Maybelline Color Tattoo® Leather Eyeshadows...

The first Color Tattoos were way too shimmery for my taste, the matte were to stiff, hard to swatch and didn't seem very smooth so I passed despite the hype.

These I figured just might have the right texture so...

...Yes I went for them and purchased three!

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Creamy Beige 80, Deep Forest 85 and Vintage Plum 90...

This was almost an act of faith since there were no testers and I hadn't read any reviews (only saw pictures on Instagram), but the colors just seemed so right. I first purchased Vintage Plum and before even trying it on, the next day went back for Creamy Beige and Deep Forest.

The textures... Both Vintage Plum and Deep Forest feel slightly dry and take some getting used to to work with but Creamy Beige is just dreamy! Creamy as it's name states it goes on easily and truly has that gel like texture as advertised.

Long wear... Over NARS Pro-Prime reviewed here, they all stay put all day with no creasing but do note I didn't try them on their own.

One more thing that's to be noted, I tried a powder shadow over Creamy Beige and it was a little hard to smudge properly. I wanted to deepen it with a dark blue and although the final result was ok it wasn't as flawless as I would have liked. Next I'll try with Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte in Nocturne reviewed, here, which I haven't used much to be honest but I think they should work well together for a classic look with liner.

Here is yet another lame attempt at swatches...

Indoor on the left and in the sun on the right. I think you can get an idea of how both Antique Plum and Forest Green appear a little dry compared to Creamy Beige which shows a faint shimmer. Now of course it will look different on the eyes since on my arm I swatched them over a little foundation. So far I haven't tried them with a brush preferring my fingers. In fact, I'm not sure a brush would work well with Antique Plum and Forest Green because they seem to go on more easily warmed up a little, almost like a stiff concealer.

Do I recommend Maybelline Color Tattoos Leather? Yes.

These for the price are pretty good, especially Creamy Beige. Both Antique Plum and Forest Green require a little more practice to appear smooth but I can work with them and although I haven't purchased any of Maybelline's Color Tattoos from the matte line having only swatched in stores (of course those may have felt dry due to the constant opening of containers), I do think the Leather formula looks more natural, less cakey.

Tempting but I will not compare these to the easy almost buttery texture of Laura Mercier Cariar sticks (I own Khaki reviewed, here) although Creamy Beige is almost there. LM go for $34.00 a pop while Maybelline Color Tattoos are around $10.00 each. That's a third of the price and I have no idea how long I'll be able to use them for I'm sure they will dry up over time but I guess I should be ok using them coming up fall and winter. I give them about a year which is fine for such a cheap thrill. :)

There are two more colors available, Chocolate Suede 95 a deep warm brown with gold specs (for some reason I think that one will have a texture similar to Creamy Beige) and Dramatic Black 100 which appeared similar to the Dior I already own.


Have you tried any of the Maybelline Color Tattoos yet? If so, what did you think?

Rimmel concealers and my new under eye routine...

Buying a new concealer is boring! Well it is to me!

I'm not a fan, not at all and I've been using one since I was about 15 years old! Gah!!! Why did I even bother back then, I had perfect skin! I guess I have my best friend to blame for that (yes you Nico!). When I saw her use her little stick of light beige cream I just thought it was so cool that I just I had to get me one. There was no turning back! If I remember correctly that first one was from Maybelline. 

Through the years there have been many, many, many... The ones I've repurchased the most were from Clinique and Estée Lauder. I loved the creamy formula with the doe foot applicator. In recent years the formulas seem to have changed and so the last ones I purchased from either companies weren't performing as well as they used to. Or maybe it was just my skin getting older and showing its unhappiness...

Although I've used several high end brands my favorite of the past few years...

Rimmel March Perfection!

The super el cheapo brand makes one good concealer but the latest tube I purchased (after having looked for one for weeks because every drugstore in Montreal appeared to be out!) seemed to be sheerer than before. Could be just me and my "getting older" under eye area but for some reason it didn't conceal as well as before. Do know I don't have dark circles and it's mainly to even out. I was a little disappointed and figured this meant I would have to go on a quest, a quest to replace it, to find another HG. :(

Then came Sunny (mostlysunnyblog) to the rescue with her super amazing idea!

