Sparkled Beauty

Back to our regular flyer deals today, thank you for sticking around :)

Shoppers:

*** Saturday: x20 points with $50 purchase
- Gosh, L'Oreal Hair Expertise, Ever hair care: CAD6.77 (rest of the week: CAD6.99)
- Banana Boat, Australian Gold sun care: CAD7.99 (rest of the week: CAD8.99).
*** Saturday & Sunday: 9 cent 4x6 prints (100 prints minimum) on Shopppersphoto.ca

*** All week:
- Neutrogena skin, acne, hair care: 30% off
- Bioderma skin, sun care: 20% off
- Avene skin care: 25% off
- Vichy Normaderm, Slimming skin care, Dercos hair care: 25% off
- Hawaiian Tropic sun care: CAD7.99
- Ombrelle, L'Oreal Sublime Sun: 20% off
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara, Color Sensational lip, Fit Me makeup: CAD6.99
- Revlon Bold Lacquer/ Lash Potion mascara, ColorStay lip: CAD9.99
- L'Oreal Infallible lip: CAD12.99
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, Colour Riche eye, True Match makeup: 30% off (including the La Palette Nude)
- CoverGirl Outlast makeup: CAD12.99
- Annabelle eye makeup remover pads (85's), Kohl, eye, brow, lip liner: 2/CAD10
- Marcelle makeup: 20% off
- Rimmel: CAD5.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche, Revlon classic nail polish: CAD3.99
- Quo by Orly nail polish, gel, treatment: CAD5.99
- Misslyn nail polish: CAD8.99
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength, Insta Dri: CAD4.99; Complete Salon Manicure: 2/CAD12; Miracle Gel: CAD9.99
- Essence Get Big! Lashes volume boost mascaras (including waterproof), Big! Lashes volume curl/ Triple Black mascaras, gel eye pencils (waterproof): BOGO 1/2 (until July 14).

Lawtons:
- Garnier Clean+ skin care: CAD7.99 (bonus Airmiles)
- Ombrelle sun care: 25% off
- L'Oreal RevitaLift skin care: 25% off (bonus miles)
- Marcelle Revival skin care: 25% off
- L'Oreal eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara: 20% off
- Rimmel lip: 20% off
- Wet n Wild: 20% off (bonus miles)
- L'Oreal nail polish: 20% off
- Sally Hansen Insta Dri: CAD3.99; Triple Shine: CAD4.49; nail art pen: CAD5.49
- Essie: CAD8.99 (bonus miles).

Superstore: save 20% or more on select foundations, powders, concealers, blush, bronzers and primers until June 4.

The Bay: extra 15% off on almost anything online and in store with a Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard until Monday. Exclusions apply.

Vincent Longo will soon be carried here, according to @JanineFalcone.

$50 Hudson's Bay saving card with a purchase of Vitamix over $500 by June 25.

Beyond the Rack: Free base shipping with orders $30+ until 3am EST Monday.

Sears: Sears Days are on now until June 7, with lowest prices of the season.

The Body Shop: Free body butter ($20 value) with $50 purchase in store and online. Also, 40% off your purchase online, exclusions apply.

Coastal Scents: 99 cent hot pot sale is back for a week.

Health Snap: Another code for 55% off cosmetics "SMART55", today only. Free shipping with $50 orders (before discount).

100% Pure: GWP of $55 or more until Monday. The 5-piece gift values $100 and includes:
- Naked palette
- Pomegranate lip butter
- Blackest creamy liner
- Black Tea mascara, and
- a pink cotton zipper bag.

15% off travel sized items (3oz or less) with code "TRAVELFAST". Free shipping with $100 Canadian orders.

La Senza: 40% off in store until Saturday (excluding markdowns), 25% off & free shipping with $100 orders from Club members online.

It was a while back that L'Oreal brought the Dark Sides of Grey collection to Canada. Turned out, we got the Europe version of it. No Masked Affair!

The bottles were the tiny thin 5ml size with different "effects" (Spiky, Wax, Latex, Metallic) instead of the regular Colour Riche bottle shape. Shade selection was different too.

I was a little upset and skipped the entire collection until I found Totally D'Accord in a clearance bin.

It looks dark navy in the bottle but brings out that green sheen on the nails at certain angle. Not a full-on duochrome but a complex base colour. The Spiky Effect texture is quite mild, and the shiny flakes are similar to those of Zoya Pixie Dusts.

This is 2 coats with no top coat to show you the semi matte finish of the base. The glitters have no problem to shine through.

This second pic was taken in the sun. The colour shows up lighter than with flash (above) but I like it either way.

I am going by memory here, but it seems the whole collection in Canada only had 6 (instead of 8) shades, in which only 3 shades are the same as the US collection - Aux Chandelles, Power Potion and Totally D'Accord, plus a name variation between Mademoiselle Grey (Canada) and Miss Grey (US).

