I will first start with what and why of hydration for any skin type. From skin hydration, your mind may first think of dry skin or skin lacking the hydration causing it to be dull or lifeless. But if you have ever experienced dehydrated skin, with your skin being a combination, normal or oily, you might know there is a big difference. Dehydrated skin is a condition of the skin that might come and go, based on external factors, like your diet, stress, or season but in case of dry skin, it is a skin type and not a skin condition. I believe all the skin types need hydration and it depends on the skin type, what kind and quantity of hydration are best suitable for it to maintain and improve its state and condition. There is an in-depth article explaining the difference between dehydrated and dry skin here if you are interested to read more. I am going to talk about the hydration power duo from Sisley Paris, one is a new launch and other is from existing skincare collection, Sisley Paris Hydra-Global Serum, and Sisley Paris Hydra-Global.
Sisley Paris Hydra-Global Serum – Anti-Aging Hydration Booster
Sisley Paris Hydra-Global Serum – ‘Anti-Aging Hydration Booster is the first fundamental daily step in reinforcing the skin’s power of auto-hydration. To boost the skin’s intensive natural hydration, it acts on the 3 key stages of the water cycle by using the power of key ingredients of natural origins. Meticulously selected by the Sisley laboratories, two new ingredients, Blue Agave Yeast Extract from Mexico and Carob Seed Extract make up the heart of this serum. They target the production of hyaluronic acid (a key molecule in hydration) in order to retrain skin to conserve water. In effect, it naturally rehydrates it from within, re-infusing it with suppleness. The Hydra-Global Serum also promotes water circulation in the epidermis. By supporting the creation of an “airtight barrier,” water loss is minimized and long-lasting retention of water in the skin is better optimized. Re-hydrated from within, the skin looks more beautiful and lastingly hydrated and supple. It’s fresh, delicate and light texture leaves a bare-skin sensation allowing daily skin care to be applied immediately. A veritable sensorial experience.’
Sisley Paris Hydra-Global Serum is a new addition to my skincare routine since last month and I have been really enjoying using the serum. The time I get a pump of this serum on my fingertips, the delicate fragrance, kind of herbal in simple words, a blend of Sage, Lavender, and Marjoram essential oils gives way to a fresh and relaxing experience. One pump is enough for my face and I take another for my neck and decollete. The texture is very smooth, looks like a gel but is refreshingly creamy. It soaks into the skin fairly quickly. I have been using it day and night for five days in a week for almost a month and love the results. My skin is a combination but it does experience dehydration time to time, when I am in a period of stress or due to hormonal reasons or during the season change. It was the perfect time to start texting the serum during this seasonal change and then continuing till now in almost summer. The serum is light-weight and does not leave any residue after application, the fragrance fades away after application. My skin is more supple and feels moisturized. There are no dry areas on my skin, but it all looks more even and plumped I would say. Another word I would like it to describe is my skin looks and feel healthy. At first, I was not feeling easy to start testing it as I am prone to congestion and I am very careful in choosing the products for my skin type, but this one is a winner. I totally agree, it is suitable for all skin types and pertains the amount of hydration that your skin needs, not less and not more than that. I have experienced no breakouts or congestion from this product. My skin looks radiant and evener.
Sisley Paris Hydra-Global
Sisley Paris Hydra-Global – ‘Intense Anti-aging Hydration is an intensive hydrating, anti-aging skincare product designed to provide a comprehensive solution to the phenomenon of skin dehydration. Hydra-Global moisturizer works with the serum to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance and restart hydration functions deep within the epidermis by maintaining a continuous level of hydration. Apply the cream-gel texture morning and night to the face and neck after applying the serum.’
This is a very lightweight cream-gel moisturizer that I use after using my Hydra-Global serum. I do feel the Hydra-Global serum sets a beautiful base to make the skin more acceptable to the added benefits and hydration from this moisturizer. I massage it in circular motions on my skin including the neck and decollete area. It soaks into the skin pretty fast and perfects to seal all the benefits from the Hydra-Global Serum with added benefits of Hydra-Global into the skin. Both the products do work really nicely in harmony giving the optimal amount of hydration that the skin needs and the results are beautiful, radiant, long-lasting hydration making the skin supple and plumped with fewer wrinkles.
