Its funny how drawing a black line on my eyelid just makes me feel so much better #MakeupProblems 

Eyeliner is an absolute essential for me, as is for most girls. It can thicken your lash line, define & enlarge your eyes & you can use them to add a pop of colour too. You don't need to spend big bucks to get a quality eyeliner. The drugstore or “lower-end” brands as you may call it are full of GEMS that are comparable to higher end brands. The first makeup product I ever bought was an eyeliner and of course from the drugstore. I still continue to use drugstore eyeliners and a few higher-end ones too as some are just as great.

 I’ll be going over the 4 drugstore eyeliners that I'm currently using. Some are total gems, while others just about cut it. I use 4 different types of liners– a gel liner, a liquid liner, a felt tip liner and pencil liner--  cause well, you can't have too many eyeliners, right? I use a different one depending on my mood, the look I'm going for and the amount of time I have. These eyeliners are all BLACK because they work best with dark hair & tan. I do need to get out of my comfort zone and try more colours though. Don't forget to have a look at the swatch comparisons at the very bottom. Any who, let's start:

1. Jordana Fabuliner Bold:

An extremely easy to use felt-tip eyeliner pen. Depending on how you angle it, the felt tip point makes it so easy to draw on a thin or thick line all in 1 go. I reach for this liner when I’m short on time but still want to line my eyes. The tip also makes it easy to wing out your liner. I’ve had this for about a year and it is still going strong and has not dried out. The Fabuliner also comes in a finer tip too that just goes by the name “Fabuliner”, but it is sold out most of the time.  PS. Canadians, I picked this up from the States as it’s not available here in Canada (Yup, yet another brand we are deprived off!). A few cons are that, it is not very pigmented compared to other blacks (see swatch comparison). It also fades away fast and rubs off easily. So it just about cuts it for quick use-- but it's not my favourite.

2. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner:

Who HASN'T tried this one yet? It is THE drugstore’s most sought after & popular gel-liner. This one is said to be comparable to higher end brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown & Inglot. It is truly the blackest black with a matte finish. The creamy, gel formula glides on smoothly. It also doesn’t dry out fast and the amount of product it comes with, just about lasts forever. I’ve had mine for maybe 2 years, used a heck out of it and still got a A LOT left. But I do have a problem with this liner-- it takes a while to set. If you don't wait, it will smudge off easily. Once its set and on, it will stay on throughout the day with minimal fading. The best way I love to use this liner on my waterline & to tight-line because it lasts SO much longer.

3. L’Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil:

The “liquid-pencil” part got me! It is one of the smoothest, creamiest eye-pencils I've used. Some other pencils from the drugstore can be so rough and hard. It is a true black but needs to be built up to get it even darker. The pencil sharpens easily and doesn’t break or melt either. The only con is that there is a bit of a smudging problem when used on my (oily) eyelids as it doesn’t always stay put throughout the day. I like to use this primarily on my waterline/tight-line especially when I’m in a rush as its a breeze to use.

 

4. Wet n Wild Mega Liner:

 One of the BEST drugstore liquid liners! I generally stray away from liquid liners cause I find them harder to work with. But this one is unlike others. It is the blackest black, fully matte liner with the finest tip. It is smudge proof and dries INSTANTLY (within seconds). It’s perfect for achieving a thin line especially in the inner corners of the eye.  I’d say this is the blackest out of all 4 of these liners and the most long-lasting.The only problem I have with this liner is my clumsy hands that don’t always stay steady when using such a fine tip (but that’s my problem that I’ve got to practice on).  

Swatch Comparison

There are SO MANY MORE quality drugstore eyeliners out there. You can find a great one even on a budget. I’d say my favourite has to be the Wet N Wild Liquid Liner, followed closely by Maybelline Gel Liner. On my to-try list is Inglot Gel Liner #77 as I have heard more than enough good things about it!

 What are your favourite drugstore eyeliners?

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My Prep + Prime Routine

A clean & smooth canvas is necessary for any work of art (Your face included)! 

