Sparkled Beauty

Vichy Capital Soleil

2013-06-18T10:45:00.000-03:00

Have you spotted these beautiful Vichy Capital Soleil sun protection products in stores yet? I was happy to receive the Bare Skin Feel sheer lotion SPF45 and SPF60 for face and body, and the Lip protection stick SPF30 for review.

Released in April, they are brand new additions to Vichy Capital Soleil line, sharing the famous formula that contains:
- Mexoryl SX-XL (water soluble and oil soluble respectively)
- Avobenzone (Parsol 1789, oil soluble), and
- Octocrylene
to ensure a broad spectrum photo-stable protection from short and long UVA rays, and UVB rays.

They also include Vitamin E and Vichy Thermal spa water to sooth and regenerate thanks to the high concentration of minerals and antioxidants. A Feel Good type of sunscreen :)

To top that off, these products are paraben/ fragrance free, water resistant, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

They are supposed to be non sticky/ greasy, quick drying without leaving a white residue on the skin, and suitable for all skin types. I am not surprised to be able to confirm these claims :)

The Bare Skin Feel sunscreen felt natural on the skin. I didn't have to wait long before putting on my makeup and clothes. And it's great to be able to use the same sunscreen for my face and body.

The Lip protection stick will have a permanent space in my makeup pouch this summer until it runs out. I tend to forget my lips when it comes to sun protection, so this is a nice reminder.

Swatches below to show you the textures, from L-R: Lip protection stick SPF30 (barely visible here), Bare Skin Feel lotions SPF45 and SPF60 (which I didn't notice a difference of).

Coverage wise, a SPF45 product blocks about 98% and SPF60 blocks 98.3% of UVB rays, not a big difference either. So it'll come to your preference mainly to pick a SPF level you want.

Active ingredients for SPF60: Homosalate 10%, Octocrylene 7%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 4%, Drometrizone Trisyloxane (Mexoryl XL) 2.5%, Terephthalydene Dicamphor Sulfonic acid (Mexoryl SX) 0.5%.

Same ingredients for SPF40 except Octocrylene 6.5%, Avobenzone 3.5%.

Other ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Silica, etc.

For the lip protection stick: Octocrylene 7%, Drometrizone Trisyloxane (Mexoryl XL) 4%, Avobenzone 2.5%. Other ingredients: Ricinus Communis oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Candelilla Cera, Isohexadecane, Copernicia, etc.

The Bare Skin Feel lotions SPF40 and SPF60 (150ml) are $29.95 each, and the Lip protection stick SPF30 (3g) is $13. Next time you are in need of a sunscreen, give any of the Capital Soleil a try :)

Revlon Super Lustrous Shine lipsticks

2013-06-17T10:54:00.000-03:00

The Revlon Super Lustrous Shine lipsticks have made it to our drugstores recently, together with the new Super Lustrous glosses in the new round tubes.

Curious about the Shine finish, when I caught the new display with a 30% off sale at Lawtons last week, I grabbed 4 shades to try out :)

From L-R: 830 Rich Girl Red, 835 Berry Couture, 850 Plum Velour and 855 Foxy Lady.

Don't let the bullet colours scare you. The lipsticks wear lighter and less intense on the lips, with a shiny but semi sheer finish, quite different from the regular Super Lustrous line.

It seems sheer lip products is the new trend this summer.

Check out the watches, purposely done with about three to four swipes to show you the colours. Surprised at how they turned out? Me too!

Rich Girl Red had an orange tone, which is not really what I was after. I wanted a red, darn it! Not to say that it was a bad lipstick, just that the colour was not what I expected.

Berry Couture, appropriately, showed up as a berry pink, great for daily wear. And if you want a darker easy to wear colour, Plum Velour would be a good one. I have worn both to work at different times, loving them equally.

Foxy Lady was the darkest shade in the Shine line, turned out to be a mauvy brown with a hint of subtle bronze sheen at certain angle. The most complicated shade among these four.

You can see the sheen on Foxy Lady better in this second swatch pic below.

I still can't get over the fact that how different these dark bullets swatched, but I found myself loving the colours anyway. As long as you don't expect the bullet colours show up the same on your lips, we are good :) The whole display only had 3 testers, so I expect more surprises hidden in the colours of those I didn't pick up.

Can't deny that the shine finish is fun to wear. The lipsticks layer up nicely to the colour intensity you desire and in no way feel heavy or dry. I kinda secretly wish the line was not called Shine so I could hope for a few matte shades :)

Wear wise, I got a few hours with two swipes of the colours on my lips, on top of a lip balm. Because of their light texture, I prefer building up the lipstick colours than using a lip liner as base.

Here's a quick FOTD with me wearing Plum Velour by itself, two coats and got this colour payoff on the lips. I loved it!

Yes, it was another lazy Sunday look where I only had a wash of Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze on the lids and Essence 3D eyeshadow in Irresistible Chocolates for more depth in the crease. Plus a light layer of Revlon ColorStay foundation, and a sheered out NYX cream blush in Tea Rose.

The Revlon Super Lustrous Shine lipsticks retails around $8.99. If you try them out, let me know how the colours look on you and if you find any unique shades that I need to try :)

Have a great Monday, despite the cloudy (and maybe rainy) sky after two great days of sunshine. My holo mani looks a little sad right now lol.

Weekly flyer deals

2013-06-14T11:04:00.003-03:00

Shoppers: Saturday only: x20 points with $50 purchase
*** Saturday only:
- Quo brushes, lashes, implements, sponges: 40% off
- Selected fragrances: CAD17.77
- Maybelline mascaras: 50% off (rest of the week: 20% off)
- CoverGirl Blast eye/ lip: 30% off (rest of the week: 20% off)
- Essie nail polish, treatment: CAD6.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD9.99)

*** All week:
- Olay Smooth Finish hair removal, skin care: 30% off
- Live Clean (500ml), Pond's (190ml), Vaseline (200 - 600ml) lotion: CAD4.99
- Re-Nu or Sensitive Eyes multi-purpose solution (355ml): BOGO
- Balea eye makeup remover (120ml), facial wipes (25's - 56's), Life Brand Clear Action acne/ sun care: CAD6.99
- Neostra/ Cliniderm skin care: 30% off
- RoC Hydra care: 25% off, Retin-Ox skin care, body care: 20% off
- Cetaphil skin care: 20% off
- Avene thermal water: 20% off, D-Pigment cream: 15% off
- No7, Etival skin care: 15% off
- Crest 3D Whitestrips (14's - 28's): CAD34.99
- L'Oreal Sublime bronzer, Ombrelle sun care: 15% off
- Indeed Lab skin care: 15% off
- Aveeno body wash, Tom's of Maine antiperspirant: CAD4.99
- Physician's Formula: 40% off
- Quo makeup: 10% off
- Gosh eye: 15% off
- Annabelle eye makeup remover pads, eyeliner: CAD4.99, BB makeup: CAD11.99
- Rimmel eye/lip: CAD5.99
- Revlon eye/ lip: CAD6.99
- Revlon PhotoReady Kajal Intense eyeliner, makeup: 15% off (buy 2 get 2,000 points)
- Maybelline lipstick: 20% off
- CoverGirl Flamed Out mascara, Perfect Point liner, Wetslicks gloss, Clean makeup: CAD7.99
- CoverGirl 3-in-1 Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation, Simply Ageless, Smoothers makeup: 15% off
- L'Oreal Infallible makeup, Double Extend mascara: 30% off
- L'Oreal Voluminous eye, Visible Lift makeup: 20% off
- L'Oreal Color Riche eyeshadow quad, Infallible/ Intense felt tip liner: 15% off
- L'Oreal Magic Perfecting base, BB cream, primer: CAD10.99
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon nail polish, treatment: CAD6.99
- Essie Luxe Effects, Mirror Metallics, SnakeSkin nail polish, Sleek Stick strips: CAD9.99
- Revlon neon, Expressionist, Moon Candy nail art: CAD7.99; Top Speed, Brilliant Strength, ColorStay nail polish: CAD5.99
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: CAD3.99
- CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polish: CAD6.99
* Elizabeth Arden: with a purchase of $38 or more, you can get a spring tote & pouch with bonus products for $35. Lots of GWP of men's fragrances too.

Bonus points, last day (with current flyer):
- x10 points when you buy Benefit POREfessional primer
- x10 points with purchase of any participating John Frieda hair care product
- x10 points with purchase of Dove Go Fresh restore antiperspirant
- x10 points with purchase of any Clinique Skin Supplies for Men product
- x5 points with purchase of any Pur Minerals product
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Lise Watier skin care products
- 5,000 points with purchase of Lancôme Advanced Genefique
- 2,000 points when you spend $15 on participating Yes To products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal EverStrong products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Festival de Cannes products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Colour Riche products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Aveeno products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Live Clean hair care products
- 500 points with purchase of any Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse.

Until June 28:
- x10 points with purchase of any Estee Lauder skin care product.

Until July 12:
- 12,000 points with purchase of 2 Biotherm Aquasource products
- 8,000 points with purchase of CoverFx SPF30 Protection primer
- 4,000 points with purchase of Lacoste L.12.12 EDT or Eau de Lacoste 50ml EDP
- 2,500 points with purchase of any participating Fekkai product
- 750 points with purchase of any 2 TreSemme Platinum Strength products (and enter to win a trip to NYC for Mercedes-Benz Fashion week using your Optimum card)
- x20 points when you spend $20 or more on participating Garnier products.

Murale: x20 points with $125 purchase, in store or online, until Saturday.

Lawtons:
- Maybelline mascara, eyeshadow: 25% off (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- Revlon lipstick, gloss, lip liner: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- CoverGirl: 20% off
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Wet n Wild: 20% off
- Almay foundation, powder, concealer, blush, primer, makeup remover: 20% off
- Vasanti: 20% off (free single eyeshadow of choice with $20 purchase)
- Avene/ Vichy/ Dermaglow skin care: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Clean & Clear/ Neutrogena: 25% off (bonus 20 miles when you buy 3)
- Fruits & Passion Blue, Fuchsia bath: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Maybeline Color Show nail polish: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Kiss/ Broadway nail enhancements/ accessories: 20% off
- Seche: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Del Sol nail polish: 3/CAD9.99.

Walmart:
- Revlon Super Lustrous Intense gloss/ Bold lipstick: CAD6.97
- Almay CC cream: CAD14.96
- Aveeno moisturizer/ cleanser: on roll back.

Superstore: Tax free until Saturday in NS.

Annabelle.ca: Courtesy of JeanFrancoisCD (see below, the English version is at 3:05), Canadians can get $10 off $30 (and free shipping) with code "JFCD" until July 31. Americans get $10 off $30 with the same code, but free shipping is with $50 orders.

Sears: Sears Days has already started (Lowest prices of the season)
- In stores: Until Sunday, when you spend $50 or more on fashions, footwear, bed & bath fashions, small appliances, etc., you'll get a $10 Sears bucks coupon, redeemable on your next purchase of $50 or more on fashions, footwear, bed & bath fashions, etc. between June 24 - 27.

- Online: free shipping for orders of $75 or more until June 23. For selected items, when you spend $100, you get $15 off your next $50 purchase.

Spend $50 or more on cosmetics and fragrances until Sunday and you'll receive a $15 Saving Card, redeemable on your next cosmetics and fragrances purchase of $75 or more between June 17 - 30. Estee Lauder GWP is still on until June 23. Selected fragrance GWPs are on too.

