NOTD: Joe Fresh twilight swatches and photos (pic heavy)

For once us Canadians have something cool that other countries don't. It's Joe fresh style nail polish in twilight.
This polish is so amazing I almost had a heart attack when I found it at Zehrs supermarket. Only $4 CAD, ya that's amazing.

The colors in this polish are really really unique.
To start we have a blackened green jelly-like base. Then it is just loaded with flakies that change colors from copper to orange and deep green to emerald green.



The formula isn't the greatest and it works best over a base coat. I used one coat of rimmel 'night before' to start with. In case you were wondering this is a dupe of claire's 'magic' nail polish.

My apologies as my nails are messy since I was in a rush doing these swatches and trying to get ready to go out!

Rimmel night before (1 coat):

Then I applied 2 coats of Joe twilight. It was glossy, and absolutely gorgeous. I must have stared at them for 15 minutes or so.

Joe twilight (2 coats):

After taking about 30 shots I realized that this polish looks best in person. Photos cannot capture it's beauty!


Then I decided to try it matte and I applied one coat of rescue beauty lounge matte top coat. It looked really cool. The flakies popped more and my nails looked like some rock candies.

After applying RBL matte top coat:

Love this polish so much! I don't know if it's LE or not, but you can find it (hopefully) in stores that carry Joe Fresh style cosmetics. They include loblaws, superstore and zehrs markets.

trash review: Lancome renergie microlift eye R.A.R.E. superior lifting eye cream

A while ago I snuck into my moms skin care stash and found this eye cream. She didn't like it so I took the liberty of trying it out.

This is the best eye cream I have EVER used. I have tried many, many other brands including vichy, clinique, Neutrogena, even La Mer! - and I'm telling you, this is the one. It is so great that made it onto the #1 spot of my top 10 favorite products of 2010 list.

The reason I use an eye cream is to keep the undereye area moisturized of course, and hopefully 'plump out' any bags and dark circles from lack of sleep or those fine lines that really show when my skin is dehydrated.
Most eye creams don't do anything but irritate my eyes. They are usually the same as any other facial moisturizer, perhaps a little thicker.

Lancome Microlift eye does everything. It plumped up my under eye area, making those pesky fine lines totally disappear. It brightened underneath my eyes, and took away all signs of fatigue.
It literally took years off my eyes.

Here is an example of the result on my hand. In this photo here I have applied a swatch of the cream. Notice how you can see the little lines on my hand?
This photo is after blending the cream in and letting it sink in. All the lines on my hand are plumped out! My skin looks radiant and moisturized.

This stuff works!
Unfortunately, after I stopped using it all signs of fatigue and dehydrated skin came back. To see consistent results you need to continually use this product.

There is only one thing that I do not like about this cream and that is the packaging. I really dislike jar packaging because I'm a little bit OCD around germs. So I actually scoop some out with a spatula to use it. If only it came in a hygienic pump tube or something.

It's not always easy to find $80 to spend on an eye cream. In fact, I am hunting for something a little less expensive to use that delivers the way this does. So far I'm most happy with Philosophy Hope in a tube eye & lip firming cream. It costs $43 which is half that of Lancome and delivers excellent results as well. For now I'm content using hope in a tube, but when I have some extra money I would definitely consider getting some more Lancome renergie microlift.


repurchase? yes.

price: $78.50

rating: 5/5

Maybelline volum' express one by one mascara review

Oh boy. You want to know something pathetic? I bought this because it matched the coral colored lipgloss and nail polish I was also buying at the time. I didn't need it or really want it, I just bought it because it matched. I think it might have been on sale, so that's alright then.

I'm not the biggest fan of Maybelline mascaras, although the odd one does sometimes impress me. I liked Maybelline the falsies, didn't quite love it though.

Sadly I couldn't get a good shot of the wand on the one by one mascara. Basically it's a football shape with tiny rubbery spikes that really grab every lash.
It's quite unique and I can't quite compare it to anything else.

