Makeup Haul Review #1

So these are just a few items I've picked up over the past month or so that I wanted to share with you guys. I picked these five because I really really love them and I find myself using on almost a daily basis.

1) Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer $22
I used to use the Urban Decay Primer Potion religiously for probably the past two years until one I found it just wasn't potent enough. Maybe I've grown immune to it now, I don't know. Damn my oily eyelids! So it was time to switch it up and I grabbed the Smashbox one and glad I did. It's so hard for me to find a good primer in any form so I was happy to see that this one worked so well. What I like most about this primer is that not only does it help your eyeshadow stay on longer and eliminates creasing, it also creates a neutral beige base so that your eyeshadows show up more vivid. I have read reviews that alot of people don't like the colour of the primer, so if you do have a darker skintone....then I probably would not recommend.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

2) Lancome Hypnose Mascara in Black $31 
 This was my first luxury brand mascara purchase. Verdict? It's alright. Nothing special considering the price, but I still use it every day so I can't say it's bad. It does the trick, makes your lashes look super long and fuller and doesn't clump. My quest for the perfect mascara shall continue.




3) Benefit Erase Paste in No. 2 Medium $30
The one I have in the picture is actually a smaller sample size that I got in the Finding Mr.Bright kit. The full size pot is about double the size. I really love this product. Not only does it cover my dark circles very well but it also brightens up the area. The concealer  has a pink base which is a must for covering dark circles. When I finish this mini sized one I'll definitely be picking up the full size one.

4) Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Ash/Medium Brown $29
So I totally bit the bullet when I purchased this brow duo. Seriously I just spent $29 on a brow powder? I seriously did go on a hunt for a good brow powder that matched perfectly and it's just impossible. So I decided to go to the brow expert, Anastasia and I picked this up. I'm so happy I did because I love this duo. I went with a lighter colour because I have pretty dark and full brows already I just wanted to fill in some sparse areas and define them a bit more, so this duo is perfect for me. I use the lighter shade (medium ash) to fill in spaces first, and then I go over with the darker shade (medium brown) to define my brows more. Definite purchase if you're also searching for a good brow powder.

5) MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack $18
I use liquid liner religiously. Always have, always will. But sometimes you just need a softer look, but you don't want to sacrifice the long wear and staying power of your lids. I heard so many great things about the MAC Fluidline, so I purchased it and I really like it! It stays on pretty well, no transfer of liner onto my lids. I must warn if you do open your eyes immediately after applying the gel then yes it will transfer, so let it dry a bit. It's really nice for everyday when you don't want to have such dramatic eye liner.

Hope you enjoyed this little review. There will definitely be more to come.

Welcome to Canada BB Cream!

Can we be any slower? Lately I've been hearing all the rage about BB Creams. Whether it be at the beauty boutiques, salons and spas or even on the local news. Where was everybody like two years ago? BB Creams (aka. Blemish Balm Creams) are making their debut in the Canadian scene this season and its caused a manic frenzy. When I say BB Cream is coming to Canada I don't just mean we are selling Korean brand BB creams in Asian stores in Canada. Duh, I know we've been selling them here for a while now so don't be pelting trolling stones at me. What I mean is that major North American cosmetic companies are launching their own BB creams. They've already made their debut in the U.S, but are only emerging on the Canadian market now. But before you make the transition let's go over some differences.

Let's state the obvious. When it comes to skincare Asia and North America got some major differences when it comes to needs and wants. Over in Asia there is a huge emphasis on flawless, porcelain like skin; while in North America the emphasis is more on keeping our skin looking as young and radiant for as long as possible. So this of course reflects in the major differences in how BB cream is being advertised and formulated in the opposing continents.

Asian BB Cream

• skin whitening and brightening
• even out skin tone
• anti-scarring and anti-blemish
• can be used in place of foundation 
• used in conjunction with other skincare products
• Advertised as a healing product

North American BB Cream

• similar to a tinted moisturizer but with added properties
• lifting, firming and hydrating
• colour correction
• all in one sunblock, moisturizer, light coverage foundation, colour correction and anti-aging product
• can be used in place of foundation or under foundation like a primer
• for those who want convenience and don't want to fuss with all the products, this does it all
• Advertised as an all-in-one product

As of now Smashbox, Marcelle, Garnier and Estee Lauder have BB creams. Lancome, Clinique and MAC should be debuting soon. Soon pretty much every major cosmetics company will be coming out with a BB cream, it's just a matter of time. But hold your horses before your transition. Let's just make this clear "Asian BB Cream is not the same as North American BB cream". Although they have many similarities in the end the needs in Asia are very different in North America, so it is almost impossible to compare the products. You have to consider what your skincare needs are and go from there. If you want something to use in conjunction with your skincare routine that will heal and recover your skin throughout the day, go with Asian BB cream. But if you are not one to fuss with makeup and skincare products and just want one item that will do it all (not very well, consider if you like 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner then you'll like this) use the North American BB cream.