October 2012 Empties!

I cannot believe how fast October, just kidding!  I cannot believe how many products I finished this month and I'm still going strong! While many like to use up products in the new year, I like to do it before the new year so that I can start fresh.

I am trying out a few new skin care products (and still working on older stuff) and that is why you'll read, "will repurchase at some point" several times below.  It's not because I don't enjoy the products, it's simply because I want to try some new things out and finish old ones.

Here we go, are you ready? Grab some coffee/tea, this is going to be a while...

Pure+Simple Face Wash (label came off because it was in my shower) - review here - I enjoyed this the more I used it, however, I won't be purchasing it because I like my current cleansers more.

Mary Ginseng Facial Scrub Cream - review here - LOVE! I had the full size before I even received the travel one.

Blum Naturals Towelettes -review here - ugh, hate wipes.  These did remove makeup VERY well but I just don't like wipes, so I will not be repurchasing.

Druide Toner - review here - This friggen thing lasted me like 4 months! I really enjoyed it and will repurchase at some point.

Pretty Lavender Facial Tonic - review here - I have gone through so many of these facial tonics and I will be repurchasing when I get a chance to hit up Big Carrot.

Pure+Simple Calming Cucumber Mask - review here - This mask is great for soothing and calming the skin. I will be repurchasing at some point.

Andalou Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask - review here - I really liked this mask and did notice a difference while using it, however, I'd really like to try out something else.  I doubt I will repurchase anytime soon.

One Love Organics Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster - no review - I received this sample from Fresh Faced with one of my orders.  I really enjoyed how it left my skin very hydrated and glowy.  I would consider purchasing the full size after I finish up some of the other serums.

Pure+Simple Cellular Repair Face Cream - review here - I absolutely hate the smell of this cream and my mom actually helped me use it up.  It's is very hydrating but the smell just kills it for me and I will not be purchasing this item because of that.  It's not even tolerable anymore.

Weleda Soothing Almond Facial Lotion - review here - I really love this stuff and have loved it for months.  I won the Soothing Almond Facial Cream which is thicker and will be trying that out soon.  I think I may have found something I like even more than this lotion and therefore will not be repurchasing right now.

Pai Eye Cream - review here - this little tube lasted me a few months, which is very surprising.  I really enjoy it and have already repurchased.

Pretty Bath Salts - review here - I love the smell of these bath salts and enjoy how they make my body and skin feel, but I won't repurchase unless I'm planning on taking a bath.  I don't like baths and take maybe one a year.  If you're a bath lover, I highly recommend you try these out!

Andalou Mandarin Vanilla Body Lotion - review here - I love the scent of this body lotion but I will not be repurchasing because I just didn't love the lotion itself. 

Pangea Lavender Body Wash - review here - This is a fantastic body wash.  The scent is so lovely, it lathers nicely and leaves my skin so hydrated.  I will be repurchasing at some point.

Burt's Bees Body Lotion - review here - Great product for my hands and body but horrible scent.  I will not be repurchasing.

Kiss My Face Toothpaste - review here - I already have a new tube but am open to suggestions on toothpastes.  This tube lasts about a month which is sad because it's so expensive.  I do love it though!

Sukin Toner - review here - I adore this toner for setting my makeup!  I recently realized that my whole Sukin travel set had expired in September except for this toner (expired this month).  Everything was pretty much full, except the toner.  I contacted the company to let them know, just because I didn't want it happening to others and not because I wanted it to be replaced, but they so graciously replaced my whole set and sent me full size products.  I could not believe how quickly they responded to me and how generous they were.  I will be trying out the products again and giving a full review in a few weeks time.  I have yet to try the cream cleanser though and that is why it is not on my original mini review.

That's it, I'm done.  Geez, I'm almost embarrassed at how many products I had in my collection. 

What have you finished this month!?

