BEAUTY | Lip Care with Henne Organics

I tried hard not to be absent from this space the whole week, but doing Inventory at work this week with half the staff we normally have thanks to COVID restrictions has wiped me out completely. I honestly can't believe it's already Saturday as the last couple of days have been a haze of running around and then coming home and feeling like a zombie until falling asleep. Now that my weekend is here, I look forward to sleeping in and my pedicure on Monday! 

Purchased by me

MAKEUP | Avon x The Face Shop Ink Tattoo Lip Tints

In this time of mask-wearing, I find that people are either wearing less or MORE makeup. I think it all comes down to your occupation and whether you are on your own or customer facing as you obviously wouldn't be wearing a mask if you are spending most of your time at home. I have been especially focused on lips as I still like wear some sort of colour as my natural lip colour is quite pale. While I have been wearing a number matte liquid lipsticks, for mornings where I am in a rush or just don't feel like taking the time to painstakingly outline my lips (let's face it, a liquid lipstick takes TIME to apply!), a longwearing lip tint has also been working for me. When it comes to lip tints, the Korean beauty world is really where it's at as tints are standard in their makeup looks whether it'd be casual or dressy. Avon and The Face Shop have been really killin' it with the products they have partnered up on and released so here are the Ink Tattoo Lip Tints!

PR gifted

KBEAUTY | LABIOTTE Wine Lip Tint with Swatches #KBeautyJune

When it comes to the lip tint, I feel the Koreans do it best because if you have ever looked at Asian makeup, it's generally A LOT of tints. Not that lipsticks aren't used, but the gradient lip look has long been the standard for sweet, natural-looking beauty and it makes perfect sense that tints would be done best in the Asian beauty world! I have a couple of tints from various KBeauty brands and to be honest they are all kind of the same shades of reds and pinks, but who can resist Asian packaging?! I know I can't, so when I saw the LABIOTTE Wine Lip Tints in miniature wine bottles with a formula containing actual wine extract, I just had to go for it because of well, cuteness overload. 

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MAKEUP | Burberry Full Kisses Lipsticks with Lip Swatches

I'm really glad glossy is coming back because my lips have been so temperamental lately. I don't think I have ever mentioned this here, but whenever I get stressed, my lips get super swollen with tiny blisters and then flake like crazy for about a week. You can't even see anything, but my lips just feel very tight and uncomfortable. If anything, I have been asked if I have had lip injections whenever I have a flare up because my lips look so full! These flare-ups started when I got a big promotion at work in 2013 and then while I was prepping for my wedding. It went away while I was in the beauty industry and then came back when I started my current job two years ago. It is what it is so whenever I have a flare-up I go back to my glossy finish lipstick buddies to mask my dry patchy lips. My new friends go by the name of the Burberry Full Kisses* ($33.00 CDN) and they are a creamy full coverage, luminous finish lipstick lasting up to 8 hours!

MAKEUP | Quo Cosmetics Lip Velours with Lip Swatches

More matte lips, you say? Well, ok then! I have more awesomeness from Quo Cosmetics with six new shades from their Lip Velours collection. At this point, I think we have all tried a few matte lipstick formulations and I remember when long-lasting and matte meant discomfort and lips that were crying out for help! Thankfully, this is no longer the case and we can now wear intensely beautiful shades with ease.

The Quo Lip Velours ($14.00 CDN) apply as a liquid and transform into matte, cream-looking, finish. They are long wearing, transfer-proof and of course have mega pigmentation. I don't think I have ever seen a matte finish that wasn't pigmented. I don't even think it's doable really.

The one thing that makes the Lip Velours different from other matte liquid lipsticks is that the applicator is an actual brush as opposed to a doe foot applicator. The brush is supposed to make application more accurate, but I found it to be about the same. If anything, the slanted edge of the doe foot applicator is helpful to have. 

What seems to be a running theme with the matte liquid lipsticks/creams I have been trying out this year is the inconsistency in formula across different colour. With these swatches below, we can definitely play a game of "one of these things is not like the other"!

After Diva* (lip swatch here), Envy* was my second favourite shade and formula with the same easy application and relatively weightless formula. This bright orange-red seemed to brighten up my skin and add a nice pop of colour to an otherwise neutral makeup look.

