L'oreal Warehouse Sale (Toronto)

   

Really long overdue, but the L’Oreal Warehouse Sale happens twice a year in the Toronto area. They hold it during the Spring and the Fall, which I find is perfect seeing as there is usually a line to get in depending on what time of day you go. This is an invitation only sale, however a lot of workplaces distribute invites. I have been going for the past 5 years or more, and I would say definitely check it out once it rolls around this Spring. I apologize that I do not have prices for all of the products.

Skin Care

Garnier: Skin Renew- The Brusher (Gel-Cleaner) -$7.25

Packaging- I think this was possibly the biggest problem I had with this. You have to twist open, and squeeze some product out and twist it back shut before using. I felt that that only way to really get the product on your face, you had to tip the bottle upside down and maneuver your face in an awkward position to get it to really lather up properly. By the end of washing my face, the entire bottle was covered in product and it felt very messy.

Product- The scent was nothing serious, it was tolerable. But I felt this did nothing for my face. Usually oily skin, this made my face feel tight and sort of painful after. I have used other brushes and never experienced this before. After using it for one month, I felt it did nothing for me. I discontinued use.

Garnier: Skin Renew Even Tone Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 28- $12.50

Packaging- It was a simple plastic cylinder bottle with a pump. I liked the pump- kept it hygienic. But that’s possibly the only thing I liked about it.

Product- The product to me was nothing special. There was a slight scent. The consistency of the product was not too thick and not too runny, which I found was fine. However I did not find anything miraculous about this product. I used it for about two months, and I noticed the blemishes I had did not change. This also did not help with new blemishes. While it had no adverse effects on my skin, I felt that it had no good ones either.

Garnier: Pure SOS Anti-Blemish Pen- $3.50

Packaging- this came in a small squeeze tube. I found towards the end of the tube, I could still tell there was product there, but I just could not get it out. Wastage of product is one of the things I hate about certain packaging. Although this didn’t hinder my thoughts on the product altogether.

Product- I usually use Burt’s Bees for my acne products, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone. Although I actually like it. It comes out as a thick slightly colourless but still a bit opaque gel. There is a strong chemical scent, which does go away. Results were varied. Some spots dried up overnight while using it, while some took 2-3 days. However, it is one of the fasted acting  spot treatments I have used. I would repurchase, although I can never find it !

Garnier Body: Intensive 7 Days Repairing Lotion, Shea Butter- $6.00

Packaging- This comes in a funky shaped bottle, that kind of fits in your hands perfectly. Downfall is the absence of a pump. You have to tip the bottle upside down to pour out the product. The cap is easy to snap open and shut, as well it has kind of a pointed part that goes into the opening to prevent that gross hardened product that gets left over outside.

Product- This is actually one of my favourite body lotions to use at night. I have bought this several times before, and I will more than likely continue to buy it. The scent is a normal cocoa butter scent. Nothing too overpowering. It is however more of a greasy formula, which is why I prefer to use it at night. However the greasy feeling does not last long and you won’t go to bed all sticky.

Hair

Loreal Paris: Elnett Satin, Extra Strong Hold

Packaging- Typical aerosol spray container

Product- This has always been my favourite hairspray. I like my hairdo to stay, but I don’t like it to be obviously stiff. This does justice at keeping the style but not making your hair brittle.

Garnier Fructis Style: XXL Thickening Mousse, Ultra Strong

Packaging- Typical mouse spray container

Product- While I feel this did not thicken my hair so much, it did do a good job at keeping the wave that I get just out of the shower. The scent was not too strong and it did not give me a headache like some hair products do. Overall, there was nothing special but still nothing wrong with this mousse. I would probably repurchase just because I remember it being pretty affordable.

Garnier Fructis Style: Curl Calm Down Anti-Frizz Cream, Strong

Packaging- Round bottle with pump

Product- This product is a pretty thick cream with a subtle scent. I found this calmed the frizz down to the point where my hair was incredibly greasy by the end of the day despite just washing it. I would not repurchase this.

Face

Loreal Paris: Magic B.B.- $4.00

Packaging- Sqeeze tube with a small nozzle

Product- One of my favourite face products to use instead of foundation. I actually don’t like foundation and rarely ever use it. I usually just used concealer over blemishes and set with powder. I use this however on days where I know I have a long day and need my makeup to last a bit longer. While this does come out of the tube as a white cream with beads, it blends perfectly with my skin tone. While the beads at first are a bit harsh, it is not really a huge problem. I think the lasting power of this makes up for that. I find it keeps my skin looking oil-free but still glowing for around 7 hours, with 2 touch ups over the day.

