The Cutest Last Minute Gifts From Quo

Happy Holidays!

Can you believe that Christmas is next week?

I have been chillaxing, watching tv, and drinking gingerale for the last 5 weeks because of my treatment, so I'm totally behind the eight ball.  As per usual.

If you're still looking for some adorable gifts at the last minute, Quo and Shoppers Drug Mart have you covered!

First up is the Love Lip Set, which contains six gorgeous mini-glosses.  There are five neutral shades, and one soft pink glittery shade.  Each one is nicely pigmented with a delicious vanilla scent.  The texture is creamy and quite rich, without a lot of stickiness. These are perfect for throwing into a purse, keeping at a desk, or a locker.  A girl can never have too much gloss!  This set retails for $20.00.

 

 

The Quo Walk The Line Set contains four different shades of eyeliner.  Each liner is well pigmented, and soft in texture, with no drag when applying.  Since they are creamier in texture, they may smudge a bit, so use a primer on the lid before hand.  The metallic blue, copper-brown, and silver are all loaded with shimmery loveliness, while the black is inky and deep. This set retails for $20.00.

 

 

  

This little beauty is my favourite!  The Quo by ORLY 18-Piece Mini-Laquer set is an amazing gift.  The 18 polish shades are separated into three sets of six: The Nudes, The Pinks, The Glitters.  I had never tried Quo by ORLY nail colour before, but after one try I was hooked!  The formula lasts like a champ, and for the most part goes on well in two coats.  I am particularly enamoured with the glitter polishes in this set!  I don't have a lot of luck with glitters, but these particles are perfectly distributed throughout, and there is a great tint to the base of the polish.  That green shade is super-pretty on toes!  The price is $43.00, which is wonderful for the amount of laquers, as well as the fact that you can split into it three gifts!

Are you guys going to run out to Shoppers ASAP to check these out?  Or are you going to take someone there as a subtle stocking stuffer hint for yourself?  That works too!

 I hope everyone's well, and I wish all of you the Merriest of Christmases, Happiest of Holidays, and a Spectacular 2015!!!!!

Donna Xoxo


*These products were sent for consideration, however, the opinions expressed are all mine!

Lancome Lip Lover. Colour And Care In The Best Package Ever! (Also A Little Health Update)

Hello, my neglected wee orphans!

I have been a bad blogger.  There's been a few things keeping the muse at bay of late, and I feel like I should share a little bit of what's happening with you guys.  I feel that you share your time with me by reading my little labour of love, and you deserve to hear why I've been a bit out of touch.

First, let's talk about my new fave lip product!

I had the pleasure of attending World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto last month, and it was such a great experience!  I'm working on a full recap, and trend report so keep an eye out for that.

A week or two before, my lips cracked and split in a few places.  I panicked!  How can one be expected to do Fashion Week sans lipcolour?  I healed up nicely, but my lips were extremely dry an is a d sensitive.  I still couldn't wear most lipsticks or glosses.  They irritated me, or dried out too quickly.  That is until I tried Lip Lover by Lancôme!

A few months back, Lancôme released their entry into the lipstick/balm hybrid world.  Lip Lover is a highly pigmented liquid lipstick with a balm-like texture and gloss-like shine.  The 3-in-1 elixir formula contains a balmy base for ultra cushiony comfort, saturated pigments adhere to the lips for long lasting vivid colour, and a shiny layer remains at the surface for a dewy finish which also protects the lip.  The result is a soft, rich, nourishing formula which provides a great colour payoff, and lasts for hours!

The shade I chose was Belle de Rouge #356, which is a clear rosey-red.  It has a my lips but better quality to it, and gives an elegant hit of colour.  Such an amazing product that's worth every cent of the $29.00 price tag!

 

 

As I mentioned above, things have been a bit rough for the last month or so.  My lupus has progressed, and it can`t be controlled with my current treatment plan.  I`ve been suffering with pain, lethargy, stiffness, and some neurological issues.  In late September my Doctor talked to me about the next step in treatment.  A form of chemotherapy is often helpful for lupus patients, so we decided to do some tests to see if there was a chance I`d respond to the chemo.  The test results show that I should respond well to it, so as of next Monday, I start the treatment!  The dose of medication is much lower than that of a cancer patient, so the side-effects won`t be as severe.  I`ll be run down, lazy, may lose some hair.  The first 12 weeks will be hard, but by spring I should be a dancing machine!

 

So, in the meantime I`m rocking a short pixie, and enjoying my last weekend of wine for the next six to nine months!  My yoga pants are prepped, and my Annie is keeping the couch warm for me.  If I`m MIA here and there know I`m thinking of you guys, and I`ll keep you updated.  I also have some really cool posts which I`m working on to keep me occupied for the next few weeks! 

