Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in 10 Ivory Light

Like most I rely on foundation daily to even out my skin and as much as I love how it makes me look, I really don’t like shopping for it. You see the lightest shade in most ranges, high-end or not, usually doesn’t even come close to matching my skin. So whenever I find something that looks light enough I can’t stop the excitement which is what led me to purchase the Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in 10 Ivory Light.

First let me just say thank you to Marc Jacobs Beauty for offering such a wide range of shades: 15 in total! Now onto the foundation, it promises to be long-wearing and weightless all the while minimizing imperfections with the use of Soft Focus Powder. The coverage is medium to full depending on if you layer it or not, the texture is so light that you can easily add more if you need more coverage. One layer covers most imperfections and really evens out the skin. The texture is very watery, much more liquid than gel, and because it contains a lot of pigment it does cling to dry patches. I would recommend it more for combination to oily skin but it could work on drier skin types too if you prime or moisturize well before application. The finish is satin so it looks very luminous without giving a dewy glow and it is matte enough to last all day on my skin.

The shade 10 Ivory Light is a very fair color and a good match, even though it is a tad pink I can still easily make it work. This foundation is highly photogenic it almost acts as a filter and blurs your skin. However, what impressed me the most is how good it looks in person. I find it gives me flawless skin and I loved using it. Sadly I later discovered it contains silica so I don’t use it every day anymore, BUT I reach for it whenever I know I’ll be taking picture (I used it for my graduation pictures and it looked great) or if I want my skin to look really perfect. This is a great foundation and it is worth the investment in my opinion, especially if you have a hard time finding a good shade match. 

The Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation is available from department stores, Sephora and the Marc Jacobs Beauty website.

Dior Airflash CC Primer

Dior is my biggest luxury weakness, I mean their packaging truly is luxurious and their products usually have great textures so they are fun to apply. I also love Givenchy makeup but for some reason I just cannot resist a little Dior. Today I have a review of the very unique Dior Airflash CC Primer, an innovative spray-on face primer.

This primer contains Photo-Smart Pigments™ and is supposed to even out the skin, color correct, brighten as well as make your foundation easier to apply and last longer. A pretty tall order if you ask me. Well good news is, on my skin at least, it does fulfil most of its promises. The spray is very fine and I can’t feel it on my face, but results are there. While I don’t see much color correcting it leaves my skin looking more luminous (like it’s lit from within) and that brightness does make my skin a bit more even. The effects are not an in your face glow, it is more subtle while also being slightly blurring. The Airflash CC Primer gives my face a lovely satin finish that makes applying foundation over it a dream. The skin feels very soft and smooth with it on. I also noticed my foundation does last longer when I use the primer even though it does not offer a lot of shine/oil control.

Another reason I really enjoy using this is its scent, it just smells amazing! The one down side of this primer for is that it contains silica, I know most people are fine with it but my skin does not agree with it (at least it’s seems to be a common denominator in product that break me out or make my skin bumpy). Because of this I cannot use it every day but it has not stopped me from spraying it on for special occasions or when I want a subtle boost of radiance.

Now I highly recommend testing it out at a Dior counter before purchasing it, because it is expensive and people seem to be quite divided about it. Is this something you need in your life? Probably not, but it is a fun product and I do enjoy using it, so it is worth having a look at if you are looking for something different from your everyday primer. 

The Dior Airflash CC Primer is available at Dior counters, Sephora and Feelunique.

An October Beauty Haul: Lush, Sephora and more

Well I guess this is what happens when you don’t go shopping for weeks. I finally went to the mall last week after my list of things I needed buy got a bit too long. I did get a bit caught up in Bath and Body Works, but otherwise it was a successful outing. Today, I wanted to share with you my latest purchases and the new releases currently in stores.