The Bay: F&F sale is on until Sunday
- 20% off regular, sale and clearance priced items using Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard (or 15% off with any other tender)
- 10% off cosmetics and fragrance, regular, sale and clearance priced furniture, patio furniture, BBQs, mattresses, major/ small appliances, vacuums, personal care electronics and confectionery with any tender.

Follow the link above to print the coupon if you shop in store, don't forget the exclusions.

Clarins GWP of 2 products, one of which is skin care until June 24. The gift is a 5-piece Mademoiselle, up to $65 value. With a purchase of an additional skin care product, you'll get a free One Step facial cleanser (full sized, $36 value).

Until Sunday, when you spend $75 or more at Clarins, you'll get a $25 Saving Card, redeemable on your next purchase of $100 or more (excludes cosmetics and fragrances) until June 30.

Lots of summer sales, semi annual sales are on. Shop on, ladies!
- Bath & Body Works: up to 75% off. There's a coupon for $10 off $40 or $15 off $50, good until Sunday. If you have previous receipts, there's always a $10 off $30 coupon when you do their survey
- The Body Shop: up to 50% off online (free shipping with $50 orders instead of $75, this weekend only) and up to 70% off in stores
- Fruits & Passion: up to 60% off
- La Senza: up to 50% off selected items and selected bras $6.99 and up. Previous receipts would have $10 off $40 coupons when you do their survey
- Victoria's Secret: bras from $19.99
- H&M: starts from $7.

Old Navy: Super Cash is on until Sunday. Super Cash redemption, in store or online, is between June 20 - 26.

And if you are a ON/GAP/BR credit card holder, you can get the $1 Flip flop presale tomorrow (Saturday). in store only.

Reitmans: Until Saturday, online exclusive:
- Spend $100, take $15 off
- Spend $150, take $30 off
- Spend $200 or more, take $50 off
with code "JU2013".

ebates.ca: Double cash back event
- GAP, Old Navy, Roots, the Source, Home Depot, Lowe's: 4%
- The Bay: 5%
- Sportchek, Groupon, Club Monaco: 6%
- Walmart: up to 8%
- Toms: 10%, etc.
My link is on the left side bar.

NOTD: China Glaze Mosaic Madness

2013-06-13T10:59:00.002-03:00

Since we have been having so much rain in the last week, I have a very sparkly but dark NOTD for you today. The star is China Glaze Mosaic Madness.

I was definitely mesmerized by the way this colour looked in the bottle at Sally and had to bring it home. On top of a light base, however, it did not look anything impressive so I gave it one more chance with a dark base, and voila :)

This is 2 coats of Mosaic Madness, just because I was greedy for glitters.

The base is Orly Blue Suede. I just wanted a pigmented dark navy, didn't mind if it was matte at the time.

This was just one coat of Blue Suede, it worked perfectly as a dark canvas for the blue glitters in Mosaic Madness to shine. However, Orly mattes don't last long on me, which I should have considered. This mani only lasted a day on me :( Next time, I'll change up the base.

The first pic was with flash, showing more depth to the look than in the second pic with natural lighting. I love it either way anyway.

Another pic, just to make the point lol. Removing this mani was not pleasant, as with any glitter layering, but I was used to it. At least the base helped that a little as the flakes did not stick directly on your nails.

Anyhow, if I were a nail polish, I would probably be something like this, with long wearing power of course :)

Hope this brightens your day with its darkness/ madness (pun intended). Thanks for the moving tips some of you left on my previous post and on twitter. I am so overwhelmed lol.

FOTD: MUFE Aqua Rouge Fuchsia

2013-06-12T11:09:00.000-03:00

It is a horrible rainy day today but I have another bright lip colour to cheer myself up. Can't you tell I'm so ready for summer?

This is Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuchsia. I couldn't be more excited to receive this shade, the boldest among 5 Aqua Rouges from the summer Aqua collection, and my very first Aqua Rouge at that.

This was one coat of the colour, and one coat of the clear gloss with enough dry time in between. It last long on me, did not dry my lips out nor make them feel heavy.

After lunch and my herbal tea, it did fade a little but there was still enough colour on my lips to look good. I added some lip balm on top, and it was as good as new. Good to have a lip colour that you can count on for a whole day wear.

Other products used on my face:

- Sunscreen: Vichy Bare Skin Feel lotion SPF45 (review coming soon)
- Serum: Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10
- Moisturizer: L'Occitane Immortelle Precious cream
- Primer: Annabelle CC Instant Perfecting base in Luminous finish
- Foundation: Marcelle BB cream in Medium to Dark
Another lazy day, no foundation type of look
- Concealer: LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer in Pure Beige
- Powder: Annabelle CC pressed powder in Light/ Medium
- Brows: Annabelle Skinny brow liner in Universal Medium
- Blush: Milani Baked powder blush in Corallina.

For the eyes:
- Base: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Audacious Asphalt
- Eyeshadows and brow bone highlight: the green toned eyeshadow palette from The Color Institute Get Baked! set. This brand is under the Markwins umbrella which also includes Wet n Wild, you could see the similarity in the palette format
- Eyeliners: Annabelle Smoothie eyeshadow pencils in Absinthe-Minded and Licoriche, and Gosh Velvet Touch eyeliner in Banana for the inner corners
- Mascara: Lancome Definicils HD mascara in Black.

Have you started making plans for the Canada Day (or the 4th of July for those in the US) long weekend yet? Too bad I'll be busy packing. How do you pack your makeup/ nail polish to avoid breakage during a move? I'm worried!

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes&Lashes

2013-06-11T10:57:00.000-03:00

If you have seen this little tube in store, I am here today to tell you how fun it is. This is Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes.

If you remember my review of Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 for the face, I mentioned the S10 effects behind the name and the 10% Rhamnose formula, suitable for sensitive skin (fragrance free). All that is transferred to this serum for the eyes and lashes, with added micro pearl brighteners and ceramides known for strengthening the lashes.

Interesting application method: above AND below the eyes, and on top of the lashes when your eyes are close. This way, the serum takes care of the whole eye area - helps reducing wrinkles, under eye bags and strengthens the eyelashes.

Instruction:
1. Put a pump of serum on your fingertips, spread it around a bit
2. Close your eyes, apply around the eye area by lightly pressing then spread the serum in a blindfold gesture, from the inside corner to the outside corner of the eyes, including the eyelashes
3. Finish by placing your index finger below your lash line and do upward movements towards the eyelid for an "eyelash curling effect" - I normally skip this step for lack of time.

See the video below for visuals :) They also included application method for the eye cream (not review here but I thought was interesting to know).

Suggested to use twice a day, alone or under your eye cream. The desired effects: illuminated look, lifted contours of the eyes and fortified lashes.

Ingredients: Water, Rhamnose, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic acid, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, CI 77891, Mica, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, etc.

The italicized ingredients are new compared to the ingredients of S10 for the face, FYI.

My thoughts: The serum is light and absorbs quickly. I used it alone (without an eye cream on top) for a month, and it has done a good job in keeping new fine lines off my eye area and making me look more awake. My lashes are stronger, less fall-outs when I remove mascara at the end of the day. I enjoy the convenience of one serum for the eyes that work on the lashes at the same time.

Only one thing I would change: the flexibility of the pump. It gives the same exact amount of product every time, which means no control over the amount dispersed. I could not go half pump with this, when I needed to. But I wouldn't discredit the serum because of it :)

Available in drugstores, the serum retails at $45 for 15ml, standard size for eye skin care products.

Weekend finds

2013-06-10T10:04:00.003-03:00

The hauls are back this week, some good deals needed to be shared lol.

The Super Redemption event at Shoppers was impossible to resist (if you have enough points). Make the best out of my Optimum points is the ultimate goal :)

Thought I deserved a treat to ease the stress of house hunting and buying, I got some high end items. Not something I normally spend my cash on, but with points, I didn't feel too bad about it.

- DiorSkin Ultra Shimmering All over Face powder in Amber Diamond. I am probably the last blogger to own this
- DiorSkin Nude Tan Paradise duo - Iridescent blush & bronzing powder in Pink Glow, with a kabuki brush. I think Coral Glow is more pigmented but they were sold out
- Clarins Splendour Summer bronzing compact.

Aren't they just too beautiful to look at? It is going to be really hard to put a brush on any of them.

Also got my fix of Maybelline Colour Tattoo pigments, reg. $8.99.

First row: Barely Brazen and Breaking Bronze
Second row: Black Mystery, Brash Blue and Potent Purple.

At this location, there was a sale tag on the display ($4.99) but they scanned regular priced. The supervisor agreed to give me the sale price, so I scored on these, but keep in mind that your store might not have them for the same price.

I know not everyone is a fan of loose pigments, but if you are interested in swatches, let me know.

And then, the mascara madness with lots of pink :)

- Maybelline the Rocket mascara was on sale for $4.99, and the Falsies Big Eyes mascara was $5.99, so why not? I went for the waterproof version on both.

- Essence I ♥ Extreme Crazy Volume mascara, $4.99 (reg. price)

- Annabelle Le Big Show mascara, with bonus Kohl liner, on clearance for $5.99. I don't need another liner, but I do need a replacement of my Le Big Show :)

No signs of the Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coats and Sugar Coats in all locations near me but I did see the new display of Revlon Super Lustrous Shine lipsticks and the Super Lustrous glosses with new round tube, around $10 each. I heard these are sheer but wear comfortably on the lips, will wait for a good sale.

Lawtons is running a NYX super sale - 75% off selected items. Selections vary among stores, so I suggest browsing around for choices.

I went for the eyeshadows first. Selected singles (reg. $6.99) and palettes (reg. $14.99) have red tags on (which I removed to take pic).

Even better, the singles are B2G1F this week (including sale items), which comes out to be $1.17 a pop if you buy 3.

I got Volcano (MAC Mulch dupe), Deep Purple and Prune (MAC Hepcat dupe) and a few more as gifts for friends.

The Smokey Eyes palette was one of the 4 available, all on sale. The trios did not strike my fancy, so I passed.

The prices on the red tags were from the first round of discount (50%) but they did scan half of those, so don't worry if your store did not have a sign about the 75% off sale.

Can't remember if I tried a NYX blush (reg. $9.99) before, but after some swatching, I ended up not being able to put back many.

Only one cream blush with red tag, Tea Rose.
I went for some odd colour with the powder blushes, Cafe (first row), Red (yeah, like a crazy red colour) and Cocoa (as a contour/ bronzer shade).

Some pinks and mauves are also on sale. The shelf does offer testers and products have seals on them.

Not pictured, but Revlon Lash Potion is 40% off this week (reg. $9.99), I picked one up too :)

I also made a mad dash to Sephora website to order the Ariel palette (available to BIs only at the moment), CAD66. Love an early access to something that isn't supposed to come out until next month. I resisted Cinderella and Jasmine, but the aqua packaging and the colours this palette has is just too cool to pass up. Plus I heard this is the last princess that Sephora makes a collection with, so I caved.

