THE CONTOUR CRAZE . MY FAVOURITE PALETTES

Contouring has been all the rage since we first discovered that Kim Kardashian's makeup artist used the technique to create her flawless, chiseled look – but never has it been so widely accessible. My prediction: 2015 is the year of the contour craze. And it should come as no shock with beauty companies everywhere releasing contour palettes left, right, and center so that we can achieve our own version of perfection. Ahh society. As someone who struggles with a less than perfect nose and non-defined cheekbones, contouring has become an essential technique when getting ready for a night on the town. But I simply can't be bothered with blending three different shades of foundation to get the look – and forget about cream contour products, far too difficult and advanced. Instead I turn to powder palettes, like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit[*] or the Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit – these two palettes make faking it simple, even for beginners like myself.   

 ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CONTOUR KIT

 

If there was ever a palette to rule them all this would be the one. Composed of six pans, three to highlight and three to bronze/contour, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit[*] has it all, and is available in two shades, one for light/medium skin tones and the other for medium/tan. And you see those little notches? That's because this palette is completely customizable, removable and refillable – meaning if you run out of one shade you won't have to purchase the entire palette over again, simply that one pan (currently only available on the Anastasia Beverly Hills site). The shades themselves are super-pigmented, even verging on too deep for my skin tone, so I'm constantly reminding myself to use a fluffy brush with a small amount of product. 

The highlighting shades include Vanilla, Banana, and Sand, with Sand being the only shade in the palette that features a shimmer finish. I've been mixing Vanilla and Banana to highlight and accentuate the contour below my cheekbones and along the center of my forehead, while Sand is perfect for highlighting above the cheekbone, down the center of my nose and along the brow bone. The contour/bronzing shades include Java, Fawn and Havana – Fawn has wonderful grey undertones to give that sullen cheek effect and Java has been my go-to for warming up my skin and blending out the contour. Unfortunately, Havana is far too dark and pigmented for me, but hopefully come summer I'll be tanned and able to use it more frequently. For only $50 CAD this palette is an absolute steal, and as an added bonus it's cruelty-free!

SMASHBOX STEP-BY-STEP CONTOUR KIT

The Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit was the first contour palette I gravitated towards – it provides a step-by-step guide within the mirror for those of us daft when it comes to contouring, is travel friendly, and comes with the perfect fluffy contouring brush. The three powders are slightly larger than those featured in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit and include a contour, bronzing and highlight shade. I find this palette simpler to use since it features less options, but seemingly more difficult at the same time as it doesn't match every skin tone. The shadows themselves are highly pigmented, finely milled and extremely blendable, so once again be sure to use a light hand and minimal product. The step-by-step guide makes application fool-proof, providing you with the distinct location that each shade should be applied, which I've found very helpful. However, I find myself longing for a highlight shade with a shimmer finish to further accentuate the contour, so I often have to turn to my MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in Soft n' Gentle or Lightscapade to fill the void. All-in-all it is a lovely palette, and I'll certainly bring it with me whenever I travel since it's a space saver, but it doesn't contain the same oomph as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, especially considering they are the same price.

With such a wide array of contour kits hitting retailers this year have you jumped onto the contour bandwagon?

AM¥     XO

[*]Some of the items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer. 

SEVEN TO TRY . FOR WIDE AWAKE E¥ES

We've all been there. Partied a little two hard and woken up with big black bags under our eyes – not a good look. This weekend I have a few events that will require me to stay up past my typical 10:30pm bed time, so I've compiled a kit of seven products to ensure I look bright-eyed come morning – yes, I'm that much of a grandma.

The first savior for tired eyes is a product that is entirely new to me, and contains dragon's blood... you heard me, dragon's blood. The Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks[*] use bio-cellulose technology and dragon's blood [a natural plant extract] to intensely hydrate and plump the under eye region. Much needed for those of us who forget to guzzle water before bed after a night of drinking. I further hydrate this delicate area with my most-loved Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – the unique formula applies as a cream but quickly transforms, giving a water-like feel as you massage it in. Now to the makeup, the most compelling way to fake that you've had a full 8 hours of sleep. My go-to for concealing under the eyes is my Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque – I've been using it for years now as it instantly hides dark circles and never creases, which can accentuate my naturally puffy eyes. What a lot of people don't recognize is that it's equally as important to colour correct your eyelids as well, and my mom has got me hooked on Benefit's Lemon-Aid for this. The soft-yellow shade corrects redness that may occur if you 'forgot' to wash your makeup off – I say 'forgot' because I often know that I should wash my face and simply choose sleep instead. The next step is to line the waterline with a nude eye liner – this will make your eyes appear larger without having the stark effect that a white pencil can have. I love the Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner in Nude because the creamy formula ensures I'm not tugging at my eyes. I then pop a bit of my Stila Smudge Crayon in Kitten in the inner corners and blend with my ring finger – the pearl champagne shade has an instant brightening effect and can double as a brow bone highlight. The final step is mascara, and lots of it. I received a sample of the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara[*] in the Double Exposure Palette and have been obsessed with it ever since. The thick brush is similar to Make Up For Ever's Smoky Lash, which was formerly my HG mascara, creating thick bold lashes, without clumps. And if all that fails... well, you're most likely a zombie and should just throw on some sunglasses.

