The Perfect Palette Tag

I saw this tag floating around Youtube and I thought it would be a fun one to do. Below are a bunch of questions about eyeshadow palettes, and I am going to answer them based on the palettes and eyeshadow quads that I have in my collection.

1.) Best Packaging
I would have to say that the palette that I have in my collection with the best packaging is the Lolita palette by Marc Jacobs. The packaging is just so sleek and expensive looking, and I like that you have to press the button on the side for it to open. The packaging is also very sturdy, and although it is plastic I don't feel nervous about taking it places because the product was made well. The only thing that I don't like is that the black outside is always covered in fingerprints, so I find I am constantly trying to clean it. I do love this palette though and have raved about it in many of my recent posts, so if you want to find out more about this palette check those out on the right side of the page.

2.) Best Color Payoff
The palette that I think has the best colour payoff is the Cosmic Chic palette by BH Cosmetics. I got this palette at IMATS this year and was really impressed with the quality of the shadows. They are really pigmented and swatch so opaquely. They are really nice shadows to work with and they blend really easily as well. The colours are also absolutely gorgeous! You can find more information on this palette in my IMATS post.

3.) Most Versatile
The palette that I think is the most versatile is the Lorac Pro palette. This palette comes with 8 matte shadows and 8 shimmery shadows which allows you to create a variety of different looks. This palette also has a wide range of colours from day time neutral pinks and browns to darker bronzes and purples, and gunmetal grey shades that would be perfect for evening. It also has both highlight shades, and darker blacks and browns that you could use as liner. There are so many different things that you can do with this palette that I definitely think it is the most versatile palette that I own. 

4.) Best for Travel
The palette that I think is the best for travel is the Too Faced Natural Eye palette. I like that this palette because it is small and light and lets you create a variety of different looks. There are both matte and shimmery shades, and shades that can be used for both day time and evening looks. This is one of my favourite palettes, and even though it looks simple, I reach for it a lot.

5.) Biggest Regret
The quad that I regret buying the most is the Dior Bonne Etoile eyeshadow quad. It looks gorgeous and I was sooooooo excited to get my hands on it when it was released in the fall, but honestly I don't find the colours to be that wearable. I find my makeup ends up looking really dark when I wear this, and I have only ever worn it once or twice. It was an expensive item as well, so I definitely do not think it was worth the money that I spent on it. Hopefully I can find some kind of use for it because I do not want it to be a waste of my money. 



6.) Best Color Names
The eyeshadow palette in my collection with the best colour names has to be the Nude 'tude palette from The Balm. This was a category that I had a bit of difficulty with because none of my palettes have colour names that are that crazy, but I like the concept behind this palette. I think it's cute that the theme is "girl's with attitude" and that all the shadow names are characteristics that girls can have (ie. Sassy, Silly, Stand-offish).  The colours in this palette are also gorgeous, so if you are in the market for a nude eye shadow palette maybe check this one out. 

7.) Least Used
The eyeshadow quad that I use the least is the Chanel Delicatesse eyeshadow quad. This is another product that I had to have when I saw it because it was so pretty, however I didn't take into consideration whether the shadows were colours I would actually wear. Naturally I convinced myself that it was something I would wear everyday for the rest of my life (haha) and that is how I justified the purchase. Anyone else could have foresaw that this would not have been the case, but I was blinded by the pretty flower pattern on the shadows and gorgeous packaging. I use the teal colour sometimes as a liner, but I never find myself wanting to use the other colours. This is another product that I regret buying because it was expensive, but I have learned my lesson and next time I am going to pick a product based on whether or not I will actually wear the colours on a daily basis.

8.) Most Used, Most Loved, Desert Island
The palette that is my most used, and would take on a desert island with me given the choice would be the Naked 1 palette by Urban Decay. The shadows are just such good quality and are so pigmented, and apply and blend so easily. The colours are also gorgeous, and the palette comes with such a great variety of colours that it makes it easy to create a wide array of both evening and daytime looks. This is definitely one of my favourite palettes, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the Naked 3 palette when it becomes available in Canada.

Leave me a comment below telling me whether or not you  have tried any of these palettes, and I tag all of you to do this Perfect Palette tag yourself!

xoxo Jess

November Favourites♥

I wanted to share with you a couple items that I have been loving throughout the month of November. Some of these are products that I have mentioned before in other posts, but a couple of them are new. I will try and give a little review on the items that I've never mentioned before so you will get a better idea of why I like them and have been reaching for them so much this month.

1. Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation
I have worn this foundation almost every day since I purchased it, and I really do love it. Every once in a while I will switch it up and use a different foundation for the day, but I am never as happy with the results and it confirms for me how great the Marc Jacobs one is. This is definitely a foundation that I will be repurchasing once this one runs out. This product retails for $58.00 at Sephora. If you want to see a full review of the foundation you can find a link on the side bar to the right.

