Monthly Faves: March 2013

I'll admit it. I'm nosy. I love watching bathroom and makeup organization tours on YouTube, I'm obsessed with watching faves, empties and product review videos and I love hearing about other people's skincare regimes. I like seeing what people have been using on a daily basis and what they have been reaching for again and again. Nearly every product I buy is based on reviews I've watched or read, and I look forward to the turn of the month to see everyone's product roundups.

So I figure it's time for me to jump in on the action and share some of my monthly faves!

Makeup:

1. MAC Fix+ - I hadn't been using this much lately, but I decided I needed to use it up, so I added it back into the routine, partly because it works well with #6.
2. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - I have two of the Nakeds - this one and the original. I don't know why, but they rarely get used. I decided to make some use out of it. I've been using Tease (5th from left) as a blending crease colour and Busted (2nd from right) over my Elizabeth Arden pencil to add depth and a hint of plum.
3. MAC Select MoistureCover Concealer in NC15 - I was using a Stila concealer, but it just doesn't give enough coverage, so I've gone back to this one - it covers well but is moisturizing and blends well.
4. MAC Lustre Lipstick in Plumful - I saw this featured in a couple of YouTube videos and decided to bust it out - it's great for daytime to add a bit of colour without going overboard.
5. Elizabeth Arden Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Espresso 03 - One of my all-time faves and holy grail products. Intensely pigmented, easy to blend and wears well. 'Nuff said.
6. MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 in Light - I started using this again because it's been sitting around and I don't want it to go to waste. I like that it's easy to apply with just my fingers, gives decent coverage and isn't too heavy on my skin. The only thing is that I find it a bit dull, and since discovering Laura Mercier's Bare Radiance it just isn't quite as good. I've been spraying Fix+ over it to give a bit of dewiness, and I like it but probably won't stick with it once it's gone.
7. Dior Diorshow Mascara - I've had this for longer than you're supposed to use mascaras (but that's a rule I habitually break anyway) because I've been saving it, but I've been using it more lately. It's not my all-time fave, but I like the brush, which is large and has long, bushy bristles. The formula isn't bad but even when I bought it it was a bit on the dry side. It smells lovely, though and works well for daytime.
8. Nars SPF 30 Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer - The warmer weather has led me to worrying about SPF in my products. I love this stuff. It isn't too heavy, creates a good base for makeup application, has a lovely citrusy scent and the SPF is an added bonus.

Skincare:

1. Bioderma Sensibio (or Créaline) H2O Micelle Solution - I'm a little late to this particular bandwagon. I actually bought this over a year ago and it had been sitting sadly forgotten in one of my boxes. But during my French skincare kick I decided to dig it out and give it a go. So far, so good! Full review to follow.
2. Nuxe Gentle Toning Lotion - I haven't used toner in years, but I started again this month. I really like this one - it's cooling and gentle and does a great job of removing any last little bit of makeup, dirt or cleanser. Not astringent and doesn't dry out skin.
3. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré - You've all heard plenty about this one already, so I won't bore you. Go here if you missed it.
4. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm - Likewise with this one - I use it every night before bed. Here's more.
5. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash - Still loving this stuff. Seriously awesome. Again, I've already gone on about it at length here.
6. Clinique All About Eyes - This is a little sample size that I got and figured why not give it a go? I love it as a nighttime cream - it's gentle, rich, easy to blend and absorbs quickly.

Body:

1. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream - I'm in love with this stuff. I keep it on my bedside table and in my purse. I put it on throughout the day and when I'm going to bed. It has a very subtle scent that's hard to describe - but it's similar to other Caudalie products. It's like grape, but not synthetic grape scent, more like when you pick a sour green grape straight from the vine. It has a lovely consistency, isn't overly greasy and helps my dry skin survive my frequent hand-washing!
2. Neal's Yard Citrus Hand Wash - I got this as part of a gift set that I've been saving and saving... but it expires soon and I didn't want to waste it, so I busted it out. This has the most refreshing, delicious and light lemony scent. It's not at all synthetic or sweet, just a lovely clean scent. Best. Ever.
3. Mountain Ocean Coconut Skin Trip - I've had this sitting on my shelf since last summer, and as you can probably tell, I'm on a mission to use up products I've had for awhile. I know it's more suited to the warm summer months, but it's actually nice to wear a summery scent in early spring because it makes me feel like summer really is right around the corner and picks me up on days that are grey and mopey. Love the natural coconut scent that isn't overly sweet or synthetic. Consistency is nourishing but not heavy. Love this stuff.
4. Lavanila the Healthy Deodorant in Grapefruit Vanilla - I've been looking for an effective natural deodorant. This stuff smells amazing - like baby powder mixed with light vanilla and a hint of grapefruit. The only down side is that it doesn't last as long and I find that if I use this exclusively it actually works less effectively as time goes on, so I need to switch off with a traditional deodorant and can't use it if I'm going to be particularly active.

