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Clarins Sunkissed Summer 2017 makeup look | Bronze and blue

July 17, 2017

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If you’ll remember from my recent Charlotte Tilbury #GLOWMO makeup look, I actually got a tan this summer. I know: it’s pretty wild. So, with my new, foundation-matchable skintone, I figured I’d take the Clarins Sunkissed makeup collection for a little spin.

(Swatches and product photos are coming up on Thursday, so stay tuned!)

The Clarins Sunkissed eyeshadow palette & bronzer

The Clarins Sunkissed colour palette is a lot warmer than what I usually go for, but with my summer tan (I’m now a Pür Minerals Light, a Cover Fx G20, and an It Cosmetics Fair), I think it works. Here, I paired the Clarins Sunkissed 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette ($43 USD/$45 CAD) with Esqido Miss Dolly false lashes and a bit of black liner.

I know I’m in the minority on this, but I’m on the fence about my Esqido lashes – I’ve loved them for years, but they can be really uncomfortable. Mink lashes are heavier than a single-banded artificial set, and they often cut off the top fifth of my visual field, leaving me stumbling around like I’m three glasses of red into the night. Maybe I just need to try a lighter set or something, though, because Esqido’s craftsmanship is just beautiful.

I finished off eyeshadow look with two of my must-have products: Annabelle’s Chrome Single Eye Shadow in Rose Gold and Lise Watier’s Stay Sharp Eyeliner in Platine.

Clarins Sunkissed Eyeshadow Palette with and without Solotica Graphite lenses

On my cheeks, I’m wearing Clarins Sunkissed Bronzing & Blush Compact ($40 USD/$42 CAD), which honestly works as a really lovely bronzer for a light skintone. I’m not so sure about its versatility, though. Like most Clarins bronzers and limited edition powders, it’s beautifully pressed and scented, but really only works wonders on a light to medium skintone.

On my lips, I’m wearing the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector ($26 USD/$20 CAD) from this summer’s collection. 13 Pink Grapefruit is a nice, sheer pink that smells like chocolate oranges thanks to the fruity fragrance and shea butter base, so (naturally) I’ve been hungry all summer long.

Clarins Sunkissed + Solotica Graphite coloured contacts

Bronzes and oranges are always recommended for those with blue eyes, so I shot two sets of photographs for this look: one set with my natural brown eyes, and one set with Solotica Graphite contact lenses. Mine are from the Solotica Hidrocor range, so they’re a yearly lens with no limbal ring.

I usually love the way I look with coloured contact lenses, but I’m not so sure about this makeup look. I prefer my natural brown eyes, for once. Let me know what you think in the comments, because I’m really curious as to what everyone else’s opinions are on this!

(Although I do love the robot eyes vibe, but who wouldn’t?)

Shop the look

EYES

Clarins Sunkissed 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette ($43 USD/$45 CAD)

Esqido Miss Dolly False Eyelashes, trimmed ($29 USD)

Annabelle Chrome Single Eye Shadow in Rose Gold ($5.95 CAD)

Lise Watier Stay Sharp Eyeliner in Platine ($23 CAD)

Solotica Graphite contact lenses ($120 CAD)

LIPS & CHEEKS

Clarins Sunkissed Bronzing & Blush Compact ($40 USD/$42 CAD)

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector ($26 USD/$20 CAD)

Tags: /4. Makeup looks, Clarins, Esqido, Eyes, Makeup looks: neutral, Product Photos, Solotica, Spring/Summer 2017

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Beat dryness down under with Vagisil ProHydrate

July 13, 2017

Rae Chen

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*sponsored by Vagisil

Try as we might, sometimes things downstairs just don’t go as smoothly as you may have hoped. That might apply to your actual, literal downstairs neighbours, but it can apply to the quivering quim downstairs, too.

(I’m sorry, did I google a list of hilarious vagina euphemisms include in this post? You bet your mother-of-all-souls I did.)

