Monthly Favourites - April 2012

We are now one step closer to Summer and I'm not dreading it as I normally do. Highly unusual, I must say!

I'm kind of getting back into the groove of makeup classes and blogging again, which I'm really happy about. Classes have been going great (I'm in Evening and Bridal right now, for those who don't know), though I definitely need more practice. It's times like these I wish I lived close to my Bandits, so I can practice on their gorgeous faces!

Anyhoo, enough with the waffling! Here are my favourite products from the month of April...

Burberry For Women Eau De Parfum

This fragrance is probably my very first "big girl" perfume and it's had a special place in my semi-fickle heart ever since. I go through a lot of difference phases, like most women do, but Burberry For Women is one of the few perfumes I own that I will consistently repurchase. This month, I rediscovered why I love it so much. It's party fruity, part musky, and a whole lotta loveliness. I also get a lot of compliments whenever I wear this perfume, which is always a good thing.

Revlon Nail Polish in Chic, Timeless, and Fashionista

I've used these three nail polishes to create a somewhat ombré design, which I posted about here, and I was absolutely in love with it. Revlon nail polishes are among my favourites, not only because of the price, but also because of the quality. They apply smoothly, evenly, and only require a few coats to achieve a nice, opaque finish. Also, Revlon is pretty consistent with dupes, so if I fall in love with a particular shade but am not willing to shell out a lot of money for it (which is most often the case :p), I simply have to wait for Revlon to create something similar.

MAC In Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb and Whisper of Gilt

Having never been much of a fan of highlighters or luminizers, these Skinfinishes have come as a bit of a surprise. They apply so smoothly, they never look grainy, they create the most amazing sheen, and have such a lovely texture. I can't believe I haven't jumped on the highlighting bandwagon until now!

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

If you haven't guessed by the two posts that were the precursor to this one, I have been really getting into nail polish lately... My love for nail polish ebbs and flows, and right now, we love each other a lot. Now, the thing about doing nail art or wearing gorgeous shades is that you find yourself constantly looking at your nails... Which then leads to looking at your cuticles.

Now, if yours are lovely, then there's no trouble. But if yours are as atrocious as mine, then you get all cringey and embarrassed. So, I've started to be more diligent in applying this cuticle cream every night (or nearly every night, at least) and my cuticles are looking much better! I honestly don't know how this stuff works, but after applying it every night for a week or two, my cuticles look clean and well moisturized.

MAC Blush in Lovecloud 

 Lovecloud (released in MAC's recent Très Cheek collection) was a bit of a sleeper hit for me... Originally, I was only interested in Immortal Flower and Modern Mandarin, as they were shades that are not very well represented in my budding blush collection. However, I was really taken by the finish of Lovecloud (all Très Cheek blushes have a satin finish, but out of the three that I own, it is the most prominent in Lovecloud). Lovecloud has been my most worn blush since I've purchased it and my love for it is still going strong!

MAKE UP FOR EVER 24S Blush Brush

This brush came with my makeup kit at school and at first, I wasn't all that impressed. Mainly because I was used to rounder brushes that were incredibly soft to the touch. But as I continued to use this brush, the more I began to love it. The flat shape actually makes applying/blending blushes really effortless and patting more pigmented products a breeze. It took some getting used to, but this has quickly become my absolute favourite blush brush.

Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertilizer and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

As I've mentioned before, I've been really into nail polishes lately. Normally, I don't use a base or a top coat (for shame!), but I've taken to using Horse Power as a base under my nail polish. FYI: it can be used as a base. It's even stated in the back of the bottle under Directions. But silly me decided I'll only use it when I'm not wearing nail polish -_-'. As for Seche Vite... The first time I used it, I remember thinking, "this can't be good for you." It smells very strongly of chemicals and I wasn't in a well ventilated room, so there was this anxiety of getting a headache, or worse. (#SayNoToHuffing!)

That said, I've started using Horse Power as a base coat and Seche Vite as a top coat and mother of pearl, does it ever make a difference in my manicure! Horse Power really grabs onto the nail polish and I find I can apply a second coat even quicker with it than without. And Seche Vite is definitely an appropriate name for this top coat because it definitely dries my manicure fast; and you all know waiting for the polish to dry is my weakness! This combination really makes my manicure looking pristine quicker and for longer, which has been amazing when you're constantly washing your hands/dishes/brushes, etc.


Welcome call it beauty. (back) to Facebook!

For those of you who may not know, I created a Facebook page for the blog a while back but didn't really feel that it served much of a purpose. Well, I've kind of changed my mind and decided to get back into it.

<tangent> Oddly enough, I had deleted my account on FB, and I was notified that my account will still be up for a month before being fully deleted. Well, as I tried to create another page, I was then told by FB that there's already an account connected with that email address. Lo and behold, there my page still was. Not deleted by Facebook... That's kind of creepy. </tangent>

So now that call it beauty.: is officially on Facebook (again), I would really love it if you guys took the time to "Like" my page. I promise to be more active on there, so please feel free to join me!

