Double Graphic Liner

The Double Graphic Liner was commonly seen at Fashion Week throughout various shows from Nanette Lepore at New York Fashion Week to Mikhael Kale at Toronto Fashion Week 2014. This is probably the most wearable trend this spring that I believe can be pulled off with any eye type.

The look is essentially a strong black liner across the lashline and a white liner just above it, with matte skin and a neutral lip. 

Face:

First, I primed my face with Make Up For Ever's Skin Equalizer Radiant (Blue) Primer* and primed under the eyes with Olay Eye Brightening Cc Cream*, one of my favourite products to prime my eyes with. I used Mac's Soft Ochre Paint Pot as a base for the eyelids, and filled in my brows with Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Chocolate. I went in with a full coverage foundation, Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation in shade 1W2 Sand. This foundation is excellent when it comes to being transfer resistant and will definitely stay on all day, however, the finish is very flawless and it will be obvious that you have foundation on. I use a under-eye concealer that is lighter than my skintone to brighten the area, this one being NYX Hd Concealer in Porcelain. This concealer is so awesome to use with a small brush and then achieve a flawless effect with a Beauty Blender. I then used a pigmented bronzer (Benefit's ever so popular Hoola Bronzer) to get strong bronzed cheekbones, and then lightly dusted it over the rest of my face. Then I generously applied my Rodial Instaglam Illuminating Powder* under the eyes and above the cheekbones. 

Eyes:

For the Double Graphic Liner look, I began by applying Mauve and Sable (a mauve and taupe) in my crease from the Lorac Pro Palette. I then applied the NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk as a base on my lids. It didn't go on smoothly so I blended it out and re-applied until it was semi-opaque. I continued to darken the crease while re-applying the white pencil, carefully, until I had a smooth line. I blended out the inner corners so the white wouldn't be so vibrant because we want the outer corners to stand out more. 

I then applied Maybelline's Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Blackest Black close to my lash line and slowly builded it, while creating a winged line. I went over the white base with a thinner white liner (Revlon Photoready Kajal Intense Eye Liner + Brightener*) for precision and to enhance the colour. I continued to go over this and the gel black liner until it was opaque and stayed put. I then set the two colours with a matte White and Black eyeshadow from the Lorac Pro Palette. I did leave the lashes bare, partially because I didn't have an eyelash curler with me but also because I realized it brought out the bold contrast of the shadows.

Lips: 

I primed and lightened my pigmented lips with MAC Lip Pencil in Naked. I finished the lips with a mix of 2 shades, a nude and a pink, because I don't own a light matte neutral, which is what I'd prefer to use with this look (Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in 256 Creme*, 395 Darling*).

See reviews of: 
Olay Eye Brightening Cc Cream
Benefit Hoola Bronzer

6/17 of the products used in this look were sent for review in the past. They are marked with a (*) Some links are affiliate links :)

Kiss My Face 2-in-1 Light Moisturizing Lotion Review

Kiss My Face recently released a line of All Natural 2-in-1 Light Moisturizing Lotions. You may recognize this as a dupe for Vaseline's Spray & Go, others might mistaken it for sunscreen (like my bf and his friends did). The lotion currently comes in 3 scents: Tropical Coconut, Lavender Shea, and the one I have here which is Fragrance Free Olive & Aloe. I do feel that this is a better alternative to the Vaseline Spray & Go besides the slightly higher price. I can admit I've only used the Vaseline Spray & Go once, but I would choose this any day because of the beneficial and natural ingredients. Some of which are: Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Extract, Aloe Vera, Marigold Flower Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, and Vitamin E, see the full list of ingredients.

The lotion is paraben and phthalate free.

It does spray a little strongly and sometimes comes out in clumps so I would suggest using it in a bathroom or spraying it into your hand in order to avoid getting it on your floors. This is the fragrance free version but I found that the scent was still very light and pleasant. The lotion is light and absorbs quickly into the skin. It isn't sticky or oily at all and I can comfortably wear it under clothing. It is a fun product, and I typically don't have to worry about dispensing too much at once. It is said to be an 'eco-friendly' spray, I'm guessing because it is air powered and the bottle can easily be recycled (whereas squeeze tubes can't be, at least where I live). The only downside is that it is a bit pricey at $9.99 USD (currently on sale for $6.97) and hard to find in retail stores. 