Why Vagisil ProHydrate is on my radar

The Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel Moisturizing Gel is designed to relieve vaginal dryness. It’s a pretty personal topic for me, because despite the fact that I’m only 24, I experience it on a regular basis. I know that dryness is usually associated with post-menopausal women, but folks?

Unless my vertical grimace is hiding something big from me, it’s not just something that affects menopausal women. Vaginal dryness can be caused by a lot of other things, including hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, and plain ‘ol stress.

Vagisil makes a range of products including a moisturizing gel/lubricant, a pH Balanced Wash (basically just a gentle soap for your down under), and an Extra Strength Anti-Itch Crème. Because they’re made by Vagisil, they’re pretty affordable and easy to find. I’d love to see the range expand to include glycerine-free options in the future, but for now, the accessibility alone more than grants Vagisil a mention.

Vagisil ProHydrate is water-based and features no added estrogen, no perfumes, no dyes, and no preservatives. It’s silicone-, fragrance-, and paraben-free. However, I want to make sure to note that the formula does contain glycerine.

How I use Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel

Vagisil ProHydrate is kind of a cross between a moisturizing serum and a personal lubricant. It’s made to function as both, and you can use it both ways.

For those who experience dryness 24/7, Vagisil recommends that you use ProHydrate Natural Feel once every 3 days. The formula is water-based for instant relief, but it also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture. (Just like in your facial skincare!)

I use a lot of lube, but honestly? Sometimes, it’s just really damn nice not to have to stop, scramble, find the bottle, apply, and clean up. I use my Vagisil ProHydrate ahead of time if I want the option of getting caught up in the moment, and it does a stellar job of just hanging out until I need it.

Tags: /Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Sex, Silicone-free

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We-Vibe Tango review + budget bullet vibrators with Adam & Eve

July 10, 2017

Rae Chen

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*sponsored by Adam & Eve

The product: We-Vibe Tango Vibrator (and a few budget bullet vibrators)

I’ve talked about the We-Vibe Tango before, but I did it with a not insubstantial amount of trepidation. Now, two years later, I’ve got a follow up review… Because the Tango has become one of my can’t-live-without-it toys.

What makes the We-Vibe Tango worth it

The Tango is a legend in the sex blogging community. It’s incredibly strong, quiet, and compact. I like to think of it as the gold standard that all other bullet vibrators compare themselves against: it’s the stronger, better, cooler older sibling who your parents have always loved more.

I have my reservations about the We-Vibe Tango, because for all of its strengths, its battery life is seriously lacking. Like other We-Vibe toys, it can struggle to hold a charge, and usually only lasts about 60 minutes before running out of juice.

But despite all of that, when my first We-Vibe Tango died on me last Christmas, I bought another one immediately. The vibrations on this toy are so good–so dependable–that I started getting orgasm-related anxiety without it. I made it about 3 weeks before caving and biting the bullet on a second Tango, even though I knew its battery life was going to be a little bit crap, too.

Other budget bullet vibrator options

As amazing as the We-Vibe Tango is, however, it is pretty pricey. I think the price is worth it, but I know it doesn’t fit all budgets.

I wanted to try out a few budget bullet vibrators from Adam & Eve for this post, but US/Canadian customs kept destroying my incoming parcels. So, as much as I would have liked to, I won’t be able to add firsthand accounts.

Instead, here are a few budget bullet vibrators available at AdamandEve.com that are offered on a really great deal. The ones listed here are waterproof, and they’re 50% off one item plus free shipping in the US and Canada if you use the code NOTICE. (The “50% off one item” deal applies to about 90% of the site, but a few brands like We-Vibe are excluded.)

About Adam & Eve

Adam & Eve is a bit of an industry relic. They started out back in 1969 selling condoms by mail for founder Phil Harvey’s masters thesis, and officially set up shop the following year.