First up is Bath and Body Works, I originally went only to get new hand sanitizers but I let myself be tempted into a few more things. I first pickup 3 PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gels in Crisp Morning Air, Winter Wonderland and Sunlight andApple Trees, I love how these smell amazing and don’t leave your hands feeling sticky. I told myself I would not buy anymore candles because I have quite a few already. However the new fall/winter scents were so nice that I decide to get two of the Mini Candles in Sweater Weather and Frosted Cranberry. These are tiny but a great way to experience new scents without investing in a large candle and I love how they now come with little lids just like the bigger ones. Frosted Cranberry has been a favorite of mine for years, the light fruity scent is lovely and different from typical holiday scents (it’s very fresh). Lastly I got a Nourishing Hand Cream in Crisp Morning, this scent is my favorite from Bath and Body Works, it is just so light and crisp, I wish they did a candle in this. To be honest, this is no my favorite hand cream because I don’t find it very nourishing, but it works as a quick fix and the smell is just divine. 

Next I hit up The Body Shop to get a bottle of my trusted Tea Tree Oil. I always have it to use as a spot treatment, it works brilliantly. Continuing with the skincare, I stopped by Sephora to get a new favorite of mine: the Caudalie Lip Conditioner. This is an amazing lip balm, I was not blown away at first but once you go through the waxier top layer, you get a super nourishing and moisturizing balm. It is in my top 3 Caudalie products and it is also surprisingly affordable. As I was about to pay I noticed Sephora had a cute little mini set of the lip conditioner and a mini hand cream that retailed for the same price as the lip balm alone. Who doesn’t love a great Sephora Bargain. 

Last but certainly not least, I stopped by Lush with no other attention than just having a look at the new releases (mostly the little golden Halloween pumpkin), but as always I couldn’t leave empty handed. For some reason, I was really craving something sweet smelling so I went for the Yuzu and Cocoa Bubbleroon to get loads of bubble and relax with the light and sweet scent of oranges and chocolate. The other thing I picked up was the Snow Angel Luxury Bubble Bath, this smells like marzipan and turns your water into a super moisturizing soak that doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily. They are both so lovely, I might have to go back for more!

So there you have it, my most recent purchases. There is actually also an amazing organic (and affordable) body lotion, but I forgot to take a picture of it. It’s in my bathroom because I’ve been using it every day. I promise you’ll hear about it soon. So, what new things did you get recently or what is on your must-buy list of the moment?

Thierry Mugler Alien

Crisp air, gorgeously colored leaves and general coziness pretty much sum up why fall is my favorite season. Along with all those things, I love how the cooler season makes me want to wear warmer scents that feel like a nice blanket. For many years now, my favorite fall/winter fragrance has been Thierry Mugler’s Alien.

Thierry Mugler is known for creating very distinctive and powerful fragrances. They linger on you and your clothes for ages and nothing else smells quite like it. Alien is a gorgeous fragrance, very unique with a warmth that screams “wear me when it’s chilly outside!” The notes go as follows: Solar Accord, Jasmine Sambac, Green Notes, Cashmeran Wood, Vanilla, Transparent Amber. The result is a slightly heady warm floral scent with just a hint of sweetness from the vanilla. The jasmine, cashmeran wood and amber are the stand out notes, but I love how the green notes and vanilla prevent it from being overpowering.

To me, Alien is like a warm cashmere blanket: soft, warm and comforting. It is definitely a feminine fragrance, albeit a sensual and rich one. As the weather cools, I love letting it envelop me in its distinctive scent, there is something very soothing about it. Like with other Mugler fragrances, the complexity and depth of Alien is hard to describe with words, smelling it is a unique sensorial experience in and of itself.

Lastly, let’s take a second to bask in the beauty of the bottle.  The deep purple color and jewel-like design are stunning. Thierrry Mugler refers to it as a talisman made to resemble an amethyst. The gold detailing elevates it to a piece of luxury you want to display. Good thing you can refill the bottle and never have to part with it.  

Thierry Mugler Alien is available in many department stores as well as from Sephora and the Thierry Mugler website where you can see the whole range of products dedicated to this scent. You can also read more about the fragrance here. 

