Taking a break

Catch up with me on my personal blog: http://mmandthemr.blogspot.ca/

2014 Drugstore Beauty Awards

I'm Back!  I'm so sorry i have been MIA for months but i really do have a good reason :)  I'll spare you the details here but if you're interested click over onto my personal blog.

Now on to the awards.

Best Foundation goes to: Covergirl's Ready Set Gorgeous 
Hands down the best foundation of the year especially for oily girls like myself.  It's light, blends easily and lasts all day.

Best Concealer goes to: Maybelline's Fit Me
Hides & conceals those dark circles like a charm.  No need to break the bank when this little guys does it all at a fraction of the the price.

Best Blush goes to: Milani's baked blush in Luminoso
My go to blush of the year.  It's smooth, silky, blends like a dream and leaves my cheeks radiant all day long.

Best mascara goes to: Maybelline's Volum' Exp Colossal & Loreal's Voluminous Butterfly
The ultimate pair.  I use the Maybelline's Volum' Exp Colossal mascara as a base then go in with a layer of Loreal's Voluminous butterfy for added length and volume. Perfection!

Best Bronzer goes to: Covergirl's Clean Pressed Powder in Soft Honey
My best kept secret (trust me it's even better than Benefit's Hoola)

2014 was a great drugstore makeup year.  Did your favorites make my list?

Daily Randomness:
-had the best weekend ever.  Spent the entire weekend in my PJ's!!
-mmmm...hamburger!! I want a hamburger :)

Spotted: Flower beauty cosmetics

Yah! Flower beauty cosmetics is now available in Canada in stores and online!  Say what?  Since when?  It doesn't look like this appearance will be permanent as i did not see it inside the cosmetic department but only in the aisle.  Stock up ladies before they are gone! 

Daily Randomness:

-eating dinner alone bites!  The Mr had a business dinner tonight.  So lonely :(

-I am breaking out!  Eeek! Damn you Josie Maran! I'm done with oils! 

-the Mr and I joined the gym! Nothing motivates me more than having to wear a bathing suit in 4 weeks!! I need to run run run!

Dear Mail Man

Dear Mail Man,

Please deliver my Makeup Geek package now!  I want to play today.

Sincerely,

a uber exited, hate waiting for stuff gal

I have been wanting & waiting to place my Makeup Geek eyeshadow order for months now. Every time i tried to place an order, one the shades was conveniently out of stock ;(

So i waited and waited and finally placed my order last week!

Now, it's a different kind of waiting.  I am waiting for the package to arrive.  It's getting close.  It's in Canada, well it's been in Canada for 3 days now.  Not exactly sure where in Canada but I just want it. I want it now!!

Daily Randomness:
-i hate waking up alone.  The bed feels cold.  The house feels cold. And most importantly, there's no one to bring me breakfast in bed ;(.  The Mr had to go into work today.  BOooooo
-Halloween is in 2 week and i am officially freaking out. The Mr and I cannot decided what to dress up as.  Do you have any suggestions?  More cutesy, less gory options please!

Review: Real Techniques miracle complex sponge

I have been patiently waiting to try this little sucker.  For Canadians, Real Technique items are hard to come by.  Last weekend I was beyond thrilled to see this little guy at my local Winners for $6.99.  What a steal!  Sorry ladies, there was only 1 left or else I would have grabbed ya'll one :)

And ladies it's true!  Consider this as a "dupe" for the ever famous Beauty Blender.  I love the flat edge feature.  It allows me to blot on foundation easily and gives me more coverage faster.  My only caution; do not drench it in water.   I find the best way to work around this is to spritz it a couple times with water instead of running it under the tap like I usually do with my Beauty Blender.  When the miracle sponge is too damp I find it applies my foundation very patchy.  In terms of feel, the Beauty Blender does feel less poreous and more plush but ultimately they both do the same thing.  They apply foundation flawlessly.  Well done Real Techniques.  2 thumbs up!!

Daily Randomness:

-gobble gobble ... We have lots of turkey left!  The Mr and I are planning to make soup with the left overs! 

-OMG Modern Family is hilarious!

-nail polish blitz alert!  RCSS has a cart full .. All marked down (50%off) Happy shopping!

****update****
Canadian gals, you can purchase the beauty blender here for $9.99 !! You can now stop stalking the cosmetic aisle at winners :)

Photo credit: http://en.paperblog.com

Vampy lips for less

It's all about vampy lips this season.  Want it for less?  Check out my top 3 picks for under $10. (From lightest to darkest) 

1- Jordana twist & shine balm stain in cranberry crush

If you are new to vampy lips or looking for something less intense this one is perfect for you.  It's quick, easy and fool proof!  Stick lipsticks can be applied in 1 minute flat!