The delicate fragrance of the Hydra-Global Collection from the blend of Sage, Lavender, and Marjoram essential oils gives way to a fresh and sleek olfactive signature for this rehydrating duo makes it a relaxing experience to use and apply. Both the products are really worth checking out if you have any type of skin and do feel there is lack of hydration whether it is occasional or regular, there might be early signs of aging, or it may be due to any environmental or hormonal factors like stress, fatigue, wind, pollution which disrupt and weaken skin’s natural hydration mechanisms.. As per my belief, hydration is the key to maintain and improve any kind of skin condition, and when the hydration is provided in the amount that the skin needs, the skin will definitely appreciate it giving you the most beautiful and radiant results.
Sisley Paris Hydra Global Collection including Sisley Paris Hydra-Global Serum and Sisley Paris Hydra-Global is available at Holt Renfrew, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom.
*Press samples
Dior makeup, under the creative vision of Peter Philips, is always up with the most unique and most fun launches. There are new launches for base makeup and some really fun new tools for eye makeup. They are like a dream come true for a girl, to play with bright and beautiful colors this summer, and fun packaging you will love to show off. Let me come straight to the exciting new launches.
Dior Backstage Pros Airflash & New Backstage Buffing Brush
Dior Backstage Pros Airflash is the first spray foundation (CAD $78) by Dior and is inspired by backstage makeup techniques. It has an ultra-fine mist which gives the perfect air-brushed finish to the complexion. It has light diffusing pigments instantly smooth the skin for a radiant complexion. The ultra-fine and ultra-fluid texture offer buildable and custom coverage, The formula is water-resistant and stays true to color over time. The formula is comfortable to wear and stays on pretty well for over 10 hours.
To use Airflash, shake well for 5 seconds before use. Spray onto the Dior Backstage Pros Buffing Brush. Then apply in small circular motions to the face, gently dabbing onto areas that require more coverage. Spray more onto the brush and apply as needed depending on how much coverage is required. The shade for my medium tan skin tone I am using is 501- Dark beige which I feel is a little dark for me but it going to be good for summer when I am more tan than usual. The formula is amazing, I like how smooth and comfortable it is. The wear time is great, the finish is semi-matte yet radiant, I mean it is not dewy but does gives beautiful radiance, looks very natural air-brushed on the skin. The coverage is medium and easily buildable to full. Another plus point is that it is water resistant, I am definitely going to put this to test on the beach days or poolside gatherings.
Inspired by the backstage makeup techniques, the Dior Backstage Buffing Brush (CAD $60) has reinvented foundation application with fibers of unparalleled density and quality for an even complexion and buildable coverage. A new shape for controlled application and a second-skin makeup result in a single sweep. It needs to be used in circular movements from the center of the face outwards.
Diorshow 2018 – Diorshow On Stage Liner
Diorshow On Stage Liner ( CAD $35) is the first Dior liquid eyeliner with an ultra-flexible felt tip to effortlessly recreate eye looks straight from the runway. Inspired by the Backstage, Diorshow On Stage Liner is the first liner with a hybrid tip that combines the ease of a felt-pen with the suppleness of a brush. Its fine tip allows for freer application, guiding the line to flawlessly recreate Dior runway looks in a single stroke. Diorshow On Stage Liner comes in an ultra-shiny vinyl black and 14 shades of intense, pure, saturated, matte or pearly color. The ultra-pigmented and waterproof formula is available in 3 intense effects – vinyl, matte and satiny – to dress the eyes in spectacular lines for extreme 24-hour* wear.
The felt-tip does help in a precise application and I am impressed with how intense the colors are. The formula dries quickly and there is no smudging during the day. The staying power is good, I had it intact at the end of the day. The colors are really fun and I am looking forward to matching them with my looks and outfits.
Diorshow 2018 – Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Mascara
Since the time I first used the Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Mascara, (CAD $37) I am in love with it. My full review of the mascara is here. Dior has taken it a step further and released the squeezable effect in 4 vibrant, ultra-pigmented shades to create colorful combinations and instant oversize volume. To use the mascara, give the flexible tube two or three squeezes to make the formula ideally fluid and generously load the brush with product. Apply in a zigzag to coat lashes from root to tip and achieve extreme volume instantly. The Diorshow Pump’N’Volume elastomer brush combines a rigid wand ensuring stable and precise application, and flexible spikes that are ever-so-gentle on lashes. The Diorshow Pump’N’Volume ultra-volumizing formula procures a unique, soft sensation thanks to a high concentration of waxes and elastic powders, the source of the seemingly expanded lash volume. The formula remains creamy down to the last drop, and the ultra-volumizing effect maintains its impact. The mascara is available in limited edition of 4 new neon shades: Purple Pump 160, Blue Pump 260, Coral Pump 640 and Pink Pump 840.