The Perfect Everyday Blush: Nars Deep Throat

Nars blushes are a cult favorite for a reason, the quality is pretty much unbeatable. The color selection is large and simply picking one can be quite difficult (who wouldn’t want them all). I know Orgasm is the one everyone recommends, but to me Deep Throat is the most perfect blush.

Both shades are actually a similar peachy-pink shade, but Deep Throat is ever so slightly cooler. The biggest difference between the two however is glitter: Orgasm has loads of shimmer and glitter while Deep Throat is glitter-free and only has very fine gold shimmer that creates a beautiful glow on your cheeks. To me, that makes it more wearable for everyday because it looks more natural.

What I love most about this is the color it gives, it creates the most perfect flush. The peachy-pink really brightens up your whole face. It doesn’t look too pink or coral so it works well with cool and warm tones. As for the shimmer, it really lifts your face! This is one of my most worn blushes because it always pulls my entire makeup together. Nars blushes are pricier but this one is definitely worth the investment. 

The Nars Blush in Deep Throat is available from the Nars website, their beauty counters and Sephora. 

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara

I think fall really lends itself to slightly heavier makeup, from red lips to smokey eyes. I for one am always up for a bold lip but I do enjoy adding more definition to my eyes and while I am not big on heavy eye makeup and eyeliner, I think a great mascara can make all the difference. A favorite of mine is the Make up For ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara.

This mascara really does it all! The cone shaped brush helps you define every lash with the tip and the round base helps add loads of volume for dramatic lashes. I love how the formula gives you lots of length too so you don’t have to compromise anything or combine products. I was also very impressed by how well it holds a curl. Make Up For Ever could not have found a better name for this mascara because it truly has a smoky quality. I don’t know if it’s because the color is intense but my eyes look smokier without having to use liner or darker eyeshadows. I cannot think of a better mascara for definition and drama.

Now don’t worry even though it is smoky and lasts all day, it is not a pain to remove. It actually washes off super easily with a cleansing oil or a micellar water. Another great news (if you get it from Sephora) is that you can purchase a travel size version of the mascara, perfect if you want to give it a try before committing to the full size. I love this because I rarely finish mascaras before they dry out and this way I am always sure I have a fresh product to use.

You can find the Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara from their website and beauty counters as well as in Sephora. 

My Favorite Facial Water Sprays: Caudalie Organic Grape Water and Organic Rosewater

You know the feeling, it’s been a long day, you’ve been working hard for hours and focusing no longer seems possible. On top of that your skin might be feeling slightly dehydrated, so let’s just say you are in dire need of a pick me up. In that situation, my favorite product to use is a facial water spray and today I am talking about my two favorites: the Caudalie Organic Grape Water and Organic Rosewater.

The Caudalie Organic Grape Water is as simple as it sounds, just pure 100% organic grape water and grape juice. Unlike spraying regular water on your face this actually increases the moisture levels and it does not make you skin feel drier once it sinks in/evaporates. This happens a lot with plain water. I also love how refreshing it feels, being in a can the water is cooler and it really wakes you up when you spray it. This is quite a simple product bus as usual Caudalie brings its signature grape twist and turns a simple mist into a great product and experience. 

My other favorite is organic Rosewater. I use the one from Divine Essence (here), which is readily available in Canada, but I know many brands do their own. This is also a very refreshing product, though not as cooling as the Caudalie, and it smells incredible. I would not say it is particularly moisturizing but rosewater is very soothing to the skin. I find it helps calm my skin when it is irritated and it does relieve any tightness you might feel midday. I always have a bottle on hand and use it multiple times a day. The fact that it smells like roses also has a nice aroma therapeutic effect and really relaxes me. Honestly I think everyone should have a little rosewater spray because it is just lovely to use.

The Caudalie Organic Grape Water can be found in their stores, on their website, Sephora and Feelunique. It also comes in a great travel size version perfect to carry around, find it here and here. The organic Rosewater can be found in many health stores just have a look around in your local area and online. 

