REVIEW: First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream

Hello, lovelies!

I recently received a sample of First Aid Beauty’s Coconut Water Cream. I was eager to integrate a new moisturizer into my skincare routine to gauge how it helped my dry skin. First Aid Beauty’s Coconut Water Cream is lightweight, and acts as a moisturizer or primer.

The Packaging

I adore how fun and whimsical this packaging is! The cream comes in a lightweight, travel-friendly jar that features a striped design with pops of pink, silver and white. The jar bears the First Aid Beauty logo and has a bright pink cover.

The Cream

The cream has a lightweight, balmy texture. It absorbs instantly into the skin without leaving any residue, and it is oil-free. The cream is translucent and airy. My skin feels soft, moisturized and refreshed once I apply the product. One aspect that I particularly enjoy is that the cream retains the texture of a primer when it dries into the skin, making it perfect to wear underneath makeup!

How to use it 

First Aid Beauty’s Coconut Water Cream is ideal to use morning or night as part of your skincare routine. Apply it evenly over clean skin. The moisturizer can be worn underneath makeup or alone.

If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer to introduce into your springtime makeup routine, I’d recommend First Aid Beauty’s Coconut Water Cream! The lightweight moisturizer refreshes the skin without feeling heavy or dense. This product is part of Sephora’s Hello FAB Coconut line that also includes a Priming Moisturizer, and Jelly Mask. Each jar retails for $42 at Sephora.

3 Tips to Eliminate Shine and Help Your Makeup Last All Day

Hello, lovelies!

We’ve all had moments where the makeup we just applied has smudged or disappeared completely. There are various ways that you can prevent your skin from becoming shiny, causing makeup to smudge. Here are my top tips:

Prep your skin 

Prepping your skin with primer is important for all skin types, as it helps your makeup stay vibrant throughout the day. If your skin gets shiny, you should prime the oiliest areas of your skin with an oil-free primer. Other areas of the skin can be primed with the same product, or a primer that is not oil free, depending on what you prefer!

Apply powder, but don’t overdo it 

I often powder my entire face, but I concentrate my powder in on my forehead, cheeks, and chin to eliminate extra oil. Applying a translucent powder will control shine and oil but applying too much product may give your skin a powdery hue. I like to apply a small amount of powder with a fluffy brush before blending it into my skin.

Stick to products that are long-wearing

Products that contain oil or water may contribute to smudged, smeared or slipped makeup. Look for products that are long-wearing, water-resistant, or water-proof to prevent any creasing throughout the day.

3 Common Blogger Mistakes You’re Probably Making and How to Avoid Them

Hello, lovelies! There’s no single way to blog, but there are common mistakes that new bloggers can make. I started my blog over a year ago and learned a lot of these mistakes myself. With a few tweaks and tips, I overcame these mistakes to improve my blogging. These are 3 common mistakes:

NO PROMOTION

Publishing a new blog post on your personal Facebook page is one way to increase page views, but your content is likely to only be seen by your Facebook friends list. Posting to Facebook is not enough. Share your content on other social media websites, or groups dedicated to blog promotion to increase your reach and page views. A helpful hint is to tell your audience about the blog post, instead of simply leaving the link on the page.

NO OR LOW QUALITY PHOTOS

Blogs are largely about visuals. I like to include one main photo that captures the essence of my blog post. If I am writing a product review, I will often also include swatches of the product to demonstrate the colour/texture. Multiple editing tools exist to enhance and refine your photos to make them more appealing. Practice makes perfect, and keep practicing your photography until you’re happy.

NO PLANNING/CONSISTENCY

I publish new blog posts 3 times a week. I publish on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while devoting each day to a specific topic. I plan my posts extensively before I begin to write them, and this actually speeds up the writing process. Consistency is key to maintain an active following. Try using a calendar to schedule content and keep your blogging on track.

What are common mistakes you made as a new blogger? Do you have any tips to share to avoid common mistakes?

REVIEW: Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow Palette

Hello, lovelies!

I collaborated with Coloured Raine Cosmetics a few months ago. They graciously sent me the Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow palette. This palette quickly became a staple in my collection – it is affordable, pigmented, and has a fantastic range of shades. If you’re interested in finding new indie makeup brands, keep on reading!

The Packaging

The packaging is stunning. The outside of the palette features a matte black cover with the brand logo embossed on it. Inside the palette are fourteen pans of eyeshadow plus a large mirror. The inside packaging features a fun, metallic gold material. The palette is lightweight and travel friendly, though the shape is slightly longer than other palettes I own.

The Formula

This palette features an array of eyeshadow formulas. Each shade is pigmented, buttery, and smooth. The matte shades are pigmented, non-chalky, and blend well. Each metallic shade has a foiled appearance. The frosted shades are pigmented and creamy.