The mascara can be used as a single color or multiple colors to create some unique fun looks, like one color on bottom lashes and other on the upper. Or just a hint of pink or blue on the lashes gives a beautiful finish which is sophisticated yet fun. The new vibrant shades are pigmented and do give a beautiful volume along with the color.
Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Waterproof
Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Waterproof ( CAD $37) is the same formula and effect in the waterproof version of the Diorshow Pump’N’Volume reviewed here. For all loyal wearers of waterproof makeup, Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Waterproof reconciles extreme volume with no-run wear. As with Diorshow Pump’N’Volume, women observe +100% more volume** on lashes for extreme volume results with spectacular staying power. The Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Waterproof elastomer brush combines a rigid wand ensuring stable and precise application, and flexible spikes that are ever-so-gentle on lashes. While the decrease in thickness between classic and waterproof mascara can be disappointing, Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Waterproof maintains intense volume with a higher dose of wax than classic Dior waterproof mascaras. The mascara is easy to wear and use, stays on well for a whole day, does not smudge.
Diorshow 2018 – Diorshow All-Day Brow Ink
Diorshow All-Day Brow Ink (CAD $34) is the first “tattoo effect” tinted brow ink by Dior for instantly full, lastingly shaped brows. ‘Eyebrows are no longer a detail. Perfectly defined, intense yet natural looking, brows are the indispensable finishing touch to high-impact eye makeup. To combine perfection with a natural, authentic, and long-lasting finish, Dior has invented a tattoo-effect eyebrow ink that dyes the skin beneath the brows.’
The formula is rich in high-intensity pigments that imperceptibly color the skin in a single sweep. The beveled applicator lets you precisely define brows and makes it easy to fill in bare spots. The ink formula is rich in waterproof polymers, ensuring a 36-hour impeccable finish that doesn’t move or fade, yet wipes off easily with makeup remover. It is available in three shades – light, medium, and dark, for every eyebrow color. I have been using it since last few days, the finish is very natural and the applicator is great in just having the amount of product that is not over, I mean just the amount you can either build up or just be satisfied with and not overdone. If you have seen me in my Insta stories where I usually share my work looks during weekdays, you might have noticed I prefer very natural brows and this has been a really nice addition. It does not look I am using anything but my brows are natural, more-defined, and beautiful.
Dior Backstage Pros Airflash, Dior Backstage Buffing Brush, Diorshow On Stage Liner, Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Mascara, Diorshow Pump’N’Volume Waterproof, and Diorshow All-Day Brow Ink are available from June 2018 at Dior Counters, BeautyBoutique by Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew, and Nordstrom.
*Press samples
Givenchy Les Saisons 2018 African Light Collection for Summer 2018, Nicolas Degennes took inspiration from Africa’s multicultural richness, its powerful colors and scents and the African positive state of mind. The colors in this collection are celebrating African Earth where natural elements get a special sun-heated tint. From beigy shades to more intense ochre and khaki tones. The products and shades in this African Earth Collection magnify every complexion, in the most authentic way. you will see in the pictures and swatches below, the mix of ethnical patterns and warm colors.
The time I reviewed Givenchy Bouncy Highlighter – African Light Gold, I love how it performs, apart from being a beautiful work of art and design, the formula is so unique and jelly-like. The shimmering glow it provides really accentuates the complexion and looks amazing for outdoors as well as indoors. In Givenchy Les Saisons 2018 African Light Collection, there are two new shades of Rouge Interdit Vinyl and a new shade of Khol Couture waterproof.
Givenchy Les Saison 2018 African Rouge Interdit Vinyl
Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl is medium color lipstick formulated with black rose oil for ultimate shine, impactful color, and a plumping effect. The unique formula is infused with black rose oil, a rare and precious active ingredient that delivers extreme moisture and comfort to the lips for hours. It is combined with a silicone resin that forms a shiny, thin, and supple film on the lips’ surface for a second-skin feel. Lips are left with a “vinyl” radiance and a filling effect: lips instantly appear fuller, smoother, and denser. Each high-shine color blurs away all the lips’ tiniest imperfections and reflects the light, and its slick case features a metallic, satin ribbon design that’s inspired by the House’s fashion designs.
I reviewed Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl last year in details here, the formula is one of my favorites. It is very moisturizing, sheer and easily buildable, very comfortable to wear. It does not accentuates lines and never makes my dry lips drier, in fact after the product has worn off, I still feel moisture on the lips. The lipsticks have a beautiful shiny finish. The lipstick can be used as a soft stain or layer it up for more intense effect. The two shades from the collection include No 17 and No 18. No 17 is a golden burgundy shade and will really look great on many skin tones. No 18 is a raspberry red.