2-Covergirl Lip Perfection lipstick in shade 335 embrace

If you are looking for a more purple toned vampy shade ... search no more!  This sucker is the perfect deep purpleish-red shade for winter.  It glides on so smooth and feels so luxurious.  I can't believe this Covergirl!  Mac watch out!  

3- Wet n wild Fergie edition lipstick in Cabernet

Cabernet it is.  The ultimate vampy shade.  The colour is intense and amazing but does require a little more work.  Not loving the bullet.  It's hard to work with especially if you want precision.  I often need to use a lip brush to apply this colour especially around the cupid's bow. For the price I paid, it's well worth the extra 5 minutes!!

Daily randomness:

-Happy turkey weekend!  Live, laugh and eat lots!  I know I will.  We have 3 days of turkey this year!!

September Fav!

***drum rolls*** goes to NYX mega shine lip gloss in beige.  Don't let the colour name fool you.  This gloss is the most flattering high sheen neutral pink gloss.  The only thing my lips wanted last month.  Quick, easy, and just what my lips needed for that extra oomph. The perfect my lips but better gloss that takes 1 swipe and smells delicious too!  Bonus!!

Daily Randomness: 

-yesssss boot season is finally here!!  The temperature dropped again this weekend!  I finally got to wear my Steve Maddens!

-awwe nothing beats Sunday morning breakfast in bed!  Thanks Mr!  You really rock my world!

-caught my first salmon of the year! Holy crows! It was hard work to land that sucker!  I think I lost 10lbs yesterday!

-photo credit goes to: http://www.drugstore.com/nyx-mega-shine-lip-gloss-beige-pink/qxp466022

Review: Covergirl XL nail gel

#instaGLAM!  Well done COVERGIRL!  I'm impressed! I have always been an OPI / Essie snob. Never swayed until now.  One swipe gives me an intense high gloss gel finish that lasts 5 days.  No UV lamps! No fuss! No chips!  After the 5 day mark, I layer on a quick 2nd coat to touch up and I am good for another 2-3 days.  Love it!  Pair this polish with Seche Vite fast drying top coat and you have yourself the ultimate combo. My nails are done in 5 minutes. #getyourselfsome

Daily Randomness:

-wow! I can't get over how nice it has been lately. It feels like summer but looks like fall! The mr and I spent the weekend baking in the sun along the escarpment.  Double heart!! 

-yessss! Grey's is back on!  Loving the whole Meredith / Alex thing

-dear Bell Canada you suck.  How dare you cancel my service appointment without notifying me.  I sat at home waiting for your technician for 3 hours.  Grrrrrr!

Review: Make Up For Ever HD invisible cover foundation

Last month we celebrated the Mr's parents 30th wedding anniversary.  A huge milestone!  And what milestone would there be without flash photography.  In preparation for this joyous event, I decided to pick up the ever famous Make Up For Ever HD invisible cover foundation in shade 127.  It is probably one of the most coveted and talked about high end foundation on the web.  Unfortunately for me, it was a flop.  The fondation applies easily, blends beautifully, layers seamlessly and gives medium to full coverage but for an oil slick monster like myself it does not leave me matte.  I looked like a greaseball after 2 hours. I spent a lot of time blotting away and stressing about grease on my face, wishing I had pre-tested this foundation prior to the big day.  Yes, I know.  Common sense right?  I just ran out of time.  If you are dry or have combo skin you will love this foundation. For oily ladies stay away. 

Daily Randomess:

-sweater season is here!! Best sweater season I have ever seen  in years.  Well done retailers!  

-I am totally hooked on the show Revenge. Watched 2 1/2 seasons in 2 weeks!! Go Emily Thorne!  Have any other tv suggestions? I have only a few episodes to go!

-damn! My nails look good!  Came across a killer combo.  Will be posting this next week.  Stay tuned!

Review: Venus ProSkin razor

Shaving made easy!  Underarms done in less than a minute.  Legs done in a minute! I love this razor.  Say buh bye to messy creams, razor burns and nicks!  This razor is my new best friend.  It comes with 3 blades and 2 gel bars that moisturizer while you shave. Ladies, trust me when I say this little sucker is a holy grail item.  The Mr picked this up for me at our local Wal-Mart for under $10.  #getyourselfsome

Daily Ramdomness:

-*sniff**sniff* I caught a little cold :( 

-TGIF!  Did I say that already?  The cold, my sniffles, busy week at work...can't wait to sleep in tomorrow! Enjoy your weekend ladies!!!