My Essential Makeup Tools: MAC 217 Blending Brush and Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Beauty tools are not my favorite things to buy, I just don’t find them as exciting as a new lip gloss. I also honestly believe you can find great affordable options from the drugstore like the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. Nonetheless, some things are worth investing in, so today I have rounded up my favorites tools that are worth the higher price tag: the MAC 217 Blending Brush and the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. 

The Mac 217 Blending Brush is a cult favorite and worth every penny. I tried several blending brushes before finally caving and purchasing this baby. Well I should have just gotten it the first time, it would have saved me a lot of frustration over poor quality brushes that don’t know what “blending” is. This brush helps define you crease like nothing else, blends away harsh lines without making your shadows disappear and you can also use it to apply a simple wash of color all over. You really can do everything with the 217 and it is one of the rare eyeshadow brushes that is hard to dupe with something of lesser quality. As for how it holds up, it is easy to clean (I use the Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap) and it does not shed. I believe it will last a very long time and for the quality, it is a well worth investing in. 

Next is the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, the Cadillac of eyelash curling and the most raved about curler. I honestly waited for years before buying this because I didn’t think it could be that amazing. It is just an eyelash curler after all. How wrong was I… Unlike cheaper offerings, the Shu Uemura one does pinch your lash or bend them at an odd angle, leaving a kink in them. It always gives me an eye opening curl that lasts all day, that longevity was a surprise to me because other curlers did not give me the same results. I also found I don’t need to press as hard to get a good curl which is better for your lashes and it does not pull them out either. I really think this is worth investing in, especially considering it comes with a backup silicone pad which doubles the lifetime of the curler. Also if you are interested in more Shu Uemura products, the eyelash curler is sometimes included as part of sets like this one, so you can try multiple products.

The MAC 217 Blending Brush is available from any MAC counter as well as on their website. As for the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler you can get it from the Shu Uemura website, any of their counters and at Sephora.

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl

Who does not love a good mascara? I personally think the drugstore has loads of great offerings, but like everyone else I feel the appeal of high-end mascaras with their beautiful packaging and compelling ads. That being said I always feel a bit guilty spending a lot on mascara, see my eyes are very sensitive so I can rarely finish a tube and obviously no one likes to throw away something you spent good money on. This is why I love buying minis from Sephora or getting samples from my favorite counters. As you might know, Dior is my favorite luxury brand so I was beyond excited when I received a mini Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara as part of a gift with purchase.

The original Diorshow Iconic is a favorite mascara of mine and I love curved mascara brush, making the Overcurl version a must try on my list. The combination of the brush and formula is supposed to give great volume and really curl your lashes. The formula is on the drier side which I love, it makes applying it to finer lashes super easy and the black color is nicely pigmented. The curved brush really follows the contour of your eyes, so it really helps define them by separating every lash and the application is easy.

Now for the results, I got lots of volume with this and because the formula is drier the volume looks like your lashes are naturally bigger instead of giving you a wet clumpy look. As for the curling power, it does initially lift your lashes but the effect did not last for long on me. By the end of the day the curl had dropped, but the volume was still present and helped keep my eyes defined. I think my lashes might be too fine for the formula, but if you have thicker lashes or can handle slightly heavier mascaras I think you might like this. The volume you get is impressive enough so I would give it a try if the opportunity comes up or if you can get a mini tube.

The Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara is available from any Dior counter, the Dior website,  Sephora and Feelunique. 

Caudalie Divine Legs

Fall might be upon us but that does not mean you have to say goodbye to your summer glow just yet. After all, there are still many days of lovely warm weather ahead. If you are looking for a way to boost your natural skin color or tan, than look no further than the Caudalie Divine Legs. 