Using a primer under the concealer! Why didn't I think of that? *smacks head*

The two primers I had on hand were NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base which I found a little thick for the under eye area and a small size of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer which turned out to be perfect! I know it's suppose to be used on face but it wasn't doing much for me and it was dying in my makeup case so why not give it a try?

So now my new routine is, Hourglass primer, Rimmel concealer and a light dusting of Marcelle Pressed Powder with a fan brush. Done! The picture below is from my Instagram feed.

Rimmel has three concealers, Hide The Blemish Concealer in a traditional stick form which I haven't tried. Wake Me Up Concealer, a cream with a doe foot applicator reminiscent of the ones I used to like and Match Perfection Concealer presented in a long tube with a brush at the end.

I found both Wake Me Up and Match Perfection to be quite similar, almost interchangeable (Wake Me Up is slightly more moisturizing) so the choice between the two depends on the type of presentation you prefer and I do believe they've improved on Match Perfection by adding air in the tube so you don't have to press for ages to get product out. That was what I found most annoying with my first tube reviewed, here. Over my Hourglass primer it doesn't dry as fast so I have more time for a smooth application and also it's more opaque and covers better than without.

Rimmel London Match Perfection concealer is often on special in drugstores and there are times when it's hard to find. I guess I'm not the only one liking it and the same goes for Wake Me Up. Even at their respective regular price which is under $10.00, they are a good deals and I doubt at this point that I'll go back to expensive brands. Ok I may for blogging research but not having a blog I'd be quite satisfied with either.

I don't have many drugstore HG anymore but this one remains and I think that as long as they make it I'll own one.

Is there a drugstore item that you've repurchased again and again and again... ?

The Sunday Post, Vol. 20...

Excited!

My friend from Australia is coming to Montreal to visit her family and we have a date on Wednesday!

We've known each other since we were 14 yrs old and although we've lost track here and there we've managed to keep in touch. The last time we saw each other face to face? I can't really remember but I believe Catherine was 8 and she'll be 15 in less than a month so yes, it's been a while!

Finally we are back on track and have been enjoying beautiful springy weather! Most summer makeup collections are out but I've stayed away from the cosmetics departments! I stayed away because I need to reduce my beauty spending, not completely but I just can't go all crazy like I did last Christmas. I still need new shoes...

... and I have Catherine's upcoming birthday to think about!

This week's makeup love...

... Erm I should say this month's makeup love! Since for a while now I've been using pretty much the same items I thought it would be fun to do a round up and show you what I reach for in order of use, before putting on perfume and lipstick in the morning. Of course I don't use all of these at once in case you're wondering. If I were I guess I would probably look like a clown!

Base products...

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème (see below)
Hourglass Mineral Veil (under eye area)
Rimmel Match Perfection concealer
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Marcelle Pressed Powder (with a fan brush under eye area)
Guerlain Crazy Météorites

Eyes...

Guerlain Terracotta La Sélection de l'Été Eye and Face Palette from last year. The faun eye shadow on lower lid and been playing with the other two colors as well, a darkish olive green and purplish brown
Diorshow Mono in Velvet or TheBalm Shady Lady in Risqué Renee for definition
Bobbi Brown Ciment from the Navy & Nude palette on upper lids and to blend the edges
L'Oréal Infaillible Lacquer Liner in Slate sometimes "oomfed" with Dior Fusion Mono in Nocturne
Mascara, alternating between Diorshow and Diorshow Iconic

Contour, definition or glowy stuff, however you want to call these...

Bronzer, alternating between Terracotta 01 / La Sélection de l'Été and NARS Laguna. Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow has come out of hibernation but I've only used it 2x so far.

Oops! I forgot blushes! Well at the moment it's pretty much always M.A.C Whole Lotta Love

Finishing powder, Guerlain Crazy Météorite again or a combination from Hourglass Ambient Lighting, mainly Dim Light and Radiant Light.

Ok so I have included Bobbi Brown's Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Caviar Ink in there but in all honesty I rarely reach for it. I find it harder to work with than L'Oréal. For some reason, once the line is done, going back over it to either thicken it or make it more clean sometimes makes a pretty bad mess. Since it dries fast, it can get all smudgy and weird.

So you see, I don't need to go all crazy over the new collections since I've got most of my makeup needs covered. Right?

A little update...

