Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation | Review

Hello all! I know it's been quite a long while since I've done any sort of foundation review/demo on the blog and since I mentioned this foundation was a November favorite of mine I decided a full review was in order. 

I bought this after seeing Makeup by TiffanyD talk about it in this video and rave about how much she was enjoying it. Lets be serious, if it's good enough for Tiffany, I'm certain it's good enough for me! 

The Claim

The product is described as a 'fresh complexion oil free foundation'. 

"One simple step for a flawless, natural look that lasts all day. The formula blends easily to even skin tone and reduces shine all day."

Bare face 

I actually decided doing this post now would be beneficial as well as I've been experiencing a lot more redness than normal around my nose and cheeks, and I've also been quite sleep deprived lately, so my dark circles are quite pronounced. I thought this would be the perfect way to display how well the foundation covers on its own.

After foundation

It does an amazing job of covering up imperfections, reducing redness, and disguising discoloration. I only used about a pea size amount, maybe a touch more to cover my entire face. To blend this product out I've tried several different foundation brushes as well as my finger tips. I've found there is really no wrong way to apply this, no matter what way I choose to go about it, it always ends up looking amazing. Today I just used my Real Techniques buffing brush. 

The product is super easy to blend out and almost melts into the skin for a super natural true skin looking finish. It is extremely light weight, but at the same time provides a good medium coverage. 

Full makeup

I find this product has extremely amazing lasting power (for my skin I would say between 8-10 hours), and I find this is the only foundation I own that I don't need to set with a powder for the long wearing result if I so choose.

What else I wore on my face

All in all I give this product two really big thumbs up! If you've yet to try it I highly recommend running out and picking one up. They have a great shade range, and the price point of 6-8$CAD is just one more reason you need to give this a shot.


Tried this for yourself yet? Let me know what you think of it, I love hearing other peoples opinions on products! 

November Favorites 2014

As another month comes to and end it's that time where I round up some of the things I've used and enjoyed the most this month... here's what I came up with! 

NYX Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo

Guys, seriously, I've been obsessed with this little beauty this month. It is so soft and creamy (as the name would suggest) and I don't find it drying like other matte lip products I've tried. It's long wearing and smells amazing too! Going to be getting more shades in the very near future because I think I'm in love.

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation

I plan on doing a full review/how I apply this product really soon but just know it is seriously awesome stuff. I may actually have to dub this my favorite drugstore foundation of all time (wow! now that says something!). 

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner Definer in Natural 

This is an old favorite that really never isn't in my makeup bag, I've gone through at least 4 of these guys in my time and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. It's the 'my lips but better' lip liner shade, and I adore it so much I wear it on its own a lot of the time as well. This month I've been really loving it combined with the next product I'm going to mention. 

Maybelline Color Elixir in Nude Illusion 

This stunner has been going over top of the Rimmel liner and making for my perfect everyday lip combo. These glosses are also an addiction of mine - my goal is to get every single color... seriously. They feel amazing and smell even better! 

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

Another oldie but goodie. It's such an effortless product and I think that's why I always end up throwing it back into my makeup bag time and time again.

EVAmour Perfume by Eva Longoria 

I must say I did not buy this for myself, my mother in law picked it up on a whim while in duty free while on a trip to North Carolina. I'm usually slightly nervous to receive fragrances as a gift because I'm so particular about what I truly like to wear. She really did amazing picking this up though, it is just me plus fall - I am terrible at describing scents but I highly recommend giving this a sniff next time you're able to because it's simply lovely.

Maybelline Pumped Up Mascara

As you can probably tell, if Maybelline comes out with a new mascara Hannah buys it, and fast. This has been in my makeup bag all month long and I've really been enjoying how plump and full and, of course, 'pumped up' it makes my lashes look. 

Maybelline Gel Liner in Brown

I've been loving this for both lining my eyes and for my water line and tight line. It lasts all day, the formula is smooth and creamy and I've been really digging brown liner because it's not as harsh looking as black can be, which is great for every day wear. 

