MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation : {Review}

Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation

Shade: NC 35

Size: 30 ml (1.0 fl oz)

Price: Approx.  $32 CAD/each

Where to buy: maccosmetics.com

Rating: 2/5

Likes: The flawless finish; smooth buildable coverage; easy to apply

Dislikes: Irritated my skin, white cast in flash photos 

Their Claim: A modern foundation that combines a natural matte finish and medium-buildable coverage with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15. Comfortable and long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. Applies smoothly, builds coverage quickly and easily. Contains specially treated micronized pigments and soft-focus powders for a super-smooth look that helps minimize the appearance of imperfections. Absorbs and disperses oil. Contains special skin-conditioning ingredients. Oil free.

Suitable for: All skin types *I'm Dry to Normal

image: google search

My Experience

Wearing MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC35 in the summer

  I purchased this foundation around christmas of 2010 when i finally got matched correctly. A few years prior, i was in Toronto and visited a mac store where the makeup artist attempted to match me but failed to do so with a decent shade. I didn't like the shade because it didn't match my skintone properly and i wasn't about to pay for that. So anyways, right before christmas last year i was visiting the mall and decided to try and get matched again. I was out of my Clinique foundation and wanted to try mac since i've heard such good things about mac for years. I was matched and the finish was nearly flawless- i loved it! However, after using this foundation for a few days it started to irritate my skin and left my face with small little pimples. Now i've never had acne so i know it's not that- it was some sortof allergic reaction. I did stop using it until my face cleared up and gave it another shot to see if it really was the mac foundation--- it was. As much as i like the flawless finish it gave my face, i could not sacrifice a flawless finish if it was going to irritate and ruin my face. Sadly, i had to stop using it.
 
Verdict
The Mac studio fix fluid foundation is a nice foundation apart from irritating my skin. It has a thick consistency (not too thick and not watery) that is easy to apply with a foundation brush. I didn't really have any issues with the foundation streaking and it did not dry too fast either. I would classify this foundation as full coverage in my opinion, or medium to buildable. It is definitely a buildable coverage foundation. I don't wear concealer when i use this foundation; it covers flaws so easily without too much product. Other than the irritation on my skin, the other thing i didn't like about this foundation was the fact that it made my face very pale in some photos taken with a flash because of the spf in the formulation.

Re-purchase? No

Have you tried this foundation? 

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation : {Review}

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup

Shade: 09 Sand (N) *I'm NC35 in MAC

Size: 30 ml (1 fl oz)

Price: $25 CAD

Where to buy: sears.ca (clinique)

Rating: 4/5

Likes: The finish it gives. Didn't break me out or irritate my skin

Dislikes: No pump

 

Their Claim: The smart makeup. Liquid foundation. Provides moisture and absorbs oil when and where needed with adjustable coverage that is silky upon application. Oil-free formula provides natural skin finish. Apply starting in center of face and blend outward with fingertips. Can be worn in the immediate eye area. For seamless look, dampen fingertips and blend edges. Moderate coverage. Balances combination skin, Long wearing.

Suitable for: Very Dry to Dry, Dry Combination, and Oily Skin *I'm Dry to Normal

My Experience 

Wearing Clinique Superbalanced (09 Sand)

** I've used this foundation for over a year**  

This used to be my favourite foundation, up until last year. The first time i tried Clinique about 8 years ago in the UK. I thought it was an amazing product, but i didn't purchase it when i came back to Canada because at the time i did not wear foundation. When i started wearing foundation, i looked all over to try and get a foundation that matched my skintone; i think that was the hardest part. Foundations were either too light or too dark for me, it was very disappointing. I didn't think Clinique was available here, until i went to the mall one year and saw their kiosk in The Bay. I was so excited, i immediately went over to get matched- and they actually had a shade for me! A shade that matched me; it wasn't to light or too dark; it wasn't too punk or too yellow; it was just right.

The foundation itself is a nice consistency that is medium coverage but buildable. It's easy to apply with either your fingers, a sponge or a foundation brush; I've tried all three and prefer using a foundation brush. I find that this foundation is long lasting, stays put, and leaves me looking flawless. This does not dry out my skin, nor does it irritate my sensitive skin. I've fallen asleep with it on, and it never once gave me pimples or breakouts. The only thing i would change about this foundation is to add a pump instead of pouring the foundation out of the bottle. It's not super thick but it's not runny either, so when it's finishing i have to spend a bit more time trying to get the foundation out of the bottle. This isn't a major problem for me, because what i do is leave the foundation upside down so it's easier to get to.

