HAIR | The Wet Brush Pro Detangle Professional vs. The Original Tangle Teezer
NAILS – Red Carpet Manicure – A Matter of Prince-iple Gel Polish Swatch
As this post goes up, I will be out of town for work and lately when that does happen, it is the perfect time for me to wear gel polish. No fuss, no muss and I will have a perfect manicure for close to 2 weeks (except for that nail grow out). Last month I reviewed and wore a polish from Red Carpet Manicure’s Cinderella Collection (here) which I absolutely loved. Today is a much different polish and is probably one that I would not have chosen as a polish to wear alone as it is QUITE sheer, but still pretty. This is two cured coats of “A Matter of Prince-iple”* and is reminiscent of Cinderella’s glass slipper with its icy blue and gold shimmer. I actually used fairly thick coats, but this polish is meant to be magical in appearance like the fairytale it was inspired by.
The first VHS tape that I owned when we first came to Canada was Disney’s Cinderella, so this movie will always be so special to me. What is your favourite fairy tale?
SKINCARE | *Cleanser Wednesdays* with the Guerlain Blanc de Perle White Pearl Cleanser Cleansing Foam Review
In a galaxy far, far away, I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to try out the latest in skin brightening from Guerlain in the form of the Blanc de Perle collection. With the high Asian population in Vancouver, brightening has always been a hot topic with the ideal Asian skin being porcelain white and blemish free. Terms like “whitening” tend to conjure up thoughts of harsh bleaching treatments, but the Blanc de Perle is far from that. The Blanc de Perle routine consists of three basic steps: Clarify, Treat and Hydrate. Within each step are 2-3 products essentially creating a 7 step skincare routine. I will showcase each product separately as I feel like most people will not often feel comfortable purchasing a whole new routine in full as it can be quite an investment. Oftentimes, we purchase bits at a time starting with a product that speaks to our current skincare concerns ESPECIALLY when it comes to a luxury price point such as Guerlain.
When it comes to skincare, people are often hesitant to change things too drastically and when using a new line, a cleanser or toner is usually the easiest product to incorporate into a current routine in terms of skin adjustment and price. Guerlain’s White Pearl Cleanser*($65.00 CDN) is the first step to brightening in that skin is cleansed with gentle micro-pearls and a luxurious creamy texture to reveal freshly radiant skin.
TANNING | Getting Summer Ready with Vita Liberata Luxury Tan Trystal Minerals – Bronzed and Ready in 5 Steps!
Gone are the days of oiling up the skin and getting that golden glow “naturally”. With skin cancer being quite prevalent, as well as wanting to avoid that leathery reptilian look, there are now incredibly natural-looking tans that can be achieved safely through the use of self-tanners. I have personally been terrified of using them because there was an incident years ago that left my skin looking orange and uneven. No doubt it was my fault for not reading the instructions properly and being impatient so when I saw that Vita Liberata recently introduced self tanning bronzing POWDER, I thought this might be the most foolproof way to go.
The Trystal Minerals Self Tanning Bronzing Minerals with the Kabuki Brush* ($67.00 CDN or $55.00 CDN without) is for the face and uses something called Trystal 3 Technology to combine an instant pure mineral bronze colour with a long lasting self tan to give skin results that last for up to 5 days. I believe this is the first time I have ever seen a self tanner in mineral form which also means, longer shelf life! This tanner is oil-free with DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which is a skin colouring agent used in most self tanners. All you need to do is apply your favourite liquid foundation or moisturizer and start buffing your tan on!
MAKEUP LOOK “Neutral and Pink” | Dior Tie Dye Collection 5 Couleur Eyeshadow Palette in Ambre Nuit Review & Swatches
It is finally time to dive right into the heart of the Dior Tie Dye Collection – eyeshadows and blushes and lipsticks, OH MY! It was hard to figure out where to even start, but I love seeing how a look can come together using all the pieces. I was on my way out to see Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai, but the hubby made me promise not to LOOK like a circus performer and seeing as how marriage is all about compromise, I delved into the 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in #746 Ambre Nuit*($62.00 CDN) with its more neutral shades inspired by hints of bronzed amber and sand.
HAIR | Dress Up Your Tresses with Dauphines of New York Luxury Hair Accessories!
I have a bit of an obsession with hair bands because I’m not great at doing anything else with my hair other than straightening/curling it. I rarely put it up in anything more than a bun which is what made me start collecting hair bands as they are the simplest way for me to add some *bling* to my otherwise boring hairstyles. The biggest issue I have with hair bands is that they always give me a headache after an hour or two so when I received the opportunity to review the glamorous looking, yet super comfortable hair accessories from Dauphines of New York my very first thought was “How long will I be able to wear this on my head before I need an Advil?”