It might be a little quiet on the blog this week. I am in Toronto enjoying the best sunny and warm weather I have had this year and did not get around to prep posts in advance. Have a great week!

@beautyvixenca spotted L'Oreal La Palette Nude 1 & 2 for $12.49 each at Rexall (regular price). I am not sure how this happens, but go now if you have one near you.

If you have been wanting Maybelline The Blushed Nudes palette, it is coming to Canada in June. Meanwhile, the 100th Anniversary collection has arrived.

@HalifaxRetales said Family Dollars has bought Dollar Tree and planned to expand to about 1,000 Canadian stores.

Shoppers: Saturday and Sunday: Double Double event - you get $10 Shoppers gift card and $10 Tim card with $75 purchase

*** Sunday & Monday: Quo brushes: 40% off.
*** All week:
- Biore cleanser: CAD7.99
- Aveeno, Clean & Clear cleanser: CAD8.99
- Aveeno, Neutrogena sun/ shave care: 30% off
- L'Oreal, Neutrogena facial moisturizer, Bio oil (125ml): CAD19.99
- Garnier, Nivea skin care: 30% off
- Bioderma, Etival: 20% off
- Neostrata body smoothing lotion, Glycolic Renewal cream/ lotion: 20% off
- Cliniderm hair, skin care: 25% off
- Tanda facial treatment device: 25% off
- Herbal Essences, Aussie hair care: 2/CAD5 or CAD2.99 each
- Dove hair care: CAD2.99; Dry Oil (100ml): CAD12.99
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise, Vidal Sassoon, Pantene hair care: CAD3.99
- TreSemme hair care: CAD4.99
- Live Clean Coconut milk, got2b hair care: CAD5.99
- Batiste dry shampoo, John Frieda, Aveeno, Gosh hair care: CAD7.99
- L'Oreal Ever Pure Blonde hair care: CAD8.99
- Klorane, Marc Anthony hair care: CAD10.99
- L'Oreal Voluminous original mascara, Colour Riche lip: CAD6.99
- CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom mascara, Ready Set Gorgeous makeup: CAD6.99; Outlast lip: CAD9.99
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Express Wear eyeshadow, Baby Lips: CAD3.99; Baby Skin, Color Elixir lip, Fit Me makeup: CAD9.99
- Rimmel: 25% off
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: CAD2.99; Miracle Gel: CAD8.99
- Essie, Ceramic Glaze nail polish: CAD7.99
- Quo by Orly nail polish: CAD8.99.

*** Bonus Optimum points:
- Quo applicators, cosmetic sponges: buy 2 get 500 points
- Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (50 - 100ml): 5,000 points
- Vichy Aqualia, Purete Thermale skin care: x10 points
- Cover FX primer: x10 points
- Quo cosmetic bag: x10 points
- L'Oreal, Sally  Hansen, Quo by Orly, Essie, Sensationail nail products: spend $15 or more, get x15 points
- Avene acne care: x20 points
- Gosh, Quo cosmetics: x20 points.

Lawtons: Buy $50 Lawtons gift card until Saturday, get 95 bonus Airmiles (limit 2 per Airmiles collector account)
*** P&G Brandsaver: buy 2 get 10 bonus miles or buy 4 get 25 bonus miles
- Marcelle BB: 20% off (bonus Airmiles)
- L'Oreal Sublime Bronze: 30% off (bonus miles)
- Batiste dry shampoo: CAD7.99 (bonus miles)
- L'Oreal mascara: 25% off
- Maybelline foundation, powder, concealer: 20% off
- Annabelle Lipsies: CAD3.99
- NYX lip/ eye pencil: 20% off
- Lotus Aroma essential oil: 20% off
- Upper Canada cosmetic bag: 25% off.

Walmart:
- L'Oreal Youth Code, Garnier Ultra-Lift skin care: on roll back
- L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur: CAD14.96
- Clean & Clear, Neutrogena acne care: CAD6.47
- CoverGirl Outlast long-wear lipstick (new): CAD9.97
- Revlon Ultra HD lipstick, gloss: CAD7.96
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara: CAD5.96
- Burt's Bees lip shimmer: CAD4.94
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish: CAD2.47.

The Bay: Estee Lauder GWP of $42.50 on skin care or foundation until June 4. The 7-piece gift includes:
- Your choice of BB cream or moisturizer
- Pure Color lipstick in Nectarine
- Pure Color gloss in Passion Fruit
- Take it Away lotion makeup remover (30ml)
- Sumptuous Bold Volume lifting mascara in Black
- A Lisa Perry tote and sunglasses pouch.

Cover FX: 20% F&F sale with orders $20 or more (US & Canada) ends tomorrow, no code needed. Free shipping with orders over $50 (US) or over $75 (Canada).

tarte: 20% off with code "SPLASH" until Monday. Free sample and free shipping on orders CAD75 and up. Check out the sale page for some good deals.

Kiehls: 20% F&F sale with code "FRIEND" until Sunday. Free sample and free shipping with orders of $60+.

