Lusting Over....Estee Lauder's Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Sometimes the world can be so magical a place that radiant, illuminated skin can come from a bottle.

According to Estee Lauder, that day has come.

I realize this product has been out for a couple months but for some reason it's just made its way to my "want" list today.  The reason for my sudden desire you ask?  Well, with the wedding coming up in 7 months, I'm on a quest to find the best radiance in a bottle.  For those that know me quite well, I'm always on the hunt for the perfect product that creates a dewy, glowing complexion.  Of course, there are always my tried and true illuminators, which I love, BUT my all-time favorite has been discontinued.  This, of course, means I must continue searching to find the perfect replacement.  Enter Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator.

I've been using Estee Lauder's original Idealist for years now and adore it.  Honestly, it not only makes my pores smaller but it smooths all my fine lines, creates an even skintone and makes my skin feel silky smooth.  In terms of primers go, this is my go-to.  The only thing lacking with this product is the non-existent shimmer.  Yes, I know that not everyone wants to be a shimmery pixie (like I do) but it would be nice if this product had a radiant addition.  Which, I'm sure could be the reason Estee Lauder created the Idealist Illuminator.

This product not only does everything the regular Idealist does but also gives your skin that slight glow.  Plus, when used daily you'll notice that your puffy eyes and dark circles will dissipate.  On that alone this product is worth it.

Bad news is the price.  Yes, it is rather expensive but it does work.  Prices are as follows: 3.4 oz $135 (USD), 1.7 oz $85 (USD) and 1.0 oz $58 (USD).  I'm definitely going to be saving my pennies for this product that's for sure.

Have you tried any of the Idealist products before?  What are your thoughts?

FOTD: Dramatic Eyes For a Boudoir Photo Shoot

Saturday was such a fun, and nerve-wrecking, day for me.  It was the day of my boudoir photo shoot AND the day that my fabulous friend, Ariella (a makeup artist), showed me her amazing skills and did my makeup.

The day began with me arriving at her house in the morning with absolutely no makeup on or my hair done.  She got to work immediately and transformed me from plain-Jane to model fabulous.  After I finished doing my hair, the look was done.  Check out the before and after photos...

Good Morning!  It`s 10 am and I actually left the house without makeup OR my hair done.  Definitely a first for me

A couple hours and a delightful straightening job later, the look is complete.

Makeup used on my face:

Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher (primer)

Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse Makeup in 010 Vanilla

Youngblood Ultimate Concealer in Fair

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup in Shade 102 N

For the cheeks:

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

GOSH Giant Sun Powder in 001

Physicians Formula Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural 

Quo Minerals Matter Blush in Pink Petal 

For the eyebrows:

Youngblood Brow Artiste Palette in Dark

For the eyes:

M.A.C Prep and Prime Eye

M.A.C Silver, Black and Grey Eye Shadows Color Unknown (Must ask Ariella)

Smashbox Cream Eye Liner Palette in Cameo

Estee Lauder Magnascopic Mascara in Black

Ardell False Eye Lashes 

Quo Lash Adhesive 

For the lips:

L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Rose Elixir

I am so fortunate to know such a fantastic makeup artist AND have the pleasure of saying how great of a friend she is.  I will say though, that she gave my quite a bit of slack about the shape of my eyebrow brush because according to her "it's completely bent out of shape and useless..."  All in all, it was a fantastic day filled with makeup, a few hours of photos, multiple lingerie outfits and tons of laughter.  

The Skinny on Blushes: What Types and What Work!

Blush is slowly becoming one of my favorite beauty products.  Being as pasty pale as I am normally, blush gives me the color I am so lacking.  Plus, when put on properly, it adds so much to the angles of your face.  Honestly, you can have model-worthy cheekbones with the perfect pink tone.  Oh, I should also mention, you can also create drool-worthy cleavage with a good blush too.  (Hey, I do what I have to....ha.)

