We are speeding towards Christmas! As it edges toward mid-December I realize I have to start my shopping for gifts! I really need to get started! Anyone else procrastinating like I am or have you started your shopping?

There are a few upcoming events this week and I thought I’d share another festive look that I know I’ll wear to one of them. I love a smokey, shimmery eye and a bold lip for an evening look.

During this time of year, I find my Too Faced Gold Chocolate Bar Palette comes in handy because I can put together a variety of looks using the shimmery colours. It’s my favourite palette for coming up with evening style makeup.  I put boxes around the colours I used below.

In the crease, I put in matte shades on the right and then layered a few different shimmers. I put the deeper shimmers closer to the outer lid and the brighter shimmers closer to the middle of the lid.

For the tiniest amount of sparkle, I added my Stila Glitter Shadow in Kitten Karma. It’s not a crazy amount but it adds just a little festive flair. I used my finger to apply a touch in the centre of my lid.

For the lips, I applied Rimmel London Stay Matte in Pink Bliss. It’s a berry/nude shade. I love red lipstick but don’t really think I can pull it off as well as others can, so I feel a lot safer wearing shades like this one because it’s bold and I think when paired with a shimmer lid it still gives a holiday vibe. I applied a slightly deeper liner around my lips just so that it would stand out a bit more.

I love a look like this very much. It’s festive and fun but still really sultry and perfect for an evening out.

How do you like wearing your makeup for an evening holiday event?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Ever walk through the perfume aisle at a department store and get bombarded by a number of Fragrance Spritzers?  Ever actually pick up the perfume they are attempting to lure you into purchasing? Well, I have! That’s how I discovered the Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Fragrance.

With it almost holiday time, fragrance bundles are going to give you the best bang for your buck as perfume never goes on sale, so sets are the best way to get more of that good stuff. I bought the Blooming Bouquet set two years ago and I’ve been loving it since so I thought I’d share 🙂

Key Notes:
Calabrian Bergamot, Damascus Rose Absolute, Peony, White Musk

Now, I’ll admit I love the scent of rose, but this has so much more depth with the bergamot, peony and musk additions. On Sephora, one of the keynotes is grapefruit, which I think is very true to this scent. It’s very fresh. It smells so sultry but light which makes this perfect to wear during the day or for a night when you want to smell fresh. The rose scent is wilder than it is sweet and the white musk does add a bit of warmth without being overbearing. I wear this every day for work. It’s become my signature scent.

I think it’s a similar to J’Adore by Dior or Daisy by Marc Jacobs because I feel like it’s in the same fragrance category – light, clean, and feminine. If you know someone who likes these scents, this might be a good Christmas gift option for them.

The bottle is so beautiful too. I love that the cap has a silver wrapped bow on it, it just looks like a little present.

When I purchased mine, I received it in a set with the 100mL bottle, a little 5mL bottle and a 10mL refillable travel fragrance capsule that was prefilled (you then can use the larger bottle to refill it afterwards). I’ve included a photo of it below, it’s available as a set this year too so it’s a great time to pick it up.

What’s your fragrance for every day this Fall? Have you purchased any perfume that was introduced to you by a Fragrance Spritzer?

Lots of Love,
Dal

I took a count of the number of brushes I currently own and have over 50. Now, as I was growing up and getting into makeup I was constantly purchasing new brushes as I tried to find what was right for me and how I like to apply my makeup. That’s how my collection became the size it is now. I’ve purged a lot of brushes since then too.

Every once in a while I’ll pick up a new brush here and there as I feel like my skills improve or when I need a brush to do something specific. From all these brushes I’m sharing the five that I enjoy using the most and feel I reach for almost everytime I do my makeup.

MAC 129SE Powder Brush

This brush is one of the oldest brushes I own and one of the first in my collection. When I first began building my collection I knew I wanted MAC brushes but couldn’t afford to just buy three or four large brushes at a time. Instead, I’d wait until they would release their holiday collection brushes and buy those sets. The handles were shorter but generally, the quality of the brushes were the same.

I’ve used this brush for powder, blush and recently it has transitioned to my main bronzer brush. It’s extremely soft and fluffy which makes it good for dispersing product very lightly and evenly all over the face. I also like the shorter handle because it makes it much easier to grip and control.

Tarte Foundation Brush from the 2017 Holiday Collection

I shared this in a Tarte Boxing Day Sale Haul at the beginning of this year. I was so happy that a snagged the 5-piece brush set for only $21.00CAD! That’s less than the cost of one brush. All of these brushes are pretty great but the foundation brush has actually been the one I reach for the most. Since the brush is large it makes applying foundation super quick. The brush is densely packed but extremely soft so it spreads my makeup evenly without leaving any streaks. I like this when I’m applying a light to medium coverage foundation because it really spreads it out nicely.

