New launches from Bobbi Brown have always had high expectations and hopes as the brand has been a favorite of masses, of all ethnicities and colors. I remember, even when I was in India, Bobbi Brown was always adored for all the shades available in products and it used to be a favorite amongst my circle. I love Bobbi Brown products and have a quite few in my collection I bought in last decade or so. The new launch from Bobbi Brown which I am going to review in this post is Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer which I have tested for over a week, wearing it almost every day last week to my work and during the weekend too.
Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer (CAD $38) is described to cover dark circles in one step—this concentrated, highly-pigmented concealer visibly brightens stubborn under eye darkness and softens hollows and tired lines in an instant (no sleep required). The wear time is 12-hours. I have the shades Beige and Warm Beige which I have swatched below. Warm Beige has been my go-to for last week, concealing my spots and to brighten mine under eyes. The applicator works well and makes the application easy.
I have used this concealer for my acne spots and pigmentation. I do not have dark circles but do like to brighten my under eye area when I did not get enough sleep due to work or kids and this has been tested for this purpose also. First, I make sure I have my skin moisturized properly, paying attention to my eye area. I apply this concealer with the doe foot applicator over the spots and under the eyes too.
The formula is very pigmented and the texture is very thick. Being thick in texture, it does blend well. I blend it either with my fingertip or with the same brush or beauty blender that I used for my base makeup and foundation. It has stayed on well for full day and even was good when I came back home till before bed when I wash my face. I did not notice cakey area or dryness on my acne spots or problem areas while using this concealer, it looked natural.
Top – Beige, Bottom – Warm Beige
I would like to mention one thing again here, if you have a nice base, means you care for your skin and keep it well moisturized and exfoliate it on regular basis, it does make a difference on the products you use. The coverage is full and staying is great. I would totally recommend this concealer to anyone looking for full coverage plus good staying power to conceal and cover problem areas, spots, pigmentation and dark circles.
Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer is available at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Canada, Sephora Canada, Hudsons Bay and is available in vast range of 15 shades.
*DISCLAIMER – The Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealers were sent to me for trial and review purposes, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience. Other Bobbi Brown products in the pictures above were purchased by me.
The eyebrow is the important part of the face that has the power to transform your whole look and appearance. Good eyebrow shape can enhance your natural beauty, make a good appearance of your face and even make you look more youthful. On the other hand, when the eyebrow has flaws, it will do the opposite. So what is in our hands to do to make the eyebrows look fleek? Actually, let me describe what ‘Fleek’ means first, Fleek is a variation of “flick,” a word well known to makeup-lovers — is when eyebrows are perfectly groomed, filled, and shaped. In essence, “brows on point” and “eyebrows on fleek” are the same thing. And grooming, filling and shaping the eyebrows is in our hands, yes Ladies. The eyebrow products I am going to talk about Sisley Paris New products for eyebrows in this post have totally changed what I thought was not important and how much a good eyebrow product can make a difference.
Sisley Paris Phyto-Sourcils Design 3-in-1 Architect Pencil
Sisley Paris Phyto-Sourcils Design 3-in-1 Architect Pencil (CAD $80) is described as a multi-tasking eyebrow pencil with 3 specific functions including a taming brush, a triangular tipped eyebrow pencil to precisely redefine, reshape and fill in eyebrows and a highlighter to apply under the arch of the eyebrow for perfecting eyebrow makeup and highlighting the eyes. The texture of the triangular-tipped pencil is very smooth and glides easily for an easy, expert application. The product is very easily buildable from natural to more intense. The foam-tip is coated with a universal shade highlighter powder which enables the correct amount to be applied under the eyebrow. Phyto-Sourcils Design pencil is rub-proof, allowing the shape of the brows remains perfect all day long.
This pencil is enriched with key skincare ingredients including Acacia wax and Camellia oil. Acacia wax softens and protects the eyebrows. Camelia oil nourishes and softens, enrobes and tames the brows. The natural powder provides a tailor-made coverage leaving a soft, matte dry film.