Maybelline: Dreamlumi Touch Highlighting Concealer$3.00

Packaging- Twist pen with brush tip

Product- It has a nice consistency to it that makes it easy to blend. Although the shade is nothing close to a concealer for me, I really didn’t buy it for that purchase. I bought it for a highlight and the colour is perfect for just that

Eyes

Maybelline: Color Tattoo (400 Rich Mahogany, 65 Gold Rush)- $3.00

Packaging- Pot with twist cap

Product- these are my fave base and sometimes eye shadows on their own. They stay on all day and for the most do not crease. When used as a base, they allow shadow to stick really nicely to them. When used as a shadow, I feel that they usually do not need additional colours since they have the perfect sheen to them that makes it look like there are additional colours when there really isn’t.

Loreal Paris: Voluminous False Fiber Lashes (Black Laquer)

Packaging- Slight angular awkward shaped tube, with a thin bent brush

Product- I bought this mainly because they did not have the waterproof formula in Maybelline’s The Rocket. I previously used and liked the normal formula so I thought to try the waterproof in this. Overall, it does give more voluminous lashes. While I felt it wasn’t as lengthening, I liked the volume that it creates. It is buildable, but does start to clump eventually, so I stick to only 2 coats. What I liked about this was that it really did not flake are much as the normal formula.

Nails

Essie Nailpolish- $6.00 or buy 5 get one free

For the past few sales, I noticed that that has been an Essie rack. Given that these retail for around $10-$11 here, I of course like to stock up on different colours.

The colours I got were

• Blanc
•  Where’s my Chauffer
• Play Date
• Butler Please
• Watermelon
• Bahama Mama

Maybelline: Color Show- $2.50

These come in relative small bottles, but I thought the colours were interesting so why not. The colours I got were

•   20 Styled Out
• 40 Magenta Mirage (This one was actually a textured polish, which I did not reach before purchasing. Can’t say it was one of my favourites. The colour is nice, but because of the textured feel, it looks like your nails were ruined while they were still wet)

Covergirl Lipstick Smoochies

Retails for $4.98 CAD at Wal-Mart

To be honest…I had never heard of these, until I saw them at Wal-Mart just chilling in the Covergirl section. To be even more honest, I have never really been much of a Covergirl fan, so that is probably why. However, there were 2 things that really drew my attention to these, one, there were practically none left in the display. Two, the interesting colourful packaging. Only after I picked them up, did I notice the super cheap price that was attached to it. So I thought why not!

The two that I purchased were 250 # 2 cute and 215 # luv u.

Packaging: Possibly one of the first things people will notice when they see these on the shelves, is the packaging. The tube is give or take, around the same length as a normal lipstick tube, maybe slightly longer. The plastic cover is completely transparent allowing you to see the true colour of the product, along with the name of the product of it printed on the plastic. Now the bottom of the tube where you twist to get to product out, is the most eye catching thing about this lip balm. They are pretty much bright neon colours (the two that I got were orange and green). While this is cute and attention grabbing…I really don’t know how I feel about pulling this out at work mainly because it looks somewhat immature. Although the colour does make rummaging for it in your purse a tiny bit easier. 

Texture and Feel: What I really liked about these that I think makes or breaks a lip balm is how moisturizing they are. These moisturized the lips without feeling oily and wet (like I found Maybelline Babylips to be). The Smoochies also did not leave your lips feeling dry and cracked once it wore out, they just left your lips feeling soft.

Wear Time: Being lip balms, I would say the wear time was pretty good, as they could still be felt on my lips up to around 1.5 hours later. While the colour did wear off, the lips were still left feeling moist and soft. It also did not leave your lips feeling dehydrated.

Pigmentation: Again, I was shocked at the pigmentation in these children-friendly lipbalms presented. Given the appearance, I expected the pigmentation to be more along the lines of what Lipsmackers lip balms have to offer. However, both colours I purchased had a nice sheer but very buildable colour. Nothing you can’t apply without a mirror but still leaves your lips with colour.

Scent: This is possibly the hardest thing to explain. But they really did not have any special scent, they both pretty much smelled the same. The scent also did not linger.

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 250 # 2 cute

In the tube, this colour looks like a deep red. On the lips, it gives that “I’ve been sucking on a cheery lollipop” look. This one, I would recommend using a mirror to apply if you have lightly pigmented lips or if you are trying to build the colour, because upon a few swipes, it is very noticeable. This is perfect for when you want that red lip, but you don’t want to spend the time with the perfect precise application of lipstick, because while it does need a mirror, it still goes on very evenly and is easy to apply within seconds and little talent.