What are your go-to products for the day after a sleepless night?

AM¥     XO

[*]Some of the items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer.  

THE GAME CHANGERS OF 2014

My views on beauty, blogging and life have changed a lot over the course of 2014. As most of you have probably already noticed I've been the most indecisive person, with everything from the blog to love. I changed the name of my site then reverted back to THE PRETT¥ VAIN within a week, stopped blogging entirely for two months and was absolutely stunned that you all stuck by my side.  I'm entering 2015 with a much clearer mind, and a focus on the aesthetic I've been sharing with you over the past few weeks. But 2014 wasn't a complete rollercoaster ride – there were a number of products that stuck with me through thick and thin, along with a handful of new releases that completely changed my beauty game.

SKIN

At the age of 25 I finally cemented a skincare regime that I've grown to love. My focus this year truly was on my skin – ensuring it looked flawless without an ounce of makeup. And while I'm not completely there, I'm pretty damn close. I owe that perfected skin to one product in particular, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. This serum is highly concentrated with Viniferine, which helped to reduce the appearance of dark spots caused from those pesky period pimples I get around that time of the month. It also improved my skins overall radiance, giving me a fresh and bright complexion. I also enhanced my complexion through the use of face masks, which I tried by the hoards. Two of my absolute favourites were the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask and the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. They both give my skin an instant pick me up when it's looking dull or I've partied a little too hard.

Complete reviews can be found here: luminizing black mask, pumpkin enzyme mask

MAKEUP

For makeup I kept things classic and polished with a focus on finding the perfect foundation – and I somehow ended up with three I can't live without. I was hooked to the Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup all spring/summer thanks to it's lightweight, long-lasting formula, and fall/winter has been all about the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream, which came as a complete shock to me – you can see my full review here. The final foundation I've been addicted to is the Marc Jacobs Beauty Marvelous Mousse Transformative OilFree Foundation – nothing perfects my skin like it, unfortunately it's matte finish has a drying effect on my already dry skin meaning I can only wear it once or twice a week.

The rest of my look has maintained an ease and simplicity that I've really come to enjoy. I've developed a stronger brow game thanks to the Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade, a quick 2-minute Mary-Kate Olsen eye thanks to the Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic in Diamond Golden Grey and Satiny Warm Brown, and found the perfect everyday lip colour in MAC's Lipstick in Lipblossom. And although I'm not entirely sure whether it's appropriate to include in this years game changers, as I know it's going to be a sell-out for 2015, the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette has given me everything I could ever want in an eyeshadow palette and more. Fourteen shadows that transform to twenty-eight with the simple addition of water! I could say more... or you can read my full review of it, seen here.   

HAIR

My hair game was turned upside down this year when I decided to chop it all off – and with the chop went my incessant need for hair products. But there were three products that made my life a little easier and my hair a little sleeker. For starters I gave myself a weekly hair routine – a deep cleanse with the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo to rid my locks of any excess product, followed with the Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque to help restore it's moisture. On days when I decided to blow-dry and heat-style my hair I turned to the Living Proof Prime Style Extender. It is simply the best at keeping frizz at bay, smoothing ends and extending your style – an absolute must have for, well, anyone with hair. I can't decide whether I'll be growing or trimming for 2015, but these products will most definitely stick with me.

