September Haul 2015 (Makeup)

Hey guys, since it's the end of the month, it's haul time! I have yet another small haul, but not as small as the August haul! I've just been on a budget lately, so that's why my hauls are getting smaller and smaller. However, since Fall officially started, I've been eyeing a few products. I'm most likely going to be picking them up next month! So, if you guys have any Fall suggestions, please leave a comment down below! I hope you guys enjoy this haul!

A few goodies from this haul!

First things first, I got two products online at Sephora! I purchased the Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powders in Bronze Glow and Pink Glow! In case you guys didn't know, last year during the holidays, Bobbi Brown released 2 popular highlighters that everyone was raving about! Of course, it was limited edition, but Bobbi Brown decided to bring them back for a limited time, so if you missed out last year, now is your chance! I did a mini review on Pink Glow http://makeupcheckbydivya.blogspot.ca/2015/09/bobbi-brown-highlighting-powder-in-pink.html . Overall, I really do like these highlighters, especially Bronze Glow, it's absolutely gorgeous! They do contain more shimmer than a regular highlighter does, so I only use these for occasions! If you're a highlighter fanatic, then these are a must have!

Pink Glow and Bronze Glow

Next, I also made a quick trip to my local Sephora. I had a gift card, so I was like why not? I purchased the Tarte Etch and Sketch brush. I really do like this brush! It makes it really easy to do a wing liner! I just wish the bristles were a bit more stiff! However, it's still a really nice brush and I highly recommend it! Especially if you do freelance makeup, I find it so much easier to apply gel liner with this brush! Next, I picked up two Kat Von D Everlasting liquid lipsticks in the shades Echo (a navy blue) and Damned (a blackened cherry color). I've already tried this formula before and I'm absolutely in love with it, so I highly recommend that you guys invest in these! They're long lasting and don't dry up your lips! Also, Kat Von D released so many beautiful shades this year! Like both these shades that I purchased are so stunning for Fall! Echo is definitely not a everyday shade, but it's just so unique and I already have some looks in my head that I want to create, so stay tuned for that! Even Damned, like if you're looking for a really deep red, then you must get this shade! It's so stunning and would suit any skin color! I legit just want to buy the whole liquid lipstick line from Kat Von D, they're just the bomb!

Do you see that navy blue?! Like yassss!

Next from online, I purchased 2 of the TruSelf Organics face masks! I'm absolutely in love with this mask! It's such an affordable mask that does wonders to your face! For example, every time I have something growing on my face, I just apply this mask and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. The next day, everything starts to fade away! The mask is that effective! I'll definitely be doing a review on this product so stay tuned! They had a promotion during the end of August/beginning of September. One of the masks came in a set. The set included a face mask, toner and a bowl/spoons to mix your mask in! Again, look out for this review guys, it'll be coming soon, I promise!

Love these masks and it's such a useful kit!

Next, I received the Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream. Influenster sent me this complimentary product for testing purposes. I'm absolutely in love with this product! It's one of the only gel creams that doesn't make my face oily! It also keeps my skin hydrated all day! Overall, I'm so impressed with this product and if you're interested, check out my review on it http://makeupcheckbydivya.blogspot.ca/2015/09/laneige-water-bank-gel-cream-review.html

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

Lastly, one of my friends was in the States and she picked up 2 Nyx Soft Matte Lip Creams for me! Unfortunately, drugstores in Montreal don't carry Nyx! Target was the only place that had Nyx, but they closed down! However, I did hear that some Jean Coutus started carrying Nyx products, so I'll definitely have to check that out! I love their Soft Matte Lip Creams! They're so pigmented and glide on your lips like butter! They also have a beautiful shade range! Like I have a whole list of shades that I want! Maybe, I'll do a lip swatch post for you guys on all the shades that I own (let me know what you think of that idea!). Anyways, the shades that my friend got me are Athens (a light nude peachy pink) and Abu Dhabi (warm nude brown). I swatched both of them on my lips quick quick to see what they look like and let me say I'm in love! Especially with Abu Dhabi! It's such a beautiful everyday nude! I highly recommend that you guys check these out! They're so affordable with amazing quality!

