Tickle Me Pink, Sally Hansen

This is the polish I'll be wearing for the whole of next week. I thought it an appropriate shade for vacation summer fun with a pop of colour. This is Sally Hansen's Tickle Me Pink - 410, from the Complete Salon Manicure line. I think it is part of the new spring lineup, and maybe a permanent shade now. It retails for $8.99 CAD at London Drugs, but may vary depending on the drugstore. I got this as part of one of the limited edition boxes from Wantable when I was subscribed to them. It came with six shades I think. I'm not too sure if this box is available anymore, but the polish is available at wherever your nearest Sally Hansen carriers are.

The colour is a dark, but bright pink than it shows a little more orange-y in the photo. It kind of has that raspberry pink feel to it. Who doesn't love raspberries, and pink? =P

The label suggests two coats, and that is what I have displayed. Even with one coat, I found that the colour was opaque and bright. It dries slightly faster than a regular polish, and I suggest using a base and top coat for a full and longer-lasting effect. The formula is easy and can get messy, but when dried, it's very ideal.

The brush is wider than normal, and roundly tapered , and I find that it's actually easier for application. The handle has a black band around the base which helps the ease of control.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the product. I can definitely see myself wearing this shade all year round too. Hopefully, it's sunny in Toronto!

Cheers!

~Misty

June 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Goodies

Lalalaaa! Ipsy Glam Baaaaaaaag~!

I love this bag. It has been tastefully added to my favourite bags from Ipsy. I feel like I could actually take this one out with me as a simple clutch... Yeah, I think I will. What a great idea. First idea, best idea~! =D

Not bad, not bad! I think there was really only one product I knew right away I wouldn't use. Otherwise, I'm definitely not disappointed with this bag.

Let's just get this one out of the way. This is Be A... Bombshell's lash out mascara. I know I won't be using this product, mainly because of the ingredients. I'm just very conscious of using products with parabens around my eyes. It's one of my big makeup sensitivities, and just something I know my eyes will take a long time in recovering -- At least two weeks! They make my eyes irritated and eyelids puffy. =_=;

And actually, any stuff I have from Be a... Bombshell has always been from Ipsy or another subscription-based beauty box. I've already received two from Ipsy. I will definitely review this on the site as something I don't want once again. =P

This is Marc Anthony's Dream Waves Beach Spray. "Create sexy, tousled/ beach waves/ all year long." From my research, this seems like a great hair spray that works best with well planning. This worked well in giving me a "beachy, tousled" hair look, but the waves weren't really there (or, didn't stay). I do have to experiment more with maybe adding curls, or twisting the hair, and pinning it to dry. It does work well, but also does the same job any great hair mousse could do too. I got 45 ml (1.52 floz) of hair spray, and the usual 125 ml (4.2 fl oz) size goes for $12.99 CAD at Well.ca, or $8.99 USD at Ulta.com.

Here's a product I know I love; Do you?? Here's my post about how much I looooove NYX's Butter Glosses. They are everything I love in a lip gloss; sheer colour with a bit of a pop, light sweet scent, comfortable to wear, and non-sticky. The shade I received from Ipsy is Apple Strudel, BLG08, which I already had in my collection. It's a kind of pink that will look nice with any kind of look. I'm actually not disappointed. That's how much I love this gloss. You get 8 ml (0.27 fl oz) of lippy goodness, and they usually retail between $4.99 and $6.99 at your nearest drugstore (that carries NYX Cosmetics).

The photograph is new, but of the gloss I showcased before. I'm putting the one from Ipsy into a backup pile, unopened for now. *pets

This is Nicka K New York's Shimmer Eyeliner in Green, NF008. I like the green shimmery pop of this product. The only thing I don't really like is the applicator. It's supposed to be a flexible plastic tip, but the very end isn't tapered smoothly so it kind of scratches at the skin when applying it on. It's a great summery colour though! Got 2.8 g (0.1 oz) of eyeliner, and it's sold at their site for $4.99 USD.

Here's a swatch of NYX's Apple Strudel, and Nicka K's Green Shimmer Eyeliner. Even swatched together, I think these pair nicely. Yeeeah... First idea, best idea~! Thank you Ipsy!

