The transition from winter to spring can be a bumpy flaky ride. Got skin? Then you'll want to know these skin-loving products. Sure, there are tons of pretty makeup out there but if your skin doesn't look good then nothing will. Spring forward and look healthy and radiant!
Another Makeup Junkie favourite from Tarte Cosmetics for Day 12!
1. Julie Hewett Lip Lush Trio ($49 USD): These gorgeous gifts are for the glam girl in mind. Julie Hewett has to be one of my all time favourite makeup lines! Created by celebrity makeup artist, Julie Hewett, this line is truly for the makeup lover who loves beautiful packaging and wants to achieve the perfect red-carpet look.
3. Benefit Celebutante Personal Stylist Kit ($34 USD): Benefit Cosmetics is known for creating pretty palettes fit for Hollywood’s elite. This A-lister kit includes everything for creating that perfect red-carpet ready look! I love all the mini size products - perfect for stashing in those small holiday clutches!
6. The Sartorialist by Scott Shuman ($31 CDN): I don't know any makeup junkie that isn't a fashion lover. “The Satorialist” is the must-have coffee table book for fashion lovers everywhere. Scott Shuman's street images of real people with personal style have inspired many people around the globe.
9. Zoya Holiday Color Lock Set ($7.50 USD): DIY mani's are always in especially in this economy. This mini set has all the essentials for the perfect manicure: Zoya Remove, Armour Top Coat, Anchor Base Coat, and HurryUp Speed Dry Drops.
What you put on your skin counts. Every beauty brand is coming out with products that are either all natural, organic, or anti-aging. With so many cosmetics offering similar benefits how do you really know which ones work? Makeup Junkie has tested some of the most talked about good-for-your-skin products on the market. If you've been curious about these products, read first before making a pricey purchase!
1.Tarte ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation With Wrinkle Rewind Technology SPF 15 ($37 USD)
What it is: A natural foundation with clinically proven anti-aging results.
What it does: Wrinkle Rewind Technology has clinically proven to decrease fine lines and wrinkles while increasing your skin's elasticity, firmness, tone and overall moisture. Micronized minerals brighten skin and offer sun protection.
Clinical results: Significant increase in skin elasticity, firmness and resiliency an average of 22% after 2 weeks of use and 43% after 4 weeks of use.
Significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles an average of 39% after 4 weeks of use and 67% after 6 weeks of use.
Increases skin's overall moisture by 52.82% within 15 minutes of application.
The Real Deal: While wrinkles and fine lines have not totally wreaked havoc on my skin yet, I did notice my skin looked much smoother and youthful right away. The foundation texture almost had a soft whipped feel to it and blended really nicely onto the skin. The medium to full coverage did not fade throughout the day and also did not feel heavy on the skin. I received many compliments on how good my skin looked which is always good in my books!
Boo Points: We're all for green packaging here at Makeup Junkie but I was not too impressed with the "Flo-Thru Pump". I don't know if I just received a dud, but the pump broke after only a few uses. It was annoying having to bang the bottle onto a dish to get the foundation out!
2. Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder and Brush Set ($59 USD)
What it is: Hydrating anti-aging powder with a science of skincare built in.
What it does: The advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptides deliver powerful anti-aging benefits, while the patented hydration system continuously hydrates your skin all day. Built-in shaver allows for the convenience of a pressed powder but with the radiant finish of a loose powder.
Clinical Results: After 10 minutes there is a 33% decrease in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
After 6 weeks of use, there is a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overall.
The Real Deal: Definitely hydrating for my sometimes dehydrated skin! During the winter to spring transition, my skin was a flaky mess but Halo did a good job of not accentuating my dry skin. It has a light coverage but definitely buildable and it left my skin looking luminous. In terms of wrinkles, I don't have a whole lot besides fine lines. I didn't notice the lines around my eyes decrease but the powder didn't enhance them. It's a great finishing powder for under the eyes because it has a brightening quality to it. The texture is also very light. Getting the right amount with the built-in shaver took some time to get used to but it's a cool idea. It really makes you conserve more especially since it comes with the high price.
Boo Points: The high price and the brush. The travel size Kabuki brush felt prickly on my skin and there is no way to transport it. It just ends up getting dirty. The built-in shaver can get a little messy but it stays in one place for the most part.
3. per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel To Go ($17.50 .25 oz)
What it is: A multitasking all-in-one vitamin enriched, sweat-resistant and water-resistant skin perfector.
