Sparkled Beauty

FOTD: Make Up For Ever

2012-05-24T10:46:00.000-03:00

Yes, the sun is shining outside, finally! To follow up with the swatches yesterday, here is my Make Up For Ever FOTD. Tangerine lips and almost flawless face, yay!

Main products used:
- HD Complexion Starter kit - HD Microperfecting primer, HD Invisible Cover foundation in #123, HD Microfinish powder with the HD Kabuki brush
- Aqua Waterproof Lip liner in 17C
- Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 40.

Love how the foundation felt on top of the primer, light and smooth. It's not full coverage but I didn't expect that to start with. It photographed beautifully and lasted a good period of time on me. I should have tried it sooner.

Same thing with the lip products too, but I already said that yesterday, didn't I?

Other products:
- Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Tough as Taupe as base on the lids
- L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows in Eternal Black near the upper lash lines, Black Onyx blending upward, Goldmine for brow bone highlight
- Anabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow pencil in Licoriche on lower lash lines
- Le 2 de Guerlain mascara in Black
- tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Charisma
- Joe Fresh lip tint in Crush as base on lips.

A quick effort of smoky eyes and bright lips pairing here, and I actually quite liked it. I'm happy of how the orange looked on me (a little more red because of my lip pigmentation, but still great). So glad I didn't have to stick with the rule of nude lips, as I can't rock that kind of look.

I am also glad that I found love all over again with Make Up For Ever - great products, backed with great PR present and appreciation toward bloggers. Count me a big fan! If I make it to an IMATS this year, I know where I head to first thing in the morning.

What are you favorite Make Up For Ever products?

Note: Don't forget to enter my anniversary giveaway posted on Tuesday!

Make Up For Ever experience

2012-05-23T10:11:00.000-03:00

A few weeks ago, Make Up For Ever was in town for blogger meetups at our local Sephora and I was lucky enough to be included. I hardly expected brands coming here ever, so it was really exciting to have an opportunity to learn more about this awesome brand.

Interesting to know that Make Up For Ever is younger than me lol. The brand was created by Dany Sanz in 1984 out of a boutique in Paris. She was a painter/ sculptor, and coined the term "paintings in motion" when referring to makeup.

The brand now presents in over 52 countries, is well known of their Aqua line (waterproof) and HD line (to cater the High Definition film industry).

They even have a Make Up For Ever Academy, established in 2002. I wish to go there one day, there would be so much to learn. A blogger's dream!

This is the HD Complexion Starter kit (retails $89, values $122) that I was offered to try, with my personally matched foundation shade.

3 simple steps to a HD finish:
- Prep: HD Microperfecting primer #0 - light weight, oil free, with Silica Micro beads to refract light, veil imperfection. It acts as a moisturizer too.

- Cover: HD Invisible Cover foundation (26 shades to choose from, my shade is 123) - medium to full coverage, oil free. Also has Silica Micro beads.

- Finish: HD Microfinish powder and kabuki brush. The powder is talc and paraben free, translucent when applied, with spherical micro-particles of Mineral Silica powder. The brush has nylon fibers - soft but firm, works well with the powder.

And talking about Make Up For Ever, you can't miss their fabulous lip products.

Here I have:
- Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N45
- Rouge Artist Intense lipstick in 40
- Aqua Waterproof Lip liner in 17C, and
- HD Microperfecting primer in #6 - personally selected for my skin condition, to even out and lighten skin tone, an extra to add to the HD kit above. It smells great, like a skin care product.

Closeup on the lip products, as they are more fun to look at.

- Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N45 on the left - the shade is darker IRL
- Rouge Artist Intense lipstick in 40 on the right, and
- Aqua Waterproof Lip liner in 17C on top.

I fell in love with the orange pair (40 and 17C) the moment I swatched them. This summer will be all about bright lips for me :)

Swatches, in the same order as mentioned above, with flash.

N45 is from the Rouge Artist Natural line, so it is more sheer and moisturizing, a deep red leaning toward mauve.

40 is from the Rouge Artist Intense line, and it is intense indeed. Isn't it the colour of the year, especially when paired with 17C?

Swatches with no flash, still intense, if you ask me. Stay tuned for a FOTD post to see how the products look on me.

It was a really fun getting to play around with the brand's favorites, and bonus points that they care about us bloggers. Thought I couldn't love the brand more, but I do now :) Totally worth lining up for 3 hours for (IMATS LA, 2010, if you recall).

New product alert: the new Aqua Shadow line is coming soon this month, retails $23 each. They will be like harder Aqua creams in a pencil form.

12 shades:
- Matte finish: Black, Brown, Taupe Grey, Navy Blue and Green
- Pearly finish: Taupe, Copper, Pink, Peach, Beige, Pink Beige and White.

Looks like we'll have darker matte shades, which is a wonderful thing. The pearl ones though seem to be all in the beige/ pink family. There's definitely room for brighter colours, you know, for summer.

Also for Aqua creams, we'll see new shades: #18 (pictured), 23, 24 and 25, launched in June for Canada.

I'm excited about #18 as it's the Aqua cream version of the famous #92 eyeshadow, woo hoo!

Hope you all have a great day. I'm so glad it is a short work week.

Blog anniversary giveaway

2012-05-22T15:40:00.001-03:00

It has been an awesome long weekend with bright sunny sky and +20 temp. Though it's back to rainy today, I am not complaining, as it is a big day around here - Squirt turns 9 and the blog turns 3. Oh my babies, they grow up so fast :)

And the great news is I have a fun giveaway for you - open to Canadian residents, excluding residents of the Province of Quebec, as required by the sponsor. I will have a separate giveaway for the rest of you, no worries.

The prize: A gift basket valued at $419 of products, courtesy of Murale, includes:
- Smashbox Beauty Exposed kit
- Strivectin-TL Tightening Neck cream
- Strivectin-EV Get Even Brightening serum and Get Even Spot repair
- Lancome O d'Azur EDT spray, and
- Lancome Rouge in Love lipstick.

The rules:
You have to be a Canadian follower of this blog, except Quebec. New followers are welcome. Please follow this link to enter the giveaway and make sure to put Sparkled Beauty as the referred blog. That's it!

Feel free to leave a comment to let me know that you entered, or to chit chat about anything. No extra entries this time, but RTs are welcome :)

The giveaway will run for a week, ends on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 11:59PM ADT (Atlantic Daylight Time). The winner will be randomly selected and the prize will be sent directly from the sponsor once the winner confirms his/ her mailing address.

A big thank you to Murale to provide the prize for this giveaway. Good luck!

Weekly flyer deals

2012-05-18T13:50:00.000-03:00

Shoppers: Sat to Mon: Get a free $10 Shoppers gift card with $50 purchase
*** Sat & Sun: Revlon lip: CAD4.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD7.99)

*** All week:
- Olay, Nib + Fab skin care: 25% off
- Vichy Derm Source/ LiftActiv skin care: 20% off
- RoC Soleil sun care: 25% off
- Avene, Etival sun care: 20% off
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios sun care: 15% off
- Balea skin care: 15 - 25% off
- Cover Girl & Olay makeup: 25% off
- Cover Girl Blast Flipstick/ Olay Tone Rehab foundation: 20% off
- Cover Girl Blast eyeliner, Intense ShadowBlast, Exact Eyelight, Smoother makeup: CAD9
- Revlon eyeshadow/ liner: 20% off
- Rimmel: 25% off
- L'Oreal Magic Lumi concealer, Studio Secrets, Magic Smooth Souffle makeup: 30% off
- L'Oreal Color Riche lip, HIP Duo eyeshadow, Visible Lift makeup: 20% off
- Maybelline Baby Lips, Color Explosion eyeshadow, Eye Studio gel liner, Fit Me makeup: 15% off
- Quo Summer collection: 15% off
- Quo Lip Temptation lip gloss: 2 for $20
- Quo makeup (selected types): CAD15
- Maybelline Color Show: CAD3.99
- Sally Hansen Nail Art pen, Salon Effects Nail polish strips, nail treatment: CAD7.99
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri: CAD4.99
- L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish: CAD6.99
- Quo by Orly nail polish: CAD8.99
- Life Brand sun care: 15% off and x15 Optimum points with purchase of $10 or more.

