HAUL: ColourPop Cosmetics

So after watching a million youtube videos about ColourPop, I finally decided to place an order (you can only buy these online) and thought 'hey its only $5 a pop', and won't be so bad in case I won't like the products.

I ordered a few in each category: 3 lippie stix, 3 eyeshadow, and 2 blush ($8 ea)

I placed the order March 24th and got an email confirmation on the 27th advising that the products have been shipped.  It took a total of 1 week for my order to arrive(April 1st) in Ontario Canada.  Shipping charge was $13.40 (my total was $54.40 USD).  I received a $5 off promo code for subscribing to them - which I've used for this purchase.

Here are the photos/swatches:

Amaze - I couldn't help myself and swatched this one... It was beautiful!!! (ps. I am NC20/NC25 just for reference)

Drift

On the Rocks

* The eyeshadows have this mousse-y/cream to powder texture so you need to be gentle with these.  A little goes a looong way, and to be quite honest, these blew me away more than the lippie stix.  The  colour payoff is super vibrant and pigmented (as you can see from the photos).  The texture is very smooth and creamy..I wouldn't ask for anything else in an eyeshadow.

*I bought the matte lippie stix only to try, and I am not disappointed with the ones I have.  They are very creamy and applies evenly.  The darker shade (Bichette) left a bit of a stain on the lips.  They also felt comfortable on the lips. 

*I also only bought the matte blushes.  They have a lot of vibrant shades but I figured I wouldn't go wrong with the more neutral ones... you know just in case.  

The blush also has a cream to powder texture and again, a little goes a long way with these too. 

On the boxes, it tells you to make sure the lid is secure to 'keep the magic in'

I was going to order more, but Im going to hold off for now ... maybe they will offer a lower shipping rate to Canadians .... (nudge nudge Colourpop)

x

Aivee

Read more »

March 2015 Favourites

MARCH FAVOURITES

NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST GEL CREAM  

• feels lightweight on the skin
• non-greasy
• skin feels very hydrated and provides sort of a cooling sensation

LOREAL BROW STYLIST PLUMPER + SUPER LINER BROW STYLIST EYEBROW PENCIL

• holds brow hairs in place without making it stiff
• provides very natural looking tint
• EYEBROW PENCIL - if you want natural but PERFECT looking eyebrows- the search is over! LOVE!!!

MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER

• formulated with Goji berries which are packed with anti-oxidants, and provides excellent anti-aging properties
• conceals darkness/bags without looking cake-y
• applies smoothly and does not crease

PHYSICIANS FORMULA CITY GLOW DAILY DEFENSE BRONZER

• provides a natural looking glow
• has SPF30
• contains active botanical and fruit extracts and minerals 
• promises to provide: anti-aging, anti-dullness, anti-gray, anti-stress, anti-pollution

BENEFIT ROCKATEUR BLUSH 

• rose gold blush that provides the perfect flush on the cheeks.  its a no-brainer 

MAYBELLINE FIT ME FOUNDATION

• provides a natural looking glowing skin that does not look oily
• applies smoothly either with a brush or beauty sponge
• has SPF18

BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL MASCARA

• curls, volumizes and separates the lashes
• does not flake or clump (I use 2 coats max)

RIMMEL LONDON PROVOCALIPS

• a must have for anyone that does not like reapplying their lipstick throughout the day
• provides excellent pigmentation and applies evenly 
• long lasting but still comfortable on the lips (imo)
• tried & tested that IT IS transfer proof! LOVE!

Do we have similar favourites?  Would love to hear your recommendations!

x

Aivee

Read more »

RAVE: Rimmel Provocalips

If you don't already own the Rimmel Provocalips, you are seriously missing out on something awesome!

As you or may not know, I am a first time mommy to a wonderful baby boy - Aiden.  He is now 4 months old and the greatest gift that I could ever ask for.  And since then, my makeup routine (or lack thereof) has dramatically changed.  No more sitting down on my makeup table and taking my time applying makeup, and doing my hair... those days are gone lol.  