2. NARS Eyeshadow Duo in the shade "Kalahari"
This eyeshadow duo contains a golden-bronze shadow and a dark cocoa brown shadow that are both shimmery. I originally didn't like this product when I first tried it because I purchased it anticipating that I would put the golden-bronze shade all over my lid, and the cocoa brown in my crease, but when applied to the eye, the shadows looked way too similar. I was left with a really dark muddy eye look that I really was not a fan of. I decided to give this product another shot this month, but instead I used "All that glitters" by MAC (which is a light golden champaign colour) all over my lid with the golden-bronze shade in the crease, and the darker cocoa brown shade in my outer "v". This looked really pretty and I got a lot of compliments when I wore this combination. I do this eye look a lot now, and have really grown to like this product. I find the shadows are good quality, and they blend out really well.  The NARS eyeshadow duos retail for $34.00 each.

3. Marc Jacobs "Lolita" Palette
I have been using this palette a lot this month and am really enjoying it. It has such an amazing combination of colours that make really pretty everyday eye looks. The palette comes with 4 shimmery pink-toned shadows, and 3 matte shadows. The shadows are amazing quality and are so incredibly pigmented. You barely have to touch the shadows to swatch them and they go on so smoothly. I will do a more detailed review on this palette because I think it is a really good investment. It is a pricey item though, and it retails for $70.00 at Sephora.

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in the shade "Dazzled"
This is a really pretty blush for the fall and winter seasons. It is the blush out of my "Off the Cuff" palette that I use the most, and it's a pretty plum shade. These blushes are amazing quality and are very pigmented. You barely need to touch your brush to the product and you have more than enough to apply to your cheeks. As a result these are a great buy because they last forever. These blushes are supposed to be long wearing and are advertised to last twelve hours on your skin. I think that this is a pretty accurate claim as I do find that they stay in place all day. If you want more information on the Tarte "Off the Cuff" blush palette you can find the review in the side bar to the right of the page. The palette is a great deal though as it retails for around $40.00 and the blushes are normally $30.00 each. The palette comes with 4 blushes and a bronzer, and they are quite big, so it is definitely something you should check out if you are in the market for a new blush.
                                 
                   
               
5. Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in the shade Radiant Light
I have mentioned this palette a lot because I am in love with the middle powder and use it every single day. I apply this to my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, my brow bone, and basically anywhere I want highlighted. This isn't your typical shimmery highlighter though, the product does not transfer to you skin shimmery at all, and yet it has this way of making your skin look glowy and amazing. If you want more information on this palette you can check out my review in the side bar to the right. This palette retails for $67.00, and the individual powders are each around $50.00

6. Bite Lipstick in "Fig"

I bought this lipstick after hearing Beauty Guru "MakeupByTiffanyD" rave about it in many of her YouTube videos. When I saw the colour in the store I definitely didn't think it would be the natural looking pink that she described it as since it looked so bright in the tube, but it actually is. When I tried it on at Sephora I instantly knew I had to buy it because it is such a flattering and wearable colour. It is a pretty rose coloured pink that warms up your face and is fun but still really sophisticated. I cannot say enough good things about this product, you seriously need to go try it on for yourself. This is definitely a lipstick that I will be repurchasing over and over when it runs out. This product retails for $28.00 at Sephora.

                            

                                  

                        



7. Too Faced lipstick in "Marshmallow Bunny"
This is one of the lipsticks that I got in the "Give Me More Lip" Christmas set from Sephora. It is the prettiest bubblegum pink, and although this is not a colour I would normally gravitate towards, it is the prettiest colour and is so girly. The formula is really moisturising, and it even has a really nice smell to it. I highly suggest trying this lipstick and I think it would be even prettier in the summer with a tan. I have definitely been enjoying wearing this shade this month and I now I will continue to reach for this lipstick throughout the month of December a well. These retail for $25.00 at Sephora.

                                       

8. Julep nail polish in shades "Aisha," and "Cynthia"
These are two shades that I got in my November Julep box that I have been loving this month. "Aisha" is the pretty burgundy shade, and "Cynthia" is the gold glitter on my accent nail. I LOVE these colours for fall and winter and I know I will be continuing to paint my nails with these polishes throughout December as well. These nail polishes are shiny and pretty long lasting. The brush does take some getting used to though because it picks up a LOT of polish, so you really need to make sure that you wipe all the excess off the sides before you apply it to your nails. Other than that these polishes are great and the monthly subscription is a really great deal because you get 3 every month for only $20.00. This is an amazing deal considering they are $16.00 each at Sephora. If you want to see the other gorgeous colours I got or learn more about the Julep subscription you can find my post in the side bar at the right of the page.                                                                                                                