Lawtons:
- Physician's Formula: BOGO
- Cover Girl: 50 bonus Airmiles with $25 purchase
- Maybelline lipstlick, gloss: 20% off
- Almay Smart Shade: 25% off
- LA Splash: 20% off
- Bonne Bell eye, lip: 25% off
- Revlon nail polish, treatment: BOGO
- Essie/ Nicole by OPI nail polish: CAD8.99
- Seche Vite: 15% off
- Vichy LiftActiv: 25% off
- Vichy cleanser, toner, sun care: 20% off
- La Roche-Posay, Avene, L'Oreal Ombrelle sun care: 20% off
- Olay cleanser, toner, moisturizer: 20% off
- Garnier Skin Renew skin care: 25% off.

Walmart:
- Chapstick 2-pack: CAD2
- Sally Hansen Gem Crush, Crackle, Smooth & Perfect nail polish: CAD5.47
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength nail polish: CAD4
- NYC Minute nail polish/ Ultra Last lipstick: 2 for CAD3
- L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara: CAD7.96
- Maybelline Fit Me blush, bronzer, foundation, powder: CAD6.96.

Vichy Norma Teint Anti Imperfection foundation

2012-05-15T15:15:00.000-03:00

It's probably not new news that I am a big fan of Vichy Dermablend Corrective foundation. And when I heard Vichy Norma Teint Anti Imperfection foundation was made for a clean, matt, long lasting complexion, I have to try it.

Right off the bat, the stuff is non comedogenic, hypoallergenic, parabens free, with Vichy Thermal Spa water and Zincadone A to minimize imperfections.

According to Vichy, the foundation has ultra-fine pigments that are designed to remain evenly distributed upon contact with excess sebum for easy application without build-ups, and stays in place all day (8 hour hold).

Note that the name and packaging seem to be revamped, as it is now called Normaderm Teint on their website.

The tube has a tiny little tip, which is not typical but helpful, as the product is very runny. If it's any bigger, the liquid would run everywhere out on your hand.

The texture is very light, non greasy, with a pleasant scent (like that of a skin care product). It does feel like a tinted moisturizer that way (with better coverage), more than a foundation.

The wear is reasonable, up to 5 hours on me. I won't wear this when I expect my day longer than 8 hours, as touchups are necessary late afternoon. I also normally reach for this foundation when my skin is acting up, as I know it will be gentle.

This is my shade (matched in store) - #35 Sand. Shockingly pink, isn't it? I was so surprised first time using it when I realized it was darker than my regular shade of foundation. Blame store lighting! don't we all hate the light at the cosmetic isles?

I tried to blend the foundation out a bit on the right side so you can see how smooth it is.

This is Sand side by side with MAC NC37 Studio Fix Fluid foundation. Different much?

I was worried, as there are only 5 shades in this line and I don't know if I could find one that is lighter with less pink undertone. But I wanted to see the foundation on, luckily it turned out not too bad :)

Yes, my face looks a little darker than my neck but it is not terribly noticeable. I can get away with this shade in the summer for sure.

Bottom line: the foundation feels great on my acne-prone combination skin. It doesn't cake or feel heavy on. Coverage is light to medium, not full coverage unfortunately, so I still need concealer with it.

I'm not sure if it's supposed to be runny, or the one I got stayed under hot lights on the shelf too long and turned runny. But it works fine otherwise, so I don't mind.

As with Vichy Dermablend foundation, this Normaderm version also retails $29.95 for 30ml. Vichy is on sale quite often at Shoppers, so don't pay full price if you want to check it out yourself.

OOTD: Asymmetrical dress

2012-05-14T10:57:00.000-03:00

This was my Mother's Day outfit, just "fo sho" as Squirt and I didn't make it to our favorite restaurant for dinner. I wanted to try this oh-so-popular type of dress on, just to see if I can pull it off.

The dress is from Sirens, told you they have cool stuff. The prints have a tribal feel to it, and the material is very light and flowy. It almost feels like I have nothing on, hence the leggings (also from Sirens).

The rest of the outfit:
- Faux letter jacket from Old Navy
- Jules + James wedge ankle booties from Zellers
- Dior sunglasses. Excuse the glasses in all pics, as my eyes need them in the sun. Accutane's side effect: sensitive eyes :(
- Earrings from Claire's.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and Mother's Day. Squirt made me a card, with some love coupons attached (expiring today lol), a poem and a song.

Weekly flyer deals

2012-05-11T11:21:00.000-03:00

Shoppers:
*** Sat & Sun: Spend you Points event - 50,000 points = $100 (extra $15 from regular redemption rate) or 95,000 points = $200 (extra $30)
*** Mon - Fri: Get 8,000 points with $50 purchase

*** Sun & Mon only:
- L'Oreal Ombrelle sun care: 30% off (rest of the week: 25% off)
*** All week:
- Vichy anti-aging skin care: 25% off
- Balea/ Life Brand/ No7 by Boots skin care: 25% off
- Avene Thermal water/ Hydrance cream: 20% off
- Maybelline Fit Me/ Dream makeup, lip, eye (selected types): CAD6.99
- Cover Girl Instant Contour blush, Wetslick gloss, Clean makeup: CAD5.99
- Rimmel (selected types): CAD6.99

*** Last chance for these, until Friday, May 18 only:

- Spend $25 or more on Quo products and receive x20 Optimum points
- Spend $5 or more on essence products and receive x15 Optimum points
- Spend $25 or more on participating P&G products (on 1 receipt, after all discounts) and get 2,500 Optimum bonus points, .
Applicable brands: Always, Cover Girl, Crest 3D White, Gillette, Nice ’n Easy, Old Spice, Pampers, Secret, Tampax, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Olay, Venus, Ivory, Natural Instincts, Oral-B and Duracell
- 2,500 Optimum bonus points with purchase of 2 Yes To Cucumbers products
- Until Sunday, May 20, spend $50 or more on Estee Lauder skin care products and receive x20 Optimum points.

Lawtons: Bonus Airmiles week
- L'Oreal HIP: 50% off
- Maybelline mascara: CAD6.99
(L'Oreal, Maybelline, Garnier: 25 bonus Airmiles with $50 purchase)
- Milani/ Styli-Style: 20% off
- Revlon (cosmetics, beauty tools)/ Almay (cosmetics): 25% off
- Vasanti: Free single eyeshadow with $30 Vasanti purchase
- She's g.a.l./ Ultimate brushes, Danielle mirror: 25% off
- Layla MagEffect nail polish: 25% off
- LA Splash nail products: 15% off
- OPI nail products: 10% off
- Nicole by OPI nail polish: 10% off
- Sinful Colors nail polish: 2 for CAD6
- Compliments nail polish remover/ implements: BOGO
- Vichy Normaderm skin care: 20% off
- La Roche-Posay cleanser/ toner: 25% off
- L'Oreal EverCreme/ EverPure/ EverStrong/ EverSleek shampoo, conditioner: CAD6.99
- Aussie hair care: 2 for CAD5.

Walmart:
- Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless/ Tone Rehab skin care: CAD13.97
- Cover Girl LashBlast 24-hour mascara, FlipStick: CAD8.97
- Physicians Formula: CAD3.70 - CAD16.80 (reg. $6.17 - $28)
- Physicians Formula skin care: CAD7.78 - CAD14.98
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara: CAD3.96
- Revlon PhotoReady 3D mascara: CAD6.96 (reg. $8.46)
- L'Oreal Age Perfect moisturizer (Mother's Day version): CAD17.97 (reg. $20.97)
- Olay Total Effects moisturizer/ treatment: CAD19.97 (reg. $23.47)
- Olay lotion (350ml): CAD4.97 (reg. $6.47)
- Clean & Clear Makeup remover/ Advantage skin care: CAD5.47 - CAD9.57 (reg. $6.47 - $11.97)
- Neutrogena sunscreen: CAD10.47 (reg. $12.27 - $13.47)
- Herbal Essences (700ml) shampoo, conditioner/ Organix hair care: CAD4.86 (reg. $6.46 - $6.97).