Verdict

Re-purchase? Yes!

This has been a favourite foundation of mines. The only reason why i stopped using this foundation was to try other foundations to see if they are any better. I bought MAC studio fix fluid foundation because i heard so many good things about MAC Cosmetics, which i'll be doing a review on soon.

So which foundation do i think is BETTER? 
Check out my upcoming reviews (^__^)

Black Friday Sale Sale Sales!

Image source: Google

* The Body Shop : 3 for $30 Sale
                             [+] Spend $30+ get a holdiay tote ($120 worth of products) for $25 {until sunday} 
* Forever21 Canada : Buy one, get one FREE! 3 days only {friday - sunday}
* Mac Cosmetics : Black Knight lipstick will be available friday only online
* Aldo Canada : Extra 30% off footwear and handbags
* Spring Shoes : Extra 30% off footwear & handbags
* Wet Seal : Buy 1 Get 1 50% off  [+] Purchase $35 or more & qualify for a FREE watch
* Sephora : $12 Steals! From singles to sets *ONLY Friday, November 25*
* E.L.F : FREE Shipping + Sitewide BOGO 50% Off With Purchase of $30+ Code: BLKFRI
 

Launched Forever21 Canada Gift Shop

Click photo to visit Forever21 Canada

Check out some of the items in the gift shop. It's a great time now to pick up some great pieces to add to your wardrobe or as gifts at affordable prices. There's a bit of everything to go with any outfit; clothing, pretty accessories (necklaces, bracelets, earrings), sexy shoes, bags and more.

Bejeweled Cable Chain Necklace

CAD $9.80

Studded Suedette Ankle Boots

CAD $39.80

Sparkling Beaded Bracelet

CAD $11.80

Sudette Faux Croco Handbag

CAD $29.80

**Photographs courtesy of forever21 Canada**

Fall/Winter Fragrances

What is your favourite Fall/Winter Fragrance?

*image courtesy of fashionstylesz.com

Gianmarco Lorenzi Fall-Winter 2011/2012 Collection

 

SHOES, shoes, BEAUTIFUL shoes!

Here's a preview of the GIANMARCO Lorenzi Fall-Winter 2011/2012 collection. 

I love the designs and elegance of Gianmarco LORENZI designs; they are just so beautiful and eye catching. I love that they are so feminine and sparkly and comes with matching bags. The collection has variety and any woman will find at least one shoe that they adore. There's studs, spikes, crystals, fur, leather, lace- just about every kind of shoe. STOP! Okay, okay, so these shoes are way too EXPENSIVE, but nonetheless they are still beautiful DROOLICIOUS heels (^.^)
Enjoy the preview & have a happy friday,
Cheers!

*Photographs courtesy of gianmarcolorenzi.com*

What's Buzzing in November

 This month i'll be blogging more often with product reviews, more swatches, FOTD, VOTD, and more addition to the blog *yeaaaaah!*
I plan on posting even more often this month than what i did last month. There was so much going on that i hardly had any time to blog about anything. I had family visiting, illness to cope with, exams and assignments at school-- It's been hectic to say the least. But this month i'm in such a happier mood and feeling more as ease with a bit more time to spare-- at least i do for now but hoping it'll remain this way *hehehe*. So I've been thinking of what changes to make to the blog to keep it fresh and spice it up a bit. I plan on adding new features such as the FOTD and VOTD posts. We'll see where it goes; if it seems to work then i'll definitely do more of those posts.

**Some upcoming reviews**

- Clinique superbalanced makeup foundation

- MAC studio fix fluid foundation with SPF 15

- Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron

- Got2b glossy anti-frizz shine serum

- & more

Nyx Studio Liquid Liners : {Review}

Product: Nyx Studio Liquid Liners
Colours: Extreme Blue (SLL 101), Extreme Gold (SLL 107), Extreme Silver (SLL 106)

Size: 0.19 oz (5.5 ml)

Price: Approx.  $5 CAD/each

Where to buy: nyxcosmetics.com

Rating for Silver: 3/5

Rating for  Blue: 4.5/5 

Rating for Gold:  3/5

Likes: I really like the Extreme Blue, but haven't been able to get the other colours to work for me

Dislikes: Hard to remove, burns if it gets in your eyes 

Their Claim: Transform your look in seconds with this super-pigmented eye liner that highlights eyes with an electrifying stroke of color. The fine tip allows for precision application, and can be used to create lines of varying thickness. Go subtle or go gaga. Available in 12 scintillating shades.