I pretty much do my face within 5-10 minutes now (moisturizer, BB Cream, Brows, Contour) and I always struggle when it comes to applying lipstick.  I am always conscious of not smearing it on my baby's cheeks.. and to be honest, most if not all of my lipsticks are not transfer proof

And then came the Rimmel Provocalips (hallelujah!!).  I was skeptical at first because I have tried lip stains before and I was not a fan at all.  But I figured what the heck, I would give this a try

I bought the shade Play with Fire, and boy was I blown away!  The colour payoff was outstanding - I mean it was rich and vibrant.  I waited a full minute before applying the topcoat or gloss and it felt super comfortable on the lips.  Its not at all drying and it applied evenly (just make sure your lips have been properly exfoliate and moisturized prior to application - as you would when applying ANY lipsticks).  Although I wish the topcoat is matte (just my own preference whenever I wear a bold lip).  

Here I am wearing 'Play with fire' prior to a Chinese buffet lunch 

this was an hour after eating chicken wings, soup, salad, noodles.. you get the idea lol!! the gloss faded a bit but holy cow!! 

the photo with me holding my baby boy would've been the 7th hour since I've first applied the lip stain.  The colour still looks AMAZING and has not rubbed off on my baby's cheeks after smothering him with kisses :) 

I cannot say enough good things about this product and I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who does not like reapplying their lipstick throughout the day (especially to the mommies out there).  I also bought a second shade - Make your move, which is a more everyday shade.  (photo below) 

So.... go! and enjoy :)

x

Aivee

Read more »

Current Favourites: Makeup

These are my go to makeup items for the last .. oh i don't know.. 5 months? It's pretty unusual for me to stick to the same products for this long, as I always like to rotate my makeup.. but so far I am enjoying all these, and would like to share them with you :o)

Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation in shade 6.5

I find that it accentuates some dry patches on my face, but if I moisturizer prior, it applies flawlessly.  I use a real techniques essential foundation brush with it.  And I find that little goes a long way. This foundation also has a light scent, which I actually like (it kind of smells baby-like with a tiny bit of spf)

The Face Shop eyebrow pencil in shade Brown

I like that this pencil is so inexpensive ($2-$4) and it works too lol.  It stays on the entire day and I find that this is a good colour match.  They have one thats a twist up for $4 bucks (which I also have but haven't used yet - will update you on that one soon)

Clean perfume - scent 'Skin'

Oh how I LOVE this perfume.. its now empty (which hasn't happened yet to any of the perfumes I own) and must buy another bottle.. like ASAP.  This just smells so good.. it smells clean, kinda baby like, and something that you would want to keep using all day every day.. Trust me.. have a sniff

Bite lipstick in shade Vouvray

I've just ventured into trying the Bite lipsticks - and I am not disappointed.  I love the idea that the company uses food grade ingredients to make this lipstick - which makes perfect sense to me.  The texture is nice on the lips - very hydrating and comfortable to wear the entire day.   I bought another lipstick from them (a more nude shade) and I am enjoying that also. 

Benefit Gimme Brow

I am just finally enjoying this product.  I have owned this previously (but in a lighter shade) and i thought it didn't do anything for my brows.  I decided to give this another try and buy the darker shade, and this is so much better.  I can see how it makes my brows fuller, and makes them look more natural. 

Mac Prep+Prime Face Protect (with SPF 50)

I love this product because it really controls the oil on my face, especially if I know I will be out the entire day (i can't be bothered with powdering coz I'm just way too lazy).  I apply this over my foundation, and it really controls the shine.  I know this has a high SPF (which is good) but not sure how it is with flash photography.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

As you can see from the photo below, I've hit pan on this baby!  I've probably owned this for a couple years and i can't believe it lasted me this long.... But I love this nonetheless.  The bronzer is matte and so i love using this to contour my cheeks, and it still looks natural.  I use the Nars ITA brush to apply this, or just the brush that comes with the product ( i find it works either way)

Tarte blush in Exposed

Since being pregnant, i try to use make up that uses more natural ingredients as possible, and Tarte is one of those brands.  I have this for a while now, but haven't really used this much before.  