A well prepped & primed face can make your base and overall makeup look just that much better! It can make the world of a difference, in my opinion. I don't do anything too fancy. I just follow a simple 3 step prime & prime routine I've put together before I apply any foundation/concealer. The combination of these products work very well together. I slightly mix it up depending on daytime or nighttime wear. I also always start with a freshly cleansed and toned face. These products are definitely for my oily-skinned girls/guys as I know the pain myself. TIP: I leave a 10-20+ second gap between applying moisturizer, primer and foundation. That way everything is absorbed well into the skin (& not all mixed together).

Lets start! These are my 3 steps and what products I use for each:

1. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

2 Options:  SPF for daytime & SPF-Free for evenings/nights

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30:

Get your SPF on! On my regular day-time makeup days, I always use a moisturizer with a SPF --- it is SO important! A moisturizer + sunscreen in 1 is great as it combines steps. Otherwise, I'd easily forget to apply a separate sunscreen. This is a great moisturizer with a built-in mineral/physical sunscreen. It has zinc oxide as the main active ingredient acting as a physical sunscreen. I prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical ones as they are safer (more info on Dr. Oz's Sunscreen Article). 

I love this moisturizer because it is light-weight, blends in well and has a full matte finish. Absolutely no shiny/oily look unlike other sunscreens. Its got a bit of a tint to it, which helps to avoid white casts. BONUS: Its got some anti-aging properties as well! I usually hate using moisturizers with SPF when I wear makeup cause of the shiny look, white casts & flashback---but I have no complaints with this one! I have found the one for me *love*.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel:  

 An oily girl's BEST FRIEND! This is hands down my favourite SPF-free moisturizer to wear under makeup. My skin is on the oilier side and using any old moisturizer just does not cut it for me. Especially in the summer months! My skin can look like an oily slick by mid-day--- leading to a lot of blotting + powdering! I generously apply this all over my face, excluding  my under-eye area.

This gel is light-weight and oil-free. It hydrates my skin without looking or feeling at all greasy. It blends so beautifully into my skin--- its invisible once on. It has a matte finish and leaves me with soft, smooth & shine-free skin. The moisturizer you use under makeup truly does matter!--- I learned that the hard way. An oil-free moisturizer with a matte finish like this one has really helped with oil control. This gel is SPF-free which is what I love to use when I want a flawless finish especially for night-outs, without having to worry about flashback/white casts.

2. MOISTURIZE UNDER-EYE AREA

 

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream:  

An early morning wake-me-up! I use less than a pea sized amount to apply under my eyes and on my eyelids. Personally, I don't believe that a special eye cream is necessary as I mentioned in my Breaking 5 Common Beauty Myths  post. BUT, I really believe this eye-cream STANDS OUT from other eye creams. It does MUCH MORE than simply moisturizing the area.  It BRIGHTENS! It has the tiniest specs of shimmer in it. SHIMMER? No, it isn't anything crazy! It's barely noticeable when applied. Yet, it gives off a slight sheen and radiance that brightens & highlights the area.

Origin claims that it is "a clinically-proven eye cream that instantly de-puffs and reduces dark circles". Personally I'd say it does NA-DA to reduce dark circles! But, it does slightly help to de-puff the under eye area which is the work of the caffeine + other ingredients in this. It immediately feels SO refreshing and soothing when applied---especially for early mornings of late nights. A little goes a long way and this tiny container will probably be enough to last me years!

Its got a bit of sheen to it.

3. PRIME THE SKIN

 

Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer: 

 To prime or not to prime? That is a question I've been trying to answer myself for a long time! For years I've gone without a primer and only recently added it to my routine. Smashbox has a ton of different primers to choose from, all meant to do different things--- the one I use is the original iconic formula. I apply the tiniest amount of this on my face focusing around my T-zone and cheeks (where I tend to get get oily). But does this really make any difference? Well, here's what Smashbox says its meant to do:

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation, our best-selling, oil-free primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish.