Jane Iredale Disappear™ Concealer with Green Tea Extract Review

I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned needing a new concealer, if not, I need needed a new concealer.  I am still using the Origins one for under my eyes but wanted a different one to conceal redness, blemishes and acne (aka picking) scars a bit better.  As the boyfriend and I were walking around Niagara-on-the-Lake, we came across Sanctuary Day Spa which carries the Jane Iredale line.  I applied a bit of the Disappear Concealer and walked around the town to see how it set/looked after an hour or so.  I liked it, so my boyfriend bought it for me as a surprise!

Description: This camouflage cream is so packed with pigment that it will even cover black tattoos! Better yet, Disappear won't just cover breakouts but will also help them to disappear permanently.

• Liposome-based formula
• Green tea extract is an antioxidant, and has also been documented to combat acne bacteria
• Patented applicator allows application with or without a brush
• Promotes faster healing time for pimples
• Nourishes with seaweed and green tea extracts
• Superoxide dismutase, a copper-containing protein enzyme, decomposes free radicals

I got mine in the shade 'light' because of its strong yellow undertones.  I find yellow works best for concealing any redness in my skin. I like that the concealer is in a squeeze tube because it's hygienic but don't enjoy the felt tip applicator that the product comes out of. I squeeze some on my hand anyway but I feel like the felt soaks up some of the product. It should have been plastic, just saying!

This concealer has a very creamy and thick texture, which can be a little hard to work with at times.  I find that adding a touch of moisturizer really helps thin out the product and allows it to apply amazingly well with just about anything (brushes, fingers, etc). Also in doing this, the coverage is easily buildable yet still incredibly natural looking.  I just apply my mineral foundation over top and I'm good to go. When I read that it helps heal blemishes quicker, I didn't believe it but I do now!  I swear this product really does help clear up any acne.

Now that I've figured out the best way of applying this concealer, I am enjoying it.  Not sure if I would repurchase.

Retails for approx. $30 CAN for .5oz.  Check out Jane Iredale for more info.

What's your favourite Jane Iredale concealer or which would you most like to try? 

before



after -I can't remember if this is with powder or not but you get the idea!

 Ingredients:  Water/Eau/Aqua, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Cyclomethicone, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Superoxide Dismutase, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum. May Contain: Iron Oxides.

Dry Skin Cure - Weleda Skin Food Review

If there's one thing I hate about Fall/Winter, besides it being cold, is that my skin can get pretty dry.  That means that my normally extra dry bits (knees, elbows, etc) get even worse and it feels like I could exfoliate my whole body with those areas.  Hmm...maybe I should try exfoliating with my elbows...imagine?  It's a little funny! My extra dry bits are no longer extra dry thanks to Weleda's Skin Food.  I won this little gem from a Facebook contest (Noah's Natural Foods) and am so glad that I did. 

Description: Intensely hydrates and cares for the skin. Ultra-moisturizing, pure Lanolin and anti-blemish, organic Pansy nourishes and soothes dry and damaged skin. A precious essential oil blend of lavender, rosemary and sweet orange oil refresh the skin and the senses. Apply this whole body cream to your skin anytime, with special attention to extra dry areas, such as the feet, hands and elbows.

This cream comes in Weleda's usual apothecary type tin which makes it super light and easy to travel with.  The texture is thick and slightly sticky, but a little goes a long way and it leaves skin nicely hydrated and dewy. I would definitely say that it's more of a "spot treatment" type product for me, I'm sure you could use it all over your body though. So far, I have been using Skin Food for 3 weeks on my elbows and knees and have noticed a tremendous difference in the way that they look and feel. I might actually try applying some to the dry patches on my face and report back. It definitely smells like a citrusy, lavender, and rosemary cocktail of some sort.  The smell is a little strong and does linger but it's definitely tolerable.   My mom had purchased a large size of Skin Food last Winter and absolutely loves it.  She still has the tube which is a clear indication of how long it lasts and she loves the smell. If I keep getting great results, I will definitely be purchasing it when I run out!

Retails for approx. $12.00 CAN for 30ml (1 FL OZ).  It also comes in 2 other sizes, a mini (.34 FL OZ) and larger (2.5 FL OZ) size.  Can be purchased at most health food stores, check out Weleda for more info.

Where do you apply Skin Food?



