Sparkled Beauty

Freedom Makeup, the sister brand of Makeup Revolution, has had a few free gift promotions lately. I placed my first order the one time the gift included many items that I wanted to try.

We start with lip products today. Pro Melts are described as long lasting hybrid glosses with melted lipstick formula, £3 each.

I went for the 8-piece set, £18 (save £6) cause I found the colours quite represent a good range.

Here are D-ream, Wanted, Smooth, Sugar Fix, Up, TGIF, Jammy Dodger and Just Do It.

The Pro Melts come with classic gloss tube packaging in silver box (far left) with an opening on the side to show the colour inside. Since the products are sold online, I'm not sure the boxes are necessary though. Just saying :)

The applicator is also standard, easy to use. I guess the formula is the point to discuss with these glosses.

As you see in the swatches below, the glosses are all cream (no glitters/ shimmers), go on wet like a gloss then dry down to a semi matte finish.

Mind you, they show no shine on the lips but are not completely matte like LA Girl Matte pigment glosses or Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lips I reviewed recently.

Wear wise, they are not super long lasting (i.e. transferable with eating/ drinking) nor drying either but the most comfortable wear among the 3 brands. I'd say they are good as introduction to matte liquid lipsticks.

The swatches, with 2 swipes each: D-ream, Wanted,Smooth and Sugar Fix on the left; Up, TGIF, Jammy Dodger and Just Do It on the right.

Pigmentation and layering are quite good with these glosses. Needless to say, I need a bright base underneath D-ream and Just Do It (a bit streaky) to make them wearable on me. The other 6, however, are great just as is.

I enjoy the Pro Melts as a nice change from flat matte glosses. The price is great too. If you are new to the brand, newsletter subscription would give you a 20% off code and upgraded tracked shipping for £7.95 (normally £11.95) for the first order.

After confirming 5 free standing stores in the US, NYX also announced the very store in Canada will be in downtown Toronto (Queen St. W) this October. If you find the location, post picture with #nyxinthesix #nyxcanada to win prizes :)

Groupe Marcelle has launched a men's skin care brand called CW Beggs and Sons with 13 products ranging from $18 - $98 on cwbeggs.com.

Shoppers:

*** Saturday & Sunday: x20 points when you spend $75 or more on cosmetics, select skin care, fragrances, jewelry, hair colour, bath foam & gel, nail care, hosiery
- Olay skin care: 25% off (rest of the week: 20% off).
*** Until Thursday:
- RoC skin care: 25% off
- Jouviance skin care: 20% off
- Neostrata facial cleanser, moisturizer: 20% off
- Neutrogena skin, sun, hair care: 20% off
- Cerave skin care: 20% ff
- L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil shampoo/ conditioner: CAD3.99; Studio Line Hot & Sleek cream or Hot & Big spray: CAD6.99
- Aussie, Herbal Essences hair care: CAD2.99
- L'Oreal Colour Riche lip: CAD7.99; Infallible lip, Voluminous mascara: CAD9.99
- Maybelline Color Blur lip, Lash Sensational mascara, brow products: CAD7.99; the Nudes palette: CAD15.99
- Revlon eyeshadow, mascara, lip: CAD7.99
- CoverGirl eyeshadow quad, Full Lash Bloom/ Lash Blast mascara: CAD7.99; Colorlicious/ Outlast lip: CAD9.99; Outlast/ TruBlend makeup: CAD12.99
- Marcelle Flawless foundation, brow products: CAD9.99
- Rimmel (selected): CAD5.99
- Cover FX CC cream: BOGO
- L'Oreal Infallible nail gel: CAD7.99.

*** Third week of Shake up your Makeup event and it's all about face:

- 8,000 points with Stila Shape & Shade Custom Contour duo and Shape & Shade Custom Contour brush together
- 8,000 points with Clarins Double serum or any anti-aging day cream
- 8,000 points with Biotherm Blue Therapy, Skin Best or Life Plankton product
- x20 points with Clinique 3-step or Sonic system brush
- x15 points with $50 Estee Lauder purchase
- x15 points with Smashbox primer
- x10 points with $25 purchase of Quo cosmetics 
- x10 points with Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker products.

*** Bonus Optimum points offers:
- 9,500 points with purchase of 2 CoverFX brushes, Illuminating primer, powder or Natural Finish oil-free foundation
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 Vichy Normaderm skin care products
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 Neostrata acne care products
- 2,500 points with Avene Cleanance Hydra soothing cream (40ml) or soothing cleansing cream (200ml)
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 Gosh nail polish or cosmetic products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 Revlon Age Defying/ PhotoReady makeup products
- x10 points with $25 purchase of Quo implements, nail polish, gels or accessories
- x10 points with No7 Beautiful Skin quick thinking wipes (30's)
- x5 points with La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar foaming cream cleanser (150ml) or Skin Brightening daily care (30ml).