This blush gives the most natural flush on your cheeks, and stays on the whole day :)

Mac Fix +

I love this as a finishing spray when Im done with my makeup.  It just removes the powdery-ness of my face, and gives me a bit of a natural finish to my look.  Will definitely repurchase again (I'm almost out of  this one too!)

which products have you been enjoying lately?  Any suggestions for make up brands that uses 'natural' ingredients?  would love to know :)

x

Aivee

Read more »

Review: Lancome Grandiose Mascara

I was lucky to be able to try the Lancome Grandiose mascara before it launched in Canada (thank you Influenster Canada).  There was so much hype around this product - especially the swan-neck wand that the company boasts.  

Lets first talk about the packaging - oh what a beauty!  I like the way its shaped, and it looked very classy and luxurious looking (it just has that look) that you can justify spending $35CA for a tube of it. 

At first, I didn't know how to use the wand coz there hasn't been any other mascara that has a bended neck.  When I got the hang of it, I finally understood why there was such commotion.  I absolutely love this mascara!  I love the bristles on the wand, as it coats each and every single lash, and it didn't matter how i held the wand - there were no smudges on my eyelids or underneath my eyes when I hit my bottom lashes with it.  It gives instant volume and it was an intense black colour which made my lashes more dramatic.  It also provides some length (I've tried some which gives me more length, but not as much volume like this one does) and I find that I only need one coat - it gets a little bit clumpy if I attempt a second coat.  Oh another plus, the mascara is easy to remove at the end of the day!  No struggling, no stinging eyes and no more losing lashes.

Overall, I would repurchase this mascara.  It doesn't smudge, it gives volume and length, and the wand is genius!  It just works any other way you angle it.  I haven't been using any other mascara's since receiving this one. 

If you've tried this, please share your experiences with it.  

keep an eye out for a live application on my youtube channel soon!

x

Aivee

Read more »

Review: Sephora Mattifying 8 Hour Moisturizer

Let's talk about this mattifying moisturizer from Sephora - which promises to do the following (as per  description on the Sephora website)

What it is:
An exceptional oil-free moisturizer that prevents the skin from shining for up to eight hours. 

What it is formulated to do:
Be fabulously shine-free for up to eight hours with this long-lasting moisturizer. HydroSenn+™, an intensely moisturizing ingredient more effective than hyaluronic acid, forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to harness and retain water for optional hydration. This formula also contains UVA/UVB filters and antioxidants to help combat the signs of aging. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens 

What else you need to know:
This product is non-comedogenic and has been dermatologically tested. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. 

Research results:
- A scientific test on 22 volunteers reported a 30% reduction in visible shine after 8 hours of wear 
- According to a test on 23 volunteers, 78% of users reported less visible pores and satisfaction immediately after application 
- According to a scientific test on 11 volunteers, 91% of users reported long-lasting moisture, with significant measures 8 hours after application

I decided to purchase this because of the 8 hour mattifying claim, first of all.  Then secondly was that it has Hyaluronic acid (which promotes skin hydration).  Thirdly, it has UVA/UVB filters and antioxidants that prevents premature aging (who doesn't want that?).  Lastly was that it didn't contain any parabens and its non-comodegenic.

The bottle contains 1.69 oz of product and has a pump which is very convenient.  This sells for $27CA.  Now about the packaging.... *sigh* I opened the box and somehow got disappointed with the way the label was kinda 'slapped on' the tube.  It didn't look too proffesional in my eyes.. 

