Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion review + swatch

Sorry for the long hiatus! I've been suffering from midterms and multiple group projects/meetings :(

The product I'm reviewing today is yet another mini sized item. It is the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion deluxe sample that I received from my Naked Palette.

Eyeshadow Primer Potion is an ultra-sheer, totally nude base that glides onto the skin. The original, award-winning formula disappears instantly and is the ultimate eye prep for smoother, more vibrant shadow and all-day wear with absolutely no creasing. 

 This comes with a wand applicator but has since been redesigned to be a squeeze tube.

Like the description says, this really does prep eyes for eyeshadow/eyeliner and helps my eye makeup stay on longer. It really helps create a smooth canvas for eyeshadow and make the colours really pop. This nude base provides light coverage so it would also be helpful for anybody that needs to cover any veiny eyelids or minor darkness. I use it taily to make my liquidy eyeliner last lnger but it works great with eyeshadows too.

The only downside is that it does not prevent creasing for me. Even when I just use it for eyeliner, I see that the primer by itself still creases on my eyelid. I'll finish off with a swatch of eyeshadow with the primer vs. without.

Without primer (left), with primer (right)

Tarte Pin Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette review + swatch

My favourite part about Christmas coming is that Sephora and other stores start to release their Holiday sets! I really regretted not getting the Tarte Off the Cuff Blush palette last year so as soon as I saw this, I snatched it up right away!

 

An exclusive blush set with five brand-new, Amazonian clay-infused blushes and two wearable hair pins—all encased inside of a Parisian-inspired clutch. 

The packaging isn't the greatest and could definitely be made more sleek, but it's the inside that matters ;) This is my first time trying their famous Amazonian clay blushes and they definitely life up to the hype. They are super pigmented and the clay really does help it last on my face longer than most blushes do. It doesn't really last 12 hours, but I'd say it lasts about 8, which is still pretty awesome. The formulation is good too since it is easy to pick up product on your brush but it also isn't too powdery.

From left to right: Breathless (pinky beige), Embraced (plummy rose), Whimsy (light pink), Bashful (rosy peach), Irreplaceable (mauve rose)

With flash

The colours of this palette are amazing and I can see them working with several different skin tones. Breathless too pale and barely shows up on my skin so that is the only one I have issues with. Irresplaeable seems like the most pigmented blush and I've been guilty by accidentally applying too much haha but the rest are easier to use. All in all, I think this is a wonderful palette, and would make an awesome Christmas gift for anyone :) It's also a great way to get someone started in makeup since they'll have all the colours they need right there.

Left to right: Breathless, Embraced, Whims, Bashfull, Irresplacable

With flash

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation review + swatch

Hey there! The Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation has been my everyday foundation for the past few months. It was the first time in a while that I've decided to try a drugstore foundation so here's my thoughts on it :)

All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long.

It is a water-based foundation so I use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to blend it in. It is a medium to full coverage foundation and is easily buildable without looking too cakey. It does a great job of evening out my complexion and blends in flawlessly. Even though it claims to also have primer and concealer, I still use them with this foundation. It lasts way longer on my combination skin with another primer and extra concealer really helps to hide my scars and spots. This also does an okay job with controlling oil because sometimes I find that I only have to blot after 6 hours (which is good in the summer my standards)

It has a slightly runny consistency but doesn’t seem super lightweight or heavy so it has been all right for summer weather. I use the shade medium beige 942 for my usual MAC NC25 skintone.One small pump is more than enough to cover my face so this foundation sure goes a long way. It comes in a somewhat heavy glass bottle that comes with both a pump and lid. The weight may not ideal for traveling, but the packaging design of it sure is. 

I'm on my second bottle now so that shows how much I’m liking it. It’s on the pricier side for a drugstore foundation ($12.97 at Wal-Mart) but it goes on sale sometimes and Covergirl occasionally has $1 off coupons available. If you're looking for a drugstore foundation, I definitely recommend this one!

