A Blogging Pause

You know how life changes your focus?  Well life has changed my focus and I will be on hiatus for a couple of weeks until I find my equilibrium again.

Have no fear... You will see my MUG again!

Friday Mug - Week 4, July 6th, 2012

Hey July!  Wanna see my face? And the double chin??

Here is the Friday MUG!  I mixed things up again...

Products Used (with links):

• Moisturizer - Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15

• Primer - Cover FX ClearPrep FX

I like this primer.  I have been trying this since receiving it in the May TopBox.  It's a matte foundation primer and acne treatment in one.

• Primer - Make Up For Ever HD Primer in Apricot (#6)

I really like this primer. My undertone is yellow and this primer seems to settle my colouring. So I layered a little on top of the Cover FX

• Foundation - Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in Flesh (#118)

My go-to foundation right now. Apply with fingers and buff with my Kabuki brush.  Love it!!

• Concealer - Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #2

Cream based so is not fluid in any way.  But I apply and buff with my 224 brush after I finish my eyes.

• Setting Powder - Palladio Rice Powder in Translucent

YouTube's ginabinawina recommended it and I do like it as an all over setting powder.  Can get it at Sally's for cheap!

• Eye Primer - Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer (not sure if it is still produced)

Received in my Tarte for Tru Blood palette. It's an excellent primer and I am almost out!!!

• Eye Shadow - Moss from the Tarte for Tru Blood pallette (retired)

I love this green!

• Eyeliner- MAC's Teddy

I love the colour.  My favourite brown kohl pencil.

• Mascara - Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes

I did a review of this in the spring.  I have a love/hate relationship with it.  I used it on both top and bottom lashes, but used my clinique bottom lash mascara wand for the... bottom lashes.

• Blush - Pandora's Blush in St. Tropez

Received in my March Glossy Box.  I honestly love it!

• Finishing Power - Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Just a touch under the eyes to set the concealer and it seems to help preventing my lower lash mascara from melting to a mess.  Always... and with a light hand it really makes a difference with helping things stay put! 

• Lipstick - MAC's Sequin

Well used and well worn....  Still one I reach for often.

 

Cheers!
Lori

June 2012 GlossyBox Overview and Review

Wow, this month's box was heavy!  You will see why (details) in a minute...

Outer Box

Lovely packaging

Information Card

 Products in the box:

• GILLETTE Venus Embrace Razor
• BIORE 4-in-1 Revitalizing Cleanser
• WELLA PROFESSIONALS Ocean Spritz
• COVERGIRL Flipstick- Blendable Lip Duo
• NEUTROGENA Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55
• OLAY Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex (not pictured)
• BIORE Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

Venus Embrace Razor from Gillette

I am a devotee of the Venus Razors (series) and have tried other brands and always seem to return to these.  Do I like them - yes.  Do they last - yes.  I shave my legs (and... nothing) every day.

Rating:  Hooray!!!

Full size: 1 kit @$13.43.  Size received - Full

Biore 4-in-1 Revitalizing Cleanser

I have used Biore products through the years but they kind of faded from my view in the past 10 years or so.  I try to be meticulous over cleaning my face properly so I will definitely be trying this product.

Rating:  Hooray!!!

Full size: 200ml @ $9.99.  Size received - Full

Wella Ocean Spritz (Hair Spray)

 I previously received Wella products in the April GlossyBox.  Smells amazing and I love the conditioner!  Coincidentally I needed a setting spray so this works well...

Rating:  Hooray!!!

Full size: 1450ml @ $16.99.  Size received - Full

Cover Girl Flipstick in Minx (#855)

This new product is essentially a dual ended lipstick.  One is shimmery and one is the colour to blend which (as the infer) can create a multitude of looks.  I will be honest and say that I have not tried it as the colour is a bit autumnal.  That and the brown throws me a little.

Rating:  Meh...  Or perhaps, we'll see in October!

Full size: 3.8g @ $12.50.  Size received - Full

Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 55

I have this very product in an SPF of 30.  I use it rarely as my moisturizer has a SPF as well.  Different schools of thought on whether I need a separate sunscreen.  I don't.  I like it as it isn't goopy and it dries quickly and is easy to apply makeup over.

Rating:  Hooray!!!

