Call It Beauty's Best Of 2011

Another year gone by... It's amazing how quickly time actually passes by when you start thinking about what has happened throughout the year and how much you've done (or in some cases, how much you didn't do). 

I always get a rush of emotions whenever the year ends... This year, what I feel the most is gratitude. I'm so thankful for all the friendships forged through blogging (Lipstick Bandits, I'm talking bout you :p), for general health/well-being, for a job that can sustain the blog :p... We have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we forget when we are so caught up with the every day things. But we are all honest with ourselves, it's true. We have a lot to be grateful for.

Anyway, all of that aside, let's get to what I really came here to do, which is share with you my top picks for 2011. I feel like I probably picked too many things, but I can't help loving them all! The following products are the best that I've tried and my absolute favourite items to use in the year 2011.

Here we go...

FACE

The Face Shop Power Perfection BB Cream

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Concealer
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

CHEEK

Cargo Cosmetics Blush in Mendocino
MAC Mineralize Blush in Feeling Flush

Lancôme Star Bronzer in Èclat Bronze

EYES

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Prestige Cosmetics Brow Perfection Revitalizing Clear Brow Gel

Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner

Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen

LIPS

Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Bare Again

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Plum Jewel

Maybelline Shine Sensational Pop Stick in Fruit Punch

SKINCARE

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

L'oréal Skin Genesis Wet Cleansing Towelettes

Marcelle Essentials Soothing Cleansing Water *not pictured*
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic *not pictured*

NAILS

Revlon - Plum Seduction

Sinful Colors - Cream Pink

Revlon - Facets of Fuchsia

OPI - Steady As She Rose

Revlon - Tangerine

BATH & BODY

Lush - The Olive Branch

Lush - It's Raining Men

The Body Shop - Mango Whip Body Lotion

HAIR

Lush R&B Hair Moisturizer

Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Spray

TOOLS

Z Palettes

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki

And there you have it... My "best of the best" for 2011. 

I do hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve! Have fun and stay safe! And I wish you all a fabulous 2012. I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for me and I hope that the upcoming year has nothing but the best for all of you, because you all deserve it!

HAPPY  NEW YEAR!!!
from Call It Beauty

  

Monthly Favourites - October 2011

Mother of pearl, has the Philippines been HOT!

I say this like I'm surprised, but really... What does one expect from a country in Southeast Asia? Honestly though, I am so ready for cold weather. As I am writing this, I am a mere 4 days away from blissful coolness and as you are reading this, I am emphatically not enjoying the jetlag as I adjust back to Pacific time.

Anyhoo, these month's favourites are the ones that have really impressed me with how helpful they've been in this heat (it is 32º C this very moment).

1. Urban Decay Naked Palette

OH-EM-GEE, enough with the Naked Palette!

But seriously, one last thing I have to say before I quit it... If you ever go on vacation and want to keep the makeup to a minimum (good luck with that :p), bring the Naked Palette. I have used it every day and on every occasion; whether it's a casual day spent with family, dinner with friends, or a concert performance - this palette has seen me through all of them. 

Although it was a shame that it didn't hold up to the heat (not even with UDPP).

2. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

Of course, a mattifying powder is important with such high heat; but what I especially loved about this product during the month of October was how it served as a great foundation, too! On days when my skin was behaving, I could get away with wearing just this. It evened out my skin tone and kept my skin looking matte.

3. Rimmel Volume Flash The Max Bold Curves & Volume Accelerator Mascara

Both these mascaras make some very big claims... One promises extreme volume and lift, while the other promises thicker lashes after 30 days of use. 

Can't say I agree with either, but you know what? Both stuck around for a full day out and in 30º heat! That alone is pretty damn impressive. I also love that it doesn't take too much effort to remove all traces of mascara. I normally have problems with L'oréal's waterproof version of the Voluminous mascara, but not so with these two!

The formula got too clumpy too soon, though. Not such a fan of that, considering I've only had both mascaras for less than a month... Still, I get good enough separation if I'm patient and like I said, both formulas stick around even in 30º/high humidity situations.