Nails L-R:

1. OPI Lincoln Park - This is nearly black, but with a hint of burgundy red in it that takes the harsh edge off a bit. Love this for a dark polish look.
2. Sephora by OPI Ocean Love Potion - One of my fave turquoise polishes, I've been wearing this for a couple of years now. I find myself reaching for it as soon as the sunny weather hits.
3. Nails Inc. Baker Street - I saw Lily Pebbles from What I Heart Today wearing this in her videos a couple of times - and every time I saw it I was like wait, stop everything, what is that polish?? And each time, this was the one. It's an amazing electric blue that stands out and catches the eye. Loving it!

That's it for another month! What have you been loving?

Nars 413 Blkr Eyeshadow Duo

This duo was part of the 413 Blkr collection, exclusive to Nars' flagship US store, located at 413 Bleeker Street in New York. You can only buy it at that location or online. There are a few other things in the collection, but this is what really got my attention.

The colour on the left is a lovely undertoned slate-mauve that's beautiful with some black liner for daytime. the colour on the right is a matte black with red shimmer - very similar to MAC Beauty Marked. I honestly doubt I'll get through it very quickly, but the duo is so pretty!

Get 'em before they're gone!

Nars - Lip Lacquer in Hot Wired

One of those products where the name says it all! This is a gorgeous, bright pink colour with a hint of iridescent shimmer.  If you're looking for a way to stand out at holiday parties, other than your classic red lip, here you go. 

I think it's great over a bright pink lip liner if you want it to last all night, or on its own. Even alone, it wears well - partly because of the texture. It's got a stickier consistency, which is great for making it last, but if you're like me, the feel of it might not work for you.

I've tried a couple of Nars lip lacquers, and one of their glosses, and I'm not a huge fan. While the consistency bugs me, it's actually the smell that really gets me. I don't know how to describe it except to say that it smells a little like those intense hand creams that don't have perfume, but do have lanolin. I have no idea why Nars lip glosses and lacquers smell this way, and it could be my over-sensitivity to smells, but I find it off-putting enough that I rarely reach for them. Sorry, Nars!

Shame, cos this colour is to die for!

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5

Product quality: 3/5 (-1 each for consistency and scent)
Worth the price? Not for me.
Would I purchase again? No.

Cruelty-Free? Not sure.

Where to find it: Nars online, Sephora in store and online.

Top Ten of the Week

 

 The other day when I was getting ready for work, I found myself reaching for the same thing as I had the day before, and I got to thinking about how I choose what to use each morning from the ridiculous amount of products that are currently cluttering up my bathroom. There are some things that I use every day for months, like my Smashbox Tinted Moisturizer in Luminous and my Makeup Forever Brown Gel. But then there are things that I will use for a week or even two, but then set aside and all but forget about. I realized that I tend to wear a few looks during the week, then experiment a little on weekends. I'll often stumble across a daytime look that I try out on Saturday or Sunday and it will become my favourite for the next week. But it's always changing. So I thought I'd share the things I found myself reaching for the most this week. Possibly I'll do this every week or few weeks - whenever I notice that I'm using different stuff than last time!


1. MAC Seasonally Spicy Technakohl Liner

I got this recently and am absolutely loving it. It's greats smudged along the upper and lower lashlines with Remotely Grey shadow on top for a super easy daytime look. Another bonus? You don't need to sharpen it!


2. MAC Remotely Grey Eyeshadow

As mentioned above, this shadow is great to smoke out a dark brown liner along the lashlines. I also love it as a lid colour for a daytime neutral look. Despite the name, it's more of a taupey-brown than grey, though I suppose it has the tiniest hint of a silvery/grey sheen to it. I really wish this wasn't LE, because in my opinion this is a must-have shade!

3. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned

I can't believe I never noticed this shade before! I went into MAC last week to exchange some of my Back 2 MAC empties, and they didn't have the lipstick I was looking for in stock. I was just about to give up and leave, when I glanced over and this shade caught my eye. It's the most gorgeous coral/pink shade that is both bold and tasteful simultaneously. Though it's not for every day, this is a super fun lipstick to wear for a night out!