Lawtons:
- Avene Cleanance: 20% off
- Marcelle skin care (including makeup removers): 20% off
- Neostrata, Cliniderm skin care: 25% off
- Formula 10.0.6 toner, foam cleanser, mud mask: 25% off
- Maybelline mascara, eyeliner: 30% off
- Revlon ColorStay, PhotoReady: 25% off
- CoverGirl mascara, Liquid Line Blast eyeliner: 25% off
- Annabelle: 25% off (bonus Airmiles)
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off (excluding nail polish, gift sets)
- Physicians Formula: 20% off (bonus miles)
- ColorEvolution: 20% off
- Crabtree & Evelyn nail polish: 50% off
- L'Oreal nail polish: 25% off
- SinfulColors: 2/CAD5
- EcoTools: 25% off.

Walmart: acne care (across brands) is on roll back
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara: CAD5.96; Dream Matte, liquid, mousse foundation: CAD9.84
- L'Oreal Color Riche lipstick: CAD7.96
- Annabelle eye/ lip pencil: 2/CAD7
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure: CAD6.97.

Sears: Lancome GWP of $36 or more until September 11. The 7-piece gift, values up to $183, includes:
- Your choice of serum: Advanced Genefique (8ml) or Visionnaire (7ml)
- Your choice of skin care: Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF30 (15ml), Renergie Lift Multiple action (15ml) or High Resolution Refill (3x, 15ml)
- Your choice of makeup: Color Design palette or Blush Subtil, and Color Design lip or Juicy Tube
- Hypnose mascara (2ml)
- Bi-Facil eye makeup remover (50ml) and
- A cosmetic bag.

With a Lancome purchase of $95 or more, you'll get an additional gift - a choice among skincare, makeup or fragrance.

With $75 Lancome purchase or more with Sears credit card, you'll get a $25 saving card, redeemable on women's & men's fashion/ footwear, women's intimates/ hosiery, jewelry, accessories, luggage and selected kids' purchases of $75 or more.

Freedom Makeup: £5 off £20 orders until 5pm BST Tuesday.

Makeup Revolution: £30 free product with £30 orders until 10am BST Tuesday.

The gift includes 2 palettes, 3 lipsticks, a blush stick, a single eyeshadow, an eye dust and a gloss.

Makeup Academy: Free eye brush trio with £20 orders until Monday.

Sleek: Free shipping with £10 / €15 / $20 orders (US) or $25 orders (rest of the world) until 10am BST Tuesday.

Zahra Beauty: 30% off most items - acrylic lipstick/ gloss/ compact holders. No code needed.

FYI, I did a test order: 1 lipstick tower ($69.30 after discount) will ship free in the US or cost $37 (the cheapest option) to ship to Canada (equaling the discount amount pretty much).

Bath and Body Works: 20% off coupon on FB, today only
- "Splash into Summer" Signature body care: 3/$12 or $5 each
- Signature body lotion: $5
- Signature body care: B3G2F, Specialty body care: B2G1F
- Hand soaps: 6/$25 or 4/$20
- 3-wick candles: 2/$25.50, select 3-wick candles: $11
- Wallflowers bulb: 4/$20.50
- Scentportable refills: 4/$10
- PocketBac: 3/$5
- 1.5oz concentrated room sprays: 2/$12 or $8 each. 

The Bay: 3-day sale on shoes, clothing, home and more. Extra 15% off with Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard until Sunday. Exclusions apply.

ebates.ca: 3 year anniversary promo with triple cash back on selected stores, today only
- etsy: 3%
- amazon: up to 4%
- American Eagle, Dynamite, Forever 21, LL Bean: 4%
- ebay: up to 5%
- The Bay, L'Occitane, Ssense: 5%
- Roots, HP, Old Navy, Groupon, J.Crew, Macy's, Nordstrom, Sportchek: 6%
- ASOS, Le Chateau: 7%
- Joe Fresh, Sephora, GAP, Banana Republic, Aldo, Clinique, Kiehl's, Health Snap, Michael Kors, Neiman Marcus: 8%
- Foot Locker, Living Social: 9%
- The Body Shop, ShoeMe.ca: 12%
- Indigo: up to 15%
- TOMS, Lancome: 15%
- bh Cosmetics: 22.5%
- Proactiv, Wen: 48% cash back.

If you have a post-elementary student (high school, college/ university) or teacher ID, H&M offers 15% off regular-priced merchandise until September 7. Forever 21 does the same in the stores but only on Fridays in August, so today is the last day.

You would know by now that I have been deep to my knees in textured polish and am loving it still.

"Speckled" textures are not new either, but I find the colour and texture combinations in Nicole by OPI's Roughles collection (Spring 2014) quite different.

I got all 4 shades but decided on Rock the Look for the day. A soft pink (not really me) but with red and black flakes (very me) that gives the overall look that peach tint I can totally rock.

Compared to the Gumdrops (sparkly textured polish, also from Nicole by OPI, Fall 2013), the Roughles are less gritty but equally fun and quite unique.