Kiss My Face products can be found in Canada at Whole Foods, The Big Carrot, Essence of Life, well.ca, amazon.ca, and their official website kissmyface.com.

What do you think of spray-able lotions? Have you tried the Vaseline Spray & Go, and would you try this one?

This product was received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates. 

Empties #6: February 2015

Can you believe I haven't done an empties post in almost a year? I think I'm one of the most environmentally friendly beauty bloggers because I never have anything to throw out..

But seriously how did this happen? I think it's because I can never continuously use one thing as I'm always testing things out, but here are some things I did end up finishing. Ps. these have been accumulated for the last half year or so.

Dial Nutri Skin Goji Berry & Orchid Body Wash: I got tired of this scent and the bursting beads after a while, and didn't find the body wash moisturizing enough but I wouldn't mind using it again if I had to.

Purchase: No ✕

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Wash Pistachio Cream with Magnolia: Lovely scent and definitely moisturizing.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo: I don't have other clarifying shampoos to compare this to but this is super affordable, pretty natural and I did find that it worked although leaving my hair a bit dry.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Batiste Dry Shampoo: My best drugstore dry shampoo. I do hate how fast it runs out though. I think I've repurchased this 5 times already.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo: I found this to be a pretty decent dry shampoo for the drugstore… for the 2 times I could use it. It clogged afterwards and I haven't been able to salvage it. I've heard of this happening quite a bit and was disappointed to see it happen to me too!

Purchase: No unless I knew this issue was fixed. ✕

Yves Rocher Express Eye Makeup Remover: An affordable oil-based eye makeup remover that I have been using for years and I find removes makeup instantly and can remove waterproof a well.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Bioderma Sensibio Micelle Solution: I don't think I need to say much about this, it is generously talked about!

Purchase: Yes ✓

Garnier Damage Eraser Shampoo & Conditioner Samples: I have the full size so I wouldn't repurchase right now, but it is a light shampoo/conditioner that I don't have any complaints about.

Purchase: No ✕

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner Samples: I found these to be a bit volumizing and overall pleasant to use.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Dove Go Sleeveless Beauty Finish Anti-Perspirant Mini: I think this stained my white top to a bit of a blue colour and was pretty upset about it, so I stopped using this. The scent is lovely though.

Purchase: No ✕

Dove Go Fresh Cool Essentials Anti-Perspirant Mini: A decent anti-perspirant that isn't crazily priced, I already have 2 full sizes to be used!

Purchase: Yes ✓

Consonant Ultra Moisturizing Organic Face Cream: This smelt bad after a month of having it. I was so disappointed and spent so much on it. It is a lovely idea but if it won't last long enough, I definitely will not repurchase.

Purchase: No ✕

Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask Mini: The full size is super expensive and in my opinion not worth it, I didn't see any difference in my skin. 

Purchase: No ✕

Villainess Dulces en Fuego Whipped! Mini: I am so in love with this scent! I didn't like the whipped texture of this cream but the scent is so unique, yummy and natural. I just might have to purchase the full-size when I run out of lotion.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream Sample: Lovely cream and I do actually have the newer version of this in a full size, it's pretty much the cream I fall back on after I've tested out other products because I know it does not break me out.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Vichy Idealia Life Serum Sample: I have the full size of this already and love using it under my foundation because it adds a bit of a glow and is good for your skin. It does need time to dry however.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller: Nothing special about this and I didn't see any noticeable results.

Purchase: No ✕

Swisspers Organic Cotton Pads (x3): These are my go-to makeup removing pads although they are not the softest, they do not break easily and are only $2 at Walmart.

Purchase: Yes ✓

GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment: This was a bit too strong for my skin and felt as if it broke me out :(

Purchase: No ✕

VitaBath Sulfate & Paraben Free Body Wash Samples: Holy crap these body wash scents are amazing and I would totally repurchase if they go on sale (they are a bit pricey).

