Matte Addiction | New L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipsticks & Lip Liners | Review & Swatches

Hey Beauties! 

I think we all know that matte lipsticks have been all the rage for the longest time, particularly liquid lipsticks and they have started showing up in every store from every brand. But, what if you don't want a liquid lipstick? If you prefer a matte finish in a more traditional lipstick at an affordable price, you might have some trouble tracking one down!

You might be able to find a matte lipstick or two from brands like NYX, Essence or Wet n Wild but the formulas always seem to leave me wanting something more. Luckily, a brand I know I can trust has come out with the mother load of matte lipsticks just in time for fall! 

The L'Oreal Colour Riche Matte Lip Range is brand new to the Colour Riche family and it is L'Oreal's first permanent matte collection. It contains 12 beautiful lipsticks and 8 gorgeous matte lip liners! 

The Colour Riche lipsticks have long been a favourite of mine with my first review of their Pure Reds collection dating back to 2014! Since then I have made sure to grab hold of every single collection including their beautiful La Vie En Rose range. 

The Colour Riche lipsticks are often overlooked but they are by far one of the best ranges from both affordable and prestige cosmetics. They are always beautifully done with sleek black packaging, incredible shade ranges for every single skin tone, wonderful colour payoff and a creamy formula that feels comfortable but lasts on the lips. 

I have been longing for a full matte range from L'Oreal for the longest time and I couldn't be more excited that it is now here! 

The Colour Riche Matte Lipsticks ($10.99 CAD/$8.99 USD) are beautiful traditional style lipsticks with an ultra creamy formula that is enriched with oils for hydration and lasting comfort. They feel so luxurious on the lips with a super smooth texture that glides onto the lips evenly and easily without dragging, skipping or patchiness.

 Although they dry to a velvety matte finish they have a surprisingly forgiving formula. They are not at all drying and you can feel the oils actively preventing any sort of dryness, cracking, or pilling. 

They feel so comfortable and rich on the lips that if you didn't know how much they cost you would think they were a luxury lipstick!

They also have fantastic lasting power with a formula that adheres to the lips and lasts through drinks and light meals. As a traditional lipstick they are not transfer proof so if you are going to give a smooch or two, you will leave a mark!

(Left-Right 707, 405, 403, 402, 102, 711, 712, 703, 804, 802, 806, 800)

As the name suggests, these lipsticks are rich in colour with very pigmented shades that range from sultry nudes to bold brights and vampy reds. The shades are absolutely stunning, they are vivid and full of dimension. There is a shade for absolutely everyone and every occasion. 

The shades are - 102 Matte-ly in Love, 402 Devil's Matte-vocate, 403 Matte-traction Red, 405 Doesn't Matte-r, 703 Matte-moiselle Pink, 707 Matte-jestic, 711 At The Drop Of The Matte, 712 Matte-mandate, 800 Matte-caron, 802 Matte-sterpiece, 804 He Thinks He's Matte-cho, 806 Matte-itude. 

To go along with the lipsticks are 8 Colour Riche Matte Lip Liners ($10.99 CAD/$8.99 USD). They are slim liners contained in a black sharpen-able plastic tube with a colour coded stripe on the bottom and a clear cap to show you the shade within. 

They have an ultra creamy, super pigmented formula that glides on and almost feels too creamy at first but they dry down and set to a velvety matte finish that does not budge! They have the perfect formula for a smooth application and the perfect formula for a lasting, defined pout. 

(Top to bottom - 114, 112, 110, 108, 106, 104, 102, 100)

The shade range is gorgeous with a variety of nudes with different undertones and some gorgeous bold colours. There is an option to go with just about every lipstick shade and they are called - 

100 Matte in Manhattan, 102 In Matte-uated With You, 104 Curiosity Killed The Matte, 106 Strike A Matte-ch, 108 Best Mattes, 110 Matte's It, 112 Matte-stermind, 114 Matte-ing Call

My Overall Thoughts

I am so beyond thrilled that L'Oreal decided to expand the Colour Riche range and bring out this permanent collection. The formula of both the lipsticks and the liners is fantastic and the shades are beautiful! 

If you are interested in traditional matte lip products then definitely check out this collection!

Sunsets & Shooting Stars | Must Have Warm Toned Eyeshadow Palettes For Every Budget | Suggestions & Recommendations

Hey Beauties! 

The art of makeup - it really is an art form - has evolved so drastically over just a few years. I might be showing my age but I remember that up until just a few years ago it was totally taboo and frowned upon to go outside the box with your makeup. Unless you were a professional artist or a serious risk taker, your makeup kit consisted of a range of neutrals and nudes with a gloss or maybe a red lip thrown in. 