Givenchy Les Saison 2018 Khol No 8 African Bronze
Givenchy Khol is one of my favorite eyeliners for its pigment-rich, long-lasting, and smudge-proof formula. The khol is enriched with intense color pigments. Its long-wear formula resists humidity and glides seamlessly onto your lids. Its retractable pencil means the application is precise and fast, and its comfortable and smooth texture allows for all-day wear. The array of colors interplay with the seasons to define eyes year round.
Givenchy Khol Couture Waterproof Retractable Eyeliner 01 black and 02 chestnut are my daily go-to eyeliners from Givenchy which I reviewed in details here. The texture is smooth and creamy and once it sets, it lasts a really long time. The new African Bronze shade is really wearable. It is a khaki shade with golden pearls, designed to emulate the African earth, vegetation, and sun. I love the family of green for my eyes and this khaki is one of the most beautiful shade I own in green after my khaki eyeliner from Chanel which was also a limited edition, I will update the exact name of it if you need. The golden pearls do not make it even a less intense shade of khaki but give a beautiful finish. It is easily buildable and the formula is great for even sensitive eyes like mine. I have been wearing it non-stop and have already shared my looks on my Instagram stories here. Make sure to follow me if you want to be up-to-date with the new launches and swatches of them on my face.
Givenchy Les Saisons 2018 African Light Collection is available at Nordstrom, Netaporter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora Canada and Holt Renfrew.
*Press samples
‘My new collection – By Terry Hippy Chic Summer Collection 2018 is inspired by my summer holidays spent in Ibiza when I was young. Days were spent languishing idly by the sea, soaking up the sun in the golden sand, or strolling around the town and taking pleasure in the kaleidoscopic colors…’’ – Terry de Gunzburg
By Terry Hippy Chic Summer Collection 2018 is all about the bohemian glamour of Ibiza, with 70s summer vibes reimaged and designed into a chic and effortless collection, which sees vibrant shades capturing dazzling sunsets and electro music beats. Channeling Ibiza’s bright atmosphere, the collection celebrates the island’s paradisiacal beauty and carefree, hippy spirit. I am reviewing the By Terry Hippy Chic Summer Collection 2018 which includes By Terry Sun Designer Palettes – Happy Chic and Happy Sun, and By Terry Twist-On Lip Dual Lipstick in 8 shades.
Sun Designer Palette – Hippy Chic & Happy Sun
The ultimate makeup kit essential, the bestselling sun designer palette is here in two beautiful editions. There are two addictive harmonies which have been created to give an all-over, radiant, sun-kissed look for both fair and tanned complexions. Both the hybrid palettes feature six elegant and sparkling shades, playing the roles of bronzer, blush, and highlighter, which work to enhance the skin’s overall appearance.
The formula is delicate, soft, and has airy texture in both matte and satin finishes that allow for contouring and brightening key features, correct or intensify the complexion, all the while revealing splendor golden tan. Thes beautiful silky sun-kissed shades can be applied and layered on all skin types, and blend in perfectly. It can be applied all over the face or directly to the areas of your face upon which sun would naturally fall, to instantly reveal the most beautiful radiant complexion. Application tips for both the palettes, based on the composition of shades is below:
Happy Chic – Sun Designer Palette
Happy Chic is a blush focussed palette with pearly pink highlight, radiant peachy pink blush, matte pale pink, glowing coral blush, shimmery beige, matte fuchsia shades. For a warm, sunny complexion, apply the blush shades (right hand side of the palette) to the cheekbones before applying the shimmery shades (left hand side of the palette) to the key areas of the face, including the higher cheekbones, eyebrow bone and bridge of the nose, using an angled blush brush. For a healthy glow, blend the shiny and matte shades together and apply to the cheekbones using the angled blush brush.
Happy Sun – Sun Designer Palette
Happy Sun is a bronzer focussed palette with champagne beige highlighter, luminous tan highlighter, glowing beige highlighter, matte brown contour/bronzer, matte cafe au lait shade, and matte peachy coral tan tone shades. For an all-over bronzed, matte finish, blend the three shades on the right-hand side of the palette together using a powder brush or a kabuki brush focusing on key areas including the forehead, cheekbones, chin, and neck. For a glamorous and dewy finish, apply the shinier shades on the left-hand side of the palette to the key areas of the face, including the higher cheekbones, bridge of the nose and eyebrow bone.