Purchase: Yes ✓

Phyto Reparative Conditioning Treatment Sample: This was very thick and felt moisturizing on the hair. I'm not sure I would repurchase but I'd definitely keep it in mind.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Pure + Simple Restorative Eye Mask: I didn't notice any difference under the eyes and I'm sure this natural formula would work much better as an actual eye cream rather than a quick mask.

Purchase: No ✕

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Spa Mask: I love this mask and have repurchased this particular one a countless number of times.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Jean Pierre Oil-Absorbing Facial Tissues: Pretty standard oil blotting sheets. Unfortunately, I don't know where I'd find them in Canada but there are likely many alternatives.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Maybelline Baby Lips: I didn't like this and am not particularly a fan of the line. Didn't moisturize or benefit my lips at all.

Purchase: No ✕

Maybelline Rocket Volum Waterproof Mascara: This mascara holds my curl very well and adds thickness and volume. I've purchased it numerous times. It is quite difficult to take off though.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Beauty Blender: It was time to part ways after 1.5 years. I prefer the black Pro Beauty Blender to this one anyways and have already repurchased 2.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Klorane Volume Shampoo Sample: Yeah I've had this for so long I don't even remember if it even worked..

Purchase: No ✕

Yaby Concealer in Buff: This concealer has been rotating in all of my purses for the past 2 years. I think it was time to let it go, especially considering I picked up a new one. It matches me perfectly and is only about $3-5!

Purchase: Yes ✓

Lush Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser Sample: I got this as a sample from Lush and although it is a unique and well liked product, I really disliked the texture.

Purchase: No ✕

Benefit Push-Up Liner Sample: If the real thing is as hard to use as this sample.. I am so glad I did not buy it. This thing was so dry and I could barely apply it.

Purchase: No ✕

Check out my last empties post (which is really old btws): Empties #5.

Garnier Clean + Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser Review

I'm not a morning person, and I hate when it is time for bed. Makeup removal at the end of the day is probably one of the things I dread the most about bedtime (I sound like a child heh..). I find it so annoying to just hold a cotton pad on your eye trying to soften the waterproof mascara, so I just stopped wearing mascara altogether lately. The new Garnier Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser has probably just given me a reason to wear mascara again.

Garnier's Clean+ Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser, first of all, has an unnecessarily long name! Reading from the bottle, it also seems to be dermatologist and allergy and ophtalmologist tested, ideal for sensitive skin, and claims to dissolve even waterproof mascara. It is infused with plant extracts and is said to leave skin moisturized.

When I received this I seriously thought it wasn't going to work. At least, definitely not for waterproof mascara. Upon trying it out I thought "huh, this is weird" because it is legit a lotion and oil in the same bottle. But seriously.. I was really surprised to see that it worked. It literally takes off my foundation, brows, eyeliner, shadow, and even waterproof mascara! Granted, I've only tried it with one type of waterproof mascara but I will continue testing it and update here if it doesn't work with any other mascaras.

I find it's best to massage it onto dry skin, use a cotton pad to wipe it off. Then rinse, and use another dry cotton pad. Or you could use the makeup remover a second time and wipe it off but I think that would just use up too much product too quickly. Afterwards, follow up with your regular cleanser because this cleanser leaves a bit of an oily feel.

It can get a bit messy because of the oil and the type of tube this comes in. Do not store it upside down! And if you do, shake it a lot beforehand so you will dispense an even amount of product. Another downside is the small bottle, I think I'll use it up pretty quickly.

I actually took a video to show how the makeup remover works, but I couldn't edit and upload it in time so I may get it up in the future. For now, I have here a photo of some swatches and how well this makeup remover just takes it all off. It did have a little trouble removing the lip stain but I was impressed that it got the majority of it off.

After using it for a week - I know this sounds a bit commercially (it's not), but this actually made it enjoyable to remove my makeup. It didn't break me out so far, and it is gentle and non-drying, and I feel that this has potential to be my holy grail makeup remover! I just wish it came in a larger or different bottle that wasn't so messy. I would definitely purchase this when it is done and will update if I do.

It is available for purchase on Ulta for $7.99 (US only), possibly soon to be on Well.ca (Canada) and you will definitely find it at your local drugstore.

This is a sponsored post and the product was received for review. As always, all opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates. 

