Category Archives: product launch

December 10, 2012 · 10:30 am

products: lactose tolerant hydration by korres

I don’t know if it’s because I’m a Greek girl or not,  but I’ve had a soft spot for Korres products for quite some time. The brand’s popularity has blossomed since I discovered them in a pharmacy years ago in the southern Peloponnese, yet the quality and integrity of the ingredients they use has always remained authentically…well, Greek. I can almost hear my yiayia (Greek for grandmother) telling me to use yogurt on my face to soothe it.

korres1

 

Korres was kind enough to send me a winter care package of some of their featured products to try out. In light of the winter weather ahead, and many moments of dry and irritated skin due to the outdoor cold or indoor heating, here are some winter-approved products that will make your skin say OPA!

 

korres1

 

Yogurt Instant Soothing Gel

$49.50 CAD

This moisture booster is amazing for when you need to up the ante underneath your regular moisturizer  or need a quick fix of comfort when your skin is irritatingly dry. It instantly nourishes, hydrates and relieves dry skin while providing a light cooling effect.  Works amazing underneath your favourite tinted moisturizer or BB Cream.

korres3

Yogurt Body Butter

$33 CAD

I’ve used other Korres Body Butters before and they are amazing! This time of year my skin is so ridiculously dry that I scratch to the point where sometimes it hurts. Thank you to YOGURT for being a  luxurious, moisture-rich cream, not only cooling and soothing my skin, but hydrating the hell out of it.  Shea butter softens, smooths and nourishes and helps to also improves the skins elasticity. The scent is fresh and pure, much softer than other body butters from Korres. It’s quite nice.

korres2

Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser

$26 CAD

Foam and cream come together to make a gloriously nourishing soap-free cleanser that leaves skin soft and supple. Normally, dry or sensitive skin would steer clear of anything ‘foaming’ due to it being synonymous with further drying out or irritating the skin. However,  MILK is the shining star in this cleanser which is an age old beauty secret of Cleopatra’s, who bathed in the stuff to preserve her skin’s suppleness. The ‘foam’ in this cleanser is more reminiscent of a creamy lather and feels incredible!

You can find these and other Korres goodies at select Shoppers Drug Marts and Sephora.

http://www.korres.ca/

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December 6, 2012 · 10:00 am

review: optic adventures with angel contacts

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I’ve always liked the idea of coloured contacts. Being a brown eyed girl, I sometimes envied those blessed with stunning green or blue eyes, especially when rocking out something dramatic as far as makeup went. I was always curious to see what I could do to change or enhance my natural eye colour using a coloured lens but was apprehensive to try them out. The thought of touching my eyeball and putting something in there made my stomach turn. So when I was approached by Angel Contacts to try out a few sets of their coloured contact lenses, I was hesitant at first. I didn’t want to commit to the lovely folks at Angel to try them and then wimp out, abandoning an opportunity to share something fun and different to my readers. However, in sticking to my mantra of trying out new things, I accepted the opportunity to give the lenses a try, taking one for the team for the sake of blogging.

angel contacts

The lenses I decided on were the GEO Angel Violet in honour of the late Liz Taylor and the GEO Magic Black because honestly I thought it would be bad ass to have black eyes.

Putting them in for the first time was beyond comical (not at the time, obviously) and took me about twenty minutes to get both of the contacts in. I later thought to myself that it might have been funny to film it for YouTube. However there would have been a lot of bad language due to being utterly creeped out touching my eye, almost dropping the lenses down the sink a bunch of times and a multitude of emotion (mostly frustration). Okay, so the video would’ve been entertaining but even I don’t have THAT much humility to have let the world see that.

