Blush Love | Shu Uemura

I picked these two beauties up a couple months ago from Sephora and am just now getting to blogging about them. I should have done it sooner because Shu Uemura makes some great blushes.

Shu blushes come individually packaged in pan form, so you will need a palette to put them in. I went ahead and picked up a "quad" case from Shu (more on how the compacts work later), but you can also just stick them in any palette you have handy. You will need some magnets though, the pans are not magnetized.

There are only two finishes available: Pearl (P) and Matte (M). Both apply smoothly. The matte blushes are velvety and natural on. The pearl blushes have subtle shimmer, which adds a luminosity to the skin.

The two colours I picked up are:

• P Vivid Pink 385 - a bright rose pink. In the pan, there's some silver shimmer, which provides a subtle sheen.
• P Medium Peach 560 - a vivid peach with specks of gold shimmer. Once again, the shimmer adds a pretty sheen.

Both have excellent pigmentation, they blend easily, and their staying power is up there.

Back tracking to the cases that Shu Uemura sells. They come in two sizes: a duo and a quad. These custom cases hold blushes and eyeshadows. A duo holds a combination of two eyeshadows, or one blush. A quad holds a combination of four eyeshadows, two blushes, or two eyeshadows and a blush.

If you're in Canada (more specifically around the GTA), you can find Shu Uemura products at Holt's, or at the Eaton Centre Sephora.

Your thoughts on Shu blushes? x

Hair Stuff

I've never been one to fuss too much over my hair, but after a bout of damaged strands, split ends, and a recent chop, I've taken a little more care with my hair routine. So, here are the products I've been using and loving lately...

I'm not loyal to a particular shampoo and conditioner. I usually change it up every few months. Currently, I'm using the Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care shampoo with the Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong conditioner. 

I really like this Head & Shoulders shampoo and I often go back to it. It cleans my hair without drying it out.  The Herbal Essences conditioner nourishes and strengthens my hair (I've noticed a tad less hair fall). I only wash my hair every other (or third) day, and I find this combination keeps my hair oils at bay.

I don't have a hair mask that I'm currently favouring, but I do deep condition my hair once a week. I use coconut oil (see ghetto Coke bottle in the first photo). It's real coconut oil -- no chemicals, silicones, or additives. It makes my hair feel really soft and adds shine while being incredibly nourishing. 

Other hair treatments I like are the Redken Anti-Snap and the Phyto 9.

The Anti-Snap is a serum designed for damaged hair. I use it to fortify my hair against breakage. I also like that it has a heat protectant built into it. Phyto 9 is for "ultra dry hair." I like to pop this cream on to the ends of my hair when it's feeling a little dry or brittle.

My hair is quite cooperative. It doesn't take a lot for it to look presentable. Some "styling" products I use are the Living Proof Prime Style Extender (hair primer), the Phytodéfrisant, and the Moroccanoil Glimmer Shiner Spray.

The Living Proof hair primer keeps my hair looking the same until my next wash. It prevents my hair from kinking up while sleeping, too. The Phytodéfrisant is a great anti-frizz serum. It's heat activated, so it works best with a blowout, but it still shows results regardless. My last favourite is the Moroccanoil finishing spray. While it does nothing for the health of your hair, it does add a pretty shine without looking greasy.

After shampooing and conditioning, I quickly towel dry my hair. I try not to keep my hair wrapped in the towel for too long because I find it promotes frizz. Before I add any hair products, I use a wide-toothed comb to get rid of any knots. 

While my hair is still damp, I apply a pump of Redken Anti-Snap to my hair (from the roots to the tip). Then I apply some Phytodéfrisant and some Living Proof hair primer, focusing on the ends. I use a comb to evenly distribute the products while smoothing out my hair.

Then I spritz some of the Moroccanoil finishing spray to my hair and let it air dry. If I'm feeling frisky, I'll put more of an effort to style my hair by blow drying or curling it. However, I like the disheveled look, so most of the time, I just let it air dry while I eat my breakfast.

My very last step is to brush my hair out a few times before I head out the door. 

That's my hair routine in a nutshell. What's yours? x

Chanel Bronze Universal

It has come to my attention that I always rave about this cream bronzer, but I've never done a proper post about it. So here's my two cents...

Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base (which also goes by the moniker Chanel Bronze Universal) is one of those really hyped up products. Right up there with NARS Laguna and Benefit Hoola.

What makes the Bronze Universal different? Well, to start it's a unique consistency. In the pot, it looks like a mousse, but it's a solid cream and to the touch, it almost feels like soap. It applies beautifully and smoothly. It's very easy to work with and easy to control.

It's an orange-based bronzer. It can easily warm up the skin, but depending on your skin tone, you may have to play with it a bit to get the right payoff without looking like a spray-tan gone wrong. It does have a bit of shimmer to it, but when applied, it's more of a subtle sheen.

