(CLOSED) GIVEAWAY - Win Products from Benefit's Entire Flawless Family + Where's Wendy in Vancouver! (Canada Only)

Oh hellllooo there, lovelies! I've got another awesome giveaway for you guys!

This time around, you have the chance to win all the products from Benefit's Flawless Family range: the Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup, the Hello Flawless Powder, and the brand new Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer.

The giveaway runs up til July 29th, 2013 at 12:00am. To be eligible for the giveaway, you must do all of the following 4 things:

1. Tweet about the giveaway.
2. Like call it beauty. on Facebook.
3. Follow Benefit Canada on Twitter.
4. Like Benefit Canada Cosmetics on Facebook.

Please enter through the Rafflecopter widget below. The winner will be contacted by Benefit Canada and will be mailed the products in her requested shade.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Benefit Canada also has a really cool event going down on Thursday, July 11th in our very own Vancouver called "Where's Wendy". Here's some info from Benefit Canada:

Wendy will be travelling around the city of Vancouver kicking up a storm and flaunting her flawlessness for all to see. 

Follow her full 15-hour day on Twitter with @BenefitCanada or on Facebook at Benefit Cosmetics Canada. Users can tweet us with the #WheresWendy to get involved and win a few goodies throughout the day!

If you happen to see Wendy in her lederhosen, then it's worth saying "HI" as she has plenty of product samples to give away!

So make sure to follow Benefit on Twitter and to follow Wendy on her day out in Vancouver for your chance to get some samples!

Good luck, my loves!

UPDATED Skincare -- The Daily Essentials

So I've been modifying my skincare routine for a few months now and I've finally got to the point where I'm quite happy with it. As the title suggests, these products are the ones I reach for on a daily (or nearly daily) basis. Here we go!

The Eye Makeup Remover

I've been using this for some time now and am on my second bottle. At 250mL, it lasts a while and removes eye makeup wonderfully. It doesn't cloud or irritated my eyes either, which is brilliant! To see my original review, click here. 

The Cleansers

The Body Shop Nutriganics Softening Cleansing Gel Oil: This. Stuff. Is. Good. It starts off as a creamy gel cleanser, then thins out into an oil when water is added. It really does make my skin feel sooo soft! Now the Nutriganics line seems to have undergone a bit of a change as they no longer brand it as paraben free, silicone free, or made of 98% ingredients of natural origins (which is kind of a way of saying it's not that natural, but it used to be). I'm not entirely sure if a reformulation came with the rebranding -- all I know is that this is one of the best cleansers I've tried. 

B. Kamins Repleneshing Cleanser*: This cleanser is formulated for "mature skin experiencing occasional blemishes" and while the former doesn't quite apply, the latter definitely does. I can't say my blemishes have completely stopped appearing, but I've been getting fewer than I used to and they don't come out as big. Also, this cleanser contains resveratrol and AHAs, which keeps skin "looking young and feeling refreshed." What I love about this cleanser is that it makes my skin feel really clean without affecting the texture of my skin -- it doesn't dry me out or make my skin sensitive. 

The Toner

This stuff is pretty much like Liz Earle's Skin Tonic, only wayyy cheaper. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated, well moisturized, and refreshed. I think dry and sensitive skin types would do well with this toner. As a normal to combination skin type myself, using this toner during the day when I tend to get a little oily might be too much. So I use this at nighttime, which is when I like to have a little extra hydration for my skin anyway. Again, like the name suggests, this toner feels refreshing on the skin and it has a nice light scent that kind of reminds me of tea.

The Serums

The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops Of Youth: This serum has a gel-like consistency that spreads evenly over the face. It stays tacky at first, but definitely sinks in and once it does, it feels fairly light on the skin. Although I do need to apply moisturizer on the drier areas of my face, this alone is normally enough to keep my skin hydrated throughout the night. And when I wake up, my skin feels smooth and hydrated.