What you have been up to, shopping wise? Do share :)

Weekly flyer deals

2013-06-07T11:13:00.002-03:00

Shoppers:
*** Saturday and Sunday: Super Spend your Point event
- 25,000 Optimum points = $50 (extra $16)
- 50,000 points = $110 (extra $25)
- 95,000 points = $220 (extra $50).
Interesting to see a lower level of redemption ($50) added to the list.
*** Monday - Wednesday: Free $10 Shoppers gift card with $50 purchase

*** Sunday and Monday only
- L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow, Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner, mascara (selected types): CAD5.99 (Limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD6.99)
- Garnier, Live Clean, Jamieson skin care: 30% off (rest of the week: 25% off)
- Noxzema Triple clean pads, Dial Nutriskin lotion, St. Ives skin care: CAD2.99 (Limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD3.49)
- Bio oil, Nivea Visage Vital, Olay Total Effects facial moisturizer/ Smooth Finish hair removal products: CAD17.99 (Limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD19.99)
- John Frieda hair care: CAD5.99 (Limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD6.99)
*** All week:
- RoC skin care: 25% off
- Vichy Anti-aging skin care: 20% off
- Bioderma Photoderm skin care: 20% off
- Dermaglow eye, lip care: 20% off (bonus 2,000 points)
- Neutrogena facial cleanser, acne care: CAD8.99
- Garnier body gel/ lotion (250ml): CAD2.99
- Garnier Fructis hair care: CAD2.99
- Neutrogena/ Aveeno sun care: 30% off
- Hawaiian Tropic sun care: CAD8.99
- Maybelline Baby Lips, Express Wear eyeshadow, Rocket mascara: CAD4.99
- Maybelline lipstick: CAD9.99
- Maybeline The Falsies Big Eyes mascara: CAD10.99
- Maybelline Eye Studio eyeshadow, Lash Stiletto mascara, Dream makeup: 15% off
- L'Oreal Magic BB cream, Telescopic eye, Infallible lip: 15% off
- L'Oreal Colour Riche Festival de Cannes: 10% off
- CoverGirl Lash Perfection mascara, Lip Perfection lip liner, Exact Eyelights: CD7.49
- CoverGirl Clean makeup: CAD8.99
- Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick, gloss: CAD8.99 (buy 2 get 2,000 points)
- Revlon Lash Potion, PhotoReady, ColorStay mascara: 15% off
- Annabelle eye (selected types): CAD4.99
- Annabelle BB cream, bronzer, CC makeup: 15% off
- Marcelle mascara: CAD9.99
- Physicians Formula: 20% off, Mineral Wear complexion kit: CAD24.99
- Rimmel lip, eye (selected types): CAD3.99
- Rimmel bronzer: 15% off
- Almay Smart Shade makeup: 15% off, Smart Shade CC cream: CAD14.99
- Essie nail polish: CAD7.99, Sleek Stick/ Snake skin nail polish: 15% off
- Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat, Sugar Coat: CAD7.99
- Revlon classic, Brilliant Strength, Top Speed nail polish: CAD5.99
- L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish: CAD4.99
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: B2G1F
*** Nuxe: free Huile Prodigieux with purchase of 2 Nuxe skin care products, while quantities last
*** With any Lancome purchase, you can get Lancome Summer Essentials set for $60 (valued $159) that includes:
- Hypnose waterproof mascara (full sized)
- Bienfait UV SPF50 sunscreen (full size),
and deluxe samples of
- Bi Facil makeup remover
- Visionnaire skin corrector
- Star Bronzer
- La Base Pro makeup primer
- Nutrix body cream
- Juicy Tube gloss
*** Lots of GWP of men's fragrances.

Optimum hot spots (x20 points):
- Quo brushes, false lashes
- Avene, No7, Biore, Balea skin care
- Jergens spray/ lotion
- Nanoblur, Hydraluron, Pepta-bright
- Olay Regenerist skin care
- Herbal Essences hair care
- Pantene shampoo, conditioner, Expert Age Defy hair care
- Marc Anthony Salon Expert, Gosh, Fekkai hair care
- Veet hair removal products.

Optimum hot spots (x10 points):
- CoverGirl Flamed Out mascara, eyeshadow pots, Smoochies gloss.

Bonus points, until June 14:
- x10 points when you buy Benefit POREfessional primer
- x10 points with purchase of any participating John Frieda hair care product
- x10 points with purchase of Dove Go Fresh restore antiperspirant
- x10 points with purchase of any Clinique Skin Supplies for Men product
- x5 points with purchase of any Pur Minerals product
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Lise Watier skin care products
- 5,000 points with purchase of Lancôme Advanced Genefique
- 2,000 points when you spend $15 on participating Yes To products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal EverStrong products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Festival de Cannes products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Colour Riche products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Aveeno products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Live Clean hair care products
- 500 points with purchase of any Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse.

Murale: Big Beauty exchange event until Saturday
- 50,000 Optimum points = $110 (extra $25)
- 95,000 points = $220 (extra $50)
- 142,000 points = $330 (extra $75).

Shipping is free on purchases of $75 or more until June 12.

Lawtons: Selected NYX items are 75% off to clear out shelf space for new releases. And there is a bonus 15 Airmiles with $45 purchase coupon for June, just right click and print the picture. Free summer tote with $40 purchase of beauty and health products
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara: CAD6.99 (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- Physicians Formula: 20% off (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Maybelline SuperStay lip: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Cover Girl Flamed Out, Smoochies lip balm: 20% off
- Revlon Lash Potion mascara: 40% off
- Revlon lip: 30% off
- Milani: 20% off
- NYX single eyeshadows: B2G1F
- Styli-Style: BOGO
- LA Splash: 25% off
- Wet n Wild: 20% off
- Garnier, L'Oreal skin care: 25% off
- Vichy NutriExtra body care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- La Roche-Posay skin care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Calgon bath, body: 20% off
- Australian Gold sun care: 25% off
- Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat sun care: 10% off (bonus 2 miles when you buy 1)
- Ombrelle sun care: 25% off
- Avene sun/ after sun care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Bioderma Photoderm sun care: 20% off
- Vichy sun/ after sun care: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- La Roche-Posay sun/after sun care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- EoS lip balm: CAD2.99 (bonus 1 mile when you buy 1)
- Vaseline Lip Therapy lip balm: CAD1.79 (bonus 2 miles when you buy 2)
- Maska facial masks: 20% off
- Red Carpet LED gel manicure: 25% off
- Maybelline Color Show nail polish: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Revlon nail art: 30% off
- Seche nail polish, treatment: 20% off
- Kiss gel polish: 20% off
- Ardelle lashes: 20% off.

Walmart:
- Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone sunscreen lotion/ spray: CAD8.97
- Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioner, treatment: 2/CAD6 or CAD3.77 - CAD5.86 each
- L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking mascara: CAD8.96 (reg. $10.98)
- Maybelline Pure pigments, Eye Studio liners, Smoky liners: CAD5.96
- Essie nail polish: CAD7.96.

The Body Shop: 40% off site wide, online exclusive, until Sunday. Exclusion: Peppermint Cooling foot lotion/ foot rescue treatment, outlet items, pre packaged gift sets, gift cards, LYB membership and charitable items. Shipping is $5 for orders of $50+ or free with $75.

In store: B3G2F, B2G1F or BOGO 1/2, excludes $10 hand creams, store-made bundles, sale items, pre packaged gift sets, gift cards, LYB membership and charitable items.

Sears: Estee Lauder GWP of $42.50 or more, until June 23. The gift includes your choice of Advanced Time Zone wrinkle cream SPF15 (15ml) or Day Wear creme SPF15 (15ml) and a Pure Color Crystal lipstick, a Pure Color High gloss, a Sumptuous Bold Volume lifting mascara, Perfectly Clean Splash Away foaming cleaner, a Lilly Pulitzer beach tote and cosmetics case (blue theme).

Beyond the Rack: Pay shipping once ($11.95) and get free shipping until Monday night. This is beyond their regular offer of free shipping until midnight (the same day) of the first order.

Joe Fresh: Free $10 gift card toward your next purchase when you spend $50 on Joe Fresh apparel with this coupon until June 14. The coupons can also be found at the coupon board near store entrance.

Exclusions: sunglasses, jewellery, cosmetics, bath and beauty accessories, and gift cards.

GAP: Shop early and save more, online only - 35% off your purchase today, 30% off Friday, 25% off Saturday and Sunday with code "GAPCTREAT". Don't forget to use ebates for double cash back (see below).

Old Navy still offers Super Cash until June 16. Sales were insane when I went last week with $2 - $8 tops, up to 40% Active wear, Summer Camp sale (if you have kids), etc.

ebates.ca: Father's Day double cash back event
- Walmart, amazon.ca: up to 4%
- GAP, Old Navy, Roots, the Source, Home Depot, Lowe's: 4%
- The Bay: 5%
- Sportchek, Groupon: 6%
- Toms: 10%, etc.
My link is on the left side bar.

Cherry Culture: 25% off Milani with code "MLN25" until June 10.

Sportchek: Spend & Get event until June 10
- Spend $100 or more and get $20 promotional card (or online code if you shop online) toward your next purchase
- Spend $250 or more and get $50 promotional card (or online code).

Free shipping on orders of $99 or more.

And I'll end this post with a fun "Vote for #Halifax" video from the one and only - our Mayor Mike Savage :) I like him already

For my local readers, Doors Open is this weekend, 10am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday - free viewings of over 30 buildings in Halifax, Dartmouth and Bedford that are normally closed to the public. Follow the link for venues.

It's also Curbside giveaway this weekend. If you have something to give away, put them out on the curb, or have fun hunting for treasure from what others put out :) But there's a warning of tropical storm Andrea hitting the area too!

NOTD: LA Girl Sands of Time

2013-06-06T11:09:00.000-03:00

Nope, I haven't had enough of textured nail polish just yet :) This trend definitely lasts longer than the crackles to me. I keep wanting more textured shades that I don't already have.

This is LA Girl Sand Blast textured nail polish in Sands of Time. Don't think it is a boring champagne until you click to see the picture in large view (or keep reading to see the closeup).

Yes, all those sparkles on top of a medium level of grittiness made me love Sands of Time a lot more than I thought. You know I'm not normally into this type of shade with regular nail polish.

And this is just one coat, no base, I was so impressed. I was lucky to catch a glimpse of the sun on the way home to take this pic to show you, but unlike holos, this Sand Blast did not need the sun to shine.

I bought Sands of Time (and a few other shades from the line) when I first saw the display at Lawtons last week, not knowing the finish I'd get. I am so glad I did.

LA Girl Sand Blasts offer the glittery type of textured polish with chunkier glitter pieces like OPI Liquid Sands and more than Jesse's Girl Julie G). And they don't feel extremely sandy. I have absolutely no problem with this :)

If you haven't seen enough of the glow, here it is in full blast. Textures and glitters, 2 of my favorite things, in one nail polish, it can't get any better than this. Well, maybe until someone comes out with a holographic texture lol.

LA Girl Sand Blast line has 8 shades in total, retails $3.99 each. The display only has 3 bottle of each colour, so check the store if you want any before they are gone.

Other than nail polish (or makeup), anything new or exciting in your world? Mine is filled with emails and phone calls to my realtor, lawyer and insurance companies lol This is going to be a crazy summer but hopefully a good one.

