Avene Clean-Ac Moisturizer

Purchase: $24 @ London Drugs
Moisturizing: 10 out of 10
Non-Greasy: 8 out of 10

What it is formulated to do:
Non-greasy care that compensates for the irritating and drying effects of anti acne treatments and perfectly respects cutaneous sensitivity. Lipid restoring, moisturizing, soothing and anti irritating. Enables to offset undesirable effects and improve anti acne treatments compliance. (including VAT 23%)

My thoughts:
If you have very dry skin or are taking acutaine or any other hash anti-acne treatment this stuff is great! I have been using this on my dry areas during the winter and my skin has been able to keep fully moisturized all day long. Even the tiny flakes on my nose seem to disappear! The Clean-Ac is a very thick cream moisturizer so if you have oily skin, like me, I would not suggest this product. However, I don't find my face is any greaser from using it but I think the formula is just a bit to thick for my preference. I definitely think this is worth testing out so go to your local LD and ask for a sample!

Also, stay tuned for the February Monthly Contest!

How to cover up under eye circles:

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer Review

Hey everyone! So I just purchased some amazing gift packs from London Drugs!
First of all I purchased the Elizabeth Arden Blockbuster for only $20 ! Then I purchased a Biotherm Gift Pack worth $91 for only $30! Here is a brief glance at some things to come:

Today's Review:

Purchase: $30 @ Sephora
Packaging: 7 out of 10
Crease Resistant: 5 out of 10
Coverage: 9 out of 10

What it does: Developed specifically for use under and around the eye area. Secret Concealer's moisture-rich, emollient formula is specially designed for the dry, sensitive skin under the eye to conceal discoloration and dark circles.

My thoughts: Personally, I prefer sticks rather than pots when it comes to concealers, however, this stuff is so creamy I don't think it would be able to come in a stick form. This concealer has great coverage and blend-ability, however, I wasn't able to find a colour that perfectly matched my pale complexion so I picked up a tester in a darker shade which I was able to blend in nicely! What a great surprise! Because it is quite creamy, it does slide in to your crease area so be sure to set it with a very fine powder (like MAC's Prep + Prime Translucent Powder). Another tip is to let the concealer set for a few minutes and then re-blend out of the crease. This product did a great job at covering up my dark under eye circles and I also used it on my red acne spot. The coverage is fantastic! It is definitely a dual use product. The other great this is that it is so moist that it does not cake up around your eye area or dry out the sensitive skin. The bad thing about this is the price. Online it says it is $22 for both this and the Makeup forever concealer I reviewed the other day, but when transferred to Canadian Prices this stuff comes to $30 online and I even think it is $32 in stores! Ridiculously disappointing if you ask me.

Make Up Forever's Lift Concealer

Purchase: $24 @ Sephora
Concealing Power: 7.5 out of 10
Anti- Creasing: 4 out of 10

What it is formulated to do:

More than just a concealer! It contains tensine, an active ingredient with skin-firming properties for the eye area, and vitamins A and E, which regenerate the skin. This multi-purpose product also conceals specific, darker areas (brown spots, blotches, etc.) and can be used as a highlighter on the more prominent parts of the face (cheekbones, forehead, and chin) for added radiance.

My Description: I don't love this stuff. I find that it creases right after I apply it so I have to keep blending until it dries. Also, if I choose to set it, I have to set it with a very fine powder (Like MAC's Prime and Prep so that it doesn't look to cakey and dry. Also, it is a pretty thin liquid so I always apply it before applying my foundation in order to blend it properly and layer to appropriately cover my dark under eye circles. I also use it around the red part on my nose and on my acne scars. After using this, I have decided I prefer sticking with thicker concealers, especially for harsh colour differences in my skin caused by scarring and under-eye circles.

Purple Smokey Eye Tutorial!

This one is for my friend Karen who requested a smokey eye tutorial:



Unfortunately I didn't edit properly and left out the most important step in making that look a smokey eye:

After you have applied the eyeliner, use the pencil brush to brush over the area with the darkest colour (in my case it was the MAC Matte dark purple). Smudge the purple over the black with the brush and do the same on the lower lash line. From there, you can decide how far down you want the smudge to go.

Good luck and let me know if this helped at all! Next time I promise to show the ENTIRE thing! :P Practice makes perfect, right?

How to apply eye primer....

If you haven't discovered a Makeup artists best kept secret yet, you are about to. Eye Primer Lotion is THE best product to help keep eye makeup in mint condition all day and night. So far, my favourites are Urban Decay's Primer Potion in Original, and Lorac's Eyeshadow Primer.  You may have herd the age old trick to apply concealer or foundation to your eyelid before applying your makeup, however, an eye primer works much better and prevents the makeup from creasing (where as concealer and foundation is thick and may crease your makeup).

One of the issues I have had with eye primers, however, are that they are sometimes tricky to apply. Often, I will get clumps of it stuck near the corner of my eye or on my lower lid.

So here is the tricks:

a) Begin by applying the primer to the outer corner of your eye and then smoothing it towards the inner corner. By the time it gets to the inner corner it will have smoothed out and will not clump.
b) You can apply the primer all over the lid (all the way  up to the eye brow) or just above the crease (where most of your colour goes).
c) USE YOUR FINGER! I have found that using my finger is the fastest and easiest way to apply the cream. Do not use the wand the product may come with as it will apply too much product to the lid.
d) Only apply a SMALL amount to the lid, the more you put on, the more chance you have of clumping or creasing. The product should literally disappear into your eyelid and become invisible.

