This Is My Grownup Christmas Wish...List!

Every year I put out a Christmas Wish List to family and friends.  Here's what I want this year that is beauty and related.  Check it out!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I loved the original palette so much that I just have to have the 2nd one too!

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator

What's not to love about this?  It's just gorgeous!  I'd love this for highlighting.

NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette

I really like that this has different shades of blush and a highlighter and bronzer.  No need to take out  several different compacts to create a look for your cheeks when it's all here!

Consonant Body Ultra Firming Organic Eye Cream

I'm on a hunt for a new eye cream cause the one I'm using now isn't working for me.  I'm hoping this one does!

Consonant Body Healthy Skin Detox for Body Kit

I need a new skin regimen for my body especially since my skin has been going through some wacky changes due to post pregnancy and the weather.  Hoping this kit works out for me.  Plus it's all organic which is a bonus!

What's on your grownup wish list?!

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Review

I have a million eye primers ranging from Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Laura Mercier Eye Basics, to MAC Paint Pots and the list goes on and back in February I was given Benefit's Stay Don't Stray Stay Put Primer for Concealers & Eyeshadows for my birthday which added to my ever increasing collection of primers.  Not that I'm complaining, it does come in handy especially when you're a makeup artist.  But this primer does have it's ups and it's downs.

Here are the UPS:

1.  My eyeshadow and concealer does tend to stay put for most of the day.  I work 7.5 hours in the day and my eyeshadow doesn't crease by the time work is over and my concealer is still on. Not much fading going on which is good.

2.  The application is easy.  It has a bit of a thick consistency but it glides on smoothly and is easy to blend.

3.  Eyeshadows and Concealers are easy to blend when put over top of it.  I like to use Benefit Erase Paste over top and it looks amazing!  Nice and smooth!

4.  I like that the color of it blends with my skin tone.  I'm a fair to medium skin tone.

5.  A little goes a long way so it can be used sparingly, that is if you can master the pump.  You'll see what I mean so keep reading!

Here are the DOWNS:

1.  The pump sucks.  I don't understand why these cosmetic companies keep coming out with silly unconventional packaging.  This is an eyelid primer not a foundation!  Too Faced Shadow Insurance got it right with having a tube of product.  It's much easier to get product out.  When I first pumped this I literally pumped out the size of a dime.  And I wasted so much product.  See the picture above?  That is exactly how much will come out if you're not careful.  It took me a long time to master the art of pumping because now I can pump out a tiny dot.  With practice you can too!  The key to getting as little product as possible out is a very slow and steady pump.  Gripping the pump with your index finger and thumb is the key!

2.  I found this to be a bit drying on my skin.  Maybe it's just me or the weather.  But I did find that when I used this my skin got a little dry and flakey underneath my eyes.

3.  I mentioned earlier that I like the shade it comes in but for my skin tone.  If you have a much darker skin tone I'm not sure if this is for you.  Their website claims that it's "neutral nude shade is universally flattering" but the color seems too light in my opinion.  It probably would have been better if the product dried clear.

So as you can see, it seems that the UPS outweigh the DOWNS but it is essentially up to you if you think you'd like this product.  Go on and test it out if you want but be forewarned especially with that darn pump!

Have you tried this product?  What's your take on it?  Feel free to leave a comment below.

Find this product at:

www.benefitcosmetics.com

www.sephora.com

Shoppers Drug Mart stores

Murale stores

$24.00 USD

Bridal Trial: Xelanie

A few weeks ago I did a bridal trial with Xelanie who's wedding is coming up next month.  Xelanie normally wears a bare face from day to day so she wanted to keep the look natural.  Here's the result of our trial.

Before

After

Products used:

Foundation: MAC Face and Body in C4

Powder:  LAURA MERCIER Translucent Setting Powder

Concealer: LISE WATIER Concealer Wheel

                 BENEFIT Powderflage

Eyes: BENEFIT Stay don't Stray eye primer

        MAC Rubanesque Paint Pot        

        COASTALSCENTS Eyeshadow from the 28 Neutral Palette

        WET 'N WILD Creme Liner in Black

        MAC Sign Sealed eyeshadow (used for eyebrows)

        COVER GIRL Lash Blast Volume Blasting Mascara in Black

Cheeks: TARTE Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride

             MAC blush in Mocha

Lips: MAC Lipliner in Subculture

        Estee Lauder Lipstick in 117 Rose Tea

        MAC Lipgelee in Jellybabe

Holiday Gift Ideas For All Budgets Part 2 of 2: Palettes & Sets

Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette ($24.95 USD)

I absolutely love this palette.  It has every color that you'll ever need especially if you're the type who likes neutral or is a natural makeup type of gal.  This is a great palette for a great price.  The texture is velvety and the colors are very pigmented.  Perfect for all skin tones!

Makeup Brushes (Check out my last blog post about affordable makeup brushes and where to find them)

MAC Holiday Collection ($27 - $71.50 CAD)

What's great about this collection is that there are so many sets to choose from whether it be eyes, lips, or face.  I think they are great, if you're willing to spend the money for them.

 

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit ($65 USD)
I love Laura Mercier's line of cosmetics.  This kit has everything you need to create that flawless face everyone aims to achieve.  I own all of these products in full size and I absolutely love them!  This is a definate must have!

The Balm Shady Lady Palette ($38 USD)
This palette is only available at Sephora and is a limited editon.  I can't say enough great things about this palette.  It has almost every color you need to create any look.  The colors have shimmer in them but they're not so shimmery that it's overbearing.  I also love that the shadows are super pigmented so a little will go a long way.  They also very easy to blend.  Another favorite in my collection.