Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Matte

I recently received a few samples of Make Up For Ever's new "Artist Liquid Matte" Liquid Lip Colour, and I love them! They are the newest addition to Make Up For Ever's lip products range. The Artist Liquid Matte is long-lasting and intensely pigmented with an ultra-matte silky finish. The formula is weightless and comfortable to wear, and keeps your lips feeling moisturized all day long.

There are 6 neutral shades available. I received #101, #103, & #109. #101 is a light pink, #103 is like a nude/pink/chestnut, and #109 is a crimson/red.

Buy it here from Sephora: MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Matte Liquid Lipstick ($25)


Matte lipsticks seem to be very popular this season. They are perfect for every day wear, and for a more dramatic look for your lips..pair it with a gloss for some very cool and beautiful results. Here are some of my favourite looks:

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Destinations for a Relaxing Holiday in the UK

I love travelling but most places I've been before have been large cities and urban areas. I also love small villages and countrysides though for their beautiful scenery and relaxed pace of life. I hope to go on more relaxing holidays in the future to get away from the daily stresses of life, unwind, and recharge.
In England, I have only been to London but I've always wanted to explore the rural areas around the country as well (the Cotswolds is very high on my bucket list). This post is sponsored by Great Little Breaks, featuring some of the top destinations for a relaxing holiday in the UK.

When the time comes for a holiday in the UK, it can be incredibly difficult to decide what kind of break you want. You may want to explore one of the many incredible cities and spend your time sight-seeing and soaking up the atmosphere, whilst there is also a temptation to have a relaxing and therapeutic break. Whether it is a romantic break for two or a solo trip, there are many fantastic holiday options for those seeking relaxation.

North Yorkshire: As the largest county in England, North Yorkshire is an area with many great places to explore and home to several beautiful National Parks. There are fabulous hotels and incredible manor estates to stay at, many of which offer fine dining in spectacular surroundings. (Photo: Mike Kipling)

Surrey: Often referred to as the “Garden of England”, Surrey is an area of natural beauty which makes it a terrific place for a relaxing holiday. You can go on leisurely strolls in the countryside or through one of the many scenic villages to take in the sights, before retiring to your hotel for spa treatments, fine dining and complete comfort. (Photo & header photo: Visit Surrey)

Hampshire: An area of breathtaking natural beauty combined with quaint and charming seaside towns makes Hampshire one of the most beautiful counties in all of England. It also has a rich history, being the birthplace of both Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. There is plenty to keep you occupied in Hampshire, but you may find yourself simply unwinding at one of the many luxurious retreats. (Photo: calxibe)

Shropshire: Nestled between the West Midlands and Wales, Shropshire has a handful of charming towns and is one of England’s most rural and sparsely populated counties. This makes it a quiet and secluded area perfect for relaxation and recharging your batteries. After exploring the Shropshire Hills, there are a number of magnificent country hotels and manors to unwind in. (Photo: Barry Samuels)

These are just a few of the many places in England to visit, for those looking for a relaxing holiday. Before making your booking, it is worth contacting specialists in the industry such as Great Little Breaks. These companies can find discounted accommodation and extras that include breakfast, spa treatments, complimentary bottle of champagne, and more. This will ensure that your break is special and that you feel de-stressed and rejuvenated when it's time to head home!

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Review: VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask

At the end of the 18th century, an Austrian doctor by the name of Byrne Victor developed a secret skincare formula that cured skin illnesses and allowed the skin to be born again. This secret formula for "eternal youth" was a favourite of Queen Josephine (the wife of Napoleon). Today, it is the formula for VIIcode's products.

I received a box of their O2M Oxygen Eye Mask last week. The eye mask is meant to eliminate fine lines, dryness, dark circles, puffy eyes, and bags under your eyes. It is meant to be worn overnight; the 8-hour treatment will have you waking up to smooth-looking, bright and radiant eyes! They can be used by women of all ages. For older women, they can help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. For younger women they moisturize the delicate eye area to prevent pre-mature aging.