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Before and After using Geo Magic Black

So once those suckers were in and I took a moment to get used to having something on my eye, I was surprised at how comfortable they were. The lenses are designed to give the appearance of a larger iris so I imagine in comparison to plain, daily wear contacts, it’s a tad different. For someone who’s still a lens newbie, I can wear them for a good four or five hours before I want to take them out. I’m sure those who are contact aficionados will have no problem wearing them longer.

blacks

Geo Magic Black

I was pretty impressed at how the different styles looked with my brown eyes, not to mention it made them look big and doll-like without it being overdone.

violets

Geo Angel Violet

I would like to formally thank Angel Contacts for popping my coloured lens wearing cherry. The experience proved to be exciting, trying (at times), fun and really cool. I am now officially obsessed with trying different colours out. I’m gonna need more solution. ;)

http://www.angelcontacts.com/

P.S. They’re Canadian! *highfives*

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December 3, 2012 · 10:00 am

makeup quickie: playing with smashbox studio pop ultimate palette

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All products Smashbox unless otherwise specified.

Face
Marcelle BB Cream in Light to Medium
Blush in Passion
Prism Soft Lights

Eyes
Spruce (lid)
Aubergine (outer corner)
Anchor (lower lash line)
Opal (tear duct)
Cream Liner in Picasso
Brow Tech To Go in Brunette
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara

Lips
Lipgloss in Pomegranate

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Filed under Annabelle, blue looks, FOTD, green looks, Marcelle, product launch, purple looks, Smashbox, winter

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November 30, 2012 · 10:00 am

skincare: getting wild with korres

…wild ROSES, that is…

The colder weather makes our dull and dry skin cry for help. While this condition is more evident in those over 30 and beyond, it certainly doesn’t exclude the younger crowd from this ailment. What we need is something that will deliver not only moisture, but also a solution to brighten our lacklustre skin. Korres has hit the nail on the head with their Wild Rose brightening and moisturizing system.

The line is composed of ingredients like imperata cylindrica, a desert plant extract, to provide continuous moisturization and Wild Rose oil, a natural source of Vitamin C, to smooth and brighten dull and tired skin.

Check out some of these skin care treats to get your skin back to its hydrated and glowing state.

Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser

Uncover luminous skin with this daily dual-action, creamy, exfoliating cleanser. Natural exfoliants rice grain, cherry stone, and sugar-citrus extracts blend with wild rose oil, a natural source of vitamin C that is clinically proven to improve skin’s overall radiance and texture with daily use, to leave skin cleansed and fresh while instantly brightening your complexion. It is gentle enough for daily use, even for dry skin.

Wild Rose Eye Treatment

This soothing eye cream helps to add radiance to the delicate eye area while minimizing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. Wild rose oil evens tone while adding brightness to skin and a blend of yeast, ruscus, and horse chestnut extracts minimize the appearance of dark circles and undereye wrinkles. Rose-gold toned optical brighteners add instant luminosity, revitalizing the eye area so eyes appear brighter and more incandescent after just one application. The overall results are instant luminosity, brighter eyes, and a minimized appearance of dark circles and fine lines.

Fun Fact: This was so effective, I didn’t have to use concealer on a daily basis.

Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial

More than a mask, more than a night cream. This overnight facial-in-a-jar with Vitamin C from Wild Rose Oil works while you sleep to renew dull, tired skin by morning.

You can find these and the rest of the Korres Wild Rose line at various retailers such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora or at korresusa.com

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November 28, 2012 · 10:00 am

get flirty with katy perry by eylure

Eylure is the UK’s leader in lash specialists, and their latest collaboration with Katy Perry is proving to be a collection of retro, sexy and uber-fab lashes!

I recently received all four sets in the mail and am excited to try them all. As seen in my previous post, I rocked the Oh Honey lashes which I immediately fell in love with. From the moment I removed them from the package, I noticed the quality. Well constructed and pliable, the ease of use with these are unbelievable! All of the lashes in the Katy Perry collection include lash adhesive, thorough and easy-to-follow instructions on application, as well as an adorable sticker that corresponds with the style of lashes. Not to mention they are all natural hair! Most glues are that are included with falsies are usually awful and I end up reaching for my Duo adhesive. You’ll be happy to know that I indeed used the included adhesive and the lashes stayed put all day without a hitch. That’s a big bonus in my books!

Sweetie Pie

A dainty, natural hair lash that will discreetly add length and volume to your own lashes.

Oh Honey!