The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Serum: Now this serum, I loooove! Compared to Drops Of Youth, this serum has a more liquid consistency and there's also no need to apply moisturizer over this at all, which I'm loving now that the nights are getting warmer. Ever since using this serum, my skin has been the softest it's ever been. I actually have a habit of patting my skin when waking up after using this serum the night before -- I just love how soft my skin feels!

 

 The Moisturizers

Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins: A while ago, I was looking for a good night cream. My criteria for moisturizers is pretty simple -- I want it to hydrate and sink in without making the surface of my skin dry again. This night cream definitely fits the bill. This cream is designed to give you a more radiant complexion and I definitely have to agree. My complexion has looked a lot brighter ever since using this moisturizer. I also really like the smell... Like all Origins products, it has a very "natural" scent that is very subtle.

B. Kamins Day Cream SPF 15*: This moisturizer is pretty basic. It feels a little heavy at first due to the SPF (smells very much like sunscreen, too); but surprisingly, it doesn't cause my skin to get oilier during the day. I like that it already has SPF, so if I forget to apply sunscreen, I know I still have some protection.

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I'm so happy with my routine right now because my skin has seriously looked and felt the best it has in a long time. I've not been getting as many blemishes and the ones that do appear (mostly caused by hormones) have been fairly small. My skin is smoother, softer, clearer, and looks healthier than it has in years and I'm loving it!

What's your current favourite skincare product?

*Product sent by PR for review consideration.

Cream Vs. Powder Makeup on FASHION Magazine's Beauty Panel

Hi, beautiful ones! I've got another Beauty Panel post for y'all and this time, we're talking cream vs. powder products.

If you'd like to know how I achieved this simple, everyday-appropriate look and to see what products I used, then check out my Beauty Panel post on FASHION Magazine here.

Hope you guys like this look!

Because Smelling Good Is An AWESOME Thing!

Hiiiii, friends!

Did you miss me? Don't answer that...

Anyway, I'm back with a new post and what better way for me to herald my own return than to do the kind of posts that I find so flippin' hard to do? YAY!

This time round, I have the two newest offerings from Fendi and Givenchy: Fan di FENDI Eau Fraiche and Givenchy Dahlia Noir L'Eau.

Top notes: Bergamot, Italian Lemon, Guatemalan Cardamom.

Middle notes: Orange Flower Absolute, Sambac Jasmine, Sencha Green Tea.

Base notes: Maté Absolute (undertones of tea, tobacco, and smoke), Cedarwood, Musk.

My first impression of Fan di FENDI Eau Fraiche is "green tea with a citrusy kick," and like the name suggests, it's a very fresh scent. That said, I could see this still being an appropriate scent for nighttime. I can totally picture myself wearing this perfume while spending casual summer nights at the beach. I've been a fan of the green tea scent ever since I tried on my mom's Elizabeth Arden Green Tea perfume in high school. But whenever I smelled it, I thought of my mom and it didn't quite feel appropriate for me to wear. Fan di FENDI Eau Fraiche is like, my generation's green tea scent -- it has the sophistication of green tea with the freshness and fun of citrus mixed in. I love it!

Oh, and loving the bottle, too! There was something about the original Fan di FENDI bottle that made it a little difficult to hold, but this one sits in my hand so much easier. 

As for lasting power, I'm definitely impressed. While I haven't tested it out on a full day, it's stuck with me over a regular work day, which is always appreciated.

Top notes: Citron, Neroli, Cedrat Essence. 

Middle notes: Rose Petal, Peony.

Base notes: Patchouli, Cedar, Musk.

Dahlia Noir... Dahlia Noir... Sounds so 1920s, no? The name alone suggests elegance, class, and luxury. The bottle looks like something that belongs on a dressing table in someone's Parisian boudoir. It's so simple, yet so beautiful.

I haven't gotten a whiff of the original Dahlia Noir, but the Dahlia Noir L'Eau is said to be a "brighter, fruitier version of the original." I would say that this fragrance definitely has a citrusy-floral scent. It's a rather interesting scent that I've never worn before, nor is it a fragrance I would normally gravitate towards. But I've found myself really enjoying this perfume.