NOTD: Claire's Cotton Candy

2012-05-09T12:07:00.001-03:00

Don't know if you remember but there was a NOTD of Claire's Cotton Candy before on the blog. Fortunately, other than the fact that they are both scented nail polish, they are totally different - the colour, finish, opacity.

So this is a newer version of Claire's Cotton Candy. The pic is under natural light. The colour is a little lighter than IRL here but is still a lovely aqua/teal. Shades like this make me so happy just by looking at it.

Like all Claire's scented nail polish, the scent in this one is not overwhelming and fades gradually. I don't mind it at all, I like it when I get a light sniff of scent when my hand is near my face. And the icing on the cake: it dries matte, which was not mentioned anywhere on the bottle. Surprise!

This pic is with flash. On the accent nail is an extra coat of China Glaze Atlantis. The two colours compliment each other really well. Summer appropriate eh?

There are some reflective shimmers (almost holographic under strong light) in the bottle, but on the nails, they look silver. I guess the matte finish makes the colour look more dreamy, to my eyes, but doesn't do much for the shimmers. A trade-off, I guess. Am I asking too much? :)

Close up, in natural light again. See what I mean with the silvery and non-holographic shimmers here? Atlantis made it all better, but I mean Claire's could have gone an extra mile to make the shimmers more holo, couldn't they?

Holo affect aside, I am loving this shade. Another travel friendly colour to add to the short list I have for that purpose.

The bad news is Claire's had a few of these scented polishes in the 10 for $10 section a while back, which means they might not be on the shelf anymore. Sorry if you can't hunt it down, but if you can, rock it!

Have a great mid week, everyone. It's going to rain here until the weekend, but I'm hoping for a drier Mother's Day Sunday.

New drustore displays

2012-05-07T11:39:00.001-03:00

I went to a Shoppers Beauty Boutique in the weekend, found a bunch of new displays that I am excited to tell you about. My hope is that regular Shoppers also get them, just in case there will be a sale in the near future :)

First one, and an important one at that. Fan of L'Oreal in general, or L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows in particular, do not walk by this display without checking it out, as it is GOLD! Thanks to my pal at Sakura Lovely for a heads-up.

This is called L'Oreal Glam Bronze Wild Instinct LE collection. Quite a long name, so don't mind that. It's the products that got my heart racing.

The star of the collection is supposed to be the bronzing powders (CAD15.49 each), with beautiful animal markings on top. They all appear to be shimmery, not matte.

From L-R:
- Light: Into the Wild
- Medium: Walk on the Wild Side
- Dark: Born to be Wild.

However, the Infallible eyeshadows are what I have been waiting for. They are the used-to-be US exclusive shades - Iced Latte, Amber Rush and Bronzed Taupe (CAD11.99 each). Excited yet? The problem is this is a LE display and there are only 4 of each shades :(

The nail polish, if you are interested, are Now You Sea Me and After Hours, CAD8.49 a piece.

Another new display of Marcelle Multi-Colour 3D Cubes had arrived also. 2 different compacts, with 9 colour cubes and a hidden compartment for a mirror and an applicator. These are Limited Edition, retail CAD16.95 each.

On the left is the Multi-Colour 3D Face Cube, with pinks and corals. This one could act as a highlighter or blush, depending on your skin tone or the area of the compact that you put your brush on.

On the right is the Multi-Colour 3D Eyeshadow Cube with a combination of highlight shades, pink, purple, silver, etc.

The display is cute, with the compacts sticking out like colourful windows. I didn't see any tester at the time, so I can't comment on pigmentation.

And finally Quo. They have been pretty active with quite a few new releases, which I hadn't had a chance to check out, unfortunately. I'm talking way back at their Spring collection with green marble pattern on the packaging.

This collection doesn't seem to have a name. In the front, on the left are the 2 croc-printed bronzers called Miami Rush and California Sun, CAD15 each. These remind me of Marcelle Wild Pattern Multi-Use pressed powder in Multi-Croc from the Feline collection.

On the right are the lip glosses with pretty colour swirls, with 4 shades - I don't think we need the names lol, CAD10 each.

Along the right side are the Leopard kabuki brush, CAD22. The "Leopard" part is actually on the bristles, not the handle, if you are wondering. It looks quite interesting but is a little pricy for a tiny brush.

And hiding at the back are the eyeshadow palettes which I can't really show you the colours in the pic - On the Beach, and Wave of Colours, CAD22 a pop.

There are also some new nail polish sets of Quo by Orly nail polish, 5 mini bottles each, for CAD18. I still prefer the regular sized bottles, but that's just me :)

I am waiting for a sale to get a few things from the above displays, so no pic haul pics :) Only went in an Ardene outlet store and bought some glitter nail polish - 4 for $10, reg. CAD3.50 each.

From L-R: Blizzard, Day N Night, 70's Disco and Confetti Glitter.

The glitters are not dense, so they are floating around in the clear base. I expect that these don't work by themselves but as top coats. Blizzard is different from the rest, as it has chunkier glitters, the only one I found.

Saw an awesome deal on the scarves - 5 for $10 (reg. CAD9.50 each), thought I could use some for early spring mornings and around the office. These are the light and thin ones of course, not the heavy-duty winter scarves.

A snap shot of the patterns - a black and white leopard with pink trims, a navy/ farm themed print, another black and white print, a lovely red flower print and a tiger striped black print with gold glitter. Now I'm ready for spring lol.

Let me know what you got lately, or any new products you found. I'm all ears.

Weekly flyer deals

2012-05-04T10:59:00.002-03:00

Shoppers: x20 Optimum points with $75 purchase of cosmetics or fragrances (including skin care, jewellery, hair colour, bath foam & gel, nail care)

*** Sun & Mon: Vaseline body butter (227g), lotion (200 - 600ml): CAD3.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD4.99)

*** All week:
- Tresemme, got2b hair care: CAD3.99
- Vichy skin care: 25% off
- L'Oreal shave/ skin care: 25% off
- Neostrata facial cleanser: 25% off
- Dermaglow eye/ lip skin care: 15% off
- Yes To/ No7/ Etival skin care: 15% off
- Aveeno body lotion (208 - 354ml), Neutrogena facial cleanser: CAD7.99
- Aveeno sun care: CAD12.99
- L'Oreal Color Riche balm, lipstick, Voluminous mascara: CAD5.99
- L'Oreal Color Riche gloss, liner, Extra Volume mascara, infallible eyeshadow, True Match makeup: 30% off
- L'Oreal Telescopic mascara, Infallible lip: CAD10.99
- L'Oreal Wear Infinite eyeshadow: 15% off
- Revlon ColorStay eye/ lip: 20% off
- Almay: 15% off (1,000 Optimum bonus point with purchase of selected products)
- Cover Girl eye/ lip: 15% off
- Cover Girl and Olay Simply Ageless makeup: 15% off
- Maybelline eye, Instant Age Rewind makeup: 15% off
- Physicians Formula Mineral Wear kit, Shimmer Strips: 15% off
- Rimmel eye/ lip: CAD4.99
- Annabelle eye: CAD3.99
- Sally Hansen Natural Beauty: 15% off
- Quo baked to Perfection, Twice as Nice, Endless Beauty set: 15% off
- Elizabeth Arden PWP of $38 or more: $35 gift set
- Revlon Expert, Perfect tweezers, ColorStay nail polish: CAD6.99
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength, Insta-Dri nail polish: CAD5.99
- Nicole by OPI nail treatment: CAD9.49
- Nailene Designer collection, Sensational false nail, accessories: 20% off
- Quo by Orly Gels starter kit, Base n Top, cleanser, nail polish: 15% off
- Free gifts with certain fragrance purchases (please check in store).

*** Until Friday, May 18:

NOTD: Joe Fresh Neon Pink

2012-05-02T11:06:00.002-03:00

If it is not sunny where you are today, I am bringing sunshine to you. This is Joe Fresh Neon Pink, an awesome hot Barbie pink from the Spring collection but is perfect for way into Summer too.

This was taken under direct sunlight. The first day I wore this mani, it was really nice out. I snapped a few pics in the park, on the way to pick up Squirt.