4. Prestige Cosmetics Brow Perfection Revitalizing Clear Brow Gel

I'm sure you've all seen some photos where I've somehow forgotten to groom my brows. I finally decided that this problem can no longer be ignored, so I went to London Drugs to find myself a clear brow gel. This baby is so easy to use and it definitely keeps my sometimes unruly brows in check all day. It doesn't make it my brows feel stiff at all, although it holds them in place really well. Bonus!

5. MAC Mineralize Blush in Feeling Flush

Another repeat performance by this product. Like the Naked Palette, I've blabbed about it enough. I just wanted to reiterate how amazing the staying power is. It stays put all day, although the heat does make it fade a bit at the end of the day. But if you're not dealing with high heat and humidity, this stuff will stay super vibrant all day.

6. Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen

Another repeat "offender" :p. 

Long lasting products is this month's theme, since I've been in the Philippines. You don't need any primer for this stuff, it locks on and doesn't let go all freakin' day! It doesn't migrate anywhere! 

7. EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush

Lightweight, portable; this brush is amazing to travel with! Makes touch-ups so much easier! It's eco-friendly, too.

8. Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Concealer

Love this stuff! 

It kept my dark circles at bay and kept up with the weather and long days. It's pretty creamy, which I love because it doesn't look cakey or chalky at all. 

9. Travalo Refillable Perfume Atomizer Bottle Spray

I randomly came across this at London Drugs and boy was it ever a life-saver during my trip! It's easy to use (simply remove the top of the spray of your perfume, place the bottom of the atomizer on top, and press down repeatedly until your atomizer is filled), super lightweight and small enough to fit in even small evening handbags. 

When the weather is super hot, your perfume fades away quicker (you pretty much sweat if off after 10 minutes of being outdoors :p), so having this handy was a great way to freshen up!

What are your October faves?

About Face - Intense Eyeliner Look

(someone forgot to comb their eyebrows >.<)

I was inspired to recreate this look after seeing Michelle Phan's "Fun Eyeliner Looks" video on YouTube. I loved the intensity, so I whipped out the eyeliners and got to it. If you'd like to know how to create this look, then go ahead and take a look at Michelle's video (this part starts at 2:05) because for some reason, I decided to do it the hard way (i.e. using liquid liner from the get go).

Of course, I gave it my own little twist by adding another dimension to the look (you'll see in the photos below), changing the shape up a little bit so it's not as round at the top, and extending the line in the corner a little bit longer.

Products Used:

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation - 005 Natural Beige

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer - 003 Light Medium

Lancôme Star Bronzer - Éclat Bronze

Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner - True Black

NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil - Black

Eyeko Graffiti Eye Pencil - Jet Black

NYX Cosmetics 10 Color Palette - Velvet Rope (black w/ red-violet glitter eyeshadow)

Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick - Poppy

The most complicated part about this look was definitely getting the shape down for the eyes. I used Clinique's cream liner to trace out the shape, NYX's Jumbo Eye Pencil to fill in all the gaps (including the upper and lower waterline), and Eyeko's Graffiti Eye Pencil to make the points as precise as I could. To top off the eye look, I patted a black eyeshadow with red-violet glitter shot through on the lids. 

Hope you guys like this look!

* This is a pre-written post queued up for today, as I am currently on a month-long trip. Please do still leave a comment, I will be checking in once in a while. :)

Monthly Favourites - September 2011

Goodbye, September! Hello, October!

As I'm writing this, I am trying not to think about the stresses of work and packing for a month long trip (what makeup will I bring?!); but as you're reading this, I am currently thousands of feet in the air, cramped in a flying tin machine, not enjoying the scent of stale air and coffee. Can you tell I'm not much into flying? I'm really not... I might change my mind about it if I get to experience First Class, though :p. But enough whining! And really, why should I? I get to go to the Philippines for a month! #Hurrah

*Yes, I just used a hashtag. Don't judge me.

Well, you know the drill; this is the part where I tell you my September Favourites. Here we go!

1. Urban Decay Naked Palette

I can't believe how often I am using this palette! Typically I become a bit gung-ho about palettes and then I get tired of it... Not so with this one (at least not yet :p). It just goes to show how absolutely wearable these shades are because I've been using it nearly every single day since I purchased it in July.  My favourite combination is Sin all over the lid, Naked & Buck to contour the socket, and Virgin to highlight the inner corners and the brow bone (topped off with black eyeliner, of course). I've also taken to using Sidecar as opposed to Sin for more oomph. But my absolute favourite shade is probably Hustle, which is described by Urban Decay as a "mocha shimmer." It's such a gooorgeous shade!

