Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick

The best cream blush on the market!

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick ($$) ****

     This is my favourite cream blusher of all time! Creamy dreamy natural flushy goodness.

     The particular colours I've used are Glow Blush: a deep neutral gold with shimmery gold flecks, and Rosy Blush: a dusty pink-rose. However, I am reviewing the formula rather than the colours as different coloured blushes suit certain skin tones. I don't want you to run out and buy the wrong colour for YOU even though it's the right colour for me. I will however recommend colours for your particular skin tone below. :)

    Anyways, moving onto this wonderful little miracle in a tube. Blushwear Cream Stick is a cream blush in a convenient little twist-up tube. The packaging is great because you just wind up the tube a little bit, and apply a (light) "smudge" right to the apple of your cheeks after you apply foundation/liquid moisturizer. Cream blush in a palette can be messy and goopy, so the tube is a great compromise. 

     The colour looks alarmingly bright and deep when you initially smudge it on. Don't be alarmed - I would never let you look like a clown. Simply blend out, in circular motions, up towards your hairline and along your cheek bones. Give your face a light dusting with your favourite mattefying powder to set the look. You're done! An easy peasy natural-looking flush.

     Cream blushes are normally recommended to those who have dry or aging skin as powder blush tends to settle in lines and creases - looking cakey on dry skin. Some cream blushers make oily skin look oilier. The Clinque Blushwear formula however works great on all skin types! It does not have an oily finish, but leaves you looking dewy and fresh. When I use it I look like I have a healthy glow from within.

Colours:

   Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick comes in a good variety of colours.

Black Honey: a DEEP cool-toned red/burgundy. This colour would look gorgeous on deep chocolate skin. Fair girls need to stay away though. Far away.

Rosy Blush: a dusty pink-rose. I use it as my Winter blush because it's a deeper colour without any shimmer that warms up my pale face. It's perfect for fair girls with slightly yellow undertones.

Peachy Blush: an orangey-coral colour with gold shimmer. This colour is very versatile and would look great on any skin tones. A particularly pretty colour on tan or ivory skin. Really makes the face look awake.

Glow Blush: This is my favourite. It's a neutral gold-honey colour with golden shimmer. My Summer blush. Gives the appearance of sun without the harsh effects of the rays!

Shy Blush: the violet-pink colour of Shy is right on trend. Perfect spring colour for medium girls.

     This product is a little pricey, but per usual, you get what you pay for. $22 USD is not horrible considering how long the blush actually lasts, (it's months by the way). Love love love.

Buy Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick online here 

Bliss Steep Clean Mask

A 15-minute facial for all skin types

Bliss Steep Clean Mask ($$$) ****

     This Bliss facial mask has been a go-to product for me for a couple of years now, and all I can do is sing it praise! It exfoliates dead skin cells, prevents clogged pores to minimize break-outs and brightens dull skin.

     The facial is really easy to use, you just pump a grape sized amount of the blue and yellow product into your hand. Mix both of the colours into until it makes a thick pale green paste and apply it all over your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area.

(Remember ladies, apply EVERYTHING you put on your face in an upward circular motion. It will help prevent future sagging by lifting the face muscles.)

     Keep the facial on for 10-15 minutes. While you wait, why not do a little mini-manicure? Moisturize those cuticles. When the time's up, wet a washcloth with some warm water and gently wipe all of the facial off. Voila, smooth radiant skin!

     I have sensitive combination skin, with dry cheeks and forehead, and an acne prone chin. Every time my skin is looking a little dull and flaky, or my chin is feeling clogged, I'll use this mask. 

     After I'm finished the facial, my skin feels like it can literally breathe again. It is glowing and moisturized and my pores appear smaller. I finish off with a splash of toning water and my favourite moisturizer. 

     I have had the same container of Steep Clean for almost a year now, and it's just about empty now. I use it once every two weeks. That's some serious longevity! Oh and I forgot to mention, like all Bliss products, the facial smells heavenly. Clean and refreshing without being overpowering.

     Now the bad news...It's pricey. $55 US for 100mL. But trust me, it's completely worth it because it lasts forever and the results are near-professional. Great to use in between facials at the spa.

Buy Bliss Steep Clean Mask online here

End of Hiatus Notice

"Heeeeere's Carleigh!"

     Hey everyone,

     Sincerest apologies that I've been M.I.A. for about two months now. 

You know how it is, you eat too much turkey at Christmas, then you don't leave the couch for two weeks. Next thing you know, classes resume and there's just no time to update your blog. I'm sorry, really.  But I'm back in business baby!

     My blog is going to be re-vamped, with a completely new theme...A facelift per se, figuratively and literally. Instead of giving my advice on what gifts to buy at Christmas, I am going to use and review a bunch of different products and items. Mostly beauty items, but it will be anything that strikes my interest.