What it does: Instantly improves skin tone, reduce redness, and help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Enriched with powerful antioxidants including the universal antioxidant alpha lipoic acid, and vitamins A and E to help repair, protect, and fight future environmental skin damage, this lightweight gel helps maintain hydration leaving the skin with a healthy, even glow by locking in moisture and absorbing excess skin oils.
The Real Deal: I had heard of per-fekt before but wasn't sure if it was a primer or a foundation. The gel texture is very light-weight and blends effortlessly onto the skin. It did soften the appearance of my pores and reduced red areas on my face. I have Rich, a warm tan for a healthy sun-kissed glow. It definitely enhanced my summer tan and gave the skin a beautiful radiance without looking oily. If you have close to perfect skin, then you can get away with using it as light foundation. For me, I like a little more coverage. It evened out my skin tone but I felt some blemishes needed a bit more coverage. I like using this as a base/primer and then applying a tinted moisturizer on top. Foundation glides seamlessly overtop of the gel and lasts longer. You don't need to set with powder because the gel absorbs excess oils. Shh - I went through a couple weeks of laziness and slept with it on and never broke out once! I guess it really is good for your skin!
Boo Points: The price! The travel size is a small tube and is pretty pricey. A little goes a long way but for how long? I've had it now for almost a month and have a lot left so we'll see . The regular size is $57.50 ($USD)! I guess if I use it just as a primer at least I know my skin is benefiting from it! Pretty pricey primer though don't you think?
4. Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint & Treatment SPF 20 ($35 USD)
What it is: A lightweight, all-in-one face finisher and skin treatment with antioxidants and UVA/UVB, SPF 20 sunscreens. It's great for even the most sensitive skin.
What it does: Creates a natural, healthy-looking finish with no telltale lines. Delivers the benefits of essential moisture, broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, and potent antioxidants with skin-refining color.
Clinical Results: 72% reduction in dryness
28% increase in skin hydration
41% increase in skin elasticity
27% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
The Real Deal: This is a kick-ass tinted moisturizer! This has definitely become a staple in my makeup bag especially for summer. My skin always looks its best in the summer months so I was in search of a lighter foundation. The tint feels weightless and makes your skin look flawless minus the caked on look. I find with some tinted moisturizers, the coverage is minimal. With Cosmedicine's, my skin tone is evened out and my blemishes disappear! I also found with some tinted moisturizers my skin looked too shiny. This tint delivers a fresh, dewy finish. I've never been so happy with the appearance of my skin - I think its a combo of per-fekt gel as a base and Cosmedicine tint on top. For oilier skin, Cosmedicine has an oil-control version too!
Boo Points: Nothing! What's not to love??
Have you tried these products? What good-for-your-skin cosmetics do you recommend? Makeup Junkie wants to know!
If your vanity, drawers, or containers are overflowing with old makeup then it's probably a good time to do some Spring cleaning. Instead of replacing your old products with the exact same thing, why not do some Spring greening! Feel good about saving the environment and putting only the best on your skin with these eco-friendly products!
Tarte Spring Greening Reusable Straw Palette ($38.50 USD): Tarte knows that today's woman wants more than just makeup. Spring Greening, a sustainable straw palette, contains 6 new mineral eyeshadows, three new t5-infused lip glosses, and a bamboo-handled eyeshadow brush. The tray is removable so when the makeup has finished you can pull out the tray and reuse the straw bag!
The 6 mineral shadows come in the season's hottest shades: peachy-pink, seafoam green, copper-bronze, pale pink, chartreuse, soft lilac. The shadows are incredibly soft, shimmery, and highly pigmented. The three t5-infused glosses come in a shimmery clear, pink-peach, and true pink. You'll love the non-sticky texture and sheer colour (although I do prefer more colour from a gloss). If you're expecting a full-size palette don't because the shadows and glosses are cute and pint-size perfect for traveling!
Cargo PlantLove Baked Illuminator in Fire ($28 USD): This blush, bronzer, and highlighter all in one is made of natural terracotta ingredients and baked for eight hours providing a velvety soft texture. Fire is a beautiful combination of pink, bronze, and opal. The finish is extremely shimmery so use it sparingly. I apply it on my cheekbones toward my hairline for a pretty glow. Buff it onto the skin wherever you want a radiant finish. Fire's bronzy undertones gave some warmth to my winter pale skin but I have a feeling the colour won't show up on tan skin. If you have a darker skin tone try Earth or Wind. Save this shimmer for the body if your skin is normally oily on the face. The biodegradable packaging is a plus but a bit bulky for my liking and the plastic feels kind of cheap. If the environment and nourishing ingredients are your priority then you can probably live with the packaging.
