NOTD: On a Holographic Trip

After seeing Wet n Wild's polish On a Trip  all over YouTube I knew I had to make it part of my collection. Purple is my favourite colour, and I love a glossy cream polish. This polish was gorgeous on its own, but I thought I would kick it up a notch by adding some glitter. Specifically, I wanted to use the BA STAR Holographic Glitter that I reviewed a few weeks ago. The glitter is not something I will use on my eyes all that often, and I couldn't wait to try it on my nails.

I simply painted two coats of On a Trip then put on my top coat. Once that was dry, I taped off part of my nails and added another layer of of top coat. While it was still wet I dipped my finger into the pot of glitter. I tapped off the excess glitter and them added a top coat over the glitter, and removed the tape. I was so happy with how it turned out, and cant wait to try it out again. The process was fairly messy but totally worth it.

On the nails the glitter doesn't look quite as holographic, but it is still super glittery, which makes me happy. On a Trip is opaque in two coats and such a gorgeous purple. In pictures it tends to photograph more on the blue side, so I added a blurry picture of just the purple on my nails that is more true to its actual colour.

June 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

So, I finally got on the Ipsy bandwagon! A while back I thought of joining, but the bags weren't that good so I kept waiting. Since January every bag has been amazing, and when I saw that this month everyone would be getting a full size NYX blush, I finally caved and subscribed.

Ipsy sends out better brands, and sample sizes compared to other boxes. Plus, they send a higher percentage of makeup compared to their competition, something that I really like. I had signed up for boxes like Glymm and Glossybox hoping to get makeup and ended up being disappointed because I received more skin and hair care products.

Overall, I am super impressed with Ipsy and will continue to be a subscriber for the next few months, at least, to test out their service. If you are interested in signing up for Ipsy I would love if you would use my referral link! By using my link it will make me eligible for a free gift, while supplies last.

Starlooks Lip Liner in Tipsy

I am so excited that I received this colour. It is the perfect colour for Summer. I am really surprised by the pigmentation and formula of this product. The swatch was just two swipes of the lip liner, two very light swipes. This pencil is very creamy and pigmented. I think this alone with some gloss will produce the perfect coral lip.

NYX Cream Blush in Natural

At first I was kind of disappointed by this blush. I'm not the biggest fan of cream blushes(because I don't know how to apply them), and the colour in the pan looks kind of boring. When swatched however, this blush is beautiful! The texture is very glossy and reminds more of a lip product than cheek product, but it blends out perfectly. It will give me a natural flush.

Cailyn Gel Liner in Iron

I am sooooo excited for this liner! My favourite kind of liner is a gel or cream formula, and lately I have been loving grey liner. This gunmetal grey liner will define my lash line, but it wont be as harsh as black liner can sometimes look. I cannot wait to try this out!

 J.Cat Eyelashes

This is the product I like the least in this bag. My lashes naturally look like fake lashes, so I have no use for these. I will most likely give these away to a friend.

J.Cat Sparkling Cream Palette

This isn't a product I will use on a daily basis, especially seeing as it is not safe for use on or around the eyes. It reminds me of the cream glitter eye shadows I reviewed from BA Star a few months ago. The colours in this palette are really nice, and for me they swatched nicely with only a little bit of product. I have read that some other girls have had trouble getting good swatches. Seeing as these can only be used as body glitter, I will have to save this for Halloween, or it may just go into the garbage...I haven't decided yet.

For $15 I was more than happy with the value of the products I received. I give this bag a 3.5/5 because I really don't have much use for the lashes or glitter palette.

What did you receive in your Glam Bag this month? Were you happy with the product selection?



NOTD: My 1st Stamping Experience

Lately it seems that I've been doing a lot of manicure firsts. I bought some stamping plates from Dollarama a few months back, and have just gotten around to using them. I just never have time to attempt nail art or stamping. And I'm lazy, so I don't want to have to wait until the bottom polish dries before I can get stamp happy.