Tony Moly Appletox Smooth Massage Peeling Cream review + swatch

Tony Moly always has super cute packaging! Today’s product for review is the Tony Moly Appletox Smooth Massage Peeling Cream. I received this as a gift and it is a peeling cream that is used to get rid of dead skin cells and reveal a brighter and clearer complexion.

Tony Moly Appletox Smooth Massage Peeling Cream contains keratin extracted from green apple, papaya and other fresh vegetables to provide moisture and to better eliminate waste and clean up old skin cells. The active fruit acids contained in green apples eliminate cuticles in pores, allowing the skin to have more effective absorption of the nutrients provided by masks and other daily skin care products. The keratin extract of papaya leaves the skin fresh, transparent and clean By giving a massage, you will make your skin healthier and livelier.

How to Use: After cleansing face, apply an appropriate amount to face. Avoid mouth and lip areas. Gently massage for 1-2 minutes. Leave it for about 30 seconds. Gently massage the face and rinse off with lukewarm water.

This cream smells just like granny apples! It seems to have some soft peeling beads in it so the cream itself is not a smooth texture. One thing I need to emphasize is that it must be used on dry skin because allows the cream to adhere to skin and enable the peeling. This is the first peeling cream that I’ve ever tried and it was very interesting to use at first. After following the instructions, I could definitely see little balls of dead skin while I was massaging the cream off. My skin did feel very soft after, but I still followed up with a moisturizer.

This apple comes with 80 g of cream so it should last very long. It costs $13.99 on prettyandcute but can also be found on eBay for similar prices.

Eco Art Fest

Hi readers! I'm taking a break from my usual reviews and doing a lifestyle blog! A few days ago, my mom and I went to the Todmorden Mills Eco Art Fest in Toronto. It's this small thing where they exhibit various pieces of art throughout the Todmorten Mills park :) I just thought it'd be nice to share some pics, so here you go!

My parents and I have driven by that park a lot but never been inside. It was very interesting to see the park and the art but there were only 8 pieces and it was a bit out of our way. It took us about an hour to just walk around and look at things. I think that if you're near Todmorden Mills, this is worth a look but if you're farther than that, plan to do other stuff in that area :)

Elizabeth Arden All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

This product came in an Elizabeth Arden bonus gift with purchase. The Elizabeth Arden All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover is a product that helps remove stubborn waterproof eye makeup.

This two-phase formulation easily, gently removes even transfer resistant waterproof makeup.

To use, first shake it up to combine the oil and the other liquid. It has a milky layer and a green layer and turns very milky when mixed together.

I apply it to a cotton pad and hold it onto my eye or lips for a few seconds to let it break up my makeup before swiping. It actually takes a few swipes to get rid of my eye makeup so I wouldn't count this as a HG eye makeup remover (don't want early eye wrinkles) but it does get the job done. It removes waterproof and glittery eye makeup very effectively. It is very oil though so make sure to rinse with water afterwards :) Here's a few swatches that I cleaned using the remover to show you how well it works!

It is available for purchase at Hudson's Bay at Elizabeth Arden counters.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal review + swatch

For years I've been using the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light as my moisturizer year-round (even as my night cream). This moisturizer really works for my skin and never leaves my nose flakey like some do.

LIGHT - 48-hour hydration for sensitive skin 

It has a very thin consistency, making it super easy to spread on your face. It is fast absorbing and makes skin feel very smooth and moisturized! There is a bit of a scent to it but I can't quite describe it, but it isn't super artificially smelling.

They have recently reformated this but if you want to give this a try, it should be on clearout wherever sells it! I always buy it at Shoppers Drug Mart but I think that Rexall also sells it. It is a pricey moisturizer ($38 for 50 mL) but Vichy goes on sale at Shoppers often, so make sure to grab it then!

Liebster Award!

Thanks to both KatieLouise and Desiree Law for nominating me for the Liebster Award :D

RULES:

1. Post eleven facts about yourself.

2. Answer the eleven questions provided by the person who nominated you and then create an eleven-question set for the next group of nominees.

