An Awesome Present - Neal's Yard

Last week two of my aunts came to visit us from England. They stayed for a week, though I only got to spend an evening with them at my dad's place. Though this isn't my personal blog, let me digress for a moment.

If you don't read my other blog, you may not know this about me, but my parents are both from England. I'm first generation Canadian, and I feel a strong connection to my British roots. I guess you could call me an Anglophile - I love everything British, from the BBC to Polo mints to Marks & Sparks to calling potato chips "crisps." So it follows that I'd have a proclivity towards British cosmetics. Which I do - in fact, I worked at LUSH for a couple of years, which was originally a British company, and which I first encountered in Covent Garden. 

So when my aunts gave me this beautiful gift box from Neal's Yard,  you can imagine how pleased I was! Neal's Yard is a British company that uses natural, organic ingredients and doesn't test on animals. What I like most about their products, so far, is that they don't have overwhelming scents. Even naturally-derived essential oils can be overpowering (if you've been in a LUSH store, you'll know what I'm talking about). I don't know if it's from working at LUSH for so long, or  because I stopped working there, but I've developed a sensitivity to really strong perfumes. So I love cosmetics that smell good, but don't beat you over the head with it. 

I have to admit that I haven't started using this yet - I'm saving it for sometime when I need a pick-me-up, but I'm looking forward to giving it a try. I think my favourite scent is the Citrus Hand Wash. It's a subtle, refreshing scent that I could just sit and sniff all day long. I'm also looking forward to trying the shower gel and body polish, followed by body lotion, which are all rose and geranium scented. For some reason, this smells particularly British to me.

So if you're in England, going to England or just looking for something fantastic to buy online, check out Neal's Yard. Definitely a great present!

xo M.

Eye Primer - What Is It, Why Wear It, and Which Is Best?

When you first start becoming interested in makeup, it starts with the obvious things. Bright lipsticks. Dark eyeliners. Then, if you're like me, you started to explore all the other products - the ones that were harder to figure out. You may have wondered what on earth primer was, or what all the different brushes did, or when and how to use lip exfoliators or gel eyeliners.

One of the most puzzling items I encountered was eye primer. Now, of course, I couldn't live without it. So, what is eye primer, and what does it do? Well, there are three main purposes of eye primer:

1. To provide an even base colour that will either act as a blank canvas for the true colour of a shadow to show on or as a colour that will augment a particular tint within a shadow;
2. To give eyeshadow something to cling to so that you can get maximum pigmentation and build colour; and
3. To set shadow in place and act as a barrier between pigment and skin's natural oils, thus preventing creasing and holding colour in place all day.

A good primer will do all of these things. Of course, a good primer isn't easy to find - and what works for one person may not work as well for another. There are several (including some cult favourites), so I'll list some and outline my own personal experiences with them, and what I consider to be their pros and cons.

Before I launch into my opinion of the products, let me tell you a bit about my eyes that will help you to determine whether you are likely to find the same issues and benefits I did with these products.First of all, I have quite small eyelids, so I don't have a large area to work with. I have what you might call "hooded" eyes - meaning that the lid folds nearly entirely over itself when I open my eyes. This leads to a terrible problem with creasing. There are almost no cream shadows out there that I can wear for more than an hour or two without shadow collecting in my crease line and looking completely ridiculous. I have dry skin (I can only imagine how much worse it would be if it were oily), but my eyes are sensitive and easily irritated, so I have to be careful about what I use on them. All of these factors affect the performance of my eye makeup and which primers work best for me.

Now, on to the products!


Urban Decay Primer Potion
The first, and probably most well-known, is the Urban Decay Primer Potion. The main problem with this primer, which is a great product, was the container. It came in a dip-stick twist-top container that made it nearly impossible to get the last of the product out. It also meant using a doe-foot applicator on the eye area and then dipping it right back into the product - thus increasing the chances of transferring harmful bacteria. I never applied it directly to the eyes - just dabbed it on a clean ring finger. Now they've come out with a squeeze tube, which is a huge improvement - both from the point of view of hygiene and product use.

As for the product itself, I'd give it an 80. For two reasons. First, it's quite translucent. While this is fine most of the time, it does mean that you don't get that opaque, even base to work with, and it doesn't help colour to pop the same way. The second is that it didn't do the best job for me in preventing creasing. It lasted a work day, so pretty respectable, but there are others that I have found to last most of the evening as well. However, many people swear by it, so it's worth a try if you're looking for the right one for you!

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
The next is Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer. This one I'd probably give about a 75. It's more opaque than the UDPP, so it's a better base for colour. However I found that it was a bit of an oilier feeling formulation, so creasing tended to happen by the end of a work day, if not a bit before (depending also on the shadow used). It also has the doe-foot applicator and the issues that accompany it. I got it free in a Smashbox palette, and I'm glad I got to give it a try, but it's not going to be my go-to primer.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Next is Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I have to admit that this is pretty much my holy grail - so far! I like the squeeze tube for ease and hygiene, and the product itself is great. It isn't as opaque as the Smashbox or MAC Paint Pots (hold on  - we're getting there!), so it doesn't provide the best colour base - but that's fine by me. I'm pale skinned to begin with, so really, how much lighter does it need to get? What I love about this stuff is that you need the tiniest possible amount and the effect will last all day long flawlessly. I've had a tube of this for over a year, using it nearly daily, and it's still got some left. Though it might seem pricey at first - bear this in mind. Ends up being incredible value for money.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadows aren't technically eye primers - but then again, neither are MAC Paint Pots (still getting there!). And they're very similar. Remember how I said that I can't wear cream shadows? These and paint pots are the exception to that rule. Why? Because they set rock solid. Okay, not literally, but you get my meaning. Once they're on there, they're not going anywhere. Bobbi Brown has some great neutral shades that are gorgeous, and I'd recommend trying them out if you get a chance. The down side is that they really are quite pricey - the pots are much smaller than the MAC ones, and if memory serves they cost 1.5 times as much. If you've got the money, though, by all means have at 'er.