Rediscovering Naked 3

Thank you Pinterest for making me rediscover Naked 3.  This morning while the Mr was out playing baseball I decided to keep his side of the bed warm and pin a few things, including the photo above.

What a beautiful look!  Place dust in the inner corners, sweep buzz all over the lids, blend mugshot into the crease and define the outer corner with dark side.  Love love love! This is what I am rocking now.  The only problem is ... I look fabulous but I have no where to go!! 

Daily Randonmess:

- the Mr just called.  He's in a lot of pain. While running to first base he ran into the ball.  Well, actually his twins (you know ones below the waist) did.  #ouch!

- nature is playing a dirty trick on us!  This past week has been "Africa" hot!  Stole that from my boss! 

- I love my new boss.  Have I told you that lately?  Who you work with really makes a difference.  I am healthier, happier and more effective under new management.  I wish my old boss well.  Hopefully mat leave will make her less of a #itch and *figers crossed* hope she never comes back!! 

Elf invasion!!

Now available at RCSS!! Wow!!

Review: EOS lip balm

I use to love these and now not so much. When these cute little suckers hit the market last year I thought they were the coolest, hippest thing to ever hit the lip balm market. Now, I'm tossing them all out and here's why.  

1- they dry my lips out.  I would reapply these suckers constantly.  Thought it was normal back then but now I know better.  

2-mould alert!!  The first time I spotted it I thought, weird hmm just a one off.  Now I am seeing mould on more of them.  It starts off along the ridges (see photo above) then spreads to the top of the inner cap.  

3-they're bulky! You cannot conceal one of these babies in your pocket!

Daily Randomness:
-Yeah!  I started a new personal blog ...  http://mmandthemr.blogspot.com !! Some nights i just want to rant and i feel bad doing it on here as it is not beauty related. If you have a few minutes to spare ...support my hobbie and check it out!
-Back on the One Tree Hill wagon!  The show is not the same without Lucas but still very entertaining!

July fav!

There's no question about it ...Ready, Set GORGEOUS foundation takes the cake.  It was literally love at first application.  It goes on smooth, blends easily, feels light on and leaves me matte. Love it! On the weekends I slap on one layer for a more fresh look and on the week days I apply two layers for a more polished look.  It is so versatile and looks amazing on especially with the coordinating powder.  I am truly impressed.  Hands down the best drug store foundation I have ever come across.  If you are a grease monster like myself, what are you waiting for?  You need this in your life!!

Daily Randomness:

 -I'm addicted to Naked and Afraid.  I'm inspired!  Totally going to try to make fire using the bow drill this weekend! 

-I'm free from the witch!! I've been in work hell for the last few months and today I'm free. New work day rocks!! 

-what a view!  The Mr and I are trying really hard to keep up with our work out routine.  Check out the view from our hike today! Gorg!   

-Ready, Set GORGEOUS foundation photo credit : Covergirl Instagram 

Lipstick storage for less!

Your lipsticks need a little love too! Last week while I was in Dollarama I came across these acrylic lipstick holders for $2.  What a steal!  Each acrylic unit holds 9 lipsticks and fit perfectly in any drawer. Customize them any way you like.  You can place them side by side or front to back.  Your lipsticks will thank you!

Daily randomness:

ahh.. I can't believe the weekend is over.  The Mr and I had an amazing extra long weekend.  Sometimes the best things in life is simply doing simple things with people you love.  The Mr and I spent Friday in wine country.  Our favorite get-away. When life gets too crazy it is the one place that always brings us back to sanity.  Saturday, we were a little adventurous.  Took the bikes for a 30km ride.  Saturday was one of those days, I remembered why I love living outside the big city. My co-workers may snarl at me and stick their noses in the air but I love the panoramic view of the escarpment and silence.  No horns honking.  No engines revving.  Just the Mr , myself and nature.  We stopped at a fire fit, grilled some hot dogs and cracked open a nice Merlot.  Fancy huh? Simple pleasures bring so much joy to me.  What brings you joy?

Kylie Jenner lips for less!

Want it for less?  You can have it for under $10!! Try Annabelle lip liner in natural rose with Rimmel lasting finish lipstick in 104. Taa daa! You got it!

Daily Randomness:

-holy jeezs it has been chilly!  This has been the coldest summer ever.  July is almost over and the lake is still freezing! Last week I attempted to swim at the beach but brrrrr..... Could not bring myself to do it.  Far to cold!  Fingers crossed for this up coming long weekend. 

-addicted to the hunt app.  What a great concept!