215 # luv you

This colour appears to be more of a deeper pink in the tube than it is one. On the lips, it is a very subtle pink that while buildable, it can still look like a very natural pink lip. Personally, I feel this colour is good for quick on the go application for errand runs and such.

Rimmel Apocalips in Canada !

Retails for $7.97 CAD at The Great Canadian Superstore, Wal-Mart

After searching high and low for these in Canada, I FINALLY found them. By accident too.  So, ever since I heard they were launched in the US, I have been making trips to several Wal-Marts and Shoppers Drug Marts hoping to find them- all to no avail. Then one day while accompanying someone to Superstore, I stopped in the cosmetics section. I was disappointed when I did not see them initially. Although I did happen to find 2 tubes of Apocalips stuck in between some Rimmel eyeliners. Now if this were a TV show, I swear upon picking them up, there would be that cheery music going on the in background. So now that I knew Apocalips where somewhere, I went around the aisles like a mad woman, until finally, I found an entire display in its glory…at the back of the section. But anyways, there were all 14 colours that were introduced in Canada, along with testers. I tested all 14, and after much deliberation, I narrowed it down to 4.

The four that I ended up getting were 101 Celestial, 201 Solstice, 303 Apocaliptic and 401 Aurora.

A week later, I saw all 14 shades at Wal-Mart, although they were incorporated with all the Rimmel products with no separate display or testers.

Packaging: The packaging is unique in the sense that the tube is a gradient from black to the actual product on the inside, therefore showing you the colour and making it easy to see when it is almost finished. The top of the applicator is black and somewhat chiseled, making me think of icicles for some odd reason, although I like it. Another unique thing about the packaging is that before the product is first opened, there is a chamber between the product in the tube and the brush that is clear. After removing the brush for the first time, it fills up with product. The only problem I have with the packaging is that the name of the colours are written nowhere else other than on the bar-code sticker for the product, so if you decide to peel off the bar-code (which I usually do) then you no longer have an idea of the colour name.

First Application: Upon application, they were not sticky at all and the pigmentation was as promised, like a lipstick and very impressive. They were pretty opaque.  

Applicator: The applicator is a normal doe foot applicator, and it seems that the little grove on the applicator holds quite a lot of product which prevents the need to keep dipping into the tube.

Texture: They maintained that creamy sort of feeling for about an hour and a half until you really could not feel anything on your lips afterwards. These however were by no means drying, although I would recommend wearing a balm or similar underneath if you have dry lips or deep lip lines to prevent them from settling in to your lips and accentuating any lines.

Wear Time: Within about I would say by around 3.5 hours, I felt the need to reapply (less if you drink or eat).Where eating and drinking is concerned, there was definitely need to reapply after, although without reapplication you are left with a slight stain to your lips.

 101 Celestial

This is my second favourite that I purchased (after 303 Apocaliptic) mainly because it is a nice pinky nude. It is not extremely light and it works well on darker skin tones as well. I have a feeling that this is the sort of colour that will complement all skin tones actually. It is also a beautiful summery colour.

201 Solstice

Upon swatching this at the store, I failed to realize that there is a slight shimmer to this one as opposed to the other 3 I purchased. I am not the biggest fan of shimmer on the lips, but I did not really mind this colour. For darker skin tones, I feel this is a true nude, and on me, it looked like “my lips but better”. This colour seems like something that can be worn to work or with a dramatic eye to not look overdone.

303 Apocaliptic

This colour is definitely my favourite! Not just because it represents the product name. But the overall colour is absolutely gorgeous! It is this gorgeous fuchsia colour that can be built up to look extremely in “your face”! (Possibly why I love it so much). I can see this colour being perfect for work, or to add colour to a plain face and make it look like you put a lot of time into your makeup when you really didn’t. I also feel that the staining power is slightly better in this shade than the rest.

401 Aurora

This is probably my second favourite of the few that I purchased, again because of the brightness of the colour. This one is a super pigmented orange that could really brighten up a face with no to minimal makeup. This again, is a very summery colour, although I can see it being worn nicely in the Fall as well. After building Aurora up, I was somewhat reminded of Vegas Volt by MAC. 

Mini Sephora Haul...Because I cannot just go in and pick up one item

So...I went to Sephora because I wanted to try the Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Cream in Purple Haze. That is all I went with the intention to but. although deep down on the inside, I knew that was not possible. 

Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Cream in Purple Haze

Retails for $23 CAD at Sephora

Initially I went out in search of this because I already have it in the colour “Cherry Flip” and absolutely love it. The online description calls it a “creamy, pout-perfecting gloss”. The consistency is pretty thick and more jelly-like than creamy. Although it did have this tingly minty feeling when you first apply it, it does stay pretty sticky on the lips for a while, so be careful, your hair just may get stuck in your gloss. That being said, it is highly moisturizing and it leaves your lips feeling nice and soft even after it is worn off, which I would say lasts about two hours. Where the colour payoff is concerned, I feel that this colour in particular was more so sheer than the Cherry Flip one, and it did not show up that well on my pigmented lips. It did leave a slight colour on my lips, but nothing very noticeable, it was more shiny than pigmented. I do however think this has the potential to show up really nicely on less pigmented lips. If you’re looking for something that’s very shiny, moisturizing and leaves your lips tingly with a small amount of colour, then I would definitely recommend this.

Sephora Long-Lasting 12HR Wear Eye Liner in 01-Black

Retails for $12 CAD

There are actually 2 more variations of black in this liner by Sephora, 02 Black- Black with Silver Glitter and 03 Grey Black- Metallic Dark Chrome along with 10 other colours. This black eyeliner is actually the only liquid liner I use, and have repurchased it countless times! The colour is an opaque matte black that stays on for the entire say without smudging, despite rubbing at your eyes. I do however prefer the Long Lasting Eyeliner with the High Precision Brush, which has an actual brush as opposed to a flocked tip applicator. Personally, I feel the brush is easier to use mainly because the flexibility of the bristles make tracing whatever shape you desire much easier (sadly, the Sephora I went to were all out, with good reason). I would however recommend the normal flocked-tip to beginners, because it is easier to draw a more “precise, consistent” line which is what the online description points out.

Sephora Contour Eye Pencil 12HR Wear Waterproof

Swatches

Smudge Test !

29 My Boyfriend’s Jeans- Electric Blue

22 Indulge Yourself- Flashy Green

Retails for $11 CAD

I have not worn either of these yet, but what struck me about them when I first swatched them at Sephora were simply how pigmented they were! Two strokes, and they pretty much appeared very opaque. They are really metallic as well.  Now the online description does say they are” resistant to water, heat, and humidity”, which I decided to test myself. After putting a small bit of water on my hand, and gently swiping at the swatches as one would probably do their eyes, it is clear that these products are not all that water-proof as they did smudge. They definitely did not pass the smudge test completely, 29 in My Boyfriend’s Jeans seeming to hold up slightly better than 22 in Indulge Yourself. I will however attempt to wear these, hoping they do not melt off of my eyes, mainly because the colours are so nice.

Sephora Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear Waterproof in 20 Beige Glitter

Retails for $17 CAD

I was tired of using white to tightline my bottom lash line, so I set out to find a more nude colour. This one caught my eye because it claimed to be waterproof. Looking at the test I did, it clearly was not. But the colouration all the same was very nice. It is a metallic beige that appear more gold in the light. The description does say it “can be used as eyeliners or blended out as eye shadows” and having worn it twice on my lash line, I would definitely recommend it as an eye shadow instead. The mean reason being that the jumbo aspect of the liner along with how creamy it is, just made lining my bottom lashes a mess. I have used jumbo liners on my bottom lash line before, but never have they been this creamy. This one pretty much ended up more on my lashes than on my lash line. That I did not mind because I just covered it with mascara. But by the end of the day, all the remaining product has pretty much found their way onto my bottom lashes and even pooled at the outer corner of my eyes. So if you’re looking to purchase this, I would definitely only recommend as an eye shadow, or eye shadow base.

Hellllllo to another Beauty Blogger !

Makeup and fashion fanatic located in good old Canada! (No, I actually do not say eh, no idea why it not a part of my vocabulary). But I am Canadian nonetheless. I am helplessly obsessed with fashion and makeup, with my collection of the latter and all things fashion growing at an unseeingly normal rate. Thus why I would like to share my views, and opinions on the products I happen to come across.

Beauty-wise, I have a pretty even split between high-end and not and oftentimes even feel that drugstore products can be better than high-end ones. Where fashion is concerned, while I like the quality that more expensive brands usually produce, I really rather opt for whatever looks and makes me feel good.

All that being said, I hope I can be helpful to beauty (and not) fanatics, and feel free to leave requests for future product reviews/impressions!