To be honest, I picked up Neon Pink as it was quite lovely on the shelf, and different. I don't normally wear pinks, as you might know already, so I don't have many pinks in the stash. At first, I was not in love with this shade, but once I got a glimpse of it under the sun, I couldn't hate it. It is a pick-me-up kind of colour. Look at it!

And pick me up it did. I went home having a stressful day that day, decided to go crazy with a nail colour. It might sound silly, but I think it meant to be the last straw of positive thoughts that I can turn to when all other things fail. It just sits on my nails, smiling at me, how can you not smile back?

This was still under sunlight but through the glass window, by the way.

And the next day, I paired it with teal jeans, purple shirt and yellow sweater. Yes, I was having one of those days that I don't care what people think about what I wear.

You can see the accents better here, in the shade. On my ring finger is Claire's Chunky Silver. Besides the chunky glitters, this shade has multiple fine silver shimmers mixed in too, which lighten the Barbie pink to a baby pink. Really cute this way.

On all other nails, I had a coat of Maybelline Colorama in Pink Pinata on top. The flakies are a little picky, only show up under certain light angles, but they add jazz to the pink.

Do you see that the colour turned a little to the fuchsia side here? This is like multiple shades of pinks in one.

Back to Barbie pink again :) So, are you sold on Neon Pink yet? I couldn't decide which pic to leave out, so you see all four.

I'm finishing up at the conference today and head back home in the afternoon. Sad that I couldn't stay till the weekend for more good food and good company, but the kitties won't like to be left alone too long.

Those of you who haven't had kids and/or pets, travel places and have fun as much as you can before you are all tied up with responsibilities :) And those who have, it takes a lot more to make that happens, doesn't it?

Enough with me rambling on here, so you all have a great day, and count your blessings, like the Berenstain Bears :)

Weekend finds

2012-04-30T10:01:00.001-03:00

A quick post today to let you know some awesome deals I found in the weekend. While doing my Winners check, just in case another Cargo Mediterranean set shows up, I found ...

... Nubar Polka Dots (reg. 24, on sale for $20 on Nubar website vs. $17 at Winners), I was so excited.

Not a huge saving but I have wanted all 3 bottles for a while - White Polka Dot, Black Polka Dot, and Diamont top coat.

A few Korres products showed up on the shelf too. This must be "Boxing Month" at Winners, they have brought in so many new brands.

I got the Antioxidant Sunflower and Hydrating Evening Primrose Eyeshadow quad - Cool Collection (reg. $35, Winners' price $9). Each shade - Silver, White, Plum and Purple - has its own lid, supposed to be long wearing and creaseless.

Also found a Korres Lip butter in Plum (reg. $12, I paid $4). There seems to be only one shade available.

Macadamia Natural Oil hair care products were at Winners for a long time but this Discover the Secrets of Healthy Hair gift set was on clearance for $36 (retails $99, Winners' original price: $70). I didn't pass it up:
- Rejuvenating Shampoo 300ml (reg. $21)
- Moisturizing Rinse 60ml ($6)
- Healing Oil Treatment 125ml ($39.95)
- Deep Repair Masque 250ml ($33)
- Healing Oil Spray 60ml (%14.50)
- Nourishing Leave-In Cream 60ml ($6.50), and
- A wide tooth comb.

Looks like the Healing Oil treatment is the most expensive by itself, already costs more than what I paid for the whole set. I'm happy.

There are some Smashbox from the Untamed collection (lip glosses, eyeliners, etc.), if you are a fan of the brand. Check out your Winners, you never know what you can find.

A side note: There is a great deal on Physician's Formula at Shoppers this week - 40% off sale plus mail-in rebate stickers on certain products which would end up costing you close to nothing. You'll need the stickers, the rebate forms from the brand's website, and your receipt to do the rebate.

A little math here for you:
- pH Matchmaker blush in Natural, reg. $17.99, after 40% off: $10.79, after $9 rebate: $1.79

- Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Felt-Tip Eyeliner + Serum in Ultra Black (this is the felt tip, not the thin brush), reg. $16.99, down to $10.19, $1.19 after $9 rebate.

Note that there are certain products with $6 rebate stickers but I think the rebate period for them has passed. So please check the list of current rebates to grab the right products in store.

Have a great first day of the week, everyone. I'm at a conference till Wednesday but will be thinking of good food and shopping most of the time :)

Weekly flyer deals

2012-04-27T10:29:00.000-03:00

Shoppers: Sat - Mon: 18,500 Optimum points ($25 value) with $75 purchase; Tue - Fri: Free $10 Shoppers gift card with $50 purchase.

*** Sat only:
- Balea shampoo, conditioner/ Herbal Essences hair care: CAD1.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD2.49)
- Quo brushes: 40% off
- Garnier facial moisturizer (including the BB cream): 40% off (rest of the week: 25% off)

*** All week:
- Physician's Formula: 40% off
- Maybelline Expert Wear mono eyeshadow, Great Lash mascara, Line Expert eyeliner, Baby Lips, Shine Sensational gloss: CAD3.99
- Maybelline SuperStay 24hr lip color or 10hr stain: CAD9.99
- Maybelline Expert Wear quad, trio eyeshadow, Unstoppable eyeliner: 2 for CAD10 (or CAD8.99 each)
- Cover Girl LashBlast mascara, Perfect Point eyeliner, OutLast Double lip shine/ lipstick: 2 for CAD16 (or CAD9.99 each)
- Cover Girl NatureLuxe, TrueBlend, Advanced Radiance liquid or powder foundation: 2 for CAD25 (or CAD13.99 each)
- Almay Intense I-Color eyeshadow: CAD6.99
- Almay eye: 20% off
- Revlon ColorBurst lip butter, matte lipstick, Super Lustrous gloss: CAD6.99
- Revlon Brow Fantasy, eyeshadow, liner, mascara: 20% off
- Revlon Custom Eyes mascara: 2 for CAD10 (or CAD6.99 each)
- Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara, Clean Finish foundation, bronzer: CAD6.99
- Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick, Vinyl gloss: 2 for CAD7 or CAD5.99 each)
- Vichy cleanser: CAD12.99
- Neostrata All in One Night, Eye contour serum, Firming Anti wrinkle cream, Night Repair cream: 35% off
- RoC Complete Lift skin care: 20% off
- Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Roll-on: CAD17.99
- Marcelle BB cream: CAD18.99
- Organix (385ml), Head & Shoulders (400-420ml) shampoo/ conditioner: CAD4.99
- I Love... bath products: 2 for CAD9.99 (or CAD7.99 each)
- Quo Mother's Day Interchangeable brush set: CAD35
- Quo by Orly Instant Artist Nail art polish: 2 for CAD7 (or CAD4 each)
- Sally Hansen Gem Crush, Smooth & Perfect, Diamond Strength nail polish: CAD6.99
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish: CAD2.99
- L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish: CAD7.99
- Rimmel Lasting Finish nail polish: CAD2.99
- Revlon classic nail polish: 2 for CAD8 (or CAD6.99 each)
- Essie nail polish, treatment: 2 for CAD18 (or CAD11.49 each)
- 10,000 Optimum bonus points with purchase of 2 Biotherm sun products
- Lancome GWP of $35 or more, valued $133, with Renergie Lift Volumetry cream, Genefique concentrate, Bi-Facil makeup remover, Color Design eyeshadow quad, Juicy Tubes gloss, Hypnose Drama mascara and a cosmetic bag
There are also some GWP offers with certain fragrances.

*** Until Friday, May 18:

NOTD: Maybelline Denim Dash

2012-04-25T13:46:00.000-03:00

Boy, was I in for a big surprise with Maybelline Color Show in Denim Dash. I bought only 1 shade from the line at my Walmart to try out, and now I want more!

When I saw the sneak peek of the line, I was quite curious. Maybelline has done great jobs with their Color Tattoos and the Instant Age Rewind concealer that I've been loving, but has been pretty quiet with nail polish. A new line at drugstores is always welcome.

And I was so happy with Denim Dash, for quite a few reasons. First, it is a one coater. It has been a while since I found and wore one coaters (read La Senza nail polish), almost forgot how good they make me feel. Love the opacity, quick and easy.