Sally Hansen Polish in Ruby Do

Really no explanation needed for this aside from that its a lovely creamy burgundy wine color, and is the exact shade that I'm obsessed with at this time of year. I really love the formula of this polish, it's super creamy and opaque in one coat. I also enjoy the brush as it's bigger than ones like Essie/OPI. 

Notebooks

Finally, in the picture above you see I added in a notebook. This has just been the one I've been using over the past few weeks, but in general any form of notebook is always a favorite of mine. I use them for my daily life to keep track of jobs around the house, for my blog, for work, and to keep track of my kids and where they need to be - I would be totally lost without a notebook on the go at all times. 

Five Things | Drugstore Mascara

It probably comes as no surprise that I love mascara. If you look back at my monthly favorites you're more than likely going to see many different mascara favorites. I love a great high end buy just as much as the next gal, but I truly do love drugstore mascaras best of all. I've always had amazing luck with them, and who doesn't love a bargain? I can really argue that drugstore mascaras (especially specific ones) can be even better than a high end one. 

Here are just five I've pulled from my collection that I've been really loving lately, and several have been repurchased at least once as well.

Maybelline Illegal Length

If you're looking for straight up length in a drugstore mascara, this is your best bet. The formula is amazing and truly does length and separate your lashes for a lovely natural but lengthened look. I love combining this with every other mascara here to create extra length before adding volume. 

Covergirl Lashblast Volume

This mascara is and always will be my number one favorite that I will time and time again repurchase and go back to. It adds amazing volume, the formula holds a curl and the brush is just one of a kind when combined with the formula. In short.. LOVE!

Maybelline Falsies Volume Express

This mascara creates such plump thick lashes - certainly much more on the voluminous side of mascaras as it doesn't add much length. This mascara also creates a much more bold volume than the others shown here, which makes it perfect for pairing with a more dramatic eye to complete a more smokey look. 

Maybelline The Rocket

This is my third tube of this stuff and I can honestly say I don't think I can go without it anymore. It has become one of my favorite layering mascaras - although it does look amazing on its own as well. 

Maybelline Pumped Up!

Newest in my collection but becoming a fast favorite, it is by far the most wet formula out of the bunch, which I typically don't enjoy, but there is something about the brush that makes me continue to reach for it. The brush is so big, and adds both length and tons of volume - it's not too big, however, to where it makes it too difficult to get the outer and inner lashes.

Fall to Winter Transition - My Beauty Essentials for Colder/Dryer Weather

Try as I might to deny the inevitable, I have to force myself into realizing that it truly is that dreaded time of year again where the temperatures drop, the days get shorter and, yes, even that four letter "S" word begins to appear. 

I've mentioned before that I live in Canada - no its not winter all year round and no I do not live in an igloo but it does indeed get cold here, and snow. With all of these seasonal changes comes several undesirable side effects. I get extremely dry skin starting around this time of year until pretty well April and it includes everything from my face, hands and even my scalp. 

I compiled a few things that I've been turning to lately to aid in the transition into these dryer and cooler temperatures, and hopefully will keep me feeling much more hydrated all winter long. 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer 

This has been my daily face lotion for years now, and I use it all year round. It's great for the cooler weather because it really moisturizes the dry areas on my face without making areas that are more oily like my nose and forehead become shiny and overly oily throughout the day. I also love this because it wears great on its own or under makeup. 

Vaseline 

This is a life saver for me all winter long. I use it for a variety of purposes - on my lips, hands and even my feet (put some on your feet and then put on a pair of fuzzy socks and go to bed and you wake up with super soft feet). 

Cuticle Massage Cream

This is a little one I got from a nail set that I just happen to be using up right now but any cuticle cream/oil is essential for me as soon as the air becomes more dry.

Lush Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar

This little beauty is an absolute favorite of mine for this time of year. It is advertised as a massage bar for sore muscles (and it truly does bring relief - my back muscles love this) but it is also super duper moisturizing. It's great on elbows and knees where you tend to get dry skin. The added bonus is the amazing spicy scent that has hints of cinnamon and cloves, which makes it a heavenly winter pamper item.

