Makeup Collection | Bronzers

When the makeup hoarder in me wants to go buy a new bronzer because Summer is coming but clearly I don't need any! 🌞😛🙈😂

I gathered up all my bronzers because I knew I didn't need any and I wanted to kill that urge to get something new by looking through my collection. So, I thought I'd share my bronzer collection with y'all.

I mainly use bronzers to add colour to my face and make me look like I have a bit of a tan or at least look like I'm alive and somewhat healthy. That's why I prefer bronzers with a bit of a red undertone vs. something orangy or ashy. I do contour my jawline and nose, but I just use the same bronzer for that purpose as well.

BH Cosmetics Bronze Paradise palette - I use this palette mainly for the eyeshadows but I do use the bronzer in here as a crease shade on my eyes. The bronzer here isn't my favourite formula, but at least it's there for when I might need it during travel etc.

Covergirl Serving Sculpt Palette in Bloom Babe - What an awesome and smooth formula that Covergirl created here! Each powder in this palette is fabulous and the colours are perfect! I know I've shared it on my site before. Definitely one of my favourites and great for travel since you have a highlight, blush, and bronzer in one.

Physicians formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer & Deep Bronze- I purchased the original shade which is Bronzer, I find it a little muddy on me but I adore the smooth, blendable formula, so I purchase the Deep Bronze when it came out. Although my skin is fair, I much prefer the Deep Bronze shade as it is less cool-toned than the Bronze shade and doesn't look muddy on my skin.

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Medium to Dark- As you can see, I've hit pan on this one. TBH, it's so old now I should probably toss it but I really like this one. I do take some packing tape to it once in a while to take off any hardpan that's formed on the top. :)  The tone of this one is perfect and it's not shimmery and not matte. There are little shimmers in the pan but they don't translate on the skin. It's hard to describe but it just makes it so the bronzer doesn't look powdery or flat on my skin. This formula is not as soft as the Butter Bronzer by PF but it still goes on smooth and blends well. This is probably my favourite bronzer of the bunch! It gives me that tanned, kissed-by-the-sun look that I'm after.

Gathering up all my bronzers together has indeed worked and the urge to go purchase a new one is quelled... for now. 😉 I might have to do this with the rest of my makeup collection when I get the urge to shop for something that I don't need. And, I should definitely do this with my closet!

This post contains referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them.

#makeup #makeuphoarder #bronzer#summer #summervibes #beauty#beautyover40 #beautylover#beautyover50 #bblogger#bbloggersca #igbeauty#beautycommunity #discoverunder5k#flatlay #bestmakeup #slayallday#crueltyfree #antiaging #covergirl#bhcosmetics #physiciansformula#makeupcollection

Huge Empties | Health, Beauty, Makeup, Skincare + Declutter

It's time to clear out the empties that I've accumulated. My last empties post was in August (linked here), so this is 2 months worth of empties.

As always, I will link to products whenever possible in the product headings or link to a similar product if the product is no longer available. I'll also share a brief review as well as whether or not I would repurchase.

Health

Bell Lifestyle Supreme Immune Booster 90 caps

This supplement contains a variety of immune-boosting mushroom extracts. I love using mushrooms in my supplements to boost my immune system and for overall health support.

Repurchase- Yes

Now Foods Evening Primrose Oil 500mg

I take Evening Primrose Oil to help balance my hormones. It's also supposed to help build progesterone in the body, which is something my body needs and unfortunately, I cannot tolerate even bio-identical topical progesterone, so I look to supplements like evening primrose oil as well as Vitex etc. As a side benefit, EPO is also great for skin and hair!

Repurchase- Yes

MegaFood Baby & Me MultiVitamin 120 tablets

Many women take prenatal supplements to boost skin and hair health. I happened to win this product in a giveaway and was happy to try it out since I take a multivitamin daily anyways. Although I do like this brand, I did not notice any special with these supplements. 

Repurchase- No

Now Foods Glycine Pure Powder 1 lb

Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for a wide range of functions. It's necessary for the production on glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, haemoglobin and most proteins, Glycine also works as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.