Ingredients (INCI): Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower), Lanolin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond), Alcohol, Beeswax (Cera Flava), Glyceryl Linoleate, Hydrolyzed Beeswax, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Viola Tricolor, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Calendula Officinalis, Cholesterol, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Coumarin*.

* from natural essential oils

Eminence Starter Set for Normal Skin

I've been dying to try Eminence since I first heard of them but the steep price tag always held me back.  Since I'm starting to finish so many products, just wait till you see my October empties, I decided to splurge (a bit) and get the starter kit.  After looking at the different sets and products that came in each one, I decided on the set for normal skin.  Some of the products in this kit are the same in those for oily, sensitive and dry skin types.

This set includes the following:

• Eminence Sweet Red Rose Cleanser - 0.5 oz
• Eminence Rosehip and Maize Exfoliating Masque - 0.5 oz
• Eminence Stone Crop Masque - 0.5 oz
• Eminence Apricot Whip Moisturizer - 0.5 oz
• Eminence Naseberry Treatment Cream - 0.5 oz

The products come in a beautiful, high quality, laser engraved, natural cedar wooden box.  I'm sure that is why the set itself was so much more expensive than it should have been, but it's such a unique idea and I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it.  I have yet to try the products because I'm waiting until November 1st.  I really want to finish up a couple more products so that I can give this set a good trial run.  The samples aren't very big, I think it's about a 2-3 week supply which will be perfect to start in a new month.  I will say that the products smell friggen delicious and I am looking forward to using them.

*purchased this set from Spa Boutique

Pucker up with Revolution Organics Freedom Lip Gloss

I have heard so much hype about Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm and  Freedom Glow Beauty Balm, and while I'm dying to try them, I decided to get their lip gloss.  My addiction to gloss took over!  Fresh Faced was having 25% off over the (Canadian) Thanksgiving long weekend and I couldn't resist picking up a gloss.  These glosses come in 5 beautiful shades, however, I purchased mine in Truth.

Description: This healthy, good-for-you gloss is rich in vitamins and antioxidants to leave lips beautifully moisturized and gorgeously glossy. Formulated with 100 percent natural and 85 percent certified organic ingredients, Freedom Lip Gloss delivers all the benefits of a lip treatment in a gorgeous gloss. The formula is free of chemicals, mineral oil, petroleum, artificial ingredients, and parabens. Vitamin-rich organic jojoba oil nourishes and conditions, organic shea butter hydrates and moisturizes, organic aloe vera and olive oil soothe and soften, and organic beeswax protects skin. Packaged in recyclable, biodegradable, eco-chic material, Freedom Gloss infuses lips with all-natural mineral-based pigments.

Truth is described as a true sheer pink, I agree.  When you apply it to the lips, it gives them a beautiful wash of colour. While the colour is sheer, it's buildable. I like the little cardboard container that it came in, really adds value to the product.  The gloss packaging itself is nothing spectacular, it's a plastic tube like any other gloss but I do really enjoy the black cap with the name of the company on it.  It's simple, yet chic.  The smell of the gloss is tolerable.  It smells weird, almost like construction paper or paint with less chemicals.  I honestly don't know where I got that from, but there you have it lol.  It doesn't taste like it if that makes it any better.  It's not sticky but manages to last on the lips, whether wearing it alone or over something else, for a couple of hours.  My lips are drier than usual so I think they soak up the goodness of this gloss rather quickly.  It is very hydrating and feels divine on the lips.  I absolutely love this gloss and would recommend and repurchase.  I'd love to try a few other colours as well as the Beauty Balm!

Retails for approx. $29 CAN and can be purchased through Fresh Faced.  For more info. check out Revolution Organics.

Have you tried any of the products from Revolution Organics? What's your favourite?

 

Notice the dry lips?

I didn't exfoliate before applying the gloss.  Look how hydrated they are!!