I took a look at what they were offering this year as far as a brush collection, but I’m not sure I can recommend any of them. The closest this brush appears to be is to the Airbrush Finish Foundation Brush which is currently $44.00CAD – but if I know Tarte, it’ll be on sale soon enough at a price that is much less with a discount on top so keep an eye out for that if you were interested in buying one.

Crown Brushes Pro Brush For Concealer

This was part of a trio I received in my February 2017 BoxyCharm. The moment I got this brush I wanted to use it for concealer. Crown brushes are really affordable and nice brushes. I definitely think they are great if you want to start building a collection without spending too much money. This brush is dense and great for blending out concealer both under the eyes and over the lid when I want to use concealer as a base for eyeshadow.

I find this way easier for me to use compared to a beauty blender. I just find that I can spread the product further with this compared to a sponge. Also, I don’t feel the need to wash my brush as often as I might a sponge. I know, maybe that’s not super hygienic, but I think this brush absorbs less product than my sponge does so I get more mileage out of it.

Inglot 4SS Large Blending Brush

This brush is newer to my eye brush collection. I bought this in an Inglot Haul back in October of 2017, but it’s my most favourite blending brush. It’s really large, so you could even use it as a highlighter brush. I like using it to diffuse my eyeshadow or when I’m building a light shade in my crease. This has really made blending out my eyeshadow super easy and it leaves it looking like I’ve been blending for hours! I also love it for one sweep eyeshadow looks because it’s so large.

It makes it look like I’m a pro blender when it comes to eyeshadow. It’s a brush I was missing in my collection for a long time and I didn’t think I would use it as much as I do now but it really makes eyeshadow application (especially in the crease) so much easier. If you have large eyes or a large lid space like I do, I think you’d really enjoy a brush like this.

MAC 222 Blending Brush

Finally, we round it all up with another MAC brush and another blending brush! My collection is full of blending brushes because that’s what I think I struggled the most to get right as I was building my collection. I think I have about 10-15 blending brushes in different sizes and shapes because that’s where I spend the most time when I’m applying makeup. For me, this size brush fits perfectly in my crease and really helps blend colours there.

I have considered purchasing multiples of this brush so I’d have some on hand for when I want to use multiple colours on my eyes, but the price of MAC brushes always holds me back. The brush hairs are long and have a medium density which is perfect for blending colours. It’s also a good size that I don’t feel like it spreads my eye makeup outside where I want it to be.

Thoughts

If I could share ALL the brushes I love using, I’d have such a long post so I kept it to brushes that I find make makeup application the easiest for me and I use the most. There was a time when I was obsessed with brushes, even more so than makeup itself and I wanted to collect as many as I could because like I mentioned before I really struggled to find ones that were right for me. Has anyone else had that?

How was it for you when building up your collection of brushes? Did you know what you were looking for or was it trial and error as it was for me? I’d love to know! Also, what are your fave brushes?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Although I really love blush I never had a variety of shades in my collection. I was getting tired of using the same two blushes (MAC’s Fleur Power Blush and Benefit’s Daisy Blush) so when Tarte Cosmetics put this holiday palette on sale I instantly picked it up.

Even if this limited edition holiday palette is no longer available, I know it won’t be long before Tarte releases another similar palette. Since this is the same Amazonian Clay formula as their full-size blushes, I figured it would also be a good way for me to review my thoughts on Tarte blushes as a whole.

What it is

A ten-pan cheek palette (8 blushes and 2 highlighters) in a mix of warm and cool tones. This includes the Amazonian clay formula which the brand claims to increase longevity.

Price

This was originally $57.00 CAD, but I got it on sale for Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) for $19.58 CAD. When it comes to Tarte, I definitely suggest waiting until items go on sale because the discount is worth it. This has 0.84 oz of product. The pan diameter seems to be about the same as the deluxe size blush.

Packaging

I love the Moroccan style theme that was part of the 2017 Holiday collection from Tarte. The pattern is so pretty. This is a circular palette that is about 4.5″ diameter, just slightly larger than the Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow palettes. It is a nice plastic packaging in reflective gold.

There is a plastic sheet that separates the two sides of the palette. I like this packaging because when I open it up I can see all the different colours laid out in front of me.

Colour

I’m not crazy about blush colours being too wild so I like the variety of shades in this palette. There are bright corals and pinks but there are also subtle nudes and peaches as well.

I really love the highlight colour whimsical as an inner corner highlight for the eyes.

My favourite shade to wear is fortunate because the orange shade looks really pretty with any peach colour I wear on my eyes. I also like dainty because it comes out very natural on my cheeks. Even though some shades look really similar in the pan, they look different on the cheeks.