I did not experience any sensitivity while using this pencil. Once I am done with my face makeup except for my eyebrows, I brush my eyebrows to remove any traces of makeup and then brush them upwards to correct the irregularities and any sparse areas. Then I use the triangular shaped tip to redefine, reshape and fill in the brows. Then I brush the brows in the direction of hair growth. Next point is optional but I do like doing it, I apply a little of highlighter under the brow arch to illuminate the eye area. The highlighter looks very natural after all Sisley Paris is all about looking beautiful naturally.
Phyto-Sourcils Design is available in three shades, Cappuccino, Chestnut and Dark Brown. Dark Brown is perfect for you if you have dark brown or black hair, like me.
Sisley Paris Phyto-Sourcils Fix Thickening Gel
Sisley Paris Phyto-Sourcils Fix Thickening Gel (CAD $68) is described as a thickening and setting gel for eyebrows. The formula enriched with nylon fibers that help add body to eyebrows, resulting in the look of fullness. Shade 0 called transparent is completely invisible to tame eyebrows discreetly, which I am currently using. Shades 1, light-medium and 2, dark medium are described to subtly color eyebrows for an intensified look. The micro-sculpting brush enables a precise application for a precise shape with a very natural result. One single stroke for slightly highlighted eyebrows, or several for a more intense, yet still natural shape and effect. Phyto-Sourcils Fix is long-lasting and rub-proof and enriched with key skin care ingredients Pro-vitamin B5 which fortify and Passionflower extract that softens.
I brush the eyebrows upwards to redefine the shape. Then I brush in the direction of hair growth concentrating on certain areas, if necessary, to set and thicken. It can be applied on its own or over an eyebrow pencil. The three steps are:
1- Highlight the brows: Apply Phyto-Sourcils Fix on its own for a very natural result. Brows are tamed and thickened. The shape is more precise.
2- Perfect the brows: Fill in the eyebrows hair by hair, using Phyto-Sourcils Perfect. Complete the look with a few strokes of Phyto-Sourcils Fix for a perfect shape.
3- Redefine the brows: Redefine the shape of the eyebrows with Phyto-Sourcils Design. Follow with a few strokes of Phyto-Sourcils Fix for an even more defined & intensified look and long-lasting hold.
The eyebrows stay in place all day without stiffness as many other eyebrow products that keep the brows in shape and make them stiff.
These both products have totally changed my thinking about what a good brow product can do, and that too while looking perfectly natural. I would totally recommend these two products for those eyebrows on point. These are available at Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom.
Do you use eyebrow products? What is your main concern when it comes to eyebrows?
*DISCLAIMER – These products were sent to me for trial and review purposes, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.
Laneige is a South Korean cosmetics brand which is not new anymore, It was created by Amore Pacific in 1994. The brand name ‘Laneige’ comes from ‘La Neige’ which means Snow in French. Laneige Skincare is known for its Advanced water science skincare which includes the following ingredients: Magnesium as moisture recharging, Manganese as Cell metabolism booster, Zinc for Cell renewing, Ceramide for moisture locking, Bio-peptides for Collagen restoring.
All the complexes are customized and enriched with active ingredients by Laneige as such that they penetrate deep into the skin. I was sent these products for testing and reviewing purposes a few months back. All these can be used to have the complete skincare routine. I have used them all together as a routine and also by mixing and matching with my existing skincare products. I am going to write my experience with these products.
Laneige Deep Pore Cleansing Foam
Laneige Deep Pore Cleansing Foam (CAD $29 – 160ml) is described as gentle yet deep foaming cleanser, the answer for over-active, oil-prone complexions. It includes the Pore Purifying Complex which is exclusive to Laneige and helps unclog pores of stubborn debris with antioxidant-rich Melia Azedarach Extract Water and Keratinase, a natural exfoliating enzyme, to promote healthy skin turnover. It contains Natural Moroccan clay which helps to absorb excess oil while removing impurities from pores. The cleanser lathers richly to cleanse pores without stripping skin of moisture.