The masks contain a variety of special plant oxygen extracts and deep sea biological extracts which allow them to repair the skin around your eyes and help with a range of different issues. Your skin cells will be given additional energy and the ability to self-repair.


HOW TO USE: After cleaning your face, apply each mask gently and firmly to your face under the eyes. Apply them shortly before going to sleep. While you sleep, the masks will strengthen and hydrate your skin. The recommended course of treatment is 2-3 times per week, and 3 boxes overall for long-term effects.

MY EXPERIENCE: I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to try this at first. As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I have quite sensitive skin. I had never heard of this brand before and wasn't sure how my skin would react to it. I decided to try it and figured I'd just remove it if I started feeling irritation around the area. Luckily that didn't happen. The masks are made with all natural ingredients so are safe for all skin types.

After I showered and washed up one night, I applied them under my eyes. Each packet contains 2 small masks; one for each eye. The masks have a gel-like texture, refreshing and cool to the touch. They are easy to apply and stay well on the face. They felt very relaxing actually.

I left them on overnight and removed them when I woke up. They were easy to remove and didn't leave any residue. I then continued on with my usual morning skincare routine and noticed my eyes did feel fresher and brighter.

I felt the masks were a bit big for me though and they did feel a bit uncomfortable at first (because of the size), but after awhile you will get used to them. Especially if you wear them while sleeping.

BUY on Amazon: VIIcode Oxygen Eye Mask ($55/box of 6 packets)

(This is a sponsored post but opinions are my own!)

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Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Review

Make Up For Ever has long been known for their innovative HD liquid foundations, making them the go-to brand for professionals in the film and television industry. Their formulas make skin look flawless and natural both on and off camera. The brand continuously redefines and elevates beauty standards, most recently with the Ultra HD Foundation. This advanced formula foundation was created for the new era in technology. It looks invisible to the 4K camera and to the naked eye, feeling and looking like a second skin when applied.

With 4K technology displaying images with unbelievable detail, stunning clarity and heightened colour...Make Up For Ever has created the Ultra HD Foundation to meet the demands of 4K technology. Make Up For Ever's Ultra HD Foundation will give you a flawless complexion, excellent coverage, and long-lasting wear while maintaining the natural look of your skin. The oil-free foundation is available in 40 different shades to match all skin tones.


My Review: I received a set of 3 of these foundations a bit more than a month ago. I've been alternating between using them and my usual liquid foundation. Although the foundation was made for use on TV/film, it's also great for every day use. I normally use this one when I want more coverage and need it to last throughout the day. I have combination skin though so after I apply it I need to set it with a powder..and then reapply throughout the day to keep it looking too oily.

My skin is pretty difficult with it comes to makeup. I have very sensitive skin and usually have to try a few different brands (for each type of product) before finding one that I like and also that my skin doesn't react to. As I had not used any Make Up For Ever foundation before this, I was a bit nervous when trying it..half expecting my skin to get irritated by it. But luckily, it didn't have any reaction to it at all. So it definitely is good for sensitive skin.

I really like the silky finish. It gives the skin a bit of a radiant look and provides excellent coverage. It also feels lightweight on the skin, is easy to blend/build up and absorbs quickly into the skin.

Purchase: $50 CDN at Sephora - Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation





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Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss

I received the Make Up For Ever "Artist Plexi-Gloss" a few days ago in Nude Beige/101. This lip gloss is available in 35 glossy shades and known for its shocking shine, excessive colour and stay-on power. Whether you are looking for a nude, coral, pink, red or arty shade, pearly or non-pearly, sheer or opaque finish..they have it!

I usually don't wear lip gloss/lip stick because I found most of them irritate my lips and I am allergic to most brands (for lip products). This one is different though. It stays on comfortably all day and I really love it. The shade I got was the perfect nude pink shade I've been looking for. The application stick also makes it very easy to apply.

Dany Sanz, the founder of Make Up For Ever, was inspired by her shiny Plexiglas makeup case to create this lip gloss.