ETC

Sometimes the etc is the most important part, completely pulling a look/vibe together – and that couldn't be more true for these three stunners. First, an innovation in self tanning that has kept my pins bronzed and my shimmer level high, the St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil. I've spoke a lot about the Karora Express Bronzing Mousse, but this luxe oil is great for overnight use when you want to wake up to glowing, 'post-vacation' skin, and has been my go-to before parties – you can tan as you dance, and the shimmer makes your skin look radiant from a distance. The other ever important etc is your signature scent. I've been drawn to sensual, dark, verging on too masculine perfumes this year, and topping my charts are: Nirvana Black by Elizabeth and James and Atelier Cologne in Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue. Both fragrances offer a different vibe, while still containing my favourite notes, vanilla and wood.

Safe to say I've allowed the minimalistic, 'homie' side of me come out in full effect this year.

What are some of the products that changed your beauty game in 2014?

SHOP MY FAVOURITES

AM¥     XO

G¥M POSER . WORK OUT BEAUT¥ MUST HAVES

I'm working up the willpower to make the commitment to the gym again – I'm still in that hazy phase where you set your alarm each morning with intent but never make it out of bed on time. This overwhelming feeling of lazyness needs to end and this week I've taken matters into my own hands – and by that I mean I've bought some new workout gear, created the ideal playlist and assembled my very own post-workout beauty army.

THE GEAR

Getting the courage to go to the gym for the first time in a while can be daunting – you want to look the part and fit in seamlessly. When it comes to gym wear I tend to stick with brands like Lululemon, Addidas and Nike – their products last the test of time and keep me stylish as I sweat. Lululemon is my true kryptonite. Just one look at the Cardi All Day ($178) cardigan, made of merino wool and you'll understand why. I've also recently become obsessed with a new water bottle company called bkr – their simplistic design mixed with edgy editorials and vivid inspirations make them a brand to know. Below are a few products that are currently on my gym-wear wishlist.

THE PLAYLIST

Now that we've got the look down pat it's time to focus on the music. I spend days at a time researching what songs to add to my playlists because I hate the feeling of begrudgingly listening to a song I dislike while running – it's completely demotivating. The genre that gets me moving: trap music. I've found so many great trap playlists on 8tracks – a site similar to Spotify that let's you explore pre-made playlists. The playlist from 8tracks on days when I'm too lazy to create my own is called Okay Work, found here. It features strong women like Rihanna and Queen B to empower you as you work out and even offers some profound advice: Do your damn squats, wear red lipstick and tell boys to fuck off.

THE POST-WORKOUT BEAUTY ARMY

Before we get into the powerful little post-workout beauty army that I've assembled let's talk about my pre-workout regime, which consists of simply one detoxifying cleanser, the Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser[*]. It's lovely. The Purifying Cleanser deeply cleanses my skin removing all traces of makeup and even imparts a cooling sensation that feels great pre-workout. Post-workout I like to cleanse my face and neck using a cleansing cloth –  currently the Olay Fresh Effects S'Wipe Out. However I find them slightly irritating. I'm dying to try out the Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Cleansing Cloths or the new Korres Greek Yoghurt Cleansing Wipes. Once cleansed I give my face a quick spritz of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for a boost of radiance before moisturizing with whatever sample has peaked my interest that week. This week I've settled on the  Eve Lom Moisturizer[*] – so decadent, and so spa-worthy ahh.

My post-work makeup regime needs to remain quite simple because personally, I'm likely to be running errands or simply headed home to nap/binge on chocolates. The best errand running foundation I know of remains the Benefit Big Easy – it delivers light coverage, enhancing your skins natural beauty and hides any signs of the workout with it's matte finish. I then simply fill in my brows using the Benefit Gimme Brow, add a few coats of mascara and bring some life to my face with a pretty pink lip courtesy of the adorable Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butter[*] in Pink. Although another great lip/cheek product to add colour and warm up the complexion are the Josie Maran Coconut Cheek Gelées – I used the shade Pink Escape while vacationing in Miami and absolutely loved the natural effect it delivered. Et voila, ready to face the world.

What keeps you on track before and after the gym?

AM¥     XO

*Some of items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer. 

SMASHBOX . DOUBLE EXPOSURE PALETTE

Few palettes have caught my attention since the Urban Decay Naked palette frenzy. Being a neutral lover I found that I had no need to explore other shadow palettes, I had everything I could ever need with the Naked lineup. Or so I thought...