FOTD: Milani and LA Colors/ LA Girl

2013-06-05T10:55:00.001-03:00

I am a minimalist today, that doesn't happen very often :)

Just wanted to show you the Milani and LA Colors/ LA Girl products I reviewed in the last 2 days on the face:

- LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer in Pure Beige
- Milani Baked powder blush in Corallina
- Milani Illuminating face powder in Amber Nectar
- Milani Runway Eyes eyeshadow in Golden Touch all over the lids and on brow bone
- Milani Liquid Eye liquid-like eyeliner pencil in Black on upper lash line
- LA Colors Grafix eyeliner in Black on lower lash line
- LA Colors moisturizing lip gloss in Tickled Pink, no liner.

Other products used:
- Sunscreen: Vichy Bare Skin Feel lotion SPF45 (review coming soon)
- Serum: Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10
- Moisturizer: Yves Rocher Anti-age Global Day cream
- Powder: Annabelle CC pressed powder in Light/ Medium
- Outer corner eyeshadow: the purple shade from Wet n Wild Petal Pusher palette
- Mascara: Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Collector Ultra Volume mascara in Black
- Brows: Yves Rocher eyebrow pencil in Brown.

Notice anything missing? Yes, I did not use any primer nor foundation. Excited to see I could get away with just a concealer on acne scars and pimples (not all over the face).

It's fair to say I am very happy with the LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer. Can already predict I'd wear this look a lot in the summer, probably will add Annabelle CC Instant Perfecting bases to even out the skin tone a bit more.

Have a great day with whatever season you are having :) I think it's spring around here today, was summer yesterday.

LA Colors/ LA Girl new products

2013-06-04T12:25:00.002-03:00

LA Colors and LA Girl are brands that seem to be overlooked in Canada, just because of their availability. Atlantic Canada is lucky to be able to get the products from Lawtons, and I have some new products to review for you.

This is just a small representation of those new products, see something that has been a bit of a rave on blogs and YT lately?

I have LA Colors Glossin Go! in Shiny, Grafix eyeliner in Black, moisturizing lip gloss in Tickled Pink and LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer in Pure Beige.

Before we get to the review, note that all four products are coming out this week, retail for $2.99 each - my kind of price :) I'm hoping we get the whole line of shades as showed on the brands' websites.

I like the shape of this LA Colors Glossin Go! tube, thin and flat, easy to slip in your pocket (or purse).

I don't normally go for a clear gloss as I want to get some colour on the lips, but in its defense, when you have a colour on your lips that you like, a clear gloss won't affect it but just add a hint of shine and a light whiff of vanilla scent :) Sorry for those who are scent sensitive.

The gloss is not sticky nor drying, but as you know with most glosses, it does not last long on the lips.

0.19oz/ 5.5ml, 24 colours.

Another gloss from LA Colors is the moisturizing lip gloss, featuring the shade in Tickled Pink here. The formula has vitamin E and aloe vera, I'm all for soft and smooth lips.

The pointy handle is quite long, I'm not sure if there is a logical reason for it lol. What surprised me, however, was the colour. The plastic tube was a lit more opaque that it needed too, so it showed me the colour a little darker and the shimmers were not very visible. Upon swatching, I was floored at how beautiful Ticked Pink is.

0.34oz/ 10ml, more than 20 shades available

Swatches of the glosses.

Shiny is on the left, no shimmer but is very shiny :) Tickled Pink is on the right, looking all pretty. Apologize if I sound cheesy, but I love a surprise (in a tube) lol.

So, for travel convenience, Glossin Go! gets my vote. If they have testers on the display, I'd make sure I swatch them all to find a coloured favorite.

For comfort (and who knows, maybe more colour surprises), I'd reach for the moisturizing glosses. Still need some getting used to toward the tube shape.

And now the famous one among them all, LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer, I got Pure Beige.

This concealer is awesome, you guys! It gives almost full coverage, is creamy but not heavy nor cakey. I'm not picky with my concealers, so I use the same concealer for dark circles, old acne scars and things. It works all well and good, check out the FOTD for proof :)

The product has pretty good lasting power as well, minimal fading. The squeeze tube and the brush applicator work well for a concealer type of product. Can't say I have anything to complain about it, except maybe the tube somehow shows the colour a little darker (like the gloss above).

0.25oz/ 8g, 18 shades..

Entering the "shy" area of my makeup routine - the liquid liner :)

This is LA Colors Grafix liquid liner in Black. It is supposed to be smudge proof, water resistant with a flexible foam tip applicator. I can testify the non existence of smudges or fading on my lash line through a whole day of wear. I didn't even set it, just swiped and went, and it was still on my eyes when I came home.

0.12oz/ 3.5ml, 10 shades. I am after the Teal colour next.

Swatches of the concealer and the liner (thick line using the side of the brush and thin line using the tip of the brush).

See, Pure Beige is lighter than in the tube, definitely for yellow toned ladies among us. The flash lightened the black colour, but trust me it is black - not the most intense black but is black enough.

All in all, if you don't need any more liners or glosses, at least check out the concealer. All products featured are sealed with plastic wraps or stickers, another bonus point besides the reasonable price point.

Milani products

2013-06-03T11:37:00.001-03:00

If you haven't seen, the Milani shelf at drugstores has been updated with more exciting new products. Before I get to those, I have a quick review of some current products that are worth checking out while you're there, courtesy of Lawtons :)

Here I have:
- Liquid Eye liquid-like eyeliner pencil in Black
- Runway Eyes eyeshadow in Golden Touch
- Baked powder blush in Corallina, and
- Illuminating face powder in Amber Nectar.

I'd say this is a good representation of what Milani had released. As a harder-to-find brand in Canada, Milani does have some good products to offer.

First up is the Liquid Eye liquid-like eyeliner pencil in Black.

I think I looked pass this product for a long time, am happy to see that it is quite awesome.

As claimed, it is waterproof and smudge proof, last all day on my waterline and lower lash line even when I didn't set it with a powder eyeshadow on top. I enjoyed the easy application and auto sharpening mechanism.

5 shades available, all paraben free, 0.01oz/ 0.28g, retails $6.29.

Another eye product is the Runway Eyes eyeshadow in Golden Touch.

The Runway Eyes eyeshadow line can be used wet or dry, which I like. Even though the glitters are only an overspray, I still prefer the eyeshadows without them (or matte finish would be great).

This shade in particular is quite close to my skin tone (see below) that I can only use it as a quick wash of colour on the lids to even them out, or as a brow bone highlight.

On top of a primer, it has decent wear time, but again, because it is my skin tone colour, fading is harder to notice. No creasing though, which is good.

0.07oz/ 2.1g with good selection of shades, $8.39 a piece.

Swatches of the liner (left) and the eyeshadow (dry in the middle, wet on the right).

The Golden Touch is quite a light touch (pun intended), with better payoff when applied wet. The glitters don't transfer much, which is good.

Notice how pigmented the liner is? It would be a good liner to travel with, now that I don't have to worry about the sharpener :)

Now to the Baked powder blush in Corallina.

Don't you love the look of baked blushes with multi-coloured veins running through the product. Corallina is an intense coral pink with light gold shimmer that does not show up much (which is a good thing for daily use).

And they don't only have the look. Pigmentation is really good and long lasting (no touchups required for the whole day I wore it). Application is smooth and easy.

The compact was a little bulky because of the mirrored compartment that houses the brush underneath the blush. People don't use it anyway, I'd rather have a thinner compact to carry around.

8 shades available, 0.12oz/ 3.5g, $9.99 each.

Another treat-to-the-eye face product: the Illuminating face powder in Amber Nectar. Looks like a bouquet of roses, this powder is a multi purpose product - highlighter, bronzer and blush.

On my skin tone, Amber Nectar is not really a highlighter unless I pick only the white rose spots to touch my brush (not very easy, considering how small the spots are). It works best as a bronzer for me, and it does very good job at that with a subtle glow.

0.35oz/ 10g, with 3 colour options, $15.99.

Swatches of the blush and the powder. The glow on the powder was intensified by the flash, it is not that intense IRL, rest assured.

I was happy to see these products all have safety seals/ plastic wraps or are with boxed-in packaging. I cringe every time I see someone swatching a product (not testers) in store.

What are you favorite Milani products? Now that we are in June, I probably should ask what your favorite summer products are, to be more specific :) Here's the FOTD that I did using these products to show you. Have a great one!

Weekly flyer deals

2013-05-31T10:50:00.000-03:00

Shoppers:
*** Sat & Sun: The Double Double event - get a $10 Shoppers gift card and a $10 TimCard with $75 purchase
*** Mon - Fri: get 18,500 points with $75 purchase
- Simple skin care: 40% off
- Vichy skin care: 25% off
- Nivea shave, skin care: 25% off
- Neostrata, Cliniderm skin care: 20% off
- Avene Defi Skin Recovery, Tolerance Xtreme cream/ cleanser, Hydrance gift set: 20% off
- Bioderma Photoderm sun care: 20% off
- La Roche-Posay Physiologique skin care: 15% off
- Olay Fresh Effects, Live Clean, Etival skin care: 15% off
- Yes To hair, skin care: 15% off
- Got2b hair care: 2/CAD8
- Balea hair removal, Life brand/ Balea sun, skin care: 25% off
- Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic sun care: CAD7.99
- Neutrogena, Aveeno sun care: CAD12.99
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise styling products: CAD5.99
- Sally Hansen Airbrush legs: CAD9.99
- Cover Girl Lash Perfection mascara, eyeshadow, Clean makeup: CAD5.99
- Cover Girl Advanced Radiance foundation, Simply Ageless makeup: 15% off
- Cover Girl Flamed Out mascara, eyeshadow pots/ pencils: 10% off
- Maybelline Define-a-lash mascara, SuperStay lip: 15% off
- L'Oreal Colour Riche eyeshadow quad, Telescopic mascara, Infallible eyeliner: CAD7.99
- L'Oreal Double Extend mascara, True Match makeup: 10% off
- L'Oreal Infallible lipstick, gloss: CAD6.99
- Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes mascara: CAD9.99
- Revlon PhotoReady mascara: 2/CAD15 or CAD8.99 each
- Revlon bronzer, ColorStay concealer, Nearly Naked makeup CAD10.99
- Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick, Show Off mascara, Scandal Eyes: CAD5.99
- Rimmel Wake Me Up makeup: 10% off
- Marcelle blush, lip liner, gloss: CAD9.49
- Revlon nail art, ColorStay nail polish: 2/CAD14 or CAD9.99 each
- Essie neon nail polish: 15% off
- Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polish: CAD7.49.

Bonus points, until June 14:
- x10 points when you buy Benefit POREfessional primer
- x10 points with purchase of any participating John Frieda hair care product
- x10 points with purchase of Dove Go Fresh restore antiperspirant
- x5 points with purchase of any Pur Minerals product
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Lise Watier skin care products
- 5,000 points with purchase of Lancôme Advanced Genefique
- 2,000 points when you spend $15 on participating Yes To products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal EverStrong products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Festival de Cannes products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Colour Riche products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Aveeno products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Live Clean hair care products
- 500 points with purchase of any Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse.

Murale: Earn 18,500 Optimum points when you spend $125 or more, in store and online, until Sat. Free shipping on purchases of $75 or more until June 12.

