FYI – Dot & Lil is a line of bath, body and skincare products made in Montreal. Anne Dardick, the founder of the line, creates effective and uncomplicated and concentrated products. You can learn more on the ‘about‘ section of their official website and online store.

If you’re curious, I left with 3 shea body butters. I picked up the lavender, lilac, and the sugar & spice shea body butter (which is a witner scent). ever since I received a sample of the lilac and shea body butter, I’ve been obsessed!

Dot & Lil Spring Garden Party photos

Learn more about Dot & Lil from my previous post or check out their official website here.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you’ve tried any local handmade products in your area and how they’ve turned out.

Have you tried Dot & Lil products? If so, which ones?

xx

The box retails for $80 plus $5.95 shipping because they are shipping twice to every customer (i.e. the regular subscription plus the limited edition box)

It is now available for pre-order and they will begin shipping out on May 1st, 2013.

If you are one of the first 500 people to order the Mother’s day box, you receive a wish list reservation. The reservation works once for any coming month, you will have the ability to reserve one of the privé box choices and be guaranteed to receive this box.

Mother’s Day Topbox Fragrances

• Vera Wang Lovestruck – $79
• Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! – $79
• Calvin Klein Euphoria – $78
• Roberto Cavalli Eau de Parfum – $80
• Chloé Eau de Parfum –  $92
• Calvin Klein Eternity – $74

Overall, there are a great selection of fragrances to choose from. This would make a great gift for any mother or friend with a birthday coming up.

What fragrance should I pick? I personally own Chloé and it’s one of my go to fragrances, I highly recommend it. I also own a full size version of the original Lola, which is more of a winter fragrance than Oh! Lola. I have a deluxe sample of Euphoria, a definite contender. I’m torn between Roberto Cavalli and Euphoria, what do you think?

Giveaway conditions:

• You must be a Canadian resident
• If you are under 18, please get permission from a parent or guardian before entering
• See the giveaway generator for closing date
• Enter your information in the giveaway generator below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck xx

However, since the Maybelline 24 hour color tattoos came out, I haven’t been tempted to walked into MAC to get a new pot until I found out about Quite Natural.

MAC Quite Natural Paint Pot

MAC Quite Natural paint pot is a warm, medium brown. It has very nice pigmentation. The draw back with this cream shadow is that it has a dryer consistency in comparison to other paint pots.

My interest in this paint pot was sparked when I saw Sian from SianShutterbug use it to fill in her brows. I would imagine that it makes an excellent brow filler considering its dryer consistency.

I picked it up with the intention of using it as an eyeshadow base. It sets quicker than painterly so I tend to apply and blend it out one eye at a time. It can be worn alone, but I like the effect it gives when worn under brown shadows.

What paint pots or cream shadows do you have in your stash?

xx

I’ve experimented with Elizabeth Arden products before, so naturally when I found out that the April 2013 TopBox had this as a privé option – I was all up on that. Pardon my excitement.

Here’s a break down of what was in the box!

April 2013 TopBox – Elizabeth Arden Privé Box

Privage Anti-aging Intensive Repair Daily Serum

Line lost, firmness found, luminosity returned. Full size 30 mL  for $275 

The serum smells nice, the color matches the orange-tan color in the image above. It has a slight tacky texture once it starts to dry on the skin, much like the texture of Lancôme génefique. Naturally, I haven’t tried this enough to say that it gives results.

The only fine lines that I have are under my eye (yes, I’m having a quarter life crisis and I’m starting to see the changes in my skin haha). This particular product isn’t meant for the eyes; it claims to improve the appearance of fine lines and “lifts” the look of skin within 15 minutes.

Flawless Sponge-on Cream Makeup

Imperfections vanish. Skin is illuminated. Glow is recaptured. Full Size 19 g for $42 (1.9 g sample)

I just noticed that there is an instructional video about this product with Rebecca Restepo, which you can see here.

I personally haven’t used a compact cream foundation since I stopped using the Revlon New Complexion One-Step Compact Makeup. A long while back, it was recommended to me by a frustrated sales person at Shoppers when I had horrible acne in high school (moments which I prefer not to remember).

This product has mixed reviews, but I’m open to trying it for concealing spots, since the sample is small.

Beautiful Color Lash Enhancing Mascara

Coats and curls. Lifts and Lengthens. Every last lash. Full size is 7 mL for $30 (3 mL sample)

The fiber wand of this mascara isn’t impressive or unique at first glance. I’ve tried it a couple of times and it applies like an everyday mascara should. It doesn’t clump, it lengthens your lashes and it adds just a bit of volume. It is easily removed with eye makeup remover.

I’m not particularly impressed, but it’s not a bad mascara.

