New Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Henna

mufe aquamaticSummer makeup should be easy and long-lasting. So many of us have oilier skin, and are constantly going from the office to the pool to the patio, and so we need something that lasts and lasts and even better, can be applied in a flash.

If you’re in the same boat, then you need to get Make Up For Ever’s new Aqua Matic eye shadow pencils. They are creamy and highly pigmented, but once they’re on, they’re on for good.

Mine is in ME-50 which is a metallic golden colour and I love it. It’s perfect for a subtle makeup look, and doesn’t crease all day.

It also comes with its own sharpener at the end (just pull the coloured end out), which is perfect for those of us who want to use them as eyeliners.

At Sephora for $25.

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The Body Shop’s new Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Henna

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil BB CreamI am a HUGE fan of The Body Shop’s Tea Tree line – seriously, it’s the best thing out there for acne-prone skin, and so I’m thrilled to report that they have a new Tea Tree BB Cream now!

Available in three colours, this BB Cream has fair trade organic tea tree oil in it and will help treat blemishes while blurring imperfections and making skin look better.

It is an almost-matte finish and works as a hydrating cream too. Totally light-weight and easy to wear, this is the perfect summer BB cream.

$15 at TheBodyShop.ca or in stores.

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Sebastian Dry Clean Only Dry Shampoo

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Henna

sebastian dry clean onlyYou need dry shampoo this summer so that you’re not constantly washing your hair.

Sebastian’s Dry Clean Only Dry Shampoo is the only one that I’ve tried that actually provides hold and grip to the hair. It’s actually perfect to use on freshly washed and dried hair because it messes it up a little and gives it just enough texture to get beachy summery waves.

This dry shampoo also smells absolutely amazing. Fresh, clean, slightly floral, and almost like a perfume, I have to say that it instantly refreshes your hair on the second day.

Try it before you do a summer braid, because it’s going to give your hair enough texture so that it doesn’t look too clean.

My only warning for you with this dry shampoo is that because it adds so much texture to the hair, you may find that you need to wash your hair the next day. This is a dry shampoo to use sparingly.

Pick it up at salons for $23.

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Clinique Even Better Essence Lotion

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Henna

Clinique Even Better Essence LotionIt’s summer, and you definitely don’t want to be packing on the moisturizer, but at the same time, your skin needs a little something besides sunscreen.

If that describes you (and it certainly describes my oil-prone summer skin), then you need to get your hands on Clinique’s Even Better Essence Lotion ($37), which actually comes in different formulas for different skin types (dry, combo, etc.)

The formula is almost water-like but contains cucumber extracts and lightweight moisturizers that absorb almost instantly into the skin. You’ll forget that you applied it, but this lotion will relieve any immediate dryness and will hydrate your skin for the long run.

Clinique also says that it works to lighten any skin discolourations, and I have to say that it’s true, but don’t look for any miracles. Healthy skin always looks better, and this lotion will definitely get you on your way to healthy skin. Because it is so lightweight, it’s also less likely to clog pores and is not at all greasy.

Pick it up at Clinique counters.

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New Philosophy Time in a Bottle for Eyes

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Henna

Philosophy Time in a Bottle EyesTruth: I’m not much of an eye cream person, and it’s really too bad because when people find out that I “know” beauty, they always ask me for a good eye cream.  I just really don’t have dry skin under my eyes, and I realized a long time ago that the only remedy for bad under-eyes is to drink tons of water, get lots of sleep, exercise, and eat your veggies.  Most eye creams are too creamy for me, and I don’t love the idea of a product that’s exclusively for my eyes.

But serums?  Serums I can get behind.

Time in a Bottle for Eyes is an eye serum.

The entire Time in a Bottle for Eyes is based around the using vitamin C to brighten skin, and this eye serum is no different.  It is light and hydrating but over time it does brighten skin.

Will it get rid of dark eye circles?  NO!  If you’ve tried all the above, then it’s probably just genetics, and you – like me – can learn to love them.

But this serum will brighten skin in that it can gradually fade dark spots and sun damage revealing an overall brighter surface.

$65 at Sephora or TheBay.

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Essie Summer 2014

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Henna

Essie Summer 2014 collectionFashion always works in extremes, and if you want to wear the hottest nail colours this season, either you go with white (no colour) or you go with bright blues, greens, and oranges.

Essie delivers on both fronts with their Summer 2014 collection.