This is an amazing tinted lotion that will give your legs (and the rest of your body) a beautiful sun-kissed look. Unlike self-tanners this is super easy to remove, it will be gone after a shower so you don’t have to worry about having dark spots or streaks on your skin for days. The lotion applies nicely and dries almost instantly so it should not stain your clothes and you don’t have to wait hours for the color to develop. It is super quick and convenient when a special occasion comes up or if you feel like you could use a boost of color. As the name suggests, the Divine Legs is scented with the Divine fragrance, a lovely warm scent that envelops you.

What makes me love the Divine Legs so much is the color, it is the most perfect shade! It looks super natural, just like a real tan would: never orange or muddy. I have very fair skin so finding a product that works for me and is not too dark is key for a believable look. As you can see in the bottle, the lotion is quite shimmery but don’t worry you will not look like you are covered in gold glitter. In fact, the shimmer is not visible on the skin, it simply gives a beautiful healthy glow to the skin. Honestly, the swatch does not do this justice, but believe me it makes your skin look amazing, like you have just been on a holiday. 

Now, there is one thing I am not too sure about and that is the lasting power. I noticed that if any water go on my skin while wearing the lotion, it would just disappear and leave that spot color-free. Obviously this is an issue if you want to go to the beach or if it is supposed to rain. However from reading reviews, no one else seemed to have this issue, so I am not sure it is a common problem. Maybe I just got a bad/old bottle, my local Sephora does not have the best product turnover. Nonetheless, I still think this is an amazing product and the color alone will make me get a new bottle next summer.

You can get the Caudalie Divine Legs is available from the Caudalie website, Sephora, Feelunique and any other retailer of the brand. Also I you should have a look at the cute commercial they shot (English version here and French version here), I loved it so much it is the reason I decided to try it in the first place. 

Narciso Rodriguez For Her

Even though the gorgeous sunny weather is still very much present, for me September marks the slow beginning of fall (despite the fact that it’s supposed to be over 40ºC today). My favorite season is also time for me to break out my favorite fragrances, one of them being the incredible Narciso Rodriguez For Her.

This has been a favorite daytime fragrance of mine for years, some find it too musky and prefer to keep it for the evening, but I think it’s perfect. The three main notes include honey flower, solar musk and tactile wood, creating a uniquely elegant, sophisticated and feminine blend. While musk really is the heart of this fragrance the honey and other floral notes soften it and also prevent it from being too heavy or masculine.

On me, I find the scent very delicate and feminine, which is why I love wearing it during the day, but there is something truly unique about this fragrance. Yes it is floral but it is not generic or overpowering and it is certainly not too girly. This is also one of the rare fragrances I have repurchased and I would never want to be without it. The notes are warm, but this is not a winter only fragrance, I wear it all year-round. Though it is a favorite in the fall because I love how it lightly clings to my scarf.

The Narciso Rodriguez For Her fragrance is available in a variety of size, including a rollerball which is great for travel or if you simply want to try it out. It is available from Sephora, Feelunique and department/drugstores that carry the brand.  You can have a look at the Narciso Rodriguez website for a full list of retailers by country.

First Caudalie Haul: Divines Legs and Fleur de Vigne Soap

I picked up Mathilde Thomas’ book The French Beauty Solution recently (a great read by the way) and after watching a few of her interviews I just really wanted to try some of her products. Mathilde Thomas is the founder of Caudalie, a French natural skincare brand with ethics I really responded to. This led to my first purchase of Caudalie products, two body products: the Divine Legs Tinted Body Lotion and the Fleur de Vigne French-Milled Soap.

The Divine Legs is a body bronzer that can be used to give a beautiful glow and tan to your legs and body without the downsides of self-tanner. It smells divine and unlike self-tanners it washes off instantly so you are not left with orange palms and you don’t have to worry about looking streaky for days. It’s a perfect transitional product for fall if you want to give your skin a little boost.

The Fleur de Vigne French-Milled Soap, is a plant based soap that cleans your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It contains Shea butter and grape seed oil to moisturize your skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth. I was very surprised by the size of it too, it’s quite a massive bar of soap making the value for money great because it is super affordable. 

