If you follow me on Instagram, then you already got a little peek at what I have planned for next twelve days.
The holiday season is upon us, and I thought it would be a great time for some giveaways. Not only in the spirit of the holidays, but as a thank you to all of you! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and watch my videos :).
My plan is to give away 12 of my favourite beauty products -- one each day for twelve days (hopefully consecutively). Each giveaway will be open for about three to four days, which will hopefully give everyone enough to time to enter, and it will be open worldwide.
I popped into Holt's on the weekend and I ended up dropping by the Burberry counter (and leaving with a few goodies).
First of all, Burberry must hate trees. While their packaging is lovely, they package products within boxes within boxes. Quite unnecessary, but given the price, I suppose they want consumers to feel like they got their money's worth.
Secondly, gosh, I'm a sucker for blush. I picked up No.5 in Blossom, it's a gorgeous coral with a hint of pink and shimmer. I haven't yet checked if I have something similar... I probably do since I'm always drawn to this kind of colour. Blush is my kryptonite. Burberry has beautiful blushes, eight in total. Great colours that provide a natural glow. Plus, they apply beautifully.
My other purchase was a set of Lip Glows. Burberry's glosses are quickly becoming my favourite. I love the colour range that Burberry offers. They're all very natural and wearable. The formula is great, too. Non-sticky, comfortable to wear, and even a little hydrating.
This is a bundle of Burberry's top selling shades. I really like this trio because a) the colours are right up my alley, b) all three are full sizes, and c) the price of each gloss is discounted by 20 percent in this set. Expect swatches of everything soon, but I instagrammed a pic of my current neutral lip fave featuring Burberry's Lip Mist in No. 202 Copper and Lip Glow No.9 Nude Beige.
(Ps, see what I mean? Each gloss was individually packaged in boxes within the box the set came in.)
I also got a little gift with purchase, a mini tube of the new Lip Velvet and a mini fragrance. The Lip Velvet is a beautiful reddish pink shade that I'm excited to try.
Lastly are some samples. I thought these were the cutest sample packets I've received in a long time. One is concealer and the other is lipstick. They both come with four different shades and little brush applicators. Adorable.
I really enjoy Burberry's cosmetics, at least the items I've tried (i.e., blushes, lipsticks, and glosses). I love their natural palette, it's classic and timeless. What are some of your Burberry faves? x
It has been a while since I've done an empties post. I've been accumulating them for a couple months now -- well, whatever I could remember to temporarily delay from the recycling bin / trash.
I've also been slowly sorting through the abundance of samples I've received. It's not an easy task, but I am determined. So, here we go...
Aveeno Positively Ageless sunscreen
+ A nice sunscreen for the face
+ Non-greasy but a little shiny on the skin
- May be a little strong for super sensitive skin
B.Kamins Sunbar Spray
+ Liquid / spray sunscreen
+ Absorbs quickly in the skin
- Not a fan of the scent
- Feels a tad greasy on the skin for a few minutes
La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Cream
+ I got this in my very first Glymm box
+ Love this sunscreen so much, I've repurchased it twice since I first used it
+ Non-greasy, non-shiny, absorbs quickly
+ Good scent, not over powering
+ Wearable under makeup
Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner
+ Oil-free, containd salicyllic acid
+ Not drying on the skin
+ Slightly reduces oiliness
- May be a little strong for sensitive skin
Dove VisibleCare Body Wash
+ Received in my July Glossybox
+ Love the smell and the shimmer
- Didn't really see a noticeable difference in my skin
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes
+ Received in my March Topbox
+ Good for sensitive skin
+ Removes makeup well
+ Great for traveling
Aveda Exfoliating Shampoo & Conditioner
+ Received in a Topbox
- Small samples, only good for one use
- Did not like the scent
- Not enough product to notice a significant difference
Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe
+ Received in a Luxe Box
+ Good conditioner, made my hair feel soft after use
+ Smells like coconut (I think)
- Did not significantly help my dry(ish) hair in the long run
I don't remember where these shampoo packets were from. I think a Luxe Box and / or a Topbox. I had 2-3 of each.
Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner
+ Great scent
+ Contains olive oil
- No significant difference in my hair
Redken Color Extend Shampoo & Conditioner
+ I love this combo!