It's official, Dior Hydra Life BB Crème will not do for summer! Great luminous coverage but it doesn't control the oil and on some afternoons this week I could actually feel it on my skin. With it I've had to use 2x the powder I normally do if not more. Not a total waste, I will simply keep it for late august, for when the weather starts to cool down to transition into fall.

What I have my eyes on...

I do still want a few new nail polishes but haven't decided yet if I'll go Dior or Chanel and there's a Guerlain Rouge Automatique that I'm considering but since I have to find a new daytime foundation/BB or whatever the name, it may have to wait.

For your viewing enjoyment...

This week's video is not from Dior!!! Aren't you surprised? From YSL showing one of their iconic products, I think I really need one! Imagine that, a full night's sleep rested look in a clickable pen! I just can't believe I haven't tried this before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-3EhjF2ePE

Yup! I definitely need one.

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

NARS Fairy's Kiss Eyeshadow Palette...

Finally my first NARS eyeshadows!

I picked up this little gift to myself on my first day of work during my lunch break! Did I mention I was in trouble having Sephora and The Bay next door to my new work place?

Now this time I didn't take any chances and took my pictures in the store at the NARS counter! Since the days are shorter I knew that I wouldn't be able to do this at home and there was now way I was going to wait an entire week before using it.

This is my first encounter with NARS eyeshadows and right from the get go I knew we would get along just fine! Ever since it came out I sooo wanted it! The colors are just perfect for my green eyes and I love the smart combination of shimmers and mattes.

On the picture above you get a very good idea of the colors. The only one I haven't played with so far is the dark grey on the lower right corner because I've been wearing these for work and didn't want to overdo it. It's a good shadow to line the eyes with but I prefer to use a gel liner to make sure it'll last all day.

Can I just say that I chose a good one!!!

My favorite combination? The top middle sparkly beige all over lower lid, defined with the upper right purple blended with a little of the lower left light lilac. The middle lower dark grey I've used under my gel liner. It kind of makes the line darker and give a "wow" effect!

The upper left light pink I've used on my upper lids. This is the one that in my view gives this palette its name! I call it Pixie Dust! It's soooo pretty! It gives the most gentle glittery effect and to my amazement there's barely any fall out which is surprising for this type of shadow. It's pinkish in the pan but looks almost skin toned on skin. It's not an in your face glitter it's Pixie Dust! Really!

I don't know if NARS consulted with Tinker Bell for this one but I'm telling you it's perfect!

The texture...

They go on like a dream, highly pigmented and no fall out! I'm really impressed at how nice they are to use. One would expect the matte shades to be somewhat cakey but they are not. Of these six, the light lilac on the bottom left corner is the hardest but it's still quite easy to work with. The two dark mattes are on the soft side and so you need to proceed with caution. Do a few passes on your hand with your brush first to see how it goes. The intensity you get will depend on the type of brush you use for the lighter shades but the dark ones, well they are dark so again, do a few tests. What you see is pretty much what you get.

Lasting power...

I've used Fairy's Kiss eyeshadows with NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and they stay put from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm! No creasing and barely any fading. Actually I'm not even sure that there is fading. It's kind of hard to evaluate these days with the lighting but if I look in the same mirror with the same light in the evening as what I used in the morning to apply my makeup, it truly looks the same!

I haven't tried them without the primer but I do think they would still perform well just because of the feel of them.

These are my first NARS eyeshadows but they surely won't be my last. This palette which is great for green eyes can actually make any eye color pop and the fact that there is a warm medium beige in it makes it suitable for practically any skin tone.

This was a limited edition launched for fall but it's still out there and definitely worth a second look.

For me, it's a winner!


Have you tried NARS eye shadows?

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base...

Recently I've been having issues with certain eye shadows, especially dark ones, you know the ones we use to really give definition to our eyes? The ones I wear most often don't crease but they do fade lightly during the day...

I'm talking to you Chanel Mystère!

Now Mystère is not that bad, it's actually very good but it does lightly fade.

This I just had to try! Perfect eye makeup that lasts all day? Sign me up!

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base...

I don't remember exactly when this came out but it's quite recent and it's been getting lots of love from the blogosphere. 

How do I use it?

Dipping the applicator once in the tube will give you enough product for one eye. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that the sponge at the end of the wand is a little rough and so I simply deposit a little blob on each lid and spread it with my fingers. The super smooth feeling formula is a pearly white type gel that becomes invisible and gives just a bit of a satiny finish. It dries in no time but it's still the first thing I reach for when I sit at my makeup table. By the time I'm done with basic face makeup I'm ready to apply my eye shadows. 