This is one and a half coats. With enough polish on the brush (which I didn't), you can totally do just one coat with good opacity. And please do not add a top coat to the Roughles! It would ruin the beauty of them all, in my opinion :)

The wear is better than average, more than 2 days for me. Another bonus. The Roughles are unfortunately LE. If you have them in the stash though, wear them now!

NYX High Voltage lipsticks are not new in the US (well, they already move on to the next best thing - newly released Liquid Suede cream lipsticks) but new to me.

Heard good things about them, I went and built a CP wish list with my US friend. And here they are, finally: Playdate, Flutter Kiss, Twisted and Wine & Dine.

The High Voltage lipsticks are slim and long with clear lids that show the colour-coordinated tubes. I find them go on light, quite opaque with good pigmentation and some slip, very comfortable to wear.

Playdate is quite a unique colour in my stash. The tube is slightly misleading since it is totally not a pale baby pink. The bullet is more accurate with that strong purple/ grey tint that you will also see in the swatches below.

I got Flutter Kiss to embrace that "nude lip" side that I am leaning toward a lot lately.

Twisted is an easy choice - purple/ fuchsia tone is very me :) A lot warmer than Playdate.

And lastly, Wine & Dine is that dreamy dark red that I always like, supposed to be a dupe of MAC Rebel. Another reason to like it :)

These swatches were done with about 2 swipes for each colour. They show up quite glossy at first. The shine tones down a bit after about 15 minutes but is still visible enough.

Playdate's purple base shows up stronger in the pic, just a note. I normally wear it on top of a red lip liner to warm it up to suit my skin tone better.

The lipsticks last a few hours on me and do transfer. They do not claim to be long wearing nor waterproof anyway. Don't notice much of a scent on them.

Check out these High Voltage lipsticks if you have a chance. There are more than 20 shades in the range, 0.09oz/ 2.5g, $6 each in the US or CAD8.99 at London Drugs.

The very first NYX free-standing store in Canada opens in Toronto this October, be ready!

I reviewed Marcelle Fall makeup products two weeks ago, now let's see what skin care products they launch this month :)

There's something irritated skin needs - the Ultra Gentle moisturizing cream.

Formulated to hydrate and soothe the skin, the product offers protection from dehydration and daily aggressors that can cause irritation while leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.

Now the product feels light on (more like a lotion than a cream as the name suggest), fast absorbing and does a great job to keep my skin hydrated and calm. I would say it is my basic moisturizer of choice during bad phase of breakouts, no big bells or whistles.

Seal on the nozzle, no contamination/ testing in stores.

Instructions say to apply the moisturizing cream in the morning on well cleansed skin, and I tested it that way. I do have other night creams to alternate but don't see why you can't use it before bed as well.

Ingredients: Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Allantoin, Stearamidopropyl Diemthylamine, Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid, etc.

The cream is meant for normal to dry skin but it does not make my combination skin greasy through the day. Perfume/ oil/ paraben/ soap/ sulfate free. The tube is 1.7oz/ 50ml, $18.95.

Another product that tends to my eye makeup: the Instant eye makeup remover with a dual phase formula and enriched with aloe vera.

Let me just get it out there that this makeup remover is oil free and feels just like water on the skin.

So other than the "shake well before use" and "rinse with warm water" parts, I cannot tell the difference between this and micellar water when used on the eyes. They remove makeup with the same ease, comfort and efficiency, 95% on waterproof mascaras like most micellar waters on me.

Also tested it on some thicker long wear liquid lipsticks with about 90% success using one side of the cotton pad or 98% with both sides and some rubbing. No complaints there.

The standard cap and nozzle on the bottle work fine with cotton pads.

Ingredients: Water, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-6 Caprylic/ Capric Glycerides, Poloxamer 184, Copper Gluconate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Benzoate, Sodum Salicylate, Sodium Citrate.

Suitable for contact lens wearers. Perfume/ oil/ paraben free. The bottle is 5oz/ 150ml, $14.95.

Left: the Ultra Gentle moisturizing cream with the lotion-y texture.

Right: the Instant eye makeup remover on a cotton pad, lightly blue-tinted liquid but goes on invisible.

No scent detected on either product.

All I have to say is Canadians are missing out in lots of things in the beauty world (Sephora sale page as the case in discussion) but not with makeup removers. Marcelle makes one of the best ones out there that I tried.

Freeman Beauty has recently launched its c. Booth bath and body care line at Walmart Canada, all free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and petrolatum. I had the opportunity to try out some products to review for you.

The All-Over-Body Sea Salt scrub, rich in minerals and nutrients, has coarse salt for deep scrubbing action on rough/ dry skin and circulation boosting, and eucalyptus for a cool, fresh feeling.

To use: Massage over wet skin with circular motions, pay extra attention to rough spots, including callused hands, before rinsing off.

The aqua blue colour is very pretty in the jar, it excites me. No worries since it goes on the skin clear (see the swatch below).