 

Ingredients: Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer** (natural shine enhancer), Organic Beeswax*, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides (sunflower oil derived)**, Silica***, Flavor**, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (licorice root derived)**, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil**, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol (vitamin E)**, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil**, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*. MAY CONTAIN: Mica***, Titanium Dioxide***, Carmine**, Iron Oxides*** (mineral color)
* certified organic ** naturally-derived *** mineral

Burt's Bees Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion Review

My mom received this a ways back in a gift bag.  Since she has an abundance of stuff that she forgets about, I took it.  I don't normally use Burt's Bees products because they're owned by Clorox and Clorox tests on animals and it's just the total opposite of a green company.  How much faith can you really put in a company that sold their business to Clorox?  Sure the products are great but their values no longer mean much to me.  The fact that I didn't pay for it, made me feel better about using it but I won't be going out to purchase Burt's Bees products anytime soon. 

Description: For normal to dry skin, this luxurious, lightweight lotion goes to work the minute you apply it, and it’s clinically proven to moisturize for up to 24 hours. Milk nourishes while honey helps to soften skin; plus, coconut and grape seed oils and vitamin E deliver beneficial nutrients to the skin. Our dermatologist-tested formula absorbs quickly but stays with you all day and night.

It is so hydrating without feeling greasy and it calms and soothes irritated skin.  I put this on cracked elbows and knees, as well as any irritated parts from shaving and it just calms it right down.  This is a great winter time moisturizer for all and perfect for all year round use for those with dry skin or eczema prone skin.  I don't enjoy the scent but I've grown to live with it.  That's probably why I only use it at night, so that I don't have to smell it lol.  I guess it smells like milk and honey and those scents in any body product always end up smelling gross to me.  If you like those types of scents, then you'll like this.  The tube is like all others, light and durable which is great to take on the go whether it be while traveling or just to keep in your purse.  I've enjoyed what it does for my skin but won't be repurchasing when I run out.  If you currently use Burt's Bees and are in the market for a new body lotion, then I suggest trying out this product. 

Retails for approx. $12.99 for 170g and $6.99 for 70g (this is the size I have).  You can find Burt's Bees anywhere.  Check out Burt's Bees for more info.

Ingredients: Ingredients: aqua (water, eau), decyl cocoate, glycerin, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, cera alba (beeswax, cire d'abeille), parfum (fragrance)*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate citrate, (rosemary) leaf extract, tocopherol, beta-carotene, xanthan gum, sucrose stearate, glycine soja (soybean) oil, canola oil (huile de colza), lactic acid, citric acid, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sodium benzoate, magnesium aluminum silicate, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, citral, coumarin, limonene. *natural fragrance

ZuZu Luxe Mascara in Onyx Review

I think that I have mentioned in a couple of older posts how natural mascara actually causes me to get styes on my upper lid right by my lashes, so annoying.  While I'd prefer a natural mascara, I usually stick to chemical filled ones and just don't apply it directly to the roots.  Yes, it makes me feel better even though it's probably bad for me anyway lol.  I happened to be browsing the Whole Foods cosmetic section, shocking right?, and found this mascara on sale.  It was still $19.99 CAN, but that's better than the usual $28.99.

Description: This gentle and non-irritating formula enriched with vitamins and herbal extracts will help protect each fragile eyelash and encourage maximum growth. The luxurious nylon brush is especially designed to add length while being clump proof and non-smudging. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

I've been using this mascara for about 2 weeks and am on the fence.  I like having really full lashes and this just doesn't do that for me.  I love the wand and expected big things from it but it let me down :(.  It's great to pop on quickly but if I try to build up my lashes with multiple coats, it gets clumpy.  It also makes my lashes hard which makes them fall out much easier. If anyone has tips on how to apply this to get amazing lashes, let me know please! I do like how natural looking it is, doesn't flake and hasn't given me styes.  While it's natural and doesn't irritate my eyes I don't know if I'd repurchase.  I may just use this on a day-to-day basis and get a chemical filled one for days that I want va-va-voom lashes. Is it even worth it then?  I don't know.  Maybe if I can figure out a better way of applying it, I may just fall in love.  I'm going to play with it a bit more and perhaps it'll end up in one of my monthly favourites!  I'd recommend it to those who just want a bit of definition but wouldn't recommend to those that like big, full, thick lashes.