It's heavily scented, much like all Chanel products. I personally have no qualms with it, but it's something to note in case you have an aversion to fruity / floral scents.

When I bought this a year ago, the price was around $52 CDN. A little steep, but there's so much product, it will last you a long time. I've hardly put a dent in mine with a year's worth of use.

One thing that irks me about this bronzer is that the cream gets quite dirty. It traps brush hairs and particles of dust. I do try to sanitize it once a week, though.

USES

One of the questions I frequently get asked about this bronzer is how do I use it? So, I'm going to show you three ways I like to use the Bronze Universal.

My main use for this bronzer (and most bronzers) is for contouring. This doesn't add a dramatic contour to the face, but it does provide natural definition to the cheekbones. I apply a little at a time, building up the colour and blending out the harsh lines with my Real Techniques Expert Face brush (synthetic brushes are ideal). It's easy to do and adds a subtle contrast to the face.

The next two uses are for that sunkissed glow.

This technique is for people who have medium-ish skin tones and can take direct application. My NC30ish skin tone is one of them. 

I lightly apply the bronzer all over the face, sweeping it in the classic 3 / E motion. It's important to blend and to evenly distribute the product. The good thing is that you don't have to worry about streaks. And don't forget your neck!

This method easily warms up your complexion with little fuss. Just be sure to apply in moderation by blotting excess bronzer on the back of your hand.  The key is to layer the bronzer so you don't look like an Oompa Loompa. Add as much colour as your skin tone can take.

The last method is for people who have lighter skin tones or are looking for a more subtle sunkissed glow. 

With this method, a heavy application of the bronzer is acceptable, but not mandatory. You're going to be topping it with a layer of your foundation or tinted moisturizer of choice, which will soften the look.

I am using the Becca Ultra-Sheer foundation, it's light, sheer, and easy to blend.

I've tried this method with many different foundations and tinted moisturizers, but it works best with creams and liquids with light-to-medium coverage. You want to use something that will allow the bronzer to shine through slightly.

If you want more chiseled cheeks with this look, just take another bronzer and layer it over the Bronze Universal. That's another great thing about this bronzer, it can be used alone or as a base.



What's your favourite cream bronzer? x

V-Day is Me Day

Happy Valentine's Day, lovelies! ♥♥♥

I have been up since the break of dawn (booo for being sick!), so I have gotten a head start on the chocolate munching and the blogging -- I even filmed a little video and managed to upload it before breakfast.

Here's a look at what I'm wearing to work on this day of love ♥. Pretty simple all around.

I've been testing out the Becca Ultra Sheer foundation for the last week and I'm really liking it. It's not even remotely a light coverage foundation though. It's more like a tinted (gel-ish)  moisturizer. Very lightweight and comfortable, but doesn't cover blemishes or hyper-pigmentation. Still liking it, though. It adds a pretty glow without the greasy sheen.

Nothing on my eyes except for some gold eyeliner on the lower lash line from Lise Watier (it subtly brightens the eyes) and Fairy Drops mascara.

I layered a myriad of cheek products, including NYC Sunny, Laura Mercier Lush Nectarine, and Burberry Blossom. Then topped with the Dior Amber Diamond highlighter. I love the combination of a peachy coral blush and then topped with a pink blush. It really lifts and brightens the face.

The lips are a combination of Burberry Lip Mist in Feather Pink and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Romance. It's a very hydrating duo.

On my nails, I'm wearing Essie Fiji and Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the Skylie.

As for the outfit, I'm wearing a heart blouse that I picked up from Forever21 a while ago. I love this blouse and I wear it all the time, but I think it's especially appropriate today.

I even curled my hair today! Don't listen to anyone who says you can't do anything with shorter hair (it's pretty versatile) :).

MAKEUP♥:

Becca Ultra Sheer foundation in Nude | Armani Corrector #2 | Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller in Medium  | The Body Shop Eyebrow kit | NYC Sunny | Laura Mercier Lush Nectarine | Burberry blush in Blossom | Dior Amber Diamond | Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Romance | Burberry Lip Mist in Feather Pink 

OUTFIT♥:

Blouse, Forever21 | Pants, Express (tailored) | Blazer, Smythe (I wear it so much, I bought two of them haha) | Heels, Guess (the brand, not the verb :P)

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Any plans? x

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector #2

I've had dark circles for a while now. My lack of sleep doesn't help, but they are genetic and something I've grown to love accomodate. 

Now, I've tried many concealers and correctors (including Bobbi Brown), but the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector (in #2) is my holy grail.  It seems like an unlikely match because of the bright orange-ish colour, but it's a great product.

