Deciem The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Review

So much for getting all my Deciem reviews done in January. While I've been busy with real, paying work, I'm determined to get two posts up this week so let's start with a look at a product I absolutely love: The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.

While I'm in my 30s, I still regularly battle blemishes. Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, I hate them and I want them gone. And with this product, I can just that. According to Deciem, this "2% treatment solution helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes and for better visible skin clarity with continued use." And yeah, that's exactly what this product does.

It's not a miracle-maker. If you put it on a nasty pimple it won't make it vanish overnight. However, I did find that it visibly improved pretty much any blemish-related problem area. Without a doubt, this product left me with clearer, brighter, healthier looking-skin.

Elizabeth Arden Lasting Impression Mascara Review

I have found my new favourite mascara. Elizabeth Arden's Lasting Impression Mascara arrived in my life last month via my November Topbox and for the past few weeks, it has been my go-to mascara for both day and night.

According to Elizabeth Arden, "this high impact mascara captures every last lash to separate and define for a never ending lash look." Using a "unique brush with five iconic spheres," it claims to deliver lashes that are, "Clump proof. Smudge proof. Flake free." It also features a formula that contains, "ceramides for strong, healthier lashes" as well as vitamin C and avocado and olive oils that supposedly, "condition lashes and help seal moisture for a defined, silky lash look."

MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream Review

My November Topbox was one of the best one I received all year in part because it contained a nice sized sample of MAC Cosmetics' Strobe Cream. While this isn't a new product, it was my first time using it and now I'm wishing that I'd discovered it years ago because it's quickly become something I turn to at least once a week.

According to MAC this cream, "Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants." It's also, "Super-powered with potent botanicals" as well as "nutritious vitamins and a mega-dose of green tea" to boost "the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin."

This cream can be used a few different ways. I found that applying it straight to my bare skin, or mixing it in with my moisturizer, left me with a face that was too glow-y for my taste (it also showed off my pores more than I liked). But someone with better skin could get away with this approach.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Ink Liner Review

Earlier this week I raved about Make Up For Ever's Aqua XL Color Paint, a fantastic eyeshadow that goes on like silk and delivers anywhere from a subtle kiss of colour to technicolour dream, depending on how much product you apply. Now it's time to rave about Color Paint's eye liner companion, Aqua XL Ink Liner.

I also received this item for free from MUFE but that has nothing to do with this very flattering review. Instead, I love this liner because it's actually easy to apply. Okay, my beloved Buxom Insider Eyeliner is still the easiest liner to put on but this one's a close second (and that Buxom liner is now discontinued).

MUFE explains that this liner goes on so easily because, "the semi-flex applicator allows a lining range from high-precision to extra thick coloring." That applicator, combined with the liner's smooth, silky formula, meant that even my uneven hand could line my eyes just right.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Review

Make Up For Ever released its Aqua XL Colour Paint waterproof shadow months ago but I'm just getting around to reviewing my free sample (thanks MUFE!) now. While I've only been using it for a short period of time, I'm completely confident that it has vaulted itself into being one of my favourite eye shadows.

"This waterproof shadow glides on effortlessly to bring instant colour intensity," boasts MUFE and I completely agree. The gel-like texture of this shadow makes it a breeze to apply and blend. And while it can deliver a bright blast of colour, MUFE also notes that,"...the finish can range from light to high coverage." My sample was in Lustrous Khaki, an attractive brown-gold shade that had just the right amount of shine to it. While wearing the colour at its full intensity was a bit much for just hanging around the splash pad with my toddler, I could easily apply just a smidge and get a noticeable but subtle splash of colour.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil

This year's Sephora VIB birthday was two deluxe size samples of NARS' Lip Pencil. When I first heard that, back at the start of the year, I felt a touch disappointed because I don't really need anymore lip products. Then summer rolled around and I received my sample box, which contained one Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien (a "rose-pink")  and one in Velvet Lip Pencil in Cruella (a "scarlet red").

While I haven't gotten much use out of the Velvet Lip Pencil, as the colour is bit intense for my pasty skin (and so this review is not about it), I absolutely love the Satin Lip Pencil. As per NARS' own suggestion, I use it as an "all-over lip color" (though it can also be used as a lip liner or paired with another lip product). The pencil's "rich, color-bright pigments" are a slightly darker, more vivid version of my natural lip colour and because of that, this shade is very flattering on me. It's pretty much the perfect day-colour for my complexion and because of that, I consider it a "must-have."

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss

I am in morning. Two weeks ago, my new favourite lip gloss disappeared. At first I was hopeful that it would reappear, maybe in the pockets of a pair of pants. But nope, it appears to be gone.

Because of that, this review of Tarte’s LipSurgence lip gloss is going to be a little incomplete since I don’t remember every little detail about this product. I do however remember that it was a great looking gloss that was a dream to apply.