Abu Dhabi and Athens

That guys is it for my haul! I hope you enjoyed this really small haul! As you can see, I've just been so obsessed with lip products lately, well like usual! I took a break from buying lip products, but I'm at it again! So, guys let me know what are some of your favorite lip products for Fall and what are some must haves!

Laneige: Water Bank Gel Cream Review

Hey guys, I figured it's time to finally write a review on a skincare product! I haven't spoken about skincare in so long, so it's time now! Influenster sent me this free Laneige VoxBox. I received this product for testing purposes and I decided why not write a review on it. I was expecting to get like deluxe size samples, but no, they sent me the FULL size of the Water Bank Gel Cream, which I was so shocked about! I truly appreciate it, but even though it's a complimentary product, I'll still be sharing with you my honest opinion on this product! Laneige is a new skincare line that recently became available at Sephora! Their products are formulated with advanced water science. I became very curious about this line and did research on it! It was stated on their website that "Only Laneige laboratories have unleashed scientifically engineered, skin perfecting mineral water clinically proven to hydrate, protect and revitalize individual skin types. The result: 24-hour hydration and protection against sun, pollution and stress. Through its mastery of the science of water, Laneige brings skincare to a new level of excellence". I find it so interesting how Laneige used mineral water to help hydrate the skin for 24 hours! Normally, I use a lot of moisturizer, but I find half way through the day, I need to apply more moisturizer, because my skin starts to get dry (and I have combination skin now). I was really curious to see, how my skin was going to react to this product and if it would actually be hydrated for the full day! So, this review will specifically only be about the Water Bank Gel Cream, but as mentioned, they have quite a few products available at Sephora. Some of their famous products includes; the cleanser, serum, moisturizer and mask!

My Laneige VoxBox from Influenster

The package itself was really nice!

Laneige's best sellers!

First things first, let's talk about the packaging. It comes in a really cute box! I love how there's not a lot of writing on the box! It honestly just outlines the main purposes of this gel cream and it's ingredients! The product itself comes in a very sturdy glass jar. It comes with 50 ml of product. You just twist the lid off to access the product. I really love how they have this strong plastic closure to prevent the product from getting dry! Overall, the packaging just feels so luxurious! As mentioned, you can purchase this at Sephora or if you're in the States, you can purchase this at Target! The price of this is $42CAD. Which is quite a bit, but you'll be the one to judge after you read this review!

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

The jar

It has a plastic cover to protect the product!

Without the cover

It's stated that this gel cream is formulated with scientifically engineered, skin perfecting hydro ionized mineral water that delivers nutrients, hydrates and transforms your skin. It also absorbs instantly and delivers 6 moisture-maximizing minerals deep into your skin, it strengthens skin's moisture barrier, it circulates and retains moisture all day and protects and soothes the skin (stated on the box and post card I got). You apply this like any other gel cream by gently spreading it from the center of your face outward. If you choose to get the serum, make sure you put this gel cream on AFTER the serum! On the box it says that "for normal to combination skin", but of course, any skin can use this! I feel like this gel cream would make the same impact on any skin type.

