Favourites Lately: Early 2016

~ stashy

I’m baaaack. 🙂  Thanks for all the well wishes last week!  I’m about 50% better simply because it’s unavoidable for me to not be on the computer at work. I’m looking into an ergonomic assessment for my desk, and possibly doing some physio. I’ll be scaling back on my posting slightly but it’s challenging because I have so many backlogged posts! Here’s a post that I meant to post last week:

I waffle back and forth about doing monthly favourites but I think a quarterly list works for me. Here are the items that have been standouts for me lately:
favourites201604_2
All of these items would be rated 8 out of 10 or above in my Stash Worthiness! 🙂

Makeup:

favourites201604_11
• W7 HD Foundation – Random discovery due to the $20 makeup challenge – otherwise, I would not have given this another glance.  Fantastic natural-finish foundation that wears beautifully – and only $5!
• Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector – read my review here
• Vincent Longo Water Canvas Foundation – rave review here
Whenever I wear this, I have good skin days and I get compliments about how nice my skin looks!
favourites201604_12
• Lise Watier Simply Nudes Eyeshadow Palette – review and swatches here
• Guerlain Divinora Eye Liner in 03 Brun Chocolat – I haven’t talked about this on the blog yet. I’ve been going through my eyeliners to do some purging and rediscovered this. It dries matte, wears like iron and is a nice brown colour (I find black to be too harsh for everyday wear).
favourites201604_16
• MAC Woodwinked eye shadow – This is actually my 2nd pan of this – not because I used the other one up but I hated it originally and gave it away. I found it to be too orange on me, but I decided to give it another chance.  I’ve learned to use a putty toned transition shade to blend the edges which neutralizes the orange. This is a great all over lid colour – pigmented and blendable. No wonder it’s on MAC’s bestsellers list.
favourites201604_17
• Yves Rocher Intense Color Duo Eyeshadow in Prune & Powdery Taupe – I’ve not talked much about my love for YR on the blog yet, but this brand offers up some gems! This particular eye shadow duo is the perfect 2 shadow eye look: taupe all over and then the plum shade in the crease. I must own all of these duos.
favourites201604_13
• Nars Goulou Blush – I received this as my VIB Rouge welcome gift and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the rosy plum shade. Provides a natural flush with a golden glowy sheen – no glitters a la Nars Orgasm!
favourites201604_15
• Annabelle Blush-On in 48 Chestnut – I own a few Annabelle blushes and while they’re all high quality, lately I’ve been reaching for this rosy shade more frequently. I bought this during Hauluary for 50% off. (I know the Nars and Annabelle blushes look really similar in the swatch but I swear the Annabelle is slightly cooler and deeper in real life!)
favourites201604_14
• Rimmel Nude by Kate lipstick in #45 – Got this when I redeemed Optimum Points and have been wearing it often – it’s neutral nude shade that doesn’t make me look corpse-like. I have pigmented lips naturally and this just tones them down a notch. I might be alone in this but I really like the scent of Rimmel lipsticks (reminds me a bit of the fig scent of Estee Lauder lippies). I’m thinking of getting shade #43 which is a peachy toned nude.

Nails:

favourites201604_9
• Revlon Nail Polish in Sophisticated 905 – Loved the formula and colour of this! Makes me want more Revlon polishes.
• Paul & Joe Figue 04 – This is perfection in a bottle – great formula, perfect brush, gorgeous packaging. This is the beginning of a new nail polish addiction.
• A England in Ascalon – This is my 2nd A England polish and the colour and formula are superb. My wish list for A England keeps growing.
• Nail Balsam by Trind – As you can see from my nearly empty bottle, I love this stuff. I bought this in Finland a few years ago and kept neglecting it. Last Fall I started using it regularly and have noticed an improvement to my cuticles and overall nails. I was excited to find this product listed on NailPolishCanada.com but it’s been out of stock for ages. Finally, I just checked and it’s back in stock, yay!

Tools:

favourites201604_8
• MAC Oval 6 Brush – detailed eview here
• Trish McEvoy 37 Bronzer Brush – I plan to do a review on all of the Trish McEvoy I own – they’re incredibly well made. I’ve been enjoying this particular brush to use with my Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder
favourites201604_7
• Inlgot 29PO brush – This is a smaller shader brush which I prefer for my eye shape, and the bristles are firmer which is perfect for laying down powders.
• Illamasqua Smoulder Brush – This is perfect for smudging out liner and eye shadow along my lower lash line. I have a back up of this.
• Surratt Relevée Lash Curler – review here – the best purchase of 2016 so far!