Cargo PlantLove Lip Gloss in Dahlia ($20 USD): Women ingest so much lip gloss and most of the time we don't even realize it. With PlantLove Lip Gloss you won't have to give it a thought because it is made with all natural ingredients and comes packaged in earth-friendly packaging. The texture is smooth and feels like a lip balm on your lips. If you only like a hint of colour then you'll love the sheer finish. Dahlia is an opalescent pink. I have a bit of colour on my lips so it looked more like a clear shimmery gloss on me. I much prefer to use it as a highlight over top of a deeper shade of gloss or lipstick. 
Cargo PlantLove Eyeliner in Midnight Blue, Dark Brown, Bronze and Black ($16 USD): Your delicate eye area will appreciate the incredibly blendable texture and long-lasting performance. Like the entire PlantLove collection, these liners are free of parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, and sythetic dyes and fragrances. The rich smooth pigment is great for layering with a smokey eye. Worn on its own, I did notice it smudged a bit throughout the day but layered under a powder the result was long-lasting and smudge-free. Midnight Blue and Bronze are my favourites and have a gorgeous metallic finish.
Alima Pure April in Paris Collection ($25 USD): Inspired by the beauty of Paris and the legendary Coco Chanel, April in Paris is absolutely stunning! These mineral shadows contain no additives, fillers or fragrances that can irritate your skin or clog your pores. The pigments actually benefit your skin providing protection from the sun and contain anti-flammatory properties. Sensitive skins will be happy that these are free of parabens, bismuth oxychloride, talc, dyes, fragrances, phthalates, or perservatives. Wear dry for a lovely wash of colour or apply wet for rich colour and shimmer. The collection includes Sacre Courer, soft rose with golden sparkle, Rue Cambon, a delightful lavender, Versailles, a soft mint green laced with golden shimmer and silver sparkle, and Le Marais, a chocolate bronze to contrast the lovely pastels. A little goes a long way! Warning: if you're clumsy these may not be for you as it does not come in a sifted container. 
Mineralogie Shimmer Eyeshadow in Copper Shimmer, Espresso Shimmer and Opal Shimmer: Get gorgeous using all natural minerals free of harsh chemicals. You can buy these shadows pressed or loose. These highly pigmented powders have a beautiful shimmery finish and can be layered together for a multitude of looks. Copper Shimmer and Espresso Shimmer are great for a bronzed smokey eye and Opal Shimmer is perfect as a base or highlight. Be creative and mix these powders with a clear gloss for a custom colour or use with a moisturizer for a stunning body shimmer. You can find Mineralogie at select Bay department stores across Canada.
Mineralogie Extreme Shine Lip Gloss in Dulce: These sheer, moist glosses will give your lips a sexy shine. These glosses are never sticky. The minerals in the gloss also protect your lips from the sun, while Grape Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Vitamin E promote healing. Dulce is a soft lilac, but was a little too sheer for me. Again, it looked more clear than lilac but will probably show up on fair skinned beauties or if you don't have a lot of colour on your lips.
Mineralogie Blush in Fawn: This light reflective mineral blush softens your features and gives your skin a natural rosy glow. Fawn is a bronzed-rose, which gives fair to medium skin a bronzey glow and looks like a pretty neutral blush on medium-dark to dark skin. All Mineralogie pigments come cased with a sifter to cut down on the mess. Shake it a bit with the cap on so you can grab the pigment easily.
Have you tried these eco-friendly products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?
Create the first blush of Spring with a healthy flush of colour on the cheeks. Let the pale of winter be replaced with colour and vibrancy. With a hop in our step, bounce in our hair, and a fresh pop of colour on our cheeks we know Spring is finally arriving!
Benefit Coralista ($35 CDN): Don't you just love Benefit's cheeky-fun names? The newest member to join the brand's best-seller Boxed Powders collection is Coralista, a coral-pink powder with a sheen. This gorgeous blush has moved front and center in my makeup bag and for good reason! Some of Benefit's other powders never really showed on my medium-dark skin but not Coralista. The coral-pink sheen gives my skin the most beautiful glow and the freshest pop of colour. It's like Spring on the cheeks with a hint of summer around the corner. The powder is long-lasting and blends to perfection. I adore the boxed packaging, however, wish it was more portable. Again, I prefer to use a proper blush brush for easy placement of blush rather than the brush it comes with. I also love the signature rose scent - makes me dream of Spring flowers... Coralista kicks NARS' Orgasm blush any day!