Over the last year or two it has become so much more acceptable and frankly more "mainstream" to break out of your comfort zone. For me it means I no longer have to wear the same taupe eye shadow everyday but I can break out the bright, bold shades of red, yellow, orange and pink that make my heart go aflutter!

What's even better is that it's SO much easier to get your hands on these vivid colours! I remember trying to hunt down a burnt orange shadow and having the hardest time! I eventually gave up and ordered one from Makeup Geek but now I have endless options and it means my dreams have come true!

While I may LOVE that there are so many options, I know it can be pretty overwhelming and seriously confusing to be faced with such a variety. So I'm breaking down the best warm toned eye shadow palettes for every budget to help you figure out what to buy!

For the Editorial Artist

 - Sephora Collection Pro Eyeshadow Palette ($85 CAD) - A deluxe eye shadow palette with 28 high pigment, high performance shades in chrome, matte, shimmer, and satin finishes to create endless looks in rich, velvety warm shades and golden textures that light up your eyes. 15 hand-picked Sephora Pro artists came together to curate a palette with limitless opportunities and unique combinations. 

For the Foiled Shadow Enthusiast

- Natasha Denona Sunset Eyeshadow Palette ($166 CAD) -  Inspired by the colors of the sunset, this palette features 15 gorgeous eyeshadow shades in a combination of warm brown tones, burnt oranges, reds, golds, bronzes, and yellows. It includes all four of Natasha Denona's classic formulas in her signature chroma crystal, matte, and metallic finishes. 

For the Beauty Lover On A Budget

- NYX Ultimate Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Rust ($18 USD) -  these pro-level palettes are packed with 12 high-performance eyeshadows and pressed pigments. Each new set features a hand-picked selection of four vibrant shades in three mesmerizing finishes-from matte, to shimmer and sparkly metallic.

For the Monochromatic Neutrals Fan 

- Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette ($66 CAD) -  The most shade-driven Naked palette Urban Decay has ever created, this palette takes Naked the next level. Naked Heat features 12 all-new, amber-hued neutrals—including warm browns, burnt oranges, and rich siennas. From a super-smooth red-brown matte and a glimmering copper to a deep, shifty bronze, this palette has everything you need to create sultry daytime looks, intensely smoky nighttime looks, and everything in between. 

For the Berry Toned Babe 

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette ($55 CAD) -  A present-day take on Renaissance colors, this eye palette features 14 shades in neutral to berry tones, that let you create stylish, day to night looks. From the earthy yellow and ultra-matte finish of Golden Ochre to Primavera’s shimmer gold with a metallic finish, this palette’s high-pigment shadows are crease and fade-resistant 

For the One Palette Kind Of Gal

- Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette ($59 CAD) -  A versatile palette that not only smells like summer but looks like it too. Create endless looks with 18 shades of peachy pinks, corals, bronzes, and pops of purples that will leave your eyes looking warm weather-fresh all year long. The mixture of finishes and shades means you can create any look from this one palette. 

For the On-the-Go Trendsetter 

- Smashbox Cosmetics Cover Shot Eye Palette in Ablaze ($35 CAD) -  The purse-sized Cover Shot: Eye Palettes swipe on highly pigmented, beyond blendable color for endless eye looks. Smashbox popped in two bigger base shades so you won’t run out of basics before you’ve used all the high-impact accent colors. Ablaze is all about hot, desert-inspired shades. With shades in rich red clay and hot terra cotta, this palette captures the warmth of the desert in a range of sun-drenched shades—these dimensional pigments are perfect for adding depth and contouring.

So there you have it, my must-have warm toned eyeshadow palettes with my recommendations for every budget and lifestyle! 

Which one are you going to add to your collection? 

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Everyday Clay | NEW L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Daily Cleansers & The New Pure Clay Comforting & Unifying Mask | Review & Guide

Hey Beauties!!

Out of all of the possible ingredients in my favourite skincare products, clay is not only the most common but it is also one of the most effective! From high-end to affordable, you won't find a brand or a range that doesn't have at least one clay-based product because let's face it clay is all the rage! 

It's undeniable and frankly it's far from unbelievable because natural clay is truly a wonder ingredient. One brand that has harnessed the power of clay is L'Oreal Paris with their Pure Clay Skincare Range that features an array of multitasking, problem solving face masks. 

Well now, you can experience the magic of clay during your everyday beauty routine with their NEW Pure Clay Daily Cleansers!

