Hard Candy Eye Def Glitter Eyeshadow in Sequin & Walk the Line Eyeliner in Black Light

Pretty swatches, not so great products. Lately, I've been pretty on board with Hard Candy products but these are two purple products that I was very disappointed with - the Hard Candy Eye Def Glitter Eyeshadow in 327 Sequin and the Walk the Line Eyeliner in 790 Black Light ($5.98 each, exclusively at Walmart). 

Hard Candy Eye Def Glitter Cream Eyeshadow in 327 Sequin 

The glittery deep purple hue of Sequin looks like it will make the perfect addition to a purple smokey eye. It's not. For one, the texture is hard to blend. While the doe foot applicator is handy, every time I attempted to layer the product (be it with the doe foot or my fingertips), it would wipe away the layer before leaving a "bald" patch on my eyelid. This made it impossible to build colour. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? Furthermore, Hard Candy says this is a long-wearing product. Well, it most certainly is...to the point that it stained my lids. 

Hard Candy Walk the Line Eyeliner in 790 Black Light

This bright purple liner looks so wonderful in the tube. The colour isn't the issue - it's slightly sheer when applied but a second layer makes it fully opaque. The brush tip is flared and it's almost impossible to create a sharp line. It's almost fixable. I could dip a finer brush into the tube, but the tube is too small... 

Not surprisingly, every brand has great, so-so, and not so great products. That being said, if you're at your local Walmart and think these look cool, I suggest you skip them. There are much better products available from Hard Candy. Keep in mind that I've only tested out a single colour for each of these products, so other colours may differ. 

 Is there anything you've tried lately that you weren't happy with? 

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Hard Candy Top Ten Trendsetter Eyeshadow Palette in 890 Birthday Suit

A few months ago, I reviewed the Hard Candy Top Ten Classics Eyeshadow Palettes in Smoke Out and Feelin' Blue. Hard Candy also has a Top Ten Trendsetters Eyeshadow Palettes Line which features "fashion forward colours with matte, shimmer, glitter and metallic finishes. What might seem to be the most boring to some is the most interesting for me - the Top Ten Trendsetters Eyeshadow Palette in 890 Birthday Suit ($5.98, exclusively at Walmart). It's all matte, mostly neutrals with a few pops of colour... not something you see often at the drugstore. 

Swatched over Hard Candy Eye's the Limit Smokey Eyeshadow Primer

On a daily basis, I don't work with mattes because I haven't found a formula that I love. While I don't love the Hard Candy matte eyeshadow formula, they're not bad. The lighter shades are a little chalky but nothing but the medium-toned and darker shades are quite nice. With the help of a little primer, all the shades look pretty great. In terms of workability, the mattes in 890 Birthday Suit are fairly easy to blend and build and stay on my lids for 6-7 hours before fading away. 

Overall, not the best or the worst eyeshadows but this palette is great if you're looking for some affordable mattes. 

Do you have a favourite drugstore matte palette? 

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Paul & Joe Beaute Liquid Eyeliner in Black

A staple in every woman's vanity is a black liquid eyeliner. Long-wearing and ultra-black with fine line precision is a minimum. The Paul & Joe Beaute Liquid Eyeliner in Black ($26) is all this and more. Paul & Joe says that the product contains smooth-fit polymers, rich powders and silky emollients to ensure that colour stays put without fading or running. 

First and foremost, the flexible brush applicator is very thin and precise (on par with that of the Make Up For Ever Graphic Liner) but not so thin that it's impossible to build a thick winged liner.  Just the right size. Secondly, the formula is pigmented with only one swipe necessary for full opacity. The formula is ultra-black with a satin finish.

Thirdly, the product sets almost immediately without running into fine lines. Thus, for my monolid and hooded-eyed friends, there are no post-application smudge lines on your eyelid. Finally, the wear-time is stellar. Unless you're vigorously rubbing your eyes, there won't be any smudges. I tear up quite a bit in the early morning and after long work days sitting in front of a computer screen and so far the liner seems to be waterproof even though this is not included in the claims. Despite being so long-wearing the liquid liner is actually quite easy to remove. 

In addition to solid performance on the lids, the retro-modern Paul & Joe packaging of a light pink with a chrysanthemum motif makes me feel pretty when I use it. 

Overall, a stellar product that I will most definitely turn to when I'm in need of a classic black eyeliner for everyday. 

Do you have a staple liquid liner? 

