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Soft neutrals: a daytime, bridal, or evening eye look ft. Esqido, Clinique, and Annabelle

July 28, 2014

22 Comments

The moment I swatched Jenna’s Essentials for the first time, I knew I had to create a makeup look using it. Something simple; maybe just an eye, with easy options for making it more or less bold…

So here’s a quick tutorial for a soft, pretty eye makeup look, in bullet form. If you do choose to give it a go, I hope you have fun with it!

Clinique Jenna’s Essentials with Inglot M346 (matte lilac), Annabelle Night Light glitter liner, and Annabelle Expandable mascara

The basic steps

1. To begin, prime your eyelids (I used NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base), then apply the shimmering sandy taupe from Jenna’s Essentials across the entire lid.

2. Next, add the second shade (satin-matte chocolate brown), blending a small amount onto the outer half of the lid.

3. Follow up with the first shade of the palette (shimmery white) to highlight the inner corner, and a matte skin-shade around the outer edges to blend things out (I used MAC Blanc Type).

4. Finish up with Jenna’s Essentials by using the galaxy black as a liner shade, creating a small, subtle flick at the outer corner. Curl the lashes, then add a quick coat of mascara (Annabelle Expandable).

Clinique Jenna’s Essentials with Annabelle Night Light

The rest of these steps are optional, and each adds an extra bit of interest to the eye look.

To add a bit of sparkle to the eye, add a clear, shimmering liquid liner to the centre of your upper lashline– I used Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner in Night Light. (This glitter liner is really delicate and pretty, making it appropriate for both a day look and a night out!)
If you prefer a cooler neutral eye, blend a small amount of a light, matte lilac through the lid (Inglot M346), concentrating on the centre of the lid.
For a really dramatic finished product, add a pair of false lashes — I used Esqido Mink Eyelashes in Unforgettable with Duo lash glue.
For nighttime intensity, apply the eyeshadows wet, and use a black liquid liner instead of the soft black shadow from Jenna’s Essentials.

Jenna’s Essentials, Inglot M346, and Esqido Unforgettable lashes (inner corner trimmed on right)

Products used »

Tags: Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliners, Night Light/4. Makeup looks, Annabelle, Clinique, Esqido, Eyes, Indie brands, Inglot, Makeup looks: neutral

22 Comments

Benefit Coralista Ultra Plush Lip Gloss review, swatches, photos | Benefit blush-inspired lipgloss

July 24, 2014

Rae Chen

6 Comments

The product: Benefit Cosmetics Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Coralista

The shade: Coralista imparts just a hint of colour to the lips; a very sheer “medium coral”. (Think orange and red, not fluro-pink and peach.) It acts more as a gloss than anything else, but there is a subtle difference in colour before an after I apply it — enough to make your lips look healthy and glowing, but not like you’re wearing any colour.

Because Coralista is so sheer, it’s very easy to wear no matter your skintone — I personally have a cool-toned complexion with green undertones, which makes wearing most corals difficult, but this one reads mainly pink due to my natural lip colour.

The formula: Though it doesn’t stick around for very long, Benefit’s Ultra Plush Lip Gloss formula is actually quite a treat to wear. It’s very light and slippery, with zero stickiness and a light, fruity scent. (It’s the scent that really sells me on this line, honestly.) The Ultra Plush glosses smell like the line’s old Ultra Shine formula, actually, but with a less sticky formula and a fuss-free application.

Benefit Coralista Ultra Plush Lip Gloss swatch

L-r: Benefit Always a Bridesmaid, Coralista, Girl Meets Pearl swatches

The packaging: Like with Benefit’s Always a Bridesmaid Creaseless Cream Shadow, I wanted to wait for just the right season for this gloss — and the perfect season just so happens to be the middle of summer.

Coralista’s bright scent and sheer colour pair perfectly with its packaging, which is fun and carefree (like the brand’s boxed blushes). Rather than a finicky doe-foot or pot, these glosses are packaged in a handy squeeze-tube with the cutest applicator — it’s a slanted tip, but it’s a slanted tip with a rounded-off edge.

I don’t know. Something about that is just so on the nose, like it’s reminding you one last time that the Ultra Plush glosses are here to be your friend! Befriend us!

