L.A Colors Truly Matte Foundation

There's been so many hyped up foundation reviews lately, and the L.A Colors Truly Matte Foundation was one of them. I was super curious to try, it's $6 on their website (but shipping to Canada was $25). I ordered from ikatehouse, shipping prices were better but it's out of stock on their site at the moment. If you're ordering online and trying to figure out your shade I hope these swatches help! 

LA Colors Truly Matte Foundation Warm Honey & LA Colors Truly Matte Foundation Cafe

LA Colors Truly Matte Foundation Swatches

LA Colors Truly Matte Foundation Warm Honey
LA Colors Truly Matte Foundation Cafe
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation 310 
Estee Lauder Double Wear 4W2
Kat Von D Lock It Foundation Medium 62 
Revlon Colorstay Toast 

Indeed Labs Giveaway!

Indeed Labs Skincare Giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

- no giveaway accounts
- open to USA and Canada 
- must follow all rules 
- do not contact me trying to win, you will be disqualified ;) 

*These prizes were provided by Indeed Labs but the giveaway as no affiliation with them. 

Pop Beauty Prismatic Pop Illuminating Powder

Pop Beauty Prismatic Pop Illuminating Powder 

Drugstore or "affordable" highlighters have TOTALLY stepped up their game. Not to spoil the review but the Pop Beauty Prismatic Pop Highlighters are freaking amazing. I'm so impressed, I have very little experience with Pop Beauty so I'm intrigued to try some more. 

Pop Beauty Highlighters

The Pop Beauty Highlighters retail for $12 USD and are available on their website and locally at stores like Walgreens, Rite Aid and Duane Reed. I don't have any information on the Canadian availability, sorry :) 

Pop Beauty Prismatic Pop Illuminating Swatches

The Pop Prismatic Pop Highlighters come in 4 shades to make your skin "pop with prismatic perfection". They are all paraben free and not tested on animals. They texture is super unique, it's a powder but has a creamy like feel. My brush of choice is the Inglot 4SS, use something a little more dense, you could probably also use your fingers! 

Pop Beauty Highlighter Swatches

Overall, if you were debating these I think they are incredible and not just for the price. My only issue is I would like to see some more shades, some with a little more golden and depth. 

*These were sent for my review, all opinions are my own. 

NEW Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer Deeper Shade "Deep Bronzer"

Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer Deep Bronze

Hallelujah! Not only has Physician's Formula recently released a foundation with 16 shades (it's called the Healthy Foundation and I reviewed it here), the released 2 new shades of the Butter Bronzer. I have the shade Deep Bronze so that's what we'll be chatting about today. 

Butter Bronzer "Deep Bronzer"

I've had my qualms with Physician's Formula in the past regarding their very beige foundation "ranges" but this past year they have really stepped up their game. More shades, great launches - I'm impressed! The Butter Bronzer has been raved about for years, and finding a good drugstore bronzer has been tricky so I was always dying to try. 

New Physician's Formula Darker Butter Bronzer "Deep Bronzer" Swatch

The formula is super smooth, buttery if you will. Blends like a dream. It's a little powdery in formula but does not look that way on the skin, it has a demi-matte, perhaps satin finish but no shimmer or glitter. Butter products are pretty scented, they smell like vacation! If you are super sensitive to scents that's something to keep in mind but it's nothing that would stop me from using it.

Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer Swatch Comparison

Overall, I totally get the hype of the Butter Bronzer! Highly recommend. That being said, although I'm loving this shade extension I don't know if it will work for me come summer. I could use a few more shades for sure. It's so good, so everyone should be able to try! 

*This product was provided for my review, all opinions are my own. 

Too Faced White Peach Tutorial: 3 Looks 1 Palette

The latest palette to hit the market, or about to is the Too Faced White Peach Palette. It launches today actually so keep your eyes peeled if you're looking to buy! I featured it in a recent video on my YouTube channel if you'd like to see it in action. I also have another blog post with swatches. 

I've created 3 looks using the Too Faced White Peach Palette, I'm no makeup artist so these are for the more basic or intermediate eyeshadow wearer :) If you'd like more info on the shades used, see the video listed above. 

Too Faced White Peach Palette Tutorial 

Too Faced White Peach Palette Look

Too Faced White Peach Tutorial

Too Faced White Peach Look

Too Faced White Peach Palette Tutorial

Too Faced White Peach Palette Eyeshadow Tutorial 

*This palette was sent for my review, all opinions are my own. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation Review/Swatches

NEW Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation 

Welcome to the drugstore, Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation! This is a brand new launch from Rimmel and not a reformulation of the Lasting Finish, the original will remain on shelves. 

Rimmel Breathable Foundation 

I don't have a ton of experience with Rimmel foundations as the shade ranges have been.... lacklustre, beige etc. I was incredibly excited to see that the new Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation has 15 shades, yahoo!! That being said, it could still go much deeper. I wear the 3rd to darkest shade. If you have a more fair skin however it seems to go very, very light. 