I personally do not have fine lines or large, visible pores (as far as I have noticed *YET--eeks*) so I can't speak to that. But, YES! I totally agree that this is a very light-weight formula that makes your skin feel ever so silky, velvety, smooth and ready for foundation. I feel that this primer creates a barrier between my skin and any makeup I apply. My foundation tends to stick on for longer as well. Its also rich in antioxidants which is always a plus!

Have I seen dramatic results giving this a HG status? NOT YET! Is a primer really necessary?! Well...I'm still experimenting with it under different conditions, weather and so on. I'll update when I have a solid opinion. Either way I love to use this as extra protection when I want a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Now, my face is prepped, primed & ready to go "paint" with makeup!

What are your Prep & Prime Products to perfect your base?

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Setting Sprays: MAC Fix + VS. Urban Decay All Nighter

 

MAC Fix + and UD All Nighter are both "setting or finishing sprays" for your face but they are really are not comparable to each other as they meant for completely different purposes. I love and use both sprays depending on my needs. One's great for a dewy look and another is great for long-lasting makeup.

MAC Fix + Skin-Refresher or Finishing Mist  

Described by MAC as:

 An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!

It is often referred to as "just glorified-water" but I beg to differ as I think its an amazing, must-have product not just for makeup wearers. Fix + is a multipurpose product but it marketed as a Skin-Refresher or Finishing Mist for your face. I use it mainly to refresh and liven my makeup after a couple hours of wear when it's looking a little dull and flat. I also use it after applying my full-face of makeup to reduce that overly-powdered or "cakey" look we all hate. It also blends everything (powder, blush, bronzer, etc.) on my face together nicely. I don't how it does it, but after spritzing this all over on my face, my makeup just looks and feels so much more healthy, refreshed and dewy.

Fix + is a great product to carry in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups. It has a nozzle on it that can be locked and unlocked, so you don't need to worry about it spilling in your bag.  It is also great for traveling when you're stuffed up in airplane to refresh your face whether you are or are not wearing makeup. It comes in 2 sizes, 100 mL for $25 CAD and a sized-to-go one with 30 mL at $12 CAD.

Other uses:

- foil your eyeshadow to get more vibrant, long-lasting colours
- to spritz on your face brush before applying powder foundation to turn it to a more liquid consistency
- to spray on your beauty/blenders or sponge applicators before applying foundation
- to spray on your face BEFORE foundation as a moisturizer as it is made of all skin-loving & moisturizing    ingredients. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (by SKINDINÄVIA)  

Described by UD as:

A weightless setting spray that keeps makeup looking just-applied for up to 16 hours ... It actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and concealer in place—even in hot and humid or cold and windy conditions. The result? Smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day (or night) without melting, cracking, fading, or settling into fine lines.

It is often refered to as "hair-spray for your face" which I totally agree with. Now, UD is making a pretty big claim that it makes your makeup look just applied even after 16 hours!? I rarely ever wear my makeup for more than 8 hours so its hard to say if this product lives up to the claim. However, I will say that YES it does make your make-up last alot longer  (several hours more) on your face and locks everything in place. I really noticed a significant reduction in smudging of foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, eyeshadow and even eye-liner. It's amazing how this keeps everything in place. But it doesn't work magic, of course there may be some slight smudging here and there if your touch/rub your face. I use UD All Nighter for special occasions and night-outs when I want my foundation to stay on looking flawless for extended hours regardless of whatever it is I am doing.

In respect to "refreshing" your makeup, I would say All-Nighter does do this to some extent as it does spritz liquid over your face but it does not bring the same moisture to your face as Fix + does. I do not use this daily nor recommend it for daily use as the one of the main ingredients in this spray is alcohol which is a known irritant. I know we all want our makeup to look flawless all day long, but we shouldn't sacrifice the health of our skin for it. This also comes in 2 sizes: 30 mL for $15 (CAD) and 118 mL for $36 (CAD).   