4. MAC False Lashes Mascara (Black)

I used to use MAC Plush Lash every day. I decided to give this one a try, and I haven't even opened my brand new replacement Plush Lash that I bought a few months ago. This adds length and volume and can be worn in the day time, or built up for a night out. New fave.

5. Lancome Luring Eyeshadow (Sheen)

Okay, so I don't like Lancome because of the whole testing on animals thing, so I went back and forth about whether to include this shadow on the list. In the end I decided to because in all honesty, though I won't be purchasing from them again in the future, this shadow is one that I find to be unique. It is an iridescent shimmery shadow that has hints of blue, green and purple in it. I like to layer it over another shadow (or paint pot) that will accentuate one of these colours.

6. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Tarnish in "Caught on Tape"

You might not have heard of these pencils - I hadn't. They're basically lip stain/glaze in a pencil format that has BE's Buxom line plumping properties. I love the colour of this - it's between a rich burgundy red and a fuchsia pink - and you can build the colour up or wear it as a subtle hint of colour during the day. Great.


7. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

I'm sure you have all heard of this cream - it's something of a cult favourite. It's bright yellow and comes in a clear plastic cubic pump container. It also comes in handy travel-size squeeze tubes for $15 each. I have trouble with dry skin in the winter, so this is a very important part of my winter skin care. It's thick enough to provide lots of moisture, but it absorbs more quickly than other creams so it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily. Also it doesn't have much of a scent - if anything it smells a little like oatmeal - which is another plus in my book. Because I hate using hand cream and then forgetting and touching my face, I have actually been known to use this as a hand cream in the winter time as well, and it works wonders for my hands and if I do touch my face, it doesn't leave it feeling gross. Bonus.


8. Kiehl's Lip Balm or MAC Lip Conditioner

I don't shop at Kiehl's anymore, because of the whole animal testing fiasco (they are a subsidiary of L'Oreal), but I have a tub and a tube of their lip balm that I'm still working on using up. It really isn't anything special, in all honesty, so you can substitute Rosebud Salve or MAC Lip Conditioner or even a drug store brand of lip conditioner. But whatever you use, it's important to moisturized those lips in the winter time, just like you do with the rest of your skin. I use this before bed at night and in the morning when I'm doing the rest of my makeup. If I'm not wearing a coloured lip product I'll also use it throughout the day.

9. Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow in Sand Dollar

This is a great base colour or for a daytime neutral eye. It is a muted taupe colour with a hint of shimmer that makes it gorgeous worn alone or with a thin wash of similar eyeshadow over top. I like it with MAC's Wedge shadow in the crease and Seasonally Spicy smudged into the lashline with Remotely Grey (you can also use any mid-tone brown shadow). So easy!

10. Nars Blush Brush

I love that this is super soft, it picks up just enough product when tapped off lightly and is the perfect size to apply to the cheekbone - I hate brushes that are too large so that blush ends up everywhere, or too small so that it ends up in a thin line. Pricey, but I'm getting daily use out of it!

So there you go, that's what I'm loving this week! Until next time....

xo M.

Nars - Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

This came in a package of Nars eye products, along with mascara, eye makeup remover and a liquid eyeliner pen. At first, I didn't really get excited about it. I tried the other products, threw this in a drawer, and pretty much forgot about it. Then one day I was rooting around in my drawer looking for an eyeshadow, and my hand closed around this. I thought, "hey, why not?" So I tried it out.

Now, eyeshadows are a challenge for me. I have a lot of problems with creasing, and even some of the best shadow primers don't work for me all day long (don't hate me, but UDPP is one of them).

So you can imagine my surprise when this worked like a dream. It went on smoothly, it did a great job of holding my shadow in place - and, best of all, it lasted all day. I don't think it will replace my Too Faced Shadow Insurance (mainly because it's quite expensive and I'm not a fan of applicators that go back into the product - easier to contaminate with bacteria that way) but I'm definitely glad I gave it a try!

Ratings:
Packaging: 3/5 

Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? It's good, but not better than cheaper alternatives. If you really like Nars, or if you find it as part of a package, give it a try. If you're on a budget, stick to one of the cheaper alternatives.
Would I purchase again? Possibly.

Cruelty-Free? Still looking into it.

Where to find it: Nars online.

Nars - Eyeshadows (Duos and Singles)

Nars Shadow Duos

It's taken me awhile to warm up to Nars. The first shadows I bought were hard to work with and had crappy colour payoff. I persevered, however, and discovered that over time, they seemed to loosen up and I could collect more powder per brush stroke, and the payoff improved. I've been experimenting with different Nars shadows - both singles and duos since. Here are the results.