I will have reviews up on both products soon and you can expect to see a lot more Caudalie here in the future. You can find the Divine Legs Lotion on the Caudalie website, Sephora, Feelunique and at any Caudalie counter. The Fleur de Vigne Soap is not available online, but I purchased mine from a local drugstore that carries the brand.

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Radiant, glowy skin that does not need makeup is something I would love to attain. Right now I can get away with a nice primer and a touch of concealer. To achieve that and more, I rely on great skincare and products that can renew the skin, making marks and imperfections disappear quickly. A staple in my weekly routine is the incredible Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.

This gel mask contains a mix of glycolic and lactic acids along with other fruit acids that come from the numerous fruit extracts it contains, including pineapple and papaya (ingredients list here). Now using acids on your face can seem scary, we’ve all seen Samantha’s experience in Sex and the City, but this gem from Ren has eased my concerns. After I applied it, I never experienced any uncomfortable tingling/burning sensation and my skin was not red or irritated after use. The mask does have a weird scent, but the results are so lovely that I can look pass it.

Now speaking of results, using the mask every week, I am left with smoother and brighter looking skin. I also found it really helps fade any red marks left by spots, giving you a more even skin tone. I don’t have a big problem with dullness, but I do think this product gives me a little boost in the glow department. It’s easy to use, you don’t need to leave it on for long and it delivers real results, something that can be hard to find in the mask world. It is expensive, however the size is quite generous and you don’t need to use a lot every week so the bottle should last you quite a while. 

You can get the Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask from the Ren website and they currently offer a limited edition bottle that comes with an extra 25ml for only 4$ more. You can get it at Sephora and they also offer the full size as part of a kit that contains minis of their other radiance products. Lastly is it available on Feelunique.

Chloé Roses de Chloé

Today is the day I finally try my hand at doing a perfume review. These seem to be notoriously difficult to do because scents are so personal and hard to describe. Nonetheless, I really did not want to leave out an entire section of the beauty world and there are so many beautiful fragrances I want to share with you all. So to get me started, I picked something quite simple and feminine: Chloé Roses de Chloé.

The name is spot on, it smells wonderful, just like freshly cut roses. There’s nothing perfumy here just a lovely real floral fragrance with a touch of sweetness. It is very light and delicate making it perfect for a daytime fragrance that should not offend or overwhelm others. I find it very appropriate for warmer seasons like spring and summer, but it is not summery so you could still wear it during the colder months. The notes are the following: fresh cut roses, bergamot, rose essence, magnolia accord, white musk and amber. These all blend together into a beautiful, feminine scent that is far from boring.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed very this, it is like a breath of fresh air. I find it very soothing because every time you smell it, it is like you are actually taking the time to stop and smell the roses. Chloé blew me away with this perfume, you rarely find something that smells so natural and like the real thing. There is something very classic about it, like it becomes a part of you as the years go by. If you enjoy luminous and fresh floral scents, I think you will really enjoy the Cholé Roses de Chloé.

Chloé Roses de Chloé is available at Sephora, Feelunique and department stores that carry the Chloé fragrance range. 

Buxom Full-On Lip Polishes

The aisles of Sephora are full of beautiful colors and shiny packaging, it can be a bit overwhelming at times if you don’t want to miss out on anything. A brand that, I feel, isn’t talked about much is Buxom so I wanted to introduce you to their amazing Full-On Lip Polishes today.

Shades left to right: Starr, Candi, Eva, Destiny, Dolly, Sandy (not 100% sure the label came off), April, Clair

The lip polish is a plumping lip gloss that makes your lips feel tingly and increases they fullness slightly. The formula is very glossy helping your lips look even more plumped and adds dimension. The glosses have some sort of mint ingredient so they feel very cooling and I think that’s what produces the tingling sensation. This also increases the volume of your lips a little but don’t worry it doesn’t burn like others lip plumpers do, though the sensation might surprise you at first. I should also mention that these are not drying at all on the lips, so thumbs up for the formula.

