I can never say no to a good nude… lipstick, that is, get your head out of the gutter people :P.
I recently received a giant box of goodies from Mary Kay featuring some of their spring 2019 collection. I’ll be slowly reviewing everything on here but just had to start out with their new limited-edition Matte Nude lipsticks.
These lipsticks are modelled after the renowned qualities of Milanese artisan techniques, in which they have innovative excellence and an innate ability to deliver an extraordinary experience. There are three shades in this collection, which features a buttery smooth lipstick with a matte finish.
Each shade has an Italian name and is designed to empower the woman who wears it. First there’s Baccio Nude (beige nude), Perfetto Nude (warm nude), and Bellissimo Nude (rosy nude). All three of these are similar, so if you love true nude shades, then you need to get your hands on these (all three of them are truly my favourite shade of nude).
Although I do have an abundance of Mary Kay lipsticks in my collection, I was impressed with the formulation of these. Mattes tend to be very drying, but these go on so soft and have a moisturizing finish so you won’t be looking for the nearest lip chap after a few hours of wear. They also are buildable, so if you want just a little hint of colour, you can definitely do that with these or layer them on for a fully opaque finish.
These babies retail for C$20 a pop and are available through your Mary Kay seller. If you love nudes like I do, then I definitely recommend picking one up (or all three).
Please note, products provided by PR, all opinions are my own.
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I’ve always loved Benefit Cosmetics’ mascaras.
Being a fan of They’re Real! and Bad Gal Lash for years, when they released Roller Lash I was curious to try it. Since my makeup collection is currently filled to the brim with mascaras, I put it on the back burner… until now.
Brand-new to the Roller family, the beauty brand recently introduced a liquid eyeliner and a nude waterline pencil.
Available in two shades (black and brown), Roller Liner (C$30) is a matte liquid eyeliner that features a precision tip to give you a sharp, controlled line that won’t smudge or drag. The formula is billed as waterproof and dries down fast, meaning that once it’s on, you don’t have to worry about it transferring or moving anywhere. It is also said to have a 24-hour wear that won’t fade, flake, or smudge.
I needed a new liquid liner since I feel like my Fenty Beauty one is now well used and I’m worried that it’s going to start fading on me before I know it. I love how dark and matte Roller Liner is and really I love everything about it, aside from the fact that I wish that the tip was more firm. I have a lot of skin on my outer eye area, so sometimes I find that liners tend to skip or it gets lost in the folds, therefore a more firmer liquid liner is more study for getting the most precise line. This one is a little too flexible for more, so I find that I really have to take my time with this so it gives me a nice line or doesn’t smudge. I could also pull the skin taut, but I tend to not do that since I heard it can stretch your skin over time. If this liner had the tip that the Fenty Beauty one or even the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner has, I would put it in that category. If you have firm skin around your eye area, then this wouldn’t be an issue for you and I would say it is one you should definitely look into.
Also new to the line is the Roller Eye Bright Highlighter Pencil (C$27), which is a nude-coloured retractable pencil that is designed to open up the eye area in an instant. Apply this creamy, waterproof pencil on your waterline and inner or outer corners of the eye for an instant awakened effect.
This pencil is universal for everyone and I love using this kind of product on my waterline to truly get that baby-doll wide-eyed effect. I have a few similar pencils and to be honest, they all work the same. I didn’t find this one to be any different than others out there, however, the waterproof claim is awesome since that part of your eye tends to water in that eye area (hence the name “waterline”), so you definitely need a product that will stay put.
Finally, to round out the collection, I finally got my hands on the OG, Roller Lash mascara (C$33), which is a curling and lifting mascara. Available in two shades (black and brown) this mascara is designed after hair rollers in that the brush is supposed to grab, separate, lift, and curl for big lashes that are billed to last 12 hours. The formula also contains provitamin B5 and serin, which are ingredients known for lash-conditioning benefits.
I actually really like this mascara and find that it makes my lashes look lifted, long, and separated. It doesn’t necessarily make them look fuller, but it fans them out. I really love how the brush is curved, so it’s easy to hug the lashes as it’s being applied. It you want fuller-looking lashes then I would suggest Bad Gal Lash, but you could also easily layer their mascaras together for a custom look as well.
Overall, I like how Benefit added more items to the Roller Lash family (plus that packaging is to die for!). Although I did have that concern with the liner, it won’t put me off of using it since I love how dark it looks and the matte finish on it. It just takes a little more time when applying it. Although I don’t think the highlighter pencil is a necessity (I only really use this technique when I’m going out), if you are in the market for a new highlight pencil, you can look into this one, however, I have used other pencils which have worked just as well for way less money.
Have you tried any products from Benefit’s Roller collection?
Please note, product sent by PR, all opinions are my own.
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Valentine’s Day is such an under-rated holiday.
Okay, so I know they technically call it a “Hallmark holiday”, but guys, I absolutely adore Valentine’s Day. And not just because it’s an excuse to get a present (I don’t even have suggestions for my boyfriend on what to get me!). As someone who love pink and girly stuff, it’s truly a match made in heaven and I can’t get enough of all the cuteness that’s spread this time of the year.
Even if you don’t have a true Valentine this year, don’t fret, you can easily enlist your bestie or your pet (I consider my dog Ziggy to be my Valentine every year.. sorry Josh). To me, Valentine’s Day is about showing someone in your life how much you care for them, as well as brightening one’s day, whether that’s through an appreciative text or a little gift.
Speaking of gifts, I couldn’t wait to compile this gift guide since this holiday is truly one that I feel is so easy to shop for. From candles to fragrances to even lingerie, there are a variety of options to gift this season.