Application & Wear

You really need to be careful with the application of these blushes because the pigmentation is very strong and it can be patchy if you don’t build them up slowly, especially with the brighter or darker shades. This happens to me with colours like endless. I use a very light hand with this palette and a really fluffy brush because I’d rather put a little and add more. Lighter shades like angelic are a bit more forgiving. When blended out well, these look so pretty on the cheeks. As they warm up against the skin, they seem to melt it so beautifully. It’s a very dry formula that can look powdery on the cheeks if you don’t take the time to blend it in. I like the way this applies on the cheeks though and I can see why so many people rave about the Tarte blushes.

This wears very well on me, even better than my MAC blushes. I’ll notice at the end of a workday that this is still going strong.

The Breakdown

The Pros

• natural looking shades
• long lasting

The Cons

• can be patchy if don’t build up slowly

My Thoughts

I’m happy that I have this palette because it gives me a variety of shades to choose from that work with the majority of looks I like to wear. It’s even better that I got this palette for such a good deal.

I was asking myself if I would get more blushes from Tarte now that I’ve tested out the formula. I don’t know I will. I’ve honestly got more blushes than I possibly need now and the formula on the cheeks didn’t completely blow me away that I would rush out to get more blushes.

Have you tried any Tarte blush products? What do you think of them?

Lots of love,
Dal

It has been a long time coming but I finally cut my hair short! I’ve had long hair for so many years and as someone who is super low maintenance, I never went to a hairdresser in that time so my hair just got longer and more damaged.

I wanted to get my hair cut by someone who was good and @hairbysafiyaa (that’s her Instagram handle, you should see her work) was highly recommended to me. She does my sister’s hair as well as other people I know so I made the 1.5-hour drive to St. Catherines to get it done!

My hair was just above my lower back and a medium brown colour that I had boxed dyed multiple times. I decided to cut it to just below my shoulders and got a few sun-kissed highlights in it, I love it so much!

I wanted to ensure I kept my hair feeling and looking hydrated and smooth after my haircut and timing was perfect when I was offered the opportunity to try Shu Uemura Art of Hair! I was sent the Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment as well as other items.

Shu Uemura is a famous Japanese make-up artist who has been breaking the boundaries of beauty for over 50 years! His company was built on the basis of his philosophy that “beautiful make-up starts with beautiful skin.” They use naturally gentle ingredients, use the most advanced science in beauty, and encourage artistry and visual expression. This is also expressed in their Art of Haircare line.

In a Favourites From the Boxes post in November 2017, I said that the Shu Uemura Essence Absolute oil was the best item I had received from Topbox and I still believe that. Whether I air dry or heat style my hair it just leaves it shiny and hydrated, it’s also a good heat protectant. So, I’ve had a positive experience with these hair items and wanted to try more!Let’s start with shampoo. If you probably guessed, I love using anything that hydrates but deep cleans my scalp. I wash my hair only twice a week so I love when a shampoo rinses clean and doesn’t leave a residue. Before I got my hair cut, I started using the Shu Uemura Art of Hair products to help bring some life back to my hair so my cut would look extra good.The Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo purifies the hair but also has enriched argan oil to restore the hair fibres while adding body. The formula is creamy and it has a slight lather. I really felt like this cleaned my hair and it felt very moisturized after I rinsed it out. I also really enjoy the smell of the shampoo. It doesn’t have a sweet smell like you would expect with argan oils, it’s more natural.The next step was to apply some of the Silk Bloom Restorative Conditioner. The conditioner also has argan oil to restore damaged hair. I could feel the moisturizing properties on my hands right away, it felt like I just put on hand cream. This is super moisturizing.Every other wash, I would apply the Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment after rinsing my hair of conditioner. If you have dry, damaged hair like I do, this product is amazing! It leaves my hair so soft and I swear it makes even my boxed hair colour look good.The formula is super thick and I like to massage a little handful into my hair and leave it on for 5-10 minutes while I shower. I’ve even used the residue from my hands and rubbed it on my legs and this acts as an in shower moisturizer! This product is amazing because it deeply nourishes my hair. I feel like it has reduced frizz in my hair. I’m hooked on this!

After I cut my hair, I wore it natural to work and so many people were complimenting me on it! My hair feels soft to the touch and really strong. I have been consistently using these products and I feel like it’s made a difference in how my hair looks and feels.Another item that I’ve been loving is the Straight Forward Time Saving Blow Dry Oil Spray! Oh my goodness, how I enjoy this whenever I want to blow dry my hair. This spray evenly coats my hair and makes styling it a breeze. I apply this in sections to my towel dry hair and then blow dry it. The oil protects against the heat of my styling tools. Since my hair is shorter it takes less time to style regardless but I think the oil helps leaves it shiny and I do think it helps shave some extra time. It smells like chamomile which I really enjoy.

 

I’ve really been enjoying my hair lately. One, being that it’s shorter and two, I feel like the products I’m using now are going to help protect it and keep it from damage. Overall, I think these have been really good for my hair!