VERDICT

The only similarity between UD All-Nighter and MAC Fix + is that they are both sprays/mists for your face. Besides this, they are meant for entirely different purposes. They are both also along the same price-range. The only way to decide which one is best for you, is to know what you are looking for? Are you looking to prolong the longevity of your makeup or to refresh your makeup or both? If both, then perhaps, All-Nighter is the way to go BUT it does contain alcohol so it isn't best for daily use. Otherwise, I'd go for MAC Fix + as it does its job and is full of skin-loving ingredients.

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MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick Review

If you are Olive-Medium-Tanned skin-toned & Looking for a wearable, everyday Nude Lipstick--- then YOU NEED  MAC's Velvet Teddy Lipstick in your LIFE! For reference I am around NC42 in MAC and Velvet Teddy is my absolute favourite and go-to lipstick. I reach for this on a daily basis for a neutral look and even when I've gone heavy on the eyes. No matter what makeup look I am going for, I can always rely on Velvet Teddy as the perfect nude that never washes me out.

It is a creamy, matte-with the slightest sheen, full coverage lipstick that is described by MAC as a "deep-toned beige". However, I'd say it is more of combination of pink, peach, beige and brown that really compliments Medium-Tanned complexions.  Being a matte, it isn't shiny or glossy. However, it is not at all drying and glides on my lips ever so smoothly. Even though, it is not drying I always wear a lip balm before applying this lipstick as I do with any lipstick. I usually never add a lip-gloss on top, because it really isn't needed and I prefer the look of matte lips.  I apply Velvet Teddy directly from the tube. But if you have the time, a lip-brush would give you much more precision to evenly distribute it throughout your lips since it is a heavy formula.

Also, because it is a matte and heavily pigmented, the lasting power of this lipstick is a lot longer than other MAC lipstick finishes. I would say it lasts several hours before it needs touching up nor does it easily smudge off if you are eating/drinking as a glossy lipstick generally would. I've had this lipstick for 8-9 months and after wearing it almost daily, I still have a fair bit to go. I LOVE it to bits, definitely a repurchase and recommend it to medium skin-toned girls looking for a wearable nude.

What's your favourite Nude or Neutral Lipstick?

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MAC Face and Body Foundation Review

If you are anything like me and hate the look and feel of heavy coverage foundations, then you will LOVE this! MAC Face and Body Foundation is my current favourite foundation and have been using it for over a year now. It is a water-based foundation and provides light, sheer coverage but it can be built up to medium coverage. It feels so light, blends in so well, and lets my skin breath. It dries to a dewy finish which I love but you can mattify it by powdering afterwards. I have tried so many other popular foundations but nothing beats this. This is the only MAC foundation that I adore!

Most people assume that light coverage foundations such as this one are meant for people with nearly perfect skin, but trust me my skin is NO WHERE NEAR PERFECT! I suffer from hyper-pigmentation around the chin area/forehead and have a number of acne scars as well as the occasional breakout here and there. Instead of slathering on a full coverage foundation all over of my face, I simply use a full coverage concealer on my problem areas first followed by a light coverage foundation. I conceal with Mac Prolongwear Concealer (NC35) on my problem areas and then follow up with MAC F&B. I like to apply 1-2 layers of F&B to get the perfect amount of coverage for my skin. FYI, I apply this foundation with Real Techniques buffing brush and it works like a dream.

The shade I use in this is C4 which works well with my NC42, Olive/Tan skin tone. This shade is perfect for the inner parts of my face (cheecks, nose, etc) but a tad bit light for me around the chin (due to my hyperpigmentation). But honestly, this foundation is so sheer, I can't really see a huge difference. I would however say C5 is a much better overall match for my skintone and would choose C5 when I do repurchase it. I think you could easily get away with using a foundation a tad bit too light or too dark for you because this foundation is so sheer. For reference, I'd say C4 is best for NC37-NC42 and C5 is best for NC42-NC44.

BEFORE: Excuse my bare face (eeek :$ was recovering an acne-attack)

AFTER: Concealed, followed by 2 layers of MAC F&B and powdered. 