For this manicure I used a base coat, then two coats of Zoya Wednesday. For the stamping I decided on a silver flower on my ring finger. For the flower I used Colour Club On The Rocks. Just so you ladies know, Colour Club polishes work really well for stamping. The ones I have are very opaque, in one coat, which is what you want when stamping.

The medium teal of Wednesday and the metallic silver of On The Rocks look so good together, and I cant wait to try out a different stamping design with these two colours in the future. The stamping process was easier than I expected, and I think I did pretty well for my first time.

11 Tag I'm It!

Quite a few months ago I was tagged by Nikki @ Confessions of a Makeup Addict to complete this "get to know me" type tag. I had written out the post and put in my blog binder, but I kind of forgot about it. When I was cleaning out my binder recently, I found it, and thought I would do the post now.

The rules of this tag are that you answer the 11 questions from your tagger, choose 11 new questions for the people you tag, and link back to the blogger who tagged you. So, thank you Nikki for tagging me! And sorry it took so long to do this post. I would definitely recommend you go check out Nikki's blog. It is amazing! The link is at the top of the post.

Nikki's Questions for Me

1. If you could have any job in the world, what would you choose?

I would be a book editor/publisher. I have always loved reading and would love to be paid to read, review, and edit for a living. This job isn't unattainable, I could go to school for it if I moved to Toronto, but my life is here and I really do not want to move to Toronto, nor could I afford it.

2. Who is your fashion icon?

I don't really have a fashion icon. I wear what I like and what I can afford. I normally buy clothes and outfits I see on mannequins in my favourite stores.

3. Who is your favourite band?

My all time favourite band has always been and will always be The Backstreet Boys (don't laugh (: ), but I also really like Maroon 5, Daughtry, and Nickleback (again...don't laugh lol).

4. What one cosmetic product could you not leave the house without?

I could not leave the house without making sure my MAC Blot Powder and my Nivea Lip Balm are in my purse. I can't leave the house without, at least, wearing concealer and mascara.

5. What is your Holy Grail item?

My Holy Grail item is the Marcelle Essentials Oil Free Makeup Remover Lotion. I will never use anything else ever, unless Marcelle discontinues it, and I am forced to! This is the best makeup remover I have ever used!

6. What is your favourite lipstick?

I don't have an all time favourite, but I do really enjoy MAC Angel & Dish It Up. As well as, Maybelline's Colour Whispers in Rose of Attraction and Pin It Up Peach.

7. Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have a black cat named Sloan. He is my cuddle muffin, although he hates cuddling, and me, when I force him too lol.

8. Any tattoos or piercings?

I have my ears pierced, but never really wear earrings anymore.

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My parents inspire me a lot! My mom is a cancer survivor and one of the strongest people I know. I hope one day I can be as strong as her. My dad is the most reliable and giving person I know. I hope that they are as proud to be my parents as I am to be their daughter.

10. Why do you love blogging?

Blogging gives me a creative outlet. It was really something I started just to give myself something to do, keep busy, and have some social interaction. Now it is still that, but I do it because I love it and the community it has brought me into.

11. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I would live right where I am because that is where my family, most of my friends, and the love of my life it. Anywhere else would take me away from them and that would be terrible.

Me & Brian (my BF) Not the most glamorous picture, but camping doesn't require makeup.

My Questions for You

1. What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
2. What is your favourite song right now?
3. If you could have dinner with any 1 person, dead, alive, or imaginary, who would it be and why?
4. What is you favourite drugstore makeup brand?
5. Would you buy cosmetics/nail polish from Dollarama?
6. What is the last book you read? What did you think of it?
7. What was the last movie you saw?
8. Who is your current celebrity crush?
9. Why did you start blogging?
10. If you could only buy one brand of makeup for the rest of your life which one would you buy?
11. What is one product you couldn't live without?
Bonus Question: What blog do you always look forward to new posts from?