And this is the left over remnants of the shimmer eyeliner after eye makeup remover and scrubbing a bit too. You know it's a good budge-proof eyeliner when it stains your skin. If you have this one, make sure to use a good eye primer underneath to avoid staining your eye lids.

And lastly, we have Laneige's BB Cushion. It's a product that Michelle Phan (Ipsy creator) has been showcasing in a few of her videos for the past few months. I have been very curious about this product. Laneige is a Korean brand (I think...) that has a store in every major Asian country, plus one in New Zealand, and one exclusively in good ol' Canada. They do sell at Target in the US (not Canada though, boo!).

The product is inside the pamphlet. What's great is that it comes with three different shade sponges and a replica puff (of the original size) to use with.

You get a small sponge soaked with product. It's cool to the touch so it makes for comfortable application.

Now I know what you're thinking... Why aren't I swatching the right colour? It's because I'm going to save the right colour for a good day. *Squeeeee! I find this is actually a great BB cream product.

BB creams are supposed to give you an all-in-one kind of deal; coverage like a foundation, hydrating like a moisturizer, and sometimes SPF, which this one does cover with SPF50+. A lot of reviewers tend to say BB creams are "just tinted moisturizers," but I find that good BB creams (like this one!) give you better benefits.

The pamphlet says it gives you the "5-in-one Flawless Skin" benefit. Brightening for reducing redness. Protection with SPF50+ from UVA/UVB rays. "Cools and Moisturizes" with mineral water. It has a neat, mattifying point to it that says it has an "Exclusive sweat-proof oil inhibitor [that] regulates and prevents sebum buildup." And, the last point is the radiant finish and lasting coverage.

It feels comfortable on the skin, and blends effortlessly. It does say to reapply every 2 hours, so it's not a long wearing BB cream, which is the standard, I feel, and that's okay. Any BB cream I've tried before feels the same, if not drier. It has a bit of a fragrance to it, like a slightly fruity, but perfume-y sort of smell. It's not overwhelming, and kind of adds a luxurious feel to it, so it kind of makes this product feel like a "high-end" BB cream. I think its main selling point is the SPF50+.

I had a lot to say about the BB Cushion, because I think it's a great product. I will actually be in Toronto next week, so I think checking out the Laneige spot might be a set plan. For anyone wondering, it's at 685 Bloor Street West. =D


This was an example of a random, but good quality sample provided in a subscription bag. This is the main reason I find subscription bags great, because of the opportunity to use new, unheard-of products. Ipsy offers that for $10 a month, with the additional $4.95 for shipping to Canada. Still, a great collection of products, and a reusable bag for a good price.

Thanks for seeing what I got this month from Ipsy. I hope you are having a lovely summer thus far!

~Misty *boop

June 2014 Topbox Goodies

TADA~ 

... It's a tube!

Anyway, this is what Topbox's usual packaging is every month. The cardboard is thick, and comes with a white plastic lid. I think the idea is to reuse the tube for storage, or decorating... I usually toss mine in to the Recycle. Nice wrapping paper though.

June's goodies are as follows. This time, I received a standard of four products in my Topbox tube. Check it!

For those who don't know what Topbox is, it is a beauty box subscription site. That is, it gives the promise of 4-5 products per tube. My June tube came with these four products and a card that describes what products I received, and what they cost given it's not a sample. The waiting list is usually long though. I think I had to wait 3 months or so, to actually get subscribed.

This is China Glaze's Feel the Breeze, 1312. It's part of China Glaze's new Off Shore Summer Collection this year. Nail polishes are usually almost always given the full-sized product for these subscriptions. This is the perfect example. 14 ml (0.5 fl oz) of nail lacquer, which usually retails from $10-14. The finish is a semi-matte cream.

I'm not very impressed with this formula at all. The card says, "These unique lacquers contain China Clay as a nail hardener, the same material that gives porcelain its shiny finish." The formula requires 2 full coats, that seemed really goopey. I tend to shake my nail polishes well and at least an hour before I apply them on, in order for no product separation and to minimize bubbles. Well, even after an hour wait, I still seemed to have bubbles form on the nail when applying. You can tell on my pinkie against the shadow, and even on the middle finger it is still apparent. This is when the product has dried too. I definitely recommend using a top coat over this polish, because the China Clay nail hardener ingredient makes this polish crack easily after a few hours of application. It's a nice colour, but not exactly what I'm looking for in a nail polish.