Similarly, the scent in the jar is slightly minty and fresh but changes into ocean-y on the skin. Hard to describe, and I am not particularly a fan of. I still enjoy the scrub and how soft it makes my skin feel, just not the scent.

And a note: salt scrub might sting if you have a scratch/ open wound on the skin.

Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Maris Sal (Sea Salt), Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Algae Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Blue 1 (CI 42090).

The tub is 8oz/ 227g, $8.97.

A quite new concept in the Blackberry in-bath body conditioner - lotion up while bathing, like hair conditioner but for your skin. To use: After cleansing, massage a good amount over wet skin and rinse. No additional lotion needed.

The coconut oil, sweet almond oil and shea butter in the formula are moisturizing and deep conditioning, while blackberry seed oil offers antioxidants with a very light scent.

The texture is thinner and rinses off a lot faster than a hair conditioner. Admittedly, this is an extra step before you get out of the shower, but it only takes a minute and I do find it moisturizing enough to skip the lotion step after, so that is fair.

The decision factor is the scent, depending on your preference. This body conditioner would leave hardly any scent on your skin. If you like to smell good after shower, go for a scented lotion instead, or spray on your fragrance later.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweeet Almond) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Fragrance, etc.

I would recommend this product if you want to change up your shower routine :) The tube is 6oz/ 177ml, $8.97.

The Original bath & body oil is totally on trend, giving you a subtle sheen on the skin with a blend of antioxidant safflower, sesame, jojoba and evening primrose oils, blended with soothing wheat and moisturizing olive.

To use: Pour 3-4 capfuls into warm water and soak for 10-15 minutes, or apply a few drops directly onto skin and massage in.

I am not a bath person so I have been using the oil like a moisturizer. It goes on a little thicker than other oils I tried but spreads out and absorbs very well.

I love the sheen it leaves on my arms and legs! The skin feels moisturized but not sticky nor greasy. And again, the scent is refreshing but very subtle.

Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, etc.

The bottle is huge (for an oil) - 16oz/ 473ml, only $9.97.

Lastly, you will want to try the Walnut Shell body scrub & cleanser, a creamy exfoliator with a delicious nutty scent. I don't normally go for desert/ sweet scents but this is more toasted-nutty and creamy without being overwhelmingly sweet, so I am a big fan! The scent does not linger very long though.

To Use: Massage a generous amount over wet skin, rinse thoroughly. Great before applying a self-tanner.

The walnut shell powder is non abrasive, pairing with rose hip, balm mint and kola nut to smooth and tone the skin. I love everything about this scrub.

Ingredients: Water, Pumice, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Alcohol, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract, etc.

Same big bottle as the oil - 16oz/ 473ml, $7.97.

A quick shot of the grains of salt in the Sea Salt scrub (left) and the particles in the Walnut Shell body scrub. These are closeups, so know that they are not that big IRL :)

I find a few c. Booth favorites already. Check out the line next time you are at Walmart!

My local readers, Taste of Argyle starts today and goes on all weekend 12-8pm.

Treat your eyes with that beautiful argyle pattern on the street, your ears with live band music and your mouth with street food from various restaurant in the area.

Also, Lawtons at Halifax Shopping Centre has moved over next to Victoria's Secret with a store front open out to the street. A lot nicer than the back corner they had before.

Meanwhile in the UK, Batiste has launched a styling range with hair spray, volumizing/ texturizing spray, heat/ shine/ frizz spray, etc.

Shoppers:

*** Saturday & Sunday: 18,500 points with $75 purchase.

*** All week:
- Biore, Clean & Clear skin care: CAD6.99
- Nivea skin/ lip care: 25% off
- Burt's Bees lip care: 20% off
- Garnier facial cleanser: CAD6.99
- Olay facial cleanser: CAD7.99
- L'Oreal facial cleanser: CAD9.99
- Neutrogena, Aveeno, L'Oreal facial moisturizer: CAD19.99
- Vichy Purete Thermale skin care: CAD12.99
- Reversa skin care: 20% off
- Neostrate, Cliniderm skin care: 25% off
- Herbal Essences hair care: CAD2.99
- TreSemme, got2b, Fructis, Infusium hair care: CAD4.99
- CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara, Colorlicious lip, Clean makeup: CAD5.99
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Baby Lips gloss: CAD4.99; Color Blur, SuperStay lip: CAD9.99
- Maybelline Dream/ Face Studio makeup: 20% off
- L'Oreal Voluminous original mascara, Colour Riche lip: CAD6.99; ColorStay eyeliner, lip: CAD7.99; other Voluminous mascaras: CAD9.99
- Revlon Ultra HD lip: CAD9.99
- Marcelle Flawless foundation, brow products: CAD9.99
- Rimmel mascara, lip: CAD4.99; brow: CAD6.99
- Physicians Formula: 30% off
- Elizabeth Arden GWP of $38 or more, values $148
- Lancome PWP: with any purchase of Lancome beauty product, you can get a 9-piece beauty kit, values $244, for $55.