Smashbox Muse Blush Rush ($24 USD): Give your cheeks a "Rush" this Spring with a sophisticated coral flush of colour! This coral has more peach than pink and gives the cheeks a grown up glow. It has a very subtle sheen, appropriate for the office and anytime of the day. This peachy-coral is the perfect compliment to Spring's fresh greens, soft lavendars, and warm bronzed eyes. The blush is also long-lasting. I love the artist-inspired packaging with flecks of paint and the handy little mirror for touch-ups. If you've been hunting for a coral with no pink then this is the blush!
Tarte A Perfect Whirled Natural Swirl Cheek Stain (Limited Edition, $28 USD): In a perfect world our cheeks would always appear naturally rouged and healthy looking. Since that's not the case, Tarte has created the next best thing - A Perfect Whirled Natural Swirl Cheek Stain. Swirled together, you have a coral-pink and illuminating seashell-pink for a perfectly natural flush. One layer of the stain and you get a soft and sweet pink. Add a few more layers and you get a bright pop of pink with a luminous finish. The blush applies like a cream and is easy to blend with your finger. It's also good for your skin and looks beautiful on! It only uses natural colorants and is infused with a t5 complex.
Prescriptives In-Bloom Cheek Color Duo (Limited Edition, $30 CDN): How fabulous are these blush duos embossed with a floral design?? If these blushes don't make you think of Spring then I don't know what will! Available in Warm or Cool palettes, these duos give you the perfect combination of colour and radiance. I got to try the Cool palette which includes a two pinks: one deeper for contouring and colour and a lighter pink with shimmer for highlighting and radiance. Or where each shade on its own - whatever your heart desires! Looks gorgeous and healthy. You'll love the luminous glow it leaves on the skin plus the pretty floral design!
Have you tried these blushes? Love 'em? Hate 'em?
If there's one way to get some attention this Valentine's Day it's to swipe on some fabulous lippies in the most kissable colours and textures. From tinted lip balms to lip stains, you'll be sure to find something that will make your lips say "kiss me" and keep your special Valentine wanting more!
CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain ($9.99 CDN): Hot of the runways this Spring, lipstains have reemerged just in time for Valentine's Day! Pat McGrath, CoverGirl Global Creative Design Director and my idol, has created ten sumptuous shades that deliver the most beautiful flush of colour to the lips. These water-based stains deliver weightless colour without the heavy look of lipstick or the stickiness of a gloss. The stain is the first of its kind that does not contain alcohol and has conditioners like glycerine and hyaloronic acid to soften and smooth the lips. Its fool-proof pen-style applicator looks like a marker and applies very much the same way. Just colour in those lips for some kissable colour and it will last for hours - certainly through an all night smooch session!
(L-R): Teasing Blush, a pretty berry pink and Flirty Nude, brown-based orange. I love swiping either for an "easy breezy" no-fuss look or using it to really define the lips and adding some gloss to make those lips pop. My normally dry lips never chap or dry out with these stains. They have definitely become staples in my makeup bag and at the low price point you might as well get all 10! Tip: Make sure lips are dry so that the stain can really sink into the lips. Blot lip balm with a tissue prior to application. 
Tarte 24/7 Natural Lip Sheer with SPF 15 ($14 USD): I've never tried a tinted lip balm that was budge-proof until I tried Tarte's 24/7's! If you're usually a chapstick gal but want a hint of colour this Valentine's, these creamy lip sheers will give you the right amount of moisture and colour. Eat, sip wine or champagne and Tarte 24/7 will leave a nice stain keeping those lips soft for some after dessert kissing! My favourite part of Tarte products are the Skinvigorating Ingredients and green packaging!
(L-R): For something daring try Monday, a sheer red. And for something sweet but naughty try Tea Time, a deep rose.