OCC: 20% off until Monday. They do ship internationally but I don't know the rate.

The Body Shop: B3G3F or B2G1F until Sunday in store and Monday online.

Old Navy: Double SuperCash in store ($20 SuperCash for every $25 you spend), regular SuperCash rate online with 2 extra levels. All ends Monday.

Don't you love a dark but sparkly mani?

This is Nicole by OPI Zero is My Hero from the Coca-Cola collection, inspired by Coke Zero.

Without direct flash which brings out the red tone in the base, Zero is My Hero is a slightly shimmery blackened plum colour, looks darker in natural light. You can get away with one good thick coat but I recommend 2 thinner coats to get the depth of this colour. It is worth it.

OPI Coca-Cola collection has the Coke Zero-inspired shade - Today I Accomplished Zero - be a black jelly base with red glitters. Being a fan of glitter polishes, I gotta say that version is a little more exciting, but Zero is My Hero is lovely nonetheless.

I gotta bring in some Sprite, can't stop there :)

The Sprite-inspired shade in the collection is Nicole by OPI Seriously Citrus, a glitter bomb of green, blue, mint and white on a clear base. I love the glitter combination but wish for a base colour so I could just wear it on its own.

I also want to check out the OPI version of Sprite, Green on the Runway, which is a brown/green duochrome. Love it when mainstream brands create more out of the norm colours. I can't have too many glitters or duochromes!

As you can tell, I was feeling a very adventurous look with Sephora Color Lip Last in L Train Jain from Craig & Karl collection. No liner involved.

I was doing some yard work with this bold orange lip on. To make it worth it (hah), I wore it for a quick Shoppers run after too, and it was still going strong. Couldn't help the transfer onto my tea mug so I did need to touch up, but nothing major.

Also went for the pigmented blush - Sephora Colorful blush in Fuchsia Flash. It didn't take much to build up at all and I can start light if I want to. My favorite Colorful blush shade so far.

Definitely had to go light on the eyes. My first "affair" with Viseart eyeshadow palette in Neutral Matte, one of the most expensive palettes I own. Don't regret it cause the pigmentation and blendability, especially for matte eyeshadows, are out of this world!

Other products used:
- Avon Ideal Flawless foundation in Medium Beige
- It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes full coverage concealer in Neutral Medium
I have been breaking out quite badly in the last week, had to bring out the more heavy duty foundation and concealer here
- Elf smudge pot in Back to Basics as base
- Gosh Forever eyeshadow stick in Blue and Sephora + Pantone Universe Foiled Waterproof eyeliner in Rose Gold
- Essence I ♥ Extreme Crazy Volume mascara
- Makeup Revolution Awesome Eyeshadow and Eyebrow palette in Lock and Load for the brows.

It is a short week, but is a really busy week for me too. Friday is Squirt's and the blog's birthday, then we'll be spending some time in TO. I am excited to see my friends there and to visit a few stores that we don't get here in Halifax.

What do you have planned for the weekend?

Besides the Color Lip Lasts, I also bought a few Sephora Collection Colorful blushes to test out, in both formulas.

From the old line (now discontinued), I have Orange Pop (a matte orange) and Fuchsia Flash (a matte fuchsia), part of the Music Festival kit (still available, $22, values $79).

The kit also has a Glossy gloss in Marquisette (clear with gold glitters), a Jumbo liner 12hr wear waterproof in Peacock Blue Shimmer (teal) and a set of ombre green bobby pins, as pictured. The kit is a fun and economical way to check out more Sephora Collection products all in one go.

With the reformulated/ revamped Color blush line, I got Over the Moon (far right), described as a violet, reg. $19 - for comparison.

Both formulas claim natural and long lasting effect but the old line also mentions hydrating and paraben free on the packaging. Honestly, I can't tell the difference in formula based on how these blushes perform on me. It would probably boil down to the colours you choose.

Size wise, the new blushes have slightly more product (0.12oz/ 3.5g vs. 0.11oz/ 3.2g) with less bulky compact (see below, on the left).

I find the pigmentation varies among shades. Fuchsia Flash only takes the lightest tap of the brush to transfer colour to the cheeks while Over the Moon goes on more sheer. They are all easy to blend, buildable (if need to) and last through the day just fine. While being matte, they are not chalky or dry looking.

I also want to show you the swatches using my finger, to show off how beautiful they are in concentrated form, with and without flash.

Fuchsia Flash is the most pigmented shade, like I mentioned, but Orange Pop gives you a summery coral pink glow. Over the Moon can be tricky, depending on the skin tone, but the colour is quite unique in my stash.

Again, I would love to get more Colorful blushes if the price is closer to the $10 mark, but I am happy with the ones I got. Here's a look where I wore Fuchsia Flash if you want to see it on.

Happy long weekend! I have a few Sephora Collection items for you this week, courtesy of my own wallet lol. Blame the VIB sale!

