Sheer Makeup Favorites

I do love a good full face of makeup, don't get me wrong - it's always nice to go all out and have your makeup looking flawless, but more often than not I like to go for the quick, sheer makeup look that's fresh, fast and easy. With Spring right around the corner, a sheer and fresh face is right up my alley, so today I'm sharing some of my favorite products to achieve the look.

The Body Shop All in One BB Cream - This gives me the perfect amount of coverage, goes on smoothly, gives great hydration to the skin and lasts all day - perfect for those light-medium coverage lovers.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer - Not only is this my new favorite under eye concealer for covering my dark circles, but I've found it also works great for a light touch of coverage on any blemish you may have. It doesn't crease and blends seamlessly with any foundation I choose to use it with. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - This light weight powder is excellent for adding a touch of coverage and keep skin matte all day. I love it for both setting my foundation and concealer - the perfect all in one! 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural - This powder is just dark enough that it adds a nice bit of warmth to my face without being too heavy on the skin. During the Summer months this is the perfect all over face powder, but for this time of year it makes for a lovely light bronzed glow.

Elf Blush (Peachy Keen) - This blush adds a nice soft wash of color that perks up my complexion and also adds a nice glow with the golden subtle shimmer it has. 

MAC Paintpot (Bare Study ) - This cream product has been a long time favorite for its stay all day capabilities, and the lovely wash of color it adds to my eyes. It can be easily paired with a little winged liner and some mascara for a simple eye look. 

Revlon Lip Butter (Pink Lemonade) - The formula of these is perfect for when you want just a subtle sheer wash of color and moisture to your lips, this one in particular adds a hint of pink which gives your lips a little extra something. This makes it easy to apply on the go and keeps your lips feeling hydrated. 

What are some of your sheer makeup favorites?

February Beauty Favorites 2015

I'm back again with another monthly favorites round up, so here is all my absolute favorite beauty products from the past month! Can we also talk about how it is now March - FINALLY! - which means Spring, and all good things that come with it are right around the corner! 

I've been keeping my face makeup pretty simple this past month - it has pretty well just consisted of my Loreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB, which is my favorite drugstore BB cream by far. Prior to applying the BB cream I've gotten back into the habit of applying Maybelline Baby Skin as my pores have been extra noticeable the past while. My go to concealer has been the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch which I've been especially focusing on the inner corner of my eyes, and along my cheek bones for a nice highlight/brightening effect.

I've been really slacking on my self tanning the last while, so to give my face a little bit of color and glow I've been loving the combo of Rimmel Natural Bronzer to warm up and contour slightly, and this Mac blush in Fleet Fast. This blush has a satin finish which gives a lighter wash of color, perfect for my pale skin at the moment.

As for my eye makeup I've been keeping it pretty standard with my UD Naked Basics - I've been putting Naked2 all over the lid, Foxy on my brow bone and inner corner, and finally blending a bit of Faint into the crease. I've been using my Maybelline Gel Liner in Blackest Black for my tight line - so super black and lasts all day long! Lastly I've been re-loving my Maybelline Illegal Length mascara - it gives such a nice length and lift to my lashes without clumping, and creates a nice soft look that is perfect for everyday. 

My Go-To Triple Threat Concealer

Concealer is something that seems to be a staple for me - even on non foundation days when I'm hanging around the house I tend to at least dot a little under my eyes to cover all signs of my night owl ways. It's also one of those products that I am constantly looking for "the next best thing" in. I feel that I may have finally found one of my holy grails though with Benefit Erase Paste - I was mainly alerted to this because over the past six months or so I've been continually reaching for this one, and I can't seem to replace it in my every day makeup bag. 

I have mine in the lightest of the three shades offered (truly the only negative aspect to this product is the lack of shade selection). Other than that somewhat sad detail, I consider this concealer my ultimate triple threat. What are the requirements for this you may ask? 

1. Covers dark circles - The tone of this is absolutely perfect for disguising my dark circles. I apply it in thin even layers using my Real Techniques pointed foundation brush as well as my ring finger to blend. It doesn't crease and lasts all day.