 

Be well Boys and Girls!

 

Donna Xoxo

The New Neutrals. Flat And Boring Need Not Apply!

One of the biggest trends to surface for the last few seasons, has been the return of the no-makeup makeup look. 

The new version of neutral is nude, but with a little kick!  We should add a little spice to the gumbo, so to speak.

Usually when you think of a nude makeup look, matte taupes and beiges come to mind.  It's a clean polished look, that has seemed to be the go-to for daytime.  My favourite way to give a neutral face some spark is by using metallics.  Add a little copper to the eye, some gold to the cheek and that will bring a little interest to the face without adding loads of colour!

 

 

The first step in a neutral makeup look should always be a good primer.  This look is about a flawless face, with healthy and luminous skin.  The Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer is perfect for a glowing canvas with which to begin.  It allows foundation to apply smoothly, adding a pearlesence to the skin that is just heavenly!  I talk a bit more about this primer here.  It's a must try!

 

For eyes, I chose a palette that has a taupe with a little shimmer for the lid, and a coppery shade in the crease.  A copper liner brought some warmth to the eyes as well.  The palette shown is No7 by Boots which I picked up in Scotland, but I'm really intrigued by The Nudes by Maybelline!  This looks like it has everything for a new neutral and more in it!  The liner is by Quo and it's part of their holiday collection which is out soon, if not already available.  These liners are gorgeous!  The colour is creamy, and they wear a long time without smudging.  I'll discuss Quo Holiday soon.  It's so good!

 

 

A nude lip can be tricky to pull off.  There usually has to be a caramel or rosey undertone in it to avoid a corpse-y look.  Texture is also important when it comes to a nude lip.  I personally like a bit of a sheen to nude lipsticks.  Shimmer, or gloss, but I find a true matte in a yellow shade looks like death.  Not pretty.  My go-to lipstick for a nude lip is Lancôme Colour Design Lipstick in Vintage Rose.  It has a mauve undertone which is great for us pale girlies.  Unfortunately, the Colour Design line is being phased out, but the Rouge In Love line is wonderful!

 

For the cheeks, I used a soft pink blush and a bronzer together for some warmth and definition.  A softly enhanced brow finished off the whole face!  This is nude makeup that won't wash you out, or make you look like you're going to work in you cubicle in an insurance agency in the 90's. 

 

What are your nude makeup tricks?



KissKiss Lipstick By Guerlain Fall 2014. The Perfect Lip Look Update!

I am in love with Guerlain and I don't care who knows it!

French cosmetic companies speak to me, in ways I can't even explain.  It's the effortless glamour, and elegance that gets me. 

The French, Guerlain in particular, make products that are effective while dripping with luxury.  It's in the scent, in the texture, in the results. Every piece of Guerlain looks sophisticated.  It just feels posh beyond belief, and it delivers exactly what it should!

 

 

This fall Guerlain re-released 25 shades of their KissKiss lipstick in new packaging and an improved formula. The new KissKiss is enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres for lip shaping and plumping.  The addition of Commiphora Myrrha oil and mango butter smooth and hydrate.  The lip is left with a satiny, vibrant finish with impeccable hold.  

 

 

 

The colour above is Rouge Kiss.  It's a vivid true red that's creamy and rich on your pout.  This colour feels sexy, and wears beautifully!  I got a few hours of comfortable wear without touch-ups, and once I did have to touch-up I just slicked on some lip balm!  There was loads of colour left, so most people would get six hours easily from this lippy. (I get a little less wear-time due to my freakishly dry lips, so it's tough to judge normal people's wear-time!)  Can we also talk about how fabulous the little imprint of KissKiss on the lipstick bullet is?  Such a wonderful detail!

 

The new packaging was designed by Herve van der Straeten, and Olivier Echaudermaison who is the Creative Director for Guerlain had this to say about the change:

 

"Because lipstick is the absolute weapon of seduction, our revamped version of the KissKiss tube is like a little black dress slipped over gold."

 

An amazing way to look at lipstick packaging, no? 

 



This lipstick is the most beautiful addition to a fall makeup wardrobe!  The cost is $41.00 and it's worth every cent!  The pigmentation is wonderful, the wear is beautiful and the feel is luxurious.  I want every one!  Every. Single. One.

I was going to quickly discuss the KissKiss Lip Lift Primer, but that beauty deserves a post all it's own!  I want to give it a thorough testing before I start bragging about it!  Love it that much already!

How are you going to update your fall look?

Donna Xoxo

A Ten Minute Face With Almay, And Win It All!

I'm back, Kids, and I missed you guys!