The Pure Clay Daily Cleansers ($12.99 CAD) are clay to mousse cleansers that are designed to effectively remove everyday impurities, boost radiance and improve texture - without over drying. They are meant to replicate the incredible trans-formative qualities of their Pure Clay masks (review here) and deliver them to you in a daily cleanser that will help maintain the improvements in your skin. 

They come in 3 different variations that mimic their best-selling masks. Each one is formulated with the same 3 pure clays, Kaolin (to absorb excess shine and purify skin), Montmorillorite (to balance and hydrate), and Ghassoul (a traditional Moroccan Volcanic Clay to purify) as well as one unique ingredient to target specific skincare concerns. 

The Purifying and Mattifying Cleanser (Green) features the power of Eucalyptus, which targets clogged pores and mattifies oily skin, leaving it refreshed and shine free. It helps to balance oily skin on a daily basis with a refreshing, cooling sensation. 

The Energizing and Brightening Cleanser (Black) features charcoal which transforms dull, tired skin by energizing it and leaving it deeply cleansed and radiant without drying. Charcoal is amazing at drawing out oil, dirt and pollution to leave your pores clear of gunk and grime. 

The Exfoliating and Refining Cleanser (Red) features Red Algae which minimizes large pores and evens out rough skin for a smoother, healthier and firmer looking complexion. It's slightly gritty texture helps to gently resurface skin, leaving it super soft and radiant.  

To go along with the cleansers, L'Oreal also decided to expand their collection of masks with the new Pure Clay Comforting & Unifying Mask!

The Pure Clay Comforting & Unifying Mask ($14.99 CAD) is a luminous blue mask designed for sensitive skin (yay!). The main ingredient is seaweed in addition to the same 3 clays as the rest of the range. Seaweed acts as a soothing balm, calming uncomfortable skin while providing effective yet gentle cleansing. This mask will take your stressed out, over worked skin and turn it into nourished, radiant, refreshed skin with clean pores. 

It has the same beautifully creamy texture and cooling sensation as it's predecessors and it dries down quickly without pulling the skin. 

My Overall Thoughts

I have loved the Pure Clay masks since they first came out and they have since become a staple in my weekly skincare routine. I love the newest addition to the range because it has the same formula as the others but it is so gentle and truly soothing. I also think it's genius that L'Oreal saw how successful their Pure Clay line was and they took action to bring the same powerful ingredients into our daily lives. I love using the Exfoliating & Refining Cleanser in the middle of the week when my skin needs a bit of a resurfacing but I don't want to do a full exfoliation. 

I fully recommend the Pure Clay Masks & Cleansers and I think they are another example of L'Oreal taking charge in the beauty industry. You can find these products at your local drugstore, Target, Ulta, Walmart or online at L'OrealParis.ca. 

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*press sample but opinions are all my own*

Summer Lovin' | Summer Beauty Favourites & Must Have Products | ABH, MUFE, UD & MORE

Hey Beauties! 

There have been so many incredible releases in the beauty world lately that I have been overwhelmed with options when I sit down at my vanity. Between testing new products and playing with different combinations there have been a few set products that I keep going back to on a daily basis so I wanted to share them with you. These are my current summer beauty favourites and must have products!

1. Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette ($66 CAD) - I think this palette might be on everyone's must have lists at the moment but I can totally see why. This beauty is the newest addition to the Naked range and it is the first colour tone based palette of the bunch. It contains 12 warm-toned amber hued shadows in both matte and shimmer formulas. They are all absolutely stunning, super pigmented and velvety smooth. Performance wise, they are outstanding in application, wear and blendability. 

2. Urban Decay Naked Skin The Illuminizer Translucent Pressed Beauty Powder ($39 CAD) - I originally mentioned this powder in my "Must Have Setting Powders" post but it has become an absolute OBSESSION. If you like a glowy complexion that looks smooth, blurred and radiant then this is definitely for you! It's a pressed illuminating powder that's infused with synthetic white sapphires for a multidimensional radiant finish. It perfectly sets your makeup in place while giving you a gorgeous all over glow. 

3. Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Oil ($50 CAD) - This oil has been a favourite for the longest time, I have always used it as a base for foundations when my skin is on the drier side but I have since discovered so many more uses. It's described as an ultra light, fast absorbing face oil that doubles as a primer, imparting a glowing, radiant look with a dewy finish. You can also use it as a moisturizer, a cuticle oil, a hair oil and so much more! I love it because it hydrates as well as helps all of your makeup apply more smoothly and evenly. I have been loving mixing it with a few other favourites that you will see next! 

4. Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Celestial ($52 CAD) - This stuff is literally liquid metal in a tube and it is beyond gorgeous when used properly! These ultra-concentrated illuminating drops are designed to help you customize your ideal glow with a liquid metal finish. They come in 9 beautiful shades but Celestial is my favourite as it is a "glistening pearl" which is so flattering on fair skin. I love to mix a couple drops of the Smashbox oil and a couple drops of the illuminating liquid on my foundation brush to blend out my foundation and give my skin a stunning glow!

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation in Alabaster and Shadow ($33 CAD) - This foundation isn't really talked about very much because there isn't anything really outstanding and memorable about it but I love it for achieving that skin-like finish. It's described as "a multitasking light to full coverage cream stick foundation with a natural looking demi-matte finish" and it comes in 29 shades which is really fantastic. I find that it actually has a light to medium coverage but can be built up easily without getting too cakey. You can really customize exactly how much coverage you want and it looks very natural. I personally don't love it alone with my dry skin but I love it swiped onto to the skin and then blended out with my oil/drop mixture. I also LOVE the shade Shadow for a cream contour because it is the perfect cool toned neutral. 

6. Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Matte Lipsticks ($25 CAD) - I recently posted a full review on these lipsticks (here) so if you want a little more information and some swatches, check that out! These are described as "an ultra matte liquid lipstick with insane colour payoff and crazy long wear" and I 100% agree with that statement. These beauties are the most comfortable liquid lipsticks that I have ever tried, you can barely feel them on and they last all day long! I have been loving shades 101 and 103 but they recently expanded the range to include 15 gorgeous nudes and bright, bold shades. 

So those are my current favourite beauty products and they are such good staples for any makeup collection! I'm wearing the majority of them in these two looks so you can see what they looks like on. What are you favourite products at the moment?

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Dare To Be Bold | NEW BareMinerals Statement Lip Collection | Review & Swatches

Hey Beauties! 

I'm definitely not one to shy away from a vibrant lip colour on occasion, after all it's amazing what a little bit of colour can do for your look, your outfit and most importantly your confidence! For some reason, so many of us are scared to rock a bold lip fearing too much attention, when in reality, bold is beautiful, bold is confident, bold is alluring and bold is playful!

 So BareMinerals is on a mission to help you beautiful ladies break out of your comfort zone and try on a bold lip or two with their new Statement Lips Collection! 

Just like their Gen Nude collection did for nudes, this range features a rainbow of beautiful, vibrant colours highlighting the best pinks, reds and berries around. It contains an array of Lip Liners, Luxe-Shine Lipsticks and Matte Liquid Lipcolours. 

Bringing back your favourite formula from their Gen Nude collection, the Statement Under Over Lip Liners ($21 CAD) are a range of wooden liners designed to be used before lipstick for precise contouring and definition and post lipstick for that extra bit of depth. The wooden format is meant to provide stability for an ultra creamy formula and to give you added control when sharpening for an extra sharp tip. 

They are formulated to glide onto the lips, depositing the maximum amount of colour with little drag while also staying firm enough to precisely outline the contours of the lips. They also contain ingredients to help them resist transfer, fading and bleeding thus creating the perfect base for your lip colour. 

The Statement Lip Liners come in 5 versatile shades that were designed to be usable with many different tones, colours and finishes. There is a neutral pink (Kiss-a-thon), a cherry red (100%), a brick red (Wired), a deep fuschia (Genius), and an intense blackberry (Graphic). 

The Statement Luxe Shine Lipsticks ($25 CAD) are bee-uutifully saturated, vibrant lipsticks with one swipe opacity and a radiant shine. These bold beauties are made using a unique process of quadruple milling of the mineral pigments to ensure that the colour you see in the tube stays true once it's on your lips. The means you get incredible colour payoff with little effort and full coverage to boot. 

They have a weightless formula that feels ultra comfortable on the lips due to the inclusion of mango butter to soften lips as well as aide the lipstick in applying smoothly and effortlessly. 

 (L-R Tease, Biba, Rebound, Alpha, Flash, Srsly Red, Hustley, Frenchie, Elite, NSFW)

The Luxe Shine Lipsticks come in 10 gorgeous shades including Tease (a peachy pink with gold pearl), Biba (a bubblegum pink), Rebound (a medium neutral pink), Alpha (a bright raspberry), Flash (a warm coral red), Hustler (a rich garnet with red pearl), Srsly Red (a true bright red), Frenchie (a vibrant magenta berry), Elite (a rose berry with gold pearl) and NSFW (a blackened plum).