The postcard with the information that I received

What's written on the back of the box

I love the texture of this gel cream! It's not chunky, it's just a smooth gel cream. It does have a light scent to it, but it's not overpowering at all! I honestly just don't know how to describe it, but it smells fresh (I'm really bad with scents, sorry)! It also feels SO cooling on the skin! Once you put it on your skin, it absorbs within a few minutes! What I love about this cream, is that it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily! Before, I would say my skin was oily, but I don't know why, throughout the years, it just became combination! I just don't get as oily as before, but I'm not dry either. However, my main issue with moisturizers is that they always leave me feeling oily (even with combo skin)! So, right off the bat, you'll love how this cream wears! It's gentle, not oily and very cooling! Honestly, once you put this gel cream on, you'll just see how hydrated and healthy your skin looks! It just leaves it so smooth with a light radiant touch! You also don't need to use a lot of product! A little goes a long way! Normally, I let the moisturizer sit on my face for at least 10-15 minutes before I start to apply makeup! I also spray MAC Fix Plus on my face for more hydration and so that the foundation can blend seamlessly. However, with this gel cream, I can skip that step! My foundation (even the thick full coverage ones like the Kat Von D lock it one) just blends so nicely and I don't have to worry about the foundation grabbing onto my dry patches! Now, the main question is, does it really last for 24 hours? First of all, I'm not awake for 24 hours, so I can't tell you. However, there are days that I'm out for 16 hours and let me say, my skin doesn't feel dehydrated at all! I normally always wake up with my skin feeling a bit dry, but when I apply this the night before, it keeps it hydrated! I've been using it for about a week now and i'm very impressed! I been seeing a few changes in my skin! It just looks so much healthier, since I started using this product and I don't have to worry about my face feeling dry now! Since we're going into Fall, this is definitely my necessity!

A close up of the cream gel!

Overall, I love this product and I definitely highly recommend it! I know it's a bit expensive, but you get a lot of product and it's so hard to find a moisturizer that doesn't make you oily! I'm always looking for products that are going to improve my skin, so I can't wait to try the other Laneige products! If you guys already tried this product or any other products from the Laneige line, let me know!

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow: Hot or Not?

Guess what's back in stock!!! Yes, the famous Bobbi Brown highlighters in Pink Glow and Bronze Glow! In case you missed out last year during the holidays, Bobbi Brown came out with 2 limited edition highlighters that everyone was obsessed with! I mean everyone! These were the highlighters that everyone was talking about! Sadly, they sold out pretty fast! I saw it a few times at my local Sephora, but I was like no I don't need it (mistake!). Then, once I saw videos and pictures about these highlighters, I was like maybe I do need them and of course by that time, they got sold out everywhere! Luckily guys, now is your chance! Bobbi Brown decided to bring back both these highlighters  for a limited time! I don't know how long they'll be in stock, but on the Sephora website, it says that it's limited edition! So, if you been wanting this for a long time, GET IT ASAP! I just love how Bobbi Brown listened to their customers and bought these 2 babies back, even though they were limited edition last year! It just makes you appreciate them so much more!

Bobbi Brown highlighter in Pink Glow

As you can tell by the title, this mini review will only be on Pink Glow. The day that I ordered Pink Glow, unfortunately Bronze Glow wasn't available then and it came out a few days after! I kind of wished that I waited a few days, but I just didn't want it to get sold out! However, I still want to purchase Bronze Glow, so I hope I get my hands on it! Anyways, let's talk about Pink Glow. It comes in the regular Bobbi Brown compact (the black square). Last year, it was in the bulky limited edition packing, which I liked, but I personally prefer this one, because it's not as bulky and it won't take up as much space. I also find, the regular Bobbi Brown packaging is just so classy, even though it' simple. I don't know, I just have a thing for black compacts! The compact doesn't weigh a lot and it doesn't feel sturdy. I feel like if it fell, the product will most likely shatter! However, you can toss this in your purse with no problem, because the magnetic closure is really strong! The product itself comes with 7g of product and it costs $54CAD. In my opinion, for the amount of product that you get, it's way too pricey! The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors (pressed) are $46CAD and come with 8g of product and even the Cover FX illuminators are $28CAD with 10g of product! So, it's a little debatable about these highlighters, but keep in mind, Bobbi Brown is a highend brand! Most of their products I find are too pricey to begin with! The other thing that I noticed is that last year, it was in a bigger packaging and it came with 8g of product instead of 7g. I'm not sure why Bobbi Brown had to cut down on the product this time, because it's still fairly expensive! For the moment, you can only buy these highlighters online at Sephora (don't forget to use Ebates!).