According to Tarte, this product is a “glossy addition to the LipSurgence family” that “will perfect your pout with a brightening pop of color and lasting shine.” I agree with all of this. This gloss brings tons of shine that lasts for hours, as long as you don’t eat a full meal (nibbling, light kissing and drinking is fine though).

Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder

There are a few items that I was try to have in my bag: some kind of tinted lip balm, some kind of headache medicine and Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder. This is a fantastic product and because of that, it’s one of the few items I consider to be a “must-have.”

My skin has a tendency to be a bit oily. While mattefying primers, foundations and loose powders (particularly those from Make Up For Ever) can keep the oil at bay for a few hours, eventually, if I’m out long enough, the oil makes an appearance. That’s when I turn to this pressed powder.

Best & Worst of 2013

I am so behind in writing my blog entries so while I catch up, check out Cosmetics Cop Paula Begoun's 10 worst products of 2013 and 10 best products of 2013.

Most of the products in the best list don’t interest except for two: NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder and IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Treatment Mascara. I’m in the market for a new pressed setting powder and while I hadn't been considering one from NARS, now I'm going to have to check it out. As for the mascara, well, I’m always interested in a great mascara.

The worst list contains a few items that I wanted to try out including Vichy Normaderm Daily Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion, Aveeno Positively Ageless Correcting Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and Avon Ultra Color Rich Brilliance Lip Gloss. But now I won’t be picking up those or any other items from that list. 

Okay, now off to write some product reviews.

Lise Watier Ombre Soufflé Supreme Eye Shadow

The limited edition Tartan Magique shade

This new line of eye colour is one of those products that some people are going to love while others aregoing to hate it. Personally, I love it because I like my shadow to be on the iridescent side, with the potential for vivid colour.

My September Topbox contained two small samples of this shadow, one in a peachy colour called Sunrise Peach and another is a vibrant green called Vert enchante. Both colours packed plenty of shimmer and shine, perhaps too much for some people, with a little going a long way.

I tried the green shade first and it was significantly more saturated then I was expecting. I actually ended up having to remove my first application of it because it was just too intense for daytime wear. While that might sound like a bad thing, it’s really a good thing for me because it means that this product is perfect for layering and gives me the option to up the drama when I want to. But people who prefer soft and natural looks will not get the full use out of this product.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

I received my Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets as part of a Clean & Clear Klout perks pack (this means I got it for free). This pack also included a cleanser and a moisturizer, two items that I’ll review in a future post because I want to dedicate this post to these amazing sheets.

Initially, I was skeptical about C&C’s claims that, “…these sheets instantly soak up excess oil and remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind powder.” I’ve previously used The Body Shop’s bloating tissues and while they did soak up oil, they also left my face covered in a fine, but visible, powder.

Mineral Shea Butter Lipstick

When it comes to naming colours, I think companies need to either go with a fun/silly name that you know you’ll need to look up or a name that perfectly describes the product’s colour. I almost passed on this lipstick, which I bought off a fellow beauty junkie, because of its colour name: Mauve Quartz. Doesn't that sound like the name that you would give to a product that’s purple and shiny (or even frosty)?

Thankfully I Googled that colour name and discovered that "Mauve Quartz" was actually a lovely shade of brownish-pink so I agreed to buy it and now, after just four days of wear, it’s become my favourite lipstick.

Revlon PhotoReady Primer + Shadow

It’s a miracle! Finally an eye shadow primer that prevents creasing! Okay, it did only prevent that problem for about five or so hours, but still that’s better than any other product I've used.

Before I continue praising this product, let me back up and explain how I got it and what it is. As I mentioned last week, I'm one of the lucky bloggers who was picked to be a part of the #RevlonSelects program. This means that I get sent free, new Revlon product to try and review.

One of the items in my box was Revlon PhotoReady Primer + Shadow, which uses the tag line: Limitless looks. One palette. No guesswork. It’s one of those eye shadow palettes that visually explains what colour goes on what part of your eye area.

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss

I am the worst at blogging. I really should have written this review back in the spring when this product line was still new; particularly since I received a tube of this gloss shortly after this line hit stores, something that never happens to me since I'm a bad blogger (I actually received this product as part of a swag bag I received at a Loose Button event).

But whatever, better late than never right?

And really, Benefit’s Ultra Plush lip glosses don’t need this review because there are already plenty of positive write-ups about this product out there because these glosses are excellent; they're pretty, easy to apply and bag-friendly.

Cake Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powder

While taking a long, luxurious shower each morning would be great, it’s not always realistic. In fact, let’s be completely honest, sometimes even a fast shower isn’t going to happen. And on days like that, I’m happy that I discovered Cake’s Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powder.

It’s essentially baby powder that’s been slightly tinted so that you don’t end up looking like you’re suddenly going grey (there’s also a version for darker hair that’s even more tinted).  While I have tried several spray-on dry shampoos, none of them ever worked as nicely as plain, old-fashioned baby powder so I guess it should be no surprise that this product does exactly what it claims to do: Absorb excess oil and leave hair, “…feeling fresh and fabulous.”