Envy

There are some shades that just don't work and unfortunately Bombshell* was one of them. This probably would not have been so bad in a gloss or cream formula, but this peachy pink looked almost clown-like on me and made me look like I was glowing from afar. Formula was the same as Diva and Envy, but this colour was just too much for me.

Bombshell

Finally we come to Vamp*, which is actually a beautiful colour but the formula was oddly watery. It made me think that I perhaps received a dud, but even with searching online for reviews I wasn't able to find a swatch of Vamp. You can see below that because the formula was so watery, even application was near impossible. My husband thought I had a lip gradient going on, but that is just the patchiness happening...

Vamp

Final verdict: Diva is the shade I wear most often because of how neutral and flattering it is with any makeup look, but Envy is a close second! The formula is fairly comfortable, but I still find the Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Mattes (review) a bit more comfortable to wear. The Lip Velours were indeed transfer proof, which I tested out by eating a very leafy salad, and last the day. There was some wear on the inner part of my lip after eating which I think is to be expected, but other than the formulation issue with Vamp, I liked the shades that did work and hopefully darker shades like Vamp will be better on the next iteration.

Quo Cosmetics is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

MAKEUP | Dior Addict Lacquer Sticks with Lip Swatches

As much as I am now into satin and matte finishes, I entered the makeup world only knowing of glosses and LOVING THEM. The shinier the better. I remember carting around a clear glitter-filled lip gloss all through my early university years and using it as a top coat for neutral lipsticks. One guy in my Integral Calculus class (MATH 105 at UBC baby!) was staring at my lips and asked how I got them to look so big. I pulled out the tube and told him my glossy secret. And no, we didn't end up dating, but we are still friends!

The old version of the revamped Dior Addict Ultra Gloss was my very first high end lip gloss purchase. I figured that since this was my everyday makeup staple, I should invest! 10 years later, Dior is still managing to wow me with the new Dior Addict Lacquer Sticks ($43.00 CDN)! They look like a lipstick, but once this formula hits your lips, transforms into a liquid shine with an intense saturated colour! Coming in 18 shades, there is something for everyone in here, even those of us who like to experiment.  

BEAUTY | Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

I love skincare that works while I am sleeping and wish I could get MORE done that way! Asian skincare was the first to introduce the concept of sleeping "packs" or masks and I have been a regular customer of the sleeping mask since I was 25. Every other night was sleeping mask night though once I started blogging, it got harder to stay consistent especially when reviewing a full skincare line. One thing I never stopped though was applying a generous dollop of lip balm to my lips just before bed time so it was really easy to swap my peppermint lip balm for Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask* ($24.00 CDN)! 

MAKEUP | The Burberry Liquid Lip Velvets with Lip Swatches

I've been noticing that a number of lip products have been gracing the blog in the last couple of weeks and I think it's because there have been, what feels like, an unusually large number of releases for the lips. I am still waiting for the glossy lip to make its appearance again, but for now the matte lip trend continues with variations on texture and comfort. I thought I was a die hard gloss fan until I realized how much longer a matte lip lasts!

Burberry. This is a brand that never half-asses anything and a number of my daily makeup staples belong to this brand. The Eye Colour Contour Pens (review) are getting down to the nubbins now because they last and look great anytime. Any day. I can never go wrong with them and so when Burberry released the Liquid Lip Velvets ($38.00 CDN) with their bold, matte and whipped texture, I was like "Let's DO this! Momma needs some new lip shades!" 

BEAUTY | Get Lips as Smooth as Silk with the Dior Lip Sugar Scrub and Lip Glow

I never knew the importance of lip TLC until the matte lipstick entered my life. A matte lipstick is unforgiving and unrelenting when it comes to a dry lip. I even bought a SEPARATE child's toothbrush for daily lip exfoliation so that in the event I "needed" a matte lip, I would be ready. I don't know about you, but I have a lot of lip scrubs. I don't know why, but whenever there is a new flavour in brand "X" I need to have it so when I saw the Dior Lip Sugar Scrub* ($33.00 CDN) and Lip Glow* ($33.00 CDN) I just figured that one was a generic balm and the other a scrub-in-a-stick. I don't often say I like being wrong, but in this case it was pleasantly so!