Rimmel Breathable Foundation 402 Bronze & Rimmel Breathable Foundation 502 Noisette

The Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation will retail for around $11.99 CAD and will be available wherever Rimmel is sold. It's brand new, so if you haven't seen it yet keep your eyes peeled. It contains 1 fl oz, comes in a glass bottle (makes it easy to see your shade) and a huge doe foot applicator. That seems to be a new trend by the way, I don't love it or hate it. However a pump is always prefered. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation Swatches/Shades

I've only been using this foundation for a little while but so far I am super impressed. Lasts really well on my oily skin, medium coverage and just looks so beautiful. I wear NC42 in MAC for reference and Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable 402 Bronze. It could be slightly more golden on my skin but overall a really great match. 

Wearing Rimmel Breathable Foundation in 402 Bronze

*This product was sent for my review, all opinions are my own! 

Too Faced White Peach Palette Swatches

Too Faced White Peach Eyeshadow Palette Launch

THIS JUST IN: the Too Faced White Peach Palette! Literally, this showed up at my door about an hour ago and I could not wait to get swatching. Of course these are only initial thoughts as I just got it. See my 3 Looks 1 Palette video + Review on my YouTube channel! 

Too Faced White Peach Palette Review 

Too Faced White Peach Eye Shadow Palette 

White Peach Palette

I don't have many details on the pricing but I would assume it will be the same as the Just Peachy Palette $45 USD/$55 CAD. The Too Faced White Peach Eyeshadow Palette will be available on January 16th at Sephora and on January 17th on toofaced.com. It contains 12 shades that are described as matte, shimmer, pearl and high glitter. 

Too Faced White Peach Palette Swatches

As someone who really leans on warm matte browns, I'm really excited to play with this. To me, it seems pretty unique in comparison to a lot of the warm brown things that are happening right now. It has the peachyness we all desire but with a cooler tone twist. However, I'm not sure how it may work on my more golden skin tone. 

Too Faced White Peach Swatches

I'm excited to get this on my eyes so that's what I'm about to go do! Stay tuned for my video with further thoughts. I'm also planning some swatch comparison posts with the Just Peachy Mattes and Sweet Peach Palette! 

*This palette was sent for my review, all opinions are my own. 

The Balm Meet Matte Shmaker Swatches

The Balm Meet Matt(e) Shmaker Eyeshadow Palette

The latest from The Balm is the Meet Matt(e) Shmaker Eyeshadow Palette. The Balm Nude Tude Palette was one of my first ever palettes so I was very excited when they sent this along! I've always been a fan of their shadow formula, it's nicely pigmented but not over the top making it easy to work with. The mattes especially blend like a dream. See it in action on my YouTube channel in my most recent Get Ready with Me video. 

The Balm Meet Matte Shmaker Eyeshadow Palette

The Balm Meet Matte Shmaker Palette features 12 shadows, 6 matte and 6 shimmers that are "perfectly paired". I really do enjoy the shade range, it's unique but doesn't feel unapproachable. Very easy to achieve an all matte look, something more simple and daytime or you can also create a really beautiful smokier look. I find the shimmery shades aren't a "BAM" metallic formula that we have become accustomed to, but that's okay with me. It's nice to have options and variety, not everyone wants something so bright and shiny on their eyes. If you'd like to amp up the color use a sticky base, wet your brush or go in with your fingers to build pigment. 

The Balm Meet Matte Shmaker Palette

This palette retails for $29.50 USD which is definitely on the more affordable side of high end palettes for sure. Getting your hands on it in Canada can be tricky, but Rexall, London Drugs and Nail Polish Canada all sell The Balm, not sure if the palette has launched there yet. You can order directly from The Balm but shipping can be quite pricey. I also love that the packaging is not super bulky but as always, it's super cute! 

Meet Matte Shmaker Swatches

Overall, I'm really enjoying this palette. I think if the colours were speaking to you and you were debating it, go for it! 

 

*This product was sent for my review, all opinions are my own. 

Easy Meal Prep: Greek Chicken & Quinoa

Ingredients 

Chicken + Marinade

1.2 kg Chicken Breast 

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt

1 tbsp Lemon Juice 

1 tbsp Oregano 

1 tbsp Garlic 

1 tsp smoked paprika

Sauce

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt 

Feta    

1 tbsp Lemon 

1 tbsp Garlic 

1 tsp Dill 

1 tsp Oregano

Salad 

pint Cherry Tomato 

2 Peppers 

1 Cucumber 

Red onion 

Quinoa

Frozen spinach 

Onion

Steps

1. In a large ziplock bag, add bite size pieces of chicken, greek yogurt, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic and salt/pep/. Marinate for at least 30 mins, the longer the better! 
2. Once chicken has marinated, add to parchment lined baking sheet and until near done. There may be some liquid on the pan so dump this off and then place under broiler to crisp chicken, be sure not to dry out the chicken. 
3. Cook quinoa according to package directions, towards the end of the cook add in some spinach (fresh or frozen), finely diced onion, I also added some tomatoes I  had frozen last week. Finish with salt/pep. You can also just leave the quinoa plain. 
4. Chop cucumbers, peppers and add cherry tomatoes (I leave the tomatoes whole) 
5. Add greek yogurt, garlic, dill, oregano, lemon juice, finely diced cucumber and salt/pep to a small container, mix until combined. 
6. I serve the salad separately so I can heat the chicken + quinoa 