How does it perform? Beautifully!

I kid you not! With this baby my eye makeup does last the entire day! Chanel Mystère did have good staying power on my lids to begin with but combined with NARS Pro-Prime it really stayed put!

The big bonus! It doesn't irritate my lids the way Too Faced and Urban Decay did. Again, it's smooth and doesn't make my eyes look all "crinkely". 

Do I recommend NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base? Yes!

If you have issues with eye shadows staying powers this one is definitely worth a try. It will set you back $29,00 which sadly is a little on the expensive side but I don't regret the splurge and I honestly don't think you will either.

Reviews:

Makeup Alley: 4.4 / 5 lippies for 289 reviews.

Beauté-test: 4 / 5 stars for 25 reviews.

Ingredients:

Isododecane, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Carbonate, Peg-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Phenoxyethanol, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Oryza Sativa [Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil Extract], Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Castor Oil Phosphate, Sea Whip Extract, Mica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride).

Do you use an eye shadow primer/base? If so, which is your favorite?

My First Work Week In Makeup...

My first week at my new job is done and went quite well! Lots of things to learn but mostly about procedures which is what I was expecting. In all honesty, I do believe I will simply love it! :)

As suspected and mentioned last Sunday, I didn't get the chance to take note on interesting articles for you but I think I'll be able to next week. You see this weekend I've had to clean up the yard and do a lot of leaves picking. I got 10 big orange bags! I would have double if not for the leaf picker upper that mulches them! You may have guessed that I'm a little tired.

First week's beauty stuff...

I thought is would be fun to show you the items I reached for in the morning. Aside from getting up at 5:30 am, my biggest challenge was to figure out where I would "put on my face"! As it turns out, same place as usual only this time instead of relying on the light coming in from the window I use an artificial one. At that hour it's still night outside and thank the *putting on makeup* gods I have a good halogen lamp!

Face...

Split face testing of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Estée Lauder DayWear BB Cream, Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer, Marcelle Compact powder (not shown), a nice little go to to make sure other powders go on smoothly.

Eyes...

On Monday I started off the week with Chanel Mystère quad but as a *first day of work* gift to myself I got NARS Fary's Kiss palette during my lunch break and have been playing with it ever since. The top middle and top right colors have been my favorites so far and yes, I will bring you a review real soon. I also have one in the works for NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.

Bobbi Brown Cement and Slate from the Navy & Nude palette have been great complements. Mascara, I started with L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess but for some reason on Wednesday it looked weird on my lashes, almost kind of goopy. I was able to smooth it out but it did make me a little angry so out it will go. On Thursday morning I switched to Dior Iconic and although it takes a little longer to achieve the thickness I like, it lasts all day and keeps the curl beautifully.

Oh the one item I left out is my beloved L'Oréal Infaillible Lacquer Liner in Slate! I get the most amazing thick line in no time and it stays put!

"Glow" & Cheeks...

Guerlain Crazy Terracotta has been getting all my attention this week and with good reason, just read my review, it's total love! I used Madame Rougit a few times for a little extra kick of color when I felt the need for it.

Lips...

On my first day it was Rouge Dior Grège 1947 but for a work day it's too creamy and doesn't last long enough so the following day I wore Rouge Dior Nude in Esquisse 683 and on Friday, Rose Dolce Vita 555 was the one I reached for. Those last two haven't been reviewed yet but it's coming! I also kept in my purse this new Revlon Lip Gloss but have to find the color. I bought two recently and they lost their stickers at the bottom. This one here has a bit of glitter in it which gives it dimension and results into a nice nude lip.

Nails...

I started the week with Diorific Minuit and on Wednesday night went for Essie Sable Collar. Usually I would not have done my nails again in the middle of the week but broke a nail.

Fragrances...

Except for Tuesday when I wore Dior J'Adore, it was Nina L'Eau by Nina Ricci this entire week.

In my purse...

I kept the lipsticks and gloss along with my little Givenchy compact and my small Caudalie Huile Divine.

How long did it take me to put on my makeup in the morning?

10 minutes tops and that was Wednesday when I had to *play* with my lashes due to the L'Oréal mascara.