Phil Harvey splits his time between Adam & Eve and DKT International, a non-profit organization that provides “family planning, health care, and sex materials to nine third-world countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.” Over 20% of Adam & Eve’s profits each year are donated to charities including DKT, the Special Olympics, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

However: before you order your Tango or non-We-Vibe bullet, PLEASE NOTE that Adam & Eve still operates like an older sex toy shop. Their charitable work is very commendable, but they still sell toxic toys, offer non-discreet mailers, and list their toys under “for him” and “for her” – which doesn’t necessarily take the well-being of their consumer into mind.

Adam & Eve is a leader in the sex toy industry, so I’ve been emailing the brand to voice my concerns about their gendered marketing tactics. If you’d like to help me encourage them to lead the pack in non-gendered marketing, tweet them at @adamandeve!

Tags: /Other, Product Photos, Product Review, Sex

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Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick review, swatches

July 6, 2017

Rae Chen

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The products: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 560 Raw Chocolate (Matte), 575 Brown Blush (Matte), 790 Midnight Merlot (Bold), and 955 Espresso Exposed

I’ve been really into a brownish, creamy lip this year. There’s just something about a totally shimmer-free shade that does it for me: that luscious, “you don’t know what I’m up to or who I’ve killed” kind of look.

I’ve worn Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks for years, and I’m happy to say that they’re still just as good as they were when they launched. The colour selection has a lot more vampy shades and neutrals now, and they still have the same slightly-tacky, comforting formula.

Maybelline “Espresso Exposed” Color Sensational lipstick swatch

The original Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick formula

The typical Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick formula is relatively heavy. It has opaque coverage and a smooth application, but it’s also heavily scented.

The original formula (used in 955 Espresso Exposed) is still my favourite of the bunch. It wears for about 3 hours before I need to touch up.

Maybelline “Raw Chocolate” Color Sensational Matte lipstick swatch

The Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick formula

The Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick formula is a lot drier. It has a similar heaviness, but has a dry finish and applies more patchily. Unlike the original formula, I’d say that the mattes tend to be medium-opaque.

Maybelline “Brown Blush” Color Sensational Matte lipstick swatch

I can wear the Maybelline matte formula for about an hour before it starts to get uncomfortable, and it needs to be touched up in 2 hours. (Or after a meal or snack, so like… every two hours anyways.)

I tried the Maybelline Color Sensational Matte formula in 560 Raw Chocolate and 575 Brown Blush. The former was a little too orange for my complexion, but the latter is gorgeous. It’s a really mauvey, violet-based shade.

Maybelline “Midnight Merlot” Color Sensational Bold lipstick swatch & stain

The Maybelline Color Sensational Bold Lipstick formula

Finally, I also tried the Maybelline Color Sensational Bold finish in 790 Midnight Merlot. It’s a beautiful shade, but I had a little more trouble with the formula.

The Bold finish packs a lot of pigment, but it has more slip than the original formula. If you hate the tackiness of the original Color Sensationals, you may actually enjoy these.

That being said, the Bolds do make for a beautiful stain – so much so that I took a swatch photo of Midnight Merlot’s stain, too.

The Maybelline Color Sensational verdict?

It’s really no secret that I love an affordable find, and these definitely fit the bill. If you can put up with a strongly scented lipstick, I really think these are worth owning–especially 955 Espresso Exposed.

Availability: $7.29 USD/$9.99 CAD at drugstores and mass market retailers.

Tags: /Lips, Maybelline, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

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Kenzo World perfume review (AKA Francis Kurkdjian, I am so over you.)

July 3, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Kenzo World Eau de Parfum

It’s been a long time since the Kenzo world had a really big worldwide launch. Don’t get me wrong: their perfume house hasn’t been sitting idly by these last few years. But it has been pretty quiet in North America, and they’ve been focusing on localized launches and flankers.

(Hey, does anyone know if Kenzo Eau de Fleur de Thé is still around? That stuff was gorgeous.)

The world of Kenzo

This year, Kenzo’s relative silence is changing. They tapped Francis Kurkdjian for their latest project, Kenzo World (YES, REALLY. Hello, major star power). The new fragrance is intensely weird, and it’s Kenzo’s first fragrance created in collaboration between both their perfume and fashion houses.