Giveaway!

I wanted to share something from Shu Uemura with you! I received the Wonder-Worker Air Dry/Blow Dry Protector. This cream is perfect for on-the-go styling leaving hair treated and protected with an effortless look. If you’d like to win this item here’s what you need to do;

1. Follow my Blog 🙂
2. Like and comment on this post and leave your Instagram account so I can DM you if you win.

Open to Canadian Residents only (sorry if you’re not in Canada, I will have another giveaway soon). Contest Closing on Wednesday, April 25th, winner announced on Friday, April 27th.

What haircare items have you been enjoying lately? Have you tried anything from Shu Uemura?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Disclosure: PR Post. The items above were generously sent to me for reviewing purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

I’m super excited to share this review of a cool new way I’ve been cleaning and drying my brushes. A few weeks ago, I was offered the ability to test out the Brush Bar and Brush Board*. As someone who enjoys cleaning their makeup brushes, I jumped at the opportunity!

So what is the Brush Bar?

A brush drying tool with 10 prongs to secure your brushes upside-down while they dry to prevent water from entering the barrel and dissolving the glue.

And what is the Brush Board?

A two-sided brush exfoliator made of firm material to maximize your brush cleaning. There are 6 different textures to scrub around the bristles. In the photos below, I’ve included the little description card that explains what each compartment does.

I was also sent the Brush Bubbly which is a gentle makeup cleanser to use with the Brush Board.

I love the way the Brush Bar and Board were packaged inside of velour carrying cases. It makes it great for storage and is a really nice touch.

What did I think?

The Brush Board is firm so I was able to hold it while I cleaned my brushes. My cleaning technique was to put a little dollop of the Brush Bubbly on the board with a little bit of water and then lathered up each brush. I like the gentleness of this makeup cleanser. Alternately, you can use baby shampoo.

Since the edges of the board are high, the soapy water is contained in each section which made it perfect for lathering up each brush without having to keep my facet running.

I really like that this board is a firm material. I have other brush exfoliators that are silicone but this one feels really sturdy and I can feel the cones and waves working deeply into each brush.

After I lathered all my brushes with soap, I went back and used the various textures on both sides to deep clean and then rinse each of them. In the end, I used the cone side to brush out the bristles from any remaining water. The cone texture is recommended at the end because it helps the brushes dry quickly.

Following that, I put each brush upside down in the prongs for drying on the Brush Bar. The design of these prongs allows for you to hold 2 small, 6 medium and 2 large size brushes.

When the Brush Bar is not in use, you can fold the prongs onto the inside of the board which helps prevent them from getting damaged while storing. Both the Brush Bar and the Brush Board have a sleek design that doesn’t take too much space in my cabinets. I would probably get another board for myself so that I can dry more brushes at one time.

The Bar itself has a nice weight so that it will hold the brushes securely while they dry. As long as the brushes are hanging off a flat, straight surface you don’t need to worry about them falling. The prongs easily open to insert my brushes and the rubber tip help grip the barrels.

My bathroom gets a lot of traffic, so I moved the bar to my kitchen counter where I was able to hang these from an unused corner to dry. You can hang these off a counter, desk, shelf, chair, or any other flat surface. If you have a bathtub, you could also hang it on the inside edge, that way when the water drips it goes directly down the drain.

Before trying this product, I used to tie each brush onto my towel hanger in my bathroom which worked, but this is a lot more convenient because I can hang my brushes in a dry place out of the way. I also love that each brush is separated so it dries quicker.

My Thoughts

The Brush Bar and the Brush Board have made cleaning more fun and easy for me!

The Brush Bar is great for quickly drying my brushes upside down without taking up too much space on my counter and is easy to store. This holds the brushes securely and out of the way. If you use makeup brushes all the time and regularly clean them, then this is definitely worth the investment.

I was pretty surprised at how much I’d like the Brush Board. Since I have a few other brands of brush exfoliators, I didn’t expect to be as wowed by this as I am. I think the 6 different scrubbers are perfect for all the different ways you might want to deep clean your brushes and the sturdiness of the board itself makes cleaning so much easier. The board is really easy to hold in one hand while sweeping the brushes with the other. I actually would recommend this over the Sigma one that I had reviewed a few years back, you can see that review here.

The Brush Bubbly is maybe the only product I could do without only because you can purchase your own cleanser from the drug store, but it still worked really well.

For more information and to order, go to getbrushbar.com They are based out of the US and ship internationally!

You can use coupon code BEAUTYLOVES15 for 15% off your first purchase! This is a non-affiliate code, but a sweet offer from The Brush Bar Company to all of you!

Let me know what you think of these items. How do you like cleaning your makeup brushes?

Lots of Love,
Dal

 

*Items mentioned have been sent to me for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest and my own.