Thanks to my pal over at Vintage Makeup who, after reading my Skinny on Concealers post, kindly suggested I do a similar blush post and I am soooo glad she did  (thanks so much lady!!).  I may not be a professional makeup artist BUT man, do I know a lot about blushes.  (Some good and some bad.)  So, for those that aren't aware, there are four different types of blushes: loose powder, pressed powder, cream, liquid (aka gel, in some areas) and pencils/stick.  (Of course, if you count highlighters and bronzers there'd be seven but, to me, these aren't blushes.).  All five are designed to give your cheeks that perfect warm hue but some do the job better than others.  Here's a list of my personal faves, broken down by type:

Loose Powder Blush: Avon Smooth Minerals Blush

It's no surprise that I am a huge fan of Avon products.  Their products are actually really great and no where else can you find a mineral blush for under $12.  It's unbelievable!!  This blush is great because it goes on smooth, doesn't make your skin oily and is very long lasting.

Pros:

Inexpensive

Long-lasting

Colors are all nice and subtle

Doesn't cause your skin to become greasy or oily

Cons:

Must be ordered either online or through an Avon rep

Pressed Powder: Illamasqua Powder Blush

So, this was a toss up for me.  When I think powder blush, I would always say NARS with no hesitation.  However, my allegiance seems to have changed since trying this brand.  Illamasqua makes a FABULOUS powder blush.  For the money, the blush colors are extremely pigmented and they feel virtually weightless on your cheeks.  Another thing is that they last a long time, both on your skin and in the palette.  Trust me when I say a little goes a long way.

Pros:

Fantastic colors (Hussy is my FAVE)

Extremely pigmented

Long-lasting on your skin

Virtually weightless 

Glides on very smooth 

Very blendable

Cons:

Price could be a factor for some

Not available in Canada (well, not in Vancouver, anyway)

Cream Blush: Estee Lauder Signature Satin Cream Blush

It still surprises me that I've yet to RAVE about this product in a post.  Seriously, for years this was my go-to blush.  Does it help that my mom worked with Estee Lauder, oh probably, but seriously, this blush glides on sooo smooth and doesn't settle in your lines or skin imperfections.  Plus, it's not overly creamy.  By this I mean there is no stickiness once it's on your skin.  

Pros:

Amazing price for the quality

Long lasting on your skin

Doesn't settle in pores so it makes skin look younger

Intense color so a little goes a long way

Doesn't make your skin oily so though it's made for drier skin, can work on anyone

Cons:

Not enough colors 

Liquid Blush: Benefit Posie Tint Cheek Stain

How I lived as long as I have without this product still amazes me.  I first discovered Benefit High Beam and, after I realized how great it was, I branched out to other products.  Like the Posie Tint for example.  This liquid dries in an instant and adds a sheer pink tint to your cheeks (or lips).  Best part of this blush is how long it lasts.  Seriously, I apply this in the morning and when I take it off at night (some 14 hours later) it still looks fabulous.  

Pros:

Water resistent

Extremely long lasting

Very dramatic color

Easily applied (even if you're not a blush pro)

Dries instantly

Looks very natural

Cons:

Should you use too much, it can stain your fingers a little

Can be hard to spread if you apply too much 

Stick Blush: Joe Fresh Style Cheek Tint

Did you know that this blush stick is only $4...YES, I know.  $4!!!  Hence why this had to appear on my faves list.  Not only is the price good, but the product is remarkably good too.  The colors are very pigmented and they are very easy to bend into the skin.

Pros:

Easy to apply

Can be used on lips as well

Doesn't make skin oily 

Have a wide range of colors

Cons:

Can be sticky when applying

Cheap quality (you get what you pay for)

Blushes (like everything else) are a very personal choice and what might work for me may not work for you.  I highly suggest trying out all the different types of blushes and find the one that works best for you.  I will say that with all the different types and brands out there, you're bound to find your go-to product!

XO

My Shopping Spree Weekend (Part 1)

Target n' Macy's n' Sephora n' Victoria's Secret, oh my!

I adore shopping (yes, I know...a redundant statement.)  However, I adore cross-border shopping so much more than shopping in Vancouver because of the fabulous deals.  (There are so many!!!) As I'm sure you know, I went shopping this weekend and, let me tell you, I bought quite a few things.  (So many, in fact, that I had to split this blog post into two.)  I spent all day on Sunday shopping with my two girlfriends in the States, Saturday with a girlfriend shopping here in Vancouver AND Friday shopping with Allan at Metrotown (the biggest mall in BC).

I've split these posts into cosmetics (part 1) and clothes/shoes/accessories (part 2).  So, without further adieu:

Friday shop with Allan involved Sephora.  I purchased Benefit's BAD Gal Lash Mascara (which has been on my wishlist forever), Benefit's Feelin' Cheeky Minis and Bite's Luminous Creme Lipstick Trio. 