The Shades

This palette contains 12 shades, in a mixture of matte, metallic, and frosted finishes. The shades contained within the palette include:

• Crown – Bright white-gold
• Royal Highness – Metallic taupe brown
• Your Majesty – Metallic golden copper
• Princess – Matte dusty rose
• Empress – Matte burnt orange
• Queen Mother – Frosted dark plum
• Heir – Matte light beige
• Royal Perogative – Matte medium brown
• Noblewoman – Frosted cranberry
• Ladyship – Matte dark berry with cooler undertones
• Duchess – Matte dark brown with yellow undertones
• Dethrone – Metallic deep brown

The Wear

These eyeshadows last for hours when applied to the lid! The formula does not crease, fade, or falter throughout the day. I’ve observed no patchiness or flaking with these eyeshadows.

If you’re looking for an affordable, indie makeup brand I highly recommend Coloured Raine. Every product is inexpensive and high-quality. The Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow Palette retails for $44 on Coloured Raine’s official website. As of March 26, 2020 it is on sale for $28.

3 Daily Tips to Protect Your Health In Stressful Situations

Hello, lovelies!

Let’s face it – everything is stressful right now. Trying to stay indoors and practice social distancing is top-priority for most people. If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely felt stressed, anxious, and uncertain during the past few weeks. Every time you turn on the news or open your laptop, there’s more scary news. We all know that stress directly affects our health. Here are three tips to help protect your health and wellness today!

Seek good nutrition

Like the saying goes, you are what you eat. A diet high in a variety of nutrients (think a combination of protein, carbs, and vitamins) can both protect health and promote provide nutritious energy. One thing that I do weekly to eat nutritiously is meal-planning. Meal-planning each week helps me consciously develop a list of healthy foods to grab from my local grocery store.

Get physical

Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress. Brisk movement both prevents stress and attributes to better sleep. The next time you feel stress creeping into your mind, try going for a brisk walk or dancing along to your favourite workout video.

Reframe your thoughts

Reframe negative thoughts. Reframing your thoughts around stressful situations can help you manage emotions and reduce stress responses. For example, rather than thinking, “I’m stuck in the house with nothing to do!” reframe it as “I’m staying indoors for my health, and can get lots of work done from my home.”

4 At-Home Workouts You Can Do In 30 Minutes or Less

Hello, lovelies!

Working out from home is the new going-out. Whether you were excited that your local gym closed, there are a ton of ways that you can get your sweat on from the comfort of your own home. Here are four of my favourite home-based workouts that you can try today!

1. Sydney Cummings Youtube

Sydney Cummings is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist. Sydney publishes new workouts daily on her YouTube channel. Most workouts require no equipment, but a set of dumbbells is required for some. (If you don’t have dumbbells at home, anything from soup cans to coffee cups would work!) Sydney offers workouts that range from 10-60 minutes. Her workouts include pilates, HIIT, strength-training, cardio, and kickboxing.

2. Popsugar Youtube

Popsugar offers at-home workouts that range from 10 to 45 minutes. Popsugar covers popular workout trends, with videos from P90X, Barre, and kickboxing. Each workout is fun and energetic. Most require no equipment, but some workouts suggest using a small set of dumbbells.

3. FitOn App

I recently discovered FitOn. This app has been a game-changer in my fitness routine. The app offers new barre, HIIT, toning, and strength-based workouts that are new, fresh, and innovative. If you’re looking to change-up your usual exercise routine, FitOn offers personalized workout plans that you can complete at-home.

4. Blogilates 

Designed by fitness instructor Cassey Ho, Blogilates offers full-length workouts. Cassey’s channel contains a variety of workouts that are pilates-inspired. Every workout is less than 30 minutes, requires no equipment and can be completed from the comfort of your home!

REVIEW: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink

Hello, lovelies!

For the past few years, I have been on a never-ending hunt to find the perfect liquid lipstick. Most formulas that I’ve tried have either been too drying, not long-wearing, or crumbly. I know that the lipsticks I’m blogging about today are not new, but they are the best liquid lipstick formulas I’ve ever worn. And the best part? They’re drugstore! I recently discovered Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink Lipstick line and let me tell you, they are ink-credible!

The Packaging

The packaging is sophisticated and fun. The tube has a unique square shape that features a white top that bears the Maybelline logo. The tube itself displays the colour contained within. It is lightweight and travel-friendly. The most interesting part of the packaging is the applicator – it is tear-drop shaped which allows for precise, mess-free application.

The Formula and Wear

This lipstick claims to be a 16-hour, long-wear lipstick and it absolutely lives up to the claim. Once applied to the lips, these lipsticks are smudge-proof for hours. They do not flake, feather, or falter with eating, drinking, or sleeping. The formula dries down to a matte but glossy finish. The lipstick has the wear of a matte lipstick but it still feels creamy and has tact on the lips.

The Shades Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink is available in a range of 10 versatile shades:

• Loyalist – Pale nude
• Dreamer – Pale pastel pink
• Lover – Dusty rose
• Pioneer – Blue-based red
• Heroine – Bright orange-red
• Romantic – Neon pink
• Creator – Bright violet
• Believer – Eggplant purple
• Escapist – Oxblood brown
• Explorer – Navy blue
• Originator – Deep purple
• Composer – Maroon
• Founder – Dark pink
• Ground Breaker – Burnt orange with red undertone
• Dancer – Vibrant red

Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink is an incredibly long-wearing liquid lipstick that comes in a variety of shades from pale nudes to vibrant berry. If you are looking for a lipstick that will not budge for the day, I’d highly recommend this one! To demonstrate the incredible longevity of this liquid lipstick, I’ve worn it in the shower to test it and it did not budge. Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink varies in price between drugstores, but it is available from Maybelline’s official website for $11.99 or $9.99 at most other retailers including Walmart.