Essence Barely There collection has arrived, giving you more nude options for the eyes, lips and nails.

We get 3 out of 5 lipsticks and 4 out of 5 I Love Trends (The Nudes) nail polish from the original I Love Nude collection in Europe, and no single eyeshadows nor XXXL glosses. The 2 Lash Princess mascaras (False Lash and Volume) I believe are repromotes. Not sure about the All About Chocolates palette.

*** Beauty bonus: With $75 purchase of cosmetics, skin care or fragrance, you'll get a free cosmetic bag filled with beauty samples.

*** Second week of Shake up your Makeup event and it's all about lips:

- 3,000 points with Bourjois Volume Glamour Push Up mascara or Rouge Aqua Laque lipstick
- 4,000 points with purchase of 2 Pur Minerals products
- x10 points with $25 purchase of Quo cosmetics (until September 4)
- x10 points with Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker products (until September 4).

*** Other bonus Optimum points offers:
- 9,500 points with purchase of 2 CoverFX brushes, Illuminating primers, powders, Natural Finish oil-free foundations
- 8,000 points with Marc Jacobs 100ml fragrance
- 8,000 points with Lancome Grandiose mascara (& free Deluxe Cils Booster XL sample)
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 Vichy Normaderm skin care products
- 8,000 points with purchase of 2 Neostrata Acne Clear skin care products
- 1,500 points with purchase of 2 Quo by Orly Lashes, nail polish or gels
- 1,000 points with Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive purifying care (30ml)
- x20 points with Strivectin SD/ Labs skin care products
- x15 points with $50 Estee Lauder purchase
- x15 points with purchase of 2 CoverGirl Super Sizer mascaras or Ready Set Gorgeous makeup products
- x10 points with CoverFX anti-aging/ smoothing eye primer
- x10 points with No7 Protect & Perfect serum
- x5 points with La Roche Posay pigmentclar Eyes or serum.

Lawtons:
- SoftLips: BOGO
- CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous: CAD6.99; Clean makeup: CAD7.99
- Revlon eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner: 25% off
- L'Oreal eye/ brow liner: 30% off
- Maybelline Baby Lips gloss: CAD3.99
- Color Club nail polish: BOGO.

Walmart:
- Physicians Formula Super BB and CC 3-piece kit: CAD19.97 (save $8)
- Biore mini trio kit: CAD4
- Neutrogena/ Clean & Clear acne skin care: on roll back
- CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless foundation: CAD14.74
- L'Oreal Telescopic mascara: CAD8.96
- Essie: CAD7.96.

Superstore:
- CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara: CAD7.97
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara: CAD5.97
- L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga mascara: CAD8.97
- Rimmel Scandal Eyes mascara: CAD5.97
- Essie: CAD7.97.

Makeup Geek: $150 Foiled complete set ($25 off) or $140 Ultimate eyeshadow palette ($20 off) until Sunday.

Sephora has thrown a lot of items to the sale page (product count went from around 20 yesterday to over 70 today). If you still shop with them, take a look!

Real Techniques Bold Metals brushes has been available at Farleyco and now ftb Beauty too. I haven't seen them in stores yet.

Bath and Body Works: $10 off $30 coupon on FB, good until Sunday
- 3-wick candles: BOGOFREE, select 3-wick candles: $11; single wick candles: 2/$22
- Hand soaps: 6/$25 or 4/$20
- "Splash into Summer" Signature body care: 3/$15 or $7 each
- Signature body care: B3G2F
- Select Specialty body care: B2G1F
- PocketBac: 3/$5
- Scentportable refills: 4/$10
- 1.5oz concentrated room sprays: 2/$12 or $8 each. 

This week has been abnormally hot, we are talking above 30 hot. I am absolutely not complaining, just stating a fact, because it is a rare event :)

I thought it would be appropriate that the nail colour is hot too. This is Zoya Dhara Pixie Dust, released in the Fall 2013 collection.

Described as a fiery orange copper with a matte AND sparkly textured finish, Dhara sounds like everything I want in a summer nail polish :)

This is just one coat, believe it! I love the sparkly matte finish so I did not use a top coat. No regrets!

Would you imagine that much gold shimmers hidden in the bottle without this bottle shot?

I think Zoya thought this through and added more shimmers so that they can shine through the matte finish without overpowering the overall look. And it worked.

2 weeks till school starts and back-to-school shopping for Squirt is done :) It would feel like summer is ending too, unfortunately. Could have had a few more trips in but Squirt and I have had a nice time so far. Hope your summer is longer and exciting while it lasts :)

I found Supergoop! Defense Refresh SPF50 (broad spectrum) setting mist with rosemary on Sephora. I wanted to try it, had to have it shipped over by a US friend cause the brand is not available to Canadians.

Claiming to be a three-in-one mist that sets makeup, controls oil and delivers UV protection with a matte finish and a rosemary and mint scent, the product is very intriguing.

