Bronze it Up! My Current Bronzer Collection

March 30, 2019 littlebeautyloves12 Comments

I love wearing bronzers to give dimension and glow to my face. I was going through my collection and noticed I had four in my current rotation. I thought I’d go through some of the bronzers, especially since I have one of them in my Project Pan for March.

Physicians Formula Super BB Instaready Bronzer

I picked this up at GenBeauty 3 years ago and the bronzer is still going strong! This was part of my Project Pan in 2018 which you can read the round-up of here. I did hit pan with this item but it’s so dry that it ended up crumbling and I had to press it back together, hence the pan looking quite bumpy.

I like this bronzer because it gives a really sutble hint of colour. Just enough that it’s noticeable on my skin, which is great because when I’m in a rush out the door I don’t have to worry about blending it out too much. If I wear contour, I tend to prefer to blend that out with this bronzer because it’s very cool toned and helps everything look smooth.

Ciate London Bamboo Bronzer (Sample)

This guy is in my current Project Pan for March so I definitely wanted to include a little review of it here. The formula is very smooth so it looks really pretty on the skin. It is a lot more pigmented in comparison to the Physicians Formula bronzer so I do have to be careful that I don’t over apply it and make sure that I blend this out very well.

This is warm-toned so I prefer to wear this when I’m wearing warmed toned eyeshadow and blush or else it can look muddy on me. I’ve been diligent about using this so I have hit pan which I’m very excited about. I love wearing this in my crease as well, so it has doubled as an eyeshadow for me.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder (mini size)

I must say that I’m always repurchasing this particular bronzer because when it comes to shade, pigmentation and formula I’m most comfortable using this. It’s as pigmented as the Ciate London Bronzer but the cool shade is a better match for my skin tone so it looks a lot more natural on me. This formula really blends into the skin rather than sits on top so overall it does look more flattering on me.

My one qualm with this palette is that I’m not into the box packaging. If I had room in my magnetic palette I would de-pot this. I don’t think you’d have the same issue with the regular size, but my bronzer brush hardly fits in the mini size so it never picks up product equally. I know this is the Benefit style packaging, but it’s pretty bulky.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit – Volume 4 Bronzer in Filtered Bronze Light

I originally wasn’t going to include this bronzer because the palette is no longer available and I couldn’t find this colour in the single style compact but I am loving the formula and you can get other shades in this range from Hourglass.

This palette is recent to my collection so I haven’t used it too often, but whenever I have I am always so happy with how it looks on my skin. The bronzer is so finely milled and so soft that it really melts into the skin. It’s lightly pigmented like my Physicians Formula bronzer which again I like because I can quickly apply it and be out the door. This, however, has a slight sheen to it which really makes my skin glow.

Mix it with the other face powders in this palette and my skin looks so nice and healthy which is a happy change for me compared it looking really dry. The only downside is that the pan is pretty small and my bronzing brush is large so I find I have to be careful I don’t mix in the other colours.

Swatches

There you have it, my little collection of current bronzers that I rotate through on a daily basis. What bronzers are in your collection? What bronzer do you love the most and why?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Project Pan Monthly: March 2019 & February Update

March 6, 2019March 4, 2019 littlebeautyloves5 Comments

For the most part, I was really consistant about using my February products whenever I wore makeup. Towards the end of the month though, I wore the palette a little less because I was so excited about using my Nudestix sets (review is coming soon!) and of course, I was using my lip item less and less. All together I used my items 17 of 28 days in February.

In case you didn’t know, this is my Project Pan objective;

Project Pan Monthly

Each month I chose 4 items to use, sharing reviews of those products if they aren’t already on the blog. At the end of the month, I’ll share an update of how well I did and then list the items for the next month. The products are chosen from these categories;

One Eyeshadow Palette
One Lip Item (lipstick, lip balm, gloss, etc.)
One Face Item (foundation, highlighter, blush, bronzer)
One Random Item (can be another item from the categories above, or be something else like a mascara, liner, skin care, body care, fragrance, etc.)