MAKEUP | Cougar Beauty 24HR Liquid Lipstick in Rioja and Mulberry Review with Swatches

Cougar Beauty is a new-to-me brand from the UK with a number of makeup, skincare, hair and teeth whitening products. I used to follow UK cosmetics quite closely when I first started blogging and I really don't know why I stopped. The UK pumps out some amazing products so I am getting back on the British bandwagon with these Cougar Beauty 24HR Liquid Lipsticks!

MAKEUP | Burt's Bees Lipsticks in Fuchsia Flood, Brimming Berry and Scarlet Soaked with Lip Swatches

Looking back last week, I realized that I never did any makeup posts. Granted, I was struggling through yawns to write what I managed, but never realized that last week was a little heavy on the skincare. I'm still feeling a bit blurry whether it'd be from work or general fatigue that a part of me wonders if I am coming down with something. I mean, it's gloriously sunny outside on my (weekend) and all I want to do is curl up with my kitties and sleep.

For the sake of keeping things cozy, let's talk about a brand that I feel is cozy and warm - Burt's Bees. I always feel like I have something good on my skin when it's Burt's Bees. I am an almost religious follower of Burt's Bees Peppermint Lip Balm having used it for more than 10 years now so when, in April of this year, Burt's Bees announced that actual lipsticks were being added, I wasn't completely sold on whether I would love them as much as the lip balms. I had set the bar so high in my mind. 

MAKEUP | Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Diorama, Princess and Mirrored Review & Swatches

There's a new gloss in town. The Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss is a new formulation for Dior referred to as a "hydra-plumper gloss" that promises volume, shine and an iridescent sparkle that is easy and comfortable to wear. With "hyaluronic acid spheres" that capture and keep moisture in, lips stay hydrated and plump. All I know is that my lips were quite shiny and with 18 new shades, there is definitely something for everyone.

LIPS | Softlips Luxe Lip Moisturizer in Silky Shea and Creamy Coconut + GIVEAWAY!

My obsession with lip balms has now intensified with the new Softlips Luxe Lip Moisturizers* ($4.67 CDN) that I first spotted exclusively at my local Wal-Mart. I kid you not, I have probably 5-6 of the original super slim cigarette style Softlips lip balms and love the combination of menthol and flavour. I reviewed last year’s ultra cute cube packaging (here) and continue to use them both to this day. Just like the Softlips Cube, Softlips Luxe has a 5 in 1 formula containing hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut and sunflower oil while smoothing out the roughness of winter-chapped lips. Both scents smell wonderful, but I’m sure you all knew that! 

Personally, I don’t find these overly hydrating, BUT you know what these are PERFECT for? Priming the lips for lipstick! They smooth the lip surface while soothing any dryness I may be feeling, but does not leave my lip colour slip-sliding around. While I prefer the twist-up lipstick style to the Cube (which has slipped out of my hands a few times), my husband wanted to point out that though he liked the Creamy Coconut scent, he felt very girly carrying this around and prefers to use this at home as opposed to work where he may be judged. I definitely see his point.

Now it’s giveaway time! ONE lucky winner will win the following prize pack valued at $50:

·        1 Softlips LUXE lip moisturizer Creamy Coconut: $4.67

·        1 Softlips LUXE lip moisturizer Silky Shea: $4.67

·        1 Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Fresh Mint: $4.99

·        1 Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Peach Mango: $4.99

·        1 Purse Mirror: $10.00

·        1 Cosmetic Bag: $20.00

Terms of the Giveaway

• Open to Canada only!
• Giveaway ends on December 11th, 2015 at 11:59pm
• 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!

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LIPS | Arbonne Intelligence Lip Treatment Review

Every morning before I apply any lipstick or lipgloss, I either apply a very minimal layer of chapstick or primer to make sure that my lip colour has a smooth surface to "hug" and because they feel so soothed. Primers have become my lip pacifier of sorts and with how often I use them, adding in skincare benefits? Mega bonus. The latest in lipcare comes in the form of the Arbonne Intelligence Lip Treatment* ($46.00 CDN) which contains a proprietary ingredient called Phytinol - blend of alfalfa, chicory extracts and retinoids that work to smooth skin texture. This treatment not only serves as a lip primer, but also improves overall lip volume.
 