Lawtons: Free summer tote (3 colours to chose from) with purchase of $40 or more of beauty and health products until June 13
*** Last day of the Redemption Days contest - You get a chance to win 95,000 Airmiles every time you redeem 95 miles (for $10 off). Also applies to Sobeys, Jean Coutu, Rona, Foodland, etc.
- NYX: 25% off
- Vasanti: 25% off (free single eyeshadow of choice with $20 Vasanti purchase)
- Maybelline, CoverGirl: 20% off
- LA Colors/ LA Girl, Wet n Wild: 20% off
- Marcelle cosmetics, skin care: 20% off
- Real Techniques brushes: 20% off (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- Ardelle lashes, accessories: 25% off (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Colorsmash hair shadow: 25% off
- Goody hair care: 25% off
- Yankee candles: 40% off
- Fruits & Passion bath: 30% off
- Vichy Normaderm skin care: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- La Roche-Posay Hydraphase skin care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Avene Hydrance skin care: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 1
- Neostrata Anti-aging with Fruit stem cells skin care: bonus 25 miles when you buy 2
- Olay Fresh Effects skin care: 15% off
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise hair care: CAD3.99
- Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioner: CAD2.99
- Nicole by OPI nail polish: CAD6.99
- OPI: 15% off
- Revlon nail polish, beauty tool: 20% off (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- L'Oreal Colour Riche, Maybelline Color Show nail polish: 30% off
- Kiss/ Broadway nail enhancements, accessories: 20% off
- Compliments nail polish remover: BOGO.

Walmart:
- CoverGirl Clean Whipped foundation, bronzer: CAD7.97
- CoverGirl Lipslicks smoochies, Flamed Out eyeshadow pots: CAD4.97
- Maybelline the Falsies Big Eyes, Eye Studio eyeliner: CAD8.96
- Clean & Clear: on rollback.

Superstore:
- Neutrogena, Aveeno, Clean & Clear facial skin care: 30% off
- Neutrogena sun care: CAD11.99
- Garnier Fructis, Aussie, Herbal Essences hair care, styling: CAD2.49
- TreSeme, Clear, L'Oreal Hair Expertise hair care, styling: CAD3.99.

The Body Shop: 30% off gift sets and 50% off body butters (in store and online), 40% off (excludes body butters and gift sets, online only) plus double LYB points on purchases of $25 or more until Sunday.

Sears: Lancome GWP is still on until June 6.

Winners: If you are a qualified Spring 2013 TJX Style+ member, you would have received an email about the member shopping event at selected locations on Sunday. Time varies among stores, please follow the link to find the event location near you and the hours. At this event, when you spend $100, you'll receive a $10 gift card to be used in your next purchase at Winners, HomeSense or Marshalls in Canada.

For NS, it's happening at HomeSense/ Winners at Micmac Mall (10am - 12pm) and HomeSense Bayers Lake (9:30 - 11:30am). If you need some motivation, check out my latest Winners weekend finds post.

The Bay: Until Sunday, when you spend $70 or more in store and online, you'll receive a $20 saving card redeemable in store on regular, sale or clearance purchase of $50 or more (excluding cosmetics and fragrances) until June 20. Please check exclusions to avoid disappointment.

Estee Lauder GWP is still on until June 6.

H&M: $10 off $40 coupon until Sunday.

La Roche-Posay: the bonus 300ml of the Thermal Water is out now and on sale for $16.50.

echemist: 20% off when you spend £50 or more, until Monday. Free worldwide shipping.

ebates.ca: Hello Sunshine double cash back event is still on
- Sears, Beyond the Rack: 2%
- The Shopping Channel: 3%
- Walmart: up to 4%
- Banana Republic, GAP, Old Navy, shop.ca: 4%
- Garage, Groupon, J.Crew: 6%
- Sephora: 8%
- Indigo: up to 10%
- The Body Shop: 12%, etc.
My link is on the left side bar.

Old Navy: Super Cash is on, in store or online, until June 16. Until Sat, selected tees and tanks are $2 - $8 (reg. $6.50 - $16.94), in store only.

La Senza: Fri & Sat only
- 40% off any $100 purchase
- 30% off any $75 purchase
- 20% off any $50 purchase
with this coupon in store or code "SUMMER" online.

Suzy Shier: 40% off tonight only, 5 - 9pm, in store (excluding certain outlets) and online (free shipping with orders over $100). Selected locations start sales at 12pm. Prestige members get an additional 10% off as usual.

NOTD: LA Girl Teal Dimension

2013-05-30T10:16:00.001-03:00

Spotted the LA Girl 3D Effects Hologram collection at Lawtons in the weekend, I couldn't help but picking up a few colours to try.

The shade for today is Teal Dimension, with scattered, not linear, silver holo on a teal base. The name sticker is colour coordinated and holographic too, put on the cap instead of at the bottom of the bottle as usual.

This is only one coat, with regular base and top coat. It is not fully a one coater, as you could still see the VNL at certain angle. However, the mani felt like a jelly finish on the nails this way, and gave the holo shine some depth, which I enjoyed.

This angle shows the holo effect better, make sure you click to enlarge the pic as it is blinding at different spots lol.

All pics in this post were taken with flash, as I couldn't find the sun anywhere :) When indoor without flash, Teal Dimension looks like a dark teal with silver fine shimmers. And you know me, I'm more into darker shades, so even without visible holographic effect (without the sunlight), I naturally love this colour.

Are you in love with it yet? How about now? Now? lol I'm teasing, but if you come across this collection, Teal Dimension would be a good choice.

Application was easy, without any special base coat, not tricky like some other holo colours. Wear wise, I got 2 days out of it.

Another good thing about LA Girl 3D Effects is the $5.49 price tag for 14ml. Now this is higher than normal LA Girl nail polish price range, but the brand goes on sale often at Lawtons - 20% off this week, with some bonus Airmiles to boost :)

So yes, I'd recommend this scattered holo line, as long as you don't expect crazy holographic effect out of it.

Just for fun, this is a comparison shot between LA Girl Teal Dimension and China Glaze Atlantis (on the ring finger).

Teal Dimension is darker, with silver holo sheen while Atlantis is lighter and more green, with multi-coloured holos - even under indoor lighting, But still, neither of them is linear.

The LA Girl Sand Blast collection has also arrived at Lawtons, $3.99 each. I'll have a NOTD up next week but want to give you a heads up, as there are only 3 bottles for each shade in both collections.

Winners weekend finds

2013-05-29T09:49:00.001-03:00

A haul post dedicated to just Winners thanks to the waves of new arrivals over the last few weeks, with some brands we can't find in Canada normally.

First is Nip+Fab pistachio body sundae (200ml), $4.99, comparable at $8. I was looking all over the internet for this, was even thinking to swallow the shipping cost to get some.

And there it was just waiting for me on the shelf at Winners :) The tub is sealed, and the price was awesome, so I grabbed a few backups.

There was a bunch of First Aid Beauty products, I only bought the Ultra Repair wash (226.8g/ 8oz), $9.99, comparable at $14.

Found Maybelline Color Tattoos in Mossy Green and Rich Mahogany (the LE Fall 2012 release that Canada didn't get), $5.99 each, comparable at $8.99.

And in the black box is Guerlain eyeshadow quad in Terre Indigo (Terracotta Inca Summer 2011 collection), $29.99, comparable at $48. The surface pattern was breathtaking and the US retail price for it was actually $59, so this is definitely a score.

Many Elizabeth Arden products came, most in plastic wraps, yay!

I couldn't pass up the beautiful packaging of the Pure Finish bronze powder in Warm Radiance (Rose Aurora Spring/ Summer 2012 collection), $14.99, comparable at $45.

Also got the Eight Hour Cream Intensive moisturizing hand treatment (30ml) to try, $6.99, comparable at $10.

The Dual Perfection brow shaper and eyeliner in Brunette, $8.99, comparable at $24 and Color Intrigue eyeshadow in Smoke, $7.99, comparable at $23, are impulsive buys. I have to look up reviews later.

And a Canadian brand, Lise Watier, also made its appearance at Winners.

Another beautiful packaging I couldn't resist, the Glamour Rose eye and cheek palette, $19.99, comparable at $45.

From the Summer Sunset collection (with the orange and hot pink stripes) were the bronzing powder, $16.99 each, comparable at $35 and the Crystal Drops lip gloss in Dragon Fruit, $8.99, comparable at $18.

The dark square box houses the eyeshadow quartet in Les Vins, $14.99, comparable at $36. And the silver long tube is the Duo Glam lipstick duo in Pink Hibiscus, $12.99, comparable at $27.

These are all LE products from last year, for around 50% off, about the same discount in the online warehouse sale a while back. No product pics because the wraps are still on, just in case I might have to bring some back if reviews aren't looking great.

What have you spotted lately at Winners?

FOTD: Maybelline Color Tattoo duochromes

2013-05-28T10:40:00.003-03:00

A new FOTD - product testing "live" for you :)

Products used are Maybelline Color Tattoo duochromes in Waves of White and Blue Paradise, topped by L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows in Unlimited Sky and Purple Obsession. As mentioned in the review, these Color Tattoos are great as a base, and give the eyeshadows a subtle duochrome sheen.

Other face products:
- Sunscreen: Vichy Bare Skin Feel lotion SPF60 (review coming soon)
- Serum: Hydraluron moisture booster
- Moisturizer: L'Occitane Divine cream
- Primer: Annabelle CC Instant Perfecting base in Natural finish
- Foundation: L'Oreal True Match foundation SPF17 in Sun Beige
- Concealer: CoverFx cream foundation in M50
- Brows: Yves Rocher eyebrow pencil in Brown
- Blush: the darkest shade in The Body Shop blush trio in Warm Sunset
- Highlight: Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish highlighter in Rose Illumination.

Other products on the eyes:
- Brow bone highlight: the beige shade in Essence 3D eyeshadow in Irresistible Caramel Cream
- Eyeliners: Annabelle Smoothie eyeshadow pencils in In Mauve-tion and Blubomb
- Mascara: Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Collector Ultra Volume mascara in Black.

Believe it or not, these pictures were taken in a busy and quite stressful weekend I had. I guess it was a slow effect, as some unfriendly friends showed up on my face not long after lol. I'm glad I did this look when I did.

The positive side of thing is I "might" have found Squirt and I a house! Finally, a place for us to call home for ourselves. I have no idea how much home owner responsibility requires, but I assume it's a lot. Want to share your experience with me? To make me feel better (or worse)? lol

The guest of honour in this post is Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid lipstick in Brazen Berry (US exclusive shade).

It sure is more purple than most lipsticks I have at this point and definitely is more blue than how it looks here, but still very wearable. I have worn this lipstick for a few days straight at a time since I got it, purple lip obsession continues!

Hope you enjoy this FOTD. Thank you for your support on the blog, as always. If in the near future, I don't post as often because of the home buying/ moving process, I hope for your understanding as well.

I also want to thank all of you who entered the May Milestones giveaway. Winners have been announced in the original post and been contacted. Congratulations!

Maybelline Color Tattoo Duochromes

2013-05-27T09:48:00.001-03:00

The Maybelline Color Tattoo duochromes have arrived at Lawtons over the weekend (UPDATE: they are now at Shoppers too), but the sad news is we only get 3 among 8 shades available.

I was lucky to have all shades in the line from my US CP haul and swatched them all for you today. The Canadian shades are noted with a * below.

First row, from L-R: 10 Precious Pearl*, 15 Blue Paradise, 20 Waves of White*, 25 Shady Shores

Second row: 30 Icy Mint*, 35 Cool Crush, 40 Seashore Frosts and 45 Lavish Lavender.