I tag anyone who wants to participate to do this tag. If you answer my questions, leave me a link in the comments so I can see your answers.

 

 

NOTD: My 1st Jelly Sandwich Manicure

I'm not sure if jelly sandwich manicures are still "in", but I'm used to being the last girl at the trend party, so here is my attempt at it. To complete this manicure you need a jelly polish that is sheer, even after a few coats, for the bread. And a glitter polish for the filling. I chose to use Zoya's Loretta and a unnamed Cynthia Rowley polish that I used in a past nail of the day. If you would like to see that firework inspired manicure click here!

I started with a base coat, let that dry, and then put down one coat of Loretta. After I let that dry for a few minutes, I put a fair amount of glitter down on each nail. Again, once that dried I put two more coats of Loretta on top. Loretta is a extremely sheer, light, milky pink. It would be perfect for a French manicure, and it worked fairly well for this manicure. I could still see the white tips of my nails underneath, but I was pretty happy with how it turned out. With a top coat I had no chipping for about 4-5 days, and by that time I was bored with the look and moved on to a new colour.

What do you think of the jelly sandwich look?

Colours of the Rainbow Tag!

I first saw this tag going around YouTube a few weeks ago, and knew that I wanted to get in on this tag action. No one specifically tagged me, but MissGlamorazzi did say that she tagged anyone watching her video so I'm taking that as I was. :)

I am going to tag a few specific people, however, if you are reading this and want to do this tag go ahead! Leave me you link in the comments, so that I can see your colourful picks!

Gen @ Beautiful Onyx & Mick

Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG

Sabina @ Beauty Blogs and More

Helen @ Beauty Delights

Jayne @ Cosmetic Proof

Aleksandra @ Plumpish Beauty

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart

I've always been wary about wearing a red lip. I'm afraid that the colour will bleed and I'll have it all over my face or all over my teeth. This was my first red lip product and it has been love ever since. This lip butter is very pigmented, I only need one layer for adequate colour payoff. It is moisturizing, especially when you put on a few layers, and the colour just intensifies with each swipe. It is a bright and vibrant red that can be worn everyday. Lately, I have been wearing this paired with black eyeliner and mascara, for a minimal, yet classic look.

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

This has been my go to mascara since I started wearing makeup, years and years ago. Although I have tried many others, I always seem to go back to this one. The brush separates my lashes and makes it so each lash is coated from root to tip. The formula isn't overly wet so application is easy. After using this I am always left with a perfect fan of lashes.

Cake Beauty Lemon Cupcake Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

I can't tell you how much I love this shower gel! It is citrusy, and sugary, with a hint of vanilla. It awakens the senses and leaves me feeling clean, and smelling great. It reminds me of Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Lemon Vanilla. It lathers extremely well and leaves the skin clean, but not dry. I feel moisturized after using this, and rarely need to use extra cream after. The smell lingers on my skin for a little while after which is something I really like in my shower gels. I want to try and find a lotion that smells like this so that I can layer. At first I was kind of skeptical about this product because most lemon shower gels smell like Lemon Pledge to me. But this is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone.

M. Asam Vino Gold Magic Fini

I couldn't really find a green product in my collection other than this one. I received this sample in a past Glymm bag, when they were still in business. I put off using it for the longest time, because it looks so dark and I'm always the palest shade when it comes to foundations. I've been using it for about a month now and only used half the pot. This feels like a primer when it goes on, but melts into your skin like a BB cream. It gives me light, even coverage, that on most days is enough. When I need more coverage I use this as a base and layer foundation on top. I am going to be really sad when this sample is empty. I would be willing to splurge on this product though, that's how much I love it.

Nivea Aqua Effect Refreshing Toner - Normal Skin

This is my Holy Grail toner. I was using Clean&Clear for the longest time, but found it so drying. This toner leaves me skin feeling clean, refreshed, and not dry. It smells really good too. I use this at night after I cleanse my skin, and in the morning to remove any excess oils. I have combination skin, but this toner for normal skin has been working so I am going to be sticking with it for now. I may switch to the one for combination skin in the future, however, I will continue to use Nivea for my toner needs from now on.