I have heard of Sephora Color Lip Lasts being matte lipsticks with great colours and strong pigmentation. In Sephora's words, they have high-coverage pigments, combined with a "fixative agent" that acts as a lip primer, definitely something I want to try.

Then the Craig & Karl collection came out with 3 (LE) Lip Lasts with cute decorative packaging instead of just black, I gotta have 'em! Not that the colours inside are boring, as you will see below.

The 2 shades I got are L Train Jain and West End Swirl, the bold ones to prep myself for summer :)

I am glad the claims of up to 10 hour lasting power with waterproof texture and comfortable feel hold quite true.

On my lips, they need a second layer for coverage, stay on comfortable and don't dry my lips out. The finish looks more like a liquid lipstick without being messy, I am impressed.

They do transfer to my mug/ chopsticks when I drink or eat but there is still lots staying on the lips as the day goes by. The swatches on my hand only come off with lots of rubbing if I use a wipe but remove fine with micellar water, so removal is not an issue.

Here are L Train Jain (left) and West End Swirl (right), can't say I can pick a favorite. The flash does make them look more glossy but they are truly matte. Here's a FOTD with L Train Jain so you can see it in action.

If you can't tell already, I am a fan of these Color Lip Lasts, except the price. They only have 0.06oz in the tube - half the size of regular Sephora Collection lipsticks, for about the same price ($16 each).

The Craig & Karl collection is LE, available online only but the core Color Lip Last line has more than 25 shades, if you feel like exploring :)

Our very first Urban Outfitters in town is now open. Have you been there?

L'Oreal La Palette Nude 1 and 2 now have their own floor display at Shoppers and Lawtons ($29.99). Walmart has them cheaper though ($23.96).

Shoppers:

*** Saturday & Sunday: Spend Your Points event
- 50,000 points = $100 (extra $15), or
- 95,000 points = $200 (extra $30).
- Life Brand, Balea skin, sun, acne care: 30% off (rest of the week: 20% off)
- Physicians Formula: 40% off (rest of the week: 30% off).

*** All week:
- Vichy Aqualia skin care: 25% off
- L'Oreal facial cleanser, Nivea moisturizer: CAD7.99
- Neutrogena facial moisturizer, sun care: CAD12.99
- L'Oreal, Garnier facial moisturizer (selected): CAD14.99
- L'Oreal, Neutrogena facial moisturizer, Bio oil (125ml): CAD19.99
- Neutrogena cleanser, acne care: CAD9.99
- Clean & Clear cleanser, Lubriderm, Keri lotion: CAD7.99
- Olay, Aveeno skin, sun care: 25% off
- L'Oreal Sublime Bronze, Ombrelle sun care: 20% off
- Banana Boat, Hawaiian Tropic sun care: CAD8.99
- Herbal Essences hair care: CAD3.49
- Garnier Fructis hair care: CAD3.99
- Live Clean, got2b, Dove, Clear hair care: CAD4.99
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise hair care: CAD5.99
- Ogx, Marc Anthony hair care: CAD7.99
- John Frieda, L'Oreal Ever, Elnett hair care: CAD8.99
- Revlon lip (selected): CAD3.99; ColorStay lip, eyeshadow quad: CAD12.99
- CoverGirl Professional mascara, eyeshadow single, Smoochies: 2/CAD10; Ink It eyeliner, Clean, Ready Set Gorgeous makeup, The Super Sizer mascara: CAD7.99
- L'Oreal Infallible eyeliner, eyeshadow singles, Voluminous Miss Manga Rock mascara: CAD9.99
- Annabelle eye makeup remover pads (85's), brow/ eye/ lip liner: CAD5.49
- Rimmel (selected): CAD6.99; lip, eye: CAD3.99; Scandal Eyes Xtreme mascara: CAD7.99
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, Maybelline Color Show polish: 2/CAD6
- Revlon classic, Top Speed nail polish: CAD3.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche polish: CAD5.99; Infallible nail gel: CAD9.99
- CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant polish: CAD5.99
- Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy polish: CAD6.99
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polish, top coat: 2/CAD16
- Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, Quo by Orly polish: CAD8.99.

*** Bonus Optimum points:
- Quo brushes, cosmetics: x20 points
- Gosh cosmetics, nail polish: x20 points
- Fekkai, Nexxus hair care: x20 points
- Gold Bond 1st Aid, foot, skin care: x20 points
- Conair hair appliances: x10 points.

Lawtons:
- Neostrata skin care: 20% off (bonus Airmiles)
- Garnier UltraLift/ Skin Renew skin care: 25% off
- L'Oreal Sublime cleanser, Elnett hair spray: 25% off
- L'Oreal Sublime Sun, Ombrelle, Australian Gold sun care: 25% off
- Coppertone sun care: CAD6.99 - 8.99
- Maybelline eyeshadow palette, Dream makeup: 20% off
- L'Oreal Butterfly/ Intenza mascara, nail polish: 20% off
- Annabelle Kohl eye/ lip liner: CAD4.99 (bonus miles)
- Marcelle cleanser, toner: 20% off
- Physicians Formula: 30% off
- Nicole by OPI: CAD7.99
- LA Colors/ LA Girl nail polish: 20% off
- Red Carpet Manicure: 25% off
- Rapid Lash: 25% off
- Tweezerman implements: 40% off.