Second, it is a matte with a light layer of extremely fine silver shimmers. I was not prepared to see Denim Dash with a matte finish (on all my nails except the accent nail which had a top coat on top). Note that the shade IRL is darker, like true denim colour.

You can click the pics to enlarge, they show the silver shimmers better. The top coat also dulled the shimmer, so pick your option with this shade :)

And third, only until the third day that minimal tip wear started to show up. Yes, it is a matte nail polish that did not chip the first few hours of wear, you don't see that often. Huge kudos to Maybelline.

There it is, the silver sheen in the bottle and on the matte nails. By day 2, I kinda wanted to slap a top coat on, as the matte started to turn a little shiny. But again, it's your personal choice how to wear it.

All in all, Denim Dash is definitely a winner. It would be a great nail polish to travel with, dries quick and lasts long.

Some more information about the Color Show line. There are 30 basic shades and extra 10 with effects:
- Denim (notice the word "Denims" on the cap label, under the word "Color Show"): with Denim Dash and Styled Out
- Metallic: Bold Gold, Navy Narcissist, Amethyst Ablaze and Blue Blowout
- Shredded: Purple Possibilities, Carbon Frost, Magenta Mirage and Silver Stunner.

Maybelline Color Show is available now at Walmart for CAD2.96 (6ml) and other drugstores in May for CAD3.99.

Murale Online, NOW!

2012-04-23T10:28:00.000-03:00

Yes, Murale (by Shoppers Drug Mart) has been online for about a month now, for all Canadians out there. I don't live near a Murale store, so I welcome the opportunity to browse and/or shop higher end makeup online, especially for brands I don't normally have access to.

I was kindly offered a credit to shop on Murale online store. The site was easy to browse, I got shipping confirmation (with tracking) the next day and received the package 3 days later. Shipping costs $8.50 flat rate (or free with $75 purchase, as a promo at the time).

I found the products I added in the cart stay there until I checked out, even without me creating an account. I couldn't decide what to get right away, so I did sleep on it. The next day I went to the site, and my tentative items were still in the cart. Quite convenient.

The products came wrapped up nicely in white wrapping paper, inside a Murale box, inside the shipping box. You might argue the double packaging, but I love the sturdy white box and am happy that no shipping stickers or labels were put on it. I can always reuse the box for storage or gift giving.

Inside the box was an envelope with a hand written Thank-You note. The receipt (on the left in the pic, under the box) stated the Optimum points I earned with the purchase, and noted their return policy.

And get this, there was a pre-paid return label (with tracking number) included in the package. This means a free and easy return. That's customer service quality! They also called me "Gorgeous" in all communications and signed as "The Murale Team". I appreciate the corporate culture they promoted.

What I got:
- Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing serum with Salicylic acid and CoQ10, 2oz/ 60ml
- Caudalie Cleansing water, 3.4oz/ 100ml.

They offer 3 free samples with any order, so I picked:
- Skyn Iceland Oxygen Infusion Night cream, 1.7g
- NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Fiji, 4ml and
- Darphin Ideal Resource Soothing Retexturizing Radiance cream - Normal to Dry skin, 1.5ml.

Murale is still in the process of adding more brands to the site. I am glad to see a Canadian shopping site for brands that aren't widely available. Plus, lots of brands on the site have the same price structures as in the US (which is not always the norm for Canada - case in point: Sephora). And you can earn Optimum points with your purchase. Right now you get 18,500 points with $75 purchases.

Next time you need some new makeup or skin care, give Murale's site a browse.

Weekly flyer deals

2012-04-20T11:16:00.003-03:00

Shoppers: Sat & Sun: Free $10 Tim Card with $50 purchase; Mon - Fri: Free $10 Shoppers gift card with $50 purchase
*** Sun & Mon: Cover Girl eye/ lip: 25% off (rest of the week 15% off)

*** All week: A few brands/ items have 15% off but I won't mention them here. Mass cosmetics x15 Optimum points when you spend $15 ore more on Maybelline, L'Oreal, Revlon, Cover Girl or Almay
- Olay, Garnier, No7 by Boots skin care: 25% off
- Etival skin care: 20% off
- Biore skin care: CAD8.99
- Marcelle skin care: 15% off
- Clean & Clear/ Neutrogena acne care: CAD7.99
- Ombrelle/ Avene sun care: 20% off
- Bioderma: free Sensibio H2O makeup remover (250ml) and makeup pad container with purchase of $26 of Bioderma skin care
- Quo brushes, implements, lashes: 20% off
- L'Oreal One Sweep, Wear Infinite eyeshadow, Telescopic mascara, eyeliner, Infallible lip: CAD7.99
- Rimmel eye: 25% off
- Maybelline Color Sensational gloss, Define a Brow liner, EyeStudio duo shadow, Line Stiletto liner, Lash Stiletto mascara: CAD9.99
- Maybelline Expert Wear eyeshadow quad, Studio gel liner, Color Tattoo eyeshadow, Volume Express mascara, Color Sensation lipstick, Fit Me/ Dream makeup: 20% off
- Annabelle Glitterama liner, Skin True concealer, Liquid eyeliner, Pigment dust: CAD5.99
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon, Nail Growth nail polish: CAD5.99
- Sally Hansen nail treatment: CAD7.99
- Revlon classic nail polish: CAD5.99
- Revlon ColorStay nail polish: CAD4.99
- Revlon implements: 30% off
- Quo by Orly mini Mother's Day set: CAD42.

*** From Saturday, April 21 to Friday, May 18:

- Spend $25 or more on Quo products and receive x20 Optimum points
- Spend $5 or more on essence products and receive x15 Optimum points
- Spend $25 or more on participating P&G products (on 1 receipt, after all discounts) and get 2,500 Optimum bonus points, .
Applicable brands: Always, Cover Girl, Crest 3D White, Gillette, Nice ’n Easy, Old Spice, Pampers, Secret, Tampax, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Olay, Venus, Ivory, Natural Instincts, Oral-B and Duracell.
Note that for Cover Girl, there are double offers on Optimum points this week.

Lawtons:
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off
- Revlon Color Burst lipstick/ gloss/ lip butter, Just Bitten lip stain: 30% off
- Cover Girl ShadowBlast, LashBlast mascara, Exact Eyelights: 20% off
- L'Oreal eyeshadow: 25% off
- Vasanti: Free Maic liner with $30 Vasanti purchase
- SInful Colors nail polish: 2 for CAD6
- Crabtree & Evelyn body lotion, shower gel: BOGO
- EcoTools brushes, accessories: BOGO
- Live Clean hair care: BOGO (reg. $7.49)
- Live Clean body lotion, liquid hand soap: BOGO (reg. $4.99)
*** $15 purchase of Belvedere products (including Live CLean) = 10 bonus Airmiles; $50 purchase of L'Oreal, Maybelline, Garnier = 25 bonus Airmiles.

Walmart:
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish: CAD4 (reg. CAD4.97)
- L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish: CAD3.46 (reg. CAD5.46)
- Maybelline Shine Sensational gloss: CAD3.46 (reg. CAD5.76)
- Neutrogena moisturizer, cleanser: CAD6.27 - CAD19.97 (reg. CAD7.77 - CAD24.97)
- Garnier Skin Naturals Pure/ Fresh/ Moisture Rescue cleanser: CAD5.58 - CAD6.38 (reg. CAD6.97 - CAD7.97)
- Live Clean bath, baby, hair care: CAD4.47 (reg. CAD5.96)
- Aveeno lotion: CAD9.97 (reg. CAD11.27).

Superstore: Tax free on Sat for most provinces, Fri & Sat for NS. The fine prints say "excludes Joe Fresh baby and/or Joe Fresh apparel), so Joe Fresh makeup is ok, just a suggestion :)

Check back my posts on Joe Fresh Spring lip products and Joe Fresh Spring nail polish for swatches and shade names.

The Bay: Lancome GWP of $35 or more, until Sunday, May 6. The gift is a 7-pc set, values up to $176, which include your choice of a serum, skin care, body treatment, makeup remover, blush, eye makeup and lip colour, and a makeup bag. With purchase of $85 or more, you will get an additional makeup brush set.

