyeliner for 24 hours, but if you ever need to, the Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liners have got you covered. 

This innovative product ain't no gimmick. The Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liner in 3D Galaxy is not only for us lazy girls who can't stand to pull out a sharpener, but it's also for those of use who love a long-wearing, black eyeliner with a little pizzazz. 

Have you ever tried self-sharpening 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. 

P.S. There's a drugstore option of self-sharpening eyeliner that is very, very similar but only a fraction of the price. Stay tuned for a review next week! 

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NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils in Milk and Cottage Cheese

My first ever enabled-by-the-internet beauty purchases were the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils in Milk and Cottage Cheese (~$5 each). Currently, stick eyeshadows are a thing nowadays but I'm pretty sure the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils pre-date a majority of them. 

I've put these on the backburner for a while but Halloween blog posts (see here) and the need for a stark white base have forced me to shop my stash and pull out these beauties. 

The NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils come in 23 shades in either shimmery or matte finishes. From Lavender to Black Bean to Rocky Mountain Green, there's definitely a colour for everyone. Milk is a matte white, while Cottage Cheese is a white with fine silver shimmer. 

When applied, more than anything, the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils are a cream product that stay creamy. The feel smooth and soft when applied and they stay tacky, transfer easily, fade away within a few hours, or even flood the crease of your eyes if you don't set the cream with a powder. When set with powder, the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow pencils will last you 6-8 hours. 

Milk, Milk (blended), Cottage Cheese , Cottage Cheese (blended)

NYC HD Trio Eye Shadow Palette in 789 West Vintage

There are two clear reasons why the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils (especially Milk) are so popular in the beauty community. (1) Affordability (2) Versatility. Versatility in that you can use the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils in a multitude of ways, a few of them being... 

• As an eyeshadow primer, to make lacklustre eyeshadows pop (case in point, above) 
• As an inner corner highlight, 
• As a lower waterline highlight
• As an eyeliner (when applied with a detail brush) 
• As a plain, old eyeshadow
• As a mixing medium, to lighten darker cream shadows
• As a white face paint (see all of the Halloween makeup looks I've ever posted)

... and the list goes on. 

The clear plastic lids (which I hate) have cracked and I've taken to fixing them with scotch tape. My NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils are way past their prime but there's a million reasons why I still keep them around. 

Overall, the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils deserve all the attention they get. They're affordable makeup collection staples. Just don't forget that if you're using these for every day, you need to set them with powder to make them last! 

Have you tried the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils? 

Purchased by me 

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STRIKE A POSE IN STOCKHOLM - Jet Set into Fall with Revlon + INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY

I'm all for an adventure (a makeup one that is!). Revlon challenged me to create a look inspired by somewhere far, far away - Stockholm - using and reviewing a few of their latest product launches. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED (obviously). I've never actually been to Stockholm, but it's on my bucket list.

Below is the the look. You can win all the products used by (1) finding the photo on my instagram (2) liking the photo (3) following me on instagram (4) and if you want you can tag a friend!...You must be Canadian, 18 years or older, and the contest closes October 14th, 2014 at 11:59pm :) GOOD LUCK. 

THE LOOK. A burnt red lip with a piercing eye (Strike a pose in STOCKHOLM). The eyes could be quite a bit more piercing but a thin, sharp wing of liner is more flattering on my eye shape. I've clearly put all my focus on the look of the deep, glossy lip. 

THE PRODUCTS. Revlon ColorStay ShadowLinks in Onyx and Bone ($3.49 each), Revlon Color Stay Skinny Liquid Liner in Blackout ($10.49), Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black ($10.49), Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in Stockholm Chic ($13.59), and Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy in Double Down, Ace of Spades and Diamond Top Coat ($8.39 each)

Revlon ColorStay ShadowLinks in Onyx and Bone - Bone is a matte cream colour and Onyx is a shimmering black. I've reviewed a few other shades of the ShadowLinks previously (see here) and I'll have you know that I'm not a fan. Personally, I prefer shadows that are creamier in texture and much more pigmened, however, if you're looking for a sheer wash of colour on the lid, these might work for you. 

Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liner in Blackout - The Skinny Liner might just be my new favourite liquid liner. None of my brushes (for gel liner) or liner markers can compare to the Skinny Liner's minuscule felt tip. Not only can I get a thin precise line, but it also lasts all day long without smudging or transferring onto my lid. 

Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black - I'm on the fence about this mascara. Contrary to the name "Bold Lacquer", for me, this mascara provides a "natural" looking amount of volume. It is most certainly very black yet non-smudging/flaking but doesn't provide me as much volume as I'd like. 

Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in Stockholm Chic - yum, yum, yum. I can't get over the product formula or the beautiful burn orange colour. This is my first experience with the Revlon Moisture Stains and I think I'm in love. There's something so special about the cushion-y thick, moisturizing feeling of a gloss combined with the pigmentation and 7-8 hour staying power of a stain. Stockholm Chic is a burnt orange-red. It leans slightly brown so despite being quite dark, it's very wearable for everyday. 

Oh but wait... there's more! Some nail art too :) ... featuring the Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Polishes in 530 Double Down, 500 Ace of Spades, and the Diamond Top Coat. So far, so good for these polishes. I'm hoping to write a full review so stay tuned for that! 

Overall, many hits (the Gel Envy polishes, Moisture Stain, Skinny  and Liquid Liner) and a couple misses (the ShadowLinks and Bold Lacquer Mascara) but regardless, the products make for a stellar fall look. If it's any proof that I'm loving this look, I've already worn it out 3 times this week! 

What's your go-to look for fall? 

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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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Shu Uemura #BraveBeauty Satin Radiant Stick [Pink & Light Pink] // Vision of Beauty Collection Fall 2014

Yet another beauty from the Shu Uemura #BraveBeauty Collection, the Shu Uemura Satin Radiant Sticks ($55) are a product to gawk at. In terms of aesthetics, one look at the vibrant packaging, and the rest is pretty self-explanatory.

The Satin Radiant Sticks are available in 4 shades: 

• light pink - for a fresh, youthful looking natural flush
• bronze gold - add sun kissed radiance any time of the year
• pink - a natural looking rose flush that enhances complexion
• orange coral - effortlessly paint on for a natural yet alluring look

Shu Uemura Satin Radiant Stick in Pink and Light Pink 

Both the Satin Radiant Sticks in Pink and Light Pink are a lightweight cream product. They dry down to a powder finish but the sticks are packed with fine shimmer that add "radiance" to the skin. "Pink" adds a natural flush while "Light Pink" appears to be more of a champagne-gold than a light pink. Both products adhere to the skin for around 5 hours - average for blushes. 

I had a hard time getting the highlight to appear in my photos (I'm wearing it on the brow bone, cupid's bow, and the cheekbones), but in person, the Shu Uemura Radiant Stick in Light Pink adds a gorgeous sheen to the skin. On the other hand, the Shu Uemura Radiant Stick in Pink reminds me a lot of the a slightly warmer version of the GOSH Giant Blush in Pink Parfait, except the Radiant stick is eons more glowy. Worn together, Pink and Light Pink make for the perfect bright-faced pairing. 

Yes, the Shu Uemura Satin Radiant Sticks deliver on the "radiance" side of things. I'm not going to worry about my skin looking dull because I'll have these pretty products to perk up my skin. 

Do you have a favourite stick blush? 

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Make Up For Ever Sens'eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleaner

Seldom do I review makeup removers (because I'm addicted to a combination of Shu Cleansing Oil + Bioderma), but I feel like the Make Up For Ever Sens'Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleaner ($11 for 1.01oz) deserves some recognition. The MUFE Sens'Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleaner is a gel-based, fragrance-free eye makeup remover. The product comes in a handy pump bottle and when dispensed, it looks like a milky, blue lotion. 

Make Up For Ever Artist Liner in M-80, Annabelle BIG SHOW Waterproof Mascara, Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil, Lancome Liquid Liner, Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic 

To exhibit the performance of this makeup remover, I swatched a five long-wearing makeup products onto my arm, dispensed one pump of the Sens'eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleaner onto a cotton pad and swiped back and forth across my arms three times. The result? Very effective. Apart from the Make Up For Ever Artist Liner (far left), the Sens'eyes was successful in removing all traces of makeup. With a few more swipes the Artist Liner also disappeared. 

Unfortunately, this makeup remover stings my eyes. It truly is a crying shame. So much for being a "sensitive" eye cleaner. I guess I just have extremely sensitive eyes. So what do you do with a bottle of makeup remover that stings your eyes? First thing's first, don't use it on your eyes. Despite the stinging, the Sens'eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleaner is actually really, really good at removing makeup. Instead of on the eyes, the Sens'eyes has been my go-to makeup remover for when I'm doing swatch-a-thons. The Sens'eyes wipes away all traces of makeup from my arm and dries down in an instant, preparing my arm for another round of serious swatching. 

The Make Up For Ever Sens'eyes is loved by many and seems to have quite a large amount of clout in the online beauty community as seen from reviews on Sephora.com and Makeupalley. Perhaps if your eyes aren't quite as sensitive as mine, the Make Up For Ever Sens'eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleaner will be perfect for all your makeup-removal needs. 

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