I have used this cleanser on and off for some time now. If you follow me, you may know that I am not a fan of foaming cleansers and I am very choosy when it comes to cleansers. For me, foaming cleansers are sometimes very stripping for my skin or they do not give the results what I expect from a cleanser. This cleanser does lathers and cleans the face well. I did not experience any breakouts, dryness or stripped kind of feeling with my skin when I use it. It does the job well of cleansing without stripping the skin.
Laneige Mini Pore Waterclay Mask
Laneige Mini Pore Waterclay Mask ( CAD $33 – 70ml) is described as a gel-like, quick-drying mud mask containing mineral-enriched Shinan mud from Korea to remove impurities, dirt, whiteheads, and blackheads. The Dual-Action Pore Minimizing™ formula strengthens skin’s barrier with mint water, while pine needle extract helps reduce the look of pores. After the mask dries, use the included Mini Pore Facial Sponge to gently remove the mask for clear, refreshed, healthy-looking skin. This is suitable for all skin types. The packaging is in a sturdy jar.
I have used this mask twice a week multiple times after cleansing my face avoiding the eye and lip area. It let it dry completely and then wash with lukewarm water while rubbing it with the sponge provided with this mask. The clay is very smooth and easy to apply. I feel my skin is more clear, fresh and hydrated. It did not dry my combination skin and my pores looked better and smaller than before. I do see the effects stay on for a while. With regular use, it helps maintain the effects and hence clean and clear skin.
Laneige Water Bank Serum
Laneige Water Bank Serum ( CAD $46 – 60ml) is described to be formulated with exclusive biogen technology, hydro ionized mineral water delivers six moisture-maximizing minerals—zinc, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, and sodium—deep within where toned, re-texturized skin begins. The luxurious formula delivers 24-hour hydration, protection, and revitalization for skin that looks supple and silky. It is recommended for all skin types. The packaging is in a blue glass bottle with a pump.
I have used it even on the hottest days of summer and on the days when the temperature is low. For my sometimes dehydrated skin, it has worked very well. I use it with other Laneige products and even for layering with my other skincare products. Like I layer this hydrating serum over my purifying or brightening serum to get the double benefits. I take two pumps of this serum and apply it over my face and then press it onto the skin for absorption. It leaves a very nice subtle glow which you can feel, like the healthy skin kind of glow. The other main effect I noticed is that my skin is supple, hydrated and no breakouts or irritation whether I use it as a single serum in my skincare routine or with other serum by layering. The texture of this serum is very smooth and silky and is very easy to apply and spread on the face, absorbs nicely too.
Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream
Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream ( CAD $42 – 50ml) is described as a cooling, non-oily gel cream that immerses skin in moisture for 24 hours. The six hydrating ionized minerals—zinc, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and manganese—in hydro ionized mineral water replenish and lock in moisture while winter cypress polysaccharide extract soothes irritated skin. Cooling and ultra-light, its silky texture makes it the perfect choice for warm climates and oily skin, absorbing instantly and delivering 24-hour essential hydration, protection, and revitalization. The packaging of this gel cream is in a sturdy glass jar.
I have been using this gel cream most of the days since last two months, with or without other Laneige products. This is another glow giving product. I apply this cream over my serum and then follow with a sunscreen. It has worked very well on all kinds of days, inside and outside in the sun. My combination skin, prone to congestion and acne, felt hydrated as well as supple with a nice glow everytime I use this. There have been no problems in applying makeup or the staying power of the makeup, no roll-off. There is a little paddle scoop included with the jar to avoid putting the finger into the jar every time. It absorbs quickly into the skin leaving a nice glow.
Laneige Mini Pore Blur Perfector
Laneige Mini Pore Blur Perfector (CAD $42 – 40ml) is described as a primer with an oil-controlling formula that let’s achieve smoother skin and long-lasting makeup. Mini Pore Blur Perfector creates a protective veil to lock in nutrients from previous skincare products while reducing skin’s oil and shine and creating a perfect canvas for long-lasting makeup. Mint water strengthens skin’s barrier by delivering essential moisture, and pine needle extract helps reduce the appearance of pores. It evens out skin’s surface for a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. It is suitable for all skin types and comes in a sturdy bottle with a pump to dispense the product.