     Again, I will be using the dollar sign method to tell you the cost of each item:

($) for steals
($$) for moderate prices 
($$$) for splurge items 

     But, to rate the actually effectiveness/awesomness of the product I will use asterics.

* is a dud. Don't waste your time or money.
** Meh.
*** Pretty good. I recommend, with a little room for improvement.
**** Fan-freaking-tastic! BUY RIGHT NOW!


     Anyways, I hope you find my reviews to be useful and informative, or at least a little bit humourous.  
     
     If there are any items you would like me to test-out before you do, send in those comments!

Gifts Galore Day TWENTY!

Marquise Twig Ring

Bittersweet's Famous Letter Ring

New York Bittersweets Rings ($$$)

     I think this is my first splurge I've posted to date. Looking for jewelry for your sweetheart but want something unique? New York Bittersweet has the prettiest rings I've ever seen on the web by far, with some really interesting designs.

     Their monogrammed and letter rings are gorgeous, and come in a variety of metals and finishes. The rings are available in yellow gold, white gold, rose, gold, and silver. You can also choose a shiny or matte finish. And some rings have the option of an "antiqued" finish as well. The rings come in ALL sizes, including half and quarter sizes. The letter options include caps, lowercase, and cursive.

     The letter/monogrammed rings are simple, elegant, understated and delicate. Bittersweets also has a wedding line that is unbelievable. Some designs include a band shaped like a lily, with a diamond nestled with the petals, and an engagement ring cast from a real twig. Gorgeous.

Check out New York Bittersweets here for all of their styles and prices.

Gifts Galore Day NINETEEN!

Stila: Dream in Full Color Palette

Stila 'Dream in Full Color Palette' ($$)

     Yes, this ANOTHER makeup palette. But this one is really pretty, you can't even deny it. This set includes a whopping 29 eyeshadows, seven cheek colours, a smudge liner and a 12-page instructional booklet that teaches you how to master different looks like a pro. All for only about $40 CAD!

     Stila designed the palette to look like a dreamcatcher with the colours of a kaleidoscope, embodying a dream-like feel.

     The palette is super easy to use, just follow the lines from the outside of the palette to the inside to use the perfect shades that compliment each other. The palette gives you countless options that will take you from a day look to a night look. This palette makes a great gift for any makeup lover of any skill level in your life.

Buy Stila 'Dream in Full Color' Palette here

Gifts Galore Day EIGHTEEN!

Martha Stewart Pets Marled Sweater w/Hood

Martha Stewart Pets Marled Sweater w/ Hood ($)

      I know you've all seen them walking down the street, and you just can't help but feel bad: dogs dressed in ridiculous outfits. It's always a no no. Just no. No respectable dog can be happy wearing a skirt. But this is Canada, and it's freaking cold in the Winter. And despite being furry, your pets feel the cold too. Plus we can't forget about our four-legged friends at Christmastime.

     This marled sweater designed by our favourite criminal homemaker, Martha Stewart, is actually gorgeous. I love the soft plum colour, it's perfect for the winter. It has a sweet little hood. It has fashionable wooden buttons all the way down the front so you don't have to struggle to get it on your pup. And it even has an opening in the back where you can hook your leash to the collar with ease. It also comes in a variety of sizes so it fits mutts of all kinds. Oh and it's machine washable because it's a blend of acrylic, cotton and polyester. Are you sold yet?

     At only about $17 CAD, this sweater is the perfect gift for your dog who wants to keep their dignity AND keep warm this winter. Good owner.

Buy Martha Stewart Pets Marled Sweater w/ Hood online here

     

Gifts Galore Day SEVENTEEN!

Korres Tropical Holidays Set

 

 

Korres "Tropical Holidays" Mini Gift Set ($$)

      Today's gift is another great stocking stuffer. Korres' "Tropical Holidays" mini gift set is the perfect little treat to take your mind off of this bitter winter we're about to have. This trio of guava body butter, coconut body milk, and mango shower gel smells so heavenly you'll feel like you're on a tropical vacation. 

     I just need to brag about Korres a little bit. I swear by their body butter. Korres products are between 96-100% natural and are created in a pharmacy in Greece. I love knowing I'm not putting harsh chemicals onto my body that could cause ill effects down the road. The Guava Body Butter smells so freaking good I want to gnaw my arm off sometimes. I'm crazy I know. It smells sweet and fruity without being too strong and it definitely does not smell artificial. And it's SO moisturizing. I never ever ever get chapped skin in the winter when I use this stuff. It's still great in the summer too. Not too greasy while still intensely moisturizing. 

     Korres Shower Gel is great as well. It lathers nicely with the perfect amount of bubbles and gets you squeaky clean without making your skin tight and dry like some harsh soaps. It's actually quite moisturizing. It leaves your skin smelling great when you get out of the shower, too.

     At only 18 bucks, this is a perfect way to try out some great Korres products without spending a fortune.

Buy Korres "Tropical Holidays" mini gift set here