Daniel Wellington Gift Sets
You may have seen Daniel Wellington pop up on your Instagram feed on more than one occasion, but as someone who owns a few watches and some of their jewelry, I can confidently say that these watches are worth the hype.
Special for Valentine’s Day, the online watch brand (they also have some stand-alone stores as well) has a variety of special-edition sets which include a watch, a charm, and one of their bangles.
Housed in the most adorbs Valentine’s Day red gift box with gold-debossed Daniel Wellington logo and I love you message card inside, there are a variety of different sets to choose from. I went with the Classic Petite St. Mawes, a heart-shaped charm, and the Small Cuff in rose gold. The Classic Petite St. Mawes watch features a slim case and an eggshell white dial with a brown genuine Italian leather strap. You can put the charm through one the holes in the strap for a truly custom look that reminds you of your Valentine every time you glance at the time. The watch pairs nicely with the Small Cuff as well, which is the perfect addition to your arm party.
I also have the Classic Petite Bondi watch, as well as their Classic Cuff which they also offer in a set this season. I wear the Classic Cuff all the time and really love this set as well.
All the Daniel Wellington Valentine’s Day sets are currently 10% off right now and you can score another 15% off with code APOPOFCOLOUR. They also offer quick free shipping worldwide, so you’ll get it just time for the big day.
Nest Rose Noir & Oud Candle and Diffuser
You really can’t go wrong with gifting a candle and when it’s one by Nest, well it’s just the cherry on the cake.
Although any Nest candle will make hearts skip a beat, their new Rose Noir & Oud scent is to die for. Available as a votive, a one-wick (C$56), and three-wick candle (C$90), as well as diffuser (C$64), this scent has notes of rose de mai, patchouli, and incense. It’s floral meets musky, making it the perfect candle to have burning for a Valentine’s Day night in. Plus, flowers are nice to get an all, but a rose-scented candle will last you way longer than florals.
I absolutely adore Nest’s scents and I have to say that this one is probably my new favourite. It’s sweet meets sexy, for the ultimate scent to have lingering (plus those hints of tobacco are to die for). I have both the candles and the diffusers and find that although candles are always a great idea, I love having the diffuser in my bedroom to give that space an extra bit of oomph whenever I walk in as it really does do a good job of infusing fragrance in the room.
Esqido false lashes
Although lashes are always a great gift idea, no matter the occasion, this is something you may want to pick up before the actual date night.
I have tons of Esqido lashes and love how the Canadian eyelash company makes luxurious mink lashes which help to accentuate your eyes. If mink isn’t your thing, then take a look at their synthetic line, which includes the most perfect V-Day appropriate lashes.
The style Heart & Soul are a medium-volume lash which gives subtle volume and length and has a clustered design for the perfect wearable look. Since this is part of their synthetic line, they are very light wearing and contain ultra-fine fibres that are joined together by a soft and flexible cotton band.
Another romantic style to pick up is X & O, which is also a medium-length synthetic lash that gives you more of a flirty look. The lash features ultra-fine criss-crossed strands that will have your lucky date staring at your eyes all night.
While you’re ordering off Esqido’s site, don’t forget to also pick up their Companion Eyelash Glue which is my favourite lash glue to use to apply lashes. It features a brush, making it super easy to target the glue on the band. It’s also formulated for sensitive eyes and all types of lashes. It’s latex-free, hypoallergenic, formaldehyde free, paraben free, and 5-free, as well as waterproof. Although it is white, it dries clear and really holds your lash in place and you don’t have to worry about it popping off at all since this stuff really holds it down.
If you want to score some money off your esqido.com order, then use code ShaynaW for 15% off.
Emporio Armani In Love With You and Stronger With You Intensely fragrances
Perfume, flowers, chocolate, and jewelry are Valentine’s Day staples, so I obviously I had to include a couple scents in here.
Brand new for 2019, Emporio Armani has released two new fragrances as a follow up to their 2017 scents Because It’s You for women and Stronger With You for men.
The female scent, In Love With You features notes of black cherry, jasmine, patchouli, and vanilla. It’s sensual meets addictive, and since it’s an eau de parfum, a little goes a long way for a long-wearing scent, easily taking you from Valentine’s Day dinner to what happens after dinner, if you get what I mean ;).
If you’re looking to gift a scent for your man, then pair your perfume with Stronger With You Intensely, which features notes of pink pepper, vanilla, sugar-coated chestnut accord, suede accord, vetiver, and amber wood accord.
This one is musky and mysterious and will have you snuggling in all night.
Lingerie from La Vie En Rose
Lastly, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some lingerie. I’m completely obsessed with this embroidered teddy from La Vie En Rose (C$59.95), which featured moulded foam cups with underwire, and pink embroidery. I am a 32DD and find the small fits me like a glove. It also has removable garters and closes at the back via a back-hook closure (similar to a bra).
Since the breast area is fully covered, you could totally rock this as a body suit with some high-waisted jeans and a cardigan or blazer. I would totally wear this out for my V-Day date and then ditch everything else once you get home ;). I recommend pairing this with the lace and satin kimono from La Vie En Rose (C$59.95) as well, which features 3/4 length sleeves and really is the cutest pairing (or, shall I say, sexiest).
If you are celebrating Galentine’s Day this year instead, take a look at La Vie En Rose’s site for their regular ol’ PJs as well, they are some super cute options this time of the year.
There are so many options out there for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Even if it’s something like a box of chocolates or candy, or even a cute mug, the thought behind the gift will surely not go unnoticed.
What is on your wishlist for Valentine’s Day this year?
Please note, I received these product for review. All opinions are my own.
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