Let me start out by telling you these duochromes are not meant to wear alone as they hardly show up on the lids without lots of building up.

As long as we are clear in expectations, we can move on with the review. Here is their true beauty when the lids are off, if you need to be reminded :)

I have tested them as bases for my eyeshadows. Truth to be told, their duochrome nature did show through, in a subtle manner of course, which I enjoyed. I'll cover the second way I recommend for these near the end of the post.

Swatches of the first row, with a synthetic brush which offered a sheer look, harder to capture on camera. You'll have to see them in person to fully appreciate them, as they are more beautiful IRL.

Using your fingers to apply these Color Tattoos do give better colour payoff, it is just my personal preference not to use my fingers when I don't have to :)

Precious Pearl has a hint of pink

Blue Paradise is a light blurple

Waves of White has the most gorgeous icy blue sheen

Shady Shores shines pale gold, very close to my skin tone.

The other 4 shades from the second row:

Icy Mint has a weak pale mint shine, a little patchy too

Cool Crush has a similar icy blue sheen as in Icy Mint but is more metallic

Seashore Frosts has the old gold/ green flash, pretty!

Lavish Lavender is a metallic lilac/ light purple.

Due to the sheer nature of these duochromes, I would suggest using them as eyeshadows only with a dark base. Below I used black, purple, navy and green bases (from Annabelle Smoothie eyeshadow pencils) to make the Color Tattoos come to life.

Waves of White's green sheen (third shade in the picture on the left) was blinding on top of these bases and Seashore Frosts (third shade in the pic on the right) is close as the second best blingy colour.

I'm happy that Canada gets Waves of White but we miss out on Seashore Frosts. Hope this is still helpful for you to pick out the colours you want, as you definitely do not need them all :) And here's a FOTD to show case the colours.

Weekly flyer deals

2013-05-24T11:23:00.001-03:00

A heads up: Maybelline is coming out with 2 new Color Show nail polish collections - Polka Dots and Holographic doubles on May 28.

Polka Dots had already showed up in the UK, according to Nouveau Cheap, so we are late with this one. And by the look in the pic, I would assume by Holographic, Maybelline meant Duochrome :) I'm excited to see what other colours are offered.

On to the flyers.

Shoppers: Sat only; x20 points with $50 purchase.
*** Until June 14, get a contest card with $10 purchases to win 1 of 3 grand prizes of 3 million points.
*** Sun/ Mon: Quo brushes: 40% off

*** All week:
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara, Eye Studio eye, Instant Age Rewind makeup: 20% off
- CoverGirl Exact Eye Lights, Clump Crusher mascara, Smoothers makeup: CAD7.99
- CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation, Lip Perfection lip, TruBlend makeup: 15% off
- L'Oreal Magic BB cream, Infallible eyeshadow, Voluminous eye, Colour Riche lip: 30% off
- L'Oreal Visible Lift blush, makeup: 15% off
- Revlon PhotoReady: 25% off
- Revlon lip: 15% off
- Rimmel eye/ lip: 25% off
- Rimmel Wake Me Up makeup: CAD7.99
- Almay eye makeup remover: 15% off
- L'Oreal RevitaLift/ Youth Code, Aveeno facial moisturizer: CAD19.99
- Aveeno, Neutrogena sun care: 30% off
- Neutrogena skin, hair care: 25% off
- Garnier skin care: 20% off
- Balea facial wipes, Olay, Simple facial cleanser: CAD5.99
- Avene skin care: 25% off
- Vichy Decros hair care, Aqualia, Homme skin care: 25% off
- Neostrata acne, RoC Multi correxion skin care: 20% off
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise, Vidal Sassoon hair care: CAD3.99
- Revlon nail polish, treatment: CAD4.99
- L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish: CAD5.99
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon nail polish: CAD7.99.

Bonus points, last day:
- 5,000 points with purchase of 2 Clinique makeup products
- 3,000 points when you buy 2 or more Almay products. And with any purchase of an Almay product, when you present your Optimum card, you are automatically entered into a contest to win 1 million bonus points.

Until June 14:
- x10 points when you buy Benefit POREfessional primer
- x10 points with purchase of any participating John Frieda hair care product
- x10 points with purchase of Dove Go Fresh restore antiperspirant
- x5 points with purchase of any Pur Minerals product
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Lise Watier skin care products
- 5,000 points with purchase of Lancôme Advanced Genefique
- 2,000 points when you spend $15 on participating Yes To products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal EverStrong products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Festival de Cannes products
- 1,500 points with purchase of 3 participating Uniliver hair care products (TreSemme, Nexxus, Alberto or Dove)
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Colour Riche products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Aveeno products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Live Clean hair care products
- 1,000 points when you spend $10 or more on Colgate Optic White products
- 750 points with purchase of 2 participating Lady Speed Stick Fresh Infusions/ Stainguard 65g antiperspirants
- 500 points with purchase of any Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse.

Good until August 31: $3 off coupon for any La Roche Posay Anthelios sun care product.

Lawtons: Fri & Sat: get 95 Airmiles when you spend $50 or more
*** Until May 30, when you use your Airmiles card, you can enter a daily draw for Airmiles reward, total pool of 10,000 miles per day. You get a bonus entry wich each Compliments product purchase
*** Redemption Days contest - You get a chance to win 95,000 Airmiles every time you redeem 95 miles (for $10 off) now until May 31. Also applies to Sobeys, Jean Coutu, Rona, Foodland, etc.
- L'Oreal mascara: 25% off
- Maybelline foundation, powder, concealer: 25% off
- Physicians Formula: 20% off (bonus 10 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- LA Colors, LA Girl: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $15)
- Wet n Wild: 20% off
- Styli-Style: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $20)
- Marcelle cosmetics, skin care: 15% off (bonus 15 miles when you spend $50)
- Vichy Aqualia skin care: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Neostrata Moisture Infusion: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 1)
- Neostrata skin care set: 20% off (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2)
- Avene Eluage: 25% off (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2)
- Avene skin care set: 25% off (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2)
- Dermaglow: bonus 50 miles when you buy 2
- Bioderma: 25% off
- RapidLash: CAD47.99 (bonus 50 miles when you buy 1)
- Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift: 25% off
- Nivea Advanced Q10 body lotion/ milk, Q10 Firming Cellulite gel: CAD7.99 (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Nivea lip care: CAD2.99 (bonus 5 miles when you buy 3)
- Gardeners bath: 30% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Happy Hippo bath: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $25)
- Vitabath: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $20)
- Essie nail product: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Seche Vite nail product: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Red Carpet light, kit: 25% off
- Compliments nail polish remover, implements: 25% off
- Nutra Nails products: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $20).

*** Bonus Airmiles:
- $50 worth of P&G products (CoverGirl, Olay, Pantene, etc.) = 25 bonus miles
- $50 worth of L'Oreal, Garnier, Maybelline = 25 bonus miles
- $50 worth of Revlon, Almay cosmetics = 25 bonus miles
- $50 worth of Johnson & Johnson products (Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, etc.) = 25 bonus miles
- $35 worth of Compliments products = 95 bonus miles
- $30 worth of Vasanti cosmetics = 15 bonus miles
- $30 worth of Energizer personal care products (Playtex, Wet Ones, Hawaiian Tropic, etc.) = 20 bonus miles
- $30 worth of Kimberly Clark products (Kotex, Depend, etc.) = 30 bonus miles
- $30 worth of Schering Plough products (HydraSense, Dr. Scholl's, Coppertone, etc.) = 20 bonus miles
- $25 worth of NYX cosmetics = 15 bonus miles
- $25 worth of Unilever (Vaseline, Dove, TreSemme, Clear, etc.) = 25 bonus miles
- $20 worth of Milani cosmetics = 10 bonus miles
- $20 worth of Colgate Palmolive products (Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Lady Speed Stick, etc.) = 10 bonus miles
- $20 worth of Plizer Consumer Healthcare products (Advil, Centrium, Robax, Chapstick, etc.) = 15 bonus miles
- $20 worth of Jamieson vitamins & herbals = 25 bonus miles
- $20 worth of GlaxoSmithKline products (Spectro, Abreva, Tums, etc.) = 10 bonus miles
- Any 4 Belvedere products (Live CLean, One Step, Fruit Kicks, Down Under, etc.) = 15 bonus miles.

Walmart:
- Rimmel bronzer, Scandal Eyes Show Off/ Lycra Flex mascara, makeup remover: CAD5.

The Body Shop: The big sale 3/$30, 4/$40 or 5/$50 is on until Monday :)

The offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or coupons, except SPC Card (in store) and LYB discount.

Note the longer-than-before exclusion list: Excludes previous purchases, gifts, bundles, kits, sale items, All-in-one BB creams, 400ml body butters, 750ml shower gels, Nutriganics Drops of Youth, Pomegranate day cream/ night cream/ eye roller, Vitamin C capsules/ Radiance powder, Vitamin E Cool BB cream, Wise Woman moisturizer/ night cream/ serum.

The Bay: Extra 15% off on regular, sale and clearance priced women's fashion, men's casual clothing and children's clothing when you use Hudson's Bay credit card/ Mastercard, until Sunday.

Estee Lauder GWP of $42.50 skin care or foundation, until June 6, in store and online. The gift includes your choice of moisturizer, Bronze Goddess tinted self tanning gelee, Pure Color lipstick and Pure Color High gloss, Sumptuous mascara and a Lilly Pulitzer tote bag and pouch (pink theme).

Until Sunday, with any $75 Estee Lauder purchase using Hudson's Bay credit card/ Mastercard, you'll receive a $25 saving card, redeemable on a $100 purchase (excluding cosmetics and fragrances) using the mentioned card until June 9.

Sears: Elizabeth Arden GWP is still on until May 26.
Lancome GWP of $45 has started, running until June 7. The gift includes Visionnaire Advanced skin corrector (7ml), Definicils mascara, Bi-facil makeup remover (50ml), Creme Radiance cleanser (60ml), a Color Design eyeshadow quad and a tote bag.

Beyond the Rack: Luxury handbag giveaway, a bag a day until Monday. All orders over $75 are entered to win.

Jurlique Canada: Hello Summer sale
- $20 off $100 with code "summer20"
- $50 off $200 with code "summer50"
- $100 off $300 with code "summer100"

Shipping is free on orders of $50+.

I am totally new to the brand, are you? What are some of their great products that you tried?

Cherry Culture: 20% off everything with code "MDS2013" until May 28.

Makeup Mania:
- 10% all Beauty Blender products with code "BBB25" until May 25
- 15% off all Ben Nye May 26 (9pm MST) till May 27 (8am MST) with code "BLS3".

ebates.ca: Hello Sunshine double cash back event
- Sears: 2%
- The Shopping Channel: 3%
- Walmart: up to 4%
- Banana Republic, shop.ca: 4%
- Garage, Groupon: 6%
- Sephora: 8%
- Indigo: up to 10%, etc.

Old Navy: Super Cash is back, in store or online until June 16.
Spend $25 - $49.99: earn $10 in Super Cash
Spend $50 - $74.99: earn $20 in Super Cash
Spend $75 or more: earn $30 in Super Cash (maximum).

