The Balm Haul - Hautelook

                     

          I was so excited when the Balm was on Hautelook, after I placed my order I wished I had ordered a few more things. 

                                             

Time Balm Flawless Face Primer $30 Hautelook Price $15

            I am always looking to try more primers especially when I can get them for half off. This is a clear primer similar in formula to the Smashbox primers and as such I was not expecting to like it very much. I am happy to say I am wrong, I noticed a huge difference in the appearance and size of pores and find myself reaching for this over my Clinique primer. It does well with my oily skin and I would recommend it to anyone looking into purchasing it but my primer search is not finished. I would buy this in a second if it was on Hautelook again. 

                       

Autobalm California Face Palette $18 Hautelook price: $10

            How cute is this little palette? The drivers license is actually a sleeve the fits over the palette, making it perfect to toss in your purse. There is a decent mirror, a blush, highlighter/shadow, brow/crease shade and a lid/liner shade. I have used this little palette to create complete looks and have not had any desire to use any other product. I especially love the blush and the How 'Bout Them Apples Lip and Cheek Cream Palette is not on my wish list. Check out the swatches below.

                        

                        

Time Balm Concealer in Light $18 Hautlook Price $10

           I had meant to order this in Lighter than Light but this shade is still light enough for me. I added this to my cart as an afterthought but I have really been loving it. I have used it to cover up some redness and imperfections then just used some powder for light coverage and I am out the door. It just blends like a dream and is certainly a full coverage concealer. My only issue is that it is not compatible with some of my foundations and as the day kills my makeup you can see where the concealer is underneath my foundation.

                              

The Balm Girl Lipstick in Mia Moore

            First, the packaging is adorable, very retro and classic. Second it is the perfect red lipstick, it doesn't make my teeth look yellow, it dries to a sort of satin matte look without over drying my lips and lasts for hours. Even through two cups of tea and a muffin! It isn't an all day wear but once it does start to wear off it does so somewhat evenly, not completely but more so than a lot of other dark lipsticks. 

                              

            I am very pleased with everything I have tried from the Balm, I have also received sample of eyeshadow, the Mary Loumanizer and a Frat Boy Blush. I already know I will go a little crazy next time it is on Hautelook.

                                                     Thanks for reading!

                                                                   A.

                                                      @dirty_cupcake

Top 5 - September and October 2015

**UNFAVORITE: Blogger will not let me format things to stay centered and it is severely pissing my off. ***

          This favourites post is pretty Clinique heavy, if you want to read about some more Clinique products check this out. The background is a bonus favourite item, it is an electric blanket that Beast got me from Walmart and it is AMAZING. I love fuzzy couch blankets and one that heats up can only be better. My cats also love it and at night I have two companions close by snuggling up to the warm.

Clinique Stay-Matte Oil Free Makeup in 02 Alabaster (VF-N) 

          I can say without hesitation that this is my favourite foundation to date and I have tried a foolish number of foundations. If you have oily skin give this a try. My t-zone does still get shiny but the makeup does not separate and it holds up well if I blot throughout the day. My makeup looks matte much longer then with any other foundation I have ever used. I was concerned about the colour range as this was one of the two palest shades and I did not think it would work for me. I had a woman at Shoppers colour match me and I decided to give it a shot. As long as I make sure to blend well it works perfectly. I would say this is right in the middle of drugstore vs high end makeup at about $30. I am not used up my first tube so my opinion may change but I hope this love stays true.

Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in 01 Stay Buff (VF)

           Since I love the foundation so much it only seemed natural that I would love the powder and that is exactly the case. It does a great job of absorbing oil and keeping my skin shine free for hours longer then other powders. I don't carry it in my purse but I imagine it would be perfect for touch up when the oil starts to shine through. The green, marbled packaging is also gorgeous. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black

          I got this as part of a gift with purchase from Sears and am a big fan. It lengthens, gives enough volume that it's not too much for everyday and does not flake or smudge. I use other mascaras I have and always come back to this one. 

L'Oreal Pop Balm in 518 Tender Mauve 

          I bought this and quickly went back to the store to buy five more L'Oreal Balm products. For a full review click here.