Wearing one by one:

This mascara was easy to apply and added a little length and volume. Not bad.
I like how it separated my lashes, I just wish it gave more length at least.
It sort of reminded me of a cheap version of MAC mascara X, in that it gave me very natural looking feathery lashes. Nothing extraordinary.
What this one by one did do was give me flaky raccoon eyes within an hour of wearing it.
I thought maybe I layered it too much, using two coats. So I tried using only one coat and that did nothing. It just flaked all down my face while I was at work.
I was so mad. I took this back to the store. It's total crap! Don't buy this one, especially not in the hot summer weather or you will regret it.

repurchase? never.

rating: 1/5

price: $8.99 CAD

Kat Von D lovecraft lipstick photos and swatches

I've wanted this lipstick so bad since I first saw it on Sephora's website. I am a huge fan of H.P. Lovecraft's work so naturally I needed this lipstick in my stash.

Like all KVD cosmetics the quality is superb. This particular color is very rich and creamy in texture. Very pigmented as well.
It's a dusty mauvy pink that adds just enough color to my lips when I want a more casual look. This is pretty much a YLBB color. ('your lips but better')

swatch of lovecraft:

wearing lovecraft :

It's very flattering and perfect for work. It lasts a while without any touch ups, a few hours at least. I use this more during the week and nude colors like celebutard on the weekends when I do heavier eye makeup.

After doing these swatches I noticed that lovecraft looks very similar to MAC faux satin lipstick. They are super similar, but since lovecraft is matte and more pigmented I much prefer it over faux. Faux is really pretty but being a satin formula from MAC I find it dries out my lips really bad.
Yet another winner from Kat Von D, I can't wait to try out more of her line.

What's your favorite YLBB colored lipstick?

Lancome Desert Rose island horizon blush photos, swatches and FOTD

Recently I had a little impulse buy, it was GWP time at Lancome and I just couldn't help myself. I brought home this gorgeous blush in the color island horizon.

Desert Rose subtle shimmering blush is limited edition from the Lancome summer 2011 bronze azure collection. At $48 CAD this is a bit of a splurge but I really think it will get lots of use from me this season!
It turns out that this is a perfect natural looking blush to add a little glow to pale skin.

The design is interesting. I don't think it's overly 'pretty' which is good because I usually have a hard time using fancily designed powders.
Island horizon is different from your average blush because the colors range from light bronze to rose to light pink to pearl. Depending on what look you want to get from it you could use the lighter colors or the darker colors.

I use this blush all swirled together because I find it creates a very natural looking flush. It looks very dainty on, with very subtle shimmer and rosy beige tones. It's perfect for the 'no makeup' look!

Swatches :

(Top) swatched heavily (Bottom) swatched lightly

(Top) swatched heavily (Bottom) swatched lightly

Here I am wearing it lightly, please ignore the horrible face. The blush looks quite natural doesn't it? Just adds a light rosy glow.

Here I really piled it on to show the color. Even with multiple layers it still manages to look nice and flushed, not too pink or orange. Just right.

I think this is the perfect summer blush for fair skinned ladies! I really don't think it would show up on darker skin tones. If anything, it would serve as a subtle highlighter on dark skin.

Are you liking any particular cheek colors this season? What blush do you like to use in the summer?

RapidLash review - my experience

For those who are curious about rapidlash here is my experience.
If you don't know what rapidlash is I have explained it in simple terms at the end of this post, just scroll down to 'about rapidlash'.

The purpose of this review is to inform those who might purchase this product that there are many risks that are not outlined or acknowledged by rapidlash.
Despite it's claims RapidLash is not FDA approved nor considered safe by the FDA. proof here.

Let me begin by telling you my eyes (as well as my skin) are extremely sensitive. I have allergic reactions to products all the time. 1 out of every 2 products I try on my face will irritate my skin. I suppose you could say I am 'hypersensitive'.

Now, what you must be wondering is 'does rapidlash work?' yes. Indeed it works. But it comes with possible side effects that are not indicated anywhere on the box or on the website.

(Above) My lashes on day 1 of rapid lash

(Above) my lashes on day 15 of rapidlash

First, I'll tell you the good. I've only used rapidlash for 15 days and I see results. My lashes are definitely longer, in better condition and a couple little 'nubs' I had from an eyelash curler accident are completely grown in now.
My lashes seem fuller, wispier and when I apply mascara they look really amazing.