Artist Plexi-Gloss has cracked the code of fabulous shine. The 360-degree reflective beads reflect the light to create a mirror-like shine of the lips.

Each tube has a Superflex applicator. One swipe over the lips is all it takes to lacquer your lips for up to 5 hours. The applicator is split down one side, so that it fills with gloss through a soft foam material. The flat side is used to roll the colour across the lips and draw the lip contour with precision, while the rounded tip fills the Cupid's bow.

Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss ($23) can be found at Sephora!



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Make Up For Ever "Artist Liner"

I received the Make Up For Ever "Artist Liner" last week in Matte Black. I use black eyeliner on a daily basis (have done so for years) so I've tried just about every brand available in every form possible. My favourite is the retractable waterproof ones; they glide on easier than pencil liners, are easier to apply with precision than liquid/cream liners and lasts longer than non-waterproof ones. After using Make Up For Ever's Artist Liner this past week, it has become my new favourite as it has all those qualities. It isn't said to be waterproof, but it stays put throughout the day and offers bold, long-lasting colour that's also easy to take off at night.

The price is also very reasonable for the quality: $23 CDN / $19 USD at Sephora. In the past, I would always use Chanel's waterproof retractable eyeliner (for high-end) or Sephora Collection (for lower-end). Make Up For Ever's Artist Liner is close to the quality of Chanel's but without the $30+ price tag, so I would definitely repurchase this in the future.

The liner is highly pigmented and glides on effortlessly to define and enhance eyes. The formula is silky and blendable, and with a super slim tip which makes it easy to apply. The ultra-creamy texture provides a bold, long-lasting line of intense colour or can be blended out for a smokey effect.

The Fall 2014 collection comes in a range of 15 vivid hues in 5 different finishes:


M-10: Matte Black
D-12: Diamond Black
S-14: Matte Anthracite Grey


I-34: Iridescent Green Tree
M-50: Matte Bright Brown
M-60: Matte Dark Brown


I-16: Iridescent Taupe Grey
S-20: Matte Navy Blue
I-22: Iridescent Turquoise


M-24: Matte Majorelle Blue
I-30: Iridescent Khaki
I-32: Iridescent Pop Green


ME-70: Metallic Bronze
M-80: Matte Plum
I-90: Iridescent Purple

Buy it at Sephora: $23 (Canada) / $19 (USA)

*Sponsored Post: product was provided by Make Up For Ever in exchange for my honest review*

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Victoria's Secret Beauty

I received a nice little package in the mail a couple weeks ago, containing these beauty products by Victoria's Secret! This was my first time trying their beauty products. My favourites would have to be the fragrances and bronzer.

Instant Bronzing Tinted Shimmer Lotion ($15) - Very shimmery and moisturising for the skin (made with shea butter), used to give your tan a radiant boost. It smells delicious too! I've used it a few times so far and love how it makes my skin glisten in the sun. Check out the rest of their self tanners/bronzers collection here. The products are all great for the skin, infused with ingredients like Tahitian Monoi Oil, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter and SPF.

These are from their new nail polish line from Spring 2013. The pink one is called Bombshell Pink, and the glittery pink one is called Backstage. Bombshell Pink is their signature shade (I can't quite capture the exact colour on this photo but just think of the VS bag's shade of pink). There's a total of 20 shades from this collection, ranging from blushing pinks to bold metallics. Find it in select Victoria's Secret stores for $10 each.

I LOVE these two..especially the "Victoria", their iconic new fragrance. Very fresh, sensual and totally irresistible. The scent is a mixture of sweet, fruity and floral accents; perfect for the summer. The timeless appeal of Victoria's Secret is perfectly captured in the blend of red berries, Victoria Rose (five distinct roses: English Rose, Rose Canina, English and French Primrose and Bulgarian Rose) and creme brulee.
The bottle is very pretty too - signature pink and statement stripes, jewel-inspired facets, metallic shine...all tied up in an iconic hand-crafted bow. Find it here and in stores for $68.

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*This is a sponsored post*