Walmart:
- Pond's skin care: CAD5.77
- Biore skin care: CAD6.47
- Garnier skin care: on roll back
- Maybelline 100th Anniversary Great Lash mascara, Baby Lips: CAD3.46
- CoverGirl Clean foundation, pressed powder: CAD5.97
- Revlon Bold Lacquer mascara: CAD7.46
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri: CAD3.78.

Bath and Body Works: $10 off $30 coupon on FB, good until Monday
- Signature body care: B3G3F
- Specialty body care: B2G1F
- Hand soaps: 5/$25 or 3/$18
- 3-wick candles: 2/$25.50, single wick candles: 2/$22
- Wallflowers bulb: $4
- PocketBac: 3/$5.

The Body Shop: B3G3F or B2G1F (exclusions apply) and x2 points for LYB members until Monday.

The Bay: extra 15% off on almost anything online and in store with a Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard until Monday. Exclusions apply.

ebates Canada: Victoria Day cash back blowout
- Amazon.ca: up to 2%
- NewEgg.ca: 2%
- Home Depot, American Eagle, Banana Republic, GAP, Old Navy, Joe Fresh: 4%
- Carter's, Frank & Oak, Dyson: 5%
- Foot Locker, LivingSocial, Macy's, Mark's, SportChek: 6%
- Hotels.com: 6.5%
- Bobbi Brown, The Body Shop, Under Armour: 8%
- Microsoft, Walmart: up to 10%
- Keurig, TOMS: 10%
- Shoeme.ca: 15%
- bh Cosmetics, BaubleBar, New Balance, Dolce Vita, Sole Society, Ugg Australia, Vince Camuto, Costume Supercenter: 16%
- Shop.ca: 20%, etc.

As always, my link is on the left side bar if you need it.

This is one of my favorite shades from Nicole by OPI Coca-Cola collection - DC Lover, inspired by Diet Coke.

The colour theme seems to play up Diet Coke's packaging and not the beverage itself, as DC Lover is a sheer silver shimmery foil with tiny red hex glitters.

I did not use a base colour under 2 coats of DC Lover here but would recommend it, unless you want the VNL peeks through a bit. Application is problem free and removal is not hard either.

Considering its counterpart in OPI Coca-Cola collection - My Signature is "DC" being a silver foil, I like this Nicole's version a lot better.

As promised, I am giving Nicole by OPI The Look is Orange justice after the previous fail of a sponge mani on In Grape Demand.

Inspired by Fanta Orange, The Look is Orange definitely has that squishy cream look but I find the colour is more red than the actual Fanta.

Not complaining though, as I love the finish so much and prefer DC Lover than Orange You Fantastic! from OPI Coca-Cola collection, which a yellow texture with orange and silver glitters.

Two wins in one post for Nicole, that's something! Now if only we can have an easier-to-hold bottle shape, that would be golden :)

We probably all heard of Skindinavia finishing spray, created 10 yeas ago by Skindinavia founder Allen Goldman with the Temperature Control technology to keep the makeup surface cool to avoid melting or sliding (the issue he noticed at a club one night).

Following the success of the finishing spray, Skindinavia introduced the primer spray to help reduce the appearance of large pores and create a smooth canvas for makeup application.

Here are, for size comparison, the 8oz finishing spray bottle I bought last summer (which is still going strong, pass the 6 month estimate, probably because I don't wear makeup everyday) and the 4oz primer spray bottle (Oil control version) I received for review.

The packaging is exactly the same between the 2 sprays, but I do find the primer spray is more fine coming out of the pump, which I prefer.

Similar application method: shake the bottle well, spray 2-4 times in an X and T formation, primer spray before makeup and setting spray after makeup.

Love that the sprays are light weight and oil free, and the oil control version works well for my T zone. Love the convenience too, as I don't have to rub it in or wait for it to absorb, save time in time in the morning.

Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., Hydrolyzed Cornstarch, Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Sodium Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Pyridoxine Cyclic Phosphate, etc.

In short, the 2 sprays are great together, and I recommend them. Since I always have a moisturizer on before makeup, I don't find the alcohol ingredient dries me out.

The primer spray is $35 (4oz) or $49 (8oz), better value in the duo pack - $50 (2x4oz) or $60 (2x8oz). Catch a 20% off + free shipping with any US & Canada orders (or $40+ international orders) and you are set (pun intended).

Also new at The Body Shop this season are the new black and white matte Kajal liners.

I don't have many kajal/ kohl liners in the stash, since I don't do many smoky looks and opt for pencil liners for regular makeup days.

