You can really never have enough eye primers.
When it comes to applying eyeshadow, it’s super important to apply a primer first so your shadow can apply smoothly, without creases, and stay on vibrant. Typically I just use a cream shadow for this purpose since it seems to work the same anyways, but there really is nothing like applying an eyeshadow primer to your lids since they work the best and really do help with shadow vibrancy and longevity.
As you guys know, Avon now sells The Face Shop products (they just celebrated their one year anniversary together) and one of the lines is VDL. Recently, they sent over their VDL Expert Color Primer for Eyes (C$35, on sale for $28), which helps to prep lids for a smoother application, while extending the wear of eye makeup for all day wear, meaning no creasing or smudging.
Available in three shades, Original, Shimmer (a champagne shimmer), and Serenity (a baby blue), these primers contain silk protein which helps to nourish the eye area, as well as Tahitian black pearl powder and amino acids to moisturize and brighten. The formula is nice and creamy and blends out perfectly to an even finish, making it the perfect base to layer underneath shadow. For the coloured ones, you can also apply these by themselves or over top of shadow to add a little pop to your makeup look.
In terms of primers, I’ll be honest, these do kind of range on the more pricey side, but I find VDL in general is a more expensive line. I do like them and like the colour range they chose, plus the fact that there are so many ways to wear them. I also like how they work to soften and hydrate the eye area, which isn’t something that I’ve seen before, so it’s nice that they have that skincare benefit as well.
Have you tried the VDL Expert Color Primers?
Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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When it comes to false lashes nowadays, they only time I really apply them is when I’m taking photos.
Since I have so many lashes of all different price points, to throw on a lash for a few hours isn’t something that I normally like to do. Now with that being said, I love magnetic lashes since I like how I can just throw them on, there is no lash glue and then take them off when I want.
I was really impressed with Kiss’s Magnetic Lash system when they released it last year and often throw them on for a quick photoshoot. The way it works is there is a magnetic liquid liner and the lash has tiny magnets on them that sticks to the eyeliner. I thought this was a really cool innovation, so when I saw that they released a Lash Glue Liner, I was like this is too good to be true.
Well friends, it’s not.
The Kiss Lash GLUEliner (C$13.97) comes in black and translucent and works as a liquid liner that doubles as a glue. All you do is apply this liner as you normally would and then pop on some falsies and that’s it!
Naturally I tried out the black one first and was pleasantly surprised by how well this worked. I paired the liner with one of their new MLBB lashes (more on that in a second) and basically as soon as you paint the liner on, you just stick on the lashes. I’ve used this a couple times now and found that they did stick on well. Of course there was some trial and error with this in that you should apply the mascara first since there won’t be time afterwards (unless you use it after you apply the lashes). Also, have your lashes ready to go since I found this did dry quite quick.
As for wear, the lashes did stay on quite well with no corners coming off. When I removed the lashes it was an easy removal, so I would probably reserve this more for day or everyday wear as opposed to a night on the town when you need those lashes glued on solid, just to be safe.
Kiss also offers this in a translucent liner as well, which they recommend you apply underneath your regular liner, not over. I feel like if you are going to get a product like this, you might as well stick with the black since otherwise I would just get the lash glue, but I can see the appeal if you have trouble with lash glue and the translucent version would make this easier for application.
As for removal of the liner, I will say that it was a little tougher to remove as opposed to a regular liner, however, I do find the magnetic liner to be a little hard to remove as well. I also want to note that this doesn’t feel tacky, sticky or uncomfortable when applied. It just feels like a normal liner so it is quite comfortable.
In addition to the Lash GLUELiner, they have also released a number of new lashes as well.
First up is their Lash Couture Matte Black collection, which I find to be their most dramatic lashes. The Matte Black collection features lashes with a diffused, soft matte finish in the darkest black colour they have. These are definitely extremely glamorous and look and feel like mink (they are synthetic).
The band on these lashes feature a knot-free design and is on the thinner side compared to its other faux mink counterparts. Although they have a heavy look, they have a comfortable feel when applied.
Since I’m more of a natural girl, I love the MLBB lashes (C$6.97), which stand for My Lash But Better. These are a more subtle lash, which Kiss says is perfect for day-to-day wear. It comes in four styles and features a superfine band technology, making it easy to blend in with your natural lashes. These lashes are great too because, depending on the style you choose, some are more dramatic than others, but they all feature a more natural looking, making these the perfect lashes in my opinion (I’m wearing the style Blessed in the swatches photo below, along with the Lash GLUEliner).