Last but certainly not least, The Statement Matte Liquid Lipcolours ($23 CAD) are longwearing, creamy, liquid lipsticks that give you the matte finish you want but without the drying feel you expect. 

Another continuation from the Gen Nude Collection these lipsticks have a glorious moisturizing formula that starts as a silky cream and dries down to a soft matte. It includes ingredients designed to give your lips some love while you wear instead of the typical dry, cracked feeling you're used to. That being said, these beauties are formulated to resist transfer and last long days but they are not 100% budge proof. They will move with your lips throughout the day and they will fade if you eat a big meal. 

(L-R Luxe, Fresh, OMG, Flawless, Shameless, Juicy, Fiery, Naughty, VIP, Devious)

These lightweight lipsticks are insanely pigmented with full, opaque coverage in one swipe. Even the darker colours apply beautifully without being patchy or uneven. The best bit is they smell like a sweet, birthday cake treat! 

The Statement Matte Liquid Lipcolours come in 10 shades, Luxe (a dirty pastel pink), Fresh (a bold warm pink), Fire (a fiery orange red), VIP (a bold crimson), Juicy (a poppy red), Naughty (a deep oxblood), Shameless (a neon hot pink), OMG (a vivid violet), Flawless (a muted plum), and Devious (a rich burgundy). 

My Overall Thoughts

I have long been a fan of the BareMinerals face products but I had never tried any of their lip products before these. I have to say I was really pleasantly surprised and very much impressed! The formulas are so well thought out and they hit the mark on everything they claim. I also think the colours are seriously beautiful! If you love a bold lip or even if you just want to give it a try, I highly suggest the Statement Lip Collection. 

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*press sample provided but opinions are all my own*

Pores No More | NEW Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup | Review

Hey Beauties! 

While I don't like to focus on my "imperfections" because I truly believe that we are all uniquely and beautifully made and we shouldn't change a thing about ourselves. I do like to learn how to minimize or soften the little things that I don't necessarily love. For me, one of those things is pores. 

What's The Deal with Pores?

 Pores are a completely natural part of our skin, everyone has them and contrary to what you might have heard, you can't get rid of them. Pores are actually incredibly important to the way our skin functions. They allow oil (or sebum) to come up to the surface of the skin and naturally, lubricate and moisturize the skin. When your pores are working correctly, they keep the skin balanced and hydrated. However, when they are not working correctly is when you experience acne. 

A good skincare routine is the only true cure for clogged, blocked pores and by following that routine you will notice a difference in the size but the best way to alter the appearance is with makeup. 

I'm sure it's no surprise but my favourite way to diminish the appearance of pores is to use Benefit Cosmetics' POREfessional range. It all started with their infamous POREfessional Face Primer($42 CAD) and I have been using it for as long as I can remember. It's a silky, lightweight balm that you press into the skin to fill in lines, hide pores and help your makeup stay put all day long. 

Over the years a few new friends have come to join the POREfessional family like the Matte Rescue Invisible Finish Mattifying Gel ($38 CAD) and the Agent Zero Shine Powder ($40 CAD)  both of which I have reviewed before (here)! They have all taken the heart of the POREfessional primer and transformed it into an entirely new product that kept up the incredible pore-minimizing skills. 

Now, there is a new addition to the family with the POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup ($40 CAD). 

The New Addition

The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup comes in 5 shades that range from light to medium/deep but there is not a shade suitable for much darker skin. It is described as a weightless, long wear makeup to minimize the appearance of pores. It has an ultra thin, liquidy formula (almost to the consistency of water) that helps to lightly cover imperfections without settling into pores or clogging them. 

The thin consistency means it has a very light amount of coverage but it can be built up with two or three layers. The formula contains mushroom extract which helps to minimize the appearance of pores, as well as visibly smooth and blur skin. Designed to be worn with the rest of the POREfessional range, it gives a velvety matte finish and controls excess surface oil for up to 8 hours. 

The secret trick to this product is the custom pore-blurring sponge that is housed in the base of the tube. It is a very dense, velvety sponge that lets you target application to the areas where you need it and then buff away onto the rest of the face. It really helps the product sink into the skin and creates a seamless finish. 

My Overall Thoughts

I really enjoyed the POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup and while I am not the biggest fan of very light coverage products I really liked the formula and the way it looked on my skin. If you love a fresh faced look with light coverage and a matte finish then definitely check this out! 

You can find the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup at Sephora, Ulta, select Shoppers Drug Marts and more. 

*Press sample provided but opinions are solely my own*