In Canada, Paul & Joe is available in Canada at select Shoppers Drug Marts. Press sample featured. 

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THE LOOK: Yazbukey for Shu Uemura - Romantic Betty

With a little help from a beautiful thing called makeup, you can be anyone. Today, I'm playing dress up as Romantic Betty of the Yazbukey for Shu Uemura Summer 2015 Collection. Betty is a popular girl owing to her effortless charm, the bright and positive actress from sunny California loves to dress up old-Hollywood style. Drawing inspiration from face charts created by Uchiide (Shu's international artistic director), I re-created Romantic Betty's look. 

There's certainly something about a casual orange lip with some yellow eyeshadow that screams "not-trying-but-still-done-up." I've also got some awesome hair curl action going on thanks to Blo Dry Bar, which kind of adds to the Hollywood vibes.

EYES // the Balm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow in Matt Batali on the inner and outer corners, Shu Uemura Pressed Eyeshadow in M851 Matte Soft Brown* in the crease, Madison Street Beauty Loose Eyeshadow in Mustard on the centre of the lid & the Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara on the lashes. 

FACE // Guerlain Meteorites Baby Glow Sheer Makeup in 02 Medium* all over the face, Hard Candy Glamoflage Concealer* under the eyes & Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato in CR01 Blood Orange*  on the cheeks

LIPS // Yazbukey for Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Matte Supreme in Sunshine Orange *

Let's be real. I'm too silly to be Romantic Betty. There's no makeup look without a little silliness. Call me Silly Stephanie instead :).

What do you think of this makeup look? 

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Bioderma Sensibio H20 Make-Up Removing Wipes

The internet's favourite one-step cleansing water is now available in wipe form! I've purchased at least 5 bottles of Bioderma, used them up (as seen in the *now monthly* Empties posts), and pondered how I could love a bottle of cosmetic water as much as I do. The Bioderma Sensibio H20 Dermatological Wipes ($14.95 for 25) are everything I could ever dreamed of in makeup-wipe form. 

The wipes are quite plush and filled with solution but not soaking wet and the slight baby-wipes scent is actually quite pleasant. 

Just as effective as the micellar water solution, the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Make-Up Removing Wipes work well for both face and eyes and don't bother my skin one bit. However, waterproof eye makeup takes a little more rubbing and patting to get every last bit of makeup off. That being said, they're perfect for lazy days when I want to take of my makeup and hit the hay ASAP. With Bioderma, I'm 100% positive that all of my makeup is fully removed before my beauty rest. 

As a future accountant, I want to say that the wipes are not quite as cost effective as the original cleansing water. If I use 25 wipes every day, inevitably, they'll only last 25 days. At $23 per bottle, with everyday use, the cleansing water lasts me at least 3 months. So, the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Make-Up Removing Wipes are a luxury for lazy days rather than something that would replace regular use of the Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution. 

Cleansing wipes or cleansing water? 

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Yazbukey for Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipsticks in Sunshine Orange & Noble Pink // Summer 2015

French jewelry designer meets Japanese beauty brand and what do you get? A fun, sophisti-pop-art inspired collection launching available in Canada as of May 2015. As one of the largest Shu designer collaborations, there's no surprise that there are a few lipsticks involved. The Yazbukey for Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipsticks in Sunshine Orange and Noble Pink ($36, at select Hudson's Bay, Sephora, Holt Renfrew locations and shuuemura.ca) combine a signature Shu Uemura formula with shades hand-picked by Yaz Bukey. 

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimted Supreme Matte in Sunshine Orange and Noble Pink

There are 4 limited edition shades in the line, each corresponding to one of four friends who are all falling for the same man... Mr. Shu Shu - Sexy Yaz, Smart Lola, Romantic Betty, and Daring Tina. Shown here are Romantic Betty's Sunshine Orange and Smart Lola's Noble Pink. In addition, there is Yaz Bukey's Sexy Yaz Red and Daring Tina's Daring Violet. 

While I'm not typically a fan of matte lipsticks, the Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Mattes are a formula that I can get along with. For one, they're actually matte. There's not even a bit of sheen. That being said, the matte formula is ultra-pigmented and glides on the lips feeling luxurious and smooth with without tugging. It's super matte, so it will definitely pick up on dry areas. Thus, it's important to exfoliate and moisturize before applying the lipstick. Noble Pink is very pale, so it tends to catch onto the fine lines of my lips. I don't have this issue with Sunshine Orange. Staying power is about 4-5 hours for both shades and throughout the 4-5 hours, the lipstick is neither moisturizing nor drying. In general, this is probably my favourite matte lipstick formula. 