Easy Meal Prep: BBQ & Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients

Chicken Breast 

Sweet Potato

Peppers

Mushroom

BBQ Sauce 

Onion

Broccoli 

Oil 

Salt/Pep

Steps

1. Cut chicken into strips, coat with a tbsp oil, season with salt and pepper 
2. In batches, add chicken to hot grill pan turning once, until mostly cooked
3. Coat chicken in BBQ sauce and cook until chicken is finished and BBQ has caramelized. 
4. Chop roasting vegetables and coat with oil, salt/pep. Add any other desired seasoning. I cook the sweet potatoes separately, they take a little longer. 
5. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment and roast in oven at 425 to desired doneness 

NOTE Cosmetics at Rexall!

I'm always so excited to be introduced to a new brand, especially one I can actually walk into a store and buy! Today we are chatting about NOTE Cosmetics, which is quite popular abroad but has made it to Canada most recently. By the way, blog post is sponsored by NOTE but all opinions are my own. It's currently available at select Rexall locations in Toronto and will become more available across the province over the next few months so keep your eyes peeled. If you're one of my American readers, you can purchase from online at notecosmetics.com. 

NOTE Cosmetics Professional Eyeshadow Palette 104

NOTE Cosmetics is a cruelty-free, paraben-free, and environmentally friendly brand. It was initially launched in Europe, and is inspired by "the passion for living, the colors of life and the notes in nature". The majority of the products I've tried have sleek black packaging, not bulky and feels sturdy which I always appreciate. 

NOTE Cosmetics Professional Eyeshadow Palette 104

In the below photos I'm wearing the NOTE Cosmetics Professional Eyeshadow Palette in 104, Stardust Powder, Real Look Mascara and both lipsticks. Overall, I've really enjoyed what I've tried from the line. Standouts items are the lip products and the Terracotta Powder so let's delve deeper into those. 

NOTE Cosmetics Terracotta Powder in 01 Stardust: This is a beautifully buildable highlighter. Some highlighters now are far to frosty or just come on so strong from the outset. It's nice to have something buildable that you can use as a more natural glow, or build to something more impactful. There's no glitter and gives a "lit from within" look. If you have textured skin, I highly recommend trying, this is a great option. 

NOTE Cosmetics Mattemoist Lipstick in 308 Brand

NOTE Cosmetics Mattemoist Lipstick in 308 Brand: This shade is perfection. I haven't worn a deep, purple shade like this in a while and it feels great. These are the kind of shade that can be worn super deep, or dabbed on the lip for a stained look. It has really nice wear time, wears even better with a lip liner. It has a matte finish, but isn't uncomfortable. 

NOTE Cosmetics Matte Lip Cream 04 Runway

NOTE Cosmetics Matte Lip Cream 04 Runway: This lip cream is a great option if you love the look of a matte liquid lipstick but hate the drying feeling. It has a super pigmented formula and a creamy near moussey texture. It isn't transferproof, but you are getting the added moisture. You can always blot after application to increase wear time. 

Make sure to head to your local Rexall to check out NOTE Cosmetics! There's a matte foundation I'm dying to try next. 

This post is sponsored by NOTE Cosmetics, all opinions are my own.

MAC Patrick Starrr Swatches

MAC x Patrick Starrr ... what a fabulous collection and collaboration! It makes complete sense, not only was Patrick a MAC employee (just 3 years ago) but he embodies everything that MAC is. Inclusivity, being yourself and rocking a full face of makeup. 

It's a pretty full collection, eyeshadows, lipsticks, lip liners, lip glass and his signature, a loose powder! A lot of the shades are classic MAC shades that anyone can appreciate, and the lip color selection is perfect - something for everyone. In my opinion the collection is missing a glitter, because Patrick probably bleeds glitter (in the best way possible). I get they wanted to make it as accessible as possible but I really think most would be down to buy a fabulous MAC x Patrick glitter!  

As with all MAC collections, the quality does not waiver which is something I really appreciate. It didn't feel like it was rushed to production and just a money grab. Same quality but with some Patrick Starrr "pizzaz". If you're a fan of his I highly recommend picking something up before it's gone! 

*These products were sent for my review, all opinions are my own.