Buxom Insider Eyeliner

Here’s some advice that I wish someone had given me years ago: Go out to Sephora and get Buxom Insider Eyeliner now.

I gave up trying to line the inside of my eyelids years ago because I was sure I was going to end up injuring myself (plus my results were always too gothy and/or messy).  Then I tried this product (which I grabbed for free at a beauty swap) and now everything’s changed (at least when it comes to eye makeup).

This eyeliner goes on like magic due to its silky formula and perfectly designed nib. It requires almost no pressure and leaves a visible, consistent line of colour that perfectly lines my inner lash line, as well as my outer ones. One swipe is perfect for a more casual look while a second swipe amps up the drama level without crossing into “goth” territory.

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HRS

While reviewing the product webpage for Maybelline’s latest line of eye shadows, I noticed something interesting: it never actually states that this product will last you for 24 hours. Instead, it uses the phrase “24HR” so you think that they’re making this amazing claim but they aren’t.

And that’s a good thing because this shadow doesn’t come close to lasting for 24 hours. When applied over a bare eye, the colour (which I do love, more on that in a minute) started migrating to my lid’s crease within the hour.

As one would expect, prepped (using either primer or powder) lids did much better and if you apply a double-layer of this product, you really can get around eight hours of vivid, just-sparkly enough colour.

Barque Smokehouse

*check out Barque's updated menus here*

Thursday night I discovered my favourite new restaurant: Barque Smokehouse, a brand-new BBQ place located at 299 Roncesvalles.

Now, I’m not a foodie, in fact I’m one of the pickiest eaters out there, so I’m not going to detail out every flavour I tasted. But I will tell you that this place has the best chicken tenders I have ever eaten and I have had a lot of chicken tenders in my time (I said I was a picky eater) They were amazingly moist and covered in a crunchy batter that was both sweet and a bit spicy.

L’Oreal Studio Secrets Color Smokes Eye Shadow

A few weeks ago there was a death in my makeup family. One of my favourite eye shadows, a sparkly-but-not-too-sparkly white, was dropped onto my concrete bathroom floor. Despite a noble attempt on my part to save the shadow, it had busted into too many little pieces.

Of course, that particular colour had been discontinued but thankfully I was able to find a replacement white that not only matched the orginal shade in its versatility (this colour is perfect for both day and night wear) but also brought into my makeup family three other, equally great colours.

And this amazing product is L’Oreal Studio Secrets Color Smokes Eyeshadow in #936 Blackened Smokes. Besides the white, there is a black, a mid-tone grey and a lighter grey, all with just the right amount of shine to them. Skip the black and the other three colous are perfect to wear to work. Then come night time, up the drama by lining your lids with the black.

Besides having great colours, this product also has a great texture. You can really pile this stuff on and it won’t feel like you have anything on your eye lids. It also goes on easily and blends quite nicely.

Like most powdered shadows, it will start migrating to your eyelid crease  after a few hours so do wear it over a primer to keep it in place. But it doesn’t flake and as long as you avoid rubbing your eyes, you won’t end up with eye shadown all over your face.

Another nice feature of this product is that it comes with intructions on the back that detail what colour to place wear to get a great look.

There aren’t a lot of makeup items out there that I would consider must-have but I think this product makes it onto that exclusive list. It’s a great, versatile colour set that is quite user-friendly. And at around $10-$12,  it’s also easy on your wallet.

This product does some in several other colour combos and you can see them all listed here.

Would I buy this again: Yes
Should you buy it: Yes

The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

I love this product even though I really shouldn’t. For one thing, its main selling point is complete bull.

The back of the jar says this, “Community Trade seaweed and oil-balancing technology condition and mattify where and when skin needs it, to control shine throughout the day.” I don’t know what exactly “oil-balancing technology” is but you certainly aren’t finding it in a $16 cream.

This vitamin E-containing product will give you a clean, matte look when you first put it on but that look will only last if you stay in an air-conditioned room or it’s winter.If you slap this stuff on and go outside on a 30+ day, you will still end up shiny.

Then there’s the fact that this is being marketed as a day cream even though it doesn’t have a key day cream ingredient: A broad-spectrum SPF.

Because of that last point, this isn’t my daily moisturizer even though I wish it could be. It’s somehow this perfect mix of richness and lightness and it just feels so amazing on your skin, like you’re using a product that costs far, far more than $16.

While it’s not rich enough for use on dry skin, it is a great cream for those of us with normal-oily skin, providing moisturize without any heaviness or shine. It’s ideal for use on rainy days or any night under your primer and yes, it does absorb quickly.

It does have a faint oceany smell that I personally love but if you’re sensitive to scents you’ll want to skip and the rest of The Body Shop’s seaweed line.

Speaking of that line, I also have its face mask and I’ll have to get a review about that up (sneak preview: I don’t love it as much as I love the day cream).

Would I buy this again: Yes
Should you buy it: Yes but only if you don’t require a heavy moisturizer