The Balm, Balm Girls Lipstick in Mia Moore 

          The Balm was recently on Hautelook and I picked up a few things. I am in the process of doing a review but I could not wait to talk about this lipstick. First, the packaging is adorable, very retro and classic. Second it is the perfect red lipstick, it doesn't make my teeth look yellow, it dries to a sort of satin matte look without over drying my lips and lasts for hours. Even through two cups of tea and a muffin! It isn't an all day wear but once it does start to wear off it does so somewhat evenly, not completely but more so than a lot of other dark lipsticks. 

          I really love all these products and have been talking about them to anyone that will listen. I've gotten numerous compliments on my foundation and the Mia Moore lipstick since I bought them. 

Thanks for reading!

A. 

@dirty_cupcake 

Check out my last favourites post. 

L'Oréal Pop Balm Collection Review + Bonus Nude Balm and Colour Riche

          I picked up one of the L'Oreal Pop Balm lip products as pick me up after a rough day and within the week I picked up three more and then a Nude Balm and Colour Riche Balm. I found them for a couple different prices but they were all under $10.

          I now own 518 Tender Mauve , 430 Fiery Red, 410 Wild Lily, 440 Electric Pink, from the Nude Balm line 318 Heavenly Berry, and from the Colour Riche line 819 Caramel Comfort. 

          The first swatch of each colour is one swipe and the second is with it built up a little bit. 

          The bottom swatches here are the originally swatches of Electric Pink and Heavenly Berry. At first I was disappointed because the pigmentation was so lacking but then I twisted up the product to see the tip was discoloured and dried out. I used a card to slice off the top portion and got the top swatches. I bought these two at Walmart and the rest at Shoppers so I think it is more of a commentary on the product control or whatever at Walmart then on L'Oreal. 

          The first one I bought was Tender Mauve and I loved it enough to go buy the whole Pop Balm collection. It really feels like a balm and moisturizers like one as well. I am a huge fan of lip products but not of maintaining the look throughout the day. With these you get a wash of colour that moisturizers, goes on like butter and you don't even need a mirror to apply. I get the most use out of Tender Mauve, Fiery Red and Caramel Comfort. I am ecstatic that I found a nude lip colour I am comfortable wearing. In writing this I realized I haven't really used Heavenly Berry so I will have to dig that one out (to return it and then get a new one). The other colours will be put into my lipstick organizer and come back out in the spring/summer. Overall I am a big fan of this line and will be looking into the Nude Balm and Colour Riche lines some more once my Christmas Shopping is done. 

Thanks for reading!

A.

Check out some other reviews! 

PS I do not know why the formatting is so off on this but it just wont fix.

          

Empties #6 Summer/Fall 2015

            I am the worst at empties posts, I love using them up but just never manage to get the posts up. 

          An empties post would not be complete without Bath and Body Works, I love the three wick candles, they are just so strongly scented and burn so nicely. I used up Summer Boardwalk that smelled like caramel and candy, Fresh Water and Sea Salt that was just such a nice, fresh scent and Twisted Peppermint that was a very strong and lovely peppermint scent. I will be looking for another Twisted Peppermint when they bring out the winter scents. The two foaming hand soaps are Honolulu Sun that was a very tropical, coconut type scent and Sunshine & Lemons that is a perfect kitchen soap.

           I used up two different face wipes, neither was amazing but the Quo ones were decent for make up removing. For a review of the Clinique Acne Solutions Foaming Cleanser and Clarifying Lotion read this post.

          I am all about exfoliating and used up two body scrubs the top one was not my favourite, it was very oily and did not rinse very well. The Bonjour Jolie Organic Body Scrub was lovely, the scent was amazing! I do not enjoy most Pina Colada Scents as they just smell so chemically but this smelled like the actual drink. This scrub was also oily but it was a lot easier to rinse off.

          I love the Mitchell and Peach lotion, it just felt so luxurious and I am sad to see it go. That is not the case with the Jergens Soothing Aloe Relief lotion, I just was not a fan and decided it was just taking up space. I found it did not absorb well and just did not moisturize well enough to make up for that. 