What do you think? Too much or too little? Have you ever broken down your weekly beauty routine? 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer / Review...

Recently I reviewed Hourglass limited edition Ambient Lighting Palette which by the way is pretty amazing. You can read my original thoughts, here.

  Ambient Lighting Palette with Veil Mineral Primer 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15...

Described as a mineral-based, water-resistant primer that neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth uniform canvas for flawless makeup application. Helps keep makeup looking fresh and prevents fading. Absorbs excess oils and minimizes the appearance of pores by evenly distributing light to help hide and soften skin imperfections and fine lines (source Sephora).

This primer gets lots and lots of love! 

The texture is an opaque milky white creamy liquid! Does that even make sense? It's quite interesting actually and really soft. Light and non greasy, it goes on like a dream and transforms to a powdery finish in no time.

The regular size comes with a convenient pump.

Ok so that's pleasant and I must say that it does feel rather luxurious on skin and is fragrance free.

How did it perform? 

Well, hold on to your seats! I saw no difference with or without.

For a week I did a split face experiment. I used it on the right side of my face and the only thing I can report is my Estée Lauder BB cream was slightly easier to apply. If you refer back to Sephora's description of Veil Mineral Primer, well, I saw no difference and I think it's because of the state of my skin at this time.

I have combination skin and at the moment my t-zone is less oily due to the colder weather. I do believe that those with combination to oily skin would benefit more using this.

For luminosity and blurring, on me, no difference. I do have some enlarged pores here and there and do have some tiny wrinkles (*sigh*), expression lines but I can't say that they are less noticeable and I have looked under different types of lighting.

Now it does work if I don't apply any creamy product over it! In other words, if I use only powders it clearly does blur things up but using my tinted moisturizer seems to neutralize that effect. If you try it on your hand in the store you'll see what I mean. It's almost magic!

So, what I have left I will put aside and use next summer or at least when the weather warms up and will experiment again. I think it just might be a go to, to help control the oil production on my t-zone especially on those days when I don't want to apply too much makeup, you know, those hot and sticky ones?

Since the full size of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is on the pricey side at $60,00 I would recommend you try to get a sample first.


Reviews:

Makeup Alley: 3.9 / 5 lippies for 221 reviews
Beauté-test: Hourglass is not listed.

Ingredients (Sephora)
-Titanium Dioxide: (2.45%) An alternative to chemical-based sunscreen agents that reflects UVA/UVB rays to protect skin from harmful damage. 
-Zinc Oxide: (4.20%) A mineral with anti-inflammatory properties that offers full spectrum coverage by absorbing UVA and UVB rays at the skin's surface. 

Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Polysilicone-11, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hexyl Laurate, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isosterate, Stearic Acid, Alumina.


This is not a skin care item per say but since it's applied all over it would be a good thing to patch test first if you have clog and/or acne prone skin or have sensitive skin.


Have you tried Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer? Thoughts and what's your skin type? 

Lise Watier Sun Smart Universal UV Shield / Review

This product is a little hidden treasure that is rarely mentioned. I don't exactly know when it was launched but I first tried it 2 years ago when I received samples of it. By then I had tried a few primers with which I wasn't too impressed. This changed everything.

Beautiful texture, it goes on smoothly and you don't feel it under makeup. I've used this in Summer on hot and humid days with no issues and it has definitely helped keep my mineral foundation on longer.

The downside, the price! Considering that you need 1/4 tsp on your face to get the full UV protection, 30 mil is definitely not enough for the $39.00 price tag. Still, it's a great option for when you have a special occasion or for those hot days when you have to wear makeup. Since I rarely wear foundation, especially in Summer preferring a sunscreen under my bronzer, this does last me the entire season.

$39.00 for 30 ml
Available on Lise Watier website

Ingredients, from the Lise Watier website:
Active Ingredients Ingredients: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) 4.55 %, Zinc Oxide 3.5 %. Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Polysilicone-11, Polymethyl Silsesquioxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Alumina.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden / Review

Recently I've been on the hunt for an eyeshadow base. Until now I've always used my regular concealer to hide the little lid redness I have. Alternating between Laura Mercier and Rimmel, I never really had an issue with eyeshadow performance. My everyday shade was M.A.C. Putty and sadly it's been discontinued. It was just perfect for my "no makeup" makeup look.