This foundation also gives you the most bang for your buck if you buy the large size as you get 120 ml or 4oz  for $40 CAD (Smaller size is $30 CAD for 50ml). Other foundations on the market that are along the same price range, typically give you less than half the amount of what F&B gives. Even though, I've used this foundation (occasionally) for more than a year, I still have 80% of product left. It is said to last for about 2-3 years before it goes bad and it's life can be extended if stored in the fridge. During the winter months, I keep it in my makeup bag or dresser but in the summer months I store the bottle in the fridge and decant some into a smaller container that I can regularly use.

MAC F&B is also amazing for flash photography as it doesn't give any flashblack or any white casts. Therefore, I'd say its best for night-outs or weddings as it doesn't have a sunscreen in it either. It also looks exceptionally natural in sunlight as well. However, it does have quite a shiny look to it, so its best to always set the foundation with a powder (I use MAC MSF Natural in Medium Dark). Because of the shiny finish, I would say its best for normal to dry skin and slightly oily skin.I can't speak too much about lasting power as I never really used it for more than 4-5 hours and never experienced any fading away.

So there not much left to say except that I love this foundation & totally recommend it!

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MAC Concealers: Studio Finish VS. Prolongwear

Both Studio Finish concealer and Prolongwear concealer are both fuller coverage concealers from MAC's vast range of concealers. These 2 are also the most popular and get the most attention. I am a NC42 in MAC, however I use different shades in my concealer for colour and spot correcting.

Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (Shade: NW 30, Price: $22 CAD)

It has a very thick, cream-like consistency and provides very opaque coverage. This is one of the only concealers I trust for spot correcting the most prominent, stubborn dark spots, scars, redness and pimples. I also love to use this under my eyes (when on the go), even though I know many others totally despise this for under the eyes as it is very thick and can be very drying and easily crease under the eyes. However, for me I love it under the eyes because I have the most atrocious dark circles under my eyes and this is one of the only concealer I feel does a great job covering. The shade NW30 has pink undertones which works great at counteracting dark circles.

It is also great for on-the-go use. When I need to get ready within minutes in the morning, I always reach for this concealer for under my eyes and any pimples or spots on my face and set with a powder and this is really enough coverage for me. The lasting power is not amazing and does need touch-ups in a few hours as it starts to fade away.

MAC ProLong Wear Concealer (Shade: NC35, Price: $22 CAD)

I use this concealer when I have time to get ready and am going for a full coverage look. It is a liquid consistency that provides medium to full coverage concealer depending on how much you layer on. I like to use this under my eyes with a correcter under neath. This concealer can be trusted for not creasing under the eyes if you are to set it with powder. I only use this for spot correcting when I have the time or else I trust my Studio Finish for that when in a rush. This also lasts for ages on the skin as once it is set, it will not budge unlike the Studio Finish that soon fades away.

The shade NC42 in this range runs a lot darker than regular which is why I opted for NC35. I can use this shade to conceal/brighten my under eyes and also to conceal to any spots on my face.

VERDICT

It depends on your preference and what you're looking for. Both provide full coverage. While, Studio finish is great for on the go,  Prolongwear will not crease on you and will stay put throughout the day whereas studio finish creases and will easily fade.

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MAC Powders: Studio Fix VS. MSF Natural

 

Studio Fix and MSF Natural are 2 popular powders from MAC yet they are quite different in coverage, texture and finish. So here's a quick rundown between the 2 and the one I prefer. Hopefully, this helps in choosing the one right for you.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (Shade: C40, Price $32 CAD)

If you are looking for a easy to use, on the go,  full-coverage powder foundation this is the way to go. You can skip on the liquid foundation and just use this for those early mornings. It is definitely not a setting powder but you can use it as such if you use it lightly. This works great when your short on the time and still want to go for a full matte look to even your skin out. I used this daily for a year and still have a fair bit to go. I would simply put on concealer and powder with Studio Fix and I was good to go. I always carry this powder in my purse as it is excellent for on the go. It's very convenient to use as it comes with a mirror and a puff to use for touch-ups during the day.