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

I've probably mentioned this a number of times on my blog, but here it is again in all its rose glory. It is my favorite daily lip balm but it can also be used on your face, hands, elbows, cuticles and pretty much anywhere else you have extra dry skin. The smell of this stuff alone is worth trying it out if you're a rose lover. 

EOS Hand Lotion

I seem to always have one of these on the go at all times, if not more. I always have one in my purse and you'll more than likely find one in with my manicure supplies as well. Right now I have the cucumber melon scent on the go but I truly can't think of a scent I don't like from this range. It's a great boost of moisture and the key for me is that it absorbs quickly and is none greasy. 

Simple Holiday DIY - Transform Jars Into Home Decor

Today I have this little tutorial for you all that combines my loves for crafting, christmas and recycling materials to make cool new items. I had seen a lot of these types of DIYs on Pinterest many times and finally I decided that it was too cheap and easy not to give it a whirl. 

What you need:

Empty glass jars/containers of any kind (use your imagination!)

Acrylic paint in the color of your choice

Nail polish remover

Scrap paper to cove your work surface

The first step is to take your container and clean it - I'm using an old pasta sauce jar which I already peeled the label off of and rinsed out. You can see there is residue from the label glue still on the glass, so that's where the nail polish remover comes into play. Put some nail polish remover on a cotton pad and rub over the glue areas, it may take a little effort but it looks lovely once you're done. Then follow up by giving it a really good final washing with warm water and soap. 

Next, lay out your scrap paper/newspaper where you're going to be doing the painting. Then it is literally as easy as squirting the paint directly into the jar/container. I recommend doing a little bit at a time, and then waiting for it to drip/run down the sides before adding much more. Allow the paint to cover all the sides by setting it on its side as well and allowing the paint to run. Slowly but surely your entire container will be covered.

Finally tip your container upside down and allow all excess paint to drip out (about 10 minutes), then flip back right way up so it can dry fully and there you have it! 

Keep in mind the version I've done uses only acrylic paint, there for you can't use these for any purpose that may end up in them getting wet (vase for flowers, tooth brush holder etc.). I love them just set out on shelves and mixed in with my other decor, but you can use them in almost any way you wish, your imagination is the only barrier! These could be done in so many different colors and would look amazing for other party decor for any occasion!

Let me know if you enjoyed this little DIY and if you try it out! 

Also leave requests in the comments if there is something you would like me to DIY.

See you in my next post!  

Naked 2 Palette Review and Swatches

Its been about a year and a half since I bit the bullet and got even more Naked in my life (Urban Decay Naked that is), and somehow I've yet to do my own personal post on my thoughts and swatches of the palette. I really have no clue how its taken me this long, but finally I am here with a post which I hope you will enjoy!

Compared to the Naked 1 there are many differences between the two, first and foremost being the exterior of the palette. The first Naked palette was velvety in texture with printed lettering on the front (as you can see in the picture below mine is extremely dirty and the letters have faded a ton since I bought it). Naked 2 has a hard exterior and snaps shut vs the N1 which had a magnetic closure.

If you would like to see a broader look into my thoughts of the N1, you can check out the post I did on it here. 

Just like with the first, there are 12 eyeshadows, but unlike the first they are much more taupe themed and on the cooler end of the spectrum. 

Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper

Chopper is probably my least favorite shade out of the entire palette as it has a lot of chunky glitter and I tend to always have a problem with fallout when I wear this shade.

Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol

Tease and Suspect are absolutely my top two favorites from the entire palette. Tease reminds me a lot of one of my favorite Mac shades 'Quarry' which I love. Suspect is just the perfect shimmery taupe beige and I adore wearing it all over the lid and on the lower lash line for a quick and simple eye look.

Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout

Two of my other absolute favorites from the palette are YDK and Busted - combined together for an eye look you are totally ready for a night out. Also Verve is probably one of the best silver shades I've ever come across - it can be used subtly or built up for a huge impact. Blackout is also one of the best matte blacks I've ever had, and of course you can never have too many good blacks in your collection because they are just so versatile. 

Now if you were to ask which of the two comes out on top for me.. well the answer is still going to be the original Naked, but this is a really close second, especially for the fall and winter months.