I love the consistency of the master corrector. It's light, highly pigmented, and blends easily. Depending on the time of year, I range from an NC30-35-40 and #2 neutralizes my dark circles without leaving any residue under my eyes. I often combine this with the tinted Garnier Anti-Dark circle roller (or the YSL Touche Éclat) to brighten under the eyes.

The corrector is a little pricey, around $36 CDN, but it's well worth the investment. The applicator is like a fine tip eyeliner, and since you don't need a lot of product, it will last quite a while.

I do find the the applicator tends to get a little messy after repeated use. While it doesn't leak, a lot of product builds up on the wand and the rim of the tube. 

[EDIT]: I should also mention that the Armani Corrector only comes in two shades: #1 Pink and #2 Orange.

• Pink: counteracts sallow, dull skin and effectively corrects yellow and olive pigmentation.
• Orange: targets medium or olive skin tones to conceal under-eye circles, freckles, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.

The darkness under my eyes are more prominent in person, but you can still visibly see it in photographs. You can also see how well the Armani Master Corrector diffuses my under eye darkness. It also doesn't bunch in the creases.

I don't concentrate the corrector right under my eyes (i.e., near my lower lashes) because I don't find it isn't as effective in that way. I apply it concavely where my lower orbital bone is, since that's where I have the most darkness and let it set for a few seconds before buffing it in.

Verdict? My holy grail corrector and cannot leave without.

♥♥♥♥♥
What's your favourite corrector?

Makeup in Love

Is it possible to overdo reds / pinks on Valentine's Day? I don't think so, which is why I thought I would share my perpetual love for the colour of love through makeup. 

LIPS

Lipstick is an accessory in itself. It can dress up or dress down any makeup look. Not only is the colour important, but the formula is key, too. 

• Lancome L'Absolu Nu #302 is a sheer rose pink with a slight glossy finish, it's comfortable on the lips but doesn't have the lasting power for an all-nighter without touch ups. 
• Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Romance a bright (bluish) pink, it's sheer but buildable with a glossy finish [review]. 
• YSL Glossy Stain #15 Rose Vinyl a bright fuchsia pink, it has a glossy finish to start and dries down into a gorgeous stain. Great staying power [review]. 
• Covergirl Hot is a true red, very pigmented and leaves a beautiful stain. No touch up required. This shade isn't really smooch-ready, but it's perfect for a Singles Awareness night out ;). 
• Revlon Temptress is a medium cool-toned pink with a slight sheen. This is a sister shade to my other Revlon love, Pink in the Afternoon.

See them in action below.

CHEEKS

I love blush (it's my foremost beauty weakness) and you can never go wrong with a pink flush.

• NARS Deep Throat is a beautiful peachy pink with subtle shimmer (probably one of my top faves) [review]. 
• Bourjois Rose D'Or is a peachy pink with specks of gold shimmer. I find it's a less shimmery version of NARS Orgasm.
• Dior Pink in Love a mix of a medium pink and a raspberry pink. 
• Revlon Flushed a creamy (literally) bright pink. 
• Laura Mercier Lotus Pink is a smooth coral pink. 

See them in action below. While most look fairly similar in these photographs (despite the heavy application), they do have subtle variations. The differences are just not easily discernable.

And in case you're wondering what's on my lips... it's actually the stain left by Covergirl "Hot," I told you it was pigmented. Though the residual colour actually leaves my lips looking more pink than red.

NAILS

A solid mani is a great alternative if you want to forgo Valentine's themed nail art.

• Julep Lauren is a bright, almost neon, pink [review]. 
• Essie Fiji is a creamy pale pink, a little cumbersome to apply sometimes, but well worth the effort [review]. 
• Butter London Snog is a fuschia, almost red-toned pink [review]. 
• Essie Lollipop is that classic candy cane red. 
• Zoya Shelby is a creamy cherry blossom pink [review]. 

See them in action in the inadvertent gradient of colour below.

Pink lips, pink cheeks, pink nails, oh my. Some may consider overkill, but I prefer enthusiasm. What's your style, all or one? x

Valentine's Day Nails

In theme with the upcoming "holiday," I wanted to paint my nails with something heart-sy and simple. You can never go wrong with red on any occasion, but I spiced it up with a little heart cutout.

After applying a base coat, I put two coats of Essie A List on my nails with one coat of Zoya Loretta on my accent nails.

Stick the hearts to your accent nails, but make sure the coat is completely dry. If not, the tape will ripple / peel the polish.

Last step is to paint over the accent nails with the red polish, then you're going to peel off the hearts using tweezers.

Finish with a top coat and you're done!

I love the cutout look and it's really easy to do. You can also do this in reverse... red on your nails and top with the lighter pink. I just find that because the shade I picked is so sheer, it would take a lot of coats to cover the vibrancy of the red.