Finally, they also have a couple new multi-packs which are always great to have in your collection (especially if you wear lashes often or are a makeup artist).
The Lash Couture Faux Mink Curated Collection (C$19.97) contains four styles of lashes that are influencer favourites. These are all part of their Lash Couture collection, which look and feel like mink lashes but are synthetic. Unlike their other multipacks, each of the four styles are different and range in drama. Two of the lashes (Little Black Dress and Gala) feature a black band, whereas the other two (Muse and Jubilee) feature a clear band.
The other new multipack is the So Wispy Curated Collection (C$13.97), which comes with five pairs of lashes. Again, each lash is different and they all feature their signature wispy effect, which is my personal favourite when it comes to lashes.
All of these lashes feature a clear band, making it easy to blend in with your natural lash. I love this style personally since I find them to be the most flattering and natural when it comes to lashes and really just heighten your eye look. I think the Lash Couture lashes are better for photos, but when it comes to real life, I would go with these So Wispy ones or one of the MLBB ones.
As you can see, Kiss has so many amazing lash innovations in store for 2021 and best of all, since they are a drugstore brand, everything is really affordable. The multipacks are the best bang for your buck, and I love how they came out with packs that feature different styles instead of all the same kind of lash. I have always loved their Ever EZ multipack, but I think that these new ones will definitely be getting more wear and rotation in my collection (when I actually want to wear lashes/have somewhere to actually wear them).
Will you be trying out any new lash products from Kiss?
Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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The skincare staple you should be incorporating into your skincare routine once you hit your mid-20s/early 30s? Retinol!
I’ve tried a few different retinol creams, none of which are pharmaceutical grade, and since I am in my early 30s, it’s been something that I have put a priority on since it helps to prevent wrinkles and keep skin looking young.
A little refresher on retinol… Retinol is also known as Vitamin A and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen in your skin. It also helps to diminish age spots and softens rough skin.
Since it is quite potent, it isn’t something that you would add into your routine everyday off the hop, you need to work up the amount of retinol you use weekly. So for instance, you would use it once a week or a couple weeks then build it up to a couple times a week and gradually increase the use. It can be very harsh on your skin if you use it everyday, so it’s very important that you build up the usage.
Anyways, if this sounds right up your alley then I’m excited to say that Mary Kay launched their first retinol product yesterday!
The Clinical Solutions Retinol 0.5 (C$85) is powered by pure retinol and is designed to prevent signs of aging that isn’t visible yet and reverse the advanced visible signs of aging. This retinol is designed to be used as an eight-week program (and then after the eight weeks, just use it as you see fit/whenever you need) and will stimulate the surface skin cell renewal so your skin appears more younger. It also helps to support natural collagen and elastin, improving the appearance of collagen-depleted skin.
One pump is all it takes for this to go to work. After eight weeks you should see age-related wrinkles, discolouration, and loss of facial firmness reversed.
In addition to the retinol product, Mary Kay has also released a partner product designed to be used in tandem with this new retinol serum. Since retinol can be quite harsh on your skin, the Clinical Solutions Calm + Restore Facial Milk (C$60) is formulated for retinol-treated skin. It contains a blend of plant oils such as coconut, jojoba seed, safflower, and olive to give skin a shot of rich fatty acids to nourish and soothe.
Since this is an eight-week program, you would start by applying one pump once a week (on the same day) for the first two weeks diluted with the facial milk product. For weeks three and four you apply just the retinol again once a week on the same day, followed by the facial milk. Weeks five and six you apply the retinol twice a week, followed by the facial milk, and then weeks seven and eight you would apply the retinol three to five times a week, followed by the facial milk as needed.
I love how Mary Kay has come out with a buddy product to the retinol cream since retinol can be very harsh on your skin. When applying this, make sure that you put it on at night and then apply an SPF the morning after.
I just started my journey using this product last week, so I’m on week two as of yesterday. Like I said, I’m not new to retinol but often forget to apply it since you would use it quite sparingly on your skin. I have a little chart from Mary Kay that has a schedule where I mark off the dates I applied it, which I find very helpful in remembering when I need to use this product.
Although the products are sold separately, you can buy them as a set for C$135 (which saves you $10). I’m sure using any moisturizer would do the trick with the retinol product but I do love that Mary Kay came out with the facial milk that is specially formulated to work with their product.
I can’t wait to see what my results will be like in eight weeks, but let me know if you plan on buying these goodies!
Do you use any retinol products?
Note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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