The last month has been busy, and it's been great!

I went to Scotland for the first time in 20 years to visit family.  It felt like I had just been there last week as soon as I got to my cousin's house!  We all just picked up where we left off.  I'm desperate to go back again!

Today, however, I'm going to tell you guys about an event I was lucky enough to attend the day before I left. 

The cutest lunch bag ever, right?

 

 

I had the pleasure of spending the evening at the Almay Practice Makes Perfect Picnic.  It was an evening at The Drake, which featured a tutorial from makeup artist Jacquie Hutchinson.  If you aren't familiar with "The Jacquie", you need to change that ASAP!  She's phenomenal as both an artist, as well as a person!  This lady knows her business, and is not shy about telling you about it!  I was greeted with mimosas, watermelon, and the most adorable little lunch bag from Keep Leaf filled with personalized products for the workshop!

 

The main focus of the tutorial was the Ten Minute Face, and how it can be done easily by anyone!

 



All you need for a quick, polished face!  Honest!

First thing you'll need is the Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer.  This primer is an ultra-comfortable pink-toned, pearlescent cream which neutralizes discolourations, leaving a fresh radiance behind.  This oil-free primer is really nourishing, and is the perfect product for a flawless canvas.  I absolutely adore this primer!  I wear it under everything, and sometimes on its own!  It really is that good!

Follow the primer with a thin layer of Smart Shade Skin Matching, or Anti-Age Skin Matching, Foundation.  The foundation goes on white, but quickly adjusts to your skin tone.  It has "shade sensing" beads which activate once applied.  The coverage is light-medium, and buildable.  The best finish is achieved with the heat of the fingers.  Just smooth it on and blend!  It also gets rid of the need for multiple shades, since it will adjust to a bit of a summer tan!  If you go Snookie-dark, then I can't help you.  You're on your own, but we will need to have a talk about that sitch.

Primer on top, Foundation bottom.  Cool, huh?

A smokey eye could not be easier with Almay!  The Intense I-Colour Bold Nudes Collection is curated into three-colour palettes which are differentiated by eye-colour.  The shadows are even separated into sections which correspond to the placement of the shadow on the eye!  No guesswork whatsoever!  The shadows are velvety in texture which make application a breeze, and they wear really well!  Jacquie had us apply the shadows with the sponge-tip applicator during the workshop.  Wouldn't you know, it actually worked!  Couple tricks to it though.  Pick up the colour from the pan with a swipe, and press it into the back of your hand to prevent fall-out from the pigment.  Place the sponge onto the centre of the eye and gently move back and fourth with it like a windshield wiper, never lifting it  from the skin.  When applying the crease colour, extend it up onto the browbone a bit if your eyes are deepset.  Best trick ever!  Thank you "The Jacquie"!

Follow that with the Intense I-colour Liquid Liner.  Again, this couldn't be easier.  The four shades are co-ordinated to eye colour, and the design makes the application really simple.  The applicator is nice and thick at the handle, while the tip is a nice stiff point.  It's a shorter length which gives a good amount of control.  The formula dries quickly and wears a long time without smudging.  To get a perfect cat-eye, be sure to hold the upper lid taut.  It should be as straight as possible when the liner is applied.  Before you dip the liner to do the other eye, apply to the bottom lashline holding the applicator vertically.  That way you won't deposit too much product for a softer line!  This was probably my favourite of the evening!  Follow up with the co-ordinating Intense I-Colour Volumizing Mascara for thick, lovely lashes, and brighter eyes!

LOVE this liner!

 

For adding some warmth to the skin, the Smart Shade Bronzer is a beautiful powder.  The mix of three shades swirled together leaves a glowy, bronzey sheen.  The powder isn't sparkly or muddy.  Its just soft warm goodness!  Use this on the planes of the face where the sun would normally hit, instead of blush.  Easy Peasy!

 

Finish up with a swipe of the Colour and Care Liquid Lip Balm for a punch of colour and comfort!  The texture is rich and comforting, while it's quite pigmented and glossy!  This hybrid does exactly what it says it will!  The wear time is a bit shorter than other glosses, but it's more than worth it for how great your lips feel.  And can we talk about the scent?  Man alive, I want to eat it!  The warmest vanilla ever!

 

So, there it is.  Everything you need for a ten minute face!  Thanks to Almay and Jacquie Hutchinson, you can sleep in.  A little.

 

Did I mention you can win it?  All of it?

 

The lovely folks at Almay are giving a customized prize package worth $115.00, containing:

 

Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup

Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer

Smart Shade Bronzer in Sunkissed

Intense i-colour Volumizing Mascara

Intense i-colour Liquid Liner

Intense i-colour Smoky Shadow Kit

Colour Care Liquid Lip Balm

Shadow Softies by Intense i-colour  (I talk about these here.  LOVE!)

Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads

Makeup Remover Towlettes

 

Canadian residents can enter by leaving a blog comment and using the Rafflecopter widget. (Holy Moly do I love this thing!)  You can gain more entries through social media, and enter daily! 

 

Good luck everyone, and I'll be back soon to tell you guys all about my trip!  I found a few new gems in the UK makeup world I want to show you guys!

 

Donna Xoxo

 

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Multi-Tasking With Bio-Oil! A Giveaway!

I don't know about you guys, but when I used to hear Bio-Oil, I always thought of pregnancy and stretch marks.

It was one of the first oils readily available, and it kind of got pigeon holed as the "scar" oil.

There are so many more ways to use this wonderful product, and An Occasional Redhead wants you to find them all out for yourselves with a Prize Pack worth $65.00 from Bio-Oil!

Win with Bio-Oil

Oils are on trend. In a recent survey, more than half of Canadian women said they use or intend to use a beauty oil in the next 12 months (Toluna Analytics, 2014). As oils continue to grow in popularity, Bio-Oil remains of the best-selling and most recommended oils in the world.

Why are oils becoming so popular? “When oil meets skin an amazing thing happens," says Dr. Paul Cohen, Dermatologist. "Oils can hydrate, protect, purify and help balance the skin. Oils can also deliver concentrated ingredients, so a little goes a long way to help keep skin in top condition. Bio-Oil is a cosmetically elegant ‘dry oil’ that won’t clog pores and is safe for sensitive skin.”

Bio-Oil’s unique formula is clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. But did you know that Bio-Oil’s moisturizing properties and ability to lock in moisture make it an effective all-over skin moisturizer for face and body? Bio-Oil can also be used to provide anti-aging skincare support, gently remove makeup, condition nails and cuticles, soften dry heels and elbows, relieve itchiness, soothe skin after shaving, and as a moisturizing bath oil.

The Bio-Oil prize pack consists of three bottles of Oil in different sizes.  There's a 60ml, 125ml, and 200ml.  One for travel, one for the bathroom, and one for your bedside!  (Perfect for a bedtime hand massage!)  Over the next while, I'll be talking a bit more about how I'm using my Bio-Oil.  You can bet this is coming with me on vacay!

All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment letting me know what you're going to do with your Bio -Oil.  You can also use Social Media to gain more entries!

I do need to mention that this contest is only open to Canadian Residents!  (Sorry non-canadian folk)

Good Luck!

Donna Xoxo

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Summer Cheeks With Maybelline New York

To me, the perfect summer cheek is dewy and softly sculpted.  Since I don't get too tanned, I always like to have a bit of bronzer and blush to give me a healthy glow.
Usually I reach for a powder bronzer, but with my skin being all wonky lately I found myself in dire need of a cream version.
I happened to be in Shoppers for, razors or something like that, when the Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Glaze Blush and Bronzer Sticks caught my eye.  I had been talking to someone about them and she said they were worth a look, so I grabbed one.
I'm really glad I did!

I fell in love with the Dream Bouncy Blush last year, and let me tell you, these two little beauties make for an outstanding duo!
The Master Glaze is a sheer, buildable cream in stick form.  The texture is comfortable due to the inclusion of shea butter, and the finish is a pretty pearlescence.  The application is easy-peasy too!  Swipe and blend, that's it!
The shade I picked up is called Subtle Bronze.  It's a limited edition shade from the Bleached Neons Collection, but there is a permanent shade in the collection that's close.  I love the way it blends under the cheekbone and around the jawline for a soft contour.  It's also very pretty worn on the cheek alone!
The Dream Bouncy Blushes are the most irresistible pans of colour!  The texture is airy and frothy feeling with a wonderful satiny finish on the skin.  Again, the colour is quite sheer, but it builds well.  The cheek is left with a lovely luminescence for some dimension rather than shimmer particles or glitter.
Candy Coral is a fun, bright orangey coral that wears well on most skin tones.  It's just the most ideal summer shade!  I can't wait to get my paws on a few more going into fall!

Both of these beauties can be applied with fingers, or a sponge, but, I find the best thing to use is a brush.  Either a flat blending brush, or a duo-fibre brush works beautifully.  I'm in love with the brushes from Sonia Kashuk, which I discuss here.  The quality of these brushes are phenomenal, especially for the price!
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of writing a post for Elaine of Toronto Beauty Reviews on my Summer Essentials, and Man Alive, was it hard to narrow it down!  I am absolutely going to add this blush/bronzer combo to the list!
What do summer cheeks mean to you?

Donna Xoxo