Review and Swatches: It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush in Pretty in Peony

IMG_3948I wear minimal makeup to work…well at least my version of minimal which still includes a good coverage foundation, copious amounts of mascara and a wash of neutral cream shadow. I can skip the brow powder, the eyeshadow, the liner and, yes, even the lipstick (in favour of a tinted lip balm), but I can never skip blush. Nuh uh, not happening, Not unless I want to be constantly plagued by questions on my general health and apparent lack of sun exposure. Blush is essential. I’m not even talking about a “statement” cheek-I just need a soft wash of colour that will awake my complexion from the dregs of dreary and dull.

IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flushes are certainly up to the task! Bold cheek colours like Pretty in Peony don’t intimidate me because I know I can make them work. A duo fibre brush is an uber-pigmented powder’s nemesis of the best kind-it will pick up the perfect amount of product and blend it out to seamless perfection. Obviously the quality of the powder and how finely milled it is plays a critical role, and in that regard this blush certainly doesn’t disappoint.

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IMG_3937The Vitality Cheek formula is pretty innovative as it is a cheek stain in powder form. Rich with anti-aging ingredients and vitamins it doesn’t settle in to fine lines or emphasize pores. This is an excellent choice of a cheek stain for combination to oily skins or for those who prefer matte foundations since creams and gels don’t cooperate as well. The longevity of this product can not be overemphasized! I think I have found my perfect summer-proof formula.

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IMG_3939Pink peony is a gorgeous coral infused with fine gold shimmer. The effect is a completely luminous and radiant flush that smoothes over pores and blurs imperfections.

(unblended, light blending)

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(unblended, well blended)

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Grade: A+

**Disclosure: press sample provided for editorial considerations**

Review and Swatches: Givenchy Le Rouge in 103 Brun Createur

IMG_3997I am such a sucker for chic packaging and Givenchy’s Le Rouge certainly hits the mark in that category. Encased in a genuine leather, Le Rouge lipsticks embody the essence of the Givenchy brand: edgy with just the right amount of femininity. I love when fashion houses that venture in to the beauty market can establish continuity between the runway and the cosmetic counter.

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IMG_3994The formula for Le Rouge is a lightweight and moisturizing semi-matte. The colour is not flat, nor is it glossy; instead it seems to capture light while providing a velvety finish. The texture results in lips feeling supple and smooth while imparting a full finish with one swipe of the bullet.

IMG_4003Definitely my current favourite neutral shade, Brun Createur transitions well from simple work makeup to being paired with a bolder eye look in the evening. But for Givenchy, the luxury of one of the best mattes I have ever used comes at a hefty price: $38 CAD. Exclusively sold at Sephora this new line is definitely an indulgence.

Grade: A+

**product was received as a promotional sample**

Review and Swatches: NARS Satin Lip Pencils

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My heart may periodically stray at the beckoning of new lip products but I always come back to NARS. Hello old friend, how I’ve missed you. With unrivalled pigmentation and longevity, the NARS Velvet Matte lip pencils have been staples in my collection for years. Cruella, Damned and Dragon Girl have been whittled down to stumps from all [...]

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MET Gala 2013 Top 10 Best Dressed

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s yearly Costume Institute exhibit was preluded by, as per tradition, the MET Gala tonight. Fashion’s biggest event of the year, the gala is known for its risk and showmanship; designers and their muses vie for the honour of making the showing that garners the most attention. Not for the faint [...]

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Review: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush

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I have an obscene number of makeup brushes; it is truly absurd and I have them stored in a rotating desk organizer to keep them divided by type and have all of them visible. My brush collection is evidence of a younger, naive beauty blogger who thought I had to have every single type of [...]

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It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer is “Amazeballs”

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Working hand in hand with the leading plastic surgeons in Brazil, Bye Bye Under Eye was created as a full coverage, highly pigmented anti-aging concealer that utilizes truly innovative technology and ingredients – giving women the power to finally say “bye –bye!” to stubborn under-eye issues. Bye Bye Under Eye offers a waterproof, yet moisturizing, [...]

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Aruhndara’s Secret to Going Sleeveless

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Source Brace yourself we are about to get intimate about personal grooming. Don’t worry, I’m not referring to your its and bits-rather, the discolouration under your arms that is a result of shaving, waxing and uneven skin tone. Now that Spring is upon us and we can think about hauling sleeveless shirts and dresses from [...]

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Beauty Blog Link Love 02/03/13

Beauty Reflections is in love with these three bright eyeliners from Lancome, Stila and MAC! Perfect brights for spring! Who doesn’t love an awesome beauty find? If this sounds like you (and, seriously, we hope it does), don’t miss theNotice’s Week of Awesome, which covers only products that Rae is absolutely smitten with. Phyrra is [...]

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Jennifer Lawrence Proves She Doesn’t Need a Dress to be the Belle of the Oscars

Humour is one of the greatest manifestations of inner beauty. Jennifer Lawrence’s post-Oscar win interview has me in stitches and all the more enamoured with this young actress.

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Top 10 Best Beauty Oscars 2013

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Jessica Chastain Jennifer Lawrence Anne Hathaway Reese Witherspoon Kerry Washington Charlize Theron Amy Adams Amanda Seyfried Jennifer Hudson Adele Source

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