Full size: 88ml @ $15.99.  Size received - 14ml

Biore Pore Strips

Ahh Biore pore strips.  I just remember my friend Dee applying one the day before starting a new job and it left a mark on her nose....  Do I use these?  Not in 15 years!!   Will I try this one?  Probably on a home spa night.

Rating:  Meh....

Full size: 8 strips @ $9.99.  Size received - 1 strip

 The final product was a sample size of Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex.  I have about 5 of them (as you probably do too) so I won't say too much.  I take them when I go away for a night or two.  Works fine on my skin and I don't get any breakouts.

My overall impression of this months box?  I liked it.  Every single one of these items are ones I will use, and hey - that's exactly what I was taking a chance on.  

I know some people are miffed that there is only one item of the 6 that is considered luxury.  The website it careful though to say makeup samples and luxury cosmetics and they do list both luxury and standard brands in their scrolling list.  Hey, 4 of the items were full size.  That's not too bad.


So how many Hoorays?  4 out of 6. With 2 Meh's.  Not too shabby.


Cheers,
Lori

Friday MUG - Week 3 (June 29, 2012)

Hello bangs!!!  Here is an abbreviated Friday MUG!  I mixed things up a bit (just a smidge)

Products Used (with links):

• Moisturizer - Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15
  
  

• Foundation - Lise Watier Hydrasmart 3D Hydration Tinted Veil

Received this in my April Top Box.  My skin is in pretty good shape so I decided that I didn't need a full on foundation.  It's not bad!

• Concealer - Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #2

Cream based so is not fluid in any way.  But I apply and buff with my 224 brush after I finish my eyes.

• Eye Primer - Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer (not sure if it is still produced)

Received in my Tarte for Tru Blood palette. It's an excellent primer and I am almost out!!!

• Eye Shadow - Annabelle Eyeshadow in Rainforest

I was lazy so it is simply a wash of colour on my lids and slightly above the crease.

• Mascara (top lashes) - Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash in Black

I do mix it up and use others during the week!!!

• Mascara (bottom lashes) -  Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash in Black

The clinique mascara has run out but I cleaned the brush and now use it to apply my mascara that I use on the top lashes.

• Blush - Pandora's Blush in St. Tropez

Received in my March Glossy Box.  I honestly love it!

• Finishing Power - Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Just a touch under the eyes to set the concealer and it seems to help preventing my lower lash mascara from melting to a mess.  Always... and with a light hand it really makes a difference with helping things stay put!

• Lipstick - Belvada Harmony in Soft Pink

This is from my June GlymmBox.  Lovely to apply and while the staying power isn't terrific, when layered with the balm makes for a nice lip colour.

Cheers,
Lori

Friday Mug - Week 2 (June 22, 2012)

Serious Face with Flash

I was so happy that people were interested in my first Friday Mug post!!  Freaking Awesome!!!  Let me begin on week 2....  I have used many of the same products, just looks a little different and I used a different technique when applying colour to my eye lids.  Will explain more in a minute.

No flash

 God!  Where did that long forehead come from!!!  But I digress....

Products Used (with links):

• Moisturizer - Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15
  
  

Meh... I decided to switch it up

• Primer - Cover FX ClearPrep FX

I like this primer.  I have been trying this since receiving it in the May TopBox.  It's a matte foundation primer and acne treatment in one.  I have a couple of spots so I am fighting them with this!

• Foundation - Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in Flesh (#118)

My go-to foundation right now. Apply with fingers and buff with my Kabuki brush.  Love it!!

• Concealer - Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #2

Cream based so is not fluid in any way.  But I apply and buff with my 224 brush after I finish my eyes.

• Eye Primer - Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer (not sure if it is still produced)

Received in my Tarte for Tru Blood palette. It's an excellent primer and I am almost out!!!

• Eye Shadow - Urban Decay Naked Palette (Smog and Darkhorse)

I was watching a YouTube video by makeup artist Rae Morris on how to do smokey eyes and I tried (unsuccessfully) to replicate it.

• Mascara (top lashes) - Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash in Black

I use this mascara more and more...  Can't help it!

• Mascara (bottom lashes) - Clinique Bottom Lash

Why a different mascara for my bottom lashes?  A couple of reasons:  Clutz with mascara wand and after trial and error I don't seem to get the mascara leeching down with this product!  And the wand is teeny weeny!!!!