February Progress

Alamar Cosmetics Reina Del Caribe Vol. 1 (reviewed here) I mostly stuck to using more of the warm-toned shades in this palette because they were easier to put together for everyday looks that I would wear to work.

I used coco-taxi the most of this whole palette and loved it with a bare lid and just a touch of that orange in the crease. When I wanted to go a bit more bold I would wear Tropico and Guantanamera on the outter edge of my lid and cafecito as a liner. The shade that I gravitated to every once in a while was La Costa, which looked so gorgeous swiped across the lid with some liner. You can see a few dents where I used the shade, which I’m really happy about.

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Sheer Liar. I wore this almost everytime I did my makeup the first two weeks of February.

However, I started lacking because I needed to switch to lip balm as my lips started to feel dry due to the cold weather so I didn’t get much use out of this lip stick in the end. But I do like the colour, so I might introduce it back into another project pan at a later time.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Blossom Glow (reviewed here). I love this highlighter and used it quite a lot this month, but I’m surprised that you can’t really tell.

I mean, if you owned one of these highlights you’ll know that a little goes a long way so I’m not surprised that it barely looks touched. You can see that the beautiful flower print is slightly starting to wear off.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs PerEstfume (reviewed here). Another item that I was using a lot in the beginning of the month, and then for some reason just started using it less often.

I loooovveeee this scent! I must subconsciously not want to waste it all, haha!

My March Items

This month I’ve chosen;

One Eyeshadow Palette – Morphe The Jacklyn Hill Palette
One Lip Item – Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Watermelon
One Face Item – Ciate London Bamboo Bronzer
One Random Item – Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup (reviewed here)

I wanted to include some items that I haven’t reviewed yet on the blog. I’ve had the Jacklyn Hill Palette for some time now and I really wanted to focus a mont on using it and sharing a review for it.

I was hoping to try to use up my Ciate Bronzer Sample since it’s starting to look like I might hit pan!

Let me know how your project pan is coming along whether you are doing one each month like I am or doing a year-long project pan.

Lots of Love,
Dal

Unboxing Boxycharm, August 2018

August 20, 2018August 18, 2018 littlebeautyloves6 Comments

Price: $21.00 USD (+$5.00 shipping to Canada)
Number of items: 4-5 full-size items

Boxycharm is a monthly subscription box of full-size makeup, skincare and beauty tools. The theme for this month is “Life of the Party”.

ALL PRICES IN USD CONVERTED TO CAD AT THE END

Laura Lee Los Angeles Party Animal Eyeshadow Palette
MSRP: $19.00 USD

This is a six pan pressed pigment palette of really colourful shades. I do have a few palettes of shades that are similar in other palettes and to be honest, I’m not really drawn to the colours here (although online reviews have suggested the palette is good) so I might just pass this one along to someone else.

I would have much preferred receiving the Boss Babe palette which was the six pan everyday neutrals palette, you can see it here. Those colours really speak to me! Also, I really don’t think that I can’t use this as a stand-alone palette, you’d need to set a base up with another palette and then use these as pops of colour. A palette that I think is really colourful but still works well on its own is the Alamar palette I got in my June BoxyCharm. Anyways, the packaging is really pretty though. I like the feel of the case, it has almost that rubbery texture and it feels very sturdy.

House of Lashes in Bambie
MSRP: $12.00 USD

These are really pretty wispy lashes. I like how there are a few lighter lashes mixed with the darker lashes to make them look a touch more natural.

These might be a long but I could definitely wear them to an evening out when I’m getting all done up. I also really love the band on these because it is thin and clear. These lashes are cruelty-free.

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Straight Up
MSRP: $24.00 USD

Online this was described as terracotta cream and it’s a really pretty chocolate brown shade. I love brown-nude shades but this is much different than what I have because it looks straight brown on my lips, it totally gives me that 90s vibe.

I think this is going to be amazing to wear in the Fall! I tried this on the lips and it’s super pigmented so one swipe is all you need and it’s also very comfy on the lips. It doesn’t feel like anything which I love.