Rounded slant-tip applicator

The verdict?

Up in Canada, these glosses are a little pricy at $19, so I don’t think they’re a must-have — but Coralista is certainly a nice-to-have! The Ultra Plush formula is comfortable, 100% non-sticky, and very sheer, with a fruity fragrance that never comes off as too sweet or sticky (even in 30 degree heat), making it a great “handbag lipgloss” for while you’re out and about.

This formula is also available in Hoola, Sugarbomb, Dandelion, and Rockateur tints ($16 USD/$19 CAD at Sephora), as well as in a few non-blush-inspired shades at Ulta ($16 USD) with super-cute Art Deco packaging.

Availability: $16 USD/$19 CAD at Ulta, Sephora, Murale, and Shopper’s Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques.

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Benefit, Lips, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches

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Clarins Ladylike collection | Fall 2014 preview

July 22, 2014

Rae Chen

18 Comments

Clarins’ Fall 2014 collection introduces something to the market that I’ve seen only very rarely: wet powder eyeshadows in a matte finish. (I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment for years.) Ladylike pairs subtle mattes with creamy nude lips for an “ultra feminine” look — and the collection looks beautiful.

I know I don’t usually do collection previews, but you guys, this one looks so pretty. I couldn’t help myself.

Availability: August 2014 at Clarins counters & Clarins.ca

Eyes

Ombre Matte Cream-to-Powder Matte Eyeshadow ($24 CAD)

5 mattes & 1 sparkling shade: 01 nude beige (matte), 02 nude rose (matte), 03 taupe (matte), 04 rosewood (matte), 05 sparkle grey (sparkling), 06 earth (matte). New permanent.

Clarins Be Long Mascara in 01 Intense Black ($27 CAD)

Enriched with matrikine and panthenol to encourage lash growth and help strengthen lashes. Permanent.

Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base ($26 CAD/10 ml)

Enriched with oat extract to both illuminate & improve eyeshadow hold. New permanent.

3-Dot Eyeliner in Brown ($28 CAD)

Exclusive to department stores (not available at Clarins counters in drugstores.) New limited edition.

Perfect Eyes & Brow Palette ($37 CAD)

Contains three powder shades to define the brow, a nude pink powder eyeshadow to illuminate the eyes, and a transparent wax to tame unruly brows. (Also contains mini tweezers, a brow spoolie, and a double-ended sponge/blender brush.) Exclusive to department stores. New permanent.

Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in No. 13 Skin Tones ($42 CAD)

Contains four wet & dry eyeshadow shades: a satin beige-taupe, an off-white matte highlighter, a warm matte brown, and a cool-toned grey-taupe with a satin finish. New permanent.

Lips

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Cheeks, Clarins, Eyes, Fall/Winter 2014, Lips

18 Comments

Essence Beach Cruisers ombre blush giveaway | Summer beaches, summer blushes

July 21, 2014

Rae Chen

42 Comments

So, I found this wonderfully bright ombré blush at the drugstore last week, and I couldn’t just let it sit there. And one thing led to another, and I was like oh man, I love ombre blushes, and, uh, I kind of bought it. Even though I hate peach and red tones against my complexion right now, and I’m already practically drowning in blush.

Anyhow, long story short, I’m giving away this blush. It’s nothing fancy, but I couldn’t just let it waste away, sad and unloved, and I like you guys.

Win it

Up for grabs: one Essence Cosmetics multicolour blush in Summer Break, from their Beach Cruisers collection. The giveaway’ll run for a week, open worldwide (read the T&C for more details), and for those with allergies, the ingredients list talc and dimethicone, but no parabens.

I don’t have swatches for you, but Tracy (Beauty Reflections) swatched hers on her Instagram feed — see it here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tags: /Cheeks, Giveaway, Product Photos, Product snapshots

42 Comments

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction, all-day lip stains, and more | 19/07/14 Link Love

July 19, 2014

Rae Chen

We Vibe Tango reviews, photos; We-Vibe 4 | Bedroom Essentials (and not-so-essentials)

July 16, 2014

Rae Chen

25 Comments

The products: We-Vibe 4 Wearable Remote Control Vibrator and Tango Waterproof Discreet Vibrator

After how well-received February’s Je Joue MiMi Soft review was (thank you so much, you guys!), I had to follow up with another sex toy review — or two.