Hope you enjoyed this review/overview and I'll see you in my next post!

Five Things - Fall Polish

Now that Fall is quickly transitioning into Winter (at least where I live) I wanted to do a 'top five' post involving the polishes I've been wearing non stop since pretty well September 1st. 

Jade is the new black, I saw..u saw..we saw..warsaw, Bahama mama, Smokin hot, Public relations

All five of these polishes are also my favorites because of the formulas - smooth, creamy, and pretty much opaque in only one coat (great for if you're in a rush). 

Also a little disclaimer, the grey metallic China Glaze polish 'Public Relations' was from an autumn collection last year so it may not always be readily available depending on where you purchase your polishes (I get mine from Sally's Beauty Supply).


Let me know some of your favorite fall polishes have been in the comments!

See you in my next post! 

Maybelline 'The Nudes' Palette - Review & Swatches

As promised in my October favorites post, here is my thoughts and opinions on The Nudes palette from Maybelline, and swatches of the shadows. 

As I mentioned previously in my favorites, I had been unsure whether or not there was a point in getting this palette. Yes its nudes, yes I love nudes, but I thought it may just be another mediocre quality nude themed palette taking up space in my collection, and I could just put the money towards something a little more expensive that is certain to be good quality. My mind was swayed after seeing several positive reviews from some of my favorite Youtubers and beauty bloggers alike however. 

Since picking this up around the end of September I've been using it almost daily and have been more than happy with my decision. It varies in price depending on where you go, but its between $10.99 - $14.99 CAD. You get 12 shadows - 5 matte, 7 shimmery/frosted. The palette also comes with a double ended applicator and several small charts on the back with suggestions on how to combine the shadows to achieve different eye looks. 

I find this palette to be quite versatile, with many different options and ways to wear it, from subtle to deep smokey eyes. Although a couple of the shades weren't quite as pigmented as I had hoped (specifically the black shade) I really can't say any major criticisms about the product as a whole - you're certainly getting your moneys worth!

I hope you found this little post helpful!
Post any requests in the comments, and also let me know if you have tried/are thinking of trying this palette out!

October Favorites 2014

Finally, after months of not posting a monthly favorites round up I am back in action with my October Favorites!

First, and probably most obvious to all, since it was October I was most certainly burning through a (couple) Leaves candles from good old Bath and Body Works. As you can see I'm coming to the end of my final one, but I'm feeling okay about it because we all know Christmas candles are next! 

This month I found myself grabbing three old favorites that I had drifted apart from for quite a while and I'm not sure why. I repurchased my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (light), and the original CG Lash Blast - both AH-mazing and I'm so happy to have them back in my makeup bag. I also brought out an old fave from my stash, the Wet n Wild blush in mellow wine. I tend to forget about this guy until the fall rolls around when I find it the perfect boost to my cheeks. 

Through the entire month of October I really didn't have much motivation to do my nails, but when I did I kept it pretty straight forward and kept reaching for the same two polishes - Maybelline 'mauve in manhattan' and OPI 'I saw..u saw.. we saw... warsaw', and to spice things up I sometimes threw on a little of the Formula X effects top coat in Turbulent over the OPI polish. 

For lips this month I've been back and forth between my usual rosy nude fall lips, and darker reds and plums depending on my mood and what I'm doing that day. My stand out lipstick for the month though, hands down, goes to my NYX Butter Lipstick in 'licorice'. I intend to do a full post on how I wear this lip look, but let me just say now, if you like the vampy look and moisturized lips you need to run and get this! 

(mellow wine,  licorice)

Last, and certainly not least, the item I was searching for nearly a month for, the Maybelline The Nudes palette. This has been out for a while now, but I never really gave it much thought until I saw it featured in a couple of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus videos. By that time I was apparently too little too late and every store near me was sold out. I finally did of course get my hands on the elusive little guy and I could not be happier. I'm going to be doing a complete review post on this palette ASAP.

So there are my October favorites! Let me know some of your favorites of the month! 

Any requests please post them in the comments! 

Talk to you all soon!