Bang Beauty Chocolate Eye Liner
MSRP: $22.00 US

A few boxes ago I got an awesome black liner from Pretty Vulgar in my BoxyCharm, this month I was super excited to get a brown liner! I actually LOVE brown liners, I always keep a set of black and brown pencil liners and liquid liners and now I have a set of gel ones! I haven’t tested this to know for sure if it’s good but I am excited to try it. You can use this as eyeliner, an eyeshadow base or to touch up brows. Sounds pretty interesting.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
MSRP: $13.00 US

These gold foil eyeshadows are meant to hydrate under the eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles. They have hyaluronic acid, lavender oil and aloe oil which all work together to reduce wrinkles and to cool and soothe your undereye. I can’t wait to test these out!

Adesse Organic Infused Age Defying Nail Treatment Essentials Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil
MSRP: $18.00 US

When I first saw this package I thought it was a nail lacquer because I didn’t read the description on the box and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it was a nail treatment! As you may know, I don’t wear nail polish on my nails, only on my toenails, but I still apply treatments and oils to my cuticle and nail area to keep them strong. The one I currently have is getting old so this will make a good replacement. This is formulated with Vitamin E, Shea, Sweet Almond, and Jojoba Oils that are blended together to create a luxurious treatment that softens the cuticles moisturizes and hydrates the nails (boxycharm.com).

My Thoughts

I think this was an ok box. The last few months I’ve been overly excited about my boxes but this was alright for me. I could do without the palette (even if I have a million neutral palettes, I still prefer them over colourful ones). I’m really happy with everything else, especially the cuticle oil and chocolate gel liner!

Total Value: $108.00 US (141.30 CAD)

Did you get BoxyCharm this month? What was your favourite item?

Lots of love,
Dal

Review Update: GrandeLASH™ MD Lash Enhancing Serum, One Tube Later

March 20, 2018March 19, 2018 littlebeautyloves10 Comments

I wanted to do an update on the results I’ve been experiencing since I started using the GrandeLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum.

Take a read at my original review where I talk about my first 8 weeks of using the product. In that post, I go in-depth on the application and other product details. The instructions said users would get the full results in 3 months, so here we are!

NOTE: Although I tried to be as consistent as possible there were some nights that I simply forgot to use this. I still see results but I think if I was more diligent with applying this every night they might have been better!

After finishing up a whole bottle this is what my lashes look like!

This after using the whole tube. If you want to see my week-by-week progress, please read my original review here.

I feel that my photos don’t do this justice. My lashes are not noticeable in the photos, but in person my they are longer and much more curled. They feel thicker to the touch as well.

I see the greatest difference when I’m wearing mascara because I notice how much longer the lashes have become. Since I wear mascara every day I notice that my lashes look a lot more dramatic compared to 3 months ago. I don’t feel like I have more lashes, but that the lashes I do have are longer, thicker and curlier.

I’ve included two sets of photos below from my palette review series posts because you can see the difference my lashes look like with mascara on.

Here’s a photo from my Review of Estee Lauder’s Color Envy Palette from November 2017

Here’s a photo of the same eye, in February when I did a review of the Too Faced Just Peachy Mattes Palette.

I think I used They’re Real mascara in the top photo and Monsieur Big in the bottom photos but those mascaras don’t apply too differently on my lashes. Look at how much furth my lash looks when you compare the length against my crease. I hope you can see that the lashes in the centre of my eye look longer. You can go through my Palette Collection Review Series posts in the tab above and you’ll notice that my lashes have changed from now to three + months ago.

I’ve been very happy with my lash the results and have already invested in a second tube. After the first three months, you can apply this every other or third day just to maintain the lash length. I wonder how my lashes will look long term. If I notice a bigger difference I will let you know!

Have there been any lash enhancing serums you’ve tried?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Beauty Boutique Haul: All For A Bonus Bag!