The fragrance’s TV spot (which really feels more like a movie trailer) packs a star-studded cast, from director Spike Jonze to dancer Margaret Qualley. You can watch it online, or you can catch it in virtual reality at select Sephora stores.

Just like the scent, the fragrance seeks to push the boundaries, making the consumer feel just slightly disturbed. The bottle is equally strange: it features a little gem instead of a pupil, with rubber ribbed eyelashes. If you remove the lid, the top-down view is still an eye.

My thoughts on Kenzo World

As a perfume lover, I think that Kenzo could have gone much, much weirder with this perfume. It’s quite strong, but to my nose… It’s not that special.

It pains me to say that, because I LOVE the messaging behind Kenzo World. I love the bottle, and I love how passionate its creators are about it. But it smells like a fast-fading mass-market perfume, not a boundary-pushing one.

Kenzo World opens extremely sweet, backed onto heavy florals. Its key note is ambroxan, a highly contrastive ambergris derivative found in scents like Escentric 02.

To be fair, this isn’t bad for a mass-market perfume, but it does smell a lot like every other “sweet, woodsy floral” out there. I am keenly reminded of both Thierry Mugler Angel Étoile des Rêves and My Burberry Black in this one (the latter which was also a Kurkdjian creation, and is a near-clone for this scent).

The Kenzo World verdict?

I’m a little disappointed in Kenzo World. Or, more accurately: I’m a little disappointed in Francis Kurkdjian. Kenzo created a fantastic concept for this scent, and I feel like he really dropped the ball on it. Yes, the house gets the final say, but this scent is more or less just a softer reworking of Kurkdjian’s My Burberry Black.

If you like sweet floral-woods perfumes, then you’ll enjoy this one. It’s not to my tastes, but for a sweet woods perfume, it’s nice. (My partner loves it, and also really enjoyed the new Angel and My Burberry Black.) My only caveat is that it fades quickly for an Eau de Parfum, so be mindful and apply in layers.

Availability: $87 USD/$105 CAD at Sephora. Kenzo World is available in select boutiques in Canada and Germany right now, and officially launches worldwide September 2017.

Tags: /Fragrance, Product Photos, Product Review, Spring/Summer 2017

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Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster, Skin Booster review, swatches, photos

June 29, 2017

Rae Chen

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The products: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink and Ultra HD Skin Booster

Make Up For Ever is pretty well-known for their Ultra HD (and former HD) lines, and this season, that line is expanding. The brand is adding an Ultra HD Skin Booster, a Ultra HD Lip Booster in Clear and Light Pink, and two new powders to the range.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink review ($23 USD/$29 CAD)

The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster is a strange creature. It’s promoted as a lip serum, packaged like a lip oil, and hydrates like a light lip balm.

I know I just knocked a lip oil, but the Ultra HD Lip Booster isn’t really an oil. It’s a hyaluronic acid-enriched lip serum that billets itself as a “multi-purpose lip product,” and it’s really just stellar. It feels like a really cushy lip balm or a totally non-sticky lipgloss.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink – lip swatches in indirect sunlight

The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster is pricey at $29 CAD, but despite that fact, I really like it. I enjoy everything about it, from the super-sheer pinky-mauve tint to the extra-comfy cushion applicator. (It’s kind of like a super-sized doe foot that never comes out of the container with too much product. You might recognize it from Clarins or Sephora lip and cheek products from the last few years.)

Make Up For Ever billets the Ultra HD Lip Booster as a product that’s made “for prepping your lips for makeup application,” but it’s really excellent overtop a lip stain, too. It has a light “chemically” scent, but doesn’t give me a headache.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Skin Booster review ($41 USD/$51 CAD)

I’m a little less crazy about the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Skin Booster, but let me just say that I don’t mind its formula at all. It’s a really nice product in great packaging; I’m just not crazy about hyaluronic acid serums.

