Favourites January 2016

              I do not have the best track record with monthly favourites, I can not remember the last one I posted but I hope to do better this year and at least get one up every other month. I do not want to put up a favourites post if I don't really love the products. These products I love madly. 

Avene Cold Cream Lip Cream

            I have had the worst dry, chapped lips. I have been scrubbing them raw and using every lip balm I have but nothing has worked at all. I got fed up and during my lunch I marched over to Shoppers and asked the Beautique lady for the best lip healing treatment they had. She delivered. This has saved my lips, it is meant for severe dryness and made with cold cream to seriously moisturize and hydrate. This is not something I would use if my lips were in their normal shape, it is clearly meant for deep repair. I use it twice a day and before bed and my lips are in much better condition. I can wear matte lipstick again!

Dr. Jart+ Pore Master Patch 

            I just grabbed this on my way to the checkout at Sephora. I wanted to try it after I used the hydrogel mask I got in my Birchbox and it was amazing. This is a two step process, the first is similar to those awful Biore strips you rip off your nose but way more gentle. As disgusting as it is there are few things as satisfying as ripping junk out of your pores, I am not ashamed to admit that. Step two is a wet patch that contains serum to tighten and firm. I would prefer of the second match was more of a blackhead dissolving serum but it was still a great combo.

Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Liner 

             LIFE CHANGING! This product is absolutely life changing, I am the worst at liquid eyeliner. I gave away all the liquid eyeliner I had because I just could not get a straight line on my upper lid to save my life. The only times I managed it took me far too long. The ergonomic design of this eyeliner makes is so easy to get a straight line, no skipping. Luckily the formula is also amazing; pigmented, glides on smoothly, doesn't smudge, feather or transfer. I just can not say enough wonderful things about this product, if you struggle with liquid liner pick up this gem.

Covergirl Oh sugar! Vitamin Infused Lip Balm

             This is another lip product that has helped my poor dry lips. It is a seriously delicious scented lip balm with oils and vitamins to moisturize your lips. I have the colour Caramel and the formula is very sheer, you really wont get a lot of colour from these but that means you can apply it more often. This might be the first lip product I use all up. I use this instead of regular lipstick when my lips are dry so I still feel like I am wearing some colour.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser

            I got this as a sample from the Bonjour Jolie Mystery Box and fell in love with it. It is so creamy and lathers for a surprisingly gentle but effective clean. My face was left feeling so soft and soothed, moisturized without any residue or film left behind. I am in the need to a new cleanser and I will be picking this one up.

          Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

Bonjour Jolie Super Fabulous Fall Mystery Box 2015

           Oh the saga that was this box. When I purchased this box the email stated they would ship out the end of October 2015. Mine arrived at the end of December. I had to contact Bonjour Jolie at least five times about shipping and after they finally understood I was not talking about my normal monthly box they eventually sent out a second box.

           There were a few different boxes you could choose from at different price points. I chose the:

                      NEW!  $30 Super Fabulous Fall Mystery Box:

• 2 Full Size Beauty Items (valued at $16 each or higher)
• 2 Mystery Jewelry Items
• 2-3 Sample Pampering Items
• Variety bag of Teas
• Variety of Sweets

        There was a TON of stuff in this box, I just kept pulling things out like it was never going to end.

           I love apple cider so I was excited to see so many packets, I would have preferred more original than pumpkin flavored but they are both yummy. Two full chocolate bars are not a bad deal at all, I gave these to Beast as I have had enough Kit Kats to last a lifetime. The peppermint bark protein bars, on the other hand, went right into my purse and they were amazing! They just tasted like candy bars.

             The quality of the jewelry from Bonjour Jolie is not always amazing but it is usually pretty cute. I had gotten a black version of the wooden bracelet and wished I had gotten brown instead so that worked out. I already received the little starfish necklace in a previous box which is bound to happen so this will go to my friends daughter. The gold necklace is cute, I don't wear a lot of gold jewelry but I will keep this for the rare occasion my outfit calls for it. The little snowflake earring are super cute and sparkly, I likely wont wear them very often but they would be great for a holiday party or an ugly sweater party. I don't know why but I was really excited for the little gold pouch from Victoria Secret. I use it to keep a lipstick and balm in so I can just grab it when I go to the bathroom and do a touch up. 

          These are all skin care samples and include a lemon face scrub (love), a face mask, lip mask, eye cream, face oil, sunscreen and a Evelyn and Crabtree lotion that smells amazing. I think there is a perfume sample in there as well.

         There was quite a bit of makeup in this box, jasmine body lotion, hair shine spray, concealer samples, mascara, Burt's Bee's lip gloss, loose pigment eyeshadow, Laqa & Co lip and cheek tint, eyeliner, eyeshadow samples, eye shadow duo and eye primer.

