march finds

Happy Easter Weekend! I figured after a week away from blogging, my first post back would focus on all the new items I’ve picked up in the past month. Unlike last month’s finds (here), which focused more on Korean skincare, this month had a good mix of high-end skincare products as well as drugstore brand favourites. Some of the items purchased have already been reviewed, while a few will be posted this coming week.

Although the NYX store opened up in Toronto many months back, I had yet to step foot in it. Queen Street used to be my old stomping grounds back in my university days, but recently, I don’t have much reason to head into the downtown core. A couple weeks ago, I finally made the trek down and spent an unhealthy amount of time browsing around the NYX store. This was my first time trying anything from NYX so I stuck with my “when in doubt” products.

NYX Tango withBronzer Powder – When Leopard Gets a Tan ($13 cdn) is a beautiful mix between a bronzer and blush. I picked this because I have nothing like this in my collection and let’s be real, how adorable is this packaging AND name?! This swatches like a dream and works wonderfully on my skin tone. I will be posting a full review within the next couple of days.

I’ve been less bold with my lip choices recently and have stuck to nude pinks as my go to colour. I know NYX is known for their velvet matte lip products, but I was in the market for a no mess, no fuss product that didn’t need much prep work. The moment I swatched the Jumbo Lip Pencil ($6 cdn) I knew I had to take it home with me. It glided on like a dream and has an incredible lasting time. At this price point, I will definitely be back for more. Another lip product I picked up and have been using all month is the Tarte Rainforestof the Sea Quench Lip Rescue ($23 cdn) (review here). I absolutely love how hydrating this product is and the packaging is so freaking cute!

The Real Techniques BlushBrush ($12.99 cdn) has been something I’ve wanted to try but I haven’t had the opportunity to pick up. I finally bought this a few days ago so I haven’t had much time to play with this brush. I’ll be sure to post a review as soon as I have had enough time to test it. Physically, the brush is solidly built and the hair on this brush is extremely full and soft. I’m hoping I have found a replacement for my sigma blush brush!

Tony Moly Egg Pore ($23 cdn) is a product that has been out of stock on the Sephora site for months now. I lucked out and found this at a local Asian beauty store and have been using it two to three times a week since opening it. This scrub helps smoothen and hydrate my pore problem areas, like my nose (in depth review here).

I know there are quite a few people that don’t use face mists, but this is a refreshing step that I love to do – especially during the winter months. This Shiseido Ibuki QuickFix Mist ($32 cdn) is a unique mist that hydrates well and smells divine. Find out why this mist differs from others in my review here.

The Boscia Sake Balm ($58 cdn) is the first botanically-based skincare product that doesn’t break me out. This product has an odd consistency (similar to Jello) that aims to brighten and hydrate the skin. I have been using this every morning as part of my skincare routine since purchasing this at Sephora. Read about this quick absorbing moisturizer here.

What new products have you picked up this month? Let me know down below!

shiseido ibuki quick fix mist review

After finishing my favourite setting spray by Urban Decay, I was ready to venture out from my everyday routine and try something different. While browsing the “just arrived” section on Sephora’s website I saw the Shiseido Ibuki Quick Fix Mist (1.6 oz, $32 cdn) that sounded wonderful. Shiseido is one of the oldest beauty brands in the world and has a reputation of having quality products. I was hoping this fix mist wouldn’t be the exception.

This Ibuki Quick Fix Mist is a refreshing gel mist that aims to reduce shine, de-hydration and day-worn skin. It is formulated to refresh and re-smooth skin over time as well. It also acts as a setting spray, which prevents makeup from wearing or creasing. This product is dermatologist tested.

  

Packaging

I was initially surprised at the size of the bottle. When looking at the bottle online, it looks like a normal sized cylindrical bottle, however, it’s half the size. It’s as if the bottle was sliced in half. At first I wasn’t too happy, but I’ve gotten used to it and it isn’t a deal breaker. The bottle is made of plastic and very sturdy. It also has a spray nozzle.

Product

This gel mist sprays on clear and absorbs quickly. The spray range is fairly narrow but is quite effective. There is a subtle floral scent that is clean and refreshing. I love using this in the early mornings before work. The spray is very hydrating and keeps my skin more on the matte side than dewy. A great dewy mist is the Luminous Dewy Skin Mist by Tatcha.

Although the size of the bottle is smaller than I had originally anticipated, it’s great to throw into your bag and go. My makeup lasts all day but there was no improvement with creasing. A setting powder would still be required in my opinion.

This product has a gel like consistency so I recommend using this spray at a further distance than a normal setting spray. Having the nozzle too close to your face will result in larger bubbles of gel landing on your face that will require you to dab it in.

  

Verdict

I wouldn’t say the quick fix mist is as good as the Urban Decay All Nighter when comparing setting sprays, however, if you’re in the market for a hydration boost throughout the day, this is a great travel friendly product to have on hand. It has a refreshing scent and feel when sprayed onto skin. The mist is quick absorbing and doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky. It’s a pretty decent product, but I can’t say it’s one of my favourites from the Shiseido line.

Repurchase?

Maybe – although it’s hydrating and smells wonderful, it’s not something that is crucial for me. If I had to choose between the UD all nighter versus the Ibuki quick fix, I would have to give it to UD.

Have you tried anything from Shisedo? Let me know what your favourite product is in the comments!