But, this isn't my favourite powder to use. It can easily look very powdery/unnatural if you don't use an easy hand. When first applied this looks amazing but in a few hours it oxidizes on my skin (get darker/orange after couple of hours) and it also transfers so easily to clothing. I like to use Mac Fix+  or Urban Decay all-nighter which are liquid sprays, which really helps diminish the powdery finish and blend in more easily with your skin tone. If you have extra dry skin, you might want to keep away from heavy powders such as this or it just may accentuate your dry spots

 I am in the shade C40 in this powder, although I am usually a NC42 in foundation. Finding a shade in this powder was a mission! Especially because this powder tends to oxidize. NC42 seemed like a match but made me look much darker in a matter of minutes. NC40 was too light and made me look ashy around my chin/forehead (darker areas of my face). C40 was the perfect match for me, I would say it is a "NC41".

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural (Shade: Medium Dark, Price: $35 CAD):

If you hate that cake face but still want a powder then you definitely need this! This powder is generally a love  or a hate for many. For me, it is an absolute love! I prefer this much more over the Studio Fix powder. This provides light to light-medium coverage. Its best to use as a setting powder over concealer or foundation. It has a very natural look to it and still provides light coverage without looking cakey. You never need to worry about looking to powdery with this. Its very finely milled and blends in well with my skin, rather than sitting on top. It also doesn't oxide (on me). Even dry skinned girls could use this powder, as it isn't a "powdery powder" and adds a nice glow to the skin. It does not come with a mirror or a puff as the Studio Fix powder does.

I am in the shade Medium Dark which fits my NC42 skin tone very well. I believe this shade would work for anyone between NC40 - NC44.

VERDICT

I prefer the MSF Natural because I hate the powdery, overly matte look that the Studio Fix can give me sometimes. I also don't like how Studio Fix oxidizes on me to an unattractive orangey hue after couple of hours. I still did use the Studio Fix religiously for over a year as it is good for on the go.  The MSF Natural gives me the perfect amount of coverage I need and gives a subtle glow. I personally prefer the glowy/dewy look over the matte one. So it depends on your skin type and what you're looking for.

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MAC Modesty Lipstick Review

I absolutely LOVE MAC Lipsticks and they are one product from MAC that I will always continue to buy. Mac Modesty Lipstick is most popular and raved about by girls of Olive, Medium-tan skin tones. It is a  Creme Sheen Formula so as the name applies it has a creamy texture with a slight sheen. It is said to be an everyday wearable nude perfect for warmer complexions like myself (NC42). While, many girls out there similar to my skin tone love it, I'd say its not my most favourite MAC lipstick.

I do like how it has creamy consistency so it does not make your lips look dry. Also because it is so creamy, a  lip gloss is not needed on top. However, what I didn't quite like about Modesty was the colour against my skintone (I am around a NC42). I feel that it really washed me out and was "too nude" and definitely needed to be paired with a  lip gloss or lip liner to be more wearable. I believe Modesty would look much more balanced out on my skin tone if it was paired with a smokey eye. However, for an everyday look with minimal eye-makeup it is not the most appealing. I would much rather prefer a nude lipstick that is more browny-pink such as MAC Velvet Teddy or Half and Half.

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First Impressions | NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Image Source: Sephora

I watched a video a few days ago by Goss Makeup Artist -- he is Youtube famous so I'm sure most of you have heard of him. Anywho, the video was on NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and how it was his new HOLY GRAIL, crease-less, hit concealer especially for under the eyes.

NARS recently launched this new concealer. Anyways, after hearing so, I was so excited--I thought this is the concealer I've been looking for my whole life! Because I believe Goss truly knows his stuff when it comes to makeup. So I went over to a local Sephora and tried this on under my eyes in the colour Ginger (I am Mac NC42). I have pretty dark under eye circles so I cannot go without concealer. The consistency of this concealer was a thick liquid form and blended in great. It comes in a little tube with a wand applicator. 