All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

This two-phase formulation easily, gently removes even transfer resistant waterproof makeup. Full size is $24 for 100 mL (50 mL sample)

Lastly, I received the Elizabeth Arden eye and lip makeup remover. It has a decent rating on Makeup Alley (I frequently check reviews on there). I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s one of those removers that you need to shake to mix the 2-phases (clear and green liquids) together.

I feel it is important to add that you should always soak your lips with something, anything from Vaseline to makeup remover, to remove lipstick from the lips. People often swipe their lips with a dry tissue, but that harms your lips and does not remove lipstick efficiently.

Previous Elizabeth Arden posts:

• Elizabeth Arden Fall Glam
• Elizabeth Arden Rose Aurora

Previous TopBox.ca posts:

• March 2013 TopBox – Regular
• February TopBox – Miracle 10 Privé
• January Topbox – Clinique Prive Privé
• December TopBox – Regular

What do you think about the products in this box?

xx

I’ve link the video and listed everything I bought, which makes it easier for you to find what I was talking about. If you have any experience with these products or would like to know more about them, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear.. err read.

Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart Haul

What I purchased

Bite Beauty Colour + Shine To Go (sample trio out of stock)
Tarte Clean Slate™ Deluxe Primer Trio – find here
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer + No. 28 Primer Serum Duo - find here
NARS Blush Douceur - find here
Dior Addict Lip Glow color reviver balm (wearing it) - find here
Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush 001 Petal (wearing it) - find here

Samples mentioned:

Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream – 0.07 oz
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream – 0.05 oz
Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye – 0.1 oz
Chloé See By Chloé – 0.04 oz
Caudalie Premier Cru La Crème deluxe sample
Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother
Vichy Neovadiol Lumiere BB Cream
Adam Levine perfume for him and her
Vichy Normaderm hydrating acne care salicylic acid

Have you tried any of these products before? If not, which did you find the most interest? I’m thinking of doing some reviews and/or tutorials using some of these products.

xx

In this post you’ll find a video tutorial on how to apply false lashes along with several tips. Hopefully, this can help some of you who are just starting out with falsies.

How to Apply False Lashes

Click here to subscribe for more makeup tutorials.

Products used:

• essence liquid liner in waterproof – terrible applicator!
• Duo waterproof eyelash adhesive dark tone
• Quo Full Lashes 804
• Lancôme tweezer – any kind will do
• Revlon eyelash curler
• Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes

Additional tips:

• The first tip I would give to someone just starting out with a set of full lashes is to practice. I’ve found $1 lashes at the Dollar store, which are great for practice because you don’t have to worry about wasting much money.
• If you are inexperienced, make sure you have extra time to apply falsies. You don’t want to rush and mess up your eye makeup in the process.
• I didn’t mention that before attempting to use false lashes, make sure they fit your upper lash line. If they don’t, then trim a couple of lashes from the longer side. Mine were fine, so I skipped this step.
• The longer side of the lash line should always be glued on the outer edge of your eye, that is where natural lashes are typically longest.
• If you want to reuse the lashes – do not drench them in mascara. A little bit of mascara goes a long way to help baby lashes stand out and helps blend the reals lashes into the fake ones. I also find it easier to use mascara’s with a small wand for this purpose.

What are your tips for using false lashes? What set of false lashes would you recommend?

xx

If you can’t tell (from my last outfit post), I’ve been in a fashion rut for some time, mainly because of the weather. It has been warmer, but not warm enough for bare legs. I just can’t be bothered to rummage in my closet for “pop of color” pieces to liven up my winter tired wardrobe staples. I’m lazy, I love recycling outfits. It just makes my life easier since I’m still carrying 15 extra pounds that I put on last year.

Monochrome and Denim Outfit

I got this H&M denim button down shirt in 2010 during the summer. I’ll never forget that it was the last one, I was dying for denim at the time and I honestly haven’t fell out of love with it over the passed 3 years. I just can’t imaging my closet without it.

The gold rivet tassel necklace was courtesy of SheInside, unfortunately it is sold out. Shipping took a while, but the necklace is nice. It reminds me of something I would normally find for $20 at Topshop. Forever 21 carries a similar necklace, see here.

essie mint candy apple nail polish
Zara basic velvet slippers (not shown)
H&M jeggings

SheInside necklace – similar here

For the second look, I swapped out the denim button down for a silk tank top from Forever 21. I bought this tank top years ago in black and blue. I’ve never seen them come out with more authentic silk tank tops before this one.

I’m also wearing an Apricot Batwing Long Sleeve Geometric Cardigan Sweater from SheInside. Tribal and geometric shapes has been a bit of an obsession of mine as of late. I really layering them over sleeveless tops when it starts to warm up outside.