9. Josie Maran Argon Oil
I bought this Argon oil at Sephora months ago, but I never really used it.  I didn't love the weird tingling feeling that comes with oil sitting on my skin, so it ended up being shoved to the back of my drawer. My nose has started to become weirdly dry and had begun to peel this month, so out of desperation I decided to give this product a try hoping it would make my nose less dry and unbearable. I began to incorporate this product into my nightly skin care routine by applying a single dot to my nose over my moisturiser and rubbing the oil in well. After a few days my nose stopped peeling and I could finally apply foundation to it without it clinging to the dry areas and looking hideous. I have continued using this product every night and it has really helped. I was apprehensive at first to put oil on my face, but it didn't break me out at all or clog my pores. You could even mix this oil in with your moisturiser if you are like me and don't like the feeling of applying the oil directly to your face. You could even mix a drop or two in with your foundation to keep your skin moisturised throughout the day. I have also seen this product being used as a cuticle oil, and a hair oil, so it really is multi-purpose. I bought the little 0.5 oz bottle to try and it cost $18.00, but they have two other sizes that are $58.00 and $125.00. I suggest getting the little bottle though first and seeing if you like it before splurging on a larger bottle. I only use one drop every time I use it and I still think the small bottle will last me quite a while.

10. "Outer Beauty" Round Top Kabuki Brush
This is one of the brushes I got from IMATS this year, and I absolutely love it. I had never heard of the company "Outer Beauty" before going to IMATS, but after feeling how soft and good quality their brushes are I had to buy a few. When I talked to the sales associate after purchasing them she informed me that their brushes are made in the same factory as Sigma brushes, so they are essentially the same thing. After hearing this I should have gotten more because at $12.00 each, they were such a great deal. This round top kabuki brush is amazing for applying foundation and blends it into my skin even better than my Beauty Blender does. I have used this brush ever single day since I've purchased it. and I am honestly in love! If you want to check out these fabulous brushes you can check them our here :
 http://www.outerbeautycosmetics.com/

These are all my favourite products for the month of November.  Let me know in the comments below what some of the products were that you found yourself reaching for a lot this month.

xoxo Jess

Toronto IMATS 2013

                         

I went to IMATS for the first time last weekend, and had such a good time. For those of you who don't know, IMATS is the "International Makeup Artist Trade Show" and it takes place in 6 cities every year (Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, London.) I went to the one in Toronto, and it was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. If you live in any of these cities you check on their website to see when it is coming to you. You can buy your ticket online for $40.00.  Not only are there a lot of venders selling discounted makeup, there are also lots of makeup artists doing demonstrations, and guest speakers who are makeup artists for magazines and movies. 

Below are some photos of artists demonstrating makeup effects that would be used in movies.

   

  

      

I did a bit of shopping while I was there because I was on the hunt for some good makeup brushes. There were so many vendors there selling brushes so it was a little overwhelming, but I ended up getting some from "Bdellium Tools," "OuterBeauty Cosmetics" and "Crown Brushs."  The company that I was the most impressed with though is OuterBeauty Cosmetics. Their brushes were soooooo soft and felt like the most amazing quality, and to me they felt exactly like Sigma brushes. I mentioned this to the woman who worked there and she said that they are made in the same factory as Sigma brushes so they're basically the exact same brushes. The best part is that these brushes were only $10.00 each. I ended up getting 2 face brushes, a round topped kabuki and a tapered kabuki brush. Looking back though I wish I had purchased the set of 4 that they had because it was only $38.00 and the brushes are honestly AMAZING.  I have used these two brushes every single day since I purchased them, and the round top kabuki blends foundation into your skin better than anythink i've ever used (even my beauty blender!). It just makes your foundation have the most flawless airbrushed finish. If you are interested in checking out these brushes you can order them online at http://www.outerbeautycosmetics.com.  The brushes might be a little more online then they were selling them for at IMATS, but they are still a great deal. 

Below are all the brushes that I purchased while at IMATS

       

Face Brushes:

The first two brushes are from OuterBeauty Cosmetics and were $12.00 each. One is a tapered kabuki and the other is round topped.

The third brush is an all over face brush that was $4.50 (don't remember the company).

The fourth brush is from real techniques and it is the powder brush. I like this one because it is really dense. It cost $15.00

Eye Brushes:

The first brush was $1.00 and it is a straight edged brush (don't remember the company)

The second is a fan brush and it was $2.50 (don't remember the company)

The last three brushes are from Bdellium tools and they were around $6.00 each. I got a blending brush, a tapered crease brush, and a big flat shadow brush to pack product on the lid.