Retails for approx. $28.99 CAN and can be purchased at most health food stores like Whole Foods Market.  Check out ZuZu for more info.

What's your favourite natural mascara and why?

 

Be Edible (not literally) with LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter

NOM NOM NOM! That's my "this smells delicious and I want to eat it" sound (or words in this case). YUM!  I picked this up while I was looking for hand cream that smells good because some of you may know that natural lotions don't always smells so good. I wanted something that I could throw in my purse and not worry about it spilling or breaking, so a tube like the LAVANILA one is perfect.

Description: Designed to melt instantly, these rich, buttery creams leave skin delicately scented and incredibly smooth. The 100% pure Shea and cocoa butters are infused with super anti-oxidants Goji Berry and Kakadu Plum, for a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals that deeply nourish and hydrate.

It is so wonderful that I've repurchased, twice.  This is my third tube of it, I believe, and it's great for my hands and on the go hydration for body.  Because it's expensive and I bought it mostly for hands, if I'm able to take a different moisturizer for my body when traveling, I usually will.  I have the passion fruit scent and it's my favourite scent of theirs.  This butter comes in a durable tube that you can actually see through in certain areas, it smells wonderful, hydrates beautifully, a little goes a long way and absorbs seamlessly.  The smell definitely lingers so if you're sensitive to scents, I wouldn't recommend this.  The larger size is a better value and I will likely purchase it to use on my body but I just adore the smaller size to throw in my purse.  I will continue to repurchase and highly recommend checking them out at Sephora (that's where I purchased mine) or anywhere else that you know of that carries this line.

Retails for approx. $12.50 CAN for 2.75 oz and can be purchased at Sephora or directly through LAVANILA.

Have you tried these or any other LAVANILA product?  What's your favourite scent?

Click here for ingredients

 

Lush Yuzu and Cocoa Bubbleroon Review

If you've read the What's In My Toiletries and Makeup Bag post, you'll see that I bought and took a Lush Bubbleroon with me on my one night getawat.  I thought that since I had never tried any of Lush's bath stuff, I would take this opportunity to test it out.  I instantly fell in love with the scent of this Bubbleroon, omg delicious, and got it!

Description: Inspired by the unusual Japanese fruit the yuzu (kind of like a Satsuma orange), this Bubbleroon has a delectable orange chocolate fragrance, with exotic tropical undertones and an uplifting grapefruit top note. It makes mountains of fluffy white bubbles and the most sublimely soft bath water you’ve ever had. With Extra Virgin coconut oil and Fair Trade Shea Butter (like all of our Bubbleroons) Yuzo and Cocoa is the crème de la crème of chocolatey, moisturizing, and soothing baths.

I don't like orange chocolate scents, or chocolate scents to begin with, but this smells divine.  It's a sweet citrus scent and I don't really pick up on the chocolate aroma.  I followed the directions and crumbled it under running water, I used the whole thing since it was a big tub but I found the bubbles were lacking.  I like me some big bubbles with curves and all!  Like when you're a kid and the tub is all foamy and wonderful, that's what I wanted.  There weren't as many bubbles as I had hoped and they disappeared rather quickly.  Perhaps I didn't use it correctly or the tub was too big, I dunno but that was a huge disappointment for me.  It left the water a murky orange brown colour, which isn't a big deal to me but thought I'd share. I did, however, love the way it left my skin feeling and smelling.  It was hydrating without leaving a weird film and the scent lingered. Y'all know how I love scents!  If I were going to be taking another bath, which is not likely to happen anytime soon, I would try a different Lush Bubble Bar just because it's fun to experiment.  If you are at Lush and fall in love with the scent of this one, try it out and let me know your thoughts!

Retails for $6.25 CAN and can be bought at Lush.

What's your favourite Lush Bubble Bar?

Click for ingredients

What's In My Toiletries & Makeup Bag!?

Back in July, my friends gave me a one night getaway to Niagara Falls for me and the boyfriend to enjoy.  While I don't like sharing my gifts (yes I'm a tad selfish), I do enjoy going away.  We decided it would be great to go in the Fall and were recently there.  I thought I'd show you what I took with me.

