Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set {+ Swatches}

It still isn't too late for that last minute Christmas shopping! Shopping for a girl who is into makeup is probably the easiest thing you've had to do all December. There are so many options that it can (hopefully) be hard to go wrong. For the holidays, Kat Von D has brought out a 'try them all' set of minis of her highly coveted Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. The set includes 8 3ml/0.10 fl oz. minis in various shades.

 L to R: KVD Everlasting Liquid Lipstick - Lovesick, Mother, Santa Sangre, Backstage Bambi, L.U.V., Echo, Roxy, Plath

The last two, Roxy and Plath, are new shades added to the Kat Von D collection. 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Lovesick" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Mother" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Santa Sangre" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Backstage Bambi" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "L.U.V." 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Echo" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Roxy" 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Plath" 

The liquid lipstick shades in this set are so different! Also, my apologies for not being able to properly follow the lines of my lips, btw! If you are looking for neutrals this is not the place to find it. The most neutral shades are the first two, Lovesick (a mauve nude) and Mother (a dusty mauve pink), and Mother is even a little too pinky for my liking. My favourite shades have to be Lovesick, and Plath (deep russet red/brown). Echo (satin navy blue) had to be the hardest and most uneven to apply because it is such a strong colour.

In terms of the formula, the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick is one of my favourite liquid lipsticks because of the high range of colours and the way they feel on the lips. They are light, not super drying (but still drying on my lips), and are true matte liquid lipsticks. For more vibrant shades, they do need at least 2 layers, but the staying power is great and there is little to no transfer.

The set retails for $62 CAD, and if you're lucky you can still pick one up at a Sephora location or on Kat Von D's website!

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

Marc Jacobs Object of Desire Face & Eye Palette Review

Marc Jacobs Object of Desire Face & Eye Palette is a limited edition palette for the holidays. It comes in a gorgeous gold clutch-like casing with a black tassel zipper! The packaging is so gorgeous I didn't even want to use it at first! I'm so glad I did, as this is the first time I've tried makeup by Marc Jacobs and I am so surprised at the quality and pigmentation..

The palette comes with a large Perfect Tan Bronzer (Tantric), blush (Exhibitionist), and luminizer (Make a Sheen) for the face. The rest of the 6 shades to the right are eyeshadow shades. They might look a little colourful but I found them to be very neutral.. definitely colours I could wear on a regular basis.

The packaging itself is gorgeous, again, but the zippered clutch itself is pretty bulky and a little bit of a burden to fit in a makeup bag (meaning, -> it doesn't fit in a regular makeup bag.. but it will fit in a large overnight makeup case, if that makes things better). I think the only real solution if you don't like the packaging is to depot each pan. I've never really done it but I'm sure I would do it eventually when I get tired of lugging this around!

Tantric (Perfect Tan Bronzer), Exhibitionist (Blush), Make a Sheen (Luminizer), Eyeshadows: Lights On, Candlelight, Dimmer, Violet Hour, Twilight, In The Dark 

O!Mega Perfect Tan Bronzer: Tantric (Warm)

Blush: Exhibitionist (Peachy Rose)

Luminizer: Make a Sheen (Cool Gold Shimmer)

Eyeshadows:

Lights On (beige shimmer)

Candlelight (golden shimmer)

Dimmer (matte light tan)

Violet Hour (matte lavender mauve)

Twilight (satin deep plum)

In the Dark (deep brown shimmer)

The palette is super pigmented, I wasn't disappointed with any shade! The blush is probably the only shade I won't be using often because I just don't typically wear blush. I surprisingly was able to create an eyeshadow look using basically all of the shadows (see below)! I'm not usually able to do that but the colours worked together so well in this palette.

Swatches above were done on top of concealer.

Wearing Marc Jacobs Object of Desire Face & Eye Palette: Tantric Bronzer on the cheeks, Make a Sheen Luminizer on cheekbones.

(Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lovesick on the lips)

Wearing Marc Jacobs Plush Eyeshadows: Candelight, Dimmer, Violet Hour, Twilight, In The Dark

(Kat Von D Tattoo Liner on upper lashline)

I incorporated just about every shadow in the palette (on the eyes for this look! Violet Hour all over the lid, Twilight in the crease, In The Dark in the corner of the crease only, and to add some shimmer Candelight on the inner part of my lids. I used Dimmer to help blend out Violet Hour and add some definition.

Overall I am so happy using this palette! The eyeshadows are so easy to work with, very blendable, and the face products quite impressed me too! This is such an amazing gift and I would totally be satisfied with this for Christmas! The downside is that Marc Jacobs makeup is a little pricey, so this palette is going for $86 CAD right now at Sephora stores and online. 

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

L'Occitane Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar

Beauty Advent Calendar's have become a huge thing these past few years! Cosmetic companys know that these just bring out the kid in us, how can we say no? L'Occitane's Advent Calendar for the 2016 holidays consists of 24 sample sized gifts for a surprise every day before Christmas! Valued at $110 CAD, this calendar costs $59 and is the perfect gift for a friend, sister, significant other, or child. 

This is the first beauty advent calendar I've ever tried and I can say that it makes me want more!! Is it sad that I actually get excited to open a new window every day, but I really just want to open them all at once? It feels like when I was a child and would cheat and open 3 chocolates in one day.

Spoiler Alert!!

Cooling Hand Creme Gel, Ultra Rich Body Lotion, Milk Concentrate, Verbena Refreshing Cloth, Relaxing Shower Gel

In order to not spoil everything and keep in good Christmas spirit, I've only had the chance to open 5 doors so far and these are the first 5 gifts in the advent calendar (above). So far it's looking so promising and I really hope I can stick to opening one a day for the rest of December, wish me luck please!

L'Occitane's 2016 Advent Calendar is showing sold out on their website, but you may still be able to find it in stores. I think it's a great treat for someone who is into body care! Really a fun gift (or keep for yourself) idea.

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

Sephora Sparkle & Shine Stocking Stuffers

I know Sephora's checkout aisle gets to you. It gets to me too. I am like a kid in a candy store when I finish my round of the store and make my way to the checkout. Ugh..like having to avoid eye contact with all the miniature sized goodies so I don't end up spending an extra $50 bucks! But during the holiday season I actually love these kind of displays. Mini items like this are great for stocking stuffers for family, or perfect to put in a personalized gift basket! The Sparkle & Shine Collection has a super cute design, is Limited Edition, and out now for the 2016 holiday season!

•  Sephora Sparkle & Shine Skinny Brush Set (here's a link to similar set)
•  Sephora Dual Boar Mini Brush $19
•  Sephora Strays Away Set of 4 Mini Tweezers
•  Sephora Sparkle & Shine Classic Mini Multitasker Brush #45.5 $18
•  Sephora Sparkle & Shine Lash Curler $23

I know a bit too big to be a stocking stuffer, but the Sephora Sparkle & Shine The Universalist Cosmetic Bag is probably one of the cutest cosmetic bags that can literally fit everything! Heck, even my straightener pretty much fits in here! It has a top compartment with a brush holder (can you say holy grail makeup bag!?!) and enough pockets for smaller items. For $61 CAD, I think it's a good investment. Sephora needs to bring out more colour options!

Sephora Leave a Little Sparkle Clutch in background

And lastly, how can I forget my favourite, the Sephora Studley Sponge and Travel Case Set? This cutie comes with a The Perfectionist Pink Airbrush Sponge on a detachable case and keychain. It's cute and isn't useless because it actually comes with the makeup sponge! I have a full review of the Sephora 'The Perfectionist' sponges here, if you want to see how well it performed compared to my Beauty Blender.

If you don't like these, there are so many other options for stocking stuffers on Sephora.com and in stores. I don't think I'd look anywhere else while shopping for a makeup lover this Christmas!

These products were received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates. 

Atelier Cologne Necessaire Citrus Cologne Absolue Set

For the holiday season, Atelier Cologne brought out a few gift sets with deluxe sample-sized fragrances. I was excited to see this as I always hear positive comments about the brand! Atelier's fragrances are made in France and each and every scent are said to have a story behind it, a 'moment in a bottle'. The set I have here is the 'Necessaire Citrus Cologne Absolue Set'.

