Canadian Beauty

New, Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF 30

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Henna

I InstaReviewed this foundation, but it definitely deserves a review of its own, because it’s the one I’ve been using for the past couple of weeks, and it’s the latest in the Double Wear family, which is widely loved is a holy grail for so many people.

First things first: the foundation is true to its name: super light and watery but also lasts all day. The SPF 30 is what makes it worth turning to day after day.

The foundation is light coverage – but you can layer it on to get more coverage. I find that it’s so light, though, that sometimes it’s just easier to dip a small brush directly into the bottle and smooth it on. I’ve tried applying this with my fingers but I’m finding more and more that this technique leaves a lot of foundation on my hands which makes the whole process so messy.

So, I dab it on with a concealer brush, spread it with that brush as much as I can, and then use a foundation brush to spread the rest and make it more even. This leaves me with a flawless finish. The colors available are awesome: lots of options for warm skin tones, and because the coverage is so light, you might find that more than one colour suits you. I’m going between a 3W1 and a 4W1… I could go either way, but I’m finding that mixing the two is perfect… and in the dead of the winter, I’ll definitely be a 3W1.

The finish is dewy and glowy – kind of shiny, to be honest – and I set it with powder to make the shine go away and have the foundation last just a little bit longer.

Because of its lasting power, but natural look, and the colour match, this is my favourite foundation right now and the fact that it has SPF 30 in it, means that I can cut a step out of my getting ready routine in the morning – especially since most of the time, I’m getting ready when it’s still dark outside!

There are 9 colours available in all – mostly because it’s such light coverage that one shade can match many skin tones. If you’re finding that you want more coverage, then you can try the original Double Wear formula.

I was a little annoyed that the bottle doesn’t come with a pump – I actually think a dropper system would work really well with this foundation because it’s so fluid – but Estee Lauder does sell a pump separately ($13) if that’s what you want.

Also, last year Double Wear came in the form of a cushion stick and had more of a radiant finish and it was one of my favourite foundations OF ALL TIME, and the proof is that I finished it – you can read the review here.

$48 at Estee Lauder counters or EsteeLauder.ca.

Posted in Make-Up | Tagged Estee Lauder, Foundation | Leave a comment

Beautycounter Protect Stick Sunscreen

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Henna

Beautycounter’s Protect Stick Sunscreen is zinc based, water resistant, and SPF 30, and its formula is sheer enough to be used on all skin tones. Take a look for yourself. I’ve applied it on my arm and haven’t rubbed it in and you can barely tell where I’ve applied it.

The stick formula means that it’s perfect for using on your face and targeting those areas that are easily burned in the sun – think, the tip of the nose or the tops of your shoulders. It comes in 2 sizes too – a mini for travel, and a larger size that, truthfully, still fits into most purses and gym bags.

I apply it on my face and then kind of smooth it in with my fingertips and I’m good to go. It makes it easy to apply on the back of my neck, the top of my shoulders, and my arms in a pinch before I head into the car.

Posted in Sunscreen | Tagged Beautycounter | Leave a comment

Fragrant Friday: John Varvatos Artisan Blu Eau de Toilette

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Henna

The one thing that I love about men’s scents is that they are mostly refreshing: and I know that’s what makes most men buy them too. A lot of men want to get rid of any semblance of body odor by masking it with something fresh and clean, and it’s a wonderful formula especially if the scent ends up working with your own body chemistry.

John Varvatos Artisan Blu evokes the scent of the mediterranean ocean, with notes of bergamot, lavender, chayote, basil, bitter orange, geranium, iris, orange blossom, clary sage, patchouli, cedar, parasol pine, tamarisk and pistachio tree resin.

The scent for sure has a water-like freshness, but with a bit of something floral and almost salty/savory thanks to the basil, bitter orange, and some of the other notes. It’s like eating a dessert with lots of different and unique notes in it rather than something that’s just straight chocolate or vanilla.

Pick it up at Hudson’s Bay, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora. $110 for 125mL, and $89 for 75mL.

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged John Varvatos | Leave a comment

False Lashes That Don’t Look Extra

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Henna

Do you guys wear fake lashes? On special occasions? Daily?

I used to wear them on special occasions, but after having kids, I don’t always have the time to put them on. Also, now I feel that most of the time, when someone takes a pictures of us as a family, they’re more looking at my kids than at me.