While reading through the write up that was sent to me along with this perfume, there was one part that really struck me in particular. It spoke of a "duality, between purity and sensuality, brightness and darkness," which I understand completely after wearing this perfume. The citrus and floral notes definitely add a lightness and airiness to the scent, but the patchouli and musk notes make the scent heavy somehow. The base notes really ground Dahlia Noir L'Eau and keeps it smelling sophisticated, which is the image that the brand definitely wants to portray with these perfumes.

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If I could describe each perfume in one word, Fan di FENDI Eau Fraiche would be playful and Dahlia Noir L'Eau would be sexy. 

Both perfumes are so contrasting, but I quite enjoy them both equally. I'll be wearing these two often during the Summer, that's for sure. :)

What's your go-to Summer perfume?

*These products were provided by PR for review consideration.

Inspired By Leighton Meester on FASHION Magazine

Hello again, lovely ones! I've got another Beauty Panel post for you all. Our challenge this time was to do a look based on a celebrity who inspires us with their red carpet makeup looks. For this challenge, I chose the beautiful Leighton Meester. Here's why:

Try as I might, when I think of Leighton Meester, I can' think of a particular trademark makeup look that she likes to wear; every time she walks the red carpet, she looks different. And that's why I chose her as the celebrity that inspires the way I do my makeup -- she's not afraid to take risks! Take this look that I recreated, for example. Not only has she paired bold lips with bold eyes (something more people discourage), but she's wearing purple eyeshadow, gold eyeliner and red lips! There aren't many celebrities who could pull this look off on the red carpet (as opposed to a fashion shoot), but Leighton has enough confidence to work it.

You guys know me, I like to use colour in the looks I do on the blog (where else can I get away with it? :p). So, of course, I chose one of her boldest red carpet looks. And there's my take on this makeup look Leighton wore to the American Eagle Outfitters flagship store opening in Times Square in 2009.

Love the mix of gold and purple!

Anyway, hope you like this look, friends! Here's a link to the post for a list of products used.

Who's your celebrity makeup inspiration?

Real Techniques Brushes -- Pretty Much All I Need On A Daily Basis

Man, I am such a sucker for brushes. I have a lot (more than 50), which makes sense since I'm kinda-sorta in the makeup industry; but ever since I started doing makeup gigs, I've always wanted to build a brush set that was just for me. There's nothing wrong with using brushes that I've used on clients (provided I wash it, of course), but I wanted to have brushes that were strictly for personal use.

Brushes can get pretty expensive, but I've been very lucky in that I've been able to find great quality brushes for a reasonable price (IMATS is a great way to stock up). There are also some fantastic drugstore brands that have amazing brushes and Real Techniques is one of them.

Real Techniques has been available in London Drugs stores in Canada for some time now, but it was always sold out. Finally, I was able to get my hands on 2 brush sets: the Core collection and the Starter Set. Each set sold for approximately $20 each; which, at 4 brushes per set, works out to around $5 a brush.

Real Techniques brushes are all made with super soft, synthetic taklon bristles, which make them 100% cruelty free. The set comes in a travel case which also functions as a stand -- so convenient!

THE CORE COLLECTION

L-R: Contour Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Detailer Brush, Buffing Brush

Contour Brush: I've used this both as a contour and blush brush -- it works wonderfully either way. As a contour brush, I find that this shape works best for my face. I've used angled brushes before, but I found they were too large. This brush is rounded and tapered, which I prefer.

Pointed Foundation Brush: When I do my foundation, I like to do it fast. Unfortunately, this brush doesn't really let me do that because it's quite small. Still, it does the job; just not fast enough for my liking.

Detailer Brush: I've used this for lipstick and it does the job well. My problem with all the lip brushes I own is that they tend to separate during use, which makes it hard to make precise lines. This one also does, but not as much as the others that I own.