Meet my recent love, the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette ($60). This eyeshadow palette is quite possibly the best palette of all time – although many would argue that it's predecessor the Full Exposure Palette cannot be beat.  It's a 14-shadow palette, who's shades transform in one of four ways with the addition of water – get a deeper shade, turn up the vibrancy, transform it to a metallic or amp up the sparkle. This is all facilitated by coated pigments that give a multi-dimensional effect when wet. You can use the shades completely dry, wet or mix and match the finishes. The possibilities truly are endless. The palette comes with a dual-ended brush – the domed side absorbs just the right about of water for the most impactful color, while the angled side creates a precise line when wet, or smoky diffused line when dry. A lot of my experiences with brushes included in eyeshadow palettes end in heartbreak, but Smashbox ensures this isn't the case – the brush worked well both wet and dry and delivered a pigmented swatch with minimal fall out. And to finish off every look the Double Exposure Palette also features a deluxe-sized sample of the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara. I love this mascara, the formula is very build-able, delivering thick, long lashes without clumping or smudging. A definite repurchase for me.

As you can see, this palette is certainly not one-noted – even before the shades 'transform with water' you can see colour diversity that far surpasses the Naked palettes. Smashbox was genius to pair neutral classics with nodes of navy, purple, and rose – a beauty obsessive's delight. I am guilty of being [slightly more than] obsessed with the Double Exposure palette – hell I've begun day dreaming of looks that I can create with it. For day I stick to the right hand side of the palette – I apply Flushed all over the lid, deepen the crease with a mixture of Fig & Espresso and highlight the inner tear duct with Quartz. To add interest to this look I like to use the angled brush wet and smudge the shade Copper along the lower lash line – this adds an unexpected metallic sheen and aids in brightening the eye. For night looks my brush finds the cool, deeper shadows found on the left hand side of the palette – I begin with a wash of Silver all over the lid, deepen the crease, creating a stylized V in the outer corner with Haze and Noir and highlight the inner tear duct and brow bone with Blanc. Once satisfied I add some water to the domed edge of the brush and pack the shade Silver onto the eyelid again in order to enhance the metallic finish and then use the angled brush dipped into water to smudge the shade Midnight along the lower lash line. All this and my experimentation continues. Not a palette to be missed, I say.

The palette is currently available from Sephora, and will be available at Murale February 2015. 

Have you set your sights on the Double Exposure palette?

AM¥     XO 

*The items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer. 

SEPHORA 20% OFF VIB EVENT . WISHLIST

Needless to say, I am constantly stalking Sephora, creating endless wishlists of products I want and slowly dying on the inside because my lack of funds makes it impossible for me to purchase everything. But there is one magical weekend each Holiday season that make my wishlists slightly more attainable; the Sephora VIB Sales Event (Nov. 6th -10th). During this weekend anyone with VIB or VIB Rouge status, will receive 20% off their entire purchase. My recent makeup wishlists may appear slightly bland but there's reason for it – during the first few years of blogging I loaded up on eyeshadow palettes, blush palettes, ANYTHING with colour... and now I find myself focusing in on the basics, a flawless base makes all the difference. Looking back now I see that I went about this whole 'makeup business' a bit backwards.

But without further ado, here is my wishlist for this weekend! Now if only Sephora would get a handle of their online checkout for Canadians :| – it's been down for the past 2 days.

1. Bite Beauty | Mix N' Mingle Lip Set ($118)

My wishlist couldn't be completely void of colour, which is where the Bite Beauty Mix N' Mingle Lip Set comes in. This limited edition set contains 10 deluxe-sized samples of the brands must have shades and formulas. What I'm most excited for: the Matte Crème Lip Crayon in Glacé and the Luminous Crème Lipstick Duo in both, Tangerine/Lingonberry and Palomina/Violet.

2. Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin ($115)

Even though I have only tried this product once, probably 6-8 months ago, I still have a difficult time getting it off of my mind. The Dior Captule Totale Dreamskin is different breed of 'primer', although I'm not entirely positive that the title of 'primer' truly does this product any justice – it's all in the name, Dreamskin, which is exactly what you achieve after one use. So how does it work? Well their exclusive bio-mimetic powder complex reduces dark spots and redness, and minimizes pores,  Longoza extracthelps to combat wrinkles along with loss of radiance and firmness, and Opilia extract helps reduce dark spots and redness, bringing dull complexions back to life. Self explanatory right? 

Just add a dab to the back of your hand next time you're in Sephora and trust that you too will become a convert.