Next, we have the Cherry Crush Lip Fable by Barefoot Venus. This is the full product at 4 g (0.14 oz). It goes for $7.50, and is only available through the website barefootvenus.com. While you're there, and if you see something you like, you can pop in this coupon, code: TOPBOX, at checkout that'll give you 20% off. Expires August 15, 2014. It just came with the lippy. This isn't sponsored.

The top of the tin slides open like this, and can slide entirely off. I'm not sure it'd be best to just pop it into your purse as is, since the tin is a bit flimsy. The product itself has a beeswax base, so you will only get product by rubbing your finger over the surface and applying directly to the lips. It's a nice light cherry scent, almost like a cherry bubblegum. I really like this balm. It's a convenient size, great for on-the-go (Just be careful of the tin lid sliding right off), and comfortable as all lip balms should be.

The third item is Vasanti's Brighten Up! face exfoliating cleanser. I haven't tried this product just yet, but I am looking forward to it. The texture is somewhat dry, and has a thick, grainy feel to it. The card says to use it 3-5 times a week, but I feel like it might be too harsh for my skin, so I might just try it as an once-a-week thing. That's just my opinion from feeling the product. Available only at vasanticosmetics.com. =P

Lastly, is Bioderma's Atoderm shower gel. I'm already a huge fan of Bioderma's Sensibio H20 makeup remover. I tend to always have a backup of the product on hand. It's just that good. This shower gel is everything I expected it to be too. It's gentle, and works wonders just cleansing the skin. This is a great product for anyone, babies included. It says so on the tube. The 500 ml goes for $14.95 (I know, SO affordable!!), and is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Murale, Jean Coutu, Uniprix, Brunet, and Familiprix. I don't know what those last four drugshops are, but I'm pretty sure they're Canadian. =D

Thanks for checking out what I got from Topbox this month. From my peers, I've found you either got this "generic" tube, or you got the Glam Glow mud mask by choice.

Stay tuned for my June Ipsy Glam Bag post.

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers!

~Misty

MAC's Alluring Aquatic Nail Polish and Eye Shadows

If you haven't seen my preview of MAC's Alluring Aquatic Lippies and Cheekies post, you can check that out there. This is a continuation!

Once again, MAC Cosmetics is available online, but when shopping MAC, I would always, always, ALWAYS recommend shopping at your local MAC counter. Their online store is just notorious for always selling out of new products within the first few minutes... MINUTES! I know MAC is available at Hudson's Bay (Canadian), Nordstrom or MACY'S (American), and just you know, your stand alone shops. Go there, and you'll definitely get what you want. I know I did. x3

So we have one polish of three that's available. 

This is Submerged. In the bottle, it looks like a monochromatic base of navy, sea green, teal, and violet hints. It's like all of those colours in one polish.

This is the first MAC nail lacquer I own. I usually don't bother getting them just because the prices are really expensive (insert another MAC gripe here). The packaging is pretty though, right?

You get 10 ml (0.34 fl oz) for $21.00 CAD ($17.50 USD). Yes, I know, expensive. Whew! *pats wallet with 'kerchief

I apologize, as my camera negates the purple hue that this polish gives personally. The purple is more noticeable in warmer lighting. 

While this lacquer appears just as vivid here, it is accomplished with three coats at the very least. I found three thin coats work very well. And, since it's a faster drying polish, you don't have to wait for too long after application either.

Last, but not least, we have the "Extra Dimension" eye shadows. I have five of the six shades available, and I can tell you, I am damn impressed by all of these. Check it!

Oh yes... And you think they look great in the pan?? Just wait till you see the swatches.

BAM, BABY! First, Lorelei is a bright peachy, golden champagne colour. The middle shade is Soul Serenade which is a deep mauve shade. And the third one there is Legendary Lure, which is a deep sea green.