I hope this helps! Feel free to pick up some amazing samples of eye primers at your local MAC or Sephora stores!
Take care!

Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

Purchase: Aprox $24 @ Sephora
Long Lasting: 10 out of 10
Crease resistant: 9 out of 10
Application: 7 out of 10

This stuff is comparable to Urban Decay's Eye Primer. However, even though it states it is crease resistant, I have found this is not true. Moreover, it goes on a bit thicker so you may notice some skin-coloured flaking or clumping, especially in the inner eye area near your nose. In the end, I still prefer UD to this but it is definitely worth a try so pick up a sample at your local Sephora!

Don't say I didn't warn yah!

CAUTION: ATTENTION ALL READERS WHO USE ACNE CARE PRODUCTS:

Every wonder why some of your towels have bleach spots on them? Or why some of your clothes do as well? Well if you didn't know already, Benzoyl Peroxide is the problem. Just like the name, the Peroxide in the creme is what bleaches your clothes so make sure you have a special face drying towel that you don't mind getting bleached. I often use my white towels or the ones I have already stained. You may also notice stains on your pillow case because of this, so again, I would suggest using a white pillow case when you put the creme on at night. Benzoyl Peroxide is still one of my favourite topical cremes for acne spots as it usually takes only about three days to get rid of the blemish. Also, make sure to wash your hands directly after application as not to accidentally white your hands on your clothing and stain them. 

I hope this was a helpful tip for you all! 

The sun is shining where I am and I can't wait to get a bunch of things done today and start on my new diet! I plan on losing 10-20 pounds with this book:

I'll be sure to try to keep you all updated on my progress! Also, if you are interested in any other tips about losing weight, one of my favourite blogstresses Marlena at Makeup Geek has posted her story!

A quick and easy eye makeup tutorial...

My first Eye Makeup Tutorial! I still need to work on the lighting factor but here is a quick and easy eye makeup look! Check it out:

Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Face Tonic

Purchase: Aprox $34 @ Sephora

Formulated with plant and citrus extracts, this facial tonic is meant to make your skill feel immediately awakened. It is a non-drying yet gentle astringent which can be used as a quick, one step, cleaner.

I have to say, this stuff stinks! I really did not like the smell of it at all and would never purchase it again just because of the odour. Also, I don't agree that this is a 'one step' cleanser because when I used it I had to put on a lot in order for it to really work in to skin and remove any excess makeup.

Also, the price is just not right if you ask me and it isn't even organic or all natural even though it is made from plant extracts!

Here is what I learned: Make sure to smell all products before you purchase as some have a surprising odour to them! Just like hair products, always sample the smell, or even better, sample the product, before purchasing.

Finally got myself a new Camera!

Canon G12

• 10 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, 2.8-inch huge LCD
• HS System for ultra high image quality even in low light!
• HD Movie with Stereo Sound
• 5x zoom with Hybrid IS and Tracking AF
• Vari-Angle LCD Screen
• RAW Image Shooting/EOS Compatibility

Isn't she a BUTE!? I am so excited! It has a flip screen so I can start doing my eye makeup tutorials! I think I am going to start by doing a bunch of 'basic' eye makeup tutorials for all you starters out there. And then, I am going to work my way up to doing some fun/crazy eyes!

I am so excited to post my FIRST HD VIDEO! I'll probably work on it on Saturday so I'll have it up by Saturday evening so STAY TUNED!

Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion- Brightening

Purchase: Aprox $35 @ Sephora
Brightening: 6 out of 10

I really didn't enjoy wearing this stuff. It felt very sticky, kind of like I was putting aloe vera all over my face. I also didn't notice any instant brightening of my skin, other than it was a bit shiny because of the gel-like lotion. I really don't think this product is worth the money but you can always try it for yourself by asking for a tester.

Korres Abyssinia oil mascara volumizing/strengthening

Purchase: Aprox $23 @ Sephora
Separating: 10 out of 10
Volumizing: 8 out of 10

This stuff really grew on me. I received it as a sample size and have been using it for longer than the recommended 3 months (not every day, of course) and like it promotes on the label, it still hasn't gotten clumpy! Imagine that! If you are looking for volume and separation, this is definitely for you. It comes in a range of colours as well so you have your pick! I have been using it in dark brown and I really like the way my lashes look. However, I don't think this is the best volumizing mascara so if you have thin, weak lashes, I would look for something else.  Also, it is really pricey so I wouldn't really recommend purchasing it unless you have tried out out before and really like it OR you have that kind of money to spend!

Xmas 2010 Video Log Makeup Haul

I got tons of amazing makeup this year! I forgot to mention my NARS blush in Orgams (which is a cult classic) and my Makeup Forever Lift Concealer! I'll be sure to do a review on these sometime this month!

December Contest Winner Announcement....

And the lucky winner is..... Jess!
We would like to thank everyone who entered this months contest and a special thank you to Jess for 'Following' the blog!
Keep checking back for more details on the January Contest!

Also, this year, I plan on having a few 'how to' videos posted. The first set will be a bunch of different smokey eye looks that you can do easily yourself!

Happy New Year!