3. Choose eleven people to nominate and link them in the post.

4. Let your nominees know they've been tagged - and no tag-backs!

5. Nominate blogs under 200 followers.

11 facts about me:

1. I play piano, violin, and clarinet

2. I am super obsessed with nail polish and own way too many

3. I am also obsessed with lip balms and lip tints

4. I’m lactose intolerant

5. My upcoming school term is my last one before graduating university

6. I am a Canadian from Toronto

7. My favourite dish to cook is kim chi fried rice

8. I love anything Harry Potter related

9. My favourite scent is the smell of peaches

10. I don’t drink coffee unless it’s a Tim Horton’s Iced Capp

11. My favourite show is Gilmore Girls even though it is over - I still watch the reruns!

Katie Louise’s questions:

1. If you could visit anywhere in the World, where would you go and why?

I would go to London because the Harry Potter studios tour is there! I’ve never been to Europe so this would also be a great chance to explore the different culture there.

2. What is your holy grail product and why?

My HG is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light moisturizer which I have been using for at least 5 years. Most other moisturizers give me a flakey nose for some reason.

3. What is your favourite childhood memory?

My favourite memory was when I went to Disneyland with my family and 2 other families when I was 6. It was my first time there so I remember being really excited.

4. If you had to choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would choose to eat U-don noodles because there’s so many different ways to cook them!

5. What is your favourite quote?

“Lose one friend, lose all friends, lose yourself” – Boy Meets World

6. What is your go to accessory?

I’m not into wearing accessories so if this counts, I love my plain stud earrings!

7. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in 2009 but it was a blog that I just started with my friend. This only became more of a beauty blog a year ago :)

8. What is your biggest achievement in life so far?

My biggest achievement is getting into my first choice university 3 years ago and still being able to have the grades to stay in my program!

9. What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is failing.

10. What are you doing in your life, right now?

I’m currently on a co-op term but returning to school in September. That will be my last term before I graduate and then hopefully continue onto the Master’s program

11. Who inspires you?

I’ve always answered this question with Harriet Tubman. I always admire her bravery and the fact that she would risk her life to save others.

Desiree Law’s questions (taken out the ones I already answered):

1.  What is one thing on your bucket list?

To travel around Europe

2. What is your go-to snack/drink at a coffee shop?

A blueberry muffin!

3. What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?

Bandeaus! I love using them for layering

5. Would you rather lose your sight or lose your sense of touch?

I think sense of touch because I love looking at nature and all the colours in the world

8. Which store do you shop the most at?

Sephora or Hollister I think

9. What landmark or attraction would you recommend a tourist to visit?

I’m in Toronto so the CN Tower! :P

10. Condo or townhouse?

I’d prefer a townhouse

11. What's your favourite kind of flower?

I’m not really into flowers but violets are nice

My questions:

1. What is your holy grail makeup/skincare item and why?

2. Do you play any instruments?

3. What is your favourite place in the world and why?

4. What is your favourite scent?
5. When did you start blogging?

6. What is your favourite type of food?

7. What would your ideal vacation be?

8. What is your staple fashion accessory?

9. What is your favourite brand of makeup/skincare?

10. Where are you from?

11. What is your favourite book?

Nominations:

1. Karina - http://letsdochocolate.blogspot.ca/
2. NaturelBelleFemme - http://naturelbellefemme.blogspot.ca/
3. Janet H. - http://beautyboxchic.blogspot.ca/
4. Valentina - http://fashionwithvalentina.blogspot.ca/
5. Mackenzie - http://www.missmackanne.blogspot.ca/
6. Alexandra - http://www.glamoclock.com/ 
7. Emily Couture - http://emilycouture95.blogspot.co.uk/
8. Anjna Harish - http://anjnaharish-thoughtsofagirl.blogspot.ca/

9. Holly Zdolyny - http://www.hollyeverafter.com/ 
10 .Taylor Hawkins - http://awesomepossumblogorium.blogspot.ca/

11. Donna V. - http://imnotsoho.com/