I handpicked this duo for two reasons: (1) the brand’s reputation for making high-quality, durable toys, and (2) the We-Vibe 4 and Tango’s rather singular designs. Whether you added the MiMi to your bedroom repertoire or you’re still looking to start your collection, I think these will serve a purpose unique to themselves!

The “Bedroom Essential”

The rechargeable We-Vibe Tango recently got a waterproof update, and now comes in fuchsia and this lovely, slightly-desaturated blue. It’s now a little bit longer and just a hair wider than it used to be (source), but should still be able to replace any sad, weak bullet vibe — which takes it from “great starter toy” to “bedroom essential” status.

Powerful and quiet, the We-Vibe Tango is a great option for a small, discreet clitoral vibe. It runs for up to 2 hours (I find it lasts for less than that) and features 8 vibration modes (4 speeds/4 patterns), with a low battery warning that flashes through its base. But, while it’s not as rumbly and cushy as the Je Joue MiMi, it can also be used in place of your standard bullet.

And the thing is — the Tango is strong. At $80, it’s relatively affordable for a luxury sex toy, but it’s more like two toys in one: your basic clitoral vibrator, and something that’ll super-power anything with a bullet cavity (cock rings, vibrating dildos, harnesses, the base of a strap-on, most things Tantus, etc.)

We-Vibe Tango (Waterproof) in Blue

We-Vibe’s Tango is made out of body-safe ABS thermoplastic, and its plastic finish means that it doesn’t pick up too much fuzz or create too much friction when being inserted into another toy. (Add a bit of water-based lube to ease a tight fit). It has the same motor as the line’s discontinued, cult-followed Salsa, but features a slightly different tip.

The “Nice in Theory”

Despite testing this one for (literally) months, I just couldn’t get it to work well for me. That said, however, it is a really unique kind of sex toy.

Made for solo or partnered play, the We-Vibe 4 features the brand’s first “echo” vibe — that is, there are two separate vibrators in this device (one for the clitoris and one for the g-spot) that vibrate in alternate patterns at three different speeds & three additional patterns. It’s waterproof and relatively flexible with a soft, safe silicone finish, and comes with both an on-vibe control and a battery-operated remote.

But, even though I like everything We-Vibe has included in this toy (especially its 3 hour battery life and space-agey stand-slash-charging-station), it just doesn’t fit my anatomy — which is a risk that you always run with any dual-stimulation vibrator, no matter the style.

So, here are my recommendations. If you really want to try a couple’s vibrator, choose this one. LELO launched the Ida to compete with the We-Vibe last year, but based on the reviews I’ve seen, it’s a sloppy, painful imitation of a couple’s vibe. If you really want to try a wearable vibrator, choose this one. Like all wearable vibes, it’s not perfect (too loud for a library, and the remote has a garage-door range), but it packs way more of a punch than your typical vibrating panty or remote-controlled bullet.

But here’s the thing: if your bits are on the small side, skip this one. It turns out that I have a fairly short set of muscles with an extremely retroverted uterus (which, by the way, makes getting an IUD excruciating), so the We-Vibe 4 can be pretty painful when I use it. Plus, I mean, the clitoral arm goes way past my clitoris.

The We-Vibe 4 in its charging base/case (lid at left) and remote (at right)

The verdict?

If you have to have a remote-control vibrator or couple’s vibrator, I say get the We-Vibe 4. BUT that said, I don’t think it’s worth the price, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who didn’t have their heart set on this type of toy already. The clitoral vibrator is just placed too far forward, and at $160, I would have liked to see far less visible, uneven seams.

» Update: We-Vibe has since launched the We-Vibe Chorus, which is supposed to be excellent!

The We-Vibe Tango, on the other hand, is definitely a toy I’d recommend. It would be my top pick for a bullet vibe, and my fondness for it sits about on-par with my love for the Je Joue Mimi Soft (which delivers more satisfying vibrations, in my opinion, but is larger, more expensive, and a little bit louder.)

Availability: These products are both available directly through We-Vibe, whose site ships to six different destinations including Canada and the US!