2. Cargo Blush - Mendocino

This blush came with Cargo's Mediterranean Collection, which I purchased last month and it's my favourite piece in the collection. Cargo describes it as a "wildflower pink with a gold sheen" and it's absolutely lovely. It came out in the Summer, but it's totally wearable in the the Fall and Winter, as you can see from the swatch above. The texture is pretty soft and applies quite smoothly on the skin. The only thing is, I wish that it would last longer on the skin. I find that the shade is noticeably diminished after blotting. Although, the packaging is so lightweight, that it's no trouble bringing it with you in your handbag for quick touch ups.

3. MAC Blush - Feeling Flush

This has been my other blush of choice and has been featured in my Monthly Favourites list a before. It's a lovely blue-toned pink that I can actually pull off. The best thing about this blush is that it's pretty long wearing. I'll definitely be bringing this with me on vacation because I need something that's going to keep up with me.

4. eos Lip Balms - Honeysuckle Honeydew & Summer Fruit

I've been wanting to try these lip balms ever since I first saw them on a YouTube video. How cute are they? The formula isn't as thick as my favourite lip balm, Nivea Milk & Honey, but it still does a decent job of moisturizing my dry lips. It's not useful when my lips get really dry, but they're handy when my lips are behaving. The packaging is an adorable egg shape and clicks shut very securely. The flavours I got are Honeysuckle Honeydew and Summer Fruit; both smell lovely and both have a hint of a sweet taste. I love using this under lipstick, it keeps my lips from drying up throughout the day. 

5. Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen - Jet Black

Jet black, applies easily and smoothly, and absolutely long-lasting... Seriously, this stuff doesn't budge, even in the heat and even without primer. I haven't yet used any liquid eyeliner this good. The felt tip makes it super easy to create a thin line at the edges, too; which is something that I definitely need help with :p.

6. MAC Blot Powder - Medium Dark

I love how this powder just blends into the skin so smoothly. I've been using this after a quick blot with blotting paper and it leaves me looking so much fresher and more put together. It doesn't add any coverage though, which is a shame because I could definitely use a bit after blotting. Still, it feels lovely on the skin and makes me look and feel so much better! Because as oilier skinned gals know, it does not feel good!

7. NYX Eyeshadow - Root Beer

I love this colour so much, I bought it 3 times. 

"3 times?!" You ask? 

Yeah... Turns out, I'm really bad at de-potting. I bought one at IMATS Vancouver, ruined it while de-potting, bought one online, ruined that de-potting and finally was able to buy it at NYX's store in Surrey. Needless to say, I didn't even attempt to de-pot this one. Root Beer is a lovely taupey-brown shade that was absolutely welcome in my "stash" because I've been indulging in way too many brights lately. The texture is very soft and very easy to blend. Because it's so soft, it creates a lot of excess powder; even so, there is very little fall out. I've been loving applying this along the lash line after my usual Naked Palette combo's for a softer look. 

8. MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick - Bare Again

This has been my go-to lipstick in September. Bare Again is a lovely pinky-nude, MLBB shade that is completely versatile. It's appropriate for work but you can still rock with a smoky eye. I love the creamy texture and the fact that it doesn't dry out my lips at all. Seriously, the texture is amazing; it's such a pleasure to wear.

9. The Body Shop Lotion - Mango Whip

UH-MAY-ZING scent! It sinks into the skin really nicely, leaving behind soft, amazing smelling skin. I've been using this lotion religiously since I first bought it because it's light and doesn't take forever to absorb into the skin. And have I mentioned the scent? I have? Ok, fine...

What are your favourite products of September?

All About Eyes - It's Electric!

Products Used: 

NYX HD Eyeshadow Base

NYX Single Eyeshadows - Matte Turquoise, Tropical & Jazzy Pink

Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen - Jet Black

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil - Zero 

L'oréal Voluminous Mascara - Carbon Black

The sun was shining and I was in the mood for colour. Then I remembered the new NYX eyeshadows I got at IMATS/online and decided to take them for a spin.