               Shades top to bottom: Sandy (not 100% sure the label came off), Destiny, Candi 

Shades left to right: Shades: Sandy (not 100% sure the label came off), Destiny, Candi 

Speaking of formula, this one is a bit sticky but I don’t mind because it stays on for a long time and the shine and color fade evenly. I was very impressed with the quality of these and after I got used to the sensation (I’m not a fan of lip plumpers) I have really been enjoying these. They have a crème brûlée scent (not my favorite) but you can’t taste it and it thankfully does not linger. They are nicely pigmented though some are sheerer depending on the finish, offering you nice variety.

Shades top to bottom: Starr, Dolly, Clair, Eva, April 

Shades left to right: April, Eva, Clair, Dolly, Starr

This stunning lip glosses come in 99 different shades and sleek packaging that makes them look expensive. Each color is named after a girl and you can see the different characters drawn on the box, they are super cute, going from beach girl to pinup and red carpet glam. The shade selection is super impressive and I love how there are different finishes like cream and shimmery ones. They are also affordable so you can pick up multiple colors without feeling too guilty. 

The Buxom Full-On Lip Polishes are available exclusively at Sephora both online and in stores. They are also currently offering a cute set of six  minis at a great price, you can find it here.

Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen

A traveller’s must-have, the best friend of anyone working long hours or studying late into the night, yes I’m talking about an under eye brightener. The market is full of products that promise to illuminate your eyes and make dark circles disappear, but I find that you often only get one or the other. You either get coverage or an illuminator so sheer it won’t do much on its own. However I have found a game-changer in the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen.

This is the perfect balance between a concealer and an illuminator. It is pigmented enough to cover-up dark circles and the illuminating particles in brighten your under eye area, making you look even more well rested. The effect is quite subtle, there is no shimmers or glitters here, but it somehow manages to make a world of a difference.

The formula is a light cream so it is super easy to blend and it doesn’t crease. Depending on the shade you pick (there are four), you can also use it to illuminate other areas of your face just like you would with a highlighter. I have the lightest yellow-toned shade (002 Candle Light) and on my very fair skin it works really well as a concealer but it does not do much in the highlighting department. If you have a bit more color than me (which shouldn’t be hard), than you could easily use it for both. 

I absolutely love this product and I know I will be purchasing it again. Yes it is more expensive than other products being from Dior, but the formula is so incredibly worth it. You can get the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen from their website, at any Dior counter as well as from Sephora and Feelunique. 

Dior Backstage Eye Prime

I think it is fair to say from past articles that I don’t like talking about products I don’t like and today’s item is not bad or anything but I’m a bit disappointed in it. Dior is my favorite high-end brand but their Backstage Eye Prime has left me a bit perplexed.

Basically, this is a flesh-toned cream eyeshadow primer that is supposed to extend the wear and intensity of your eye makeup, turning your eyes into a perfect canvas. I loved it when I first got it, my shadows lasted all day with no creasing and unlike other primers, its drier texture made it super easy to blend my makeup. The thing is, now it does not prevent my makeup from creasing anymore. I’m not sure what happened, maybe my lids are oilier or it’s because the formula dried out a bit. That’s another thing, you have to be careful to really tightly screw the lid back in its place otherwise the formula will dry out. Luckily, I was able remove it from the pot and put it back upside-down so I can use the bottom half that was still fresh.

Now, the primer does not perform exactly like it used to but there is something it’s still great at: color-correcting my lids. I have very fair skin and as such the skin on my eyes is quite thin so you can see little veins. The Dior primer has a very natural skin tone color that I can blend to cover up the veins and perfectly even out my eyes, making them look brighter and more awake. I love using this on days when I don’t want to wear any eye makeup, but still want to look well rested. 