My Bag!

To cleanse and tone my skin, I took my Blum Naturals wipes and a sample of Fresh Soy Cleanser to avoid taking my heavy Pangea one.  I tried the Soy cleanser a couple of years ago and never liked it but I thought it would come in handy just to remove any excess makeup and save space, which it did.  I also took my Pangea Toner (in the Discovery Kit sized travel bottle) to use on my freshly cleansed skin and Sukin Toner (love this stuff) to set my makeup.

To moisturize my skin, I took my Weleda Soothing Almond Lotion and two sample sized products.  I've had the Origins VitaZing SPF 15 sample for a couple of months now and I love it for when I'm not in the mood to do my makeup. It's white but the colour adapts to your skin colour and just gives your (mine anyway) a gorgeous glow. I'm sad that they're owned by Estee Lauder because otherwise I would buy the full size. The second sample I had received from Fresh Faced on my most recent purchase and it's the One Love Organics Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster Serum, say that 3 times fast, which I am loving! It is so hydrating and also makes my skin glow (without the tint of colour).

For the bath , I took Pretty Chamomile & Ginger Bath Salts, Lush Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon and Pangea Shower Gel.  I'm not a bath girl but was determined to take a bath in the jacuzzi at our hotel PLUS I really wanted to use up the bath salts and try out the Lush bubble bars.  While I enjoyed the bath salts and bubbleroon, I wouldn't repurchase unless I knew I was going away and planned on taking a bath.  The combo was delicious (smelled amazing) and made my skin super soft but I still don't enjoy baths for longer than 15 minutes lol.  I don't think I've heard many girls/women say that!



I also took my beloved Kiss My Face Toothpaste, Dr. Mist Deodorant, and Andalou Naturals Body Lotion which I put into the smaller container below it to save space.

For makeup, it was simple.  The only reason I took so much is because we were going to the casino and I wanted to freshen up my look.  I took my Tarte lip stain in Hope, Stila In the Light Palette, Sante Powder, Alima Bronzer, Pure+Simple Blush, Tarte Cream Shadow, Origins Concealer and Zuzu Mascara (review to come).  I took a few brushes, as you can see below, just the basics.  There's a blending, lid, pencil, fluffy, angled, and foundation brush, as well as another lid brush that I use to buff my concealer in.

  



I also took some other stuff like perfume, bobby pins, hair clips, hair brush, etc but didn't picture it here because it's lame lol.  I love reading posts like this and hope you did as well!

What are your overnight/weekend travel essentials?

Stila In The Light Palette Review and Swatches

I long to find a natural/organic eye shadow palette with great colours and colour payoff for a decent price.  I have never had a palette nor have I ever had more than a couple of shadows at once.  Yes, I am a real girl...I was never big into makeup.  Don't judge! I usually find a colour and stick to it, then I play with my lips and cheeks.  I'm a simple kinda gal but am branching out more each day and this palette has definitely helped me.  I wanted a good mix of matte and shimmer shadows to play with.  This palette is wonderful and although it isn't natural, it is cruelty free.

Description: The new In the Light palette is a beautiful collection of Stila's award-winning eye shadows in (10) wearable, neutral shades for every skintone that can be worn wet or dry.  The palette also includes an exclusive Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel, a matte chocolate brown, and a 6-page look book with detailed how-to tips and tricks.

For starters, I don't particularly like the packaging.  I find it sorta of cheap since it's a cardboard box type thing and the shadows are glued in (I believe).  I'm scared the palette will fall apart while traveling or just from constant use.  There's also no mirror, which I normally wouldn't mind but I sometimes find myself looking at where the mirror should be to see how my shadow looks.  The look book is great for someone like me, who's not a makeup guru, because it allows me to try a bunch of looks I otherwise wouldn't.  I used one of the looks for a wedding I attended and got so many compliments on my makeup.  I now create looks without the look book and will try to do some faces of the day soon :).