Ok, so on with the actual product.  I love how it felt when I applied it on my skin. It felt very light, and non sticky.  it has a slight fragrance which I actually like.  My foundation applied evenly underneath this product. And then I went on with my day...

5 hours later, I checked my face in the mirror - and there it is..Oil slick(especially on my forehead and around my nose)

I was disappointed that my face was shiny like even before I had used this moisturizer. 

I don't have a too oily face, and I normally don't powder.. but I guess for this to work, I might need to blot or powder once throughout the day. 

Not too sure if I will repurchase - I might need to try this out some more, and see how I go about with it.

They could also lower the cost since its Sephora brand, and does not really does what its advertised to do (8 hour mattifying part)

have you  tried this? any thoughts?

x

Aivee

Read more »

OOTD: Style my bump

I would've done a much better job with my outfits - but most of these were bathroom shots (sorry) 

I wasn't really showing until I was almost 22 weeks. 

Easy Breezy:

Dress - Aritzia (old one from at least 2+ years ago)

Sandals - Sam & Libby

this was a dress i was trying out at H&M - which I actually bought.  The shape is very flattering

Let's be Classy:

Black tank  - Forever 21

Elasticated black pants - Dynamite

white sandals - Zara

Cardigan - Forever 21

Caged Dress - Forever 21 (from few years ago)

featuring my new iPhone case haha

Just lounging:

Maxi dress - H&M

Casual Friday:

white tank - Forever21

Sweater (the one you can put on top of bikinis) - Garage (from a year ago)

Maternity pants - target

Sandals - Sam & Libby

Feeling Fierce:

top - Philip Lim x target

skirt - H&M

iPhone case from Ebay :)

x

Aivee

Read more »

Food: Pregnancy Cravings

My husband says I am the most understanding pregnant lady ever (like he's met a lot of other preggers out there lol) - He says this because whenever I crave for some Filipino food (and he's too tired to drive me to this filipino restaurant which is 30 minutes away coz he just came from work) I just say 'that's fine baby.  I can eat my fruits for now' Or I just ask him to take me to a filipino store and I will buy the ingredients and cook what Im craving for instead! Ha! Im smart lol

So, these were the 2 dishes I made.  

This is called Pancit Palabok - I used spaghetti noodles(which is what I prefer) instead of the traditional thin rice noodle that you have to soak - which is too much work.  You basically need a package of the Palabok mix and there are a looot of recipes online for this. 

This is one of the famous Filipino desserts called Cassava cake.  I haven't made this prior to this one that I made, and I was surprised how good it turned out.  I found this recipe (which i will link below) and followed the measurements as it is - and it was perfect!  Even my 

in-laws say so :o) 

I'm very grateful that with my pregnancy, I didn't experience any morning sickness or being picky with food or having weird cravings whatsoever.  There were times I crave for certain things - but if I cannot have it, it really didn't bother me.  Hubby tries to keep me & baby happy as much as he can.

Cassava cake recipe: http://www.pinoyhapagkainan.com/cassava-cake/

Happy Cooking!!

x

Aivee

Read more »

All about Orange

Ok so now, I am crazy about Orange lips :o)

this is my go to combo at the moment:

Mac lipstick in Sushi Kiss

Maybelline Colorsensational high shine lipgloss in Captivating Coral

http://aiveenation.blogspot.ca/2013/05/maybelline-colorsensational-high-shine.html

just a very natural look today - as I was too lazy to go anywhere. I love my bed too much now lol!

x

Aivee

Read more »

addicted to Pink

There was a phase during my pregnancy where I loved this shade of pink - here are my favourites!

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Pink Pong

http://www.bourjois.co.uk/catalog/make_up/lips/lipstick/rouge_edition_velvet

Of course, I cannot forget about nails (I've been conscious about nail polish now that I'm preggers - using 3 Free & 5 Free polishes only)

Essie nail polish in Watermelon

x

Aivee

Read more »