Sears: Clinique GWP of $28.50 or more, until Tuesday, May 8. The gift values up to $70, includes All About Eye serum, Clarifying lotion 2, Rinse Off Eye makeup solvent, Colour Surge eyeshadow duo (choice of pinks or nudes), Different lipstick (pink or nude), High Impact mascara in Black, and a makeup bag.

EDIT: Lise Watier online warehouse sale is this weekend. Shipping (Canada only) is $10, or free with $75 purchase. Last sale, I picked up some gift sets that were of great value.

Annabelle Big Show Lip shines

2012-04-19T09:41:00.000-03:00

Remember this bunch I found from the Annabelle Big Show LE display? These are Annabelle Big Show Lip shines in Dare and Rave and lip liners in Show Girl and Heatwave.

I have recently found out that the Lip shines are permanent and now moved to the regular display. The lip liners (from that LE display), however, are indeed LEs. They are already gone from my Shoppers, and are hard to find now. I would suggest you grab them quickly if you can still find them.

Here are the swatches, with flash, to help with your decisions :)

The pair on the left is Big Show Lip shine in Rave and lip liner in Heatwave, both in the hot coral/ pantone orange colour family. They compliment each other really well. The Lip shine is sheer with beautiful gold shimmers, and the lip liner is almost matte.

On the right are Big Show Lip shine in Dare and lip liner in Show Girl. Show Girl is more of a hot pink than a purple like Dare, but they too work well as a pair. Dare is quite unique among the Lip shine colours Annabelle released, the pink/ fuchsia shimmers in it are really pretty.

Here they are without flash. The Lip shines are still shimmery like mad. The lip liners show its matte finish better here, still hot :)

Like I mentioned in the display post, there are 12 shades of Lip shines, with testers. I won't doubt that you will find a shade to your liking.

They are not sticky, non drying, wear well during reasonable time period - I got about 3-4 hours. The lip liners applied underneath would help with pigmentation, but the Lip shines are perfect if you are looking for a sheer lip look, or pop them on top of a lipstick.

I am wearing the second pair - Dare and Show Girl here.

With the natural pigmentation on my lips, Show Girl's hot pink was lost and became more purple, which worked for Dare's advantage. Having said that, if you pair Show Girl with a bright pink lipstick, it would look more true to its colour.

In the shade, they look even more purple, lol.

The darker liner, lighter gloss look, I know, is not everyone's taste. Some would say it's a pet peeve, and I agree. But this is a testing look, I want to give them both a fair chance on the lips, so I didn't blend them out evenly.

And also because I only wore them to the playground for like 10 minutes, lol. Remember the FOTD that you saw on the Tuesday post?

All in all, I am loving the pairing between the Lip shines and the LE lip liners. Glad I got the LE liners before it's too late as they are hot and bold, great for summer.

The Lip shines are a lovely addition to Annabelle's lip gloss lines, and I kinda dig Dare, the purple shade. It might not be a traditional summer shade, but I wear all kinds of colours year round anyway, depending on mood, not much on season.

If you are one of those lucky ladies that got to make your own Lip shine shades at the Premier launch, don't neglect them and start showing them off, to my envy :)

FOTD and OOTD

2012-04-17T10:27:00.002-03:00

My very first OOTD post, blame the coloured denim trend! The weekend was sunny with bright sky, not as warm as it looked but Squirt and I had our "photo shoot" anyway.

This is the hot pink skinny jeans from Sirens. I have become a fan of this store when they feature latest fashion trends - coloured jeans and blazers, sheer chiffon blouses, colour-blocking fitted dresses, asymmetrical hemmed skirts, etc.

The jeans are surprisingly comfortable and stretchy enough to accommodate regular movements of my legs. I'm well... not tall (lol) so they are long on me. I have to fold them in a few inches for the flats.

The rest of the outfit:
- Black tank underneath a sheer top from Urban Behaviour
- H&M recycled wool blend cropped blazer
- Old Navy croc printed flats
- Nevada necklace from the Bay
- Earrings and rings from Claire's
- Chopard sun glasses.

What I used on the face:
- Cetaphil moisturizer SPF50
- Marcelle BB cream in Light to Medium
- Vichy Norma Teint foundation in Sand (review to come), no concealer
- Cover Fx Setting Fx translucent mineral powder in Light
- tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Charisma.

For the eyes:
- Maybelline Color Tattoo in Too Cool
- Annabelle 4Show eyeshadow quad in Pop-Eye (using the lime green and aqua shades)
- Annabelle Custom quad single eyeshadow in Helium as brow bone highlighter
- Annabelle Smoothie eyeshadow pencil in Licoriche, smudged out on lower lash line
- Gosh Velvet Touch eyeliner in Banana for inner corners
- Annabelle Le Big Show mascara in Black.

For the lips, stay tuned for the next post to find out :) It's exciting, I promise.

And as always, close-up on the eye makeup.

I have lots of respect for fashion bloggers to take OOTD every day. Squirt was my photographer and she didn't know the skill to angle up to make me look taller and all, but she's all I got lol. This was just our trip to the playground, I must be the trendiest mom there for the day.

Winners finds

2012-04-16T09:01:00.002-03:00

Winners has become alive again with so many new beauty products, so this is a heads-up on what you might find in store.

A new shipment of Cargo products has just arrived, with the mini 7in7, eyeshadow quads and duos, Lash Activator, etc.
EDIT: the brand is on HauteLook the day after I posted this, so I now add price comparison too. I got a blush in Mallorca for $9 (vs. $12 on HauteLook, retails $29), Safari and Mediterranean sets for $15 each (vs. $18 on HauteLook, reg. $34).

The Safari set (Spring 2011) has:
- BeachBlush in Coral Beach (full size)
- Eye lining pencil in Khaki (full size)
- Eyeshadow duo with a gold and a khaki (full size),
- Lip gloss in Serengeti (mini),
- 3 Triple Action mascara (mini).

The Mediterranean set (Summer 2011) has:
- Blush in Mendocino (full size)
- Eyeshadow duo with a gold and a copper (full size),
- Better-than-waterproof mascara (full size)
- Lip gloss in Morocco (mini),
- Swimmables Waterproof Eye pencil in Teal (mini).
Both sets comes with a small makeup bag.

I only paid $12 for the Mediterranean set because the teal liner was missing. Don't know if I'll keep it, cause the liner is kinda the reason I wanted the set at the first place.

I also found new Stila products. The brand was just on HauteLook, so I do some price comparison.

- One Step primecolors $8 at Winners vs. $6 (or a set of 3 for $10) on HauteLook
- Convertible eye colours have similar price at both places (around $7-8)
- One Step foundation $13 at Winners vs. $8 on HauteLook
- Kajal eyeliner (I found Sapphire) $9 and Smudge Stick Waterproof eyeliner (in Koi and Silver Dollar) $8 at Winners vs. $5 on HauteLook.

Considering HauteLook's Canada shipping isn't cheap, it's probably still worth it to get Stila from Winners. I think I'll only keep the Smoky Eye (Platinum collection) Talking palette ($13) though. Any of you has this palette?

From Pixi, I bought:
- Lumi Lux Radiance powder in Peach Petal $10 - beautiful rose patterns, good size too
- Lip blush in Love $7. I saw this shade in Sam Schuerman's Valentine tutorial and has been wanting to get it.

Both these items were on HauteLook before, for $7 and $5 respectively, so yeah, we pay a little more in store. Do you feel like Winners is our HauteLook lately, with no shipping cost?

I don't think we have access to this brand much, though this is not the first time I saw it at Winners.

On to nail polish.

With Color Club, I found 2 new sets with no names, just "All About Color" sticker on the packaging, $15 each.

It looks like these bottles are randomly selected to put in sets. I have no clues on shade names for the first set, as bright colours could end up anywhere.

For the second set, the first 3 shades are from the Under the Mistletoe collection, which Winners had before. The second last shade looks like Covered in Diamonds. I don't think I would ever know all names for sure. Why do they do this?

And Jessica, which I notice a small display a while ago but didn't really look.

This time, I spotted Iridescent Eye and gasped. It is the exact dupe of Chanel Peridot, with the price tag of $6. How can I not get it?