• Blush - Nars Orgasm

I am not a big fan of sparkly blush but every so often I get in the mood for Nars. 

• Finishing Power - Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Just a touch under the eyes to set the concealer and it seems to help preventing my lower lash mascara from melting to a mess.  Always... and with a light hand it really makes a difference with helping things stay put!

• Lipstick - Belvada Harmony in Soft Pink

This is from my June GlymmBox.  Lovely to apply and while the staying power isn't terrific, when layered with the balm makes for a nice lip colour.

Cheers,
Lori

Garden Evolution - June 21st, 2012

I decided to track it month by month for my gardener friends.  I like to see how the exact same garden just changes in 4 weeks....  Incredible!

The Front Garden

Front garden - June 2012

Front Garden - May 2012

View from the step

Anyone know the name of this?

Dwarf Lilac

When you walk up the driveway from the street you get this delicate smell of lilac...  Definitely a show stopper as I notice people out for a walk stopping in front for a look and a sniff.

End of Season Pasqueflower

Karl Rosenfield Peony

I split that grass (in the back) in 4 pieces!

Weigela

 The Back Garden

View from the Back Deck

Same garden,  2 years ago

Blueberries

It's always a work in progress.  I have lost trees, growth which is natural for a treed area has sprouted and I need to add more crushed stone.

Brussels Sprouts, Garlic, Beets and Carrot

The raised box in the back is what my husband built 2 summers ago. Directly in front are some peas and beans I have started (behind the rock garden).

Growing in a bag

 I am growing a tomato, onion and a pepper in a bag on top of my start of the lasagne garden.  You can see a haskap bush to the very right.

Peppers and Tomatoes in pots

Towards the house

Potatoes in Buckets

Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow Pencils - Lori's Experience

I have had a hard time with cream shadows (as many of you have read), so the fantastic Lindsey (from Make Up For Ever) took a chance on me and sent me the #0E Black Aqua Shadow pencil to try.  Please don't think that my post is simply a promotional opportunity, it is my experience with the product.  I will say up front that I am in general a Make Up For Ever fan but I am here to give you my take.


And I have the oiliest lids known to humanity....

Let us start with ....

Official words from Make Up For Ever

Formulated with silica powder, Aqua Shadow’s creamy texture glides on smoothly and blends  easily, providing immediate color payoff and an event result.  A combination of waxes, oils and polymers create a flexible film that locks water out to guarantee long lasting, smudge-proof and crease-proof color.  The Aqua pencils are available in 12 shades, 5 in a matte finish and 7 in a pearly finish. These pencils are sold in Sephora (online and in-store) for $23CDN. All Pencils Matte Finish Pencil Colours Pearly Finish Pencil Colours Lori's Story: Time #1 I tried the pencil, it was so creamy and really easy to blend with my MAC 217 and MAC 219  brushes.  The product is very creamy.  I did apply my foundation and concealor to my lids  (as is my usual routine).  Then I went to work.  Three hours later there as creasing which got  progressively worse by the end of the day. Time #2 This time I applied my base as per normal and layered some shadow on top of the cream.   The shadow did crease but it did not seem to be as pronounced as the day before. Lindsey was fantastic and recommended that I have an absolutely bare lid, no moisturizer,  foundation, eye primer, or anything else. I am a smart girl and can follow directions... Time #3 Nothing underneath the cream pencil.  Straight on the lids.  Again, blended like a dream!   Unfortunately, it still creased. At this point I emailed Lindsey and asked for advice.  I love how the product applies,  but it is just not crease resistant on my lids.  She consulted with Joelle (one of their artists) and examined the pictures I had sent.  Their recommendation was to Apply a small quantity  of HD Foundation (or a concealer) on my eyelid using a synthetic brush (I used a MAC 242)  to keep the temperature of the product stable, then apply a tiny little (small quantity) of HD  powder on my eyelid. Let it sit for a moment. Work in the  Aqua Shadows and try blending  them with a Natural hair brush (I used the MAC 217) as opposed to fingers- using fingers  might warm up the products too much and cause them to crease). Try working with a Natural  hair brush to avoid streaking and other undesirable effects. I have to say that they are working with my wonky lids, yours are likely to be much different!! Time #4 Followed the directions to the T....  Less creasing (much) but still pronounced about 8 hours  later. Times #5-#8 #5 -  MUFE foundation on lids (very little), 2 layers of HD powder (very little), proceeded to do  foundation, then returned to the eye and applied Aqua Shadow pencil. #6 - MUFE foundation on lids (very little), one layer of HD powder (very little), proceeded to do  foundation, then returned to the eye and applied Aqua Shadow pencil, then applied shadow. #7 - MUFE foundation on lids (very little), one layer of HD powder (very little), proceeded to do foundation, then returned to the eye and applied Aqua Shadow pencil, applied one light layer  of HD powder on lid. #8 - MUFE foundation on lids (very little), one layer of HD powder (very little), proceeded to do foundation, then returned to the eye and applied Aqua Shadow pencil, applied 2 light layers of  HD powder on lid Still creasing.... So I decided to test more (cause I am a stubborn thing...) Here is routine for the best results thus far on my lids: Tarte eye primer on lids (very little), 1 layer of HD powder (very little), proceeded to do  foundation, then returned to the eye and applied Aqua Shadow pencil, 1 layer of HD  powder (very little). With this combo, this shadow stays put for 10+ hours. I am going to try the new MUFE Eye Prime. Sometimes products just work with like  branded products Sold in Sephora stores and online for $25CDN. I hope no one thinks that I do not like the Aqua  pencils, I love it.  It just took a little time to get  the combo right for my oil-slick lids.  The pigment and blend-ability is fantastic and as a base for  other shadows it rocks!  I will be purchasing other colours in the collection. Makes the colour of the powder shadows pop!!! Any questions, please comment below! Cheers, Lori