Redeem in store or online between June 20 - 26: redeem $10 in Super Cash with a purchase of $25 or more, or $20 in Super Cash with a purchase of $50 or more, or $30 in Super Cash with a purchase of $75 or more. At the end of the day, this is like a 20% off discount, not a huge deal but if you get good items on sale, extra discount on top is certainly icing on the cake. They allow 1 other discount to pair with Super Cash, but not any other coupon.

Reitmans: May 15 - June 29:
- In store: with every $50 spent, you get a $25 saving card, redeemable on a future in store purchase of $75 or more between August 4 - September 1
- Online: for every $50 spent, you get a $25 coupon code by email by August 1, redeemable on a future online purchase of $75 or more between August 4 - September 1.

Also until May 25, free shipping with online orders of $100 or more.

Those who live in Montreal, this weekend is the Clarins warehouse sale. Brands also include Nuxe, Anna Sui, Pur Minerals, etc. Lucky you!

NOTD: Julie G Sugar Rush

2013-05-23T10:21:00.000-03:00

Very first shade from the Jesse's Girl Julie G Frosted Gumdrops collection from my US CP haul, this is Sugar Rush.

If you haven't caught up with the textured nail polish trend, it is so much fun. Frosted Gumdrops collection is a good one to try, since the shades pack some shimmery shine on top of the matte texture, not just pure cream finish.

Another reason I adore this collection is that they are one coaters, and the texture is not too rough. They wear well for about two days on me.

Sugar Rush is bright, not full on red but more of a pinky red, with gorgeous gold shimmers.

The first pic was with flash, which brought out the crazy shimmer shine. The pic on your left here was in natural lighting, no sun, no flash, which showed a more toned down version of the colour.

Interesting to note that in both pics, the colour in the bottle looked brighter/ more intense than on the nails. So, don't turn down a colour by the way it looks until you try it on :)

Isn't Sugar Rush looking so awesome in closeup? The flash is the gold shimmers' best friend here. They are insane!

And if you are wondering, Frazzle and Aniploish confirmed that Sugar Rush is more golden than Zoya Destiny or OPI Jinx. I'm happy with just one.

I got the whole Frosted Gumdrops set as a Groupon US deal, but the shades are sold $3.99 online. Jessie's Girl does offer international shipping.

Have you tried any textured polish yet? At the time of this post, brands that follow this trend are (relatively in the order of price point):
- Jordana Texture $2.99
- Jesse's Girl Frosted Gumdrops $3.99
- Milani Texture Creams $4.99
- Sally Hansen Sugar Coat $5.49
- Barry M Textured Nail Effects $7.50
- Kiko Sugar Mat £4.90 or €4.90
- Orly Mega Pixel FX $8.50
- Zoya Pixie Dust $9
- OPI Liquid Sand $9
- Nails Inc Leather Effect $25 for a kit with a ring.

Did I miss anyone?

FOTD: Stila Countless Color pigments

2013-05-22T09:24:00.000-03:00

This is a (blog birthday) look I did using Stila Countless Color pigments in Acoustic and Finale on my eyes and cheeks. Did I look as cheerful as I felt toward these little beauties lol?

Breakdown of the eye makeup:
- Base: CoverGirl Flamed Out eyeshadow pencil in Red Hot Flame
This shade is a perfect base for Acoustic. It is more pigmented on the lids than other CoverGirl Flamed Out pencils I tried, loved it! However, it stained my lids slightly pink after removal
- Eyeshadows: from Finale - the light peach in the inner corner and the reddish pink in the outer corner; from Acoustic - the mahogany in the crease and the beige on the brow bone
I used a blending brush with the darker colours and my fingers for the lighter colours. Worked pretty well
- Eyeliner: Annabelle Smoothie eyeshadow pencil in Licoriche, topped with the mahogany from Acoustic, and Gosh Velvet Touch eyeliner in Banana near the tear duct
- Mascara: Lancome Definicils HD mascara in Black.

For blush, I swiped the brush across Acoustic only ONCE for each cheek. As mentioned in my review, these pigments are insanely pigmented when used as blushes, so start with a light hand. If you are after a sheer look, one swipe is enough for both cheeks.

Other face products:
- Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL cream SPF60
- Serum: Hydraluron moisture booster
- Moisturizer: Yves Rocher Anti-age Global day cream
- Primer: Annabelle CC Instant Perfecting base in Luminous finish
- Foundation: Neutrogena Healthy Skin foundation in Fresh Beige
- Concealer: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch highlight concealer in Buff
- Powder: CoverFx Setting Fx translucent mineral powder
- Brows: Avon Ultra Luxury liner in Dark Brown.

On the lips:
- Lip liner: Annabelle waterproof lip liner in Carnation
Rediscovered a love here. Carnation is a great liner to neutralize my pigmented lips, helping the lipstick show up closer to its true colour
- Lipstick: Milani Color Statement lipstick in Nude Creme
One of the best "nude" shades on me. I can't do pale nudes as they wash me out, but this pink toned nude, I can do.

I'm on a roll in finding new makeup to try and fill my blogging schedule way into August. I never thought I could do a "makeup no buy" but a few youtubers have inspired me to decide to slow down, against my blogger nature. I trust that lots of you will understand how hard that is!

The stress of house hunting and my little girl turning 10 also start getting to me. I am doing all by myself and I am overwhelmed. But I'll stay on the positive side and wish Squirt and Sparkled Beauty a happy birthday today! Will you all hold my hands? :)

Milani Color Statement lipsticks

2013-05-21T10:15:00.001-03:00

This is the start of a review series of new Milani products I have recently bought. Today is all about the Color Statement lipsticks, as they rocked my socks :)

Pictured are, from L-R: Uptown Mauve, Black Cherry and Nude Creme.

The lipsticks are available in vinyl, metallic, cream, shimmer, pearl and matte finish, but I somehow ended up getting all cream. Described as full coverage, with lightweight creamy formula infused with Vitamins A, C & E, these lipsticks are to moisturize and nourish your lips. And I find this claim quite true.

Let's see the colours first.

Uptown Mauve is supposed to be a violet mauve, swatched more like a fuchsia.

Black Cherry is, well, a black cherry but more cherry than black :) It can definitely go a little darker to fit the name, IMO.

Nude Creme is a pink nude, one of the better nudes on me.

Are you surprised seeing a nude lipstick in my haul? Well, I was lol. I tried to be more liberal in choosing lip colours to fully test out the range. So far, I'm impressed.

Swatches were done with only 2 quick swipes of the lipsticks each time.

I love how opaque the colours are, very smooth and comfortable to wear. They last well on my lips, about 4 hours with eating and drinking (tea) :) I always wear a lip balm underneath all my lip products, and the lipsticks did not feel drying on top of it.

Another lighting angle, the colours show a little brighter here.

I am happy with the formula of this lipstick line and might have to try more shades :) I am not sure we get all 28 shades that Milani released in the US, but will look for Best Red, Hot Pink Rage or Sangria (matte), High Voltage (vinyl) and maybe a purple - Violet Volt (metallic).

The lipsticks are paraben free, retail $6.99 a piece at Lawtons and Superstore. Followed is a look I did with Nude Creme.

Stila Countless Colour pigments

2013-05-20T10:35:00.000-03:00

I got two Stila Countless Color pigments from Sephora VIB sale. It didn't take much for me to love them and definitely need to talk about them :)

Here are Acoustic (on the left) and Finale (on the right), part of Stila's LE Festival of Colour summer collection.

Described as full coverage, long wearing vibrant pigments with pearl formula, these little pots can be used different ways with different colour combinations. And no two Countless Colour pigments are alike, I gotta try 'em!

Bright and colourful thin compacts get an A for packaging. I found the paper box kinda hides the beautiful art work inside a little, despite the colour stickers on the front.

Aren't they looking gorgeous when the lids are up?

Acoustic is described as a combination of beige, red and mahogany brown

Finale has peach, orange and reddish pink - less contrasting colours I realized.

I went for this type of colour family, as I intended to use them as blushes as well as eyeshadows, get more bang for my bucks. Plus, I'm going through a dark pink/ red phase right now. However, the purples and blues are killing me too :)

This is Acoustic, with 3 colours swatched separately first.

Stila suggests using a finger or foam tip applicator to apply the pigments, which I can definitely confirm. I swatched these quickly in store with my fingers and fell in love :)

When it came to swatching though, I went with the regular (damp) eyeshadow brush before I realized they were not supposed to be used wet. A brush sure sheered the colours out a tiny bit, still quite intense though.

And next is Finale, a little more bright compared to Acoustic. I was a little disappointed when that beautiful peachy orange did not show up the same as it looked in the pot. That colour was kinda the reason why I bought Finale, so cheerful and summer-y.

When you use these pigments as eyeshadows, you gotta remember where in the pot you swipe the product the first time lol, or your makeup does not look the same between the two eyes. Since they work best with your fingers, dabbing the colours on the middle of your lids is the best way to show them off.

And lastly, swatched as blushes using a blush brush, Acoustic on the left, Finale on the right. And I can't tell which one I love more. Definitely love that darker red, but peachy pink also looks divine :)

I found it necessary to include ingredient list for these pigments for those who wonder: Talc, Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylene/ Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Polysorbate 20, Sorbic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.

May contain Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Carmine (CI 75470), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Yellow 10 (CI 47005), Red 27 Lake (CI 45410), Red 28 (CI 45410), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090),Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 40 ( CI 16035), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850). ***Contains Carmine as a color additive.

The whole line of 10 Countless Colour pigments, CAD29 for 0.1 oz/ 3g, was launched at Shoppers' selected locations on May 15 and will be available at Murale May 29. Sephora only had 7 shades when I bought mine - no Centre Stage (pink, peach & aqua), Melody (purples) and Encore (champagne & brown).

UPDATE (May 22): The displays at my local Shoppers locations have been updated with the Summer collection. I'll be there soon enough :)

Check out the FOTD where I wear both pigments, I sure look bright and cheerful in it lol.

Weekly flyer deals

2013-05-17T09:50:00.002-03:00

Big sale alert: Illmasqua is having 50% off sale of everything, except valued sets, with code "TWITTER50". Sale ends at 5GMT but they will repeat at midnight GMT so international customers have time to get orders in.

Note: Standard international shipping is free with £50+ orders as long as you don't order nail polish and/or fragrances, otherwise it's Premium International shipping of £14. And if you want their Skin Base foundation, they do have a Foundation comparison chart to help you find your shade.

Shoppers: There is a $10 off $50 coupon for today only (excludes prestige cosmetics and fragrances). The flyer doesn't switch yet, so you'll be looking at last week's deal instead of this week's.