The Ultra HD Skin Booster has a light, pleasant fragrance and a thin texture. It absorbs really quickly, and is made to be used after your moisturizer but 15 minutes before your primer. The formula features quite a bit of glycerine, so it does make your skin slightly tacky.

If you like a good hyaluronic acid serum, then this is worth a look. It doesn’t make a big difference for me (and I don’t personally find that it’s worth the money), but it’s the kind of product that will work for all skin types. It is pretty comfortable for me to use, especially in the short term, and does a great job of disguising dry patches if pressed into the skin following makeup application.

I’ve read that this is the same packaging and formula as the discontinued Make Up For Ever HD Elixir, so if that was a favourite of yours, you’re in luck!

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink – review

The verdict on the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Boosters?

I enjoyed trying out the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Boosters, but I think they’re a little pricey for what they are: a liquid lip balm and a hyaluronic acid serum. That being said, they’re both great products, and they’re packaged just perfectly.

For brand devotees, these are actually a pretty nice addition to the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD line. I’d say that both of them are -nice to-haves” that have worked their way into my daily rotation, but neither are must-haves for me (unlike some of the brand’s colour products).

Availability: New permanent products available at Make Up For Ever and Sephora.

Tags: /Grouped reviews, Lips, Make Up For Ever / MUFE, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Silicone-free, Skincare, Spring/Summer 2017

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Land a great date with these 3 online dating tips

June 26, 2017

Rae Chen

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*sponsored by SwingTowns

The two questions I get asked all the time are “what dating apps would you recommend?” And “what should I be using for lube?” Well, it’s time to tackle the former.

I’ve addressed the latter with my top lube recommendation, but I haven’t really talked about online dating on theNotice yet. As some of you might already know, I met my partner through a dating app, and we’ve been together for over two years. (We even co-own this guy!) But I think a lot of what’ll influence your results is how you approach online dating–not which specific site you use.

My work-in-progress profile on Tinder

How to land a great date: my best online dating tips

1. Be a conscious texter

Remembering to be a conscious texter is the best of all of the online dating tips that I could give you. The point of messaging isn’t to set up a date; it’s to weed through the crowd to find someone you actually want to date.

To start off, I make sure that every text I send can be replied to. Is it a joke that can be built on? Is it an opinion that can be commiserated with or playfully argued? And if it isn’t, have you added in a question that they can respond to?

When you’re looking for love on sites like SwingTowns, make sure your texts lead into natural replies. It’ll show you what your rapport is going to look like with someone, and it’ll keep the messages going all the way until your first date.

What it’s actually like to text me (bro)

2. Be honest in your profile, but keep things short

The rule of “short and sweet” is important when it comes to things like emails, but it’s vital for snap-judgement dating profiles, too. You want to be honest in your profile and let your personality show through, but you should never overload your potential matches with information.

If you’re describing when you want to have kids, your greatest strengths and weaknesses, and the top 10 things you’ll do for someone as their boyfriend (ALL THINGS THAT I’VE SEEN IN A SINGLE PROFILE), you need to chill.

Leave them guessing. That way, they’ll have to swipe right to find out more.

3. Mix up your photos

Photos should never be the most important thing about a profile (sorry, Tinder), but they are still pretty essential. To get people swiping right on your profile, make the effort to add a few really great photos of yourself. And heck, if you have friends in your life who take great photos, take advantage of that fact. A mini shoot day for you both/for all of you can buff up your dating profile and your LinkedIn.

See? I’m not the only one!

I recommend having at least one photo of yourself in a group shot for your profile, one full-body shot, and one selfie. The perfect photo mix that makes me swipe right seems to be one group shot (preferably at a wedding), ONE OR TWO outdoors/sports shot max, and a bunch of portraits or pet selfies. But I’m a city hermit, so I guess some people are probably into sports and stuff.

I GUESS.

» Tip: A single group shot helps show you’re not a serial killer; a plethora of group shots is just confusing. Who are we even swiping right on?!

What are your top online dating tips?