But then, Kiss gave me some lashes, and makeup artist Karen Malcolm showed me how to put them on, plus recommended their Blooming Lashes line which looks more natural, and I had to try them for myself.

I tried their Blooming Lashes in Lily. The Blooming Lashes have three separate angles of lashes so they look flirty and more natural. I used the Kiss glue and it worked well to put the lashes on. (It’s sold separately). The key to putting them on? I like to work with wet glue so I can get the placement just right.

So here’s me with my lashes. They looked (and felt) extra in real life, but they photographed so well. I’m definitely going to go back to using them for a night out.

Kiss lashes are available at the drugstore.

Posted in Make-Up | Tagged Kiss Lashes | 1 Comment

Benefit Dallas

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Henna

@BenefitCanada’s Dallas Blush is still one of the best blushes I’ve tried – simply because it looks so good on my tan skin and I can take it from summer to winter without trying really hard, and I can even use it as a light contour if I’m just sticking to the hollows of my cheeks.

Girls with tan skin – such as myself – sometimes have trouble finding the perfect shade of blush.

You want something natural, but go too light and it doesn’t show up on your skin, go too dark and it can look obvious and unnatural. Yes, it looks sort of bronzy mauve in the box and I’m not a fan of the packaging, but it really is the perfect colour and makes you look as if you’re glowing.

$38 at Sephora.

Posted in Make-Up | Tagged Benefit, Blush | Leave a comment

For the Love of Lush

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Henna

Here’s a little letter in defense of one of my favourite stores – @LushCosmetics.

Lush is one of those stores that people either love or hate. I love it. I suspect that the people who hate it just haven’t tried the right product, and yes I’m talking to those of you who don’t like strong smells too. I really do believe that there’s something for everyone in that store – it’s just about being brave and trying something new.

But why do I love Lush so much?

Well I’ve loved Lush for almost 20 years now and I still remember going into a Lush store for the first time. I read about Lush products in fashion magazines – I still remember when Dream Cream was advertised as being used by Halle Berry back when she was really famous. I also remember being aware that they were British because celebs used to show up at their British stores a lot, it seemed. That was back when I read gossip mags.

Then, while walking around downtown Toronto with a friend when I was in highschool, I encountered my very first store and it was like a magical experience. The thing about Lush shoppes is that you can smell them all the way down the street. The fragrance lingers in the air inviting you in to touch and see the products up close.

To me, the smell inside the shop was a mixture of old and new. In some ways it smelled a lot like the Indian incense my parents lit on weekends. In other ways, it smelled fruity and new and very… fresh.

Yes, that’s the main difference between Lush and other brands like The Body Shop and Crabtree and Evelyn. Lush makes products so fresh that they come with their own expiry date. The only products that you have to be especially careful about is the face masks that are made fresh in the store. So committed are the Canadian stores that you can’t purchase these masks over the Internet for fear that they will go bad before they even reach you.

The question isn’t whether Lush’s products work or not – most of these products make no special claims. The fact is that Lush’s products are fresh, contain many natural ingredients, most are vegan, and all smell different. You won’t find any popular or run-of-the-mill scents at this store, so don’t go in looking for a regular coconut body wash. Instead, you’ll find one that mixes coconut with other ingredients to give you something truly unique. And most of the products aren’t merely scented, they actually contain some of the ingredients from which they are inspired. For example, an orange-smelling soap will have orange essence in it.

It’s a combination of the things I mentioned above that makes Lush special – freshness, real ingredients, and special scents. If you want to try something new, go to Lush. Be brave and you won’t be sorry. Lush has stores in Canada and also has its own Canadian website where you can place orders. Check out Lush.com to find a store in your area or country.

Posted in More Than Beauty | Tagged Lush | Leave a comment

Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish Setting Spray

Posted on October 22, 2017 by Henna

Makeup, powder, and now setting spray too? It might seem like a lot, but if you want your makeup to last then setting spray is a step that can add hours to the wear of your foundation, and it helps powdered skin look more natural. It just kind of blends everything together and kind of sets everything with a sort of light glue. Kind of how hairspray can help your hair style last longer but just adding a touch of veneer.

I’m using Skindinavia’s No More Shine Makeup Finish setting sprayfor oily skin, and definitely keeps my skin looking more fresh. I just spritz it on all over and then let it set – and it sets in seconds.