           It definitely seems like I have more than what was advertised, I don't know if that is just how it came or if they jammed some extra stuff in there when they had to resend. I will use most of the skin care stuff and some of the makeup but I don't think I was worth the money once you factor the exchange rate and shipping to Canada.

Check out the monthly Bonjour Jolie Box.

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake 

Ipsy January 2016

           The theme for the bag this month is "All Eyes on You" The print on the bag fits it well with cute, retro glasses wearing faces all over it. As you would expect all my products were for the eyes so lets dive in.

Peek Beauty Natural Stain Brow Powder Full Size $22 Sample Value $11
           First, how cute is this little tin? I love the packaging. Second, this is a great product. This is in the colour Espresso and is a pretty universal brown shade, it gives a natural look and if you are going for a darker or more intense brow look you can layer it without it looking cakey. Swatch below.
          
theBalm Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner in Jac Full size $17
           I love the Balm products and was very happy to see everyone got an eyeliner from the Balm in their bag this month. I just got rid of most of my eyeliners since many of them were getting old. This is sort of a muddy bronze and since natural shadows are my jam this will go with most of my makeup looks. It goes on smoothly enough and has great staying power. Swatch below.

Klorane Floral Water Makeup Remover with Soothing Cornflower Full size $24 Sample Value $1.50
           At first I was not overly excited about makeup remover as I have a couple samples from Clinique to use up but this is a wonderful product. It effortlessly removes every bit of waterproof makeup without stinging my eyes or making them red. If I can find this in a store I will be buying this when I use up all my samples of eye makeup remover.

Hikari Cosmetics Cream Metallic Pigment Shadow in Mink $13
          I have said before that I am over getting single shadows but this one is a beautiful colour, it is a shimmery, metallic shadow but not so dramatic that I can't pull it off for a daytime look. Swatch below.

Hey Honey Skin Care Open Your Eyes Contour Lifting Fluid Full Size $28  Sample Value ~$15

             This is meant to firm skin, reduce fine lines, hydrate and reduce puffiness. I am nearing thirty so I think I will start looking into anti-aging and firming products. as a result I have that checked as one of my concerns in my profile. I have only used this a couple times so I can not really speak to its effectiveness but I did notice some firming and depuffing the couple times it did try it.

Peek Brow Powder, Hikari Shadow and theBalm eyeliner

           I also got a bonus item with my points this month:

Nude ProGenious Treatment Oil Full Size $97 Sample Value $16
           Honestly I only got this becasue I thought it was going to come in a cute little dropper bottle like the Jouer oil I had gotten before. According to Sephora this oil will: 

"Transform your skin with this signature treatment oil of 10 carefully-selected, nutritious plant oils. These replenishing oils—including apricot, meadowfoam, camelina, and macadamia nut—are rich in omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9, and provide essential building blocks for youthful, healthy-looking skin. This precisely balanced formula of nutrients quickly absorbs to provide 24 hours of moisture, improve the appearance of fine lines, and reveal a smoother complexion. Use daily to increase your skin’s natural radiance."

           So that doesn't sound like a bad thing.

           Even without the bonus sample item the total of my bag come to $80 which even with the awful exchange rate is pretty great. I will use all the items and repurchase at least one of them. 

Thanks for reading,

A

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Birchbox Canada January 2016

           I only saw the contents of my Birchbox a day or two before it arrived and I am glad because I was so excited that waiting would have been painful. This month aligned with the whole New Years resolution thing which, while I don't do resolutions in any serious way, I can appreciate. Let's talk about the products:

            The cover of the box says "2016 The Year of:____________" and inside came these little stickers for you to complete the phrase. Super cute idea and if you keep your boxes it would be a great little affirmation on your makeup table or dresser. I love the colour and pattern so I am sure it will find its way to my makeup area or my office at work.

Tonymoly Delight Tony Tint Full Size $6 Sample Value ~$3 (total guess)

         I had actually just added this to my wish list on Birchbox.ca so I am excited to try it out. I just love mini size lip products. I rarely use a full lip stick/gloss/stain up so I prefer the sample sizes, plus how cute is this? I find with one coat it gets patchy a wears off weird but if you let the first coat dry and apply a second you get a really nice red stain that lasts alright. I did have to do a little touch up after my tea and snack. I think I will try using it under some glosses to give them more colour. The first swatch is one swip and the second is a couple layers.