The shadows are nicely pigmented, for the most part.  There are a couple that I find disappointing, such as Gilded Gold, Luster, Night Sky and Ebony.  They aren't very pigmented when you first apply them but are buildable.  I just find them disappointing because I don't want to have to build up the colour, I want them to apply evenly without having to work too hard to create a look. There is some fallout with these shadows, but it's easy to work with. I tend to use Bare, Kitten, Sunset and Bubbly all over my lid (not all at once) with bliss and sandstone in the crease on a daily basis.  I also use Sandstone to fill in my brows sometimes. I absolutely love all of these colours and this palette in general.   

Top row from left to right: Bare (matte ivory), Kitten (shimmering nude pink), Bliss (matte nude), Sunset (copper shimmer), Sandstone (matte neutral brown)
Bottom row from left to right: Champagne (pale gold shimmer), Gilded Gold (bronze with gold shimmer), Luster (deep gray with gold shimmer), Night Sky (slate blue with silver shimmer), Ebony (matte black)

Left to Right: Bare, Kitten, Bliss, Sunset, & Sandstone

Left to Right: Bubbly, Gilded Gold, Luster, Night Sky, & Ebony
Below Shadows is the smudge stick in Dasel

All of the colours as listed above

I haven't really used the smudge stick very much but it is very creamy and doesn't budge once it's on.  I use it along my upper lash line just to make my lashes look thicker but liner isn't something I use regularly.

This is a better swatch of Damsel, it's a matte chocolate brown but when you apply more than one "coat" (can't think of a better word at the moment), it almost looks black as you can see from the top swatch 

All in all, I'd highly recommend this palette.  The great combo of neutral matte and shimmer shades (although some have chunky glitter) got my attention and why I picked it over the Urban Decay Naked palettes. Go check it out!

Retails for approx. $50 CAN and can be purchased at Sephora.  I had a store credit and only ended up paying like $20 CAN, good deal eh!?

What's your favourite shadow palette (natural or not)?

Pacifica Island Coconut Nectar Solid Perfume

I really love having some sort of fragrance with me so that I can freshen up on the go.  I originally had purchased the Pacifica Roll On in the same scent but dropped it and it shattered.  It shattered after falling on hardwood floor, what? I had no idea it was that delicate, geez.  Anyway, I played with the idea of repurchasing but, I was so upset because it was brand new, that I didn't.  I came across the solid perfume at The Big Carrot and couldn't help myself from buying it.

Description: Pacifica’s Indian Coconut Nectar is a sensuous and delicious blend inspired by travels to faraway destinations. This warm, sultry blend of coconut and delicate creamy vanilla is pure ambrosia. A modern take on the most ancient form of fragrance, Pacifica's dazzling new Solid Perfumes are made with organic soy and coconut wax and Pacifica's signature perfume blends with essential and natural oils. A warm blend of sultry fresh coconut and delicate, creamy vanilla.

The scent is so friggen delicious I could eat it!! I won't of course, that would be weird and probably make me feel a little sick but YUM, I adore this scent.  Sadly, the solid perfume doesn't last more than a few minutes.  I'm not sure if it's a bad batch or just the way it is but how disappointing.  This is my first solid perfume ever, so please let me know if all solids are like this or if there's something I can do to extend the wear time (besides layering, I know that :P).  It's great for on the go, the tin packaging is very cute and I like the scent.  I have also used this on my hair at times to smooth out some frizz on a rainy day or just to tame the mane on a bad hair day. It melts pretty quickly when I rub my finger in the tin but feels a big tacky.  I don't mind that though.  I'm not sure if I would repurchase due to the fact that it doesn't last long but I will purchase the roller ball again at some point.

Retails for approx. $8.99 CAN, check out http://www.pacificaperfume.com/ for more info.  It can be purchased at most health food stores.

How do you feel about solid perfumes?

Ingredients: organic cocos nucifera wax (coconut wax), organic glycine soja wax (soy wax), parfum (Pacifica’s own perfume blend with natural and essential oils), prunus armeniaca wax (apricot wax), caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut source). No parabens, animal testing, animal ingredients or artificial colors. 100% vegan and gluten-free.