I have used this primer for most of the last month and it has been a nice addition to my primers. I use this after my final skincare step of applying sunscreen. This glides on nicely and then absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. The makeup is easy to apply and stays on well when I use this primer. It is not that it gives a perfectly matte finish but it gives the natural kind of finish which gives the skin natural healthy glow. I have not noticed any irritation, breakouts or problem with makeup rolling off while using this primer. It did cover my pores nicely to create a nice base for my makeup.
I have mentioned the products above as per the routine they should be used, first, the cleanser -> then mask (bi-weekly and skip this step on other days) -> Serum -> Cream -> and pore perfector during the day before makeup otherwise skin this last step. These have all been nice additions to my skincare stash, If you ask me to choose my favorites, I would say my top three would be Laneige Water Bank Serum, Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream, and Laneige Mini Pore Blur Perfector.
Laneige products are available at Laneige and Sephora Canada
Have you tried Laneige products? What do you plan to try from Laneige?
*DISCLAIMER – This product was sent to me for trial and review purposes, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.
I am a fan of Guerlain products, every single makeup product that I own or have tried from them has been treasured in my collection. This is the first skincare plus makeup product that I am using from Guerlain and one way or the other, it is used daily in my skincare or makeup routine. Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil was the part of the products I received when I attended the back to beauty school event with the Guerlain Canada team in Toronto. I have reviewed the other products in the post here.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil ( CAD $125-30ml, CAD $185-50ml)) is described as a revolutionary formula that combines the power of a serum, the richness of an oil and the freshness of a lotion. The skin appears instantly smoother, plumper and revitalized. Replenishing micro-drops of oil* are released at the very last minute, leaving the complexion looking radiant. The skin feels incredibly silky and baby-soft to the touch. This formula contains the Guerlain-exclusive ingredient Ouessant Black Bee Honey and exclusive Royal Jelly. The oil has fresh and airy honeyed scented fragrance which is subtle and lifts the mood while applying.
This oil has a long history which was well explained by Maxime Poulin in the back to beauty school class as well is explained on the official Guerlain website. Few snippets from it say that in research going back ten years, Guerlain has scientifically proven the effectiveness of bee products in boosting the skin’s repair mechanisms. Abeille Royale offers a solution to effectively combat the visible signs of ageing, namely wrinkles and loss of firmness. Inspired by the latest discoveries in neuroscience, the new Abeille Royale Repairing Concentrate goes even further and, for the first time, targets the damage suffered by the skin’s nervous system with exposure to UV rays and other external aggressions. So the skin can repair itself more effectively and fully. If you are interested to read more on the ingredients, I have linked the page here which has some interesting information on the Ouessant Honey which is produced in UNESCO Biosphere reserve, Guerlain Exclusive Royal Jelly and Commiphora Oil.
So this was all that is documented and on the web, now coming to how I used it and what my reviews are on Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil. I use this oil in my skincare and sometimes even my makeup. For my skincare routine, I shake the bottle of this oil and take 3-4 drops on the palm and apply it onto my face and neck after cleansing or sometimes after my serum and then follow with a moisturizer. I follow the uplifting method that is described on the website, link mentioned above and was also illustrated by Maxime during the class.
To use it in my makeup routine, I mix 2-3 drops of this oil into my foundation and it gives me a beautiful natural glow and I never noticed any rolling off or any difference in staying power of the makeup. It does make the skin more luminous and healthy. Also, It has been very friendly with few of my breakouts that I have time to time, with no irritation or any extra breakouts after using this. The skin is smooth and plump. The packaging of the oil is stunning too, the glass bottle and the dropper with the embossing of honey bee make it a very presentable as well as looks great on the dressing table too. This is going to be my skin’s perfect companion for the fall and winter.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil is available in different sizes at Sephora Canada, The Hudsons Bay, and Holt Renfrew.