 L-R: Elsa, Brumes, Underworld

• Elsa: I just got this one, and honestly I haven't used it much yet. The shades are light blue and lilac, with a frosty finish. I think they'd be great over other colours to add a subtle shimmer, or as a subtle wash. 
• Brumes: This is one of my favourites. Both colours are matte, one is a greyed mid-tone brown, and the other is a bluish-grey slate colour. I like using them instead of pencil or cream liner along the lash line for a softer daytime look. 
• Underworld: I love the name of this duo - and it's perfect for the shades. One is an ethereal pale silver, the other is a rich, deep blue shimmer. They're great together, but can also be worn alone or with other shadows. I love the sheen the silver carries, and it wears into the lid well.

Clockwise from top: Cheyenne, Kalahari, Bohemian Gold

• Cheyenne: The burgundy in this duo is beautiful and it works well with purples or mauves. I find shades like this look stunning on hazel and green eyes, since the red undertones will draw out the green in the eyes. The orange tone doesn't appeal to me all that much - I don't tent to use oranges - but if you're into them, this is a nice one.
• Kalahari: This is the first Nars duo I ever purchased. I didn't like this all that much at first as I found that it was hard to get good payoff. But over time using it seemed to loosen up the powder a bit and it's easier to work with now (this has been the case for a few Nars shadows). These really need a base to make the most of their colour, though. The shade on the left is a neutral bronze brown that I love alone or paired with slightly darker shades. The other shade is a lovely bruised plum that has a hint of purple and looks amazing on hazel eyes. Again, great as a neutral daytime shade!
• Bohemian Gold: This is an interesting duo. The darker orange (though, as I said, I'm not big on oranges) has a slight pink duochrome and is quite a unique shade. The lighter peach shade, however, I absolutely love on the lid with a black line for a simple, elegant look. It's deceptive in the pan, though. It seems quite neutral, but when applied the orange pops out and it looks more peach than expected.

Clockwise from top: Wicked, Star Sailor, Caravaggio

• Wicked: I'm assuming this is based on the book/musical, since it has a light green and shimmery white. Honestly it's more of a gimmick duo than anything else, and it doesn't really stand out from the collection.
• Star Sailor: This duo reminds me of olive and moss. The lighter shade is a gold mustard, while the other is a deep green/brown shimmer. Wearable, and would complement hazel and brown eyes beautifully.
• Caravaggio: Super bright! If you want dramatic shades and are someone who likes to make a bold statement with your shadow, this is for you. The purple can be toned down if layered or paired with mauve shades. Be careful with the pink if you have pale skin, because anything that's deep pink or red-based can make eyes look tired and irritated.

 Clockwise from top: Ondine, Night Fever, Night Porter, New York, Nepal

I only have a few Nars single shadows because I tend to think they're quite pricey, despite being a good amount of product. There are a few nice shades, however:

• Ondine: Light lilac/mauve with gold shimmer. This one reminds me of MAC's Trax, only much cooler and without the slight berry tinge.
• Night Fever: Black with red shimmer. This is nearly an exact dupe for MAC's Beauty Marked. Similarly, this must be pressed onto a tacky base (like a paint pot) to show up the red in it, and does better on a black base. 
• Night Porter: Like Night Fever, only with green shimmer instead of red and more green tone to the base colour. Dark forest green that can be used for a green smoky eye - quite a unique shade.
• New York: I absolutely love this shade. It's one of the only matte Nars shadows I have, and it's a truly gorgeous muted plum red earthtone. 
• Nepal: This was the first Nars shadow I ever purchased. It's a pretty neutral colour - pink/beige shimmer. I like this all over the lid with a dark, strong line for a classic look. 

I'd recommend proceeding with caution when purchasing Nars shadows. They don't always give the best payoff, and some are strictly for the adventurous type! They're quite pricey - though you get a fair amount of product for your dollar - so they're not for those who prefer to keep their makeups to the basics and the best value for money. Given their price, I wouldn't recommend stretching your beauty dollars for these over other high-end brands. At the very least, I recommend playing with them a bit in the store and viewing swatches in daylight before committing.

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5
Product quality: 4/5 (quality of shadows varies - some are great, some are hard to work with)
Worth the price? Some I'd say definitely, but not all of them, since they're very pricey. Purchase with caution if you're on a budget!
Would I purchase again? It's hard to say. They do come with a lot of product, so they'll last a long time. Which is good, considering the cost.

Cruelty-Free? Still looking into it.

Where to find it: Sephora in store and online. Nars online. The Bay department store (Nars Counter).