Here are a few alternatives:

• Forever 21 Tribal Print Cardigan – click to see
• Asos Tribal Cardigan – click to see

Monochrome and Denim Outfit of the Day

Do you ever get caught in a fashion rut? What are your go to wardrobe staples?

xx

The Marcelle BB cleanser is another hybrid product; due to this huge trend in the beauty industry (think BB creams and lipsticks in gloss form… and all of that jazz).

Let’s get straight to it!

Marcelle BB Cleanser Demo and Review

This BB cleanser is a no-rinse formula that removes makeup, cleanses, and acts as an overnight multi-benefit moisturizer. Like a BB cream, this product has a list of benefits, it:

1. Purifies skin
2. Improves skin vitality
3. Provides a luminous complexion
4. Soothes and calms
5. Offers immediate hydrating benefits
6. Reinforces skin’s moisture barrier
7. Cleans pores
8. Protects skin from environmental stresses

Hypo-allergenic and perfume free. Oil free. 200 mL

The packaging has a lot of text dedicated to the benefits of the product, but the instructions were vague to me. Since this concept is relatively unique to the Canadian market, I think they should have been more thorough about the product’s instructions.

The Marcelle BB cleanser is meant to be massaged on dry skin to remove makeup and cleanse the skin, much like a regular cleanser. However, instead of rinsing this product off you simply wipe your face clean using a cotton pad or damp cloth. The layer of product that is left on your skin acts as a moisturizer.

How to use the Marcelle BB cleanser (skip to 1:55)

• I either use the BB cleanser after a regular cleanse, because it removes the makeup your cleanser leaves behind and acts as a moisturizer at the same time… OR
• I damp my face a bit with water prior to massaging the BB cleanser onto my face. I feel like it helps dissolve makeup better, it allows me to use less product and the cotton pad glides more smoothly.

Overall, it’s not the type of product I would typically gravitate towards on an everyday basis. I like my long night time skin care routine. I love that I can use this product in conjunction with a regular cleanser… but when do I tone my skin? Bare in mind that there are plenty of nights when I get lazy, in which case, this product becomes a savior.

Be sure to check out my review for the Annabelle eye makeup remover lotion and Marcelle eye makeup remover pads, see here. For more reviews and makeup videos, subscribe to my channel by clicking here.

Have you ever tried a BB cleanser? What are your thoughts about this product?

*This product was sent to me for consideration via Vervegirl magazine.

 xx

I’m doing a separate post on the Marcelle BB Cleanser, which is more in depth than the video demonstration and review linked below.

Annabelle and Marcelle Eye Makeup Remover

Annabelle eye makeup remover lotion

The Annabelle eye makeup remover lotion is among some of the best new drugstore products for Spring 2013. It has a convenient pump dispenser, which gives better control of how much product you are using. The formula contains aloe vera and cucumber extract. It doesn’t sting and it’s effective at removing everyday makeup without too much rubbing. Personally, I need 2-3 pumps do remove my eye makeup on both eyes.

Hypo allergenic. Perfume Free. Oil-Free. Alcohol-Free. Soap-Free. Paraben-Free. Ophthalmologist tested. 170 mL

Marcelle eye makeup remover pads

These pads are amazing! It’s definitely quicker at removing eye make-up than the Annabelle eye makeup remover (don’t get me wrong, I like them both, but wow!). This remover is also formulated with aloe vera and cucumber extract. It has a no-rinse formula and non irritating formula. I reserve the Marcelle pads for heavy eye makeup because they really do the job.This is especially ideal for quickly removing eye makeup after a night out!

For more reviews and makeup videos, subscribe to my channel by clicking here.

What is your favorite eye makeup remover?

*These products were sent to me for consideration via Vervegirl magazine.

 xx

However, I can’t stand bare nails for very long so I decided to paint them once again. You might not care to know why I specifically chose a classic red nail polish (even though Valentine’s day is long gone). Since the Lana Del Rey – Burning Desire official music video came out, I have had it on replay.

I’m in lust with almond shaped, vintage looking nails (some call them claw nails, I’d rather not). As mentioned prior, my nails are now brittle and I work in an office. It’s not fun to type with very long nails. At least, I have the perfect red nail polish, I can wear red nails at any length and still feel proper.

Essie A-List

A-list is a classic red polish with a cream finish. I’m wearing 2-3 coats. My apologies for sloppy application, this is an older essie polish with a thinner brush that I’m not used to.

Lana Del Rey – Burning Desire

This song is just too sexy. Have you seen my LDR inspired makeup tutorial? See it here.

Previous nail polish posts:

• Borgheses Encantado Purple
  
• OPI Have You Seen My Limo
• Essie Butler Please
• L’Oréal breaking Curfew
• Essie Penny Talk Nail Polish

What are your favorite red nail polishes?

* This product was c/o NKPR.

xx