Tip: These both charge via USB, so consider buying one of those $0.99 USB power adapters on eBay while you’re at it! (I have this one — no sense paying $10 for a brand-name copy, you know?)

Keep reading! »

Tags: favourite sex toys/Feminism, Grouped reviews, Other, Product Photos, Product Review, Sex, We Vibe

25 Comments

Shupette by Karl Lagerfeld for shu uemura | Holiday 2014 preview

July 15, 2014

Rae Chen

10 Comments

Karl Lagerfeld photographing Chupette for the upcoming Shupette collection

The details are out — or, at least, some of them are. Makeup and cats (two of my favourite things) will be coming together this autumn in shu uemura’s 2014 holiday collection, designed by Karl Lagerfeld on behalf of, uh, his cat.

As you might remember, shu’s 2012 holiday collection was also designed by Lagerfeld, and featured a little concept doll that he designed. This time around, however, it will focus on something a little closer to his heart — his cat Choupette, whom he apparently babysat for model Baptiste Giabiconi over the holidays in 2011 and simply refused to give back.

That’s how I want to come into cat acquisition, you guys. I want to find the most perfect cat on the entire planet and then steal it from its trusting owner.

Expect fluffy lashes and feline liner from this collection, which will be available this October. Until then, follow @shuuemura and @ChupettesDiary to keep up with the launch. And the cat.

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Fall/Winter 2014, Holiday 2014, shu uemura

10 Comments

Bobbi Surf & Sand, Estée Lauder Perfectionist, and more | New 12/07/14

July 13, 2014

Rae Chen

6 Comments

I went over some beauty picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last Friday, but for those of you who aren’t Nordstrom members (or who live outside of the US), here are a few new makeup launches that anyone can buy!

This is a new style of widget, both on theNotice and generally on the internet, but I hope you like it. Let me know what you think!

(I’m especially intrigued by that limited-edition Estée Lauder Sculpting Foundation Brush):

Tags: /New This Week (& etc)

6 Comments

Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale: beauty

July 11, 2014

Rae Chen

3 Comments

This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary sale runs from July 10th-17th for Nordstrom card holders, and is open to both card holders and the pubilc from July 18th-August 3rd. Now, I don’t usually cover anniversary sales, but there’s something special about this one (you know, aside from the free US shipping & returns on all orders): it includes a Charlotte Tilbury set.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Killer Cheekbones Set ($110 USD) – includes a Filmstar Bronze & Glow palette and Powder & Sculpt Brush

For beauty addicts who’ve been living under a rock these past few months, Charlotte Tilbury (y’know, that crazy-famous makeup artist who often sits alongside fellow legends Lisa Eldridge and Mary Greenwell) launched her own beauty line last September. And, up until now, it was only available through British retailers like Selfridge — who packages orders worth hundreds of dollars in near-empty boxes with a single piece of tissue for impact control.

So, here are a few picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, including a small, precious piece of Charlotte Tilbury. Here’s to hoping this means the brand will officially land in North America soon. Shop all the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale beauty exclusives here.

Chanel Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder ($80 USD) – finally available in the US! Sara has some great comparison swatches of this one at Color Me Loud.

Jo Malone Cologne Collection ($88) – contains five mini (0.3 oz), layerable fragrances in Nectarine Blossom and Honey, Orange Blossom, Blackberry and Bay, Pomegranate Noir and Grapefruit.

Diptyque Baies & Figuier Candle Set ($120) – set includes two 6.5oz candles in Baies and Figuier, as well as a wick trimmer and candle snuffer. (Diptyque candles are notoriously finicky during burning — you need to make sure to straighten and trim the wick after each burn.)

MAC Look in a Box in All About Pink ($39.50) – includes Embrace Me Lipstick (Matte), Unlimited Style Lipglass (Frost), Fabulous Three Veluxe Pearlfusion Eyeshadow trio, and Photogravure Technakohl Liner.