REVIEW: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Hello, lovelies!

I feel like I’m the last makeup enthusiast on the planet to try the cult-classic Primer Potion from Urban Decay. I switched the brand of primer I use on a whim last month, and I have not looked back. This product truly lives up to its claim of indestructible eyeshadow that lasts all day!

The Packaging

The primer comes in a sleek and lightweight tube. The tube bears the Urban Decay logo and has a pale purple, golden, or copper colour depending on the type of primer that you purchase. The cap features a long, flat applicator that is soft and bendable to coat the entire eyelid with product. I love that this product is travel-friendly and easy to use.

The Formula

I adore this formula! It is silky-smooth, dries quickly, and brings out my eyeshadow’s true pigment. Urban Decay’s primer is formulated with polymer technology that preps the eyelids for all-day wear and covers imperfections.

The Wear

My eyeshadow is brighter, pigmented, and long-lasting after I apply it on top of this primer. Eyeshadow does not fade or crease throughout the day. I’ve tested this eyeshadow primer while wearing both powder and cream formulas, and it has enhanced the wear of my eyeshadow with ease!

The Shades

Recently, Urban Decay released new varieties of the primer. It is now available in four varieties:

• Original
• Sin – Subtle pale nude shimmer
• Eden – Matte nude
• Caffeine – Rich warm brown matte

Urban Decay’s cult-classic Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a staple in my makeup kit. It effortlessly extends the wear of my eyeshadow for a crease-free look. Each tube of Urban Decay’s Primer Potion retails for $32 at Sephora.

3 Unique Ways to Use Micellar Water in Your Daily Beauty Routine

Hello, lovelies!

Micellar water is a staple in my makeup kit. I typically remove my makeup with a cotton pad soaked with the water, but I recently tested a few unique ways that I can get the most out of it. Here are three unique ways I’ve used my micellar water – and you can too!

Use it as a face wash

Not only is micellar water an excellent makeup remover, but it can be substituted as a face wash in a pinch. Micellar water requires no rinsing or water. If you’re too tired or don’t have any makeup remover on hand, soak a cotton pad with micellar water and gently swipe it across your skin to remove makeup and cleanse the skin.

Use it to clean your makeup brushes 

Micellar water works wonders to clean my makeup brushes without any chemicals! I soak a cotton pad with a small amount of water after applying my makeup each day to gently clean any residue from my makeup brushes.

Refresh your skin

Fill a small bottle with micellar water, and spritz it onto your face during the day for a quick refresh. Not only will the micellar water freshen your complexion, but it will also help refresh any makeup you are wearing.

 

REVIEW: Huda Beauty New Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Hello, lovelies!

Huda Beauty released a beautiful new eyeshadow palette last year. The New Nude Eyeshadow Palette is the perfect palette to create versatile nude eyeshadow looks with pops of glitter and sparkle. I adore the neutral, yet colourful, combination of shades within this palette and how the shadows can quickly transform my look from day to night!

The Packaging

The packaging of this palette is beautiful and sophisticated. The outside of the palette features a graphic of Huda Kattan’s eyes along with a monochromatic eyeshadow look. I love that the light colours used on the palette – a combination of baby pink, light beige, and peach are reminiscent of the shadows within. The palette bears the ‘Huda Beauty’ logo, features a large mirror and contains 18 shades.

The Eyeshadows

Each eyeshadow is pigmented and blends easily. The palette contains a unique mixture of versatile duo-chrome, matte, glitter, and pressed pigment finishes. I wear these shadows for 10-12 hours without experiencing any fallout. I blend the matte shadows with a brush and apply the duo-chrome and pressed pearl shadows with my finger for maximum colour payoff. The pure glitter shadows apply best with a glitter glue.

The Shades

Huda Beauty’s New Nude Eyeshadow Palette contains 18 shadows:

• Bare – Matte cream
• Crave – Multi-reflective pink champagne
• Play – Matte peach
• Fantasy – Multi-reflective rose
• Love Bite – Matte purple with a pink undertone
• Spanked – Matte cranberry
• Lace – Matte pale pink
• Daydream – Multi-reflective pale pink with silver undertone
• Tickle – Matte salmon
• Excite – Deep red glitter
• Infatuated – Golden copper glitter
• Kinky – Metallic cranberry
• Concealed – Creamy concealer base
• Secret – Matte burnt orange with pink base
• Tease – Matte taupe
• Raw – Matte warm rose
• Charmed – Multi-reflective rose gold
• Teddy – Matte warm caramel

Huda Beauty’s New Nude Eyeshadow Palette is versatile, eye-catching and sophisticated. It offers a combination of shadow finishes to create an array of eye looks. The palette retails for $85 at Sephora.