+ It makes my hair feel so smooth and soft
+ It's for colour treated hair, but it's amazing
+ Would definitely purchase the full-size
Fekkai Technician Color Care
+ Also a great scent
- No significant difference in my hair
- It's also for colour treated hair, but it's not as good as the Redken
Bare Minerals All Over Face Color - Rose Radiance
+ Obsessed with this
+ Make your skin look like it's glowing
+ Easy to apply (it's a mineral product)
+ Good lasting power
- Has shimmer (in case you're a Matte girl)
Elizabeth Grant Moisturizing Stick
+ Received in my February Glossybox
+ Smells great
+ Moisturizing on the lips
+ Makes a good base, too
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protectant Stick
+ Adore the 8 hour cream, love this solid formula
+ Moisturizing, perfect for dry lips
- Scent is less than desirable
- Shoddy packaging, tube always splits
Orlane Light Smoothing Cream
+ Received in a Glymm box
- Only good for one use & no significant results
Clinique Spot Treatment
+ Great spot treatment
- Find it's not as affective if you use it all the time
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
+ Received in a Topbox
+ Nude, matte primer
+ Easy to blend
- Not as long-lasting as other primers
- Wouldn't recommend
Dr. Brandt Collagen Eye Serum
+ Moisturizing under the eyes
+ Absorbs quickly
- No depuffing / brightening
Orlane Anagenèse 25+
+ Received in a Topbox
- Again, only good for one use & no significant results
Pure + Simple Cucumber Mask
+ Received in a Topbox
+ Cooling on the skin
+ Nice cucumber scent
- Felt like it left a slight residue on the skin
I love using up products! It's a very satisfying feeling. What have you used up lately? x
The Luxe Advent Calendar is a beauty lover's take on the traditional chocolate advent calendar. Instead of chocolate goodies, each door opens to a new beauty surprise.
The packaging is really cute! It came beautifully wrapped in festive paper with a lovely note. It was like unwrapping a present, a rather large present.
The little doors are easy to open and reveal a new product every day (if you have the patience to wait to open it, of course).
I, however, was not that patient and tore it open immediately. So, spoiler alert!
I'm not going to share all the products with you, juts a few here and there. The packaging of these samples are really cute!
Skincare items -- I love trying out new skin products (from left to right):
There were two liptsticks. One was a mini tube of YSL Rouge Pur Couture in No. 1, it's a gorgeous red!
The other is a Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge, I'm not sure on the colour, but it's a pretty pinky mauve with a bit of a lustre. This one is a pretty big tube.. may even be a full-size, or very very close to it.
Mascaras galore (from left to right):
YSL Effet Faux Cils Shocking
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara
Lancôme Hypnose Doll Lashes
This is the one product I was disappointed in. It's the Giorgio Armani Eau de Jade, and it came in this little box, but the fragrance atomizer was the garden variety one you could get at any fragrance counter. Nonetheless, it's 23 gems over one dud.
So there's a little peek inside, there's 8 more great samples hidden in there that I know you'd love!
Now on to the giveaway (which I would just like to say is not sponsored at all by Loose Button and / or affiliates)...
This Advent Luxe Calendar is all sold out (and was only available in Canada)... but I will be giving one away to one of you, anywhere in the world!
Like all my giveaways, enter via the Rafflecopter below!
Giveaway ends on November 30th at 12:59 PM EST. I will contact the winner the next day, with 24 hours to respond or else I will choose a new winner. As always, I will announce the winner here and on my Facebook / Twitter.
As I've gushed in my review post for this sheer lipstick, I adore it! It's from Giorgio Armani's Rouge D'Armani Sheer collection (#500) and it's a beautiful bright magenta!
It applies effortlessly -- silky and smooth! I love the glossy effect. It's feels more like a balm on the lips than anything else, but the pigmentation is wonderful! It also leaves a slight pink stain in its wake.
I can't get over how hydrating / moisturizing it is on. For me, it's one of those products I'm not afraid to apply even when I have slightly chapped lips.
It's also a bit of a chameleon shade. It's vibrancy can change depending on the lighting or the application (i.e., how much you apply).
I've been adding to my obsession of sheer lipsticks. I may have mentioned before, but sheer lipsticks are now my favourite category of lip products.