3. Phyto | Phytospecific Ultra-Smoothing Mask ($39)

Despite my hair looking and feeling extremely healthy since chopping it all off there is still something missing: smoothness. I am constantly at war with the baby hairs that protrude from my hair when it is parted. And while I feel that I have tried almost everything to tame them, there is one path that I have not explored: creating a proper hair routine. The most important part of the routine being a smoothing, and hydrating conditioning mask to be used twice weekly. Phyto claims their mask 'hydrates, repairs, and strengthens hair from within, while smoothing the surface cuticle to boost color vibrancy and luster, leaving hair softer, stronger, and shinier.' Here's hoping it solves my woe's and stops the dreaded 'winter static head' before it starts.

4. Givenchy | Le Vernis Black Glittering Nail Lacquer & Top Coat ($24) 

There isn't all that much to be said about why I want this product so desperately – it's black, beautifully packaged, and contains small and micro hex glitter, reflecting the colours of the rainbow when exposed to the right light. Just like my heart.

5. Yves Saint Laurent | Fushion Ink Foundation ($64)

I feel a little late to the party when it comes to a product like the YSL Fushion Ink Foundation, released back in August. Not only did it garner rave reviews from everyone in the industry, including Vogue, before it's official release date it had accumulated a waiting list of 12,000 beauty addicts. Now that the hypebeasts have moved onto the next BIG thing in beauty, it's my turn to see what the Fushion Ink Foundation is all about. After looking at multiple before-and-after blogs and educating myself on the NASA-inspired technology that this foundation uses, aka special sweat and sebum-controlling agents, I have made it my mission to stake my flag in the Fushion Ink World.

6. Smashbox | Step-By-Step Contour Kit ($52)
I've finally realized that using a bronzer to contour my face is so 2006. So I've set out on a mission to find an easy to use contour kit that will educate me on the world of face-shaping and slimming – ahem, have you seen my nose. This 4-part contouring kit from Smashbox is cost effective and  teaches you how to sculpt, shape, and define your features with three shades for defining, bronzing, and highlighting. I can't wait to step out the door looking like Kim Kardashian – men beware; you shall be fooled.

7. Hourglass | Best Of Hourglass Set ($68)
Hourglass is one of those brands that makes me want to swipe my makeup collection clean (like a computer) and start fresh with a one-brand bias. While I would never legitimately do that, I certainly don't mind enhancing my current makeup collection with a set of their bestsellers. Number one from this kit: the Veil Mineral Primer – have you ever heard a bad review of this product? Didn't think so. The runner up, the Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Ignite – a rose shimmer gloss that can perfectly enhance any lipstick-covered pout. If you've yet to try Hourglass this set will get your foot in the door.

8. Atelier Cologne | Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue ($70)

Last but certainly not least is a scent that my bestfriend and I have been going slightly insane over: Vanille Insensée. The description alone is enough to make your heart skip a beat – "He wove through the crowd when suddenly his heart quickened. That scent. It was hers. He had worn it first until she stole it for herself. Now, there she was before him and the magic of years past came flooding back in a moment." It is the perfect balance between masculine and feminine all while using a few of my favourite notes: vanilla, oak wood, jasmine and amber. This scent makes me feel, which is rare.

AM¥     XO

ONE TO RULE . SMASHBOX CAMERA READY BB CREAM

After finishing off my most loved foundation, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Face and Body Liquid Makeup, I decided to make myself a pact: forgo purchasing a new bottle until I had gone through my current stash. You would think that someone with 7+ foundations at her disposal would easily find a replacement, but nope – half the foundations didn't have the lasting power I needed, and the other half were far to heavy for day to day wear. But then I stumbled upon the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 ($50) – I had somewhat disregarded this product because I oddly associate BB creams with summer time, but it ended up being the knight in shinning armor I had awaited.

The Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is a five-in-one formula, available in 8 shades, that work to protect, prime, hydrate, correct, control oil, and perfect the skin. It has a rather thick texture, which took some getting used to as I was accustomed to using a highly fluid foundation made up of 80% water, but with the help of my Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush ($42) I prevailed. For work I like my skin to look naturally flawless, without feeling weighed down, and this BB cream does the trick – my skin is left looking airbrushed, with a demi-matte finish. It also easily transitions to a 'day-off' foundation, meaning that my natural, skin shows through – flaws and all – by using half the amount. But what this foundation is really flexin' is it's lasting power – even after a 10+ hour day complete with sweat, dirt and an inherent need to touch my face this BB cream stays in place.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is; within my collection of foundation, which includes the likes of Chanel and Marc Jacobs, the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream reigns king. [And I have barely been missing Make Up For Ever's Face & Body Liquid Makeup]

AM¥     XO