review

ColourPop Swatches: Ultra Matte Liquid Lips

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A couple times a year I do a makeup declutter…getting rid of lipsticks that I don’t wear, have similar shades of or have expired (or at least smell like they have).  During this process, I did a bunch of swatches to help you decided if you are interested in any of the products I have tried out…including the products I kept and removed from my collection.

It will come as no shock that I have a TON of ColourPop lipsticks.  At the affordable cost, great quality, and wide selection of colours and formulas, it’s a fantastic brand.   Today’s blog features my current collection of ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid lipsticks.  Many of these have become my go-to as a new mommy who loves to give her lil one hundreds of kisses (they are transfer proof!). 

As this is the third post I have done over the past couple years about this product line, I’ll save us all some time and not do the full list of “pros and cons” again.  Click here if you would like to see my full review with a couple additional colour swatches (which I have since decluttered).

SWATCH TIME!

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Ipsy Glam Bag Review and Swatches – June 2019

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Loving makeup and wanting to try new products can get expensive!  So, a couple years ago I decided to sign up for Ipsy.  Ipsy is a $10 US / month (+shipping) subscription service that sends you a glam bag (small custom designed makeup bag) with 5 deluxe samples or full sized products every month, selected specially for you based on preferences you select in their survey.

It’s the perfect way to try new products without breaking the bank.   Plus, you get the excitement from the anticipation of receiving a shiny pink package in your mailbox each month.

They have also recently included the option to purchase up to 3 “add-on” products on the 2nd of the month from an assortment of deluxe sample size products at $3 each, to full-size products at $12 each.

Click here to learn more about Ipsy and subscribe now!

Here’s what I got in my June 2019 Ipsy Glam Bag:

(Note: In addition to individual product swatches, although they were not intended to go together, I’ve also included a makeup look using all the products at the end of the blog).

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Brand Product Review: Ole Henriksen Skincare

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My mom introduced me to the brand Ole Henriksen a couple years ago.  She purchased a sample trial kit and loved it so much that she convinced me to try it out (we have very similar skin – olive tone semi-acne prone combination skin).

I’ve tried MANY products from their line but decided to focus this post on the ones that I loved and repurchased and the ones I didn’t enjoy or find effective.  I have included links below directly to the Ole Henriksen website.

Please note, that they do not ship to Canada or internationally  however you can purchase many of the products at Sephora. 🙂

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*NEW* Colourpop Eyeshadows (Fall 2016)

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Ok, I’ll admit it….like many of you, I’m addicted to Colourpop shadows!

With their many GORGEOUS shades, long lasting power, and affordable prices…how can I not be addicted???  Especially with their new line of stunning fall colours.

For those of you who have never tried a Colourpop shadow…here’s what you need to know:

Pros:

  • There is an amazing selection of vibrant colours in a variety of finishes including Pearlized, Matte, Metallic, Satin, Glitter Sheer, and Ultra-Metallic.
  • The shadows have a wet / moussy consistency and are easy to apply and blend (I suggest using your finger, a sponge tip brush, or synthetic brush).
  • The shadows have the longest lasting power of any shadow I have ever used and have no creasing or sparkle fallout.
  • They are super affordable at only $5 US / shadow pot.

Cons:

  • Some of the shadows dryout over time (after a couple months or faster if you don’t screen the cap on tight enough)
  • Sparkles may disapear if you blend the shadow with a brush
  • Not the best quality of packaging… 2 of my lids have cracked and the logo has been rubbed on many of my lids
  • You can’t try products in person (which means that I’ve purchased a couple that were very similar bronze/rose gold tones)

Swatch time!

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Review: Colourpop Lippie Stix (with swatches)

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As I mentioned in a recent previous blog, one of my new favorite brands is Colourpop (and not just because they spell “colour” like us Canadians)!  I have purchased their eye shadows, Ultra Matte liquid lipsticks, Ultra Satin liquid lipsticks, Creme Gel eye liners and Lippie Stix (…that is not a typo, they are indeed called “Lippie Stix”).

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The Lippie Stix are Colourpop’s modern take on a traditional lipstick, but instead of being short and stubby (like a classic lipstick), they are long and thin.  They are packaged in a white plastic twisty tube, with a lipstick colour matching tip, (and a white cap which is not shown in my photo).

The Lippie Stix come in 8 different finishes: Crème, Matte X, Satin Luxe, Sheer, Satin, Glossy, Matte, and Pearlized.  There is a HUGE selection and I have 11 swatched for you below.

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Review: L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise Nutrigloss Luminizer

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A couple months ago, I signed up for Influenster, a site where “social savvy shoppers” can stay on top of the latest product news, review products, and receive free products (“VoxBox”) based on their social media presence.

IMG_8387Last week, I was so excited to receive my first complimentary VoxBox – the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise VoxBox containing L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise Nutrigloss Luminizer Shampoo, Conditioner, and High Shine Glossing Mist. This was one of the five sets of products that bloggers received, each focusing on a different need – strength, gloss, nourish, repair, thickness, and colour.

Having long wavy hair, I look for products that make my hair strong, silky, shiny, and define my curls…that also work well with heated styling tools.  I always wash my hair with separate shampoo and conditioner, and often complete it with a hair cream or treatment oil. I’m not 100% loyal to any one brand, but more recently, I have been using Pantene, LUSH, Redkin, and anything I get in my Ipsy subscription box.

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