I purchased this for the reported sleep benefits. I had tried it years ago but didn't notice anything. I decided to try it again as things can change with our bodies. This time, I took a teaspoon daily in some water and although I didn't notice anything right away, it had a subtle action over time and I began to notice that I was feeling much calmer during the daytime. The jury is still out on how much it has helped my sleep but I will continue to use it and see what time of day might work best for my insomnia issues.

Repurchase- Already have (different brand but I'm going back to this one)

Madre Labs CocoCeps Instant Organic Dark Cocoa Beverage 

If you've seen my empties posts in the past, you've most likely seen this product before. I use it daily in my morning smoothie. It tastes great and contains immune boosting cordyceps and reishi mushroom powders ( you cannot taste the mushrooms). I have an aversion to mushrooms, so this is one of the few ways that I can get the health benefits of mushrooms.

Repurchase- Already have

Skincare

Lise Watier Solution Express 3 in 1 Cleansing Cloths 56 wipes

I received these in a beauty box from TopBox. They are very gentle and do a great job at removing makeup and I found them very soothing to my skin. However, when it comes to cleansing, I do like to purchase less expensive products and save my money for the serums, skin treatments, and moisturizers. If you like to splurge a little on this type of product, I do recommend them.

Repurchase- If I see them on sale

Robin McGraw Revelation Hydra Qwench Moisturizing Night Cream  1 oz

I have tried a few products from Robin McGraw's Revelation line and had fantastic results! If I wasn't always testing out new skincare, I would stick to mostly her products along with a few others peppered in here and there. This is a great night cream and very hydrating without being greasy (full review here). From the products I've tried from her line, I found that I had the most anti-aging results from her brightening line. Not only did I notice a difference but I had compliments galore! That always speaks volumes about how a product is working. Review of her Brightening line linked here.

Repurchase- Yes

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme

I received this product for testing purposes and really enjoyed it. I always have good luck with Vichy products and they never irritate my skin. I'd say I prefer Vichy's Rosy Cream over this one. The Rosy Cream seemed to make my skin feel denser.

Repurchase- Perhaps as I get older I might try it again and see if it benefits me more

NeoStrata SecureWhite Anti Dark Circle Complex

I don't really have dark circles so I cannot attest to whether or not it helps with that. I do have quite the puffy bags under my eyes though and this did not help with that at all. Obviously not the right product for my concerns.

Repurchase- No

Haircare

Taya Inner Core Hair Strong Anti-Breakage Mask

This is definitely my current favourite hair mask. I find it really hydrating for my parched hair and it definitely improves the look of my damaged, dry, and bleached hair. I do test out a lot of hair products so I don't use it as much as I'd like to. 

Repurchase- Bought a bunch of backups already!

Seabuckthorn Lavender Shampoo + Conditioner

I'm a big fan of these products! They claim to combat hair loss and repair hair shaft. This brand is Canadian and their products are all natural and void of harsh chemicals, and naturally preserved. I love both of these products! They both contain many of the amazing ingredients that are purported to help with hair loss and maintain a healthy scalp and hair. 

Lavender Shampoo:

"Contains Lavender essential oil to promote new hair growth and prevent hair loss by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. For thinning, color treated, chemically treated and heat damaged hair."

Lavender Conditioner:

"Seabuckthorn & Lavender come together to create the perfect deep penetrating and revitalizing conditioner. Omega rich seabuckthorn oils help to increase shine, repair & prevent damage and breakage, and seal the hair shaft to prevent moisture loss. Lavender oil has been used for centuries to combat hair loss, stimulate new growth, and heal a myriad of scalp problems. These oils work synergistically to detangle, protect, and nourish your hair and scalp while making your tresses bright, shiny, and strong. This therapeutic conditioner is suited for all hair types and any scalp condition."