June 2012 GlymmBox Overview and Review

Yes.... I like the new look of Glymm.  Not as girly and in my opinion allows for more options (colours, patterns, etc) with the small bag that the items come in.  Another thing to note that the product card is no longer included and is posted on the website.  Very cool.

Much lighter to ship

Love the Blue

A peek inside

So what was inside:

• LA FRESH Eco-Beauty® Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
• CLARK'S BOTANICALS Intense Radiance Mask
• SALVADORE DALI ItIsDream perfume
• VITAMIN and SEA Perfect Skin Solution
• BELVADA Duo Lipstick/LipBalm | Harmony

LA FRESH Nail Polish Remover

First up, LA FRESH Nail Polish Remover. Let me tell you, I will put this to the test to get the China Glaze glitter Nail polish off my nails this week!!!  Will let you know if it does the trick.  Remove polish and condition all 10 nails with just one pad???  We'll see!  If it does, then this is a good sample size - If not, then....

Full Size:  18 pads for $9.99.  Sample size:  2 pads

Rating: Hooray?

CLARK'S BOTANICALS Mask

Clark's Botanical mask (masque) is not a brand that I am familiar with.  It's texture reminds me of a clay mask of yore. I did not notice a distinct scent.  Put it on clean skin and let sit for 25-30 mins.  Hmmm, I love a good masque!  They say a sample size should get around 10-12 uses.

Full size:  50ml @ $72.  Sample size: ~10ml

Rating:  Hooray!

SALVADORE DALI ItsADream Perfume

Perfume... You either love perfume samples or you hate them.  I am neither a lover or a hater.  Some I like, some I dislike.  I count many of them as a toss in and not a true deluxe sample.  The scent is not my style but it will go in my collection in case I use it on a whim.

Full size: 60ml @ $54.  Sample size 2-3ml (they say 35 sprays)

Rating:  Meh

BELVADA Harmony in Soft Pink

Again, a totally new brand to me.  But the packaging is fantastic! Very sleek and each end has a pop out base which houses the lipstick or balm.  Love the logic and the colour!

Full size: 3.4g for $20.  Sample size is Full!

Rating: Hooray

The final item was from a brand called Vitamine & Sea.  A Canadian company...  Perfect skin solution is what they call it, a miracle serum which is a blend of essential oils and Vitamin E (hence the name).

Full size: 45ml @ $68. Sample size is 1.5ml (up to 5 uses)

Rating:  Hooray

A pretty good selection this month.  I do enjoy the bags a opposed to the boxes.  I hope they do fun things like stripes and patterns.

Overall rating:

Hooray-4
Meh - 1

What did you think of yours?

Cheers,
Lori