The Citrus Set consists of four 4ml/0.14 fl oz. mini colognes which makes it a little on the expensive side for deluxe sample sizes.

The four scents ..

•  Pomelo Paradis *new (fresh pomelo from Florida over rich notes of blackcurrant bud)
•  Orange Sanguine (zesty burst of crushed ripe fruit, sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel & geranium)
•  Bergamote Soleil (unisex fragrance with soft hint of floral)
•  Clementine California *new (fruity, green and sweet fragrance)

They are strongly scented and pretty true to the descriptions. I am terrible at describing fragrance notes but I'm not afraid to say that my absolute favourite is Pomelo Paradis! It is the most yummy fruity, likely due to the blackcurrant, and I couldn't stop smelling this one. The rest of the scents are also pretty true to their descriptions which surprised me! The way the scents matched their description reminded me of the brand Demeter Fragrance, but with a more concentrated and highly thought-out line of luxurious scents. I'm not going to lie, I felt a little expensive wearing these scents throughout the day. The only scent I didn't like was Bergamote Soleil, I had a feeling it was a unisex fragrance when I tested it, and it just doesn't make me feel sexy when wearing it (I regretted spraying it over my shirt)! I will probably use it as a room spray or give it to my boyfriend.

I was afraid the scents might be a little similar when I found out this was a citrus collection of scents, but they are all so unique against each other! They all pack a punch and seem to be concentrated enough that you don't need to use more than one or two sprays.

The set is available at Sephora stores and online for a limited time at $32 CAD ($64 value).

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

Sephora Perfect & Cleanse Sponge Trio + Cleaner Set

The Sephora Perfect & Cleanse Sponge Trio and Cleaner Set comes packaged in a tiny container, but is well worth the $$. It includes a full-sized 'The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponge', and two mini The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponges. It also comes with a mini Solid Brush & Sponge Cleaner.

I'm sure you've seen the Sephora sponges in store, who hasn't? But did they appeal to you? I've seen the Sephora Collection sponges in store, and didn't give them a second look. I've tried so many random Beauty Blender dupes here and there, and could never come across one that was comparable! So after trying this out, did I like it?...

Of course! I was so surprised at how well the Sephora The Perfectionist Sponge expanded when wet. It expanded to the exact size of my Beauty Blender (see comparisons below). The mini sponge doesn't expand quite as much but it does get big enough. I use the full size sponge for foundation when I want more of a full coverage (vs. using a buffing brush), and I found that the mini sponge works well for concealing under the eyes, and spot concealing in general.

The Solid Sponge Cleaner took off foundation residue on the sponge with ease, and on top of that it smells lovely! It is formulated with a Moroccan fragrance and infused with Argan Oil which breaks down the excess residue. It even did a great job in removing caked-on old residue off my Beauty Blender, which I had a hard time trying to remove before.

 Dry Sephora The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponge vs. Wet

 Wet Sephora The Perfectionist Mini Airbrush Sponge vs. Dry

 Wet Sephora The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponge vs. Wet Beauty Blender

With the full sized The Perfectionist Sponge priced at $15 already, this trio + solid brush cleaner is a steal at $19 CAD and I wouldn't think twice before purchasing it. I believe this set will be available for Black Friday in a couple days, but you can find the regular Perfectionist Sponge here, and a mini sponge duo here, and solid brush cleaner here, until then.

These products were received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates. 

Tarte Kiss Bliss Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint & Crayon Set

The Tarte Kiss Bliss Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint & Crayon Set is a limited edition set available for the 2016 holiday season, at Sephora stores and online. The set includes 5 deluxe Lip Crayons, and 5 matching deluxe Creamy Matte Lip Paints. The Lip Crayons are tiny, at a mere 0.04 grams each, while the Lip Paints have a bit more product, at 1 ml each. The shade range is great, it pretty much includes all levels of wearable colours that you'd want in a set like this. The set retails for $60 CAD, and listed at a $91 value.