Now, I haven't bought a Giorgio Armani lip product in a while. The last one I got was a gorgeous red named Scarlatto (they also have a Sheer with the same namesake, but it's not the same). I believe it was limited edition as it released with a Fall collection. I didn't check my counter if it was still available, but if it's not, I wish they would bring it back. It's seriously the perfect red for me.
That's not really what this post is about, so, enter the Rouge D'Armani Sheer Hydrating Color in #500.
Armani added this new formula to their lineup, and I'm in love. If Holt Renfrew hadn't promoted this shade as part of their Hot at 75 celebration, I don't know how long it would've taken me to discover it.
It's a gorgoeus bright magenta / fuschia shade that's stunning on. The formula goes on smooth and comfortably, almost like a balm but heavier. It has a semi-gloss finish and leaves a pretty stained look to your lips.
The downside to any sheer lipstick is the longevity, or lack thereof. Three hours, tops, but the pigmentation leaves some colour on your lips even after the glossiness has faded.
The packaging is simple: sleek black tube and magnetic cap (which is pretty strong and stays in place in my makeup bag).
I also quite like the simplicity of the colour range. There's three shades in each colour family (i.e., oranges, reds, pinks, and purples). No nudes, though. That's another downside.
This has got to be my favourite sheer / hydrating lipstick. I feel like I have a new favourite every time I pick one up, but I have been really enjoying this one. It feels great to apply and I adore the colour.
I wanted to add a selfie wearing this shade, but alas, I was not having a good camera day, so hopefully the swatch does it justice.
So, in case you weren't aware from all the VIB haul posts popping up in your Google Reader, Sephora is having their VIB 20% off shopping event right now (Nov. 8 to Nov. 12).
I decided to partake. I didn't have a wish list in mind... mostly I just wanted to pick up some necessities. I would say I was a very good girl. I didn't go crazy, picking up only a couple new things. I've put myself on a little makeup ban recently.
But that's a rant for another day... On with the haul!
Replacement Clarisonic brush heads were number one on my list. I always get the twin pack. I really wanted to try out the Acne brush heads, but they weren't available in store. You can get them online, but Canadian's aren't privy to 20% off online purchases for whatever reason. So, I went with the Sensitive Skin ones.
Each brush head lasts me about 3 - 4 months, which is perfect because a VIB sale is usually around the corner once it's time to purchase new ones. It's $45 for the twin pack, so I'm all for saving money if I can!
I got some Shiseido facial cotton. It's my holy grail cotton (if that's a thing). I will never use another on my face. My face has been spoiled and will not go back.
I repurchased the Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream. I am obsessed with this stuff. It makes my skin look and feel so smooth. I use it religiously and cannot be without it!
Laura Mercier was my next stop. I picked up another one of her blushes. Lotus Pink this time, it's a warm pink with a little sheen. While her blushes look kind of boring in the pan... they apply beautifully with great pigmentation. Love.
I also picked up a rather dusty Custom Compact. I love these things. They are the perfect travel companion for you Laura Mercier lovers. Eyeshadows, blushes, lip glazes, eye liners... as long as it's from Laura Mercier, it will fit perfectly in this palette. It comes with a large mirror, too.
I finally caved and picked up the Dior Amber Diamond. I see this everywhere and everyone has such great things to say about it. My hesitancy came from my experience with Rose Diamond -- it just did nothing for me and the price is a steep one to pay for something you can't use.
I have much higher hopes for Amber Diamond, though. It has the same smooth texture and silky feel, but I'm digging the warm colours much more!
On to some hair care bits...
I picked up the Phyto 9 cream because my hair is in dire need of TLC. It's crazy frizzy. I rarely use hot tools on my hair -- maybe once a month, if not every couple of months -- but my ends are dry and, dare I say, damaged? I'm hoping this will help.
Along with that, the 500 point perk was this High Shine Hair kit. I have tons of points so I actually picked up two of these. The product that really drew me in was the Ojon Damage Reverse hair oil. I've heard so many great things about it, so I was exited to try it out before buying the full size.
That was my haul :). Did you participate in the VIB shopping event? Let me know what you picked up!
AleezaBlogger
A Canadian beauty and lifestyle blog where I share my love of style and beauty. I've spent years trying to curate my favourite beauty products (and personal style). It's evolving everyday and I hope you enjoying coming along on this journey.