Do you use face oils in your skincare or makeup routine? What is your favorite face oil?
I bought these masks from Tata Harper three months back and could not test them properly due to other posts in the lineup, so now I have used this regularly for last few weeks. Multi masking has been a part of my skincare routine for some time now. It is not always that I do multi-tasking but it all depends on the need of my skin. If my skin has congestion, is dull, behaving badly and needs some extra care, I do multi-tasking. Otherwise, I am okay with using the mask that suits my skin’s needs for the day. If you follow me on my social handles or have been reading my blog, you might know I am a junkie when it comes to anything beauty. In this post, Multi-masking with Tata Harper, I am going to give some description of the mask and when I use the particular mask.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
This is my second time buying this mask, I have reviewed this mask in the past in detail on this blog. I love this mask. This is an award-winning beta-hydroxy mask which works like a traditional peel to provide an instant solution for dull skin, without causing downtime or irritation. It delivers instant glow, helps minimize the appearance of pores, and improves texture for smooth, radiant skin. It is formulated to purify and remove surface debris and dead skin for a refreshed instantly revitalized appearance.
I use this mask when my skin needs help with the dullness, like a mid-week pickup. I apply a thick layer of this mask on my face, neck, and chest and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes I leave it for like 30 minutes while I finish some chores in the kitchen. Then I rinse with warm water and follow with either other mask or with my serum and moisturizer. I do feel my skin is more glowy, pores are less visible and skin looks more refined and smooth. I do not feel any irritation or any breakouts with this, it does feel very gentle and when I use this regularly, I do feel the results are better.
Tata Harper Purifying Mask
I have combination skin which is prone to congestion, so my skin loves purifying masks. Tata Harper Purifying mask is described as an intense cleansing mask which helps fight visible signs of aging caused by environmental stressors, like pollution and smog, on the skin’s appearance by effectively purging surface buildup and impurities, while minimizing the look of pores.
I do need a purifying mask bi-weekly in my skincare routine, (bi-weekly most of the times if I am diligent with my skin care routine) to keep it clear of blemishes and dullness. I apply a thick layer of this mask on my face and leave it for 15 minutes. I wash it with cold water and follow with either a hydrating mask or the resurfacing mask or with my treatment serum and moisturizer. my skin looks fresh and clearer after using this mask. This has not caused any irritation or any breakouts on my combination skin.
Tata Harper Honey Blossom Mask
Honey has been an important part of my life, both diet, and skincare since I was back in India and even now, I do make sure to add some honey to my kid’s cereal or snacks. When this mask was released in limited edition, I was so excited about it. Tata Harper Honey Blossom Mask is described to be infused with Vermont-harvested raw honey, Tata Harper’sultra-hydratingg ‘Honey Blossom’ mask is an updated version of the label’s coveted Resurfacing Mask. This formula is made with deeply cleansing Pomegranate Enzymes, pore-reducing Pink Clay and brightening Willow Bark Extract for a glowing, blemish-free complexion.
I apply a thick layer of this mask on my clean face for around half an hour and then wash it with warm water. I follow up with my serum and moisturizer. I do feel my skin is fresh, and bright after using this mask. The blemishes stay away from the skin when I use this regularly.
Top left is Resurfacing Mask, top right is Purifying Mask and the bottom one is Honey Blossom Mask.
All the mask from Tata Harper smell of very natural florals and washing them is easy too. I like the way they make the skin look and the plus point is they are all natural. The masks retail for CAD $77 each for 30ml which is good for almost 6 uses per jar for my face. The Honey Blossom Mask is limited edition and the other two are permanent. I bought this three mask collection for CAD $237 as I was looking to repurchase one of my favorite Resurfacing masks and the two others looked so good to try. Overall, I am happy with the results.
Tata Harper is available at Sephora Canada, Net-a-porter, Tata Harper Online, The detox market.