MAKEUP | SEPHORA Collection Ultimate Oil in Gel Lipstick Remover Review

A long-wearing lipstick is one the first things we all want, but one of the caveats is always "How many centuries is it going to take to remove this bad boy?" I've tried lip scrubs which can hurt if you are incredibly gungho, oil-based makeup removers which work, but can leave your lips tasting funny and makeup wipes, which can both leave a funny taste and make my lips burn. In my desperation for trying something new, I picked up the SEPHORA Ultimate Oil in Gel Lipstick Remover (15mL/$8.00 CDN) as it was fairly inexpensive for a Sephora product and I hoped the gel would reduce the amount of irritation I was experiencing on my lips.

MAKEUP | MAC Limited Edition Vamplify Lipgloss in Hyperfabulous, Push Some Buttons and Speed Up Review with Swatches

All I can say is that these limited edition releases make me realize how fast time is flying by! It seems like not so long ago that I was at the MAC Cosmetics Fall preview back in July and only just hearing about the limited edition Vamplify Lipgloss Collection (5mL/$24.00 CDN). Touted to be MAC's most dramatic lipgloss yet, the formula contains colour-boosting pigments that promise rich, polished-looking colour for hours.

MAKEUP | Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Jammin’ Berry and Glow With It Swatches & Review

Lip glosses were the first makeup item I was comfortable wearing in high school. It’s easy, shiny and foolproof to apply. Though I’m sure I have every shade imaginable, there is nothing like finding a gloss with just the right consistency and colour. Released for the summer season, but as a permanent addition to the Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss family are the shades Jammin’ Berry* and Glow With It* ($12.00 CDN) with their characteristic jelly-like feel with an ultra smooth, non-sticky glide across the lips.

LIPS | Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, Lip Serum Advanced Therapy and Nude Lip Treatment

With matte and long-wearing lippies becoming a mainstay in the colour cosmetics department, “lip care” has become as essential as having a skincare routine. Close-up lip swatches have us critiquing the latest lip selfies and I will be the first one to admit that I DO NOT DO lip selfies. My lips aren’t full or remotely symmetrical so I tend to leave the close-ups to the pros, but that being said, I have recently started to treat my lips with a bit more TLC especially when I am in the sun or about to wear a matte lip colour since no one likes flaky lip bits. When it comes to great lip colours with SPF, Fresh Lip Treatments still reign supreme in my books and have been my go-to for the last few years. I had yet to try a whole Fresh lip routine in its entirety, but have recently added two new players to my lip-lovin’ game: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish* (17g/$26.00 CDN) and Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy* (10mL/$41.00 CDN). 

MAKEUP | Summer 2015 Mary Kay at Play Lip & Cheek Stick in Razzleberry and Peach Pop Swatches & Review

I am a recent cream blush convert and only since last year have I been unafraid to wear them. Now, I am constantly on the lookout for pigmented, blendable and fun colours to make my looks positively POP! I have been playing around with the Summer collection from Mary Kay in the last few weeks and have come across some definitive favourites that I quite possibly cannot live without starting with the Mary Kay Lip and Cheek Sticks!

MAKEUP LOOK | Charlotte Tilbury Transforms Me Into “The Rebel” #CBBLovesTilbury

She’s here. In Canada. And beauty lovers everywhere are lining up as of today in Holt’s on Bloor Street, Toronto. Charlotte Tilbury has long been one of those coveted UK brands that you watched YTubers like Zoella rave about and hoped that one day you yourself would have just a taste. Well, not only is the brand launching in Toronto today, but will also be coming to Holt’s in Vancouver the week of July 6th! To celebrate, myself and 9 other Canadian Beauty Bloggers are answering Charlotte’s questions of “Who Do I Want to be Today?” by recreating one of her 10 signature looks. I’m actually very tame day to day, but this virtual space is my playground and I almost always wanted to be a bit of a rebel with colour, but still look fairly feminine.

Today, I am “The Rebel”.