March 12, 2018March 11, 2018 littlebeautyloves14 Comments

A week ago I put in an order at BeautyBoutique.ca not because I needed anything but because THEY WERE OFFERING A BIG BAG OF SAMPLES and 20X the points!! I don’t know why I did any shopping at all but I did and I thought I’d share it!

Shiseido Benfiance Wrinkle Smoothing Starter Kit

Um, yes, I did need more Shiseido items. I have a nice little box where I have been collecting them so these will make a nice addition.

I really do love this cleanser and moisturizer set because… wrinkles! Also, I like that everything is meant to work together.

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick

I don’t know why I never tried these before, especially since there are a million colours and different finishes in this line! No, seriously there are so many colours! I was at the Beauty Boutique Store in Shoppers the other day and was swatching a whole bunch of them.

I was very drawn to the sheer formula so I picked out Sheer Liar and it’s such a pretty nude. I’ve already worn this a few times already and am really enjoying the formula. The only downside is that it’s not long lasting on the lips. I find I have to re-apply quite often.

NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion

I wasn’t paying attention when I picked this up. I searched anti-ageing and added the first item that came up into my cart. I’ve used Neostrata before so I didn’t think much of it. This isn’t made for my skin type but if I use it as a spot treatment around my eyes, smile lines I should be OK. One thing to note is that this smells pretty bad so I don’t like wearing it all over my face. Since I’ve already bought it I’m going to use it.

You are supposed to use 5% Glycolic acids first to build up a tolerance and then use this product 1 to 2 times daily for a week and then 1 or 2 times a day as needed and tolerated afterwards. I’ve been using a few items from the L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal line that has Glycolic acid in its formula so I’m sure this should be OK for me to use once a day on my skin.

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water

To make the minimum spend for the gift bag I added this facial mist to my bag. I love Vichy products and I love face mists so this was an easy item to add to my cart. The mist on this is super fine and it dries on my skin pretty quickly. I mean this is just water, but according to the description, it has 15 minerals to rebalance, strengthen and regenerate skin. I’ll use this before my skincare and as a makeup setting spray.

THE BONUS BAG!

I had to snag this pretty awesome bag full of 17 deluxe samples! Yes, I was drawn in by the sample bag but it’s not a bad value if you break down the cost of each per mL compared to their full-sized counterparts and there were items in here that I wanted to try before buying a full size. I won’t list everything I got but these are a few items I’m most excited to test;

Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream
Strivectin Anti-Wrinkle Recode (it claims to reduce the look of deep wrinkles in 7 days, let’s see how it fairs on my fine lines!)
Clinique Pop lip colour and primer
Benefit POREfessional Pearl Primer (I like the original, I’m curious if I’ll like this)
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus (because it’s Spring!)

Other items in the bag are things that I know and love such as the Shiseido Ultimune, La Roche-Posay Micellar water and Bioderma’s cleanser. I also think they came in a pretty cute tote, one I will use.

Here are all the items I got! Have you ever been tempted to shop because it had a gift with purchase you just couldn’t resist?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Review: Using and Testing Makeup Removers

March 8, 2018March 7, 2018 littlebeautyloves9 Comments

The other day I was going through my bathroom cabinets and noticed that I have a few different makeup removers open. I began to realize that I use each one to remove a specific type of makeup be it everyday, heavy eye makeup, mascara etc.

I rotate through different makeup remover brands but the items themselves are always the same. I always have a micellar water, makeup remover/ cleanser wipe and makeup removing balm. I always follow up removing my makeup with a cleanser but these items really help to break down most, if not all, of the makeup on my face.

Makeup-Removing Wipes

Garnier Makeup Removing Micellar Wipes
$7.97 CAD, 25 Wipes

I use makeup removing wipes to remove my workday/everyday makeup because it tends to be a lot lighter. These wipes remove any light coverage foundation or bb creams, concealer, eye makeup pretty well. When I’m feeling really lazy, I can just use the wipe to clean my face and call it a day.