There are lots of (matte) makeup setting sprays but a sunscreen spray that can go directly on the face (i.e. reapplying SPF protection without disturbing the makeup you already have on the face) is first in the market that I know of.

On the other 2 aspects of the formula, the optical diffusing silica silylate is supposed to help controlling oil and reducing shine, leaving the skin matte and smooth, and creating a sheer shield on top of makeup that dries quickly after application.

How to use:
- Shake well so that the UV protective and makeup setting ingredients are evenly emulsified and distributed
- Mist 4 times in a circle (with eyes and mouth closed during and about 3 seconds after application) after makeup or on bare face 15 minutes before sun exposure
- Reapply at least every 2 hours.

Warning: not to use on damaged/ broken skin.

Take it from me, you will want to follow the above instructions (especially the misting step) to a T. If you open your eyes too quickly after application, they might water. Also, hold your breath for at least 5 seconds or you first whiff will be very herbal-ly and strong.

I can understand the brand having rosemary in the formula for its antioxidant and soothing properties but rosemary (and mint) is not the best scent in the world for a facial spray.

The nozzle is sturdy and produces a good mist to the face. The way it is designed, however, will not give you a continuous spray. The spray comes out clear so I don't think a swatch is necessary.

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 4%, Octinoxate 6%, Octisalate 3%.
Ingredients: Alcohol Denat, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Silica Silylate, Water, PVP, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Stem/ Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil.

Overall, I appreciate the mist for the SPF and the matte finish. Oil control effect is decent but would depend on the weather and other products you have on the face. Can't say I feel the same toward the scent and how it feels immediately after application, but I'll use it up. Might switch back to mineral powders (Elf SPF45 sunscreen powder comes to mind) for touchups.

The mist is parabens free, 3.4oz/ 100ml, $28 (or 1oz/ 30ml, $12) in the US.

Family owned/ operated derma e is new to me but known for vitamin rich, high performance antioxidant skin care products - 100% vegan, cruelty free, eco friendly and GMO/ paraben/ petrolatum/ gluten/ Phthalate/ mineral oil free.

With the disastrous state of my skin lately, I was happy for the opportunity to try out 2 products from the newly launched Purifying line, meant for normal to oily skin.

The formula includes:
- Kimarine: potassium/ magnesium rich seaweed, protects skin against environmental pollutants (exhaust fume, cigarette smoke, etc.)
- Bladderwrack: antioxidant rich seaweed with water binding properties
- Activated charcoal: absorptive ingredient (100 - 200 times its weight in impurities), deeply detoxifies the skin
- Green tea: antioxidant, helps fight free radicals
- Aloe leaf: herbal remedy, moisturizes and soothes the skin.

The Purifying daily detox scrub is a gentle to medium exfoliant, depends on your tolerance toward exfoliating effects.

Since I have tried both ends of the scrub spectrum - super gentle vs. stronger/ harsh exfoliating, this scrub ranges about in the middle for me.

The product is said to be gentle enough for daily use but I use it 3 times a week on irritated skin. It gives me enough scrubbing action while cleaning and soothing the skin.

No harsh particles (see swatch below) nor beads to hurt the environment. It also removes most of my face makeup (I always use a different makeup remover for the eye makeup). I do follow it up with a toner.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Charcoal Powder, Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida (Wakame, Kimarine) Extract, Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (.1%), Menthol, etc.

The tube has 4oz/ 113g of product, retails $15.50.

The Purifying 2-in-1 charcoal mask would purge the pores of toxins and exfoliate away micropollutants, thanks to the detoxifying effect of charcoal (mentioned above).

Note the 2-in-1 part, since this is not a simple mask but also a scrub.

The product goes on very smooth at first and dries very quickly into a lighter mint colour. Then a massage with moistened fingertips will activate the exfoliating effect. Very cool!

I use the mask only once or twice a week, depending on how often I use the scrub above. I love the dual action on the product and how smooth the skin feels after.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder, Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida (Wakame, Kimarine) Extract, Charcoal Powder, Epilobium Angustifolium (Canadian Willowherb) Extract, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), etc.

Smaller tube of 1.7oz/ 48g on this product, $19.50.

Notice the fine particles in the scrub (left) which is not very visible with naked eyes and the light and smooth texture of the mask (right).

I am quite smitten with both products and how gentle they are on my breakouts. No scents detected on either one. The mask has my heart since it also exfoliates, but when I need a good scrub, I know where to look :)

derma e products are available on their website and US drugstores. For Canada, try the store locator to find a health food store near you, or go online at well.ca or foodsmiths.com.

The matte liquid lipstick trend goes on with Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lips, in a beautiful range of colours and the signature holographic label! I swallowed the $12 shipping to get 7 colours to try.

Right off the bat, I will tell you that these Ultra Matte Lips are lightweight, quite a bit lighter than LA Girl Matte pigment glosses. And there are pros and cons to that.

The thinner consistency gives the Ultra Matte Lips a lighter feel on the lips (more comfortable to wear, even when they are fully matte) but at the same time lightly loses the strong grip that a liquid lipstick normally offers.