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          I was not expecting much from the Well People Mascara as it was all natural and I had never used a mascara with only natural ingredients. I ended up really liking it, my lashes were long and it did not smudge or flake. This is an excellent mascara for everyday use. The packaging gets very dirty and is impossible to clean off. The Maybelline Fit Me concealer is something I have repurchased a couple times and really enjoy it. The next item I have had for a disgusting amount of time, it is a loose shadow from La Senza that I was given by a friend when I first started wearing makeup in university. It was well past time for it to go. I used a set of Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels from Skyn Iceland that I received from Birchbox I think. I am not super excited when I get these in a subscription box but they are a fun pampering item.

          I am so glad to use up some hair care items since I have SOOOO many different items. The first is a sample of No 4 Clarifying Shampoo, I loved this little guy. It was from Birchbox I believe. It took all the styling buildup off my hair and smelled amazing, the only downfall was that it was quite difficult to lather, Another Birchbox sample is Fekkai Shampoo, I have tried other items from this brand and have never been impressed. This shampoo was OK but I would not purchase it. This seems to be a theme but the 12 Benefits is another Birchbox sample, it is supposed to be all kinds of helpful and just a general conditioner and hair treatment. I liked it well enough but I doubt I would buy it, I also have another sample of it that I keep in my desk at work for bad hair days or static. I have bought a few bottles of the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Conditioner, it is my usual summer conditioner as I just wash my hair and let it dry for the beachy waves look. I will buy this again once it is warm enough to walk out the door with damp hair.

          I occasionally get a single box from Little Life Box and one of the items I received was this Pure laundry soap that is a more natural option and I really liked it. It was just as effective as my normal soap and had a great light scent to it. If I saw this in store I would switch to using this exclusively. I also used up two little bottles of cleanser for gel polish, I would say I preferred the Quo one, it just seemed to work a little better. I also used up some supplements the CLK was a metabolism booster that I did not find did much for me but I also did not use it as it was directed so I can not really say anything about it. I used up my GNC Women's Ultra Mega Energy and Metabolism vitamins. 

          Hopefully I can be better about posting empties, judging by my basket of empties I should get working on another post soon.

Thanks for reading!

A.

Check out my last empties post!

Ipsy - October 2015

          I haven't been excited about my last few Ipsy bags but this month I was really looking forward to my bag. I also redeemed for a points item that I can not wait to try out. 

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

          I used some of my points to get this little guy and I am pretty excited about it. I love any kind of scrub and while I haven't tried it out yet it seems like it is pretty abrasive and that is perfect for me. The scrubby bits are very natural feeling, like apricot seeds. 

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Full size: $24 Sample Value: $1.60

           Every Ipster received this sample or a Meet Matt(e) Huges lip product in their bag. I always want to try new lip products but am happy I received the Mary-Lou Manizer as it is just one of the beauty products you always hear about. My highlighter game is weak but I love this, it is just a beautiful pale gold shimmer that also makes a beautiful eyeshadow. Swatched below. 

Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy  Full Size: $23 Sample Value: $4.33

          I am always excited to see a Tarte product in any subscription box, especially a lip product. This is one of those lip glosses that is supposed to react with your skins PH to make the perfect colour or some such witchcraft. Additionally this gloss is supposed to hydrate and fill in fine lines. I am sure to use this but I am not loosing my mind over it. I have a hard time finding light pink lip colours but this one does look nice. Swatched below. 

Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum  Full Size: $23.99  Sample Value: $17.74

          Another thing I love to see are skin care items. I have tried a few items from this brand and enjoyed each of them. Normally Ipsy sends me skin care items that are pretty well suited for my oily skin but this sample is for normal to dry skin. I will still be giving it a try but it is something I'll only wear at night or on days I am just sticking close to home. I tried it out quickly on the back or my hand and it does seem exceptionally moisturizing. 