To start off, I applied NYX's HD eyeshadow base all over the lid, even past the brow bone. Then I patted Matte Turquoise all over the lid, from the lash line to the brow bone for a more opaque, vibrant colour. Next up, I applied Jazzy Pink onto the lower lash line and faded it out past the Matte Turquoise shade. Then I applied Tropical onto the outer corner and blending it towards the center of the brow bone with a fluffy blending brush; it was awesome seeing this pretty purple-ish shade when the coral and the blue mixed together. I used Eyeko's Graffiti Eyeliner pen to line the upper lash line and the inner third of the lower lash line, exaggerating the inner point a little bit. Then I lined the upper and lower water lines with Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero. To finish up, I curled my lashes, applied mascara to both top and bottom lashes, and groomed my eyebrows. Et voilà! A simple, bright, and fun look for the Summer!

I forgot to take photos with my camera, but here is a full look for you guys! I wore Revlon Colorstay Foundation, Revlon PhotoReady Concealer, Lancome Star Bronzer in Éclat Bronze, and NYX Matte Lipstick in Angel.

Hope you guys like this look!

Monthly Favourites - July 2011

I can't believe we're past the halfway point of 2011 already! July was an awesome month for Call It Beauty; the blog celebrated it's first birthday, I went to IMATS for the very first time, and I was able to purchase some pretty awesome things.

Anyway, we've come to that point in time where I get to dish about my favourites for the last month. Here are my picks:

Urban Decay Naked Palette

I think I'm probably the last person on earth who got this palette. Nevertheless, she is finally mine and I have been using these shadows every day since I got them. The shadows aren't too soft, but they're still really smooth; I love that I don't feel like I'm wasting product because I don't get a lot of excess when I tap the shadow with a brush. Lately I've taken to using Sin all over the lid, Virgin on the inner corners, and a combination of Naked/Buck to give more depth to my crease. I've also created a sultry smoky eye with it, which I've worn on a couple of occasions. 

MAC Mineralize Blushes in Feeling Flush & Warmth of Coral

Gorgeous colour, awesome staying power (Feeling Flush more so than Warmth of Coral). These blushes apply so beautifully on the skin; it's smooth and never patchy. You really don't have to do much work with these babies. Also, they're quite pigmented, which is something I always look for in my makeup products. Read the full review here. 

Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen in Jet Black

Creates an even line very easily, is a true black, stays put for hours... I literally cannot find anything wrong about this amazing product; It has replaced all other eyeliners for me. Read the full review here. 

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Geo Pink

This Cremesheen Glass is so wearable, it feels lightweight on the lips and doesn't feel tacky at all. I love that you can wear it then forget about it, it's not a high maintenance product or colour and you can just slap it on and it will still look good. Read the full review here. 

Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish in Cream Pink

Less cream and more highlighter pink, this nail polish looks so pretty with a tan! I just love how bright it is and the satin finish makes the colour look less barbie doll. The formula's great, too: it dries easily and you only need 2 coats for full opacity.

Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I've been struggling with oil control for the last month or so. My face used to be combination/oily, then it became very dry/sensitive, and now it's normal/combination. I feel like I never know what to do when it comes to skin care and by the time I get a handle on things, my skin up and changes again! Frustration abounds, I tell you! Nevertheless, these oil-absorbing sheets by Clean & Clear definitely help a lot and I love that it removes excess oil without damaging my makeup. I shudder to think how awful I'd look without these babies in my purse.

MAC Lipstick in Vegas Volt 

If you can't already tell, I've been obsessed with coral and melon shades lately. It's the perfect summer shade, no? I bought Vegas Volt a while ago and it's just gorgeous! I love wearing it with Warmth of Coral or just plain ol bronzer. My lips are quite dry, so I definitely need to wear some sort of balm underneath, but that's pretty much the same for practically every lipstick I find myself wearing. 

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush

Super soft, super affordable... If you need a retractable kabuki and are strapped for cash, get this EcoTools brush! As I've mentioned before, I've been dealing with oily skin for about a month and after I blot, I touch up with some mattifying powder and of course, I use this brush. It's small and is very lightweight, which makes it perfect for throwing in your purse! Read the full review here.

What are your July Favourites?