For that reason, they do transfer when I drink/ eat and start fading from the inside of my lips out. Touchup is necessary, especially with darker shades. I make sure have the tube with me in the purse during the day.

The doe foot applicator for these has smaller tip with quite long handle. No application issues.

Colour Pop suggests to apply the product on bare and dry (exfoliated) lips, prepped in advance with a lip liner.

I have read a few reviews where bloggers said they could not layer/ blend the product much as it dries quite fast. I do not have that problem, but still try to be precise with the first swipe so I don't have to fix any feathering/ smudging. After all, it is still more long wearing than regular lipsticks.

Here they are, from L-R:
- Donut, described as a bright peach, looks nude on my pigmented lips
- Bumble, dusty warm terracotta (dupe of LC Riot), is quite neutral for me
- Tulle, dusty mauve burgundy (dupe of Stila Amore, minus the shimmers), is of course darker on my lips than in the tube/ on my hands. It is probably as dark as I can go for work :)
- Avenue is a nice darker red and Lychee is a violet, on a brighter side.

A tip: try not to interrupt the product until it dries and becomes almost smudge proof. I find the colours do transfer to my finger during the swipe test, and with constant rubbing, the products crumble. That does not happen on my lips, probably because we don't rub our lips that often.

I only got two bright colours: Highball (red pink) and Mars (red fuchsia). They sure are the "in your face" type of colours, make sure you pick one that works for your skin tone :)


I decided to pass on the popular shades - Trap (dupe of LC Cashmere) and Midi (for Anastasia Pure Hollywood), don't think they would work on me.

The Ultra Matte Lip line is extensive with 25 shades, 0.1128oz/ 3.2g, $6 each (vs. LC 0.088oz, $20, Anastasia 0.11oz, $20, LA Girl 0.17oz, $5).

Sneak peeks of CoverGirl Star Wars collection and looks by Pat MacGrath have surfaced on blogs. Interesting colour options with cool packaging, out in October.

Shoppers: Last day for 8,000 bonus points with your first purchase (code: "BRINGBEAUTYHOME") on Beautyboutique.ca.

$8 flat rate shipping or free shipping with $75 orders. Returns (by mail) might be charged $8 return shipping.

*** All week: x20 points when you spend $75 or more on cosmetics, select skin care, fragrances, jewelry, hair colour, bath foam & gel, nail care, hosiery.

*** Until Thursday:
- Vichy Aqualia skin care: 20% off
- Vichy Purete Thermale skin care set: CAD19.95; Normaderm skin care set: CAD29.95
- Neostrata sun/ firming/ wrinkle repair, Avene Hydrance Optimale/ Cleanance, Jouviance, Cliniderm skin care: 20% off
- Bioderma: 20% off
- Garnier, Neutrogena, Nivea facial moisturizer: CAD13.99
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Volume Filler cream/ serum (new): CAD29.99
- Cerave, Eucerin skin care: 20% off
- Neutrogena acne care, Bio oil (60ml): CAD8.99
- EoS, SoftLips cubes, Burt's Bees, Blistex lip care: CAD3.99
- Tanda facial treatment device: 25% off
- Herbal Essences, Aussie hair care: CAD2.99
- Pantene/ Tresemme hair care: CAD4.99; styling product: CAD5.99
- Live Clean hair care: CAD5.99
- Gosh, John Frieda hair care: CAD6.99
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, Colour Riche eye/ lip: CAD6.99
- Revlon eyeshadow, Ultra HD lip: CAD7.99
- CoverGirl The Supersizer mascara, Colorlicious lip, Ready Set Gorgeous makeup: CAD4.99
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara, Color Sensational lip, Fit Me makeup: CAD5.99; Eye Studio eyeliner: CAD9.99; The Blushed Nudes palette: CAD15.99
- Annabelle Stay Sharp eye/ lip/ brow liner: CAD7.99
- Marcelle mascara, facial cleanser: 30% off
- Physicians Formula: 40% off
- Rimmel Extra Super Lash mascara, lip/ brow/ eyeliner: CAD3.99; cosmetics (selected, including the Nude lipstick collection): CAD5.99
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: 2/CAD4 or CAD2.99 each; Airbrush Legs, Miracle serum, French Manicure: CAD9.99
- Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy: CAD6.99.

Bonus Optimum points:
- Cover FX brush, illuminating primer, powder, oil-free foundation: buy 2 get 10,000 points
- Vichy Normaderm skin care: buy 2 get 8,000 points
- Neostrata Acne Clear/ Glycolic Renewal skin care: buy 2 get 8,000 points
- No7 Beautiful Skin facial cleanser: buy 2 get 4,000 points; Protect & Perfect body serum: x10 points
- Nuxe skin care (selected): 3,000 points
- Quo cosmetics, brushes, false lashes: buy 2 get 2,500 points; implements: x10 points
- Gosh cosmetics, nail polish: buy 2 get 2,000 points
- CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom/ Lash Blast mascara: buy 2 get 1,000 points
- Revlon implements: buy 2 get 1,000 points
- Strivectin facial toner system: x20 points
- Soap & Glory bath products: x5 points; Sexy Mother Pucker lip plumping gloss: x10 points
- Ceramic Glaze top coat, nail polish: x10 points
- La Roche Posay Physiological skin care: x5 points.