A flatteringly full lash, textured for a natural finish but with enough volume to take your lashes from fine to fab!

Oh My!

It is big and beautiful with a layered effect. All the texture you could want in a lash yet so wearable and really flattering. Be daring, go double effect!

Cool Kitty

Because they will make your eyes look amazing. Gorgeous framing with manicured tips, these lashes can be worn in the day to be daring or at night as the perfect finishing touch.

Keep your eyes peeled for future posts where I’ll be showcasing some of the other styles in the Katy Perry collection from Eylure.

In the meantime, you can get your hands on them at Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, London Drug and Ebeauty.ca at $8.00 a set.

http://katyperry.eylure.com/

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June 21, 2012 · 10:37 am

makeup quickie: jungle fever

::face::

Annabelle BB Cream in Light-Medium

Urban Decay Powder in De-Slick

Annabelle BB Skin Retouch Crayon (highlight only)

Eva Garden Precious Minerals Bronzer

::eyes::

Marcelle Eyeshadow Quad in Jungle Fever

ivory: tear duct

camel: inner third of lid

light green: outer corner of lid

dark green: outer corner of lid + lower lashline

Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara

::lips::

MAC lipglass in Cocktail

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Filed under Annabelle, Eva Garden, FOTD, green looks, Marcelle, product launch

June 19, 2012 · 9:00 am

event & launch: annabelle + marcelle beauty unveiling

What better way to celebrate the launch of new cosmetics then to throw a fabulous party! That’s what Annabelle and Marcelle Cosmetics did last week when they hosted their amazing Beauty Unveiling event in the lofty upper level of Andrew Richards Designs in Toronto. I was graciously invited along with other select beauty bloggers and media to check out all the upcoming launches for the two sister brands while enjoying some glasses of prosecco and a variety of amuse bouche.

There were a lot of amazing products to check out; from skin care to makeup, and even a new amazing cosmetics display that’s sure to please fans of Annabelle Cosmetics.  Attendees were further spoiled with a swag bag containing a few of these items which I have been diving into ever since. Here’s a taste of  some of the new products that you will be seeing in the upcoming months.

MARCELLE INNOVATION EYESHADOW QUADS

72 shades in 18 quads (9 quad shades + 9 monochromatic quads)

perfume + paraben free

long lasting + excellent colour pay-off

Coming Mid-July 2012

MARCELLE BB CREAM-TO-POWDER

 Are you a fan of Marcelle’s original BB Cream? Then check out this new addition to the family! A cream-to-powder version of this amazing complexion product that still stays true to its 8-in-1 multi-benefit formula. This feels weightless on the skin and is sure to please those who have oilier skin or simply prefer the finish of a powder product.

Coming Early July 2012

Marcelle has extended their BB family by adding an Anti-Aging formula for more mature skin types that may need extra attention. Also note that the original Marcelle BB Cream has launched a third shade, in DARK TO DARKER. So all you darker beauties out there, give this one a go. See my review for this foundation here.

ANNABELLE TWIST UP RETRACTABLE LIPSTICK CRAYON

lipstick + lip liner in one easy step

no need for sharpening; just twist and wear

12 amazing shades that feel rich and creamy on the lips

ANNABELLE SINGLE EYESHADOWS

5 new shades with intense colour payoff and amazing wear

ANNABELLE EYE INK LIQUID LINER

Create  looks from soft to dramatic with this easy to use liquid liner pen.

highly pigmented, deep black shade

long lasting + water based + ophthalmologist tested

ANNABELLE iTRANSFORMER

transform any powder eyeshadow into liquid shadow or liner

water based; creates rich, vibrant and long lasting results

All coming July 2012

ANNABELLE BB CREAM MULTI-ACTION BEAUTY BALM

More beneficial than a tinted moisturizer, while feeling lighter than a foundation.

perfect + brighten + prime + hydrate + protect

available in 2 shades (light-medium + medium-dark)

ANNABELLE BB COMPACT MAKEUP

lightweight powder foundation that leaves a luminous and flawless finish

dual-sided sponge: plush velvet side for softness + luminosity & sponge side for added coverage

2 shades

ANNABELLE BB SKIN PERFECT CONCEALER

perfect glide formula blends flawlessly + is buildable for customized coverage

3 shades

ANNABELLE BB SKIN RETOUCH CRAYON

double ended miracle crayon

one side smooths fine lines + the other brightens

perfect for the morning after

All coming July 2012

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Now that I’ve given you a sneak peek at some of the many new things coming from these brands, it’s about that time to share a few party pics. Yes, we love to check out and play with new beauty goodies, but we can’t help but relish the mingling with other makeup lovers.