When I received these Kajal liners, I took a liking to the easy-to-grip pen format. The kajal itself, however, cannot be sharpened (see below) nor swiveled up for more product, so the trick, I was told, is to line with the side of the tip.

Formula wise, they are enriched with Community Fair Trade beeswax, aiming for good colour payoff, blendability and pigmentation.

The black Kajal is to define your eyes - fine strokes for a soft look or smudged for for a smoky look.

The white Kajal is meant to work the inner corner of your eyes, waterline and lower lash line to give you that fresh, awake look.

I would suggest using these Kajal liners with a smudger brush on the lash line though. I find them smudging too fast on the waterline. Also, depending on your skin tone, white liner on the waterline might be more harsh than a nude.

They swatch very well on my hand, and the matte finish is awesome.

Available now, 2g, $15 each.

We had one (yes, just one) gloriously warm day on Sunday, guess Mother Nature is a mother after all, she was nice to us on Mother's Day lol.

While those summer warmth still fresh, I think it is time to talk about new additions to The Body Shop Honey Bronze line I was sent for review.

Honey Bronze products are enriched with Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and smell very nice and summery. I look forward to using the dry oil every summer for that subtle glow on the legs and arms :)

Let's get to the new products, shall we? There are 3 super cute Highlighting domes adding to the line. I have shades 01 and 03 to show you.

I like the compact dome format, with twist off cap, easy to tote around with. Similar concept to highlighting sticks, these domes offer a natural looking flush of warm sheen to your face.

Instructions suggest to apply the highlighter directly to the cheekbones and blend with fingertips but I use a brush to avoid my foundation transferring to the dome and the highlighter sticking to my fingers. And it works fine that way.

Both shades are quite creamy, light weight and easy to blend. However, don't expect crazy colour payoff with them, as they are meant to be subtle. The honey scent is also very subtle on these, compared to the body products in the line.

The domes have 0.23oz/ 6.5g (vs. Maybelline Master Glazed blush sticks with 0.24oz/ 6.8g), retail $16 each.

And for your summer dresses and shorts waiting to be worn, The Body Shop introduces the Tinted leg mist. Despite the name, the product has a light gel texture, hence it comes out of the pump like a squirt instead of a spray or mist.

Make sure to hold the bottle near where you want the product to go, as you don't want it flies through the air :)

Don't be alarm with that though, or with how dark it looks first coming out of the pump below. Once rubbed in, the product becomes almost invisible but gives your legs an even warm and moisturized look without any shimmers.

Note that your palm will be tinted by the time you are done spreading the product on, so wash it right away. However, the product on your legs will not transfer to your clothes nor bed sheets if you allow it a few minutes to dry.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Alcohol Denat. (solvent), Butylene Glycol (humectant), Glycerin (humectant), PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (emulsifying agent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer (viscosity increasing ggent), Honey (humectant), Fragrance, Sodium Polyacrylate (film former/viscosity increasing agent), etc.

The bottle is 4.2oz/ 125ml, $20.

Here are how the highlighting domes (right) and the tinted leg mist look freshly applied, not blended.

Next time you are at The Body Shop store, give the Honey Bronze line a look! The products are fun for the summer.

Haligonians, Open City (After the Ice Age, lol) is tomorrow! I am ready to chow down on some good food.

Shoppers: Saturday & Sunday: 18,500 points with $75 purchase
- L'Oreal skin care: 30% off
- L'Oreal Sublime, Ombrelle sun care: 20% off
- Garnier facial moisturizer: CAD12.99
- Clean & Clear, Biore facial cleanser: CAD6.99
- Nivea skin care: 25% off
- Garnier Fructis hair care: CAD2.99
- L'Oreal Hair Expertise, Ever, Elnett hair care: CAD6.99
- Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs: CAD9.99
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, True Match, Infallible makeup: 30% off
- Maybelline eyeshadow, Volume Express mascara, Color Sensational lip, Fit Me makeup: CAD6.99
- Revlon ColorBurst lip, eye: CAD8.99; lip: CAD9.99
- Rimmel: CAD5.99
- L'Oreal Infallible/ Colour Riche nail polish, press on nails: 30% off
- Quo by Orly nail polish, gels: CAD6.99.

Lawtons:
- Ombrelle sun care: 25% off
- Olay Fresh Effects, Total Effects skin care: 25% off
- H2O skin care: 20% off
- Upper Canada: 30% off
- Crabtree & Evelyn: 20% off (bonus miles)
- Baby Foot peel treatment: CAD16.99 (bonus miles)
- Organix hair care: 25% off
- L'Oreal eye makeup remover: BOGO
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Color Show Kohl eyeliner: CAD4.99
- CoverGirl, Wet n Wild: 20% off
- Marcelle eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara: 20% off
- Annabelle TwistUp lip/ eye: CAD7.99
- Rimmel BB: CAD8.99
- NYX single eyeshadow: 20% off
- ColorEvolution eyeshadow, eyeliner, foundation, concealer: 20% off
- Bonne Bell: 25% off
- Danielle acrylic organizer: 25% off.