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Water-Full Hydrogel Mask Full size $25
        This mask is supposed to hydrate your skin while boosting elasticity and minimize fine lines. For $25 a pop it better be good. Well damn it's amazing, I was not sure how I would like it since I have such oily skin but since my skin has been having a rough time this winter I decided I would give it a try and I was so impressed. First the actual construction of the mask is great, it comes in two pieces so it fits much better than most sheet masks and it isn't goopy or dripping with product. The side you put on your face is a gel as the name suggests and the mask really sticks to your face, I was able to drink a cup of tea and read without the mask moving at all. Afterwards I could not stop touching my face, there was not sticky serum left behind or anything to wash off just soft and firm skin. I have never had a mask work so well.

derma e Hydrating Scrub Full Size $20 Sample Value $5.08
          This product is for normal to dry skin, which I don't have but I love facial scrubs and derma e so I will give it a try. If nothing else I can exfoliate before bed.

gorge* I'll Make You Look Amazing Daily Spray Full Size $40 Sample Value $10
           Normally I am all about the hair products but as I am trying to "train" my hair to not need to be shampooed everyday I have been avoiding using too many hair products so I haven't used this much. I have been using on my ends to keep them hydrated and it seems to be doing a good job and makes an excellent detangler. It smells a little like coconuts and vacation.

Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm Full size $36 Sample Value $10? 
           This was my sample choice for this month but I was not overly excited about it. The Canadian options for sample choice don't seem to be as nice as our American counterparts. I did find it did a good job of moisturizing without leaving me greasy and did notice my skin felt slightly firmer after application. My makeup went on nicely and it did reduce shine to some degree but I am not about to rush out and buy the full size. I guestimated the value since the sample has no measurement on it.


          Overall I am very happy with my box, I like the mix of three skin care, one makeup item and one hair item. The value this month is $53.08 which is great for a $15 box. I am happy to receive more skin or hair care than makeup for a while since I just decluttered my makeup and want to use up some of the products I have.

Thanks for reading!

A.

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Bonjour Jolie December 2015

 

           Bonjour Jolie is a period supplies subscription service. Each month you get your period supplies along with treats, pampering items and a gift. This is the December 2015 box and it will be my last. I have cancelled my subscription because the shipping is awful, at least to Canada. All international boxes are supposed to ship at the first of the month since they can understandably take longer to arrive. The last few months I have had to contact the Bonjour Jolie support team to get tracking information or have my box resent at the end of the month after not receiving anything. I do like the box itself, it is a great service that is just so convenient but I am going to save my money and maybe try out a Canadian company in a few months. 

 

 

          Everything always comes packaged very nicely in little gift bags with a card detailing most of the products.

 

             Out of most of the period boxes I have checked out Bonjour Jolie seems to have one of the best selections of supplies. You can choose any combination of  twenty five pads, tampons and panty liners with the ability to change it each month.

 

 

          As always they nailed it on the snacks, they always include chocolate and hot drinks. This month we got hot chocolate which is very seasonally appropriate but I do prefer the months we get tea.

 

 

            This is the pampering bag, we got some wipes and Advil packets along with some other goodies. We got two sets of Gold Powder Eye Masks, I used one right away and I have to say I like these much better than the material type ones (like Skynn Iceland). They stay in place, are very cooling and my under eye area looks oh so slightly less puffy and tired. We also received this little hand painted ornament/candle holder. They were purchased from a school close to Bonjour Jolie and while I don't know that I will use it, I do like that they are helping the community around them.

 

 

            This is the gift for this month, a necklace with a value of $20. For the life of me I cant find the card that says where it was from. Mine came with the stone popped out but it fit back in easily enough. If it was silver I might have worn it but this just isn't my style so I will be passing it on to my friend's daughter.

 

 

            Overall I am not super impressed with this months box, two of the things I just will not use. At least I do not regret my decision to cancel.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

A

 

@dirty_cupcake



 

 

 

15 Beauty Favourites of 2015

           I have been watching "Best of 2015", "2015 Favourites" and "Top 2015 Products" on YouTube nonstop. I easily picked out my top 15 beauty products of the past year so I thought I would do up a quick overview of items I discovered in 2015 and share them with you. In no particular order we have:

Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil

           I think this was technically a 2014 discovery but I rediscovered and really fell in love with it this year. I have quite oily skin and I avoided any cleaning oils for a long time, this came in a Julep Maven box and I am so glad I forgot to skip that month. It just melts my makeup off,even if I do have to scrub at waterproof eye makeup there is no stinging or irritation. To help balance oil production I use this at night instead of a more harsh cleanser. I apply once to remove makeup and then again to make sure everything has been removed. I already have one as a back up and as soon as I open that one I will add another to my next Maven box.