Left: Me with Tamara from Beauty Thesis
Right: Me with Jill (Batting A Lash)
and Ande (Make Me Over Ande)




So many beauty bloggers in one room! Classy, sassy and gorgeous!




Alicia from Funny Face Beauty chats with the lovely Robyn of Fashionista514


Thanks again to Groupe Marcelle for the invitation to your fabulous and successful Beauty Unveiling. It’s always a pleasure seeing your team and creating a great atmosphere for all us beauty lovers to geek out over some cocktails and lipgloss.


Until next time…..

							

	
			

				
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															June 14, 2012 · 11:01 am											


							
haul: sugarpill heartbreaker palette
			
				

				


I’m an absolute sucker for detail, so it’s no surprise that my latest makeup crush is Sugarpill Cosmetics. I’ve been following the brand since its launch in 2010; watching it grow into what I can only describe as a beauty cult following. Sugarpill personifies and celebrates colour in such a playful way, that beauty lovers alike would find it difficult not to fall under its charming spell. Only recently did I actually make my first purchase, and I’m still baffled at why it took me so long to indulge.


So, what item broke my Sugarpill cherry, you ask? I decided to treat myself to their newest palette; a quad of vivid and gorgeous shades called ‘The Heart Breaker Palette’. My package arrived promptly and was a delight to open. From the adorable Sugarpill branded box, to the girly pink tissue paper that enveloped my purchase (as well as a glittery sticker, a loose eyeshadow sample and mini postcard), simply unwrapping my little ‘gift’ was a treat.  And if that wasn’t enough to impress me, the handwritten thank you on the enclosed invoice was a charming touch.




So onto the palette, shall we? What can I say…seriously. These eyeshadows are a little slice of makeup heaven in my opinion. You get a generous amount of product which has amazing colour payoff, the packaging is adorable AND durable, as well as a decent size mirror which is always a plus. Really great value for thirty-four dollars!




Swatches (L-R): 2AM, Acidberry, Velocity and Mochi


THE COLOURS: 


    

  •  2AM – Matte purple with a slightly pearl sheen
    • 

  • Acidberry – Vibrant matte lime green with a slightly pearl sheen
    • 

  • Velocity – Vibrant matte royal blue
    • 

  • Mochi – Matte mint seafoam with a slightly pearl sheen
    • 



Aren’t those shades gorgeous?! I’m ecstatic about this purchase and have been testing it out since I got my hands on the palette.  I simply can’t wait to play with these colours a little more and share some of my looks with you.


Stay tuned!

							

	
			

				
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															March 22, 2012 · 10:00 am											


							
review: schick hydro silk razor
			
				

				
Like most women, maintaining a hair free body doesn’t come without its woes. Sure there are many methods to remove unwanted hair, whether it be waxing, threading, sugar, lasers, depilatory creams or (yikes!)  epilators. They all carry with them great debates among our gender as to why they love it, hate it and even the odd horror story of times they’ve gone awry. The one that continues to top the list of ease and popularity is the good old shaving method.


Over the years, I have teeter-tottered between waxing and shaving. Sure, waxing offers a longer duration of being hair-free but can be uncomfortable and for some, the cost of regular waxing just isn’t in the budget. Shaving offers us a quick fix, but finding the right razor can be a daunting task and with the wrong one, can leave your skin irritated and full of unsightly nicks.