Created by Summer Rej, each hair accessory truly feels like a piece of jewellery. I love glitz and glitter so when I first laid my eyes on this* bejeweled beauty, I was in total awe. Recently introduced to Sephora’s “Beauty on the Fly”, Dauphines of New York hair accessories start at just $24 and are made with semiprecious gemstones of coral, turquoise and pyrite, glistening crystal strands or fine leather. Each hair accessory has an adjustable strap and can also double as a necklace! I love multi-purpose pieces!
HAIR | Giving Hair Anti-Frizz Style with the *NEW* CONAIR Infiniti Pro The Ultimate Brush and got2b Haircare
Ever since I got my hair ombred, I feel like I have gotten somewhat vain about my hair. I used to be fairly low maintenance about it with straightening and smoothing being the only things I cared about, but now that it only really looks good with waves I have employed what feels like an entourage of tools to make it look fabulous. I have been relying solely on my ghd as my one and only hair appliance and although I still use a hairbrush to brush out tangles it’s not a tool that I have been looking to improve upon. When London Drugs offered me the opportunity to try out the new Conair Infiniti Pro The Ultimate Brush*($39.99 CDN) I though sure, why not. My current hairbrush situation is pretty boring and it can only get better, right?
The Infiniti Pro is a revolutionary new hair brush that is going to be a game changer for anyone who has struggled with frizz or static-prone hair. Vancouver’s humidity can play massive havoc with any gal’s hair and I will admit that there have been times when I have DRIVEN instead of taken transit to avoid dealing with my hair after humidity. This brush is powered with an anti-frizz ionic generator that releases ions straight onto hair, making it smooth, silky and soft. We have heard about ions before with flat irons and hairdryers and what conditioning ions do is neutralize any static charge along the cuticle of the hair for that instantly shiny finish.
MAKEUP LOOK | #NYCBeautyPro Honours Andy Warhol and the Pop Art Movement
Leave it up to the NYC Beauty Pro team to push me to my limits as always, but truth be told I love having a challenge every month because there are so many looks and techniques to try in the makeup world that narrowing it down helps incredibly. This month is all about getting inspired by the one and only Andy Warhol who is best known for leading the Pop Art movement. Pop Art is all about contrasting, bold colours and what immediately jumped into my mind was a picture of Marilyn Monroe (here) done in classic Pop Art style. Now, I am missing those incredible blonde locks that make this picture as iconic as it is, but what NYC did provide was a bright lip and a green shadow stick. Let the games begin!
BODY | Getting Summer Ready with MOROCCANOIL Body Souffle!
When I first inhaled the scent of MOROCCANOIL it was with their shampoo and conditioner, then their glimmer shine spray. The scent of MOROCCANOIL products is enough to send me into a complete state of euphoria. I also use the Luminous Hold Hairspray every day because it has one of the best hairspray scents out there in addition to a lighter hold for curls. When MOROCCANOIL moved from hair to body products I couldn’t help but wonder if they too were scented with what I imagine to be nectar of the Gods. Well, the answer is YES. The MOROCCANOIL Body Souffle* ($56.00 CDN/190mL) is just as intoxicating as one would imagine and although there are two new scents to the MOROCCANOIL family – Fleur d’Oranger and Fleur de Rose, the original scent that got argan oil on the beauty radar is my favourite.
SKINCARE | NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex First Impressions Review
MAKEUP LOOK | Burberry Complete Eye Palette in No.12 “Nude Blush” Review & Swatches
Sigh…Burberry. I feel I almost have to whisper it to capture its reverence. The Burberry colour collection is a fairly new one to me as I am more familiar with this brand for its watches and iconic trenchcoats. Oftentimes with fashion houses that create makeup lines, there is a disconnect between the two, but you won’t find that here with the Burberry Beauty Spring Collection. The Burberry story is evident from the packaging all the way down to the textures and colour palettes. What I love about the Burberry colour collection is how “at home” I feel as every palette and shade is classic and iconic. Eyeshadow palettes have become a new obsession of mine and when I had the opportunity to choose a Complete Eye Palette during the Burberry boutique opening in Richmond Centre in March, I knew I wanted something dramatic, but classic. The No.12 Nude Blush Complete Eye Palette*($64.00 CDN) is a quartet of four richly pigmented shades that have been customized with a luminizing base highlighter, two medium shades for shape and one for lining.