Words are there are other Jessica shades that dupe Chanel colours, and they might even have better quality/ application. The nail polish section just got a little more exciting :)

I also found Color Club magnetics, LA Girls trios and some sets from random brands that I never heard of.

Skin care wise, I have been really into serums lately. I love how fast they sink into the skin, ready for moisturizer instantly.

I found H2O Green Tea Antioxidant serum (25ml, $10, was $36 before being discontinued last summer) and Sea Results Daily Defense serum (30ml, $15, reg. $60 on H2O website).

Looks like online reviews are more positive toward the Sea Results serum than the Green Tea one, so I might not keep both.

So, what is on your Winners radar now?

Weekly flyer deals

2012-04-13T10:13:00.000-03:00

Before we start with the deals, I just want to thank you all for your support and understanding toward my little announcement yesterday. It means a lot, so thank you!

Shoppers: Sat only: x20 Optimum points with $50 purchase
*** Sun & Mon:
- Cover Girl Exact Eyelights pencil/ mascara, LashBlast mascara, ShadowBlast eyeshadow, Outlast lip: CAD6.99 (Limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD8.99)

*** All week:
- Fragrance clearance (selected types): CAD17.77
- Life brand/ Balea/ RoC skin care: 25% off
- Olay Age Defy, Regenerist, Total Effects, Pro X skin care: 25% off
- Dermaglow skin care: 20% off
- Marcelle Essentials skin care: CAD14.99
- Neutrogena/ Aveeno sun care: 20% off
- L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick, Voluminous mascara: CAD5.99
- Almay Smart shade makeup: 30% off
- Almay eye (selected types): CAD6.99
- Revlon Age Defy, ColorStay, New Complex makeup: 30% off
- Revlon classic lip (selected types): CAD7.99
- Maybelline eye, SuperStay lip, Instant Age Rewind concealer, Dream makeup: CAD7.99
- Maybelline (selected types): 15% off
- Cover Girl LineBlast 24 hour eyeliner (Shoppers exclusive): CAD12.99
- Cover Girl (selected types): CAD8.99
- Rimmel Lasting Finish makeup, eye: CAD5.99
- Physicians Formula: 30% off
- Essie nail polish: CAD7.99
- Revlon nail polish/ treatment: 15% off
- Sally Hansen nail art pen/ treatment: CAD7.99.

Lawtons:
- Skin Doctors skin care: BOGO
- Neostrata skin care: 25% off
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar: 25% off
- Dermaglow cleanser: 20% off
- Vichy sun care: 25% off
- Got 2b/ L'Oreal Studio line hair care: BOGO
- Softlips lip balm: BOGO
- Essie nail polish: CAD8.99
- Compliments nail polish remover/ implements: BOGO
- Ardell lashes: 15% off
- Annabelle: 20% off
- Revlon foundation, powder, concealer, primer, blush: 25% off
- Maybelline Dream Nude airfoam foundation, Fit Me: 25% off
- L'Oreal mascara: 20% off
- Cover Girl NatureLuxe mascara, ShadowBlast eyeshadow: 25% off
- Vasanti: 15% off.

Walmart:
- Revlon ColorStay eyeshadow quad with bonus nail polish: CAD11.56
- Cover Girl Lip Perfection lipstick/ pencil: CAD7.27
- Olay cleanser: CAD6.77 - CAD7.77.

Collective finds

2012-04-12T09:37:00.001-03:00

I have found myself online shopping more often than going to stores. They make it too easy to hand over your cc, don't they :) Stay tuned at the end for a little notice.

I have given in to the indie nail polish craze, just 2 purchases for now, but who knows later :)

From the famous Nerd Lacquer, I got the trio from the NerdCrush series - The Quantum Bluniverse, Cyance Friction and The Selfish Green.

Some background on this etsy store: the nail polish is so popular that the store only opens at certain time, and for a very short time period. Then the store is set on vacation mode (like right now) so the owner can fill orders and ship them out. And there's always the story of limited sources of supplies and time that most indie sellers face.

Due to raves on nail blogs, I couldn't pass up Nebula (from the Spaaaaaace series) and Gorramit (from the Firefly series) either. All 5 are heaven in the bottles and quite unique, don't you agree?

Nerd Lacquer sells for $10/ bottle, shipping to Canada for 5 bottles is $8.50. I placed the order on March 12, got shipping confirmation on March 27, and received the package on April 10, almost a month all together.

Harlow & Co also sells Nerd Lacquer but stocks are also low or sell out quickly. It is always a crazy race trying to order some pretties like these.

From Dollish Polish, I got The Cake is a Lie, 3 Best Friends that Anyone Could Have and Heart of Glass.

Same story, the store is on vacation mode at the moment. Dollish Pollish sells for $8 a piece, shipping to Canada for 3 bottles is $4.85. I ordered on March 11, got shipping confirmation on March 20 and I got them a week after. Less wait time than Nerd Lacquer.

One thing I don't like about etsy is that stuff doesn't stay in your cart when you are trying to get through with payment. If a certain item sells out before your payment is accepted, it just disappear from your list. It frustrates people.

At Lawtons, I found the Revlon Gucci Westman Escapism (LE Spring/ Summer) collection on clearance. These have quite short shelf appearance, I was surprised.

I got:
- ColorBurst lip glosses in Sizzle, Sunbaked and Bellini, $2.62 each. I didn't get Crystal Water as many people said it was just glitters, no pigmentation
- Nail polish in Sheer Seafoam and Surf, $.99 a piece. I passed on Gold Coast and Runway Pearl, saw no sign of Red Bikini.

After checking swatches online, I found out that Sheer Seafoam, while looking awesome in the bottle, is extremely sheer :(

For new display update, look what I found at Lawtons too - a brand new/ untouched Wet n Wild Color Icon LE collection called Be Jeweled.

If you haven't heard, this collection is Wet n Wild's version of China Glaze Prismatics. We have to pay about twice as much compared to the US (CAD3.99/ bottle), but at least we (the Maritimes) get them, and they are still cheaper than China Glaze. I'm hoping it will make its way to Walmart and Shoppers too but I don't know that for sure, unfortunately.

Now on to a bit of blog announcement, I will be posting less often on here from now on. A big nail blogger announced a hiatus yesterday, realizing that nail polish had taken over her life. I think I am on the same boat, not to the same magnitude but a similar case, which got me thinking a lot.

I have been blogging almost daily since the very beginning, knowing that it takes a lot of time and effort, but see that quite a number of posts don't get a comment for a while now. I do know that lots of people read and move on (I do too, most of the time), but maybe the things I post about don't spike enough interest for comments.

I appreciate all of you and am happy when you told me you found the blog useful, but I will slow it down, both blogging and shopping, before they become a source of frustration instead of inspiration. I am still around on here and twitter, if you need me. Have a great day!

NOTD: Wet n Wild It's All in the Cut

2012-04-10T10:01:00.000-03:00

I don't get why it took me so long to wear the Wet n Wild Color Icons. I was so eager to receive them through a swap, then they sat in a box. Waiting no more, today I have Wet n Wild It's All in the Cut to show you.

I know this post is late, and this line is not even available in Canada (so far) but you can at least get its dupe - Sally Hansen Be-Jeweled from the Gem Crush line - which is available at Walmart and Shoppers now. You kinda need it :)

It's All in the Cut has beautiful purple and pink glitters (in different sizes) packed in a clear base. The bottle looks tiny but it actually houses 10ml, not bad at all.

And like I said before, with glitters like this, I always use a base to help with opacity and easier removal after. With this mani, the base is Joe Fresh Hula, a pale baby pink.

The first pic is under weak sunlight, and the second is with flash. You can see the pink glitters coming out to play here.

And here too. You might notice the colour on my ring finger is a little darker than the rest. I did a thicker layer on it, just to see what difference it made. So lilac or darker purple, your choice.

This polish is an absolute love. Again, case in point, awesomeness can come in small packaging.

How was everyone's Easter? Overdosed on chocolate yet? I did a bit of shopping at Bluenotes in the weekend for their black label coloured jeans. I love now have almost every colour I wanted, except yellow.