The formula of this is very dry so you do need to warm it up on your fingertip to make it easier to apply. Some might not like this, but the matte finish it gives to the skin is more natural looking and since it doesn’t leave your eyelids tacky, your eyeshadows will blend more easily and without dragging. Honestly, I don’t know if I would recommend this product as a primer (mostly because it’s expensive) since I can’t guaranty its effect in the long run. However, if you are looking for a corrector the Backstage Eye Prime is great and who knows, yours might be efficient at keeping your makeup in place too. 

You can get the Dior Backstage Eye Prime from their website and at any of their Counters. It is also available from Sephora and Feelunique.

Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Color in RD103 Petal

Today was spent doing some spring cleaning (windows are definitely not my forte) and watching the last game of this Bundesliga season. As a result I have a quick review for you all today on a very warm-weather appropriate blush, the Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Color in RD103 Petal.

This is my first foray into Shiseido makeup and I’m impressed. This blush is super pigmented and has a lovely formula that is super soft and smooth, not powdery. You should use a light hand when applying it because even though the powder is very light (it is very finely milled), it packs a punch in the color department. On me it wore well throughout the day with only minimal fading.

Now for the shade, I have this blush in petal, a lovely peachy-coral color that looks super luminous on the skin. It is a bit similar to Nars Orgasm and Deep Throat, but it is slightly peachier and has no shimmer at all. I was actually quite surprised by how true to its name this blush is: the finish truly is luminous so you still get a glow but it is more natural and satin really is the best way to describe the finish. The shade and formula are both gorgeous and I think this blush could enhance pretty much any complexion with its gold sheen. If you are looking for a great everyday blush that is shimmer-free but still looks radiant, I highly recommend you have a look at the Shiseido blushes.  

You can find the Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Color in RD103 Petal at any Shiseido counter, on their website as well as at Sephora and Feelunique. 

Dior Sunwashed Nail Lacquer

Ever since the promo images for Dior’s Tie-Dye collection were released, I could not stop thinking about the Sunwashed Nail Lacquer. The pastel yellow shade was calling my name. Now, after months of waiting and wanting, I finally managed to get my hands on this gorgeous shade.

Dior nail polishes are my favorite, the formula is out of this world, I’m talking high-shine and super quick dry time without a top coat. All that aside, the wear time is equally impressive with about five days of chip-free polish (more or less depending on what you are doing). Sunwashed does require three coats for a perfectly opaque creamy finish, but don’t worry the application is still quick because you don’t have to wait long between coats.

Now about the color, to me Sunwashed is this year Porcelaine (reviewed here). The sky blue shade is what I wore for most of the spring and summer last year and it is still one of my favorites. Sunwashed is equally as unique, a light pastel buttery yellow color with a bit of a white base so it does not look too yellow or have a green tint. Obviously it depends on your skin tone, but I think it is super flattering and also natural. It is not in your face bright so it is very versatile and perfect for spring. Honestly just looking at it makes me happy and what could be a better addition to your collection than a polish that will make you smile every time you see it.    

The Dior Sunwashed Nail Lacquer is currently available for a limited time from any Dior counter and online as well as from Sephora and Feelunique. 

Dior Tie-Dye Summer Collection Haul and Sneak Peek

Hello everyone, today I just wanted to bring you a quick haul and sneak peek into upcoming reviews. Yesterday I went to the Dior counter and let’s just say I could not resist their new Tie-Dye summer collection, it is so beautiful. I only got two things but the eyeshadow palettes were very hard to leave behind.

The one thing I really wanted from the collection was the Sunwashed nail polish, a lovely pastel yellow color. To me this is a must-have because it is so unique and the Dior nail polish formula is my all-time favorite.

I also could not resist the Dior Addict Lipstick Tie-Dye Edition in Coral Trip. I was looking for a new coral lipstick and this one just has the perfect shade. I love the Dior Addict finish because they have the perfect balance of creaminess and shine.

This is hands down my favorite summer collection out of all the new releases. It’s fun and colorful while still being wearable. I urge you all to have a look at it because Dior has done it again!

You can have a look at the entire Tie-Dye collection on the Dior website here and it is currently available at all Dior counters, Feelunique and Sephora for a limited time only.