A few of the fabulous ingredients are; Hemp seed oil, coconut oil, seabuckthorn oil, lavender oil, aloe, chamomile, panthenol, and hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Repurchase- Already have

Pets/ Misc

Mercola Ubiquinol for cats and dogs

My whole family takes Q10, including my cat. Q10 is especially important as we age and is just important for our pets as it is for us. I give my cat 1-2 drops in his food and he laps it up. This bottle lasts about 6 months so it's very affordable. Feeding guidelines are based on your pet's weight so the bottle won't last quite as long for a larger animal. But, you can't put a price on health!

Repurchase- Will never be without this!

Now Foods XyliWhite Cinnafresh Toothpaste

I've been using this toothpaste for years!! I had better dental checkups after I began using it so I continued with it. Plus, it's free of fluoride, SLS, gluten, and parabens. I have tried some other natural brands but at this point, this is still my favourite. There are also mint flavours but I adore this cinnamon.

Repurchase- Yes

Makeup & Declutter

Sonia Kashuk Longwear Gel Eyeliner
I am tossing this as it's super old. It worked really well and didn't budge at all. Sadly, Sonia Kashuk is no longer selling cosmetics.

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara/ Brow Gel
I love this product. It really holds my brows in place and has a great spoolie. It's quick and easy, great for a no-fuss but groomed look to your brows.

Repurchase- Yes

Doucce Maxlash Volumizer Mascara
This mascara has a crazy wand with very long bristles. It was intimidating to use at first because I was always afraid of poking myself in the eye and in fact, I did a couple of times. Once I became accustomed to it, I loved it. It gave me great looking, full lashes.

Repurchase- Probably not. Only because I prefer to buy mascaras that are not only cheaper but easily accessible at the drugstore

Loreal Magic Smooth Souffle Blush in Cherubic
This is a great cream blush option as it seems to fill in pores as if it has a built-in primer. It's called "magic smooth" so it probably does. This colour is gorgeous for light-medium skin tones and gives the most beautiful flush to the cheeks. I am tossing this as it's super old and I rarely use cream blush. Since I have very oily skin, I have to powder over any cream products so they aren't the best choice for me at the moment.

Repurchase- Possibly. If I was in the market for a cream blush, this is the one I would pick up.

City Color Collection Highlighting Cream
Although this product is fairly new to my collection, I am giving it away because I rarely reach for it and when I do I have a hard time getting it to blend evenly. Again, I have to powder on top of any cream products due to my oily skin, so it kind of takes away from what's underneath my face powder. I do like the finish of it though as it doesn't contain glitter, just a beautiful shimmer. Hopefully, someone else will use it more than I did.

Repurchase- No


Speaking of decluttering, it's something I love to try and keep on top of so I'm not swimming in things or ending up on the show called Hoarders! I tend to keep on top of clothing but never thought of my undergarments!  When was the last time you decluttered your bras and undies?! Well, I finally did, and I was astonished that I had at least 17 pairs of undies stuck in the back of my drawer that needed to go (No photo for obvious reasons). I had about the same amount of old bras that were all ill-fitting at this point! Yikes!

 #brasonly #thisisreallife #reallife

This is part of the aftermath with my bra declutter. My little helper is taking a break! lol

I figured I'd throw this part in there in case you like decluttering as well but never thought to tackle your undergarments.

Thanks for stopping by to see what I used up and what I'm decluttering.

Happy weekend, everyone! 💗

not sponsored. some links are referral links. thank you if you choose to use them!

If I Could Only Have One | Vasanti Blush in A Charmed Life Review

Last year, I had a series called "If I Could Only Have One." This referred to if I could only have one of a particular item, which one would I go with. I hadn't completed the series yet, so I am continuing with this post. I actually didn't have "the one" yet for a blush, but now I do! So, of course, I have to share it with you.

I picked up this Vasanti blush in A Charmed Life on a whim at Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse sale in Markham, Ontario. It was $12.99 but retails for approximately $30. There are 7 grams of product in the compact. There is also a nice mirror inside.

I almost didn't buy it because I already own so many blushes, am I ever glad that I did! I've never owned a blush that could liven up my face in so many ways! If I knew how much I was going to love it, I would have purchased a backup!