Tags: /Other, Sex, Want help? You got it.

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Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts review, photos

June 22, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts

Once upon a time, I was a bath-hater. I’ll admit it: we all make mistakes. I started taking baths again last year to use up the Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts that Boyfriend gave me, but up until that point, I thought they were a waste of time.

How to use the Saje Pain Release Bath Salts

The Saje Pain Release Bath Salts are designed to ease “muscular aches, strains and stiffness” with a blend of essential oils, sea salt, and epsom salt. You add barely anything into each bath (Saje recommends 3-5 teaspoons added to a full bath), close the bathroom door, and let the essential oils envelop you.

Do the Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts actually work?

Honestly? I don’t find that these bath salts make a huge difference for me. What really impacts my pain levels is lying in a tubful of scalding hot water–emphasis on the scalding.

If I take a comfortably-warm bath, it doesn’t seem to do anything for my pain levels. But if I take a bath that’s so hot that it’s uncomfortable, my pain levels go way down. The key is getting the water hot enough that it hurts when I first get in the tub, and so hot that I then sweat my way through the rest of my bath.

So no, I guess these bath salts aren’t a must-have for me. However, they’re a really nice addition to a bath, and I love how little you have to use each time. My little baggie of bath salts has lasted me ages, and I’d say that it was well worth the price.

Availability: $7.95 CAD at Saje.

Tags: /Indie brands, Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Saje, Silicone-free, Skincare

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Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow (#GlowMo) review, swatches, makeup look

June 19, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Charlotte Tilbury “Beauty Glow” Instant Look in a Palette

If you’ve been on Instagram recently, you’ve probably at least heard murmurs about the #GLOWMO palette. Also known as the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow Palette, Charlotte’s new #GLOWMO collection is all about glowing, bronzed skin.

I’m not usually a fan of bronzed looks, but Beauty Glow has seen daily use since I cracked it open. What can I say? It really is just perfect for a five-minute face, and um… I’m incredibly lazy.

The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow (#GLOWMO) palette – review

The #GLOWMO magic of the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow palette

The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow palette was inspired by the makeup that Charlotte did on fair-skinned Poppy Delevigne for her wedding, so you know it’ll be perfect for the blonde-haired, blue-eyed section of the population.

Charlotte Tilbury #GLOWMO makeup look. Also used: Annabelle Skinny Brow Liner & Amaterasu Brow Liner, Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Pink Grapefruit ($26 USD, review upcoming)

Despite its inspiration, however, Beauty Glow works well on a lot of skintones. It gives me a summery, super-sculpted look in seconds (I’ve got a bit of a summer tan, so I’m a “light” in most shade ranges instead of a “fair,”) and it’s beautiful on both of the “Beautiful Before, Beautiful After” model on the Charlotte Tilbury website.

The palette is full of “rose-gold, bronze tones,” and it really excels at delivering a contoured cheek. But like, in a weirdly-friendly way? Something about summery makeup just looks so cheerful–my cheeks sculpted, but also like they’re fuller than usual.

Although that may have been the three pounds I’ve put on since the start of summer. Who knows! Either way, I’ve been looking cheerful enough that it’s starting to freak me out!

The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow shades

The #GLOWMO Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow Instant Look in a Palette contains three eye shades, two cheek shades, and two face shades.

The eyeshadows include a shimmery champagne; a shimmery light brown; and a warm, matte brown. For the cheeks, the #GLOWMO palette contains a rusty-brown “swish” and a bright, coral “pop.” For the face, it features a light, neutral bronzer and an ivory highlighter.

The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow Palette verdict?

I’ve had the opportunity to try out a number of Charlotte Tilbury products, but this is the first one to work its way into my everyday rotation. I’m really enjoying using the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow palette, and for those of you who love a “summer bronzed” look, I think you’ll enjoy it, too!

It’s definitely a warmer-toned palette than I’m used to, but it just screams “SUMMER!”