2. Covers blemishes - I'm human, I get blemishes, and I also like to conceal them if I'm feeling a little worse for wear because of them. This stuff does an amazing job of doing the hiding without looking cakey, and without drying out the area. 

3. Covers redness - I have always had a problem with redness on certain areas of my face - chin, around my nose and slightly on to my cheeks as well. This concealer does a wonderful job disguising the redness with only the slightest bit of product - again, amazing for days when you don't want to wear a full coverage foundation. 

Ready In A Rush | My Five Minute Face

Being rushed in the morning to get all the things done that you need to before you have to get out the door and on with what your day entails can be a struggle for everyone. Some days I just find myself wondering where the time has gone, and realize I need to get myself publicly presentable in only a matter of minutes. 

The look may change slightly (specifically my lip color of choice), but in general these are the products I use to get my face and hair looking fresh and awake without taking up any extra time. 

When time is of the essence I love to reach for a BB Cream. I've really enjoyed this Loreal Skin Beautifier BB - it primes, perfects, hydrates and corrects. It leaves my skin looking good and natural, but much improved on my bare face. Once I've applied my base I have to reach for a good concealer. The one I love to reach for is the Maybelline Age Rewind because it conceals my under eye circles, and also does a nice light cover up of any blemishes I may have going on. 

Brows are a must for me, I just don't feel like I look right if I don't give my brows a quick fill in. This Revlon Brow Fantasy is the quickest and best for the job, and there has been a reason I've been raving about it constantly lately. It's both a pencil and brow gel, so it seriously doesn't get any easier than this two in one product. 

To wake myself up a little more I like to add just a touch of color to my eyelids, and the easiest way for me to do that is with a cream product. You all know I love my Mac Paint Pots, but I adore the Maybelline Color Tattoos as well - today I used the shade 'Bad to the Bronze', simply applied with my finger tips. 

We're almost there, next is mascara. Obviously any mascara will work the exact same, I've just been really love this Miss Manga mascara from Loreal. When it comes down to it I can really skip the cream shadow step, but there is absolutely no skipping mascara for me, I truly don't feel human without it. 

Finally I like to add a touch of color and moisture to my lips, and my favorite product for being able to accomplish both is the Revlon Lip Butters - today I went with the shade 'sweet tart'. Once I've gotten all that done I spray some dry shampoo through my hair to freshen it up and then do my go to quick hair style of a couple bobby pins to pin my hair half up. 

There you have it! The products I use and steps involved in me getting ready in a rush! 

Brand Boast: Rimmel London

Todays new post is something slightly different from anything I've ever done before. After becoming inspired by Essie Button,who has featured a number of specific blog posts and videos devoted to her love for one specific brand, I decided to draw from her inspiration and do a similar post. I'm going to attempt at making this a series of sorts entitled "Brand Boast". My first brand, as the title suggests, is Rimmel London.

Rimmel is a British cosmetics brand which was founded by Eugene Rimmel in 1834, originally as a perfumery and personal hygiene focused business. I have done much research into the brand since deciding to write this post, and since doing so the most interesting and amazing thing I have discovered is how industrious and business savvy Eugene Rimmel was. It is truly amazing that he started apprenticing at the age of 14, and by 24 was an expert perfumer and a visionary for his brand and the cosmetic industry as a whole. 

Now that I've quickly brushed you up on the history of the brand, I'm going to get down to why I love it so much, and have for easily ten years now. 

Face Products:

Im pretty sure one of my first ever foundations/powders was Rimmel brand, and ever since my grade school days I've continued to go back for more. It's not just the price point that is so appeal, but the fact that everything is such a great quality for that amazing price. There is nothing better than being able to rave about a product that is also widely attainable and affordable for all. 

My personal favorite as of late has been the Stay Matte foundation (I have a complete review on it here), and of course I cannot speak of Rimmel face products without pointing out that the Stay Matte pressed powder is probably one of the most universally loved drugstore powders of all time!