If you’re looking to have your makeup last longer, then try it!

Posted in More Than Beauty | Tagged Skindinavia | Leave a comment

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cleansing Balm and Foaming Cleanser

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Henna

I’ll admit this: I’m a skincare junkie but this is my first time trying a cleansing balm. I’ve tried a cleansing oil and cleansing gel, but a first for the balm, and I’m so glad that the first one I’m trying is by L’Occitane, a brand that does really nicely formulated skincare.

L’Occitane’s Immortelle Cleansing Balm is new to the boutique, and it’s all kinds of wonderful. Moisturizing, soft, and easy to apply.

It’s the same idea as a cleansing oil or gel, really. You take the balm and smooth it on your skin without getting it wet, and rub it in. As your hands and face warm it up, it kind of melts into an oily consistency and melts makeup – even long-wearing (and sometimes even waterproof) mascara. And when I say that it melts everything, I meant that it really does melt it all. Then you start splashing your face with water, and it all just washes away – it turns into a milky consistency, and you see your makeup going into the drain with it.

Now, the beautiful thing about a cleansing oil, a cleansing balm, and a cleansing gel is that they’re not drying. In fact, they don’t wash away 100% which helps them be moisturizing on the skin. But I like to wipe away everything with a wet washcloth, and then follow up with the L’Occitane Immortelle cleansing foam. A tiny bit mixed with water turns into a creamy foam that really washes everything away. This is more like soap, so you don’t want to be rubbing your eyes with it, but it’ll wash away any makeup or cleansing balm residue.

This, my friends, is known as double cleansing and when you do it right, you’ll have no makeup or dirt on your skin and over time, your skin will be more clear and will feel better because it won’t ever still have makeup on it when you go to bed. Follow up with moisturizer or treatment and you’re ready for bed.

$49 for the balm and $44 for the cleansing foam. Available online and at L’Occitane Boutiques.

Posted in Cleansers | Tagged l'Occitane | 1 Comment

Vivier Skin Sheer Sunscreen Review

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Henna

I love trying new sunscreens, and it’s always a mission of mine to find one that’s not only good for my skin but also effective and sheer.

Well, Vivier Skin Sheer is the latest sunscreen to join my rotation.

Made with Zinc Oxide and other sun protection ingredients, this sunscreen also has silica to create a feather-light powdery finish on the skin, but also shea butter to help moisturize and keep the sunscreen from being too drying.

True to its name, it is absolutely sheer. In fact, it has a markedly less whitish cast than other zinc oxide sunscreens that I’ve tried and it goes on like a lotion rather than a cream, so it’s not at all heavy or thick on your skin. It blends flawlessly and even makes a great primer for makeup.

If you’re of a medium skin tone or darker, you will notice that this sunscreen does make your skin appear lighter. It’s sheer, and not whitish, but there is some colour simply due to the zinc oxide. It’s not a problem for me because I apply foundation on top anyway, and it blends foundation so well that the final effect is nice. The sunscreen is sheer – but not transparent, and that’s important to know.

Pick it up in doctor’s offices and authorized retailers.

Posted in Sunscreen | Tagged Sunscreen, Vivier | 2 Comments

Neutrogena Deep Clean Oil-Free Make-Up Remover Wipes

Posted on October 10, 2017 by Henna

Neutrogena has probably the most popular wipes at the drugstore, and I turn to them because they’re effective. I’ll admit that I don’t use them to take off all of my makeup. A bit of a pre-cleanse is essential, but I do use them to get rid of any residue and to really get the mascara off from under my eyes. It just tends to smear all over when I taking makeup off. They’re also great to use when you’re trying to preserve your blown out hair – my hair is super curly, and the little bit of water I might get on my face while I wash it is effectively enough to cause a kink or wave of hair right at the hairline. So I turn to these wipes instead.

Now, I’m using the Deep Clean Oil-Free Make-Up Remover Wipes, which have a touch of mint in them which feel refreshing as the cleansing solution dries on my skin. The finish is a little lighter and more watery than most other makeup wipes I’ve tried, and I can see how these wipes would be better for those with problematic skin. They get off everything and I simply follow up with my regular skincare.

Available at drugstores and mass merchandisers.

Posted in Cleansers | Tagged neutrogena, Wipes | 1 Comment