Happy May, lovelies!

Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream Is "All Bark & No Bite."

Have you ever taken those "What's Your Skin Type" tests online? I know Sephora used to have one when they implemented the Skincare Challenge. I have done a few myself and it generally comes out as "dry." Next comes the recommendation of products, but the thing is, they almost always suggest a cleansing milk.

Now, I have nothing against cleansing milks. In fact, I'm using up two at the moment (Boots Original Beauty Formula Cleansing Milk and The Body Shop's Cucumber Milk Cleanser), but mostly to remove any makeup from my skin. However, now that my skin has normalized a bit, I find myself needing a deeper cleanse once in a while. This is where the Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream comes into play.

Firstly, the thing that drew me to Burt's Bees is due to their commitment to using natural products & animal rights, plus the fact that their products are free of parabens and sulfates. Secondly, I love that their products are affordable and accessible to nearly everyone who lives near a drugstore.

When I started doing my research, I had a look at the website and this is what they had to say about the product:

This rich, sulfate-free facial cleanser is made with a gentle, yet effective plant-based cleansing complex featuring quillaja saponaria (soap) bark extract and witch hazel. Luxurious lather foams away excess dirt, oil and makeup leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. Extracts of chamomile, echinacea and aloe help soothe and calm skin while glycerin and cocoa butter provide a touch of moisture for naturally fresh, healthy-looking skin.

It sounded like the product for me to try: a cleanser that would me a deeper clean without stripping my already dry-ish skin too much.

I've been enjoying this cleanser, I must say. It's a nondescript white cream that smells minty with a trace of something my nose can't necessarily place. It's an odd scent and it took some getting used to, but it's in no way offensive.

With a minty scent involved, you would assume there would be a tingling sensation involved as well, and you would be correct. It doesn't sting at all but I do notice a more intense tingling in the upper lip area. I quite like the sensation because it feels refreshing on the skin.

That said, as much as I do enjoy using this cleanser, it is simply not one I can use every day. After about a week or so of using this product, I developed some dry patches again. Nothing severe, just small areas with flaking around my nose and chin. So I've taken to alternating between this product and my Aveeno Moisturizing Bar so my skin doesn't dry out too much. I've also noticed my skin clear up a bit (but not completely) after a few uses of this product, which is always a plus if you deal with blemishes.

I recommend this product for those with normal to oily skin. If you have skin on the dry side, like me, alternate this cleanser with something that imparts more moisture or is less stripping. However, if you have sensitive skin that stings easily, the tingling sensation of this product might be too much for you.

What is your favourite deep cleansing product?

Latest Purchases: More Drugstore Buys, Spring Shoes, & The Best Pair Of Jeans Ever!

Clockwise from top left:

Ardell Fashion Lashes

Revlon Nail Polishes in Tangerine & 

Organix shampoo & conditioner in Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil

Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream

left to right:

Old Navy open-toe embellished flats

Forever 21 strappy cone heels

Old Navy ballet flats

Levi's Curve id jeans.

(I'm in love with these jeans! They fit absolutely perfectly!)

Any new purchases, lovelies?

Monthly Favourites - February 2011

February was a pretty hectic month for me what with moving house and auditions, so there are no new products for this month's favourites.

I'm currently using WiFi at a public library so I still won't be able to post as regularly (or comment back for that matter) so my sincerest apologies.

So, here goes... My favourites for the month of February:

1. L'Occitane - Shea Butter Hand Cream

2. Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

3. Josie Maran - Argan Oil

Moving & cleaning house was pretty brutal on my skin and the dust, plus the below 0 temperatures did nothing or my skin. I had numerous cuts on my hands, my cuticles were ripped, I had dry patches all over my skin, I developed rash-like bumps on my arms... Not pretty to say the least.

Once we were in the new house, though, I started using these 3 products again RELIGIOUSLY! My skin's not completely healed yet, but it's definitely feeling a lot better now that I'm moisturizing again.

4. Chanel - Vitalumiere Foundation

I've had Chanel Vitalumiere for a while now but I didn't use it often because I didn't want to waste the product. At $55 (without tax) CAD, it's definitely pricey. But because of how dry my skin has been lately, I've been wanting to use creamier, more moisturizing products on my face. 

It smells divine, it gives enough coverage (but not too much for daytime), it gives your skin a really nice glow, and the best part is: it's so easy to use. I literally just smear it on with my fingertips and it still looks as nice as when I've applied with a brush. I have zero furniture in my room at the moment, so the fact that I can apply this with absolute ease is a major plus! 

5. Sonia Kashuk - Creme Blush

Another super easy product. I just dab my fingers in the product, then apply it to the apples of my cheeks. It gives a pretty flush that looks quite natural. 

I always thought cream products would wear off more quickly but I haven't found that to be the case with this, which is currently my only cream cheek product. Any recommendations on other good cream blushes?

6. MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish

How pretty is that glow? I really love this MSF (By Candlelight from the In The Groove collection) and lately, I've been lightly applying this on top of the Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush to add a bit more illumination to the face.