*** Sat & Sun: Get a card worth 8,000 to 22,000 points (valued $10 - $30) with $50 purchase
*** Until June 14, get a contest card with $10 purchases to win 1 of 3 grand prizes of 3 million points
*** Sat/ Sun only: Revlon eye/ lip: CAD4.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD7.99)

*** All week: Spend you Points event on skin care: 16,000 points = $30 (extra $10)
- Maybelline Fit Me makeup: CAD8.99
- Cover Girl lip: CAD8.99
- Maybelline Line Stiletto eyeliner, Lash Stiletto, Illegal Length mascara: CAD8.99
- Almay: 25% off (buy 2 get 3,000 points)
- L'Oreal Sublime bronzer, Ombrelle sun care: 25% off
- Neutrogena, Hawaiian Tropic sun care: CAD9.99
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios sun care: 15% off
- Vichy: with a purchase of 2 Capital Soleil sun care products get a free NutriExtra scrub (200ml)
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa: CAD44 (bonus 6,000 points)
- Bioderma: 30% off
- Olay skin care: 25% off
- Aveeno shave gel, skin care: 25% off
- Garnier, Biore facial cleanser, Nivea Aqua Effect skin care: CAD6.99
- Avene anti-aging, RoC Complete Lift skin care: 20% off, Avene sun care: 25% off
- Herbacin hand cream, Vaseline/ Dial lotion: CAD2.99
- Live Clean hair care: CAD3.99 (by 2 get 1,000 points)
- Batiste dry shampoo: CAD6.99
- Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Complete Salon, Magnetic nail polish, Salon Effects nail strips: CAD7.99, Sally Hansen Diamond Strength/ Insta Dri nail polish: CAD3.99
- Revlon ColorStay nail polish, nail art: CAD6.99
- Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polish: CAD4.49
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, Rimmel Lasting Finish nail polish: CAD2.99
- Quo by Orly nail polish: CAD8.99 (bonus 1,000 points)
- Quo full/ individual lashes: CAD6.99 (x10 points)
- Lise Watier Something Sweet EDT (50ml): CAD59 (bonus 5,000 points).

Bonus points, last day:
- x15 points when you spend $20 or more on Quo products
- x10 points with purchase of any participating No7 products
- x5 points with purchase of any Nuxe product.

Until May 19:
- 3,000 points with purchase of RapidBrow.

Until May 22:
- 1,000 points with purchase of any Cover Girl Flamed Out product.

Until May 24:
- 5,000 points with purchase of 2 Clinique makeup products
- 3,000 points when you buy 2 or more Almay products. And with any purchase of an Almay product, when you present your Optimum card, you are automatically entered into a contest to win 1 million bonus points.

Until June 14:
- x10 points when you buy Benefit POREfessional primer
- x10 points with purchase of any participating John Frieda hair care product
- x10 points with purchase of Dove Go Fresh restore antiperspirant
- x5 points with purchase of any Pur Minerals product
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Lise Watier skin care products
- 5,000 points with purchase of Lancôme Advanced Genefique
- 2,000 points when you spend $15 on participating Yes To products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal EverStrong products
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Festival de Cannes products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating L'Oreal Colour Riche products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Aveeno products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Live Clean hair care products
- 500 points with purchase of any Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse.

Lawtons: Sat only: x10 Airmiles with $45 purchase
*** Until May 30, when you use your Airmiles card, you can enter a daily draw for Airmiles reward, total pool of 10,000 miles per day. You get a bonus entry wich each Compliments product purchase
*** Redemption Days contest - You get a chance to win 95,000 Airmiles every time you redeem 95 miles (for $10 off) now until May 31. Also applies to Sobeys, Jean Coutu, Rona, Foodland, etc.
- Revlon eye: 30% off
- Maybelline lip: 25% off (bonus 5 Airmiles when you buy 2)
- CoverGirl: 20% off
- L'Oreal Colour Riche eyeshadow quad: CAD8.99 (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- Vasanti: 20% off, free single eyeshadow of choice with $20 Vasanti purchase
- Bonne Bell: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you spend $15); eye/ lip liner, mascara: 25% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy 3)
- Aero Minerale makeup mist: 50% off
- Almay foundation, powder, concealer, blush, primer, makeup remover: 20% off (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Vichy/ Avene sun protection, after sun care: 20% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- Vichy NutriExtra body care: 20% off (bonus 15 miles when you buy 2)
- La Roche-Posay/ Neostrata sun care: 20% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- Bioderma Photoderm/ Dermaglow, IDC sun care: 20% off
- Garnier Skin Renew, Ultra-Lift skin care: 25% off
- Vaseline Lip therapy lip balm: CAD1.79 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Fruits & Passion Pomelo Granite: 20% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Upper Canada Naturally You: 30% off (bonus 8 miles when you buy 2)
- Clean & Clear: 25% off (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Coppertone sun care (SPF10 - 30): CAD6.99
- Compliments sun care: CAD5.99
- Australian Gold, Ombrelle sun care: 25% off
- Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioner: CAD2.99 (bonus 5 miles when you buy 2)
- Nair hair removal: 20% off (bonus 3 miles when you buy 1)
- OPI: 20% off
- Layla Ceramic Effect nail polish: 25% off (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2)
- Essie nail polish, treatment: CAD8.99 (bonus 10 miles when you buy 2).

Walmart:
- Revlon ColorStay nail polish: CAD4.96 (reg. $7.46)
- Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs lotion: CAD11.88
- Clean & Clear Advantage, Fruit Infusion skin care: on roll back.

Superstore:
- Aveeno/ Neutrogena skin care: 30% off
- Nivea/ Vaseline/ Chapstick lip care: CAD1.79
- Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat sun care: CAD7.99.

CoverFx: 20% off and free shipping with $50 US/ $75 Canada orders (no code needed) until May 19.

Fruits & Passion: B2G2F all Fruity body care products, 2/$24 Ambiance collection. With any purchase, you can get a tote bag with a shower gel for $10 (valued $27.50). If you shop online, free shipping with $25 orders until May 20.

The Bay: Until Monday, get extra 15 off when you use Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard. Please check the site for exclusions.
Other deals:
- 40% off swim
- 30% off fashion jewelry when you buy 3 or more
- 25% off handbags and wallets, etc.

Sears: Elizabeth Arden GWP of $38 or more, until May 26. The gift values at $118, includes:
- Ceramide Lift & Firm day cream SPF30 (30ml)
- Prevage anti-aging daily serum (5ml)
- Ceramide Capsules serum (7pc)
- Ceramide Lash Extending mascara in Black
- Ceramide Ultra lipstick in Petal and
- A metallic gold python cosmetic bag.

ebates.com celebrate their birthday with 14% cash back promotion (direct link), i.e. more than double cash back for lots of sites. See the link for list of stores. Note that lots of them are US stores and not all ship to Canada.

ebates.ca : Double Cash back
- Walmart: up to 4%
- Old Navy, GAP, Banana Republic, Shop.ca: 4% (reg. 2%)
- Roots: 5% (reg. 2.5%)
- J.Crew: 6% (reg. 3%)
- Club Monaco, Aldo: 8% (reg. 4%)
- The Body Shop: 12% (reg. 6%), etc.

My referral links for both ebates sites are on the left side bar, if you need them.

FOTD: Cover Girl Flamed Out pencils

2013-05-16T10:22:00.000-03:00

This post is to feature the Cover Girl Flamed Out eyeshadow pencils that I have just reviewed. If your eyes are drawn to the lip colour, stay tuned to find out what it is :)

I used Cover Girl 345 Ice Flame in the inner corner and 300 Silver Flame in the outer corner with no base, blended upward with the blurple shade in the Essence 3D eyeshadow in Irresistible Purr-ple.

I also ran the eyeshadow pencils on the lower lash line in the same order. As mentioned, they felt cool in contact, gave my eyes a little bit of relief from morning tiredness. And if I didn't stress enough in the review, definitely NO application on the waterline because they burn!

If my eyes looked a little red in the pics, you know why. Only a few seconds after I finished putting the pencils on the waterline, my eyes started to hurt, teared up and turned red. I wiped the products off right away and the burn subdued. Though it was the only time it happened, I have no intention to test the other 3 pencils this way.

Other face products:
- Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL cream SPF60
- Serum: Hydraluron moisture booster
- Moisturizer: L'Occitane Immortelle Precious cream
- Primer: Annabelle CC Instant Perfecting base in Luminous finish
- Foundation: Avon Ideal Flawless foundation in Medium Beige
- Concealer: Revlon ColorStay foundation in Warm Golden
- Brows: Yves Rocher eyebrow pencil in Brown
- Blush: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty sheerest cream blush in Sunrise.

I was on the last drops of Revlon ColorStay foundation and tried to use it up as a concealer. Worked quite well when I didn't need full coverage.

Other products for the eyes:
- Brow bone highlight: Annabelle single eyeshadow in Aura
- Eyeliner in the waterline: Annabelle Smoothie eyeshadow pencil in Licoriche
- Mascara: Lancome Hypnose mascara in Black.

Finally, if you haven't made some guesses, on my lips was Rimmel Apocalips lip lacquer in Apocaliptic :) It was shockingly amazing, you won't know it until you try.

Imagine L'Oreal Wet Shine stains on drugs, coverage wise. Wear wise, Apocalips does not last as long as Wet Shine stains. I guess when the colours are more bold, we notice the fading more too. No bleeding or drying. A must have!

UPDATE: Apocalips have arrived at Drugstore.com but are called "Show Off" lip lacquers instead. The colour range is great, $5.49 each :)

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa

2013-05-15T09:03:00.002-03:00

Today is the launch of a very exciting product that I am over the moon to tell you about - Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa. It is the first sleeping mask in Canada and is suitable for sensitive skin!

Vichy Thermal spa water (the Auvergne water travels through volcanic rocks and is enriched with 15 beneficial minerals) is known for its soothing and skin regenerating properties. It
- reinforces the skin's natural defense system
- ensures a balanced pH
- reduces signs and sensations of discomfort experienced by sensitive skin (redness, rashes, tightness, etc.)
- improves skin quality
- helps skin regenerate faster.

Now Vichy launches a brand new product with its Thermal spa water, supported with 2 times more hyaluronic acid, and Aquabioryl (a hydration booster). And we have the Night Spa, like bringing the treatment from an actual Vichy Thermal spa home :)

Just look at that gel cream aqua goodness. I could eat it with a spoon if that is possible lol.

So what is a sleeping mask? It is a mask that you leave on overnight, once or twice a week.

Instruction says to apply a thick layer of the Night Spa to face and neck, leave on 10 - 15 minutes while you relax. Then gently massage any excess onto the skin and go to sleep. Simple?

The product can also be used as a moisturizer with less amount required (a thin layer) every night.

The scent is like heaven in a jar, fresh, light and relaxing, exactly like one from a luxurious spa. I can't pinpoint what exactly the scent is, I just know that it smells good enough that I want it on my face every night.

The texture is creamy and light. When applied as a moisturizer, especially after a good serum (like Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10), it takes no time at all to absorb. The skin feels soft almost instantly.

When applied as a mask, it does take a bit of time before you can go to bed without the product sticking to your pillow - 20 to 40 minutes depending on the amount you use. And the soft and refreshed feeling continues into the morning when you wake up. My morning moisturizer goes on a lot easier, and so does my makeup. Skin feels less stressed, refreshed, I'm ready to face the day!

I fully intended to test this product as a sleeping mask but after the first night, I couldn't stop using it, so it has been my night moisturizer of choice (since the day I received it) and sleeping mask on nights I wanted a bit of spa treatment luxury.

Do I like it and recommend it? At this point, you tell me :)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, CaprylicTriglyceride, Squalane, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, CI 42090, CI 42053, Dimethiconol, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 338, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Biosaccharide Gum 1, Xanthan Gum.

The product is paraben free, and like I said, suitable for sensitive skin. The jar is 75ml (larger size than most skin care products), retails for $44. This price tag is not bad at all, I did the math - Night Spa would cost you $30 if it comes in 50ml size.

Night Spa is available in drugstores today, May 15. Go check it out, or at least smell it and spread a small amount on your hand (if they have tester), and relax :)