SKINCARE | Starting the La Prairie “2 Week Program to Lineless Beauty” ft. the Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster
Back in March, I had the pleasure of meeting with Becky Watkins, La Prairie’s Director of Education, and chatting about my skin and the brand essence of La Prairie (here). Being a beauty blogger means experimenting with a vast number of products and when it comes to skincare, reviews cannot be done in the space of a week if real results need to be discussed. Speaking of which I have number of skincare reviews that are due on this blog, but starting today I will be embarking on my first experience with La Prairie skincare using all products that were recommended to me by Becky from the Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal line in addition to their newest skincare innovation released just last month, the Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster ($335.00 CDN/50mL).
The Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster is a liquid-gel serum that uses a targeted delivery system to transport peptides to precisely where wrinkles are at their worst. Ingredients are encapsulated within an attached targeting peptide that encourages delivery to collagen-supporting skin cells leaving skin plumped. Oh, and the best part? This is all happens in just TWO WEEKS. I received a 2 week supply and will report back with the results and a much more detailed product analysis next month!
For more information on the Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster or any other La Prairie products please visit Holt Renfrew, www.holtrenfrew.com or www.laprairie.com
NAILS | OPI Color Paints “Distressed Brush Stroke” Nail Art
A few weeks back, I posted on Instagram that something was abrewing with the new OPI Color Paints* collection comprising of OPIs first blendable nail lacquer. The challenge was to create a tutorial using the collection using the sheer, jelly-esque properties of the polishes. I have always wanted to do a distressed nail art look ever since the “graffiti nail art” trend of last year and these polishes were perfect. Since the colours are meant to be layered, swirled and mixed, I just went wild with my colour choices! Find out how to create this look after the jump!
NAILS | Mary Kay Paradise Calling “Swirl” Nail Art with Lagoon and Exotic Orchid Nail Lacquer
I have been sporting my version of nubbins for what feels like almost a year as they were initially breaking from stress back in July. They have had a hard time recovering with my right hand still suffering break after break. You would never know since I have managed to keep nail posts going each week! I have been waiting a few weeks to finally break out some awesome cyclone vinyls from TwinkledT that required a bit of nail length for the pattern to work. While the cyclones would work with an array of colours, I was also anxious to finally wear the new Mary Kay Paradise Calling ($10.00 CDN) polishes. The colours just scream tropical paradise!
I started with two coats of “Exotic Orchid”* and used a fast drying top coat. Exotic Orchid on its own was just so beautiful that I almost left it alone. Opaque in two coats and with a lovely formulation!
Then I placed the decal on top of my now COMPLETELY dry nail and although it took some trial and error, I eventually managed to get some cyclones on my nails! For my “cyclone” top layer, I used two coats of the dark green “Lagoon”* and peeled off the decal RIGHT AWAY. That’s the secret to decals and taping manis – take the tape off immediately! Don’t let it dry!
Mary Kay Paradise Calling polishes are available through your Mary Kay consultant or at marykay.ca
MAKEUP LOOK | Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls Cream Eye Shadow Stylo in Bronze Pearl, Freshwater Pearl and Blue Pearl Review & Swatches
I feel like there are a lot of Spring collections that are totally wearable for summer with the Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls Color Collection being no exception. The collection consists of a Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter ($48.00 CDN), a Lip Gloss Trio ($28.00 CDN) and a trio of Cream Eye Shadow Stylos* ($26.00 CDN/each) inspired by the mysterious colour tones of the sea and a little bit of shimmery iridescence.
I have a thing for eye shadows in stick form as they make my mornings MUCH faster so when I saw this collection, I immediately gravitated to the eye shadows. I mean, I know I must have literally a thousand bronze shadows, but these were just too awesome to walk away from! With jojoba oil and aloe allowing for a comfortable formula, these two ingredients also soothe and soften the eye area for easy application.
MASK MONDAYS | Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask vs. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask Review
Well, there was a mistake on my end with scheduling and I must have clicked the wrong day! This WAS supposed to be up yesterday, but just pretend for now that it’s Monday again!
I remember a few years ago when Fresh was just getting onto everyone’s beauty radar and nowadays if someone tells me they don’t know about the Fresh Lip Tints I assume they’ve been living under a rock. I then remind myself that not everyone on the planet lives and breathes beauty products. Fresh has been taking the Sephora skincare world by storm now that both are owned by parent company LVMH. One area they are amazing in is their masks. For awhile, it was just the Brown Sugar, Rose and Black Tea masks, followed more recently by the Honey Mask. What Fresh didn’t have in their repertoire was a sleeping mask until earlier this year with the release of the Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask*($108.00 CDN/100mL). I had sneakily used its predecessor, the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask ($108.00 CDN/100mL) through the mask trio set as an overnight mask though that proved to be tricky because of the texture. What are the differences between the two seeing as how they both have black tea ferment in them?