Also participated in the Bay 20% F&F sale - I got a Topshop dress and BCBG Generation bracelets online, and some fashion jewelry BOGO in store. Surprisingly, I didn't get much makeup. A switch in interests, maybe :)

Weekly flyer deals

2012-04-05T21:13:00.000-03:00

The extra long weekend has begun. It has been a rough week for me, not blogging much, all I want to do now is sleep. Hope everyone has great plans to have some fun. Here are deals for this week.

Shoppers:
*** Sat & Sun: Spend Your Points - 50,000 points = $100 (extra $15) or 95,000 points = $200 (extra $30)
*** Mon - Fri: Free $10 Shoppers gift card with $50 purchase

*** Sun & Mon:
- Coppertone/ Hawaiian Tropics sun care: CAD7.77 (limit 4, after limit/ rest of the week: CAD7.99)
- Biore/ Garnier skin care: 30% off (rest of the week: 25% off)

*** All week:
- Nivea/ Bioderma skin care: 30% off
- Vichy Cellebiotic/ Liftactiv/ Neovadiol/ Purete skin care: 25% off
- Neostrata/ Cliniderm skin care: 25% off
- RoC Retinox skin care: 20% off
- No7 by Boots skin care: 15% off
- Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick, bronzer, Sexy Curves mascara, Stay Glossy gloss, Glam Eyes mascara/ eyeshadow: CAD4.99
- Maybelline Mineral Power/ Fit Me makeup: 15% off
- L'Oreal/ Revlon (selected types): 15% off
- Revlon/ Almay eye: 25% off
- Cover Girl (selected types): 20% off
- Annabelle Big Show Lip Shine, Skinny eyebrow pencil, Smudgeliner: CAD6.99
- Marcelle facial cleanser (selected types): CAD10.99
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear/ Rimmel Lasting Finish nail polish: CAD3.99
- Quo by Orly gel nail: 10% off.

Lawtons:
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off
- Milani: 15% off
- L'Oreal True Match makeup/ Studio Secret primer: 25% off
- Maybelline Baby Lips/ mascara: 20% off
- Almay foundation/ powder/ concealer/ blush: 25% off
- Cover Girl NatureLuxe: 15% off
- Mitsura makeup: 25% off
- Bonne Bell lip smacker: BOGO
- Simple skin care: 20% off
- Neutrogena naturals skin care: 15% off
- Upper Canada bath/ body: BOGO
- Fruit & Passion Grapefruit Guava collection: 20% off
- Nivea Visage Pure & Natural/ pink or blue line: CAD7.99
- Revlon beauty tool: 20% off (extra 5 Airmiles with 2)
- Mavala nail polish: 20% off
- imPRESS Broadway/ Kiss nail enhancement/ accessories: 15% off
- Gilette/ Venus Embrace disposable razor: BOGO.

Walmart:
- Cover Girl True Blend liquid makeup, pressed powder: CAD9.47 (reg. CAD11.47)
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara: CAD5.96
- Rimmel Lash/ Volume Accelerator with bonus Soft Kohl pencil: CAD6.98
- Garnier Ultra-Lift/ Ultra-Lift Intense skin care: CAD12.97 - CAD16.97 (reg. CAD16.47 - CAD21.47)
- Live Clean Fresh Face skin care (new): CAD12.97 - CAD19.97
- Olay Classic large size moisturizer: CAD9.57 (reg. CAD11.97)
- L'Oreal Ombrelle Complete/ Kids sun care lotion: CAD16.97 (reg. CAD19.97).

NOTD: Butter London Disco Biscuit

2012-04-02T11:00:00.001-03:00

I finally did an ombre mani with Butter London Disco Biscuit, another shade from their Spring collection. And it is a great one.

Disco Biscuit is a hot magenta pink with blue shimmers, a perfect shade to make an ombre as the opacity is buildable.

What I did:
Thumb, index and pinkie: 3 coats
Middle finger: 2 coats
Ring finger: 1 coat.

At one coat, it is a sheer baby pink colour, would be perfect to do those "glitter sandwich" looks - I might try that next. It then becomes truer to the bottle colour at 2 coats. One extra third coat for opacity, less VNL, but the difference is minimal.

I personally prefer how Disco Biscuit looks at 2 coats, a right amount of pink without being overwhelmed. This is a pink that I can wear and actually like, maybe because of its opacity levels where I feel like I have a choice of how it would look on the nails.

The blue shimmers are visible but not easy to capture on camera. Here you can see them in the bottle and on a few of my nails. Blue on magenta pink, it is a "Cheer You Up" type of colour.

Application is as easy on this one as with Knackered, so far I enjoy the Butter London brand. Wear wise, it gives around the same amount of time like most brands (2 - 3 days) but I would change my nail colour by then anyway.

Disco Biscuit was provided for review by Nail Polish Canada. Don't forget to enter the contest to win the whole Spring/ Summer collection on their product page before April 15.

Weekly flyer deals

2012-03-30T12:28:00.002-03:00

Shoppers: Sat & Sun: Free $10 Shoppers gift card with $50 purchase (Note: your province might have the 2 Cineplex tickets with $75 purchase, check your flyer)

*** Sun & Mon only:
- Vaseline Creamy lotion (220ml)/ Intensive Care lotion (295ml): CAD2.49 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week $2.99)
- Maybelline eye/ lip (selected types, including Color Tattoos): CAD4.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week $5.99)

*** All week:
- Neutrogena/ Aveeno shave or skin care: 25% off
- Vichy skin care: 25% off
- Balea facial skin care: 20% off
- Avene Intolerant skin care: 20% off
- Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector (BB cream): CAD16.99 (1,000 bonus points)
- Olay Regenerist, Total Effects, Age Defying skin care: 20% off
- Cover Girl (selected types): 20% off
- Cover Girl Outlast lipstick, lip stain, Double lip shine: CAD8.99
- L'Oreal eye/ lip/ Visible Lift (selected types): 20% off
- Revlon Photo Ready mascara/ makeup: 20% off
- Marcelle Duo Brow, Lux, Wet and Dry eyeshadow: CAD9.99
- Rimmel eye/ lip (selected types): CAD3.99
- Quo brushes: 15% off
- Quo by Orly Instant Artist nail polish: CAD3.49
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon/ Nail Growth nail polish: CAD6.99.

Lawtons:
- Avene/ Vichy skin care: 20% off
- Dermaglow skin care: 30% off
- Garnier Skin Renew skin care (including BB cream): 25% off (bonus 10 Airmiles with 2)
- Maybelline eyeshadow/ liner: 25% off (bonus 10 Airmiles with 2)
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off
- Vasanti eyeshadow: 10% off (bonus 5 Airmiles)
- NYX Jumbo lip/ eye pencil: 25% off (bonus 10 Airmiles with 3)
- Softlips lip balm: BOGO
- Revlon/ Del Sol nail polish: 20% off.

Walmart:
- L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation: CAD9.96 (reg. CAD11.98)
- Maybelline Dream: CAD9.96 (reg. CAD10.96 - CAD12.96)
- Olay Regenerist premium moisturizer: CAD28.97 (reg. CAD33.47)
- Nivea Visage Q10 skin care: CAD14.77 (reg. CAD16.77)
- Bio Oil (60ml): CAD9.77 (reg. CAD11.97).

The Body Shop: Buy more save more promo, until Sunday, in stores and online:
- Buy 1 product get 10% off
- Buy 2 products get 20% off
- Buy 3 products get 30% off
- Buy 4 products get 40% off
- Buy 5 products or more and get 50% off your purchase.

Offer excludes premade gifts, charitable items, purchases of LYB membership cards and gift cards.

Note: If you shopped in store during March, your receipt would have come with a $15 off $40 coupon to be used in April. April 1 is the perfect day to pair the 2 offers.

Bath and Body Works:
- Signature Collection body care B3G3F
- 14.5 oz 3-wick candle: 2 for $25, mini candle: 2 for $5.

EDIT: Sephora 15% for both VIBs and BIs. You should have received the email with the offer by now, bring it to the store for extra saving (it's in store only for Canada, unfortunately).

If you have someone in the US to ship the order too, you can use a Canadian Sephora gift card to shop online. The code would be "CHICWEEK" for VIBs (until April 6) and "CHICBI" for BIs (until April 5).