The combination of the two, plus Chanel Vitalumiere as a base has been my go-to look this last month when I haven't had much time to fix myself up but still want to look a bit more polished.

What are your February favourites, lovelies?

Monthly Favourites - January 2011

Apologies for the poor lighting, Vancouver doesn't get a lot of sun in the winter.

I haven't been wearing a lot of makeup this month so my favourites all revolve around skincare and makeup tools. Skincare is so important, especially in the winter when the harsher climates can really take a toll on the skin. I've really come to appreciate these products because they've kept my skin moisturized.

1. L'Occitane - Shea Foot Cream

Although it's slightly thinner in consistency than its counterpart, it still absorbs fairly quickly into the skin and leaves your feet feeling incredibly soft and smooth. If your feet have taken a beating, massaging this onto your feet will definitely relax you. 

2. L'Occitane - Shea Hand Cream

My new obsession! This hand cream is so good that I've actually become diligent in applying it every night. It absorbs quickly so none of that oily hands situation we sometimes find ourselves in in the quest for moisturized skin. This is absolutely, the most perfect hand cream I have ever tried!

3. L'Occitane - Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream

Similar to The Body Shop's shea body butter only this is much richer. Like the other L'Occitane products in this list, it also absorbs quickly. So you get the ultra moisture but you don't have to stand around your room buck naked waiting for it to dry :p. Like the hand & foot products, it has a nice, light shea scent that I absolutely love. To read a more in-depth review of the L'Occitane products, click here.

4. Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Another lifesaver! My cuticles are looking pretty fab since I first started using this, if I do say so myself. Not only does it work well, it's also inexpensive at $7.99 CAD! The next time you're in your local drugstore, definitely pick this up! For more info and to read my review on this product, click here.

5. Sigma - E30 Pencil Brush

I've been really loving this brush at the moment. The E30, formerly known as the SS219, is perfect for blending out eyeliner or applying eyeshadow underneath the lower lash line. It's soft too, so it doesn't irritate the delicate eye area. 

6. Sigma - F50 Duo Fibre Brush

I've used this brush with every single foundation I own, even with powder formulas and I always get a flawless application every time. The F50 is said to be "specially designed to generate an 'airbrushed' finish," and while I've never seen my skin airbrushed, I'd say the finish I get with this brush is absolutely beautiful. I pour some foundation on the back of my hand, swirl the F50 through, dot it on my face, then buff away in circular motions to blend. The result? A gorgeous, flawless finish.

7. Josie Maran - 100% Organic Argan Oil 

This oil moisturizes so well; it's not at all greasy or oily and it keeps my skin feeling perfectly hydrated. You can apply it straight onto dry skin, but I find it absorbs better when your skin is slightly damp. The analogy is this: if you put some product onto a dry sponge and a wet sponge, the product will seep in more quickly and more deeply onto the wet sponge. The same applies to your skin. So when you're applying your serums or moisturizes, make sure your skin isn't completely dry.

Anyway, I love that this product is 100% natural, organic, and is cruelty free (as are all of Josie Maran's products). If you have dry skin and want to stick to natural skincare, then I highly recommend this product! To read a more in-depth review, click here. 

What are your January faves?

The Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream Is A Godsend!

I first heard about this product from Makeup and Beauty Blog and I was immediately intrigued. You see, I never really paid that much attention to my cuticles at all and it showed. In fact, I only started taking notice after looking at my NOTD photos. So I decided I was going to take better care of my cuticles and by extension, my nails. 

I've used Vaseline petroleum jelly, I've tried some Sally Hansen cuticle oil, but none of them made my cuticles look better. They just made my fingers oily for a period of time. A hassle, if you ask me. So I picked up one of these tins at my local supermarket and was so pleased with it, I felt like my whole life has changed :p.

As you can see, this product is 95% natural and is paraben and phthalate free; all good points in my book! But the best part is that this cuticle cream really does work. Not only does it moisturize my cuticles well at application, but it also keeps my nails looking moisturized long after use. 

When I first applied this cream, my cuticles were a mess because I hadn't pushed them or cut them in a while. But around a week after daily use (I apply at night), I noticed that my cuticles looked like I had just pushed them and they were so much healthier. Even now as I look at them, more than 15 hours later, they look healthy and moisturized.

The Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream comes in a tin and has a waxy formula. The great thing about that is when you apply it, it doesn't shift around and spill all over your fingers, unlike my experience with the Sally Hansen cuticle oil or Vaseline petroleum jelly. Once I've rubbed it onto my cuticles, I don't need to wait around too long for it to dry. It just clings to your cuticles and keeps them hydrated, but the rest of your fingertips stays dry. 

I've taken to applying this every night since I first bought it after L'Occitane's shea butter hand cream and it has really transformed my hands! These two products together have been an absolute miracle for me and I can't imagine ever not using them. If you're looking for a good cuticle treatment, I definitely recommend Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream; on top of all its good qualities and zero bad qualities, it's also inexpensive at $7.99 CAD.

What's your favourite cuticle treatment?