february finds

My instagram feed has been full of skincare products this past month. Between a few new product launches and a chance finding of an incredible deal, I couldn't resist but pick up some goodies. All in all, I'm pretty satisfied with all the new products I found this month.

I stumbled upon The Amore store in Toronto a couple weeks ago and snagged multiple Laneige cleansers at $10 cdn each. It truly was an incredible find considering Sephora charges $29 cdn plus tax. I restocked on my Laneige Multi Cleanser and chose the Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel and the Bright Renew Foam Cleanser to try out. I've transitioned my entire skincare line to this Korean based brand and my face has been very happy with this change. The creamy cleanser does a remarkable job of removing makeup and is extremely gentle on the skin as well. If you want to read more about Laneige, check out my previous post here and here.

We've had a few chilly days recently, so sheet masks have been essential to my weekly skincare routine. Anything that has the word brightening printed on the packaging is something I'm willing to give a chance to. I've been using the Dr. Jart Brightening Infusion Hydrogel Mask and have noticed my skin feels softer, hydrated and brighter. It gives my skin that extra moisture that is needed during the cold days in the great white north.

Clinique's Pep-Start Eye Cream has been all over social media since it launched late January of this year. I've been testing this cream out and I'll admit that it's growing on me each day (read my first impressions on Pep-Start Eye Cream here). It definitely hydrates and gives a boost of radiance needed during the early hours of the morning or throughout the day for a quick pick-me-up.

I also picked up the Impassioned Nars Blush from their Nouvelle Vogue Spring 2016 collection and haven't been able to put it down since. The colour is a perfect soft shade of pink that works so well from day to night. It takes a few more sweeps across the cheek than other shades, but it's well worth those extra few seconds. View my full review here.

For all the Canadians reading, Shoppers Drug Mart's across Canada have recently launched their Joe Fresh line #joefreshsdm2016. With their affordable pricing, I was able to pick up two cream blushes and a highlighter. This was my first chance to test cream blushes and I was pleasantly surprised! Super blendable and pigmented. The highlighter was a different story - find out why  in my review here.

Let me know what fun goodies you've picked up this month in the comments below!

NARS impassioned blush | nouvelle vogue spring 2016

NARS recently introduced their Nouvelle Vogue Spring 2016 collection and it is nothing less than perfection. Blushers have always been a big part of my makeup routine; I love that it gives your cheeks a youthful, healthy glow. Impassioned ($38 cdn), the new blush shade from the Nouvelle Vogue collection has been my go-to blush as of late, and the more I wear it, the more I adore it.

Impassioned is described as a "rich pink orchid" that looks so different in person than it does on the NARS or Sephora website (much darker online). In person, the colour is closer to a mauve pink shade that looks incredible on light to medium skin tones. NARS has one of the best blush formulas on the market, however, I felt this shade in particular needed a few extra sweeps across the cheeks to actually make a significant difference. When applied with a decent amount of product, the colour looks beautiful and natural, just the right amount for a day time or "no makeup, makeup" look.

I love that impassioned gives me a natural, matte finish that can be worn straight from day to night. When used with a primer, this blush will last all day and night. If you're looking for an all around-er blush, look no further. I give this two thumbs up!

[Shop Here]

in review: NARS one shocking moment cheek palette

NARS comes out with holiday palettes each year but this Steven Klein one shocking moment cheek palette is life. The palette includes a contouring duo, a bronzer and four blushes in the colours robotic, blasphemy, luster and dolce vita. Whether you want to explore the world of NARS further or you need a travel friendly palette to venture the world with, this palette has everything you're looking for.

The Breakdown: 
2 x 0.12 oz Contour Blush in Paloma I and Paloma II
0.29 oz Laguna Bronzer
0.12 oz Robotic Blush
0.12 oz Blasphemy Blush
0.12 oz Luster Blush
0.12 Dolce Vita Blush

The Details: 
Contouring Duo in Paloma: includes the soft and silky pinky-beige highlight and a deep rose contour. Great for medium skin tones and glides on effortlessly. It seems dusty in pan but doesn't look powdery when applied.
Laguna Bronzer: a colour many narsissists (nars fans) most likely own or have at least tried. A perfect natural finish that works for light to medium skin tones. This does have shimmer for a radiant finish, so if you prefer matte, this isn't for you. I adore this bronzer and reach for it on the daily.
Robotic: the lightest shade in this palette. More on the light side of pink but still in the medium toned range. A silky soft application that needs a firm hand as it applies lighter than the others. Exclusive to this cheek palette.
Blasphemy: a shimmery rosy medium pink that blends beautifully and gives a natural finish. Exclusive to this cheek palette.
Luster: a gold shimmery toned blush that gives off a radiant finish. More on the orange-brown side. Gives off a sheer finish.
Dolce Vita: an easily blended dusty rose/plum shade with a hint of gold shimmer. Perfect for a holiday season look. A beautiful and natural silky finish.

Left to Right: Dolce Vita, Luster, Blasphemy, Robotic, Laguna Bronzer, Paloma II, Paloma I

NARS is a makeup brand that generally can do no wrong. There are many products within their line that I can't live without - particularly their blushes. From their sleek packaging to the finely milled and super blend-able powders, I feel that the quality of their products is what keeps you coming back for more and this palette is no exception.

Rating: 9.5/10
If you are a super fan of Nars, you most likely own the majority of products in this palette which is why I didn't give this a perfect score.