February 24, 2018

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Shadow

I feel like I can't keep up with MAKE UP FOR EVER's new launches sometimes... the brand is constantly innovating and building on its products, making beloved staples better and better. For example, the Artist Shadow collection, first introduced back in 2014, has just been relaunched as the Artist Color Shadow.

With 121 shades and 5 different finishes (matte, metallic, diamond, satin, and iridescent), the refillable pans are now rectangular instead of round to fit into revamped packaging that looks a little sleeker this time around.


As always, in addition to its large offering of shades, customization is key to this line, meaning you can pick and choose your eye shadows to create your own palette. It is actually more cost-effective to go with a bigger palette too; a single is $24 CAD, a duo is $37 CAD, a trio is $50 CAD, a quad is $63 CAD, and a six is $77 CAD (for a $134 value).

I have really been feeling a more pink-based eye look lately after rediscovering my love for my Urban Decay Naked3 Palette so I wanted to pick some similar shades from the Artist Color collection to try out. I went with M546 (a matte dark purple taupe) and S542 (a satin pinky clay).


The texture on these shadows is really soft and blendable although I did need to layer a bit to get enough pigmentation for the above swatches. It seems to be less of a problem when actually creating an eye look although I felt M546 could have been darker based on its description. S542 is very pretty neutral that makes an excellent brow highlight.

Overall, the quality is what we've all come to expect from MUFE and highly recommended for both professional make up artists and makeup aficionados alike!

February 18, 2018

AERIN Hibiscus Palm

About a month or so ago a new perfume launch caught my eye while shopping at Nordstrom and, not long after, I finally had the opportunity to test it out in person at an Estée Lauder media preview. Aerin Hibiscus Palm is the latest addition to the Aerin fragrance line (following Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir) and has quickly become a favourite of mine.

The scent features top notes of lotus, hibiscus, ylang ylang, palm leaf, and ginger; mid notes of frangipani and white blossoms; and base notes of coconut milk, vanilla, and musk. Doesn't that just sound divine?


Housed in Aerin's classic glass bottle, the cap is a pretty slightly marbled coral which matches the packaging from the Hibiscus Palm Body Cream (layer both for extra fragrance staying power). Pricing ranges from $120-170 USD for the EDP and $60 USD for the Body Cream.

It's no secret that I love beachy scents and Hibiscus Palm perfectly captures the essence of a lush tropical vacation. At this time of year, people are often yearning for a reprieve from winter (myself included) and a little spritz of this can help transport you to somewhere much warmer if you can't actually go on a vacation. In my case, however, I'm planning on smelling of Hibiscus Palm while on a beach in Hawaii... where I'll be in just over a week!

February 1, 2018

"Leather" & Lace

... not real leather in this case, but faux leather in the form of this very versatile waterfall jacket I picked up on the cheap a few seasons ago. It pairs perfectly with this dress from Tobi for a girly look with a slight edge. I know they say you can never go wrong with an LBD, but I think the same can be said about an LWD (little white dress) too!

Dress: Tobi (c/o) / Jacket: Zara / Shoes: Prada / Bag: Chanel
Watch: Cartier

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