The compact itself

The inside

The product itself looks gorgeous in the pan! It has a beautiful square embossing. The shade itself is a very beautiful champagne with a hint of peach and beige in it! When I apply it on my face (I have medium skin with slightly yellow undertones), it appears more rosy than pink, which is something that I like. I find if you have pink undertones, then this will appear more pink on you, whereas to someone that has neutral or warm undertones, it'll just look more rosy. I don't have anything like this in my collection, so I think it' unique and it's definitely something that's different (I mostly use gold highlighters)! I recommend it to any skin color, especially if you're fair or light, you'll love it!

Swatch on my medium skin with no flash or edit!

Swatch with flash

The pigmentation of this highlighter is amazing! A little goes a long way! It's also super soft and silky! It honestly blends like a dream! It has a metallic frosted finish! I find this highlighter is a bit too shimmery for my personal preference. It doesn't leave a "natural glow" like the Hourglass Ambient Lightning powders! I normally pack on 2 layers of this product and it's more than enough for me! If I do a third or forth layer, it's mostly for a event during the night, where I really want my highlighter to pop! I find this highlighter wears really good for 6-8 hours. I just remember this one day, I had it on for the whole day (so like 12-14 hours) and by the end of the day, it faded away! Unfortunately, I lost track of time that day, so I'm not sure which hour it started fading away exactly! However, the days I had my makeup on for 8 hours, this was still looking fabulous on my skin!

A closer look at this beauty

Overall, I really like this highlighter and it's an amazing addition to my collection! It's not my favorite highlighter, so I don't highly recommend it. However, if you want a break from your gold and bronze highlighters, Pink Glow is definitely the way to go! For those of you that missed out last year, I hope this time around, you get your hands on these! I hope you guys enjoyed this mini review and hope you all have an amazing week!

Buxom: Eyeshadow Review

I'm loving the fact that more and more companies are coming out with customizable eyeshadow palettes. I always reach out for palettes that I customized, because I'm guaranteed that I'll find a eyeshadow that I love and will use. I just find them so convenient and handy! That's why when Buxom came out with their customizing system, I just had to get it! Like when I swatched these eyeshadows in store, I was like YASSSS I need! The shade range is absolutely beautiful! You have a wide range of beautiful shades with different finishes! Also, did you know it's only $50 and you get 6 eyeshadows?! Like Make Up For Ever has a customizing system, but you only get 3 eyeshadows for $50. Yes, MUFE have huge eyeshadows, but sometimes you just want more options!

My Buxom Eyeshadow Palette

I'll start off with the packaging. So, they have several different printed cases you guys can get. I stuck to the boring black one (typical of me). It has a snake/alligator print on it. The palette itself is very sturdy! It's a hard plastic compact. It doesn't open easily! I've dropped it a few times and thank god, nothing got damaged! It also comes with a mini double ended eyeshadow brush, that I won't be using, but I guess it's a good brush to keep incase you need a quick touch up! When you open it, you have a mirror on one side and then obviously the eyeshadows on the other side. What I really like about this palette is that it's not magnetic! You know how many times I've damaged my MAC eyeshadows, because I try to take them out! Like, it's not easy trying to take them out! But with this palette, you just slide it from the side and you just pop them out with your fingers! It's so easy and prevents your eyeshadows from getting damaged! Like Buxom nailed it on the packaging!

The palette itself

You just slide the eyeshadows out (so easy)!

Now you just add on or take out whichever eyeshadow you please!

Just push on top to take out the eyeshadow

So easy right?!