What's on your nails? x

MAC Plumful | Year of the Snake Edition

I rarely gush over MAC's limited edition collections. They just don't draw me in as other brands do. Plus, they release new collections so often [and in undersupply], that at some point, it stopped being fun for me. While they've rolled out many great products, it's got to have that it factor for me before I stress over how quickly I can have it in my possession. Enter: MAC Plumful from the Year of the Snake Collection.

When I saw this beauty in promo pictures, I knew I had to have it. A couple reasons: a) the shade is something I've been eyeing for the last month now, and b) the Snake is my Chinese zodiac sign, so narcissistically, 2013 is the year of me.

The packaging is not that different from MAC's regular line. It comes with a special "Year of the Snake" sleeve, and a specially embossed bullet. 

I love the reptilian embossed design on the bullet. I'm not typically one for snakes [read: they scare the crap out of me] but I think this was beautifully done.

Plumful was really difficult to photograph. For some reason, it always leaned more pink in photographs than in real life. It's a beautiful rosy plum shade, though. It's also a lustre finish, which means it's quite sheer but buildable. 

I've seen this shade look a little different on various people. On some people, it leans a bit darker and plumier, and on others, like myself, it's a little rosier.

It's fairly comfortable on the lips. It's my first MAC lipstick purchase in a long time and I have no regrets. It's everything I imagined it would be ;). I even missed that hint of vanilla.

This collection releases in stores today (February 7th), so if you're interested in the LE packaging, go check it out because it's sold out online. BUT the colour Plumful is part of the permanent collection, so no pressure. Also, despite being part of a collection, it's the price of a regular MAC lipstick ($18 CDN).

What's the last thing you picked up from one of MAC's collections? 

Ps, trying out smear shots. Thank you to my work-friend, Ava, for suggesting x 

Under the Weather Faves

I've been feeling a little under the weather for the last few days, so I thought I would quickly share some necessities in my life right now.

When I'm sick, my skin gets so dry, it begins to feel like the Sahara. So, let's start with skincare.

Avène | Trixéra | Emollient Cream

This is such a rich, creamy, and moisturizing body lotion. I typically reserve this for when my skin is extremely parched. It keeps my skin soft and hydrated throughout the day. 

Avène | Thermal Spring Water

I use this even when I'm not sick because it's especially helpful in the office when the air has sucked the moisture out of my skin. It's soothing and refreshing. I like to keep a bottle of this in my purse / on my desk more often than not.

Clarins | Santal Face Treatment
This is a wonderful oil (so wonderful that when I realized I was almost out, I immediately purchased a new one). It soaks into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling so soft / hydrated. It's the only saviour when my skin is dried out. I still use this when my skin is at it's normal state (i.e., normal / combination). It's not something I would recommend for oily / combination skin though, it may make your oil glands go into overdrive during the day, but for a nighttime treatment, you may like it.

Moving on to some makeup things. I like fool proof makeup in general, but especially during those sick days. If I didn't have to work, I would just be makeup-free and PJ-clad at home, but since I have to venture to the office, I like my makeup to be really easy and thought-free.

Origins | No Puffery

I've been having trouble sleeping, so my eyes have been extra puffy in the morning. I really like this gel-like under eye mask because it feels very soothing. I keep this in the fridge so it feels extra cool on the skin, and I will apply a generous amount under the eyes and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It helps my eyes look more fresh and awake.

MAC | Blushbaby
This is my favourite no-fuss blush. It's so easy to wear and nearly impossible to get wrong. It provides a soft warm glow to the skin with minimal effort. It's great for brightening the complexion on those sick days. See a separate review here.

YSL | Glossy Stain | #7 Corail Aquatique
My lips love these glossy stains, more specifically his beautiful coral shade. I especially love it because it's easy to apply, comfortable to wear, and long lasting.  I like that I don't have to worry about it throughout the day. See a separate review here.

Lolita Lempika | Le Premier Parfum
I adore this fragrance. It's full-bodied and feminine. A lovely fruity / floral scent. More specifically, it's a Heady Nectar of Liquorice Blossom, a blend of liquorice accords with a floral-oriental-gourmet top layer. I'm addicted. I love wearing fragrances, especially when I'm sick, I'm always paranoid that the way I'm feeling will manifest into an odour :/.

Other feel-goods I enjoy on a sick day...

Bigelow | Green Tea

Anything warm really helps, but I especially love green tea with lemon. Plus, green tea is supposed to be anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

Life Brand | Vaporub

I cannot get enough of vaporub. I love the warming feeling because it's soothing and a great decongestant. The Life Brand one is my favourite, even more than the Vick's one. 

Lastly, what's a sick day without a call to your mom? I actually read in a magazine that it's clinically proven that your mother's voice (in most cases) is de-stressing and soothing.

Hope you're doing well and staying cold-free, lovelies! Let me know what your sick day faves are x