The Best of Beauty: Makeup 2013

NYE Smokey Neutral Eye and Bold Lip Combo (+playlist)

To Splurge Or Save?: Drug Store or Higher End Beauty Items..My Picks (+p...

Flat Ironed Natural Hair: Routine and Tips (+playlist)

Rose Gold Perfection: Becca Rose Gold Shimmer Skin Perfector Review

For the latter part of the year I have been very interested in stepping out of the box with product ranges I purchase and been opening my eyes to cosmetic lines that offer superb pigmentation and higher quality.
 I took an unexpected visit to the Downtown Sephora in Toronto and with the blink of an eye I noticed the line Becca on the shelf.
I don't personally know a lot about Becca but what I can tell you is that they have a varied shade range especially for dark skin and offer a product line to create natural flawless looks.
I had previously saw a review (the thing that gets me in trouble) on Becca's highlighters and decided to test out a few in store.
They are absolutely beautiful and I saw a limited edition rose gold highlighter was on display and I grabbed it faster then you can say hello! A few details and my impression on the skin perfector are below.

Details

• Becca describes this product as a shimmering skin perfector that provides luminosity in any light
• Becca uses a unique process for their highlighters whereas they don't press dry pigments together (which is typically done) they blend pigments with liquid binders which provides a creamy texture and beautiful pigmentation
• This rose gold shimmer is combined with warm toned coppers, golds, rose golds and peachy shades that provide a beautiful gleam on the face
• This is a limited edition shade exclusively available for the holiday season
• This skin perfector can be purchased on Becca's website or at Sephora
• This product is paraben free 
• Retails for $46 CAD 

My Impression 

• I am totally in love with this skin perfector 
• It is a product that can be universally flattering on light to dark skin if used sparingly
• Due to the deep pigmentation and smoothness of this product it is easy to go overboard and over apply, so it is great to use a fan brush/stippling brush to apply products on the cheekbones
• The wear on this product is great I found it lasted for about 8 hours 
• I love that there is a beautiful design in the powder itself and the packaging is very sturdy as well. 
• The rose gold color provides a unique look on the skin and provides a beautiful glow 
• I also enjoy that this product can be used all over the body during summer time
• I will use this to multitask as a highlighter, cheek color,  and eyeshadow

Holiday Party Makeup

My MAC Blush Collection (+playlist)

The Bold and The Beautiful: Nars Guy Bourdin Blush Coeur Battant Review

When it comes to blush I really get excited. I don't even remember where my love for blush began but all I know is that Nars makes some of the meanest blushes on the market.
The reason I love them is because they are ultra pigmented, have long wear on the cheeks, and have some of the most universally flattering tones on the market.
The quality alone aids with my decision to invest in these blushes that are a bit on the pricier end.
Nars cosmetics launched their holiday collection which pays homage to François Nars admiration for controversial fashion photographer Guy Bourdin's art.
If you read up information on Guy Bourdin you will see why he is considered controversial and why this collection has stirred the pot across the beauty community.
For me personally I choose to have my personal opinions about my perceptions of Guy Bourdin work and focus solely on the collection itself because prior to this collection I have never heard of this artist.
I on the other hand fell in love with a few of the products in the range but decided as we near close to Christmas I would get the one stand out product (to me) in the collection and that was this beautiful blush Coeur Battant.
I will go over some information on this blush plus my personal opinion!

About Nars Coeur Battant Blush

• Coeur Battant is a beautiful bold magenta color 
• This blush is limited edition only available for the holiday season, or while quantities last
• Coeur Battant is completely matte (Love)
• The packaging has Guy Bourdin artwork on it however the actual blush palette is the traditional black Nars palette
• There is 4.8 grams of product (Typical of all Nars blushes)
• The blush palette also contains a mirror that is helpful on the go
• Nars blushes retail for $32 CAD
• Nars blushes can be purchased at Sephora, The Bay (Canada) and on the Nars website
  

My personal opinion on Coeur Battant Blush

• This blush may look intimidating in the pan however when applied with a light hand it creates a beautiful pop on the cheeks
• Coeur Battant is extremely pigmented so may be tricky for lighter skin tones to work with, however a stippling brush will aid in getting just the right amount on the cheeks
• This blush is universally flattering however I believe it will look really nice on tan to darker skin tones
• Coeur battant has the silky smooth application Nars blushes typically have
• This blush is easy to blend out on the skin 
• I am excited that I got my hands on this blush and would definitely repurchase again (although I am sure I won't have to since I've never hit pan on ANY blush I own)
• Coeur Battant is a very unique blush (in my collection) and is definitely a beautiful blush to add to your Christmas list this holiday season

Wearing Nars Coeur Battant

My Holy Grail Mac Products (+playlist)

Tender Love and Care: Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque Review

The last several months I have been neglecting my hair in the worst way.
I was always diligent with deep conditioning and pre-pooing my tresses, and the fact that I added honey blond streaks to my hair was a big motivator to keep up the high maintenance.
Now I am back on my TLC (tender love and care) vibe and been searching for some deep conditioner masks that don't break the bank and are easily accessible.
I already have my holy grail from Shea Moisture, however in Canada it is $20+ and I wanted to see if I could find something comparable in the beauty supply store.
I do not believe I have found a comparable replacement for my Shea Moisture masque and will discuss some information about this deep treatment masque and my impressions.

Information on Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque:

• Cantu Shea Butter masque is a deep conditioning treatment that is suppose to nourish dry, damaged and brittle hair
• This masque is made with 100% Shea butter 
• Cantu is formulated without harsh chemicals and ingredients
• This product contains no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, gluten, or DEA (something hard for me personally to find in a beauty supply)
• This product is not tested on animals
• Cantu Shea butter Masque contains 340g of product (very reasonable) 
• Cantu should be applied all over the hair with special attention paid to the ends of your hair
• The instructions indicated to leave it on for 30 minutes and rinsed out 
• It can be left on really dry hair as a leave in conditioner
• I picked it up at my local beauty supply Clore in Toronto and it retailed for $8.99 CAD

My Personal Impressions/Experience:

• I was very excited at the reasonable price tag on this masque in store and noticed it is always on sale
• I was thrilled with the product ingredient listing because I find it challenging to find products in the beauty supply that have no mineral oil, sulfates or parabens
• The smell of the product is pleasant
• The consistency of the masque is very nice and thick and coats the hair very well
• The amount of product in the treatment is great and can be used at least 4-5 times (even on my thick hair)
• I applied the masque to my hair for over 30 minutes (typical for me) but my hair felt stiff and dry on my first attempt
• Upon my second attempt with this masque I left it in for a little over 30 minutes and my hair felt a bit better, however wasn't as soft as I would prefer
• I will not be repurchasing this product once I have finished it because it didn't provide any stellar results

Nume Curling Wand on Natural Hair