Both the palettes are housed in streamlined chevron emblazoned compacts with a generously sized mirror. I am absolutely in love with the Sun Designer Palette’s, the powder is very finely milled, pigmented, and blends in so nicely into the skin. Each palette is perfect for creating a full face look. Happy chic palette – from the highlighter to the blush shades, from the matte shades to the radiant and shimmery shades, they all blend in perfectly to give a beautiful lit-from-within glow and flush. Happy Sun palette is perfect for the sun-kissed look with the most natural and radiant warmth.
By Terry Twist-On Lip Dual Lipstick
By Terry Twist-On Lip Dual Lipstick – plump & volume is an innovative and ultra-intuitive twist and design dual lipstick, it creates the most beautiful plump & contour for the perfect gradient lip effect. The formula is highly concentrated in sheer and intense premium pigments, its glossy-glam formula reveals sensual, shiny lips. By Terry Twist-On Lip Dual Lipstick is available in eight vibrant, bi-chromatic shades – a subtle association of large light shade to fill in and think dark shade to contour.
The shades are described as:
- Peach & Tangerine – peachy orange and cool pink
- Rose & Fuchsia – magenta and baby pink
- Pink & Plum – wine and warm pink
- Candy & Poppy – true red and hot pink
- Red & Wine – deep wine and bold red
- Nude & Burgundy – burgundy and dark nude
- Latte & Toffee – red-brown and pale nude
- Cream & Espresso – true brown and medium nude beige
The twist-on lipstick can be applied in three ways:
- Mono – Fill in the lips with the lighter shade or Fill in the lips with the darker shade
- Duo – Fill in the upper lip with the lighter shade and the bottom lip with the darker shade or vice-versa
- Ombre – To create a full ombre effect, apply the darker shade on the border of the lips, followed by the lighter shade in the center for a beautiful plumped-up appearance. Pinch the lips to melt the two colors. Or To create your own signature look, apply the lighter shade on the border of the lips and the darker shade in the center.
The twist on dual lipsticks are really smooth and buttery, they glide on nicely on the lips. Very comfortable to wear and the shades are so beautifully chosen in each dual lipstick and they blend nicely with each other to give a gorgeous ombre effect. When using as a mono or duo applications, they are easy to apply, the combinations are just perfect for most of the skin tones. They do not make the lips look flat but give a lush voluminous finish. They are hydrating and do not dry the lips.
Overall, a collection worth checking out, the sun designer palettes are absolutely a piece of art and it performs great, the Twist on dual lipstick is my new go-to, very comfortable to wear and shade range is great. By Terry Hippy Chic Summer Collection 2018 is available at Nordstrom, SpaceNK, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, Netaporter, Neiman Marcus, and Beautylish. Please make note that all the products in this collection are limited edition, so do not wait long as they do sell out pretty quickly.
*Press samples
Charlotte Tilbury is here with the most beautiful eyeshadows for this summer. I am loving all the shades gold and the creamy formulas that glide on effortlessly this summer. The new launches from the brand include the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize in the shades of Rose Gold and Star Gold.
The new eyeshadows in the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize range are a water-infused formula in a gorgeous soft pink rose-gold metallic shade to create maximum impact with minimal effort. These eyeshadows are an easy glide-on formula and does not drag on the delicate eye area. The cream formula contains Vitamin E to hydrate & provide antioxidant protection from free radicals. It has soft-focus illuminating pigments smooth over lines & imperfections for a visibly more youthful finish.
The shade Rose Gold is a Warm Pink with Gold Undertones while Star Gold is Bronze Gold with Copper Undertones. The formula is very creamy, it glides on smoothly on the eyelid. Apart from being wet, it is sheer and you can not overdo it if you have a light hand, keep on building it for more intensity using a very little at a time.
The rose gold and the star gold shades are really beautiful, I am having a hard time to pick a favorite. I have oily eyelids and I do give them some time to set and dry as they are creamy and wet in texture. And I believe all creamy eyeshadows take a moment to set and dry. They stay in place for quite the whole day and does not crease or smudge.
The formula is soft and easy to work with, I use my fingertip to apply and then either blend with the same finger or with a brush. It looks beautiful on the eyes, perfect for even the 2-minute get ready and go look. The staying power is good, stays on all day on my lids for over 6-7 hours. Overall, really nice additions to my cream eyeshadows, just a single swipe on the eyes for a sheer wash of color and I am ready for the day. For the days I want more intensity, I just build it up. Love it on my vanity, in my bag, or on the go. The shades and formula are worth checking out.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Rose Gold & Star Gold are available at Charlotte Tilbury Official website, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, and Cult Beauty.
*Press samples