I’ll just get right to it and say that I’m all about the whites, and so I had to try Urban Jungle which is a pinkish off white. I have to say that on the first coat, I thought ugh… I don’t know about this, but thankfully, the second coat delivered full coverage and looked completely streak-free.

Essie Urban JungleI love the colour. White often looks too stark and bright, especially with a tan, but Urban Jungle has just enough of a tint in it to look pretty. It’s well-formulated and completely wearable. I do wish that there was just a little more pigment but as I said, the two coats look great.

All the colours in this collection are

  • Haute in the Heat: Hot guava
  • Roarrrrange: Bold orange
  • Strut Your Stuff: Cobalt aqua
  • Ruffles & Feathers: Peacock teal
  • Fierce, No Fear: Cocoa mahogany
  • Urban Jungle: Alabaster orchid

$10 each.

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New L’Occitane Frisson de Verveine Collection

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Henna

loccitane frisson de verveineVerbena is traditionally a grass found in India, but L’Occitane’s new Frisson de Verveine collection uses a version found in Provence.

I love Verbena because it does smell fresh, grassy, dry, and sort of herbal.

This version from Provence definitely smells different from the Indian variety. It is lush and lemony, while having hints of florals in it.

Of course, L’Occitane’s Frisson de Verveine line has more than just Verbena in it. With top notes of Lemon and Bergamot, and middle notes of Verbena and Cucumber, this has base notes of Musk and Cedarwood. The Musky Cedar notes come out last and are not as pronounced as the rest of the notes in this scent, but they’re there. The fragrance is entirely fresh and perfect for the summer – which is when I love to wear my Verbena fragrances.

The collection includes a shower gel ($22), body gel ($32), body mist ($12), bath salts, ice gel for legs and feet ($24), eau de toilette ($54) and a hand cream gel ($12).

If there’s one thing you get, let it be the shower gel. It smells amazing and is the perfect shower gel to use in the summer.

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Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Henna

Clinique CC Cream CompactI haven’t been into cream compacts too much because they usually give me more coverage than I need, but I am totally behind Clinique’s new Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact.

It got a “wow” from me right after I applied it!

The compact cream goes on so smooth, and that’s because of the emollients in it – it’s part of the “Moisture Surge” line so it’s moisturizing rather than being oil absorbing. That being said, it sets to a satin matte finish and just stays put on the skin.

So why the wow factor?

Well, it really does colour correct. One swipe and you can say goodbye to redness, dark spots, and an uneven skin tone. This compact does it all and makes your skin look amazing without giving it too much coverage. It’s light-weight and feels like nothing on your skin, and if you do want more coverage on problematic spots, just dip your finger into the compact, and dab on to areas that need more attention.

Also, it’s perfect for the summer because it has SPF 25.

Available in six shades, $42 at the Clinique counter.

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Valentino Uomo – New for Men

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Henna

Valentino UomoIf you’re not careful when choosing men’s fragrance, you run the risk of smelling very boring. Most men’s scents are nothing special – they smell lemony, fresh, and woodsy for the drydown.

Valentino Uomo is different, so much so that it stands out from most men’s perfumes.

First and last, there’s a strong hit of amber in this scent – like there would be in a women’s perfume, but definitely more rooted and rich, rather than being fruity or gourmand. The heart has coffee and hazelnut, and the base has cedar and leather. It’s a gorgeous rich scent, creamy and easy to wear, suited for spring or cooler weather, but totally wearable any time of year.

The scent comes in many forms:

Eau de Toilette Spray 50ml – $75
Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml – $95
After Shave Lotion – $65
Shower Gel – $38
Deodorant Stick – $32

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Win a Bottle of New Agent Provocateur Fatale Perfume

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Henna

AP_FINAL AD_VISUAL_SINGLE_TAGLINE_olAgent Provocateur has just launched a brand new scent called Fatale. Known for unique, pretty scents that are for the strong confident woman, Fatale is inspired by the 1940’s Femme Fatale. Watch any Hollywood Noir film and you’ll see that a femme fatale is known for acting low key but knowing the ins and outs of every situation anyway.

The scent is a floral with a twist. It has the main note of Gardenia which is sweetened by mango and also has notes of pink pepper and blackcurrant which give the scent a bit of spiciness. Musk, patchouli, and vanilla orchid make up the base of the scent, really grounding it and giving it a sexy kind of base – it’s something that Agent Provocateur is known for, and they really do make gorgeous scents.

Want a bottle for yourself?

Leave me a comment, or tweet me @CanadianBeauty and tell me your favourite perfume…or do both and you’ll be entered twice!

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