Marcelle Essentials Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover Lotion

Another Holy Grail product here! I love love love this stuff! It is so gentle on the eyes so I don't need a separate remover for face and eyes. It removes cream eye shadows, and waterproof mascara like a dream. There is no scent which I like and a little goes a long way. I really like that it says it is oil free and it really is. Most other makeup removers I've used that say oil free leave some sort of residue on my face, but not this one. I don't feel like I need to wash my face again after using this.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I didn't really have a violet or purple product I've really been loving right now. But I have been using this primer everyday, so in the tag it goes. I bought this because it is so hyped up in the beauty community. I can say it is worth the hype. My eyeshadow has never looked better and it stays on all day without fading or creasing. I bought the little sample bottle in case I didn't like it, but next time I go shopping in the USofA I am going to splurge and pick up the full size.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

I got on the bandwagon with this hyped up product as well. This stain is that "my lips but better" shade for me and I use it almost everyday. The pencil shape allows for easy application, and the twist up bottom eliminates the hassle of having to sharpen it. Honey is a dusty rose, light pink shade, that is mildly glossy. I usually put a gloss on top a few hours later when the initial glossiness is gone and just the stain is left. I will repurchase this stain again and again.


Hopefully you enjoyed reading this tag. I would love to see your picks, so leave a comment to your posts below. Have you tried any of my favourite colourful products? If so, what are your thoughts on them?

Review: BA STAR Holo Glitter

Hey ladies! Today's post will be a review of BA STAR's holographic glitter and glitter glue. I was sent these products from BA STAR in exchange for a review. I was really impressed by the last products I was sent from BA STAR, so I had high hopes for these. They did not disappoint, so check out the review below.

The glitter glue came in a lip gloss type tube with a doe foot applicator. I didn't find that it had a scent, and although it is white in the tube it goes on pretty clear. It dries fairly quickly, at least I think that it does. It is hard to tell if it is drying or not because the formula isn't very wet, it is more of a cream texture. It holds the glitter fairly well, and isn't overly sticky, so I didn't have to scrub to get it off. I was impressed with this glue and will use it with some of the other glitters I have in the future.

 The glitter is very finely milled, and a little goes a long way. As you can see above in the lid it flashes all colours of the rainbow. It isn't gritty, like other glitters I've tried, so it didn't irritate my skin. I didn't try it on my eye because I am worried about it getting in my eye, but I was impressed by what I did try. I think that it would look really nice in a top coat on my nails. I am going to be trying this soon and if it turns out well I will post it on here.

I kept the one shot out of focus and super zoomed in so that you could see how pretty all the different colours are. My swatching skills were lacking here so the swatch on my hand is kind of sparse. However, to actually get the swatch to be opaque, you would need quite a bit of glitter, more than I would wear on a daily basis. I think putting a light wash of glitter to finish off an eye look would be good for an everyday look. Maybe on New Years I will pack on the glitter and go all out. When I tried to put the glitter from the lid onto my hand with my finger, most of the glitter stayed on my finger. I don't think, with this glitter, you would need much glue, it holds on pretty well on its own.

Overall, I am impressed with this glitter. I cant wait to try it on my nails, and in a makeup look. This little pot is going to last me a really long time, so I cant see myself having to buy more anytime soon. BA STAR has other colours available on their website. The other colours look nice, but I think that the holographic is the most unique.

If you are interested in trying this glitter out, check out the link above. The glitter and glue combo retails for $8.75, however, for my readers BA STAR has offered 50% when you use the code BBGLITZ.

 

Disclaimer: I received these products from BA STAR for free in exchange for a review. I was eligible for this campaign because I am part of BrandBacker. This review was 100% honest and my own thoughts.