I also ended up picking up a few other things. There was a vendor called "Makeup Mansion Cosmetics" who had a bunch of makeup from NYX, ELF, The Balm, and BH Cosmetics. I had never seen BH Cosmetics being sold in stores near me so I was excited to be able to purchase items from them. I ended up getting a natural eyeshadow and blush palette from them, as well as the Galaxy Chic baked eyeshadow palette. These were $20.00 each. The Galaxy Chic palette is absolutely gorgeous, and after swatching it I knew I had to have it. The shadows are so pigmented and swatch so smoothly. The shades are also really pretty and are unlike any other shadows that I have in my collection. The shadows look a little scary in the palette, but when swatched on your skin they are very wearable. BH Cosmetics is having a holiday sale on their website right now and this palette is on sale for $14.95. I think that is a great deal, so if you are interested in checking out this product I will leave the link to their website below. I will do a blog post with swatches for all the shadows in this palette so you can see how gorgeous it is.  I have used this palette a few times since I bought it and I absolutely love it. 

http://www.bhcosmetics.com/products/eyes/galaxy-chic

 "Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics" also had a booth and they were selling their lip tars for $12.00 instead of the $22.00 that they are at Sephora.  I thought this was a good deal so I decided to pick up 2 in some of their more neutral shades. I got one in the shade Anikka which is a light coral colour. The second one I got is in the shade Hush and it is a pinky nude colour. I haven't tried these yet so I am not able to give you a detailed review of them, but they have a reputation for being very long wearing, and I know a lot of people who like them. I have swatched both shades below so you can see more clearly what they look like. 

The last item that I purchased was a set of ten fake lashes by "Wink".  I am not someone who wears fake lashes very often, but I wanted a few pairs that were more natural looking incase I ever wanted to wear them out at night. The package that I purchased was $10.00 and came with ten sets of lashes. Each set you can probably wear two or three times if you are careful with them, so I thought this was a good deal. They also had other vendors such as "Velour Lashes" and "Minked Lashes" who sold single sets of lashes that could be worn up to 25 times each. These retailed for between $20.00 - $30.00 for one pair. I didn't think I would use the lashes enough to make it worth spending over $20.00 on one pair though, so that is why I got the cheaper "one time use" lashes.  

Anyway, this is everything I purchased while I was at IMATS. My budget was $150.00, so I think I got quite a bit of stuff for that amount of money. I cannot wait to go next year and am already secretly planning my shopping list now that I know the kind of vendors that are there. There were many other vendors there such as MAC, NARS, and Makeup Forever, but the lines for these vendors were probably over an hour long, so I didn't think it was worth it. The NARS products had no discount and at the time Sephora was having their 20% off sale, so I figured I would wait and buy any NARS products that I wanted there. The MAC discount was 20% off, but again the line was so long, and they only had one cash register, so I didn't think it was worth it. I am not sure how much the Makeup Forever items were discounted, but my friend purchased the Matte Velvet Plus foundation from there for $28.00 and it is normally $42.00 at Sephora, so their discount was pretty good. 

                                                              

      

My tips for people who are going to IMATS this year, or who missed it but are planning on attending next year are the following:

1. Go early! IMATS opened at 8:30 am and I got there at 9:00 am and there were already lines for the popular makeup vendors

2. Bring cash! A lot of the smaller places did not have debit and credit machines.

3. Wear comfy shoes. I wore little heeled booties and although I looked cute, after 3 hours I wanted to cry because my feet hurt so bad. This made shopping a little less fun.

4. Find out your colour shade for NARS, Makeup Forever, and MAC ahead of time. The lines are huge and the employees are so busy that there isn't time for a professional to colour match you while you are there. Make sure you go to Sephora or a Department store and get matched for a foundation before you go if you think that that is something you can see yourself buying. 

5. Go the first day they open! In Toronto IMATS took place on both Saturday and Sunday, but by noon on saturday alot of the items were picked over, and the popular shades of foundation, etc. were gone. 

6. Make a shopping list of the things you need before you go. There is nothing worse then getting home from a shopping trip and realizing that you forgot a couple things, especially when you could have gotten them at a discounted price.

7. Check out the vendors a head of time and decide which ones you want to go to first. This will help you to get your "must see" places out of the way so you don't miss out on any of your favourites later when the lines are larger. This will also prevent you from wondering around aimlessly. 

8. Bring water or snacks if you think you will be there a long time. I didn't see any vending machines or food vendors while I was there, so if you get hungry or thirsty you might be out of luck

These are a few things that I wish I knew before I went, so  I thought that I would share them with you. 

Let me know in the comments below if you're going to IMATS this year and the kind of things you are thinking of buying. It might give me ideas for what to add to my mental list for next year.

xoxo Jess