Here is a comparison side by side:
(lashes curled using shiseido curler in both pictures)

It's difficult to tell the difference in the pictures because the results aren't drastic, but keep in mind rapidlash says you will start to see results after 3 weeks, and it's only been two.

Now I will proceed to explain what happened to my eyes after using rapidlash for 15 days.
The first week I had started using it my eyes were so bloodshot that people at work kept saying I 'look tired' and asking me if I was 'ok.'
I did some research and found out that this is quite common. Some said it would go away after a week or so.
I kept using it, very carefully- avoiding getting it in my eyes of course.
The redness didn't go away but got worse. I started to get red veins all around my lash line, so ugly and swollen!

The flash really wipes out the redness in my pics, but IRL they are so bloodshot, I look like a stoner :(

I again figured I must still be getting used to it and that it would go away. I just wanted to see the results so bad.
Well, the last few days I've been in constant pain-my eyes are puffy, swollen, sore, red and feel so irritated I have to use special eye drops to relieve the swelling and redness.



Two days ago I started having pain in my eyes. I don't know how to describe it but it seemed like stabbing pains sort of. They came and went and I got really freaked out.
Yesterday I decided that this stuff is not worth the pain even if it did make my lashes look amazing.
I have a 'no pain no gain' attitude to life but I realized that my eyes are just too precious to risk anything happening to them.
I took my rapidlash and my receipt right back to the store. I got my $67 CAD back, but my eyes are still recovering. They remained very red, and sore for a day after I stopped using it.
Today they feel better, but still red and slightly irritated.

About RapidLash:

What it is:

A lash enhancing product that claims to give you fuller, longer eyelashes and eyebrows. Can be used by anyone that wishes for lusher eyelashes or eyebrows, and is ideal for those suffering from hair loss due to radiation therapy or Hypotrichosis.

what rapid lash says:
'clinically proven to be safe and effective in enhancing the appearance of brittle, short, sparse, thin lashes and brows into fuller-looking lashes and brows in just weeks.'

How it works:

Marketed as a lash enhancer, RapidLash uses a chemical called isopropyl cloprostenate as an active ingredient that has been proven to stimulate hair growth.
Isopropyl cloprostenate is a molecularly similar compound to bimatoprost which is the active ingredient in Latisse. Both chemicals function in a similar way to promote longer, fuller eyelashes.
Bimatoprost is an FDA-approved drug indicated to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients but it is also used for eyelash enhancement (as in Latisse).
Risks of side effects are outlined and well read by Latisse, but not for RapidLash. Although they are of the same nature of chemicals and should both have the same -if not, similar- risk factors for use.

Is it safe?

Unlike Latisse, RapidLash has not been studied for very long and clinical testing is still not conclusive of all possible risks.
A very important factor for pregnant and nursing women to consider is that prostaglandin analogs for ophthalmic use are currently classified as Pregnancy Class C. Not safe!

what rapidlash says:
'RapidLash has been ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested and found to be safe and non-irritating.'

What the FDA says:
'FDA has determined that drug products in the same class as the active ingredient in “RapidLash” cannot be used safely without the direction, or under the supervision of, a licensed medical practitioner. Despite making a claim regarding safety, your products fail to include warnings about the possible adverse affects associated with the active ingredients used in your products.'

Side effects:

Lets be real here. (RapidLash being a prostaglandin analog compound) is subject to all of the same side effects as any bimatoprost containing drug.

Here is the list of side effects for Latisse (bimatoprost solution):

The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness. This was reported in approximately 4% of patients.
other side effects include:

-Effects on Intraocular Pressure
-Iris Pigmentation
-Lid Pigmentation
-Hair Growth Outside the Treatment Area
-Intraocular Inflammation
-Macular Edema
-Contamination of Applicators
adverse reactions (less common):
ocular dryness, visual disturbance, ocular burning, foreign body sensation, eye pain,
blepharitis, cataract, superficial punctuate keratitis, eye discharge, tearing, photophobia, allergic conjunctivitis, asthenopia, increases in iris pigmentation, conjunctival edema, abnormal hair growth, iritis, infections (primarily colds and upper respiratory tract infections), headaches, and asthenia.