Avene XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Review & Giveaway

Avene is a brand you may have spotted in the drugstore but never gave a second thought about. I know I passed by their products quite often without stopping to take a look. I actually did purchase an Avene product a while back, but have no memory of how well it worked (it was way before my blogging days).

Eau Thermale Avene has been around for more than 20 years, well known for their relieving and non-irritating products that are ideal for sensitive, intolerant, and allergic skin types. Avene has many product lines dedicated to different types of problematic or sensitive skin, such as allergic, irritated, dry, acne prone, and rosacea skin.

While discovering their website, I had no idea they had so many products that would be of interest to me. I have mildly sensitive skin with redness, dryness, allergy, and acne prone tendencies so finding new products that work and don't break me out are often hit or miss.

In the cold winters of Canada, we often suffer from dry skin, itchiness, eczema, and other skin conditions because of the harsh weather. Typically, we pull out our heavier moisturizers, but there are few products that actually cater towards these skin conditions. I was sent the Avene XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil and Lipid-Replenishing Balm, as well as their popular Thermal Spring Water Spray to test out.

XeraCalm A.D. (Atopic Dermatitis) is a range of products by Avene intended for moderate to intense dry skin for all age types: infants to adults. XeraCalm products are based on an innovating formula, I-modulia, used to reduce itching, redness, and irritation from dry skin and hyperactivity. The XeraCalm line is in the 'Body' product category on their website but the bottles say 'For Face and Body'.

XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil and Balm are based on:
- I-modulia: Reduce itching sensations due to dry skin, soothes redness and irritations, allows skin to create protection.
- Cer-Omega: Repairs and nourishes the skin, strengthens the protective hydrolipidic film.
- Avene Thermal Spring Water: Soothes, reduce discomfort, soften the skin.

Fragrance free, soap free.

The XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil is thin and translucent which thickens as you rub it on the skin. I tried it both on dry skin and wet skin and I prefer to apply it to dry skin first, rub it in, then add a small amount of water. It will lather a bit when water is added. The jar is huge at 400ml and I'm sure this will last me quite a while. The pump however, is a bit short on such a large bottle which might make it difficult for larger hands to dispense the product. It's probably best to tilt the bottle when dispensing product out.

This doesn't claim to be makeup removing but I did test it to see if it could get the job done. It does slightly remove my makeup (but not all) but it isn't purposed for that and you are best off using a makeup remover beforehand. I do wish it removed my makeup better but I guess it wouldn't be such a gentle cleanser if it did. There is no oily feel to the skin afterwards and you are definitely able to use this night and day. My face didn't feel dry afterwards and it did not break me out either, which is a huge plus. I did not use this for the body because I feel it's more suitable for the face, but I don't doubt that it will work well for very dry and sensitive skin.

No preservatives, parabens, fragrance, or alcohol. Is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

First off, I love that the balm has relatively good ingredients, with no preservatives, parabens, fragrance, or alcohol. I do not like that the Lipid-Replenishing Balm contains Mineral Oil as the second ingredient, but it did not seem to clog my pores or break out my skin, which is good. It takes a while to sink into the skin and feels very thick and slightly greasy. It doesn't sting, burn or itch when applied. It is quite a thick cream and I would not recommend it for daytime use (on the face), especially for skin that can tend to get a bit oily.

In fact, I prefer to use this as a spot treatment for my face on the problem areas, and on my hands as well. I've had severely dry hands and cheeks lately and the balm actually cured my rough dry spots after a couple days of use. I had an itchy and very dry spot on my hand and was surprised that it did actually relieve the itch. I also wanted to add in that the dryness on my cheeks is totally gone, and this doesn't seem like something you'd have to use every single day to continue seeing results, so I can see this lasting quite a while.

The tube that the balm comes in actually is a special sealing system that keeps the product sterile, and the ability to last without contamination. I found the tube quite hard to squeeze a lot of product out at once which is the only downside to this balm. However, I do love that this was designed with us consumers in mind.

Avene uses a key ingredient, Thermal Spring Water in their products. Avene's Thermal Spring Water is derived from the Cevennes Mountains in France and sent to the production facility where Avene products are produced. Spring water is originated as rain, and over the vast amount of years, gradually becomes infused with trace elements and silicates meaning a balanced mineral composition, ideal for sensitive skin. Read more on Avene's Spring Water here and an informative video here.