So as I mentioned, this palette holds up to 6 eyeshadows! Basically when you purchase 6 eyeshadows, the palette itself is free. Normally, when you purchase them individually, it costs $15CAD, so in my opinion it's better to pick out the 6 shades and spend $50CAD. If you're someone that has a hard time picking out shades, they have ready made palettes that are the same price (palette + 6 eyeshadows for $50). Each eyeshadow bar comes with 1.4g of product, which is a nice amount (Mac eyeshadows come with 1.3g of product)! Let's say only one eyeshadow from the collection appeals to you, you can always buy it individually and Sephora even sells you an individual eyeshadow compact! You can purchase these eyeshadows at any Sephora.

Let's talk about the shade range now. As I said, they have a wide range of colors and finishes! I personally wish I purchased mine online, because my local Sephora ran out of a lot of the shades! So my advice to you would be to go in store and see if you like the formula and colors in person. Once you get back home, just order it from online! They don't have as many options as MUFE does, but I find they have the basic shades covered. You have both your neutrals and pop out colors. There's a right amount of warm and cool undertones that you can get. Even though I like the shade range, they should add on a few more shades. I find some of these eyeshadows, there are already many dupes for! The shades are all beautiful, but the line needs some unique shades that aren't in the market already!

The shade range (picture from the Sephora website)

Before I talk about the shades that I bought, I'm going to talk about the formula. These eyeshadows are SO pigmented! The pigmentation of these remind me of MUFE and Makeup Geek eyeshadows (out of this world!). They're also really smooth and they blend like a dream! I also love how these aren't messy! Sometimes when a eyeshadow is too soft or smooth, they tend to crumble in the palette when you dip your brush into it! With these eyeshadows, I've had no problem! Even the ones that have a lot of shimmer to them, they don't come off patchy. Even the mattes, they're so smooth and they don't appear chalky! They're super long lasting! I prime my eyes with MAC paint pots and legit, I've had these stay on for more than 10 hours without fading away (amazing right?!). Whether I use a synthetic brush or not, my brushes pick up the product perfectly and I don't need to dip my brush into these eyeshadows a million times! The fallout on these are very minimal! I find the ones that are shimmery cause a bit more fall out, but the matte and satin ones cause no or really minimal fall out! Overall, I'm in LOVE with the formula of these!

Another look at my palette

Now let's talk about the shades that I picked up! As mentioned, my Sephora didn't have that many shades available! I wish I picked up more matte shades, but it is what it is. I still love all the eyeshadows that I purchased! I've already used all of them and I'm obsessed!

Close up with no flash

With flash

From left to right:

1)Satin Seduction: This is described as a bisque luster. It's basically a light beige with peachy and warm undertones to it. It's a satin, so it leaves a soft metallic sheen. I find this is the perfect brow bone highlight!

Satin Seduction (no flash)

2)Champagne Buzz: This is described as a shimmering pearl. It's a light- medium champagne with peachy and slightly warmer undertones to it. It leaves a metallic sheen! It's very similar to MAC's All that Glitters! It's a really beautiful lid color!

Champagne Buzz (no flash)

3)Style Icon: This is described as a metallic taupe. It's a muted medium brown with warm and light gold undertones to it. This one is more of a frosted finish. This is another beautiful shade on the lid (especially for darker skins!).

Style Icon (no flash)

4)Invite Only: This is described as a matte terracotta. It's a medium peachy brown with warm undertones to it. It has a matte finish. It slightly reminds me of MAC's Soft Brown, but Invite Only is more on the orangey peachy side! I love this color in the crease or as a transition! I also apply it on the lid for a everyday makeup look!

Invite Only (no flash)

5)Gold Status: This is described as a metallic brass. It's a medium yellow gold with warm undertones. It has a frosted finish. Again, this is a beautiful shade on the lid! I also love applying it on the bottom lash line to make my eyes pop even more!

Gold Status (no flash)

6)Mink Magnet: This is described as a metallic bronze. It's a medium bronzey brown with a hint of mauve undertones. It's a frosted finish, but contains more glitter than the other eyeshadows. It's another beautiful shade on the lid!

