'Arab' inspired makeup contest entry...

So I wanted to try out an Arabian enspired eye makeup look to enter a contest at http://www.makeupgeek.com and I actually ended up liking it so had to take pictures of it! Unfortunately, it was just a test run so I hadn't put on any foundation/coverup so my skin looks terrible :( But here are some pictures anyway! Tell me what you think... I know I need to work on my blending a lot more though, any brush suggestions or videos I should watch?

Happy Boxing Day Shopping Everyone!

I sure hope everyone's holiday was filled with family, friends and lots of fun! In the next couple of days I am going to do a quick video blog of the amazing haul of makeup I received this Xmas! Such a lucky girl I am!

Today I have two things for you, a product review and a dupe warning!

The Dupes:

MAC's Zangy vs. MACs Electric Eel
They are both a bright blue colour and are almost exactly the same! Zany is SLIGHTLY lighter than Electric Eel but you won't need both so make sure not to go overboard on Boxing day!

Product Review:

Price: Aprox $20 @ Sephora

Removing Power: 9.5 out of 10

Product application: 7 out of 10

Product removal: 3 out of 10

Packaging: 5 out of 10

I know that it says 'rinse-off' on the very front of the bottle but I am not the only one who could not read the light white writing on the clear packaging! This formula works GREAT! In fact, it works even better than my Lancome eye-makeup remover... HOWEVER, you have to RINSE this off which can be very inconvenient if someone else is in the bathroom and you have all your makeup supplies/vanity in another room. Also, if you forget, it tends to burn your eyes! A friend of mine and I were discussing yesterday how it burned and then I went to Sephora and a woman working their told us we had to rinse if off.... way to read the bottle ladies. So, if you purchase this, make sure to rinse it off or it might cause all the area around your eye to burn. I especially noticed this when I put on my eye moisturizer...  There is also a Clinique no-rinse formula in a purple bottle that might be a better choice than this but I have yet to try it out. 

And don't forget to enter our December Contest for a chance to win a FULL SIZED ROC 3 in 1 toner/eyemakup remover/cleanser! The entire package is worth up to $50 in samples and full sized products!

Happy Shopping Ladies and Gents! 

xox

Makeup shoot #1

So I am trying to create a composite card for my MAC Pro card and I just finished my first shoot today! I'm still waiting for my boyfriend to photoshop them for me but here are the raw photos. Let me know what you think. There are also more available on the Fan Page so check them out and vote for your favourite!

Face: 

Clinique 02 Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation

Clinique all about eyes concealer

Mac Prime + Prep on the T-Zone and under eye

Eyes:

Inner corner: Sephora Aspin Summer N23

Lid: Dior shimmery gray in the Extanse Pinks Pallet

Outer V: Rimmel Black Eyeshadow with NYX Morocco over top

Under eye: Too Faced Purple eyeliner with NYX Morocco over top

Upper Lid: MAC Brule eyeshadow (for blending as well)

I also have some exciting news! I just found where I can buy NYX! I see it on all the blogs these days and they are cheap and affordable with very pigmented colours but I couldn't find it in Canada until I realized they sell it at Pharmasave! Currently the one on Hillside has them for 20% off so I scored BIG! I suggest you check out the colours, they have a great selection and remind me a lot of the MAC products.  However, the sales ladies weren't so great there. One lady just stood and watched as Amanda and I searched through everything and didn't ask if we needed help, I assumed she thought we might steal them or something. Not very polite if you ask me!

Don't forget to enter our DECEMBER CONTEST for an amazing full sized product plus a lot of samples!

Cover Girl 'outlast' eyeliner

Staying power: 7 out of 10
Colour: 8 out of 10
Purchase: $7.99 @ London Drugs

This stuff does not live up to its name! 'Outlast'?? Not really. It doesn't seem to last any longer than any other eyeliner I have tried (so far). I still think that the M.A.C. paint pot is the best long-lasting eyeliner out there. I also think you would have better luck with any liquid eye-liner.

Mascara...

If you are like me, you know that having gorgeous eyelashes is a part of having a gorgeous face.... unfortunately, I have very thin long blonde lashes that disappear when I put on my eye makeup. Here are my favourite mascaras:


Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara

Volumizing effect: 7 out of 10
Lengthening effect: 8.5 out of 10
Definition: 10 out of 10
Purchase: $19 US @ Sephora


I loved this stuff! Even after having it for over three months it still does not clump! Amazing! I am usually looking for a volumizing mascara because I already have long eyelashes. This stuff is great though and it gives me great definition and colour. Unfortunately, it is pretty pricey stuff :(


Sephora Collection Lash Plumper Mascara

Volumizing effect: 8 out of 10
Lengthening effect: 8.5 out of 10
Definition: 10 out of 10
Purchase: $14 US @ Sephora

After comparing both this and the DNA mascara I realized this does the exact same thing for less! It is great stuff! No clumping! However, I have found better volumizing mascaras in the past (will comment on later) but it definitely gives me long, defined, dramatic lashes.

Todays topic: Everyday Eyeware

Lancome Bi-Facial Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover 125mL
Its claims:
- for sensitive eyes
- removes waterproof mascara

Purchase: $34 at London Drugs
Oiliness: 7 out of 10 (10 being the most oily)
Greasiness: 2 out of 10 (10 being the greasiest)
Remover Quality: 7 out of 10
Frequency of use: Every Day
Duration of use: at least a year

So far this is my eye makeup remover of choice. On the web page it says it is 'non oily' but in my opinion it is still very sleek and leaves some oily film on my skin. However, the film does dry fairly quickly but be sure to make sure it is all off before applying eye makeup. You have to shake it before each use because there is two parts oil to one part active ingredients. It does take off most eye makeup except I have one very tough mascara it refuses to take off in even two separate tries (Once at night and once in the morning). It usually takes a total of 2-5 to take off stubborn mascara. If anyone has some suggestions on a better eye makeup remover I am all ears!


Tarte 4 day stay lash stain

Purchase: Sephora.com
Staying power: 7 out of 10
Colour: 10 out of 10
Volume building: 5 out of 10
Lengthening: 4 out of 10

This is the 'stubborn mascara' I spoke about in the above post. If I wash it off at night with my normal face cleaner and eye makeup remover at both night and day, it usually comes off. I personally don't like this mascara because I hate the feeling of clumps on my eyelashes left over from the night before. I am also a contact wearer and it irritated my eyes a bit the next morning.


M.A.C. Cosmetics Eye Shadow

Purchase: $17.50 at maccosmetics.ca
Staying power: 9 out of 10
Colour Intensity: 9 out of 10

In order to achieve the deepest colour, like most eyeshadows, you need to layer the eyeshadow. This eyeshadow is the best eyeshadow I have tested. You can use it with both your finger or brushes. I personally feel that in order to achieve the darkest tint of the eyeshadow using your finger works best. The oils from your finger (although they should be clean before you use them on your eyes) mixes with the shadow and makes for a deeper colour. I even have yellow and it goes on fairly opaque with just one application!