The Bay: Extra 15% off women's fashion, shoes, sandals, lingerie, hosiery, sleepwear, robes, sunglasses, jewelry, accessories, handbags and wallets, men's and women's watches, online and in store until Sunday with Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard.

Bath and Body Works: Spring Getaway tote $25 with $40 purchase, values $100, with:
- Georgia Peach body lotion (250ml), shower gel (300ml) and fine fragrance mist (240ml)
- Beautiful Day body lotion (90ml), shower gel (90ml), fine fragrance mist (90ml), Wallflowers refill and a Wallflower plug, and
- Southern Lemon Chiffon gentle foaming hand soap (ml).

Other promotions:
- Signature body care: B3G3F
- Specialty body care: B2G1F
- Hand soaps: 6/$28 or 3/$18
- 3-wick candles: 3/$33.50 or 2/$25.50, single wick candles: $8 each
- PocketBac: 3/$5.

The Body Shop: B3G3F or B2G1F in store and online until Sunday. Exclusions apply.

Old Navy: SuperCash is back until May 25 and redemption is May 30 - June 6.

I want to show you today a beautiful fuchsia purple cream that Nicole by OPI brings out in the Coca-Cola collection, sent to me for review.

This is In Grape Demand, inspired by Fanta Grape by Coca-Cola. 2 coats, good opacity.

Back when I was growing up in Asia, Fanta was quite popular but I was not a fan of the grape flavour. No hating on the nail polish though :)

In Grape Demand seems to be a lighter purple than the packaging colour of Fanta Grape, but I am not complaining, cause I like it quite a bit.

I do not have any shades from OPI Coca-Cola collection, but going by how the colours look, OPI A Grape Affair (also inspired by Fanta Grape) is a much darker and dustier purple cream.

Forgive my fail sponging attempt here. I am still experimenting with the right sponge and the technique, so this turned out to me more of a watercolour attempt than sponging.

I used 2 other colours from the same collection - Always a Classic Coca-Cola and The Look is Orange but the gradient effect refused to happen. I definitely will feature them in later NOTDs to do them better justice.

Another aqua burst of colour and more innovative products today!

If you are familiar with the traditional blue and white packaging of Vichy Purete Thermale products, get excited as the line is being revamped with this gorgeous aqua theme and a solid V logo on the front.

There are 2 brand new cleansers launched in the line that I could not wait to tell you about but we can't forget great existing cleansers either, so this post will be a mix of both.

A note to start: All 3 cleansers carry a light fresh scent that I personally enjoy but test them in advance if you are scent sensitive.

The current product that gets the new look is the 3-in-1 One Step cleanser. It is truly a multi purpose product - a cleansing milk, an eye makeup remover and a toner.

I was surprised to realize it is a no rinse cleanser, applied with just a cotton pad. I was all for that but wondered how well it would work.

Well wonder no more after the first few tries. The milk gel texture is very pleasant to use, light and soothing. Makeup comes off and the face is left feeling comfortable, clean and non greasy. I can sing raves about this cleanser all day!

Ingredients: Water, Paraffinum Liquidum/ Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Potassium Phosphate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium Edta, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii/ Shea Butter Seedcake Extract, Fragrance.

It is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The tube is 6.7oz/ 200ml, retails $19.95.

On to the brand new stuff.

This is the Fresh cleansing gel that is designed to remove impurities (dust, sebum excess and pollution particles) and reduce the discomfort caused by hard water.

The formula is enriched with moringa, easy to use. It is a bit runny (see below) and does take a bit to rinse off thoroughly, but the comfortable feeling afterward is the same.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Chloride, Dipropylene Glycol, Lauric Acid, Triethanolamine, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Fragrance.

The bottle, with a pump, has 6.7oz/ 200ml, retails $19.95.

Here are the textures of the 3-in-1 One Step cleanser (left) and the Fresh cleansing gel (gel).

Within that one minute while I tried to take pictures, the gel was running down on my hand :) Not a big deal when you actually use it though, cause you would be pumping it into your balm.

The milk gel fared better, staying put on my hand, so you will have time to spread it out on the cotton pad before application.

Lastly, the Beautifying cleansing micellar oil. Finally, Vichy makes a cleansing oil. Wish granted!

If you are new to cleansing oils, they are to go on your dry hand, then massage onto your dry face. Add a few drops of water to emulsify the oil, then rinse off with water.

The short and sweet verdict: I like everything about this oil. I did not test it on my eye makeup and mascara, cannot confirm that aspect.

Before you wonder, I prefer Vichy (125ml, $19.95) a tiny bit than L'Oreal Sublime Radiance Sensational cleansing oil (150ml, $14.99) which I also like. It takes less product (one pump) to cover my face, spreads out a tad easier and the scent attracts me more. If you like Sublime Radiance, there is no reason to stop though.