Buffing Brush: I love this brush! The bristles are densely packed, which makes it perfect for powder foundations. I've been neglecting the use of the powder foundations I used to use, but this brush actually made me want to use them again. Plus, it's soooo soft and feels amazing on the skin.

THE STARTER SET

L-R: Deluxe Crease Brush, Base Shadow Brush, Accent Brush, 

Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush, Brow Brush

Deluxe Crease Brush: This brush is definitely much too big for my non-existent crease, so I use it to buff in concealer (which is how the ladies of Pixiwoo like to use this brush). It feels soooo soft, even on the delicate eye area! Basically, this brush is like the Expert Face Brush in smaller form -- it buffs in base products beautifully for a flawless look. Love!

Base Shadow Brush: I was pleasantly surprised by this brush. Because the bristles are dense, it packs on eyeshadow so well. Base eyeshadow brushes are pretty standard -- they're almost all the same. But this one really impressed me because it picked up SO much of a particular eyeshadow that I normally have trouble getting enough of on the brush.

Accent Brush: I love small brushes like these -- it's so perfect for the lower lash line area. And because it's so soft, it doesn't irritate my skin at all.

Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush: For eyeliner, I normally tend to gravitate towards angled brushes. However, I do have an old Sigma that I still use. At first, I wasn't all that impressed with this brush because it separated as I used it. But then I realized that if I coat it with cream/gel eyeliner by placing the product on the back of my hand and rolling the brush into the product, the bristles don't separate at all. I still love my angles brushes and still do prefer them, but this eyeliner brush also does a great job.

Brow Brush: Dense, stiff, perfect! I love it!

I'm so glad I was able to find a great set of brushes that I can now use on a daily basis. No more worrying about not having any brushes to use when I've got makeup gigs! :p

Real Techniques' biggest draw is the great quality and the inexpensiveness -- who doesn't like either? These babies were definitely worth the wait!

What's your favourite makeup brush?

CONTEST (CLOSED) - Win $100 Worth Of Your Favourite Shu Uemura Products Courtesy Of Made In Blog (Canada Only)

When Made In Blog contacted me about hosting a Shu Uemura contest, I immediately jumped at the chance. Shu Uemura is such an iconic brand, but it can seem a bit inaccessible. Now that Shu Uemura has launched their Canadian online store, us Canadians no longer have any excuses! :p

To celebrate this momentous occasion, Made in Blog and call it beauty. have teamed up to bring you this awesome-possum contest! What do you get? A chance to win $100 worth of your favourite Shu Uemura products! What do you need to do? Well, read on...

The Rules
- You must follow call it beauty. either through Google Friend Connect (GFC) or Bloglovin
- You must leave a DISQUS** comment on this blog post with your name, an email we can reach you at, how you follow call it beauty. (GFC or Bloglovin), the name of your favourite Shu Uemura product, and a link to said product from the Canadian website.
- You must like call it beauty. on Facebook.
- You may enter once per day until the deadline.

**IMPORTANT: Comments left via mobile DO NOT appear on this website. You must leave a comment via Disqus in order for your entry to be counted.

For extra entries, you must follow call it beauty. on Twitter and tweet the following message (in parentheses): "Check out @callitbeauty_'s Shu Uemura giveaway for your chance to win $100 worth of your favourite Shu products", along with a link to this blog post. You may tweet once per day up until the deadline.

In the interest of simplifying the verification process, please leave a link to your tweet in the same comment with all the information stated above (under The Rules). So to clarify: one comment = one entry, one comment + tweet (link) = two entries.

The contest ends at 12noon PDT on April 30th, 2013. Winner will be chosen by random generator and will be contacted once verified.

But this contest is not your only chance to win some Shu swag. How does a $500 gift card sound to you? All you have to do is click on this link & create your Shu Uemura Wishlist and you'll be in the running for that $500 gift card!

And with the special promo code SHUBLOG, you will receive a $10 gift card for the Shu Uemura website at checkout (valid on purchase of $50 or more). Happy shopping!

Best of luck, lovelies!