-sorry for the absence :( life has been cray cray lately. Meetings , presentations, camping, fishing, birthdays all crammed into one month! Peeewt, August will be more manageable (I hope!)

-I'm starving! This little diet of mine is making me HUNGRY!! Have any tips?

Essence spotting!

Spotted ... Essence's new Cookies and Cream summer collection.  A small collection of nudes and corals perfect for that summer glow.  I picked up the baked blush in Cakepop, that's Top. Strange name but a beautiful coral.  

I've tried my fair share of Essence goodies.  Some of them are great and others are misses.  Overall the affordable price tag that always intrigues me to keep buying.  The blush is silky and smooth, a touch powdery but does lasts all day.  It looks beautiful on with just the right amount of sheen.  For $3.99 it's  a hit!  If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful coral blush that won't break the bank ... This is it!

Daily Randomness:

-OMG I have been loving Cover Girl's Ready Set Gorgeous foundation & powder.  Full Review coming soon!!

-just purchased the perfect set of yellow bedside lamps from Target this weekend.  Love them!  Just what my bedroom needed! 

-arrrg! I'm looking to update my summer wardrobe but can't seem to find anything to buy!  Is it just me?  Are you also feeling the same?

  

Playing with oil!

Yup, i did it! I jumped on the oil band wagon!  I've heard great things about oils but have always been afraid to venture down that path due to my oily nature.  A month ago I stumbled upon a great youtube channel and thought OMG she has amazing skin!!  A few videos later, I discovered her secret - Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Avocado oil.  Shortly after watching her videos I decided it was time to take the plunge; I want beautiful skin!  I picked up a bottle of cold pressed extra virgin avocado oil from the Superstore for under $10 and have been using it every night.  Avocado oil is high in vitamins A & E as well as contains natural sterolins that aid with aging.  I am on week 4 and yet to see the benefits.  I am optimistic and will report back!

Daily Randomness:

- I am suffering my first sunburn of the summer!  Thank goodness for Equate's Aloe Vera after sun spray. First time I have ever seen Aloe in a spray bottle!! 

- It's open bass season!! Fishing with the Mr was a huge success!  Caught a bass on virtually every cast! That's my kind of fishing!

-Getting ready to place an order on Make Up Geek.  Have you tried any of Marlena's shadows? 

Backacne Tips

Hormones!!  That one word that causes sleepless nights and red pimply friends.  I have been struggling with backacne this year and with hot summer days fast approaching I have been in a frantic pickle.  Gone are the days I rocked a tube top or a camisole.  My pimply mess of a back has ruined my summer wardrobe.  I know I may sound a touch dramatic but living with backacne is tough, especially in the summer.  If you are suffering with BA like me, dry those tears girlfriend we can conquer this together. Here are a few tips that have helped me.

1- Clip your hair up in the shower.  I like to leave conditioner in my hair until the end of my shower.  I now clip my hair up after I have conditioned and continue with my showering business.  When it's time, I let my hair down and rinse away.  This little technique has limited the amount of new breakouts. 

2- Invest in a back sponge.  Head over to Dollarama and pick yourself up a back sponge (the shower puff on a stick kind).  Gently exfoliate every shower.  I use my puff back sponge with Neutrogena oil free acne wash with 2% Salicylic acid every shower.  

3- Get your tan on!   Say buh bye to dark acne scars!  A little colour makes a whole lotta difference ... visually.  

4- Invest in racer back anythings!  You'll stay cool in the hot summer sun but still have the BA covered up.  Last week I picked up a whole colour roll of racer back tanks at Target.  Old Navy also has a couple of built up halter dresses that work beautifully with BA. 

I know these tips are not revolutionary but they have been life altering for me.  I'm still hunting to find a BA bathing suit solution.  If have any tips let me know.  Sharing is caring!

 Daily Randonmess:

- awwe.. I have a belly ache tonight :( 

- just picked up Cover Girl's ready set gorgeous foundation and powder today!!  

- happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans!! 

Review: Garnier Charcoal scrub

A couple months ago i recieved a small sample of the Garnier Charcoal scrub in the mail.  I debated with myself on weather or not i should try it. (I have sensitive skin!)

Last week, with the weather warming up and my oil grands in overdrive i decided to give it a go.  Wow! Not bad. The sample lasted me 4 days.  It was gentle, removed all of my makeup and left my face refreshed. I'm quite impressed.  This little sucker does the job.  I will be purchasing the full size product and will be altering this with Philosophy's Purity cleanser.  

Daily Randomness:

-Ohhh .. i recieved my $3 hairspray order from Wal-mart.ca yesterday! I love free shipping!