MAC Paint Pots
Okay, it's finally time to talk about MAC Paint Pots. I know a lot of you will swear by them, and others think they're disappointing - for one reason or another. So here are my pros and cons. First of all, these provide a flawless base in terms of colour. Pick one that's close to your skin tone (Painterly for me, perhaps Groundwork or Quite Natural for darker skintones, and Soft Ochre for really pale skin or skin with yellow undertones) if you want a natural base that will give you even pigment. If you want a primer that will show the truest colour of your shadow, go with a light one like Soft Ochre - remember, even if it doesn't match your skin, the shadow will completely cover it by the time you're done. It's just a matter of how that shadow looks.

Another big plus for the Paint Pots is that they go on as cream and set. Though it can be frustrating to work with them because you have to move fast, this means that they have a tacky (slightly sticky) texture when they go on, so shadows and pigments - even glitter - will cling to the surface. When they dry, everything is locked in place.

Also they come in a range of shades, and limited edition shades often turn up in collections. It's actually pretty amazing how dramatically you can change the accent colour in a shadow by using  different base colour under it, and having such a wide range of shades that I've collected (everything from neutral to blue to coral to black) means that I can create endless variety with my shadows.

There are a couple of things to bear in mind with these, however. They don't necessarily prevent creasing, so if this is a big issue for you, proceed with caution! I've found that sometimes they're fine, other times they're a disaster. Not sure if it's the weather, how much I apply (word to the wise - you want to apply enough to create an even base, but if you pile too much on it won't dry properly and will slide around) or the combination of shadow and Paint Pot, but sometimes they keep going and going, other times I'm a hot mess by the end of the day.

Nars Pro-Prime
Finally, a primer I only recently discovered. I've written a whole review of it here, so I'll keep it brief. The Nars Pro-Prime has the same unfortunate doe-foot applicator fiasco as the old UDPP and the Smashbox primer. It is quite translucent, so doesn't provide a colour base. However - it is great for preventing creasing! Which, given my issues, is top priority for me.  I'll sacrifice everything else for crease-free lids any day of the week. So this has my vote. It might even be better than the Too Faced - but I've only used it a couple of times so far, so I'm still deciding. At any rate, definitely worth trying if you have the same problems as me - and if you can afford it - this shit ain't cheap!

I hope this was helpful to those of you who wondered what on earth eye primer was and thought it was a gimmicky non-product. If my own opinions of individual products was also useful - even better! I'd love to hear what you think and which primers you swear by, so feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Until next time...

xo M.

Bobbi Brown - Rich Lip Color SPF12

L-R: Old Hollywood, Rose Blossom, Crimson, Mod Pink, Cosmic Raspberry 

If you're an avid YouTuber and makeup fanatic (and let's face it, if you're reading this, you probably are), you may have come across Bobbi Brown's video introducing her Rich Lip Color SPF 12 lipsticks:

They look beautiful, don't they? I discovered them when I read Temptalia's review and saw this picture:

 Cosmic Raspberry (photo by Temptalia)

You all know how obsessed I am with pink lipstick, so of course I NEEDED this IMMEDIATELY if not sooner. The real drag? They don't sell them in Canada. You heard me, as beautiful as they are, you can't get them here. So if you want to try these out, you're going to have to get creative. Find a friend who is going to the States or an online site that will ship to Canada (which I still haven't managed to do).

But however you manage it, get your eager little hands on a couple of these. As you can see, I snagged a few, and while not all of them have become favourites, I do find myself reaching for Cosmic Raspberry frequently when I'm looking for a bright pop of colour. Mod pink is a little too peachy for me, but rose blossom is great if you want a neutral pink look. Old Hollywood is exactly the (quint)essential, glamorous red that you'd want it to be. It looks beautiful with a dramatic, dark eyeliner.

And finally, we have Crimson. This is a very dark burgundy shade - that quite frankly scared me a bit when I first opened it. However, Bobbi's right - you can build it to make it more subtle or super dramatic. Here's a cool video I found yesterday that might help you figure out how if you're having trouble:

The final word? I really like these. They're nearly-matte, but they're not drying. I find them easy to apply and work with, and they don't need constant upkeep (though bear in mind that the more intense or dark a colour, the more often you'll need to touch up!). If you get a chance to pick some up, I'd definitely recommend it. I'll update this pots if I hear anything about them becoming available in Canada - which I very much hope they will!

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5 

Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Perhaps. These are a bit pricey. If you have the cash, they're worth it. If you're on a drugstore budget, these might not be worth the scrimping and saving!
Would I purchase again? Yes. In fact, I must admit to having a backup of Cosmic Raspberry!

Cruelty-Free? Still looking into it.

Where to find it: Bobbi Brown stores and online. Nordstrom's in store and online.(Note: Canadian Bobbi Brown retailers do not carry this product at this time, and neither online site will ship to Canada.)

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).