GIVEAWAY! | Montagne Jeunesse Pamper Packs! (CANADA ONLY)
Many of you know from my Instagram that I love MASKS. Sheet masks, mud masks, peel-off masks, you name it, I love it and I know I am not the only one! Montagne Jeunesse have created some of the yummiest smelling masks I have ever come across and when I think of pampering, I think of their White Chocolate or Hot Chocolate Masques. Talk about satisfaction minus the calories! Now, for some even more amazing news, FarleyCo Beauty is giving away one of these three Montagne Jeunesse Pamper Packs to one Cosmetic Proof reader in need of some skin and soul soothing pampering! Each Pamper Pack will have FIVE random masques.
Terms of the Giveaway
- Open to CANADA ONLY
- Giveaway ends on May 18th, 2015 at 11:59pm
- Winner will win ONE Pamper Pack of 5 masks
- The winner will have 48 hours to reply once they are contacted
- Do not follow only to unfollow (I have a VERY good memory!)
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Montagne Jeunesse can be found at Walmart, London Drugs, and select Pharmasave, Brunet, Lawtons, Uniprix, Jean Coutu and Overwaitea stores across Canada.
MAKEUP | Mary Kay Paradise Calling Collection Whipped Eye Color in Tiki Hut and Seafoam Review with Swatches
The Paradise Calling Collection from Mary Kay feels so much more like a summer collection to me than one for spring with product names like “Tiki Hut” and “Tropical Mandarin”. There were a few things in the collection that really caught my eye, but the Whipped Eye Colors in Tiki Hut* ($18.00 CDN) and Seafoam* caught my attention because I just wanted to touch them because they look just as tempting as fresh snow in their little pots! Promising to be lightweight and easily blendable, these cream shadows can be as sheer or as opaque as you would like.
EYELASH REVIEW | ESQIDO Mink Collection in Style “Unforgettable”
I feel like THIS is the year of the false lash for me. I had said in my beauty resolutions guest post that I vowed to get more comfortable with an eyelash curler, eyeshadow colours and applying false lashes. Although the eyelash curler is still something I haven’t mastered, I can honestly say that I am trying hard with the latter two resolutions. The more false lashes I try, the more I know what I want and I want quality. ESQIDO false lashes are professional grade mink lashes with a soft, handmade cotton lash band that are soft and fluttery in appearance yet have a wear time of up to 25 applications.
MAKEUP LOOK | MAC is Beauty “Pop Star” Inspired ft. Eyeshadow in Preening, Lipstick in Pure Vanity and Cremesheen Glass in Japanese Spring
Sometimes we forget that makeup is all about playing. There are days when I’m putting together a classic neutral eye look and I look back at myself and want to throw in some yellow, pink or glitter. Today is that day. Although the MAC is Beauty collection isn’ horrifically in your face in terms of colour, it IS very striking in terms of the colours that were chosen to be part of the collection. The message behind MAC is Beauty is one of pure vanity and indulgence. Yes, makeup can sometimes be all about showcasing your natural beauty, BUT it can also be about being completely and utterly high-maintenance.
MAKEUP LOOK | Makeup for Mom with the Wet n Wild Coloricon Comfort Zone Palette & Mega Last Liquid Lip Color
I keep thinking that “Mother’s Day” makeup must mean “makeup for the mature face”, but as I turn 32 this year “Makeup for Mom” could easily be makeup for me…scary thought! There won’t be any babies on Cosmetic Proof anytime soon, but I do have many friends who are young parents. I know that when I think there’s not enough time in a day, adding a child to the mix must cut that time in half so mothers everywhere, I applaud you! For my Mother’s Day inspired look, I went with efficiency with a bit of sex appeal. Yes, I said it.
NAILS | OPI Softshades Collection - “Put It In Neutral” & “Petal Soft” Review with Swatches
I’ve never been one for neutrals unless I’m slapping nail art on it. I’m not that adventurous when it comes to fashion or makeup, but the one area I can truly have fun with in such a small amount of surface area is my nails so I say, go big or go home! When I caught an initial glimpse of the OPI Softshades Collection, I saw more than just nudes. I saw glitter and shimmer too so I thought, “Yeah, I can roll with this”.