After trying it on I wanted to give it the test of time so I left it on and continued shopping throughout the mall. After about half an hour I looked in the mirror only to see that it CREASED like heck into the lines under my eyes :( I must say I'm disappointed as I really really wanted to love this. So yup for me its just another one of those concealer-- nothing too great as it creases which is one of the only things I care for when it comes to concealer. I still love Wayne Goss's but feel he might have been wrong on this. It just didn't work for me (for the under-eye area). Below is a picture of my eye with this concealer after about 2-3 hours of wear. As you can see-- it creased a whole lot.

You would perhaps like this if you don't have lines under your eyes.. and don't have a problem with creasing. Besides that I would say it has medium to full coverage, creamy consistency, easy to use and truly brightens the under eye area. I would recommend to get a sample before you decide to buy it :)

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Real Techniques Brushes in Canada!!

I'm super excited to share that I finally got my hands on some real techniques brushes at my local Walmart just today. I have been lusting over these brushes since the past year almost. But I just could not get them as they were not available in Canada. As you may or may not know, these brushes were created by a famous Youtuber Samantha Chapman ( also known as one of the Pixiwoo sisters). These brushes have been raved about by countless of youtubers/ bloggers and that's why I just had to have them. Um.. Mac Brushes-- Why are you so expensive?!

However, there was only about 1 online site that I knew of that would ship to Canada. But, I just did not want to buy online and pay for shipping and possibly custom taxes too. Not worth it for me!
So ever since I've heard they are now available at Walmart about 2 weeks ago, I've been checking numerous times a week, only to find them sold out every time! Luckily, today there was 1 of each set left. They are currently only selling the sets in Walmart, but there is word they will soon be selling the whole collection. I picked up 2 sets, which were: the core collection and the starter kit. Surprising they were the only ones left, so I was so happy to be able to get them.

For prices and to view the brushes up close and visit the official Real Techniques Website.

First Impressions: I love them already!! They are super soft and feel so luxurious. A few favourites already are:

- The Buffing Brush: Its super soft and feels so nice and smooth against my skin. I applied some powder foundation and it gave me a nice even finished look. I LOVE IT!!

- Deluxe Crease Brush: Again so soft!! I used it to apply eye shadow in my crease and blend it all together. It honestly worked so effortlessly.

- Contour Brush: Awesome for contouring right under your cheek bones and small enough to contour the sides of your nose as well.

I love these brushes and totally understand what the whole hype has been about :) They are really good dupes for those expensive MAC Brushes that I would never buy. I just can not justify spending nearly $60 on a single brush!

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Ponds Cold Cream Review

I've pretty much given up using makeup removing wipes or other types of liquid makeup removers ever since I discovered Ponds Cold Cream! I absolutely love this stuff as I feel it removes my face + eye makeup so well! It comes in plastic container and contains a white cream.

It doesn't feel harsh on the skin at all, rather it has a nice soothing and cooling affect on the skin. I use it by rubbing a small amount all over my face (as needed) and around my eye area and smudge it off using a cotton round. It works great! However, after this I always wash my face with a gentle cleanser as it tends to leave a bit of a greasy film behind. One thing, I don't quite enjoy about this cream is that it stings my eyes a tad bit (nothing too bad) so I try to avoid getting too close to my eyes.

Another thing is that it lasts absolutely forever! I think I've had my bottle for more than 6 months and I only used 1/4th of the container. I'd say its much more economical than other makeup removers such as wipes that will only last a few weeks (such as a 24 wipes pack). However, the drawback might be that it isn't the most travel friendly and or "on the go" type of product when you just need to wipe your makeup off. For that, I would still recommend wipes which I still have if I ever need them for travel, but I must say I haven't touched my remainder wipes ever since I started using this stuff.

I was able to pick mine up on a buy one get one free deal, so it cost me about $3 (CAD) for one container, otherwise it goes for about $6 (CAD) on regular price. If you find it on sale, I would snatch a few! Also, there may be other no-name cold creams out there that might work just as good and even be cheaper. I just haven't tried those but I'd say to give those a shot as well if you want to save a few bucks.

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