Lips:

The other top reason you will always find me going back for more Rimmel products - lippies! I swear they hit the nail on the head every single time, but my top favorite (and I'm sure many can agree) is the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick lines. For about 6$CAD you can get a lipstick that is pigmented, long wearing, easy to apply and comes in enough colors to keep every lipstick lover satisfied. I have also done a review of the Kate Moss lipsticks in past, you can find that full review here.


I hope you all enjoyed this post as I certainly enjoyed writing it and doing the research into one of my favorite brands! 

March Favorites

Hello and Happy April!

Throughout the month of March I surprisingly didn't do that much shopping at all, it was more a month of shopping my stash of makeup and using old favorites or things I just hadn't given much of a chance in the past. 

First off, and probably least exciting, lip balm. This is actually one of my few small purchases of the month - EOS lip balm in summer fruit. Hello delish smell/taste! It mainly smells like peach to me so that is right up my ally, I'm obsessed! 

Next off, concealer, and as you can see this is going to be an April (re)purchase - MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer in NW20. I think I may have a couple more makeup days in this before it completely refuses to produce product but holy moly I've been so glad I pulled this out of my drawers after many months of it being pushed aside. I now remember why I loved it so much!

This past month I gravitated toward much more pastel shades on my nails as spring (not so willingly) begins to appear here in my area of Canada. The two I used most through March were Mint Candy Apple and Spaghetti Strap. MCA is still currently on my toes and looks so fresh and lovely. Spaghetti Strap has been my go to "nude" nail lately as its sheer and natural looking but with a little more pink in it.

I feel I hardly have to mention this as its always a resounding favorite, but my MAC Melba blush rarely steers me wrong - pink, matte, effortless, and works with all eye looks.

Josie Maran Argan Oil has quickly become a staple in the face moisturizing routine. I got this sample size forever ago and finally decided it was time I tried it out after hearing so many good things about it. I have officially been converted! I never thought oil of any kind on my combo/oily skin would ever work well but it has transformed my skin! I combine a few drops of it with my usual Neutrogena moisturizer and apply morning and night. I will certainly be buying the full size once this runs out!

My favorite way to apply/buff my foundation this month has been with my Real Techniques buffing brush, it gives an amazing and flawless finish, and I love my foundation so much more when I use it. I plan to do a full review post very soon on RT brushes as they have become my new favorite brushes.

Last, but certainly not least, my Maybelline Illegal Length mascara. I have rarely used this on its own as it gives a little too much of a natural/minimal look, which is not what I typically strive for when doing my lashes. My love for this comes from layering it with other mascaras that are more voluminous so you achieve the best of both worlds - length AND volume! 

Let me know if you would like a more in depth review on any of the products mentioned! 

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Products I've Used Up Lately!

I am constantly seeing other gurus on Youtube make these sorts of videos, and finally after watching a number of them over the past few months, I figured I would give it a shot! 

I enjoyed filming this and I think this will inspire me to begin breaking out half used products to finish them off so I can do these types of videos more often! I have far to many products with just under half still left in said tube/bottle/jar etc. I am not brave enough to commit to project 10 pan or anything like that, but I will say this is a good step in the right direction! 

Let me know what kind of products you've used up lately! 

Until next time! 

xo, Hannah

October 2012 Favorites

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Cat Eye Mascara

Mac Mineralize e/s Twilight Falls

(Left) Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romatic

(Right) CO Bigelow Sheer Lip Tint in Sheer Rose

What's In My Hospital Makeup/Toiletries Bag?

Given my upcoming hospital stay for the birth of my daughters I have my second of two posts for you guys, as promised. In my first post (found here!) I covered the general contents of my hospital bags, one for me, and one for the girls. This second post, as you can see by the title, is a little bit more of an in depth look at what I am packing 'beauty' wise (this is a beauty based blog after all, so I couldn't resist!). 

(My toiletries bag - I'm using a makeup bag I received from e.l.f) 

Tresemme Dry Shampoo 

I decided it best to include this incase I do not feel up to washing my hair completely, for whatever reason, when I first get a chance to shower.

St. Ives Appricott Scrub

One of my favorite facial cleansers - so happy I found it in a travel size! 