Smashbox O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper with Goji Berry-C Complex ($24 USD): Whether you believe Smashbox's O-Gloss and the most recent addition, O-Plump, gives your lips your own personal shade of pink or not, it does deliver a lovely healthy pink flush to the lips. If your looking to plump up your normally thin almost non-existent lips, O-Plump will definitely give you the luscious plump you need! I've never really had a need for lip plumpers plus I hated the stinging "sensation" it gave my lips. Since O-Plump, I actually enjoy the tingling minty coolness it leaves and my pout has never looked so juicy (so says the hubbie)! I found my lips looked full and plump even into the next day. Whether it's really my personal shade of pink or not, the shade that develops looks great on me. I love swiping this on when I don't want to think about what shade of lip colour I want to wear. A little mascara, blush and O-Plump is all you need to make your Valentine's swoon!
Prescriptives Colorscope Lipcolor in Classic Red ($17.50 USD): Classics are classic for a reason. They never go out of style. You'll love the creamy smooth texture of Prescriptive's Lipcolor. It hugs the lips and the colour goes on rich with a moist, shiny finish. Evoke the Old Hollywood starlet in you with Classic Red. To keep this bold colour in tact and in kiss-perfection, prime your lips with Benefit Lip Plump. Line your lips with the same colour lip pencil. Apply Classic Red lipstick with a lip brush for precise application. Blot with tissue so it leaves a first layer stain on the lips. Apply Classic Red again. Skip the gloss to get the true look of Old Hollywood glam.
Have you tried any of these lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em?
Mary Louise-Parker
Celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow for tarte
Clean complexion: the eraser in porcelain (new shade launched in Jan), ReCreate anti-aging foundation with Wrinkle Rewind and SPF 15: porcelain 00 (new product launched this month), provocateur mineral pressed powder with SPF 8: fair
Cheeks: a perfect whirled cheek stain (pink)
Eyes: intense purple effect using tarte's eye couture palette (purple shadows and black liner). Also used tarte's lash hugger eco-friendly natural mascara
Lips: muted pink/beige-blended tarte's 24/7 natural lip sheers with SPF 15 in champagne brunch and tea time
Celebrity makeup artist Eric Barnard for tarte
Complexion: shading/contouring with mineral powder bronzer in hotel heiress
Eyes: Emphaseyes high definition eye pencil in plum on inner rim and natural eyeliner in Olympia on outer rim
Lips: dizzy blonde double-ended lipliner (bronze side) to cover lip and then johnny (from johnny and baby) double-ended lip gloss
www.tartecosmetics.com
Ring in the New Year in a bold way! Nothing makes a statement like a kiss-me-red pout. Whether it's a siren red or a deep burgundy, there is a shade and texture for every gal!
1. Stila Paint Your Pout Red - The Talking Palette ($45 USD): Where would a makeup junkie be without Stila's fabulous talking palettes? With a press of the button and step-by-step instructions, all makeup newbies will be able to achieve the perfect red pout! This handy palette contains a lip primer, 3 red lip colour shades, and a lip brush! Custom blend for the perfect shade or wear each on their own. Dab on the lips as a stain for the day and layer on thicker for bold night time lips. I love how long-lasting the lip colours are and the primer helps prevent bleeding and feathering. Just throw this compact palette in your favourite clutch for touch-ups before the clock strikes 12!
2. Urban Decay Lipstick in Gash ($22 USD): It may not be the prettiest name but Gash is a sexy blood red! I LOVE this lipstick! This full-coverage lipstick with sheen goes on rich and smooth. I always get compliments when I wear this lipstick. It's a lovely deep shade and looks amazing with a gold or bronze eye. The packaging is just another fabulous element to these lipsticks. The tubes are made from purple metal and pierced with a mini gunmetal dagger which is used to twist the lipstick up and down. Embossed in the actual lipstick is the Urban Decay logo and a little dagger. Every eye will be drawn to this lipstick and your lips!
3. Tarte Berry Couture Rise and Shine Berrylicious Lipstain ($35 USD): If you're worried about your lip colour leaving its mark, stick to a lipstain that will last you sip after sip or smooch after smooch! This has been one of my go-to lippies for a day of shopping or a holiday party. I just love the deep wine stain it leaves on my lips. The berry lip plumping gloss is a perfect compliment but I like to use the shimmering deep mauve gloss from Tarte's Purse Your Lips over it instead. My lips can't handle the stinging sensation of a plumping gloss! Give your cheeks the same berrylicious flush as your lips with the Cheek Stain! The combo together looks so pretty and polished. The best part of Tarte products are that they are all natural so you can feel good about slicking these lovelies on!