I rotate through so many makeup wipes but so far I like this one from Garnier the best! The cloth is so soft and it’s not crazy saturated with the product but enough that I feel like one cloth is good for my whole face. It even rivals the Simple makeup removing wipes or the Neutrogena wipes that I’ve used before because this is much better at removing makeup in my opinion. I also like that I don’t get left with a greasy/filmy feeling after using this that I sometimes experience with other makeup wipes.

Micellar Waters

Yves Rocher Sebo Vegetal Purifying Micellar Water 2 in 1
$29.00 CAD (390 mL) – Yves Rocher always has a promotion but this is the usual retail price

I like using micellar water similar to makeup removing/cleanser wipes. They are perfect for when I’m wearing a work day or everyday makeup look. What I like about micellar waters is that they are usually more gentle for use around my eyes so I like using them to remove eyeliner and mascara. I’ve noticed that the effectiveness of the micellar water improves when I use a good cotton pad. I find the Shiseido Facial Cotton really good with my micellar water because I don’t need to saturate them as much so a little product goes a long way. The cotton itself absorbs the product in such a way that it makes it easier to spread over my eyes. I’ve said this before but Shiseido really marries technology with beauty because you can tell that a lot of thought and innovation went into their products, or they are all wizards in those labs. Another more affordable option is the MUJI Cut Cotton, I actually prefer these peelable ones.

Although the Yves Rocher micellar water is designed for oily/combination skin, I still find it effective for my dry skin. It does a decent job of removing my makeup but unlike the ones from Bioderma or even the one I’ve tried from Vichy, it’s not the best at removing mascara. I have this in the large bottle so I will use it up but I don’t think I’d get this one again. I find with Yves Rocher a lot of their items are hit or miss for me so I either love and repurchase an item over and over or I get something and am super unimpressed by it, this one is of the latter.

Makeup-Removing Balms

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
$38.00 CAD (125 mL)

If I’m wearing a lot of makeup, say for an evening out or event I like using balms to remove it because they break down my mascara, eyeshadow, foundation so well without me needing to tug on my skin. I don’t use them every day only because they can feel oily and I don’t like that feeling on my skin all the time.

Clinique’s Take the Day Off is a balm that melts into an oil over the skin, removing with it even the toughest makeup. I love this guy because unlike a wipe or micellar water it works perfectly around the eyes. For me, mascara can be very tough to remove, especially because I prefer ones that are waterproof but balms just help the product slip off without damaging my lashes.

Another brand I want to include here is The Body Shop’s Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter because it works just as good and is $17.00 CAD (90 mL). Whenever this guy is on sale I pick it up but the one from Clinique is more affordable if you compare the cost per mL. This does the same thing and is very gentle on the skin.

Urban Decay Makeup Meltdown
$32.00 CAD (100 mL)

I remember there being so much hype when Urban Decays’ makeup remover line first launched but since then I hardly hear about them. I’ve included this in the makeup removing balm category because like the balms this is more of an oil makeup remover that works super well for heavy makeup removal. I LOVE THIS! You are supposed to spray this onto your hand or cotton pad before applying to the face but I’ve been lazy and sprayed it directly on my face.

Two sprays have removed my most stubborn makeup and are the best for removing glitter on me. I might rotate through different wipes, micellar waters or even balms, but this product is probably the only one I would repurchase the same of. I’m not sure how many makeups removing sprays there are out there but this is hands down the best.

These are the makeup removers I’ve been using and testing for the last while. What are some of your favourites or ones that you’ve been trying out? I’m always looking for something new.

Lots of Love,
Dal

littlebeautyloves

I like Makeup and I blog about it!

Tag: Makeup Blogger

Bronze it Up! My Current Bronzer Collection

Project Pan Monthly: March 2019 & February Update

Project Pan Monthly

February Progress

My March Items

Unboxing Boxycharm, August 2018

ALL PRICES IN USD CONVERTED TO CAD AT THE END

Review Update: GrandeLASH™ MD Lash Enhancing Serum, One Tube Later

Beauty Boutique Haul: All For A Bonus Bag!

Review: Using and Testing Makeup Removers

Makeup-Removing Wipes

Micellar Waters

Makeup-Removing Balms