This blush imparts the most beautiful glow to my skin and seems to give a lifted look to my cheeks. It's unbelievable! The shade is very natural and kind of hard to describe. I don't look "made up" at all with it on, just the best version of myself. I can actually skip bronzer and highlight with this product. It's like a blush, bronzer, and highlight in one.

The swatch shown is in natural daylight with no filter. You really can't see the beautiful glow until you apply it to your face. I mix the 2 sides, they don't look much different from each other to me anyways. 

I'm not sure how this shade would look on deeper skin tones but if you have fair to medium skin, this shade should work really well for you. 

This product contains lotus, orchid, and evening primrose to nourish the skin. It's also made in Canada.

After trying this blush, I definitely want to try more from this brand! 

Happy almost Friday! 

Wet n Wild Megaglo Makeup Stick Highlight When The Nude Strikes! Hot or Not!? #crueltyfree

I'm a huge fan of Wet n Wild cosmetics. They make some fabulous products at affordable prices and they are cruelty-free.  Like any line though, they have some products that are not so great but that is subjective as well.

I was on the search for the perfect cream highlighter that would be affordable and give me the glow that I'm looking for. I figured that I didn't have much to lose when I saw this new product by Wet n Wild, Afterall it was only about $5 CAD.

At the time that I purchased this, this shade "When the Nude Strikes," was the only shade available.

About: 
In one swipe of a stick, you can get catwalk-ready cheekbones, naturally flushed cheeks or an insanely glow-y complexion. Toss one of these portable makeup sticks in your purse or pocket and you’ll be camera-ready in less time it takes to double tap. 

Features:

• Velvety, cream-to-powder formula
• Ultra-blendable on the skin
• Ease of precision and control
• Multi-use sticks that conceal, highlight, contour and add a pop of colour to the cheeks
• Easy to blend formula that’s long-wearing and crease proof
• Ultra-portable sticks can be used anywhere, anytime
• Cruelty-Free

The cream formula is very creamy and easy to apply. It's very easy to control application which I liked.

I applied it to my cheeks using my fingertips or with cosmetic wedges/ sponges. Applied this way the product sheers out so you don't see the colour.

However, the product contains glitter (which doesn't show in the photos), but my face looked like a glitter bomb, which wasn't the "glow" that I was after. The name of the product made me think that I would get a glow and not glitter, but drugstore products are notorious for glitter.

If you do like glitter, I recommend this product but if you are just looking for a glow or just shimmer I would pass on this one.

So my search for a cream blush has ended. I am quite happy with my new Essence Pure Nude highlighter. Although it's a powder, it gives me the glow that I'm looking for! 😍

Elf Illuminating Palette Review with Swatches! Hot or Not!?

I've had my eye on this palette since it came out and I heard some reviews comparing it to the Hourglass Illuminating powders. I have always wanted to try the Hourglass powders but they are not in my current budget. So I didn't have much to lose by getting hold of this Elf Illuminating palette that is supposed to be a dupe. Since I don't own any Hourglass powders or any of their products for that matter, I obviously cannot compare them. However, I saw some comparison swatches from others and they really did look like dupes for one another.

I scooped up this palette for a steal! The palette is only $6 on Elf's website but I searched the Internet for some coupons to use on Elf's website and their checkout system allowed me to stack coupons, so it ended up costing me about $3 USD with FREE shipping! woohoo!

From Elf's website: "This beautiful illuminating palette holds 4 gorgeous complementary shades to mix and match for a custom blended radiance that captures, diffuses, and softens the way light reflects on the skin. The soft-focus powders are great for highlighting around the eyes and on cheekbones to enhance the skin with a luminous effect. Perfect for all skin tones."

The packaging is nice and sleek and it comes with a huge mirror! Like Elf's other new blush and bronzer quads this one also allows for each quadrant to be popped out so you can mix and match with you palettes. I have used all four colours and the top two are my favourites with the upper right, more pinky-toned one being my absolute favourite of the four. The bottom left one just blends in with my skin and the bottom right one would be great for deeper skin tones, or if you want that gorgeous, bronzy J-Lo glow!