4. Face Atelier Lip Glaze in Shiraz ($20 CAD): Still unsure if a bold lip is for you? Go shiny and sheer in a beautiful deep burgundy like Shiraz. Face Atelier Lip Glazes are super shiny like glass with a moisturizing finish. The frosted slanted tube makes the application a breeze! The colour is sheer but still noticeable. I found the gloss lasted for a while and left a nice stain on my lips after the shine had worn off. To prevent a gloss from bleeding, I like to use an invisible lip liner!
For tips on how to wear red lips check out our Makeup Junkie Holiday Makeup 101: Red Lips post!
Every gal, naughty or nice, will love a little dose (or a lot) of sexy gloss on the lips this holiday season! Shine sheer or shine high with some of these festive glossy must-haves!
Benefit's Peace, Love and Glossiness makes the perfect Christmas gift of gloss this holiday season! Lip gloss fanatics and Makeup Junkies will love the set of 3 gloss duos that contain 6 of Benefit’s most popular lips glosses with such irresistable names: 1. My people, Your people, 2. Talk To My Agent, 3. 24K, 4. Who Does Your Work?, 5. Magic, and 6. Kiss You.
Shine-on with Smart Packaging
I test ran the lip glosses this week wearing it from my daytime job to a night out. I did touch up mid-day after lunch to keep the lips looking glossy-fresh. The shine of one application was just right for an all-day look and perfectly suitable for a corporate office, where you may want to ensure co-workers are not distracted by over-glossed and gooey lips. What's great is that you can easily change up your look for evening with any of the alternate glosses in the set, and all you have to carry is one tube for 2 different looks! Well, unless of course you’re a super junkie and want all 6 glosses handy!! (Guilty as charged).
Stick factor
The glosses have just the right amount of stick to give a great shine, keep the product where it belongs, and not catch your hair as it blows in the wind! The downside of not being too sticky is that a midday touch-up is likely necessary, as the product will tend to wear away sooner than an overly sticky gloss.
Smell
It does have a slight fragrance-y smell that was initially noticeable. I tend to use products without fragrance (as a personal preference), but overall the smell was negligible and not unpleasant.
Benefit's Peace, Love & Glossiness set is limited edition only and at a steal of price of $30 for the six glosses, it's surely not going to stay on store shelves very long! It definitely makes a great gift, but be careful when buying it that you don’t end up keeping it for yourself!
Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart or online at www.benefitcosmetics.com
If you can't get enough of Smashbox's original Lip Enhancing Gloss then you'll love the holiday collection Rapture Lip Gloss Set ($29 USD)! These award-winning glosses are ultra moisturizing and coat the lips with the right amount of shine and colour.
This party-girl gloss set includes three best-selling shades and three holiday exclusives (L-R): Illume, Radiant, Candid, Ravishing, Lovely, and Stunning. The glosses have a medium stick factor. There's just enough to keep your colour and shine on longer. All the colours are just gorgeous and can be worn separately or layered together for a custom shade. The colours glow with sheer colour which is why they are perfect for both day and night. My faves: Candid, a pearly pinky-peach with gold shimmer, and Lovely, a bright pink.
Exclusive to Sephora, Stila's Shine On Gift of Glaze ($28 USD) will have you swooning! The combination of high shine and ultra shimmer give your lips the poutiness they deserve. Your lips will look naturally plump without the painful stinging "sensation". My only complaint? The click pen style applicator isn't my favourite after using it more because it can be a little messy. You also end up wasting the product with too many clicks. Aside from that, the long-lasting beautiful colours and shine will have you hooked!
There isn't one colour in this set that isn't apart of my beauty stash! The set features four top-selling shades and two new colours. L-R: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Apricot, Grapefruit, Gumdrop (New!), and Raisin (New!). I had assumed Vanilla would look almost clear on me but the pearly nude is more than barely-there! Brown Sugar is a gorgeous warm golden nude, slightly darker than Vanilla. This is a flattering shade on all skin tones and is wearable any time of the day. Apricot, a melon-nectarine and an old fave, looks like my lips but better. Grapefruit, a frosted pink, is the prettiest soft pink on the lips! Gumdrop, vibrant pink, will perk you up and brighten up any look. Raisin, a shimmering golden plum and another new fave, is the perfect shade for those festive evening cocktails. Stila Shine On Gift of Glaze will be another glossy set you might keep for yourself!