Sunshine Orange

Noble Pink

While I don't think that Noble Pink is particularly flattering on my colouring, I'm head over heels for Sunshine Orange, especially with the weather warming up! 

Have you tried the Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Mattes? Which colour do you prefer? 

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Mary Kay Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation

There's a first for everything and new to me is cream foundation. The Mary Kay Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation ($21) is the first cream foundation I've ever laid on my face. Mary Kay says that the Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation is a long-lasting, flawless coverage foundation that's non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types. 

The range includes an impressive 16 different shades (5 ivory shades, 6 beige shades, and 5 bronze shades). Beige 1 is decent match for me but slightly too olive. To the touch, the cream foundation is quite thick. I found that when I used a dense brush to apply the product (Real Techniques Expert Face Brush) it ended up looking a little streaky when I tried to blend it out. Personally, I preferred using my fingertips and a damp sponge for a more even coverage. 

The coverage of the Mary Kay Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation is very full, as the thickness of the cream would suggest. The product dries down to a matte powder finish but doesn't feel particularly heavy on the skin. The high coverage makes the skin appear very perfected but leaning slightly towards the unnaturally cakey side. On my nose and t-zone, the foundation broke up after 4 hours. On the rest of my face, it stayed looking good for ~10 hours. 

Overall, I'm not a fan of this foundation. Firstly, I'm not a fan of such a heavy coverage. Secondly, I'd expect that something marketed as a cream to powder should be quite long-wearing, even on the oiliest areas of the skin. This may work better for you if your skin is less of an oil slick than my own. I'll be sticking to my liquid and powder foundations for now. 

Do you have a cream-to-powder foundation that you love? 

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Pure Anada Pureline Eye Pencil in Brown, Natural Liquid Gloss in Petunia & Eye Color in Luna

Happy Earth Week! This year I'm celebrating with a natural beauty brand review (BONUS - the products are made in Canada). Pure Anada is a full line of colour cosmetics made with certified organic oils and waxes to provide a "healthier" alternative to traditional cosmetics. It's even recommended as a go-to non-toxic brand in the book There's Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them by Gillian Deacon. I received these items through the Clean Care Beauty Awards 2015, in which the Pressed Mineral Eye Colour won "Best Eyeshadow"...so yeah, I was pretty excited to test out a few things. 

Luna packed on the inner 2/3 of the lid; Pureline Eyeliner in Brown on the lash line

Pure Anada Pressed Mineral Eye Color in Luna ($8)

From orange to taupe, the Pure Anada Pressed Mineral Eye Colours are available in 20 shades and two finishes (matte and demi-matte). Luna is a demi-matte pale, yellow-gold. To the touch, it's soft and The slight sheen gives the shadow a pretty non-glittery shine and is great as a natural all-over-the-lid colour, as well as a natural highlight. Being a light shade, the it wears about 6 hours on my lids. The shadows come in "naked" form, so you can purchase a reusable compact at $6 and $12 or you can use your own palette. 

Pure Anada Pureline Eye Pencil in Brown ($14)

Vegan, Gluten-free, and formulated with certified organic ingredients, the Pureline Eye Pencil is your standard, everyday brown eyeliner (also available in black). It's nothing to write home about but there are a few things to note. It's not particularly hard or so soft that it will smush apart onto your lids. If I wear the pencil on a bare lash line, it transfers immediately onto the upper area of my eyelid. However, over primer, eyeshadow or set with powder, it stays on all day without smudging. Generally, I could swap out any of my brown liners for this one. 

Pure Anada Natural Liquid Gloss in Petunia ($14)

I'm not a fan of this colour on me. The browny-pink with the shimmer looks like something my Grandma might wear. On the bright side, the product is thin and comfortable to wear (aka zero-stickiness), fairly pigmented (2 layers for opacity), smells like citrus and fades away evenly. It's not quite as glossy as non-natural products, as they often contain silicones, but the Pure Anada Natural Liquid Lip Gloss is most certainly more natural looking. There are 16 shades in this line and I'd definitely be interested in testing out one of the coral/orange colours. 

I like that the brand uses natural, organic ingredients. However, there's something that's missing the mark for me. I think I'm guilty of falling into the "cute packaging" trap and I don't think that these are particularly cute. 

Overall, these are good products at reasonable prices. I'll just need to remember that...It's what's on the inside that counts...when it comes to the packaging part of things. 