Shake up your Makeup 4-week event is launched tomorrow.

The first week would be all about Eyes:
- 15,000 points with $150 Lancome purchase
- 10,000 points with purchase of Shiseido Eye Power infusing eye concentrate and any other Shiseido eye products
- 5,000 points with $50 Lise Watier purchase
- Benefit (coloured) They're Real liner: 1,500 points.  The website page for the event is still in the "Coming Soon" mode so I am not sure if we need a coupon for the bonus points. Stay tuned.

Lawtons:
- Simple skin care: 20% off (bonus Airmiles)
- L'Oreal RevitaLift skin care: CAD19.99; RevitaLift Triple Power LZR cream/ serum: CAD27.99
- L'Oreal Sublime cleanser: CAD7.99
- Olay Total Effects skin care: CAD19.99
- Ombrelle sun care: 30% off
- Sun Zone sun care: CAD5.99
- Marc Anthony hair care: BOGO
- Upper Canada Naturally bath/ body: 30% off
- Maybelline Baby Lips gloss: CAD3.99; Face Studio: 20% off (bonus miles)
- NYX eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara: 25% off (bonus miles)
- Almay eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara: 30% off.

Walmart:
- Herbal Essences: CAD2.72
- Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit skin care: CAD7.97
- Clean & Clear acne astringent (235ml) with bonus wipes (7's): CAD5.87
- Garnier BB Blur, Skin Renew BB cream: CAD13.97
- Olay Complete/ classic skin care: CAD8.97; daily facial skin care: CAD11.47; Total Effects skin care: CAD19.97
- Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede, Moisture stain: CAD9.96
- CoverGirl Clean foundation, pressed powder: CAD5.97; Outlast lip, Bombshell mascara: CAD8.44; Lash Blast mascara & liner value pack: CAD12.97
- Hard Candy Top Ten classic/ trendsetter palette (new): CAD5.98
- Rimmel Scandal Eyes mascara: CAD4.98; Stay Matte pressed powder: CAD5.98.

Sephora: If you are not a Rouge, free shipping threshold for Canada is now lower - $50 instead of $75. Free returns too.

The Bay: With a $75 purchase in store and online with Hudson's Bay credit card/ MasterCard until Sunday, you'll receive a free $20 saving card, redeemable on your next purchase of $100 until August 27. Exclusions apply.

Free fringe bag with 17 beauty samples with $100 beauty/ fragrance purchase (values over $314), online only.

The samples include Shiseido Ultimune, Lancome Renergie, Origins GinZing, Clarins Flash balm, Chloe/ Marc Jacobs fragrances, Clinique Pop lip, etc.

Estee Lauder GWP of $36.50 or more until August 30. The gift, values up to $100, includes:
- Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery complex II and Eye Synchronized complex II
- Gentle eye makeup remover
- Sumptuous Bold volume lifting mascara in Black
- Choice of Pure Colour long lasting lipstick in Barely Nude or Rubellite
- Choice of Pure Colour eyeshadow compact with Sugar Biscuit, Nude Fresco, Wild Sable, Chocolate Bliss or Ivory Slipper, Tranquil Moon, Smokey Ember and Amethyst Spark, and
- LE Opening Ceremony designer bag.

With an Estee Lauder purchase of $85 or more, you'll get a choice of 2 extra items: Resilience Lift firming/ sculpting creme, Resilience Lift night firming/ sculpting night creme, DayWear Advanced multi-protection anti-oxidant creme or NightWear Plus anti-oxidant detox creme.

Freedom Makeup: Free gift with £25 orders until 8:30am BST Monday.

The gift, values £25, includes:
- Pro 10 eyeshadow palettes in Bare and Stripped (not available individually on the site yet)
- Pro blush palette in Pink and Baked
- Pro Butters in Jammy Dodger and D-ream
- Pressed powder in 101 Translucent
- Pro blush in 6 Angelic
- Mono eyeshadows in Nude 207 and Brights 230.

Makeup Revolution: B2G1F mix and match the whole site until Wednesday 5pm BST.

Bath and Body Works:
- Hand soaps: 10/$33.50 or 5/$22.50
- "Splash into Summer" Signature body care: 3/$15 or $7 each
- Signature body cream: $6.50 (or $5 if you use the FB coupon, good until Saturday)
- Signature body care: B3G3F
- Select Specialty body care: B2G1F
- 3-wick candles: 2/$34, select 3-wick candles: $11; single wick candles: 2/$22
- PocketBac: 3/$5
- Scentportable refills: 4/$10
- 1.5oz concentrated room sprays: 2/$12 or $8 each.