I find that all of them provide a beautiful glow to my skin, no chunky glitter (although there is micro glitter that does not show up on my face, but I was able to see all the tiny glitters from the initial swatches on my arm). The powders do not accentuate pores or dryness or any skin imperfections which is huge for me, as I find that most highlighters accentuate at least some of those things and no one wants that. I find that the soft glow that these powders provide are ideal for dry or aging skin, and I should know as I have dehydrated and aging skin.

I took tons of pictures of the swatches and as I've seen in others reviews, they just show up powdery instead of glowy. I tried every lighting, angle, you name it! I promise you that they don't go on powdery. Somehow, once blended, you get a gorgeous glow.

Here are the best shots I could get:

Overall, I am in love with this palette and unless something better comes along I would buy it again and again. I can definitely say that these are my favourite highlighters of all the highlights I have ever tried. Which says a lot seeing as I've tried a ton of highlighters. So, if you want a beautiful soft glow as a highlight, what are you waiting for?! I don't think you'll be disappointed. Personally, I'm obsessed!

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts on it? Do you have any fab budget beauty buys to share?

Ps. Come on over and join the fun at fabulousandfunlife's weekly beauty linkup party!

Amy

XX

Mini Beauty Haul, New Products! NYC, Wet n Wild, Quo Contessa (LE) Palette #makeup

HAUL!!

I love finding some new, budget friendly beauty products to try out! I wanted to share my new beauty finds with you. I thought some of you may be interested since they are all fairly new to the market and really budget friendly!

Shown above:

NYC CityPROOF Twistable Perfecting Lip Primer/ Quo Face Palette in "Contessa"/ Wet n Wild's new Wild Shine Nail Polish in Dreamy Poppy/ Wet n Wild's new Lipstick in 501C "A Short Affair"

NYC City Proof Twistable Perfecting Lip Primer- as far as I know this is a totally new products and I'm excited to try it out as I've never owned a lip primer before, and I love the newer crayon style lip products. I'm hoping it will help me wear some of my more unforgiving lipsticks and matte lipsticks that don't get worn since they settle into my lip lines too much. Cost $2.97

Quo Face Palette in "Contessa"- Includes full-size blush, bronzer and highlight. There was another palette with different shades but this is the one I was attracted to the most, although I admit that I was tempted to get both! ;)  I couldn't find any reviews online so I think I'll do a post with some swatches and a first impression. This was part of Shoppers Drug Mart's spring Limited Edition (LE) collection. My Shoppers had it on sale for $10 from $20, and I had enough points in my Optimum account so I ended up getting it for free!! Gotta love Shoppers Drug Mart's Optimum program!

Wet n Wild's new Lipstick in 501C "A Short Affair," This is a new formula in new packaging. This looked to be the lightest colour in the collection. I would say it's a neutral to cool tone light baby pink with a sheen (no glitter.) I quite like it so far! I have tested 2 of the new lipstick formulas and so far they seem to go on quite a bit darker than what you see in the tube. Cost $1.50

Wet n Wild's new Wild Shine Nail Polish formula in 477C "Dreamy Poppy." Note: This colour is not new but this is a newer formula that is supposed to last much longer than the previous formula. I never owned this colour. It looks like a gorgeous deep coral for the summer and would look great with a tan. Unfortunately, the  handle is broken on the bottle that I got so I have to go and exchange it. Cost $1.50

All in all this little haul cost me a total of around $6! Not bad at all! Granted, I got a great deal on the $20 Quo palette since it was half off and I had enough Shopper`s Optimum points to get it for free.  The cosmetician at Shopper`s Drug Mart said that each store may have the Quo palettes on sale at different times, so check your local Shopper`s if you are interested.. once they go on sale this cheap, I doubt they will last very long!

I hope you enjoyed my little haul and maybe you`ll want to check out a few of these for yourself.

Have you come across any new products or great deals lately, I would love to hear about them!

Xo Amy