Skincare:

favourites201604_4
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Mineral – Wasn’t sure if primer is considered skincare or makeup but this is a great all around primer. It has gel-cream formula that sinks into the skin quickly and helps foundation adhere and last on the skin better. I won this in a giveaway last year from Madeleine Loves (thank you!) and forgot to use it until this January.
• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream – review here
• Sukin Micellar water – This was a Winners score and I love it! Effective yet gentle, and inexpensive. I’m nearly finished this so it will make an appearance in the April Trash Stash.
favourites201604_5
• Yves Rocher Comforting Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream – I received this for free with an online order ages ago. I finally opened it when I finished my Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye (which I use for daytime) – I wasn’t sure if I’d like this better for night or day use. Turns out it’s a gel cream consistency that’s perfect for daytime. I noticed that YR repackaged this in a tube packaging now – good job!
• NeoStrata Moisture Infusion Serum – my default day serum, review here
• Saje Sensitive Elixir Calming Skin Serum – This was a surprise hit! I wanted a facial oil to mix with Paula’s Choice Vitamin C serum. This does a wonderful job in making my skin soft and hydrated – the base oils are rosehip, grapeseed, and evening primrose.
favourites201604_6
• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – I’ve had this in my stash for ages and finally opened it – and wow! This is amazing for removing all traces of makeup and it doesn’t strip the skin. And you don’t need a lot per use – less than a teaspoon – this tub will last me a while.
favourites201604_10
• Rebels Refinery Capital Vices Skull lipbalm in Luxuria (Passion Fruit) – I’ve neglected my eos balms in favour of this – the ingredients in this are amazing (coconut oil, beeswax) – and it’s made in Toronto! This comes in either black or this awesome neon pink – who doesn’t want a pink skull?
• Nivea Lip Butter in Blueberry Blush – I got this from a friend and I’ve been using it daily – it smells like blueberry yogurt and feels very smooth.

Body:

favourites201604_3
• Bath Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Ultra Shea Body Cream – I won’t harp on about the scent since you know I love it, but the Ultra Shea formula is really nice. I’ve not tried this formula before – it’s a step below a body butter but more emollient than a lotion.
• Body Shop Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil – This smells like roasted caramel nuts! 😀 I’ve been a fan of the Body Shop Beautifying Oils for a while – they leave the skin feeling silky and soft – the scent of this one is especially nice.
• Kiehl’s Coriander Richly Hydrating Hand Cream – Kiehl’s Coriander scent is another obsession of mine – a fresh green scent which is unfortunately discontinued. But they bring back the scent in limited edition items from time to time – one year it was the Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter and last year it this hand cream. I’ve never tried Kiehl’s hand creams and formula is fantastic – creates a protective layer over the hands that lasts even after washing my hands.

Whew, that’s a lot of stuff. Have you tried any of my recent favourites?  What have you been liking lately?

84 thoughts on “Favourites Lately: Early 2016”

  6. Welcome back! Your blog posts always make me want to run out and buy everything you love because you just make it all sound so amazing! I’m really debating running to the mall for an Oval 6 brush after my doctor’s appointment this week!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. That A England polish looks gorgeous, looks like a more lilac version of one I already have from them. Heard really good things about that cleansing balm from Clinique, It’s on my list for when I finally need to consider repurchasing another cleanser! Both those blushes look lovely, although very similar!

    Like

    Reply

    1. When I swatched those blushes side by side, I was like, oh THIS is why I love both of them – they’re so similar! 😛 Definitely give that Clinique cleansing balm a try, it removes makeup like a champ!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Woohoo, you’re back! 😀 Hope your hand is feeling much better, now. Take it easy!

    That is a lot of faves! I have a couple of YR eyeshadows I haven’t tried yet – don’t know why. They look gorgeous.

    I saw Trind for the first time at Well.ca and NPC, but haven’t yet tried. Seems intriguing.

    Annabelle Chestnut seems so poorly named, yet totally pretty! I thought it looked very close to the NARS, as well, but now that you mention the differences, I can see them 🙂 Beauties, both.

    And yes, you definitely need more A Englands. As do I…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I have a few YR shadows and they’re always neglected! Such good quality – these duos are made in Italy and I think I paid no more than $8 for it.
      I’d heard about the Trind here and there and when I saw it in Finland, I thought why not – I think it was a few dollars cheaper there because I think the brand originated from there? I apply it on my bare nails before I apply nail polish and it doesn’t affect how my nail polishes apply or last.
      Yes, i think Annabelle took the same colour naming class as NYX! 😛 I’d say the Nars is more glowy and lasts slightly longer than the Annabelle – but very subtle minor differences in performance.