Do you do anything to celebrate Earth Week? 

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Ceramic Glaze Stunning Soiree Collection - Blueberry Bubblegum, Boogie Beats, Belle of the Disco Ball, Papaya Sunrise, Russian Rouge & Honolulu Hibsicus

Ceramic Glaze is the sister brand of China Glaze exclusively available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada. Each season, Ceramic Glaze curates various polish collections inspired by the runway, the weather and pantone trends. Launching May 2015 is the Stunning Soiree Collection ($10.99 each) - an assortment of understated, cool-toned bolds 

Generally, I found the polish formulation to be impressive. I'm a huge fan of the clay adhesive technologies of China Glaze, so I figured I'd like Ceramic Glaze too. The polishes apply smoothly in thin layers. All of the polishes in this particular collection are a cream gloss and are opaque in 2 coats. The polishes dry quite quickly. In my experience, each layer takes less than 5 minutes to dry down - which makes it super easy to apply polish before bed without getting sheet marks on my fingertips. On their own, the polishes last 3 days but depending on the top coat (i.e. Revlon Gel Envy Diamond)it can last up to 7 or 8. 

Ceramic Glaze uses both limited edition and permanent collection colours in its collections. I've denoted the limited edition colours with an asterisk (*). Swatched for you are 6 of the 8 polishes in the Ceramic Glaze Stunning Soiree Collection. The two shades not shown here are Blue Suede Shoes* (royal blue) and Fabulous and Flirty* (mid-toned lilac). 

Blueberry Bubblegum

Boogie Beats*

Belle of the Disco Ball*

Papaya Sunrise

Russian Rouge

Honolulu Hibiscus

Personally, I prefer soft pastels to understated bolds though there are a few standout colours for me (Blueberry Bubblegum and Belle of the Disco Ball). Regardless, the formulation of all these polishes is impressive and I'm looking forward to watching the Ceramic Glaze Summer Bloom Collection for you! 

Which colours are your favourite in the Stunning Soiree Collection? 

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New York Color Big Bold Volume by the Lash Mascara

12x the volume for lashes? If a mascara could do that... I would be the happiest camper. New York Color says that its Big Bold Volume By the Lash Mascara ($4.99) amps up your total fringe impact by individually coating and volumizing each and every lash up to 12x more. No smudges, no clumps, just a traffic-stopping wow effect.

12x is 1000% an over statement. While claims of no smudging and no clumping appear to be true, my lashes have been amped up around 0.12x compared to my natural lashes. The price is nice, but the result is less than stellar. Perhaps if you're looking for a everyday mascara that is natural and doesn't smudge or clump, then this is perfect. But you won't be stopping traffic with your lashes anytime soon. 

Have you tried any New York Color mascaras? 

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Yazbukey for Shu Uemura Collection Overview // Summer 2015

No makeup brand does a designer collaboration quite like Shu Uemura. For the Spring/Summer 2015 season, Shu Uemura has teamed up with Paris accessory and jewelry designer Yaz Bukey in a make-up meets pop art collection. 

The best part about the collection - it has a story. In a whimsical fairytale, four friends with contrasting yet complimentary personalities prepare for a night out. In the midst of their chatter, they learn that they all are being courted by the same suitor... the mysterious Mr. Shu Shu. 

Each colour in the collection (Sexy Yaz - pink, Smart Lola - green, Romantic Betty - yellow & Daring Tina - blue) corresponds to a different personality. The purpose of the personalities is that with the makeup products, and become any character of your choosing. 

I had the pleasure of attending an intimate media breakfast with Yaz Bukey and Ludovic England (French Ambassador MUA for Shu Uemura) at Arcadian Court in downtown Toronto, where they talked about the making about the collection. See food photos at http://instagram.com/stephh_lau (shameless plug!).

While I have yet to test out everything in the collection, this is an overview of some of the items I'm currently trying out and will serve as a shopping guide of sorts (so you can pick things up before all the pretty things are gone!). Reviews, swatches, and makeup looks coming in the next couple weeks... 

// Shu Uemura Stage Performer Smooth-Out Instant Pore Blurring Primer (permanent) - $50

// Shu Uemura POREfinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil - $82

// Shu Uemura False Lashes in Dazzling Flare Tina - $35

// Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in "Sunshine Orange" - $36

// Shu Uemura UVUB Mousse POREraser in "beige" - $46

NOTE: I already reviewed the UVUB Mouse POREraser in "beige" (see here) and am a big, big fan. At the media breakfast, I also learned an amazing trick from Ludovic. The POREraser can also be used as an eyeshadow primer. Swatched above is the shadow with and without the primer underneath. 

// Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in "Noble Pink" - $36

Note that this isn't absolutely everything in the collection. There's also more shades of lipstick and underboss, three additional formulations of the cleansing oils, an eye & cheek palette, eyeshadows, four polishes, another pair of false lashes and some basic black and brown gel liners with the limited edition packaging. 

All in all, a beautiful and fun collection from Shu Uemura. 

Is there anything here that's piquing your interest? What would you like to see reviewed? 

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Paul & Joe Beaute Lip Liner Duo #02 in Persian Peach

Spring trends call for lighter (and brighter) coloured lips. If you're like me and your lips are super pigmented, you might find it hard to pull off a lip colour lighter than your favourite shade of my lips but better. The solution? Lip liner. I've been finding that the Paul & Joe Beaute Lip Liner Duo #02 in Perisian Peach ($25, exclusively at select Shoppers Drug Marts) has been perfect for this purpose and it also looks amazing on its own. 

Not that the packaging is a HUGE deal but... it totally is when it comes to Paul & Joe. Pretty packaging makes me want to use a product and the retro-modern packaging is so soft and dainty that it makes me feel like a princess. Can all my beauty products look like this? The Paul & Joe Lip Liners are available in four additional colour combos - Frappe, Japanese Maple, Cinnamon Raisin and Grapevine. 

The duo format is handy because, realistically, it would take me a number of lifetimes to finish a single lip liner. It's not retractable but if you're not lazy then you can easily pick up a sharpener. 

Persian Peach features a soft orange and a warm pink. While the formulation isn't as soft as a baby's butt or buttery smooth, I suppose that's the cost for a lip product that adheres to the lips like glue. It doesn't skip over the lips, feels a little hard but doesn't need to be dragged or pressed into the lips for application. 

With one layer of product, I can get full coverage over my fairly pigmented lips. Because the colours are so soft, I can overdraw my lips ever so slightly to change my lip lines to my liking. On its own the colour lasts for 5-7 hours. Obviously, with a gloss or lipstick over top, the wear time is more like 7-8. 

Do you like lip liners? What's your favourite? 

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WIN IT: All 10 of the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizers ($430 VALUE)

Launched just last month, the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizers ($42 each) are the new and improved versions of the MUFE HD Primers. Similar to the HD primer line, the MUFE Step 1 Skin Equalizers are available in various shades to tackle various discolouration. More specifically there are 10 variations in the Step 1 Skin Equalizer line - 5 for texture and 5 for tone.

TEXTURE - mattifying, smoothing, hydrating, nourishing, redness correcting

TONE - pink, blue, yellow, peach, caramel 

TO APPLY: redness/radiance before mattifying/smoothing OR redness/radiance after hydrating/nourishing

While I have yet to post a review of these products, I've been pretty happy with the yellow-tinted one I'm trying thus far. 

Make Up For Ever has kindly offered to send one lucky reader ALL 10 of the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizers. All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter below. This is open to residents of Canada, age 18+ (or with parental consent). Giveaway closes Wednesday, April 22, 2015. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK! 

Giveaway prize provided by Make Up For Ever Canada. I received all 10 of the Step 1 Skin Equalizers for editorial purposes. 

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Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in #54 Pearly Golden Pink

Make Up For Ever recently launched two new shades of their Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick. I received the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #54 Pearly Golden Pink at the Spring 2015 Preview. There's also #53 which is a Pearly Pink Copper. 

If you're not already familiar with the Rouge Artist Intense line, they contain 50% more pigment than your traditional lipstick formula. More pigment = high coverage and more colour payoff. Indeed the pink is pigmented. It glides on nicely, is fairly moisturizing, and lasts 4-5 hours on my lips. #54 Pearly Golden Pink is pretty colour but there's one thing I just can't shake. 

There's golden glitter/shimmer. 

It's not overly chunky or visible on the lips but I can feel it. Something about shimmer in lipsticks throws me off and I'm not a fan. Sadly enough, this is just one MUFE product that I don't really like. If you're into shimmers in your lipsticks then this could be more suitable for you. If you're like me, I'd suggest trying another shade or finish in the Intense line and the MUFE Rouge Artist Naturals are great. 

Do you like pearly/shimmer/glittery lipsticks? 

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