Ayres Hand Cream in Pampas Sunrise Full Size: $12.50 Sample Value: $6.25

         Yet again a brand I love! I had gotten another lotion quite a few bags ago and have been rationing it out so it lasts as long as possible. This absorbs so fast, no greasiness even for a second. The scent is described as: "Lemongrass, mandarin, bergamot, patchouli and spearmint will awaken your senses, while an exotic background of cedar wood releases a musky scent." Well. There is an awful lot going on in there.  The scent is an Ipsy exclusive and I don't dislike the scent but it isn't something I would choose for myself.

Coastal Scents Xpress Line in 01 Black $2.95

          I am always looking to try out new black eyeliners. This one is awful. It smudges like it is its job (see below) and pulls when you apply it. I will probably just toss this. 

Total Value: $32.88

         Not a huge value but I am happy to play with all these items and love all of the brands in my bag. 

Thanks for reading 

A. 

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Bonjour Jolie - October 2015

           Bonjour Jolie is a period subscription box that sends you a customizable combination of pads, tampons, liners and/or menstrual cups along with snacks, teas, pampering items and a gift. 

          I am not sure what is going on with this subscription, last month it arrived at the end of the month but this month it came mid-month. Also I do not always get the Midol and heating pads I added to my subscription. Maybe since I added them when I bought a three month recurring subscription I only get them in the first box of the renewed three month subscription. I do not know but what I do know is that I love this box all the same. I never have to think about if I have enough period supplies and get some fun little treats and gifts as well.

           This is my October box and I love the Halloween feel. The Theme is "At last, Chocolate" Can't argue with that. 

   

     The least exciting part but the point of the box is period supplies. I have way too many tampons and pads now so I think I am going to switch to full boxes so they are easier to store. 

          I love the cute Halloween snacks! We have some Russel Stover Chocolate Pumpkins, Das Foods Caramel Lollipops, Flips Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Goetz Chocolate Creams, and a mini Rice Crispy Treat and strawberry waffers that are not listed on the card. You can't go wrong with Russel Stover and these pumpkins were amazing, especially the salted Caramel. The suckers were just perfect sea salt caramel flavour. 

          I am all about tea now that it is chilly enough for hot liquids. At home I use loose tea but the tea bags I get from this subscription go right to my desk at work and make for great mid-afternoon pick me ups. This company has a cute story on the card. Apparently in 1942 New York Ruth Bigelow was a housewife that made tea so delicious that her friends soon began buying it from her. The same family owns the company and operated the only tea plantation still open in the USA.

          The gift: We got a makeup item for the second month in a row and that works for me. We received Tat2Lash Mascara ($16) It is a decent mascara, lengthening without clumping and does not smudge as the day goes on. Nothing life changing but I will certainly use it.

         

           Pampering: As usual we have super handy Advil packets and some cleansing cloths to keep your business fresh. We also received two items from the Gilchrist and Soames BeeKind Collection ($4) At first I was not thrilled with the packaging but after I picked them I realized that the cardboard containers were quite thick and on the back it says that the packaging is a 92% reduction in waste compared to plastic. I have yet to use the shower gel but the body lotion is lovely. The lotion absorbs almost immediately without any stickiness, leaves a very light scent. I really like this lotion but I have so many subscription boxes I will never need to purchase lotion for as long as I live. A portion of the proceeds from sales of those products go to support honey bee and sustainable pollination research. 

         
          The value of this box without the period supplies is about $28 and with a three month subscription I pay about $22 a month. Well worth it in my opinion.

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

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Clinique Haul and Review

           I have begun a serious Clinique obsession. It started when I purchased the Acne Clearing 3-Step System and the Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment. Then I picked up the Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup, after I fell in love with that I decided to try the Stay-Matte Oil-Free Pressed Powder. When I went to Sears to purchase it I was told if I pre-orded it and came back to pick it up in a week I would get a sample kit worth $85. How could I pass that up? When I went in to pick up my item and gift I decided to purchase the Universal Primer as well so I actually ended up with two sample kits. I have been able to try each of these products and thought I would share my thoughts on each one.

Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup in 02 Alabaster (VF-N) $31

          I have been trying to find a foundation that works on my oily skin for such a long time and this is the best out of the dozens I have tried. It is oil-controling, absorbs shine and mattifies for all day wear. I would say this is medium coverage but feels so light that I barely feel like I am wearing any foundation at all and it looks natural, not like you have slathered it on. The main problem that I have with most foundations besides oil and shine showing through is that it separates and moves around my face. With the Stay-Matte oil and shine do show through eventually but the foundation does not separate as quickly and it is less disturbed by blotting. My one issue is that I had a really hard time finding a colour match, I ended up having a Boutique worker at Shoppers colour match me to 02 Alabaster which if I build it up too much it is still a little too dark. Overall I am a huge fan of this foundation ansd I will be replacing it when I run out. As I began using this daily I decided I wanted to try both a primer and powder from Clinique to complete my foundation routine.

Superprimer Universal Face Primer  $33
           I was hopping that there would be a primer in the Stay-Matte line specifically for oily skin but no such luck. I decided I would at least give the Superprimer Universal Face Primer a try since it did say that it was for all skin types. The first time I used this I was shocked at how flawless my foundation went on. I am still in the trial stages of testing out this primer but I can say that it is much better then the ones I have tried out so far including the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and the Pore Minimizing version as well as cheaper. I am holding out hope that Clinique will add a primer to the Stay-Matte line.

Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in 01 Stay Buff (VF) $31

           Skipping powder to set my foundation is not an option. I have found a couple drugstore options that work well enough but they do not compare to this powder. I have only used this a handful of times so I am not committed to it yet but as of this moment I see myself repurchasing it as it really does help control shine and oil above and beyond what the Stay-Matte foundation does for me.

Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser $25 for 150ml

          This cleanser is so creamy and gentle. I have tried a number of Clinique cleansers and this one is an excellent formula. It does not dry my skin out but still effectively removes makeup and cleanses. I have been using the Acne Solutions Foaming Facewash but since I do not have what I would consider acne prone skin it is a little too strong so I am glad to have another cleanser to alternate with.

Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer $46 for 1.7oz

           This lotion is supposed to reveal brighter and smoother skin while you sleep. I can not speak to the long term effects but the next day my skin felt moisturized without being overly oily. I use the Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment when my skin is dry but it is too much for every night. This one is more of a nightly lotion. 

Rinse-off Eye Makeup Solvent $23 for 125ml

           This little guy missed the main photo shoot but was part of the sample kit. I am not normally a huge fan of eye makeup solvents or removers and prefer to use cleansing oils to remove my make up but this is an excellent product. It took all my makeup off brows to lashes without stinging or leaving any oiliness behind. There is not really any scent either. The first time I used it the skin around my eyes were red for about ten minutes after use but there was no pain or dryness and it did not happen after using it the second time. I have two of these and two bottles of cleansing oil to go through but I would consider picking this up if I was to buy a makeup remover. 

Calyx Perfume $65 for 50ml

            I am not a fan of this perfume at all. If I can not find someone who wants it I am going to toss it out. The description on the Clinique website:

"An exhilarating scent that is sparkling and fresh. Energizing and audacious, it uplifts the mood and is ideal for the fragrance connoisseur who appreciates the fresh distinction of this unique and highly acclaimed scent."

High Impact Mascara in 01 Black $21 for full sized

            I love this mascara, it gives my lashes some volume, makes them look twice as long and no matter how many coats it piled on there were no clumps, just long, thick, defined lashes. If it gave a little more volume it would be perfect. It lasted all day and night without smudging or flaking. 

Long Last Glosswear in Clearly Pink and Juicy Apple $20 for full size

          Since I got two sample bags I was able to get both shades of this gloss. There are 18 shades that range from sheer coverage to "full intensity". I was not sure about this gloss as it goes on quite thick but it is not sticky at all and lasts for hours. I have never had such a shiny gloss that also moisturizes. 

          Other than the perfume sample I am thrilled with the products I have tried from Clinique. The primer and powder have some more trials to go through but my first impressions are quite favourable. The next products I want to try are the Cheek Pop blush and Lip Pop lip colour and primer. I will also keep hoping for a Stay-Matte primer.

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Review + Bonus Moisture Surge Overnight Mask Review