Just a small trivia addition about the name Lorelei. It means "alluring enchantress," or "temptress." Lorelei comes from the name of a rock headland on the Rhine River, where it marks the narrowest part of the river between Switzerland and the North Sea, and shoots up to around 120 meters above the water. It is incidentally where a strong current and where sharp rocks are that cause a lot of boating accidents. Lorelei was the name of a maiden, feminine water spirit, siren, or mermaid, that lived on the rock, who used her beautiful songs to lure fishermen to their deaths. Woooo~ *ghosty hands

The last two is Fathoms Deep (FAVE), which is a deep purple-y, indigo blue, and Silver Sun is a lovely light olive green.

The sixth shade I didn't grab was Sea Worship, which is a full-on golden shimmery colour. 

I have to say... YES, these shadows are worth all the hype. They apply so smoothly on to the skin, and they blend like a dream. You do have to be careful with how you pick up the product, because I found the shadows are quite soft. Each shadow comes with 1.3 g (0.04 oz) of product for $22.50 CAD ($19.50 USD).

Yep, expensive (internal sigh!), but I think my grabs on the shadows were so worth it. I have peaked at a few "Extra Dimensional" products released by MAC previously, and I've only been interested this time 'round, so I definitely think they made their mark worth it on this collection.

Thank you muchly for reading! Hope you dig the new banner. It's a lot more simple, but I'm sure you'll notice more updates regarding the spot later on too.

Cheers!

~Misty

MAC's Alluring Aquatic Lippies and Cheekies

If anyone knows me well, they know I don't regularly purchase MAC Cosmetics because, simply put, they are way too expensive. Like, WAY TOO EXPENSIVE. They tend to have tons and tons of limited collections to re-promote old colours, and sometimes just promote permanent colours, therefore trying to justify the higher price tags with their limited edition packaging.

However, at times, MAC does come out with some great products and re-promotes. And this summer collection is an example of a good well-rounded collection.

Not gonna lie... I went a little nuts for MAC's Alluring Aquatic Summer 2014 Collection. The reason I have been putting off opening all the glorious packaging is because I didn't want to get fingerprints on the GORGEOUS packaging! >_>;

The packaging is a bit more teal than it shows from my camera. I am investing in a new lamp real soon. As you can see, the packaging MAC came out with is absolutely stunning and simple. It's like you left your makeup out in the rain and let it accumulate perfect water droplets all 'round.

It has been out since May, and is available at your nearest MAC counter. I suggest visiting your local counters rather than buying from their site. There has been a lot of bad customer service regarding items not included that you've paid for, providing proof of missing items, etc. (I know what you're thinking.), and the big thing about new collections is that items are almost always sold out in the first few minutes of new launches online. So if you want to get a hold of these, they are limited-ly available at your local MAC counters.

Another thing I love about this collection is the reference to the mythical creatures known as sirens. MAC backs that up with the promotion featuring a gal under water. Here's the video promotion on Youtube:

Very pretty and very appropriate. =D And now, to the makeup!

I know what you're thinking... "Moisture is the essence of wetness... and wetness is the essence of beauty." (Link)

Anyway, this will be a two-part series, because I did grab quite a few things. This post includes one of each; a lipstick, a lipgloss, a blusher, and a bronzer.

On the left, we have a "lipglass" (MAC's term for a lipgloss) called Seducing Sound, and a cremesheen lipstick (a type of MAC lipstick) called Mystical.

You get your standard lipstick bullet. I love the MAC logo printed in blue at the bottom of black inner casing. You can only get a small glimpse of it in this lighting. It is kind of dark. You get 3 g (0.1 oz) of lipstick for $21.00 CAD (or $17.50 USD).

The lipglass applicator is a small doe-foot brush. I used two dips for my lips, but I found three gives you an even amount of colour for classy glossy finish. ;) You've got 4.8 ml (0.16 fl oz) of lipglass for $20.00 CAD ($16.50 USD). It matches nicely with Mystical. I promise; I'll show you~ *Vanna White hands

BAM! Swatches of Mystical and Seducing Sound by themselves, and the third, is both combined. Nyah, nyah! *nudges* Pretty right!? *slow nod

Mystical isn't completely matte. It has the shiny, creamy quality to it that MAC describes as a "cremesheen." Even by itself, I think it's nice as is. Seducing Sound has a light sweet caramel-esc scent to it. I tried this by itself too, and it turned out too dry and sticky on my lips. I do suggest applying it over a lipstick, like the third swatch above.