 Swatches L to R: 

Lip Crayon in Thirsty // Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Bae

Lip Crayon in Vibes // Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Chill

Lip Crayon in Rage // Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Fomo

Lip Crayon in Queen // Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Inspo

Lip Crayon in Meme // Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Fab

The Lip Crayons were quite disappointing, the lightest shade, Meme (Fab's match) worked great, but as the shades got darker I found them more difficult to apply to my lips. They aren't creamy and are just a bit annoying to work with because they feel rough, especially on my dry lips. For the swatches below, a lip crayon was only applied as a base under Fab, and not under any of the other shades.

 Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Bae

 Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Chill

Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Fomo

Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Inspo

Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Fab

Fab is by far my favourite shade in the set, it is the lightest and most neutral. It is a bit of a 'my lips but better' shade (my lips are a tinge darker, but I wish they were this colour), and I know I can wear this daily.

The pigmentation of the two lightest shades, Fab and Fomo, were great, but as the colours got darker, the pigmentation got a little disappointing. Bae (the true red) was gorgeous, but I found myself a little worried of it smudging. Chill (the dark plum) was a really disappointing shade in the set. It was so dark, but not enough pigment, and went on very patchy and it just didn't seem fixable at that point.

The Creamy Matte Lip Paints are lovely, but they are a creamy, mousse-like texture, and definitely not a true liquid lipstick in my books. They come off fairly easily but in contrast to that, they feel so nice and comfortable on the lips, weightless and are a true matte. I mean, I wouldn't mind having to re-apply this throughout the day because of how comfortable they feel. The Tarte Lip Paints are definitely something unique and I found them fun to apply, but I would love to see the formula of the darker shades improved!

My only interest in this set is the 5-piece Creamy Matte Lip Paints, as I'm sure is the only reason most people would look into this set. It is a great gift and the shade range is awesome, but I'm not sure it would be worth the $60 in the end, especially if you are only interested in the Creamy Matte Lip Paints. The set isn't currently available but you can find individual Creamy Matte Lip Paints on Sephora.ca.

These products were received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates. 

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks (Swatches & Thoughts)

Make Up For Ever relaunched their lipstick collection, as the new Artist Rouge Lipsticks, offered in 45 shades and a new packaging. The shade range consists of 31 creme shades and 14 mattes, all with high colour payoff, of course. I received here, 6 different shades to test out and boy are they something else!

Of course, I would never find myself choosing these specific shades in store, but I did find the little collection that was put together for me very cute. Out of the 6 shades, they are all definitely very different from each other.

A little bit more about the lipsticks before showing you the swatches... the packaging is new and has a heavy, cold, and luxurious feel to it. The bullet itself has Make Up For Ever etched into it but with the cap closed it is quite incognito! The packaging isn't my favourite, I prefer something with a bit of colour or design, but it has a very expensive feel to it.

All of the lipsticks are designed to provide intense pigmentation, while being creamy and hydrating enough on the lips.

From L to R:  C105,  C211,  M401,  C502,  C603,  C506

C105 - a pale peachy nude

C211 - a universal, good on all skintones rose mauve

M401 - a matte true red

C502 - a taupe lavender

 C603 - a vampy midnight blue

C506 - a dark wine plum

Overall, I think the only 2 shades I will end up wearing is the first two, the most neutral, C105 (a pale peach nude) and C211 (a universal rose mauve). M401 has my favourite type of finish, matte, but as much as I love red lips I don't often rock it (I'm a pretty messy eater..). The lipsticks wore for a lengthy period of the day, I'd say you can go half a day without applying. I had a huge meal with C502 (the taupe lavender shade) on and although I did have to re-apply after, I was impressed with how well it stayed. The lipsticks are creamy and feel comfortable on the lips, I had no complaints and most lipsticks end up drying out my lips. My only dislike was that the lipstick doesn't dry because it is so creamy and moisturizing, so it can be a pain if you want something that you won't feel.

If you are looking for fun, colourful lipsticks, Make Up For Ever is definitely the way to go, as they have so many bright and different shades that you would never think to use as a lipstick! On top of this they have some amazing neutrals.

The Artist Rouge Lipsticks are $27 CAD each and available across Canada at Sephora stores and online.

These products were received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.