 

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer 

            I originally got a sample of this in a Sample Source package and honestly did not expect much. So wrong. I do not moisturize nearly as much as I should but this makes it so easy. While you are still warm from the shower, before drying off you put this on like normal lotion and then pat dry. I have a full size in my shower and use it everyday, it takes seconds and has really helped keep my skin soft in these winter months. 

 

Clinique Acne Solutions 

            While I no longer use this regularly I will always suggest this to someone struggling with blemishes. I have never been acne prone but for a good portion of this year I could not get my skin to clear up. I decided to try this three step system and before I had to repurchase my skin was clear. Like I said, I do not use this regularly since my skin has returned to its original state but I plan on continuing to keep it at hand for when my skin rebels or I go too many nights without removing my make up.

 

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner 

           I have always loved Redken products and used many over the years. I have hair that is dry, thin but easily weighed down and prone to get oily very quickly. This set gives my ends the moisture I need without leaving behind greasy build up.

 

 

Urban Decay B6 Complexion Prep Spray

          I live in a small, East Coast, Canadian city so high end makeup is pretty hard to find anywhere but online so when I saw the Urban Decay display at Shoppers I went a little overboard. (Review to come!) One of the items I picked up was this spray. I love what it has done for my skin, my pores are smaller, redness around my nose has been reduced and my skin is becoming less oily. If I have to go right from work to somewhere else I spray this over my makeup for a refresh, powder and go.

 

Crown Brush C476 Crease/Shadow Brush
          This is the perfect eyeshadow brush. Just look at it, what else do I need to say? It is all you need. I have another one coming from Hautelook right now.

 

Straight up stole this photo from tonyatalksbeauty.blogspot.ca. Go check her blog out so it makes it ok.

 

Marcelle Soothing Cleansing Water
          I think this was a Winners find and I use it pretty much everyday. It takes off the most stubborn waterproof makeup without any irritation, redness or leaving any residue. It is also alcohol free and recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association.

 

 

Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy
           This product was a serious game changer for me. I had converted to exclusively gel polish manicures, even have my own little pink lamp, but it was starting to damage my nails. I mean pealing the polish rather than soaking didn't help but moving on... I decided to give my nails a break and after reading some great reviews I picked up a couple colours, I now have seven or eight and rarely use my actual gel polish anymore. It does not last on me for two full weeks without chipping like some say but I can wear it for two weeks with minimal chips.

 

Covergirl Pop Balm
          I believe I have the entire Pop Balm collection and a couple from the Nude Balm collection as well. I love tinted balms and Covergirl has a great colour range. Check out this post out for a more in-depth review.

 

 

Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in 01 Stay Buff (VF)
         I have a few Clinique products and have never really been disappointed with the brand. I love this powder, it has light coverage and helps set my makeup and keeps it from looking oily for a little longer through out the day, I have hit pan but will likely be purchasing it again once I use up all my setting powders. If you have oily skin give this powder a shot.

 

Acure Unscented Argon Oil Towelettes 
          I can honestly say these are the best face wipes I have ever used. The came in an Ipsy bag in 2015 and I fell in love. Not only did they remove all my makeup but my face actually felt like I had removed my makeup and used cleanser. I never thought I would get a deep clean from makeup wipes but these were amazing, I might have to break down and order a bunch online.

 

LOC Ultimate Collection 
           I cannot rave enough about this launch from Birchbox and Tati Westbrook. Both the eyeshadow sticks and lip colours have seriously impressive staying power. If you want to hear more click here.
          

 

Beauty Blender 
           I was a little late to the Beauty Blender obsession but now I use it everyday and have a backup waiting for when mine needs to be replaced. With most foundations it leaves a more natural finish, lasts longer and blends seamlessly. Bonus: it is way easier to clean than a brush full of foundation.

 

Aromatherapy Collection from Bath and Body Works
            I am all about the Stress Relief bubble bath from BBW. I also have the candle in the same scent, the Sensual bubble bath and the Sleep Pillow Mist. When I use the candle and bubble bath together I practically go catatonic, for an anxiety case like me it is amazing to be able to let go of all the constant stress and just relax. I have repurchased this many times and will continue to do so. (When it is on sale)

 

 

Aveeno Dry Shampoo
           I have decided that I am going to "train" my hair to need washed less often. This is not going to be easy since I religiously wash my hair everyday. I have tried a number of dry shampoos and for the most part thought they did nothing but make my hair feel gross. My sister used this on my hair over the holidays and while it still felt like I had dry shampoo in my hair I did not feel disgusted every time I touched it and my hair looked great.


          There you have it, 15 of my favourite beauty products from 2015. I hope everyone had a great year and wish you health and happiness in 2016.

Thanks for reading!

A.

 

@dirty_cupcake