About a month or so ago, I received a little care package from the people at Schick asking me to check out their newest razor, the Hydro Silk. I’m familiar with the brand and in fact, have been quite pleased with their Intuition razor for some time. I decided to give it a whirl for a month and really test it out before sharing my thoughts.


First, a bit about the razor:




Name:


Schick Hydro Silk


Number of Blades:


 Five Curve-Sensing blades with skin guards to help protect skin from irritation


Special Skills:


 Water-Activated Moisturizing Serum


The ease of this razor is evident the minute you start using it. It glides easily over the curves of the body without any worry of causing any nicks. I’m normally so nervous around the ankles and behind the knee, but  felt safe and secure going over these areas without a doubt.


When I first used the razor, I wasn’t sure how I would like the built in serum strips. In the past, other razors who have claimed something similar to this, have ended up being a gooey mess. The Hydro Silk proved me wrong. As soon as I ran the razor under the water stream and started shaving my legs, I could immediately feel the difference. Because I normally use the Intuition (which has a built in soap), I don’t have any shaving cream and so I’m not sure if this is a necessary need with the Hydro Silk. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think you need to. My skin is extremely dry during the cooler season and just using the razor alone nourished my skin all day with the moisturizing serum strips. I even went without my usual body cream on my legs to see how long it would last. Sure enough, my skin was still soft and (most importantly) smooth at the end of the day.


One cartridge was good (including the serum) for 3 weeks. Depending on how often you shave, you can get a good 2-4 weeks out of them.


All in all, this razor is replacing my old one. I’m extremely happy with the results and impressed with the technology Schick has used to create such a solid product. So if you’re a shaver and in the market for a new razor, definitely give this a try. I stand here with both thumbs way up!






***Please note that I only write reviews for things sent to me if I really like them. The company has not paid me in any way to write a positive review.




							

	
			

				
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															January 13, 2012 · 12:01 am											


							
launch: marcelle bb cream
			
				

				


Inspired by the trends in Asia, I’m pleased to share with you that Marcelle is releasing an amazing new beauty and skin care product that is sure to make its way into your makeup cases. I had the chance to see and feel this at the Annabelle/Marcelle Beauty Premiere event in November and ever since, I’ve wanted a tube of my very own. An 8-in-1 multi-benefit beauty balm, BB Cream is a moisturizing skin care, tinted corrector and makeup base that enhances your natural beauty.


The Eight Multi-Benefits are:


    

  1. minimizes the appearance of imperfections and pores
    2. 

  2. evens out skin tone
    3. 

  3. replaces primers by providing an excellent makeup base
    4. 

  4. mattifies skin and controls shine
    5. 

  5. offers immediate and long-term hydrating benefits
    6. 

  6. soothes and calms the skin
    7. 

  7. protects from premature aging and environmental stresses
    8. 

  8. promotes skin regeneration
    9. 







Ideal for any age and skin type, BB Cream comes in two shades (light-to-medium & medium-to-dark) which works on a variety of skin tones due to its self-adjusting pigments. The fact that it’s hypo-allergenic as well as oil, paraben and fragrance free make this perfect for even sensitive and oily skin types.


The minute I had the BB Cream in my possession, I had to put it to the test. Although I’ve been blessed with decent skin, without a little foundation, I do have some slight redness and uneven tone. There are three ways to use Marcelle BB Cream. The first is on cleansed skin as a corrective tinted moisturizer. The second is to use it alone or over your moisturizer to unify your complexion. Finally, use it as a makeup base under foundation for total coverage and improved staying power. I opted for the first.




The before and after photos were taken in natural light and are untouched.


I instantly noticed a difference in how supple my skin felt and how even my complexion looked. Please know that this is ALL the BB Cream’s doing! I have no concealer or foundation on. Heck, I didn’t even apply any moisturizer! It’s like I’ve been Photoshopped! I have a feeling this is the beginning of a beauty-ful love affair.


You can get your hands on your very own tube of BB Cream as of February 6, 2012 when it’s launched at pharmacies and mass retail stores across Canada.


—————————————————-


Marcelle BB Cream


$22.95 CAD – 45mL


www.marcelle.com

							

	
			

				
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