Conclusion:

I want to make it clear that I am only putting this information together for those who are not as informed as I now am. I did not know any of these side effects were possible with such a 'safe' product.
Now that I do know the risks, my personal opinion is that this product should only be used under care of a professional and very carefully at that.
Watch for any side effects listed above. If you see any of them develop discontinue use and call your doctor.
However, I do know that there is a great deal of people who have used RapidLash without any negative side effects. I consider those people very lucky and would hope that they do not suffer any long term effects by using this product for extended periods of time.
Everyone has a right to do what they want with their bodies, but I just hope those using RapidLash will exercise caution and consider the risks.

sources:

http://www.latisse.com/
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2011/ucm251951.htm
http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/latisse_pi.pdf
http://www.beautypedia.com/search.aspx?bid=352

Kanebo Kate deep eyes GN-1 palette swatches, photos and EOTD

Here is a gorgeous palette I've recently acquired from a Japanese brand called Kate (owned by Kanebo).

I've heard this palette called 'deep cut eyes' and 'deep trap eyes' but the front just says 'deep eyes.' I have no idea what the back of the palette says as it's written in Japanese.

The packaging is cute as ever, very sophisticated looking. My only gripe is that it is a little bit hard to get your brush into the smaller sized shadows.

The colors are very well coordinated, with 3 different shades of green and two highlighting lighter shades. I love the golden color because it adds a pop of warmth to the palette.

swatches:

These shadows are very nicely pigmented and each have gorgeous shimmer in them. They look really nice and clean for a daytime neutral eye, or very sultry for a smokey green look at night.

EOTD using GN-1:

For this look I used every color in the palette, and I really love the results.
I would like to try more eyeshadows from Kate, I think the quality is really good.

I do believe that this palette is now discontinued but it can easily be found on Ebay for around $20.

Do you use any Japanese brands?

MAC Ever hip lipstick swatches and some comparisons

I don't know about you but I'm into coral pink colors lately. I think coral suits all skin tones and brightens up the face nicely.
Ever Hip lipstick first came out with MAC's Liberty of London collection, and was recently re-released in the fashion flower collection for spring 2011.
I grabbed it right away when I saw it at the counter, I knew I'd love it.

MAC ever hip swatch:

It's a cremesheen finish, which means it isn't drying (yay) but doesn't last more than an hour or two on the lips.

wearing ever hip:

I adore this color because it looks really flattering against pale skin. It brightens up my face and adds a touch of color. I really think that everyone should own a color something like this, it's nude but a little brighter and fun for summer.

I've taken the chance to compare ever hip with some other similar colors all found at the drugstore. I know not everyone uses MAC or can find sold out colors, so here are some other options that are more easily found.

Left to right:

Mac Ever hip, Maybelline pink please, Wet n Wild 903C just peachy, Revlon coral reef gloss

Swatches:

Mac Ever hip, Maybelline pink please, Wet n Wild 903C just peachy, Revlon coral reef gloss

- Maybelline pink please is definitely more pink than coral. There is just the tiniest hint of peachy coral in it for those that only want a tiny pop of color. see more swatches of this here.

- Wet n wild mega matte 903C just peachy is more peach than coral, but it's definitely got a warm orange tone to it. It looks really bright on my lips for some reason and I don't wear it very often. It could be the matte-ness of the color that makes it seem brighter when applied.

- Revlon super lustorous lipgloss in coral reef is very similar to MAC ever hip. It is almost the exact same color. I think it is just a touch brighter. I'd recommend this if you are looking for a true coral color. The great thing about it is that you can sheer it out or layer it on heavily depending on how much coral you like.

here is a swatch of Revlon coral reef on the lips:

Another lipstick by Revlon that is similar to ever hip is called pink in the afternoon. I don't own it but I do believe that the color would be almost identical as it is also a nude toned coral pink.

What kinds of colors are you liking lately now that the summer is approaching?