MAKEUP | Rimmel London Provocalips Kiss Proof Lip Colour Review & Swatches of “Make Your Move”, “I’ll Call You” and “Play with Fire”
Long-lasting lip colour is all the rage, but there is always a caveat when it comes to just how comfortable they are to wear. Some make your lips feel like plastic, while others dry them out. I am sure I am not the only who has suffered through lips that felt like they didn’t belong on your face and when Rimmel London’s Provocalips ($8.99 CDN) emerged I was honestly expecting pretty much the same, but when you love beauty, past experiences only spur you on to keep trying! Available in 10 luscious shades, Provocalips Kiss Proof Lip Colour promises 16 hours of wear, transfer-proof colour as well as lips that don’t feel tight and uncomfortable. Sure. That’s what they all say, right?
BATH & BODY | New for Mother’s Day with LUSH!
It’s that time again! I missed out on Easter, but I’m just in time to share with you all a few Mother’s Day bath time goodies! Mother’s Day at Lush isn’t necessarily the cutest time of year, but it sure is the sweetest in terms of sentiment. Also, if you are a fan of florals there are a number of options sure to delight the senses and make mom VERY happy!
FRAGRANCE | L’Occitane Pivoine Flora EDT
In anticipation of the, soon to be released, Pivoine Sublime perfecting skincare line, L’Occitane has re-released the Pivoine Flora EDT ($55.00 CDN/75mL)* in a new, pink rounded bottle with softly engraved petals. I love this packaging so much more with its soft gradient and bright pink box. As for the scent, this must be a sign of the times as I swore I was not a floral gal and have had samples of Pivoine Flora before with no olfactory success. I spritzed this on my wrists the moment I got it and it wore beautifully. The peony (extracted from the south of France) is light, floral and incredibly fresh-smelling which is what pulled me in right away. I am immediately transported to open fields of flowers in France, despite never having been there! I suppose that’s part of the appeal of fragrance – being able to experience another country and culture all in one bottle.
I think mom would love something like this, don’t you? Or get one for yourself and one for mom for Mother’s Day!
FASHION | SOUFEEL Sterling Silver Snake Bracelet with Charms Review
Few of you already know this, but before I began my beauty career, I was actually the director for a large Canadian jewellery company for a decade. Needless to say, I know my gems and shiny baubles VERY well. I know what to look for when it comes to a quality piece, check the security of your diamonds as well as quote you how much a repair would cost. I have helped a few friends find their engagement rings, hand-delivered rings to clients and worked with FedEx to make sure one gal in the Yukon got that 1 carat diamond engagement ring for Christmas! In short, I am very selective when it comes to what I wear so let me honestly say (aren’t I always?) that I was TRULY impressed when I got a taste of the jewellery selection at SOUFEEL.
NAILS | Dior Tie Dye Collection Summer 2015 – Dior Nail Lacquer in Sunkissed 239 with Tie Dye Top Coat Review & Swatches
I don’t even know how to dive into the amazingness of the newest makeup collection from Dior. With so many products and pieces, I thought I would start with wear my heart always lies – nail lacquer. This summer, Dior decided to have a little fun and take the spirit of tie dye, with its swirls and shifts of colour, to create a jelly grenadine-coloured top coat to give nails a taste of the tie dye effect. The Tie Dye Dior Nail Lacquer Collection is composed of Sunkissed ($27CDN/10mL)*, a rosy creme nude, Sunwashed*, a milky yellow and the piece de resistance, the Ombre Effect Top Coat ($28 CDN/10mL)*. The Tie Dye Top Coat can be used on bare nails to give them a healthy pink glow of ultra shiny colour, layered over polishes to give a certain je ne sais quoi OR…to create ACTUAL OMBRE NAILS like the name of the product says! I have yet to see anyone use the top coat in this manner! In the nail art community, creating a gradient with jelly polishes is also termed the “Syrup Manicure”. Read on to find out how to create it!
MAKEUP LOOK | Shu Uemura shu:palette 16 Shades of Nude Review & Swatches
Nothing sets our hearts a flutter like a neutrals palette. Am I right? Ever since the eyeshadow palettes from the Brave Beauty collection, I have eagerly awaited more glorious colours and formulations from Shu Uemura so I was NOT expecting the shu:palette 16 Shades of Nude*($105 CDN)! I was expecting even more bright colors to grace my eyelids, but you know what? If any brand should have a neutrals palette, it should be shu! The shu:palette contains 16 nude shades in six different finishes that have been specifically chosen to compliment Asian skin tones and define Asian eyes. The blend of light, medium and dark shades allow for a 3-step gradation technique that brings a natural dimension to the Asian eye. Yes, we Asians do not have the largest of eyes. I am grateful for what little double eyelids I have, but often wish I had more surface area to work with.