The ingredients [Paraffinum Liquidum, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isohexadecane, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance] are almost identical to L'Oreal's, with the exception of Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, which has moisture retaining and emulsifying properties.

So there are quite a few options for you, depending on what texture you look for in a cleanser and the weather you use it with. Have fun with it!

Would you look at that gorgeous aqua and hot pink packaging!

This trio of L'Oreal Hair Expertise Fibralogy line was sent from the Influenster Vox Box program for review. I couldn't stop oh-ahhing for a long while :)

The idea of thicker hair both excites and cats a shadow of doubt in me.

I normally look for cleansing properties in my shampoo, conditioning work in my conditioner (obviously) and leave the thickening effect to the treatments. If this trio together can do all that, I am all set!

The essence of the line is Filloxane, a molecule proven to increase the section of the hair fibre, supposed to penetrate and diffuse the hair and remain up to 10 shampoos, creating a cumulative thickening effect.

Let's look at Fibralogy thickening shampoo and conditioner first.

I gotta say right away, the shampoo, leaves my hair with, instead of the squeaky feeling when you can hardly run your hand through the strands, the light and fluffy feeling, like it has been deep conditioned already. I am not used to this lol.

The conditioner enhances that feeling, being a nice companion to the shampoo. They both feel creamy coming out of the bottle and smell really nice.

Now I haven't strayed from the regular routine and tested the conditioner alone (the no-shampoo routine, adopted by quite a few ladies out there), so I can't confirm if it can perform the job for the whole line but, it is promising together with the shampoo.

The trick to bring that light thickening effect to the next level is the Fibralogy thickness booster, with L'Oreal highest concentration of Filloxane (5%).

Like a primer for your conditioner, it is a runny clear gel that goes on with no rinsing required. You apply a dime-sized amount of it from root to tip after rinsing out the shampoo and before applying the conditioner.

It also works like a primer - enhancing the volumizing effect and making it last for days. Mind you, it is not going to make your hair look like you just teased it like crazy but save you from that flat hair look without too much effort.

So if you have heard some raves about this line, you will hear them again here. Of course, hair products are just as personal as fragrances, but I hope you would give it a try if you are looking for volume.

For Mother's Day this year, The Body Shop brings us the Union Jack Special Edition of the Vitamin E line!

I am excited with the products I received to review for you for a few reasons.

Vitamin E is known for its hydrating effect and protection against environmental damage, appropriate for a Mother's Day feature.

Then the frosted pink packaging (and the Union Jack print of course) is all classy and cute. Not mentioning the light refreshing scent that makes the products more fun to use.

On top of all that, these products are quite unique and innovative. Let's get to that, shall we?

This little glass jar of gems is the Aqua Boost sorbet.

With summer weather in mind, how do instant cooling sensation and all day hydration sound? That's what this sorbet offers.

Enriched with wheatgerm oil and Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana, the sorbet feels like a fluffy gel but is light and cool on the skin. It absorbs quite fast, does not leave any trace behind and keeps me hydrated all day. Definitely a summer staple.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), Dimethicone (skin conditioning agent), Alcohol Denat. (solvent), Silica (absorbent), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (skin conditioning agent - emollient), Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2 (absorbent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer (film former), etc.

The jar is 1.7oz/ 50ml, retails $20.

If you haven't tried the Overnight serum-in-oil so far, you need to!

A combination of serum and oil to recharge the skin with moisture overnight, with highest concentration of wheatgerm oil and enriched with Community Fair Trade soya oil.

I use about 4-5 drops of product with the built-in dropper, in the palm first then pat on to the face and neck. Massage it in with circular motions. That's it!

Absorption wise, it does take a bit more time than a regular serum but nothing major. I just head to bed with it and it does not transfer to my pillow nor make me oily in the morning. A fun new way to moisturize!

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (skin-conditioning agent), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil (emollient), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (skin-conditioning agent), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (emollient), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (skin-conditioning agent), etc.

The jar is 0.94oz/ 28ml, retails $28.

New in the line is the Eyes cube, a refreshing anti-fatigue eye stick to revive and refresh the appearance of the eye area.

The cooling effect sure is awesome and helps with depuffing the bags under the eyes. I can't say if it helps with dark circles but it does make my eyes look less tired and more hydrated.

Another cool thing to have for the summer!

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane (skin conditioning agent - humectant), Sodium Stearate (surfactant), Butylene Glycol (humectant), Propanediol (viscosity modifier), Methoxy PEG-10 (humectant), PEG-150 (humectant), Glycerin (humectant), etc.

Very similar to H2O Instant Hydrating stick for half the price - 0.14oz/ 4g, $15. I still wish for a bit more product in the stick though.

A quick swatch to show you the textures of the sorbet and what is left behind by the Eyes cube.

The Vitamin E line is permanent but this special Union Jack packaging is limited edition, so check it out if you want some for yourself or your mom :)