Adorable right?  The $18 package contained a mini PosieTint, a mini HighBeam and a mini BeneTint.  The sizes are perfect for travel AND trial.  (it's nice to know that Benefit creates smaller containers for people to try out prior to committing to the bigger bottle.)

Beyond obsessed with this new eco-friendly Canadian brand, Bite.  Get this...the product line is free of all petrochemicals AND packed with reservatrol (meaning that each product has the equivalent of five glasses of red wine's worth of antioxidents.)  Phenomenal.  My trio included Pepper, Bouquet and Rhone.

Left to right: Pepper Lipstick, Bouquet Lipstick and Rhone Lipstick.  Sigh, they are so gorgeous and moisturizing.

Sunday shopping spree to Victoria's Secret included Vixen Eau de Parfum and Noir Love Me Eau de Parfum.  So, typically I don't choose fragrances from VS but they were having a 75% off all beauty products sale and I just couldn't turn them down.  These fragrances were under $9 each.  Of the two, Vixen is my fave.  It reminds me Britney Spears' Fantasy but if you're not familiar with that one, it smells like candy and apples.  Love it.

Also from VS, and only $4 a piece, I picked up two new shower gels, one body spray and a new body lotion.  The pink bottles are the scent Wild One Midnight Raspberry & Sexy Lily while the blue bottle is Love Bitten Forbidden Apple & Sultry Woods.  Since I can't wear fragrances to work, I always use a scented lotion and/or body spray so these two will be going in my work bag.

Target purchases included these amazing lip glosses.  Ummm, am I the only one that had NO idea the Vitamin Water franchise had branched into lip glosses?  Either way, I snatched up the XXX flavor balm (my favorite Vitamin Water flavor) and was super stoked to see it packed an SPF of 20.  The two other balms are from the brand Say Yes to Carrots.  I grabbed two and bought Ready Red (left) and Sunset Pink (right).

I had wanted the Maybelline palette (right) for some time and can not wait to put on that bright blue color.  The palette on the left was bought on a whim, cost $1.50 and is probably the worst eye shadow but I really liked the eggplant color (middle).

Target is awesome for cosmetic deals like this one here from E.L.F.  The custom palette and eye shadows were only $1 each. I selected Sage (shimmer golden green), Dusk (shimmer charcoal), Moondust (shimmery bronze) and Periwinkle (shimmer purpley grey).

Last makeup purchase of the weekend came from Macy's.  As you know, this palette was also on my wish list.  Because we've been sold out of this item at most locations in Vancouver, I figured it was doomed to stay on my wishlist indefinitely.  I was wrong.  They had only ONE left at the Estee Lauder counter in Macy's and I snatched it up immediately.  Look at these colors....

I am so thrilled with my cosmetic purchases from the weekend and can not wait to show you all the colors with some up-and-coming EOTD's, etc.  Stay tuned!!  How was your weekend?  Did you buy anything noteworthy?  XO

Beauty For A Cause

As most people know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But for those that don't, I'm sure the increase in pink ribbons, pink shirts, and Weekend Walks may have, eventually, tipped you off.

Though there are so many ways to donate to many Breast Cancer Charities, it just got even easier for us product junkies. As it turns out, there are plenty of beauty products you can shop for that benefit related charities and here are a few of my personal faves:

Clinique Great Lips, Great Cause www.clinique.com

This limited edition trio key ring features a pink ribbon heart charm, Clinique "C" charm, and three mini lip favorites: Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Clearly Pink, Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Grapefruit and Different Lipstick in Glazed Berry. (Clinique will donate $4 per key ring purchased to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation during the month of October.) Retailing at $16 USD

Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection: Evelyn Lauder Lip Design Collection www.esteelauder.com

The lip design collection was hand-picked by Evelyn Lauder (one of the creators of the pink ribbon symbol; her mother was Estee Lauder) herself. Trio includes: Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Tiramisu, Pure Color Lipstick in Candy and in Rubellite. The lip colors in a pretty pink cosmetic bag. (Estee Lauder will donate $500,000 in connection with the sales of its Pink Ribbon Collection to the BCRF.) Retailing at $25 USD

Bobbi Brown Pink Shimmer Brick Compact www.bobbibrown.com

Bobbi Brown has created a limited edition Pink Shimmer Brick Compact. Hand-made in Italy, each brick contains five bars of iridescent color. Use on cheekbones, eyelids or allover for a pink glow. (Bobbi Brown will be donating $35,000 in connection with the North American sales to the BCRF.) Retailing at $38 USD

Sephora Collection BCA Pink Eyelash Curler www.sephora.com

This eyelash curler is engineered and tailor-made exclusively for Sephora. At a price of about $16 USD, Spehora will be donating $1 from each eyelash curler sold to the BCRF.)

Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss in Barely There Pink www.smashbox.com

This pretty pink lip gloss is in a limited edition package. It's a silky-smooth lip color that stays in place for up to 6 hours and protects your pout with SPF 15. By the way, all proceeds of this product, through the month of October, will be donated to the BCRF. Retailing at $21 USD

OPI Nail Lacquer in Pink Of Hearts www.opi.com

This exclusive polish is a beautiful pale pink with a subtle shimmer. In support of Breast Cancer Month, OPI will donate $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure AND a $5,000 donation to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada. Retailing at $8.50 USD

I COULD go on and on and on about all the exclusive products available OR you could all go online, start shopping, purchase some of these products and help find a Cure.....hmmm, decisions decisions...

Dial Up Mascara???

I was wandering through London Drugs Saturday afternoon and I, of course, beelined for the cosmetics area. Now, this trip wasn't like any other, since I was with a great friend of mine and we were both a bit tipsy from drinking on the patio. (Well, me more so than her...) I ended up buying a lot of things I didn't really need...aka three more lip glosses in Coral...BUT I found the product that's the basis for this review: Almay One Coat Dial Up Mascara

It's a brand new product, just launched in June, that actually has an adjustable base. The point of the dial is to customize the amount of lash coverage you want; a remarkable idea if you ask me.

So, does it work???

It's a chunky tube that actually compresses internally, thus giving the dialing effect. It has a thicker brush ( not your standard mascara wand) that does appear to evenly distribute the mascara. Level 1 gives a nice dusting of mascara but not very dramatic. Level 2, again, same as before but it goes on a bit thicker. Level 3 is the only level worth using as it gives full lashes but not the volume.

Would I use it again?

Though the idea of the mascara is smashing, I am not sold on the product. I love full, dramatic and voluptuous lashes and it didn't happen with this product. I, also, despise a mascara that makes my lashes hard to the touch. (This can cause lashes to break or fall out.) Having said this, I will definitely stick with my Estee Lauder or Lash Stiletto!

Let me know your thoughts though. I am always eager to hear what others think....

The Truth About Mascara

I can not leave the house without mascara.

I tried it once and felt so boring and plain that I walked into a shop, at night, with my sunglasses on. Granted, I wear sunglasses at night quite frequently, BUT I flat out refused to take them off this time. Now, don't get me wrong, I go without makeup periodically, but there is something different about not wearing mascara versus bronzer, blush or powder. I guess there are certain products one can't live without....

It has taken me years to compile a list of mascara's I heart and here they are....

1. Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Mascara is actually really good. I used this for years before branching into other brands and types and I chose this one because it was always consistent. The brush is really easy to use and does prevent clumping. (Unless you are using the tip of the brush a lot. If so, this will tend to cause clumping.) It does give volume, length and definitely creates fuller lashes.
2. Clinique High Impact Mascara is another one of my faves. This mascara is also good because it does create full lashes. Again, like with almost all mascara, be careful when using the tip of the brush, as you can get some clumping.
3. Maybelline Full n Soft is actually my favorite mascara right now. Yes, it's not department store quality BUT it does exactly the same thing as the Clinique brand and only costs about $5.99. Love this product and highly recommend it.
4. Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara is one I use everyday. I will start with the Full N Soft as the first coat and then this as the second (and third). I ONLY use the Voluptuous Stiletto (red packaging) product as I disliked the original Lash Stiletto (black packaging). I will also say that this is not something I would use on it's own since it will add length but not the volume as it claims.

I am also veerryy lucky since I, naturally, have long long long lashes that curl. I have never had to use an eye lash curler or any lash primer for that matter. I do, though, need fuller lashes. That's why I tend to gravitate towards products that create the illusion of full lashes.

As always, tell me what brands you love and what products work well for you!!!