Extreme Gold, Extreme Blue, Extreme Silver

My Experience

** I've had these liners for about 6 months**

Of the three colours, my favourite is the Extreme Blue. It's such a pretty vibrant colour that brightens up so many looks. However, the Gold and Silver haven't worked out so well for me so far. I've tried a few times but i just don't like the way they look so i stick with wearing the Blue; especially when i'm feeling for a pop of colour. The best way i like to wear the blue is when i'm wearing a neutral or light eye shadow, then i apply this liner and BAM! My eyes pop and look amazing *yeaaaaaaah!*

Verdict

The bright colours seem to work better for me. Extreme Blue is great when i need a pop of colour but not over dramatic. It's easy to apply, and i can go for very thin lines or thicker lines with more application. This is my favourite liquid liner ever. They are very affordable and of such good quality. Why pay more when NYX does the same job?
A word of caution: Please avoid getting these liners in your eyes because they burn like a MOTHA MOTHA!

Re-purchase? I would re-purchase Extreme Blue, and I will definitely try the other bright colours in this line, but i wouldn't try the gold or silver again.

{Swatches} Manly 120 Palette

Manly 120 blusher/eye shadow palette

I've had this palette for a few years now, and i think doing a review is well overdue. As you can see there is visible wear and tear to the palette; although i haven't used the shadows all that much. It fell from me right before i took this picture, so you can see that some of the shadows broke up a little-- the reason for the palette being a little messy. This is the largest palette i have, and go straight for it most of the time when i decide to wear makeup. I did say that i would do a review, and dont worry because i will soon after i complete an upcoming exam *yeaaah* So for now, enjoy the swatches (^-^)

Manly 120 palette has so many different colours; neutrals, brights, darks, metallics etc

Manly 120 palette; a few swatches on my fingers

Manly 120 palette; a few swatches

Manly 120 palette; a few swatches

Manly 120 palette; closer view of swatches

Do you own a Manly palette or any other similar palette like coastal scents?

How Lovely, Oh So Lovely

I'm so excited to announce that i just received this lovely blog award from Prathi over at My Life in Technicolor. Thank you so much Prathi, you are such a darling <3.
Now the rules are that i mention 7 facts about myself and pass the award along to other lovely bloggers.

.o1. I love tea and i drink it every single day

.o2. When i was younger, i used to play the Viola

.o3. I love hot, steamy baths over showers any day

.o4. My favourite tv show is Golden Girls

.o5. I hate pop and sodas; I rather have water or fruit juices

.o6. I used to write stories when i was a child

.o7. I love cuddling when it rains

~Passing on this Lovely Award to some lovely bloggers~

Mizdragonfly

The Girlie Blog
Asian Beautifier

 Rainy Days and Lattes

Pop Champagne

 Sara Hassan

 Savvy Gal

My First ELF Haul *woot woot*

www.eyeslipsface.com

 I've heard of E.L.F for years now but never actually made an order with them until now. I felt it was time i give them a try and see how well their products work for me. I live in Canada so i wasn't sure if it'd be worth it to order the products and pay $14.95 for shipping and also risk the chance of being charge customs fees. But last week ELF was having a promotional sale, where they were only charging $1.98 for shipping in the U.S. With this promotion, i still had to pay $4.97 shipping to Canada, but that's much better than the original $14.95 fee.

It took a bit over one week to get my package, which i'm pretty excited about. As well i did not get charged any customs fees *woot woot*
So here's a pic and a list of the products i bought. I will review them after i've had enough time to fully test them out.

+ Shimmering Facial Whip - Citrus, Persimmon, Lilac Petal, Toasted

+ Brushes - Foundation brush, Blending eye brush, Smudge eye sponge, Defining eye brush, Eyeliner brush, Eye crease brush

+ Eyelid primer

+ Shimmer pencil - Twinkle Teal

+ Super Glossy Lip Shine - Angel

+ Luscious Liquid Lipstick - Ruby Slipper, Baby Lips, Honey

{Review} Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner

Laneige Moisture Power Essential Skin Refiner (Toner)

Size: 200 ml

Price: Approx. $26 CAD

Where to buy: S. Korea

Rating: 4/5

Likes: Almost everything ^-^

Dislikes: Not sold locally. A bit pricey. 