Next I have the "Extra Dimension Blush" in Sea Me, Hear Me, and the "Extra Dimension Bronzing Powder" in Delphic.

Now, from my research, it seems that whenever MAC comes out with "Extra Dimensional" anything, they are apparently worth the hype. They also have a shimmering aspect to them, and they have this specific pressed wave design on the product. I find the design very eloquent. This is the first time I've owned anything "Extra Dimensional," and I'm finding it kind of cool!

Alas, I think Delphic (bronzer) is a bit too orange, but I am determined to continue making it work. Sea Me, Hear Me is a gorgeous colour, especially against my tone, I think. The shimmer isn't too apparent in both swatches, which definitely makes them wearable and photo-friendly.

The Alluring Aquatic collection is available now, if only for a short time. Check them out if you think you'd dig the beautiful shades.

Up next, I do have a nail polish and five of the eye shadows they came out with this collection. You can click here to see the post on Alluring Aquatic Eye Shadows and Nail Polish.

Thanks for reading, seeing, and jiving with this blog post. ;P

-Misty

Maybelline's Summer 2014 Collection

I have here four items from Maybelline's Summer 2014 Collection. I think Canadians once again get less items than the American release. I opted to grab two of the three lip lacquer elixirs available as the third was a bit too light for my complexion. The collection does offer a selection of new bronzers, eyeliners, and nail colours. Check them out at your local drugstore. =)

The description for all of Maybelline's Color Elixirs is the same; The tube is rectangular prism-like with the actual inner container appearing as a lipstick bullet. This definitely isn't the first it's been done. In fact, Dior just released a gloss that comes in a similar tube. This is definitely your drugstore alternative.

The applicator has a leaf-shaped sponge. They call it the "angora" brush, and I don't know if they have actually made the brush from Angora rabbits, but it is highly, highly doubtful. This is a drugstore brand, meant to be affordable to people everywhere. I personally, would be very disappointed if the brushes were made from rabbit fur. I don't buy anything that has rabbit fur.

On the left, we have 015 Glowing Garnet, which is a rose-coloured pink. I think it has a bit of fuchsia in it that gives it that cooler quality.

The second shade is 025 Radiant Raspberry, which appears more like a flashy coral colour. The warmer tone definitely makes it a wearable spring to summer lippy.

The texture has a nice emollient feel to it. And both these shades can be sheered down with only one coat. Two coats will definitely give you that stunning "lip lacquer" look.

The only downside I find with the Color Elixirs is the scent. They have this perfumey quality to them, that comes off as ... to put it bluntly, cheap, old lady and plastic.

Overall, I do love these glosses by themselves. The scent is the ONLY thing that I would take away from this product. My advice is not to wear this on a date if you plan on making out. ^3^

The two cream eye shadows are 115 Shimmering Sea, and 110 Sunwashed Sky.

Yessss.... Be mesmerized by these multidimensional creamy shadows. I know I am. And if anyone knows about Maybelline's Color Tattoo 24HR cream eye shadows, they'll know these make for great eyeshadow bases.

Shimmering Sea has this old golden base to it which is more apparent in the light. The green-blue pops out in the down light.

Sunwashed Sky is a pearly and shimmery silvery blue in the light and has a purple undertone.

After a little bit of research, it looked like Maybelline just slapped a new name on these two limited summer shades from last year called Seashore Frosts and Cool Crush, respectively. While there is very slight differences, you basically get the same shades. I don't own the 2013 shades so these two were new to me. I do enjoy the extra dimension they eject. They are great shades for your summer BBQ outings.

I did actually use Shimmering Sea for a turquoise look the other night. Not bad for a lovely sheer wash. Try not to over use it. They do take some getting used to. If not blended evenly, they can apply patchy.

These are nice complimentary colours for summer. Thanks for reading. Think you'll grab a shade or two? =D

Cheers,

~Misty