Forget giving this one away! Tarte Purse Your Lips Limited Edition Lipgloss Clutch ($39 USD) is definitely one you should keep for yourself! The stunning gold and deep purple clutch comes with 9 mini Tarte Vitamin-Infused lipglosses! These limited edition shades are infused with the Tarte t5 super fruit complex, which is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. Not only do these pretty lippies look great but they are good for you inside and out!
Top Row: shell with silver glitter, coral with pearly pink finish, golden brown shimmer, golden plum, sheer soft pink, candy pink. Bottom Row: raspberry-red with gold and pink flecks, cranberry-gold, and true red. I'm in love with all the colours! The glosses don't have names and aren't apart of the original line. I love the balm-like texture, sheer but noticeable colour, and the soft sweet scent. The colour is lasting but the shine wears off after a few hours. You can definitely blend and layer but each colour is as sweet on their own. The little clutch is just adorable and would look great with any outfit! It's big enough to hold your keys, some money/credit card, your cell, and a few of these mini glosses. They are pint size, but with 9 glosses to choose from it'll be a while before you use all these lippies! Sorry gals, this one is for me! :)
Know someone with a sweet tooth? Then she'll love Jaqua Lip Frosting Trio ($24 USD)! Jaqua, a beautifully packaged, true fragranced, and highly effective bath and beauty products were created by the Jaqua sisters, who began the line to fulfill their beauty needs that weren't being met. I am a sucker for anything sugary, sweet and yummy smelling!
The set of 3 Lip Whips contain: Cocoa Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, the popular Pink Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. I've become a huge fan of these glosses not only for their sweet-smelling scents and flavour, but for the hydrating formula containing Vitamin E and other nourishing ingredients. Seriously, I was surprised after eating a dinner and watching a movie how moisturized my lips felt and how lasting the colour was. All 3 colours are gorgeous but my faves are Pink Buttercream Frosting and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. Pink Buttercream is a pinky-gold shade that gives a subtle finish on its own or adds beautiful shimmer layered over lipstick. Raspberry Buttercream Frosting looks fantastic on its own and will make you look hot on those cold nights out. Also looks lovely mixed with Pink Buttercream Frosting. Your girlfriends trying to lose a few pounds won't feel guilty indulging in these sweet treats!
"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the glossiest lips of all?" You will with Too Faced Mirror Mirror Mini Lip Gloss Set ($21 USD)! This is for a gal who loves A LOT of shine and not a whole lot of colour. These glossies are super shiny and very moisturizing. They make the lips look like glass! They don't settle into your fine lines and give the appearance of plump lips. Each gloss has a different subtle scent and the most up-lifting, good-for-the-ego, names!
L-R: I'm Perfect (sheer beige), I Know You Want Me! (clear), Damn I'm Hot! (sheer red), Don't Hate Me... (sheer pink). The colours don't really show up on me but I love the high-shine finish. My favourite is the clear shade because it looks great on its own and can be layered over top of your favourite lip colour. The shiny gloss finish will make you look radiant even when you don't feel your most radiant. Grab the spotlight this holiday season with this sexy set of glosses!
Dress up those lips with a little glitter and shine! Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Glitter Lip Gloss ($25 CAD) will have your lips twinkling under the mistletoe! Infused with light-reflecting flecks of glitter, these glosses deliver high-shine and come in 6 fabulous shades. Can't decide on a shade? Why not get all 6 in Bobbi Brown's new 6 Pan Custom Palette!
This Glitter Lip Gloss in Rave is stunning deep chocolate plum with golden flecks. I love this gloss because it's different than any of the glosses I own. This also looks hot layered over a plum or pink lipstick! The glitter particles are very fine so it doesn't feel grainy on your lips. You can be sure with the thicker texture that your colour and glittery shine will last for hours. I'd probably avoid this though on those windy nights or you'll have to deal with sticky hair. But rockin' this lovely shade is worth it!
The smell of ginger bread cookies automatically makes me think of Christmas. Dionis, a bath and body company that uses 90-95% natural ingredients, has come out with a limited-edition Ginger Mint Lip Gloss ($4.99 USD). This yummy ginger-mint scent will have you dreaming of Christmas cookies! It is non-sticky and extremely hydrating, keeping lips soft and smooth.
I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer pop of red shimmer it left on my lips. The colour isn't so heavy you'd feel uncomfortable wearing it during the day, but layer on another coat and you've got ultra shiny lips with a bit more punch! For the price, this gloss is a steal! You can buy for every friend or family member without breaking the bank!
Have you tried any of these glosses? Love 'em? Hate 'em?