Availability: $85 CAD at Charlotte Tilbury (CA), $75 USD at Nordstrom.

Tags: /4. Makeup looks, Charlotte Tilbury, Cheeks, Eyes, Makeup looks: neutral, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

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Travel-sized beauty: How many ml to pack for a month-long trip

June 15, 2017

Rae Chen

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Travel packing is one of those things that has always been tough for me. I always know what to pack, but I never know how much to pack. So, when I headed off to Daqingshan Mountain in China for just shy of four weeks this past May, I took the opportunity to pack some travel-sized beauty products to see what would and wouldn’t be enough.

And guess what? I didn’t run out of a single item while I was there.

It’s tough to travel-size your makeup, so what I focused on for this trip was taking the right sizes of the big stuff. Things like shampoo bottles and moisturizers can take up a ton of space in your suitcase, and I’m an over-packer to begin with. Unless I want to start hauling six suitcases around, I’ve gotta go small where I can.

(Insert short person joke here. But hey, the joke’s on all you tall people, because I can comfortably fit in airline seats!)

Travel-sized beauty: Bath, body, and hair products

I brought along a LUSH Shampoo Bar and their Veganese Hair Conditioner, neither of which I particularly love at home – but they performed like champs while I was away. The Shampoo Bar doubled as a satisfactory soap/shaving cream and bath foam when I tried it, too.

I’d estimate that 100 ml of conditioner will last you 2 months if you’re using lots (Veganese is pretty thin) and washing your hair every other day. One shampoo bar will last you a lot longer; I’d say half a year or more.

For my body, I brought a travel-sized Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel. I found that I used about as much shower gel as I did conditioner, so 100 ml will last you 2 months if you’re showering every other day. Atoderm lathers lightly, and works well with the Venus Snap with Embrace that I brought with me.

The Snap is tiny, even in my little gremlin hands, and it makes a weird squeaking noise against my skin, sort of like it’s happy to be alive but really unhappy to be at work. It also delivers a crazy-smooth shave, though, so I’m not really complaining. I can torture razors for that.

I also (and I swear this wasn’t intentional) brought along a 100 ml moisturizer. The Karen Phytoplankton Moisturizing Lotion is a little light for me in Edmonton, but it was just right for China. This one’s close to being empty, so I’d say 100 ml of moisturizer will last about 4-5 weeks. (Karen is currently offering 40% off every order on their website until the end of the year with code KAREN4BLOGGERS, so snap this one up now!)

Sunscreen (which I totally over-packed)

I knew I’d be spending a lot of time outdoors in China, so I brought along two things of spray-on sunscreen and one stick. I have yet to find an affordable cream/lotion sunscreen that’s also silicone-free, but let me know if you can think of any!

Neutrogena Beach Defence SPF 60 is my go-to sunscreen, and this is my third bottle of it. It’s cheap and effective, but it’s still sunscreen, so it’s a little sticky and quite perfumed. I also brought along the super-smooth Neutrogena UltraSheer Face & Body Stick SPF 50+ for midday sunscreening.

On days when I knew I wouldn’t have time to shower off my sunscreen before meals, I used Ombrelle SPF 60 Sport, which is also silicone-free. It has a very low scent profile for a sunscreen, but I don’t know–for some reason, it just wasn’t as effective for me. I consistently picked up a bit of colour every time I used this, even though I applied until I was dripping and rubbed it in.

Itty-bitty face care

I wasn’t sure how much facial moisturizer to bring either, so I brought my full-sized Aveeno Fresh Essentials SPF 30. For the night, I also brought a tiny tube of my nighttime fave, DHC Extra Nighttime Moisture.

This mini (0.28 oz/8 g) tube lasted for all 3 1/2 weeks. It feels pretty light, so to be on the safe side, I’d recommend expecting that 8 grams of moisturizer will last you 4 weeks.

What are your travelling must-haves?

Tags: /Bioderma, DHC, Grouped reviews, LUSH, Neutrogena, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Silicone-free, Spring/Summer 2017, Travel

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