Avene recommends their Spring Water Spray to be used after shaving, make-up removal, diaper rash, damaged skin, post-surgery, when redness of the face occurs, after hair removal, or sunburn. Of course, there are other uses for the spray such as for wetting your makeup brushes, or for a little pick-me-up on a hot day. I can't say much about this other than that it definitely beats splashing your face with tap water, and I like to use it right after a hot shower. If my face feels a little dry it will instantly soothe it. Just don't forget to moisturize as well.

Overall, the XeraCalm line is perfect for all skin types and best for skin with dryness. I will continue to use the Lipid-Replenishing Balm as a spot treatment for dry spots on the face, and other dry spots on the body (mainly my hands!). I love the Cleansing Oil, and would definitely consider repurchasing once this huge bottle is done. Again I wish it removed my makeup better, but I don't mind using a makeup remover beforehand (as I typically do). I would recommend Avene products for those with sensitive skin but aren't always able to use all natural ingredient products (due to breakouts, or allergies). Both Avene's XeraCalm Cleansing Oil and the XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Balm retail for $27.99 CAD. They are available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall (Pharma Plus), and London Drugs in Canada.

Check out the Avene Relieve Me Campaign, here and enter to win an Avene XeraCalm Prize Pack below! 

This is a sponsored post and the products were received for review. As always, all opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates. 

February Favourites

I haven't done a favourites post in quite a while. I was stuck using the same products for a bit and just didn't see the fun in doing this post. I do have six favourite products to share with you for the month of February and definitely upcoming reviews for them all.

*Pantene KeraGloss Oil Mist:  This, to me, feels comparable to a higher end product and I was really impressed to see minimal ingredients with a blend of 5 oils. I do condition my hair in the shower but since bleaching it I've had to take extra care with it. I use this to help tame any frizzies on my ends and it is so light that it doesn't weigh my hair down. My boyfriend did complain that I made his floor slippery though.. oops.

(Avail. at local drugstore)

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hr Foundation with Comfort Serum:  I didn't think I'd have a colour match in this foundation but 103 True Ivory is a perfect match for my skintone. I hate the way this foundation applies with a brush but it covers well and lasts all day (I do however, need to use a setting powder). I found that this did break me out a bit, probably clogged my pores but I did love the coverage and lasting power.

(Avail. at local drugstore)

Benefit Hoola Bronzer:  This bronzer is always talked about by beauty gurus and I had it sitting in my drawer for quite a while because I felt like it was too pigmented and I was too pale for it. 

I recently reviewed this and explain how to use it without depositing so much colour onto the face at once, here. I tend to just dab my brush onto a tissue before applying it to the face to reduce the pigmentation, now I can't stop using it and love how easy it is to work with. (Review here).

(Avail. at Sephora)

NYX Hd Concealer:  I got this at Target a little after their announcement of leaving Canada. They had minimal shades left so I grabbed Porcelain and have been using it ever since to brighten under my eyes. It is a little too light and pink-undertoned for me but it works fine for days that I haven't self-tanned and I just dust some bronzer over to even it out with the rest of my skin. It is a somewhat thick and very pigmented concealer and I'm wearing it in a few of my recent reviews (here). 

(Avail. at Ulta US)

Mac Small Contour 109 Brush:  This brush is highly recommended by the beauty community for contouring. It is so foolproof and can contour and define my cheeks so easily with the right bronzer and this brush. I stopped using it for a while because I felt like it wasn't soft enough but have recently begun to love it again. 

(Avail. at Nordstrom, MAC, Hudsons Bay)

Mac Lip Liner in Spice:  I picked up this lip liner because of the whole Kylie Jenner overdrawn lip craze. I already have large enough lips but I wanted to emphasize my upper lip a little more. It glides on so smoothly and I don't find myself sharpening it often. It is the perfect outline for a neutral lip. I am also wearing it in my recent posts (here). 

(Avail. at Nordstrom, MAC, Hudsons Bay)

Products marked with an asterisk (*) were sent for consideration.