MAC Look in a Box All About Beige Face Kit ($49.50) – palette contains MAC Eyeshadows in Rocketgirl (Satin), Plum Ember (Satin), Sable Riche (Frost), Cocktail Black (Frost), Honesty (Luster), Light Study (Matte); Powder Blushes in Love and Laughter (Satin) and Liberating (Satin); Lipsticks in Modern Wow! (Amplified) and What’s Haute? (Amplified). (Also available in All About Plum).

vMAC Look in a Box in All About Coral ($39.50) – includes Passion Charge Lipstick (Luster), Stroke the Flame Lipglass (Frost), Collective Chic Veluxe Pearlfusion Eyeshadow trio, and Brownborder Technakohl Liner. (Also available in All About Nude).

Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Color Set ($85) – set includes Bobbi’s Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner and Smokey Eye Mascara (both in black), as well as a 12-pan eyeshadow palette containing Ivory, Chiffon Sparkle, Golden Pink Metallic, Graphite Sparkle, Gold Sparkle, Naked, Bare Metallic, Birch, Smokey Topaz Metallic, Truffle, Golden Bronze, and Espresso.

NARS Dolce Vita Lip & Nail Set ($52) – includes NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick, Nail Polish (limited edition), and Lip Gloss (also available in Schiap).

Lorac Navy Skinny Eyeshadow Palette ($15) – a cheap, seven-pan pick-me-up (also available in Nude).

Tags: /Steals and Deals

3 Comments

Clinique All About Shadow swatches, review, photos: Jenna’s Essentials

July 9, 2014

Rae Chen

37 Comments

The product: Clinique All About Shadow quad in 02 Jenna’s Essentials

I had some of Clinique’s old eyeshadows. I loved some of Clinique’s old eyeshadows. But, no matter how good the Colour Surge line was, it was nothing like this.

The new-ish (as of September 2013) All About Shadow formula promises intense colour and long wear — and dude, from what I’ve seen, their pigmentation and texture are so good.

Clinique All About Shadow Quad in 02 Jenna’s Essentials

The shades: Jenna’s Essentials contains four neutral shades handpicked by Jenna Menard, Clinique’s Global Colour Artist — and dude, they’re divine. Medium-opaque and easy to both blend out evenly and layer for intensity, they’re kind of a neutral palette’s dream.

To start off on the left, shade 1 is a frosty, shimmering white that’s perfect for adding light to an eye look. It’s followed by a light, satin-matte brown that both sheers out well and layers easily — it’s a yellow-brown, so it reads pretty neutral.

Clinique All About Shadow Quad in 02 Jenna’s Essentials (indirect sunlight)

Next, shade 3 is a shimmering beige with gold sparkle (again, quite neutral, with a hint of pink to give it life), and finally, la pièce de résistance: a gorgeous charcoal-black with a matte base and sparse green-blue microshimmer, like magical stars in the sky.

But, like, who puts bright teal sparkles in a black(ish) shade? Clinique does, apparently — and I kid you not, they transform a boring, standard shade into the most enchanting black eyeshadow you’ll ever own.

Clinique All About Shadow Quad in 02 Jenna’s Essentials (direct sunlight)

The packaging: As a minimalist who believes wholeheartedly in function, I appreciate Clinique’s packaging so hard. It’s super-slick, with no weird lumps or bumps (MAC) making it hard to store, and the bottom is–get this–clear. Yeah. You can tell exactly what shades are in this quad from the bottom.

I freakin’ love this packaging, you guys. Let’s let the logical-chic packaging (what are you talking about; that’s totally a thing) movement begin.

Clinique All About Shadow packaging — makes so much sense!

The verdict?

If you were to tell me right now that all of my eyeshadows had just been magically converted into Clinique — I would be pretty okay with it. I might not even flinch. Because, you guys, this quad is so good: the textures are beautiful, the pigmentation is great, and the All About Shadow shade range looks to be both gorgeous and gorgeously vast. (I count 57 products and a whopping 100 unique shades in total!)

The singles are a little pricy ($19 CAD), but the duos and quads are pretty reasonable — $25 CAD and $35 CAD respectively. If the rest of the range is even a little bit as sneakily complex and well-formulated as these four, I’m willing to list them as a tentative new favourite.

Availability: $28 USD/$35 CAD at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Clinique counters everywhere. See also: Clinique’s All About Shadow singles ($15 USD/$19 CAD) and duos ($20 USD/$25 CAD).

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Clinique, Eyes, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches

37 Comments