** I've been using this toner since last year  along with the Laneige Multi Cleanser** 

 

Their Claim: Moisturizing skin refiner with purifying and softening effect for clear skin. Removes dried keratin and purifies the skin for clear and transparent skin. Bio Dusali, extracted from fermented seaweed with strong energy of life, supplies energy to the skin and promotes keratin turnover, while the Hyacinth extracts purify the skin from heavy metal, smog, and other harmful materials to leave the skin moist and transparent. Exfoliating enzymes gently remove the dead skin cells with less irritation. Skin-nourishing royal jelly extracts and sugar cane extracts refine dry and rough skin for moist and healthy skin.

My experience: What can i say about this toner? Where do i start! I love this toner. It truly is moisturizing and gentle enough to not irritate my sensitive skin. It comes in such a cute bottle that looks so sleek and stylish; not overly dressed up, but rather simple and chic. It's a good size bottle (200ml) which lasts a long time, as little goes a long way. (I've used a bottle for well over 6 months and still there's a lot left).

As for the smell, It's light and very pleasant. I can't pinpoint what it smells like, but it's a very light scent. I do not smell or feel any alcohol in this product which is really awesome for me.
I use this just as i would any toner/skin refiner. I dab some on a cotton pad and gentle cleanse my face with it. After i'm done my face is left feeling moisturized, soft and clean. This is by far the best toner/skin refiner i've used so far. I love almost everything about it; except the fact that it's not available locally, and that it's a bit expensive. Other than that, i have no complaints.

Verdict: The Laneige Moisture Power Essential Skin Refiner is a great buy. It does exactly what it says it will. It cleans my face very well, and leaves it soft and moisturized NOT irritated. I have re-purchased, and will continue to do so.

Christian Louboutin Fall/Winter 2011 Lookbook

For his Fall/Winter 2011 look book, Christian Louboutin collaborated with photographer Peter Lippman. The portraits are  inspired by classic paintings, from Francois Clouet's "Elizabeth of Austria to Francisco De Zurbaran's "Saint Dorothy" portrait.

The new collection is mostly fur, studs, and suede. My favourite would have to be the Daffodile Strass & Very Mix.

Daffodile Strass

Pigalle

Trotitella

Metalipp: leopard print

Tootsie Booty

Balda Booty

Daffy: blue suede

Daffy: yellow suede

Marisa

Splash Fur

Very Mix

What do you think of the new collection? Have any faves?

{Swatches} NYX Studio Liquid Liners

Nyx Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Silver(SLL 106), Extreme Blue(SLL 101), Extreme Gold (SLL 107)

Swatches from top to bottom (Extreme Blue, Extreme Gold, Extreme Silver)

I will do a review of all three liners soon to let you know what i think of them. Coming soon (^_^)

The Bzzzzing Continues

image: http://preparation4exam.com

I did my ecommerce exam today and i have one more exam to go before i can relax a little. I cant wait for it to all be over so i can seriously spend more time making new posts and just having a little fun. The summer's almost over and i've yet to take a visit to the beach :( Well i hope i can go even if it's just once before the summer's officially over.

Bzzz Busy Buzz

I had initial plans of doing reviews and swatches this week, however i'm buried in school assignments i hardly have time for myself let alone make posts. It's quite unfortunately that i have to be studying during the summer but i try to look on the bright side- i'm finishing a year early and it'll be over soon. I know it'll be worth it in the end, but it just sucks that i'm unable to do as much postings as i'd like to right now. But never fear followers, this draught will not last forever, it too will be over soon. In August i'll have a bit more time, and i do plan to do some reviews and swatches then. Until then, i leave you with a music video for your enjoyment.

 Kelly Rowland ft. Lil Wayne - Motivation

A look at what's coming up (reviews+swatches)

What to look forward to this month?
I'll be doing more reviews, as well as swatches & more FOTDs! *yeaaaah*

Upcoming Posts:
- Manly 120 eye shadow palette: swatches + review
- NYX studio liquid liners: swatches + review
- Laneige moisture power essential skin refiner (toner): review
+ many more...

Favourite Perfume?

I used to be a big perfume collector when i was younger but after having a teacher who was allegeric to perfumes, i couldn't wear them anymore; eventually, i just stopped wearing them *sad face*. Now i'm getting back into wearing them, only thing now is that i have only a few in my collection. It's been a long time since i've bought perfume and i really want to get back into starting my collection again. That is why i want to know what your favourite perfumes are! When i was younger i remember my aunt bought me a bottle of White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor and i was sooo in love with this perfume. But now i don't really have a favourite... So what is yours girlies?

What is your all time favourite perfume?