Mink Magnet (no flash)

Here are the swatches of all the eyeshadows!

Swatches with no flash

Swatches with flash

Those are my beautiful shades! As you can see, I picked up a lot of shades for the lid, since the mattes were mostly all sold out! I'll definitely be making another Buxom palette! I want to change it up and pick up some pop out colors! I think I have enough nudes now! So, I hope this review was helpful! These eyeshadows are stunning and I highly recommend you guys look into them!

August Haul 2015 (Makeup)

Hey guys! Honestly, I'm about to show you guys my smallest makeup haul ever! I just been so busy this month that I didn't even have time to go buy makeup! I just been on the go all month! Also, fall is around the corner and I'm kind of waiting for the new collections to release. Fall is my favorite season, especially when it comes to makeup and fashion! So, I definitely can't wait to see what kind of products makeup companies will be releasing! I also been buying a lot of back to school clothes, so I had to cut it down on the makeup! So, I hope you guys still enjoy this little haul!

My small August haul! 

First of all, I went to Walmart and picked up 2 mascaras. The first one is Rimmel's Scandal Eyes (orange tube). This is probably my 5th time repurchasing this mascara! I'm absolutely in love with it and it really volumizes my lashes! It just makes them look so natural and full! It's like my go to mascara and I had to repurchase it, since I ran out! The next is a new mascara that I been wanting to try for a long time. It's the L'Oreal Telescopic. I didn't try on the mascara yet, however the bristles on the wand are small, so I'm curious to see what this will do to my lashes. I've tried this Too Faced mascara, which came with a skinny wand with small bristles like this one and it didn't work for me at all! However, it's good for my bottom lashes and that's why I kept it. I know a lot of people rave about the Telescopic, so I'll see!

My 2 mascaras

Next, I went to MAC and purchased the lipstick in Stone. I think it was last month that I bought the lip liner in Stone and I was obsessed, so I obviously had to get the lipstick version! I still haven't tried it on, but it's basically a matte greyish taupe brown. I don't think I have anything similar to it in my collection, so I'm excited to try this on! I feel like it's going to be my go to color for fall!

MAC's Stone

Lastly, I got two items online at Sephora. In the beginning of the month, I got the Kat Von D Five Fearless Years Limited Edition Tattoo Liner. So, Kat Von D released her famous tattoo liner in Trooper in gorgeous limited edition packaging to celebrate her 5 year anniversary! I'm telling you, you'll just want to buy this for the packaging! It's absolutely stunning and you have Kat Von D's signature on it! It comes in a fancy box too, like if you're a makeup addict, you need this! I haven't tried this on yet, but I did swatch it and it's really pigmented and doesn't budge! I tried the MUFE liner that comes in a pen also and it is easier to create a wing with this! However, I'm so used to my gel liner that I'm not sure what I like better, but hey it's a nice edition to my collection! Lastly at the end of the month, I purchased the Anastasia Shadow Couture Palette. I was really hesitant on getting this palette, because I already have so many eyeshadows! I own the Tamanna palette by ABH, which I love, but I didn't find their eyeshadow formula to be the best. So, that's why I was like do I need this or not? However, the color selection is really nice in this palette and that was the main reason that I bought it! They have neutrals and pop out colors. They're all wearable and it's a palette that you can use all year round! I was really attracted to the color Morocco in this palette! It just stood out to me and it's just the perfect crease color! So, we'll see how it goes, who knows maybe I'll fall in love with the formula!

Kat Von D's Five Fearless Years Limited Edition Tattoo Liner

Anastasia Shadow Couture Palette

That my lovelies is it for my haul. I told you, it was really small! However, I kind of like writing about small hauls, because that way I can talk about the products. When hauls are big, I tend to not say much, because I don't want my post to be 5 pages long! So ya, I hope you enjoyed this really small haul! Maybe next month, I'll start a monthly favorites post, so let me know what you think of that! If you want me to review any of these products, let me know!