Dove Deoderant (Cucumber Green Tea Scent)

So fresh and so clean! 

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo/Conditioner

Josie Maran Argan Oil 

This might seem a little much, but I decided to include this for a couple of reasons. The bottle is so small first off that it really makes no difference in packing, it also functions as a moisturiser for my face, and for the bottom few inches of my hair (using this on my hair helps to tame and maintain my naturally straight style). 

Crest Mouthwash, Tooth Paste and Tooth Brush

Sephora wide tooth comb & hair ties/band 

(My makeup bag contents) 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder Foundation

Mac MSF Natural 

Garnier Anti Dark Circle Roller 

Mac Pro Long Wear Concealer

Elf Blush (Peachy Keen)

Mac Paint Pot (Painterly) 

Elf Eyebrow Lifter/Filler

NYC Waterproof Liner (Brown)

Almay Liquid Liner (Black)

Covergirl Lash Blast Original (waterproof) 

Korres Wild Rose 24hr Moisturising & Brightening Cream 

Body Shop Born Lippy Watermelon Lip Balm 

Quo Duo Fiber Stippling Brush

Elf Blush/Bronzer Brush 

And there you have it! All the beauty related products I am bringing with me to my labour and delivery! Of course every one of these items is being treated as a luxury, and I am certainly not planning on straining myself, or taking time away from my family to utilize all these products if time does not allow. Having a little bit of makeup though is a nice reassurance, and I do want to look somewhat decent for all the pictures that will be taken afterwards (yes I am that vain, but I'm okay with that). 

I will keep you all posted on my progress as much as possible, and there will certainly be a birth announcement posted on here once I get the chance! 

Until next time! 

xo, Hannah

Drugstore Makeup Starter Kit

Products Mentioned;

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer 

Covergirl Natureluxe Foundation 

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder - Sunny

Hard Candy Tiki Bronzer (Used for highlighting!) 

Wet n Wild Powder Blush - Mellow Wine

NYX Rouge Cream Blush - Rose Petal

Loreal e/s Quad - Canyon Stone

Elf Single e/s - Saddle 

NYC Waterproof Eye Pencil

Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

NYX l/s - Orange Soda

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss - Fashion Icon

Elf Lip Stain - Birthday Suit 

Any questions on specific products or review requests? Let me know down below! 

xo, Hannah

Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer: Review

It came to that fateful point a few weeks ago when I realized my go to blemish concealer was hitting pan and I decided to go on a hunt for another. Lately I had been using my 'Boing' concealer by Benefit (what I consider to be one of my favorite concealers ever). I have picked up this concealer from my local Shoppers Drug Mart before, but when I made my most recent trip I discovered they are not carrying the concealer at my store anymore (don't you hate when they do that?!).

The sales woman was extremely polite and empathized as she herself is a faithful user of 'Boing'. I decided not to waste my trip and asked her if they had anything comparable for around the same price (approximately $26 CAD for Benefit), and she came up with the Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer. 

I played around with the formulation in store and decided it was rather similar in consistency to 'Boing', and considering the price was slightly cheaper at $22 CAD I was sold. I can appreciate this is expensive for a concealer and not within everyones budget, but I was okay to spend that amount for a high end concealer.

I chose shade number 3 for my skin tone and for the fact that I blend concealer quite readily over my blemishes. There is a total of 7 shades available - 1 being the lightest and 7 being the darkest. 

As I mentioned before the consistency is quite similar to Benefits concealer I am such a fan of - being thick and yet workable. It is extremely blendable, and you need very little product to receive full coverage of discoloration and blemishes as it is so densely pigmented. 

Also, as the product named would have you believe, it is ideal for use with photography. Upon testing this on myself I would agree it is very photo friendly, with flash or otherwise. 

The added bonus to this product, which makes it that much more attractive, is the fact that this formula is oil free, fragrance free and paraben free - to me these details are a bonus, but I know to many of you it is certainly a must, especially for those of you with extra sensitive skin.

Would you consider investing in this concealer? 

What are your go-to concealers?

xo, Hannah