      Like

      Reply

  12. Welcome back! Sad to hear you didn’t get an opportunity to completely heal, but I hope you make a speedy recovery.
    I love the idea of you doing a quarterly favourites! I did monthly favourites when I started blogging but it started getting repetitive.
    Your blog post makes me want to try out ALL of these, but especially the Nars blush, the Yves Rocher shadows, and the Clinique cleansing balm! I received Nars Orgasm in a 500 point perk set, and I’m using it today just for the sake of using it, and the glitter kills me. Also, the Guerlain liner looks so fancy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks! I was speaking to my coworker and she suggested acupuncture! I’ve never tried that…
      Yes, I felt that monthly favourites would be a tad repetitive since I tend to stick to things I like for a little while. I figured a quarterly favourite would match my shifting tastes with the seasons. 🙂
      You most definitely should check out the Yves Rocher eye shadows – the duo is made in Italy and cost me less than $10!
      Ugh, every time I received a Nars Orgasm blush in a kit, I’d give it away. That mess is not my cup of tea!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Acupuncture is a great idea! I’ve tried it and it really did the job. I used it for getting knots out of my shoulders that a regular massage couldn’t get out, and it really helped. Carpal tunnel is a different beast, but worth a try!
        Where did you get the Yves Rocher eye shadows? I feel like I’ve seen them in one of your blog posts before, but maybe that was a different duo…Winners haul?
        Agreed! I don’t get the hype. I’m currently feeling coral blush and that’s one of the few that I own, so I was like “…meh, better than nothing!” but I look like a glitterball in direct sunlight.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. Did you have to go to several sessions of acupuncture to get relief? My coworker recommended a place and it’s covered by my insurance so I might actually go through with it!
          I get my Yves Rocher from either the Yves Rocher stores (do they have them where you are? They’re usually inside shopping malls – they sell products out front and then have their facial services in the back). Also, I’ve ordered online too – the prices are cheaper online, and the sales are usually better online too.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

          1. Yes, I went to 6 sessions for my back (went until my insurance coverage ran out), and I found there were noticeable results after the 3rd session. Would highly recommend!
            No Yves Richer stores here… another thing to pick up on our trip! 😛

            Like

            Reply

  14. oooooo… I love the skulls! totally picking 1 up 🙂
    Been on the lookout for sukin water but haven’t come across it in rexall yet.
    & SOOO excited about the guerlain liner in brown. I have it in blue & i ❤ the formula (no smudgies!)
    ~glad ur feeling better 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. They sell those skull lip balms in the Bay on Queen street in their Beauty Underground. Really good stuff. I think they’re only $8.
      Try health food stores for the Sukin, that was the first place I’ve seen it. I’ve only seen it at a couple of Rexalls down town.
      Yes get the brown Guerlain liner – I’ve had that for ~3 yrs and it’s still going strong.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. I will check out the Yves Rocher. They’ve been selling in the Philippines for years, but the SAs are always pushing the bath products. I love Nivea lip butters, and I’m glad to see a new flavor/scent is out. I hoarded the Vanilla and Macadamia one though, so it will be a while before I get a new one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The SAs here push the skincare a lot. I like some of their skincare but not everything (some are overly fragranced). A lot of their makeup products are excellent though – of course, always wait for a sale!
      I didn’t know the bluberry Nivea was a new scent until I mentioned it to someone and they had not seen it. I hope you find it – it’s actually my favourite of the ones I’ve tried.

      Like

      Reply

      1. Totally agree with you! I need at least two days to get my nail swatches looking natural (one to paint and dry then the next day to shower and clean up the mess I made on my fingers, lol).

        Like

        Reply

  17. Yves Rocher Shadows 😳 Really?!! It’s the first time I hear that they are any good …
    Too many favorites, I don’t know where to start !😜 OMG! I only own Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector from your favorites list …

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes really! The eye shadows in the core line are good – don’t bother with the limited edition stuff. Start off with the Intense shadows – they sell them in duo or singles:
      http://www.yvesrocher.ca/control/maquillage/fards-a-paupieres/mono-poudre-couleur-intense/
      http://www.yvesrocher.ca/control/maquillage/fards-a-paupieres/duo-poudre-couleur-intense/
      They’re made in Italy and the duo cost me less than $10 (always wait until there’s a sale!)

      Like

      Reply

  18. Glad you’re feeling better sweetie! The Clinique cleansing balm has been on my list for a long while. I think I will give it a try very soon – maybe when I run out of this Clinique moisturizer (dark spot corrector) I’m using and need to restock.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Quarterly Favourites is such a neat idea, especially if you haven’t been loving a lot of products one particular month. So many products featured here sound lovely, if The Body Shop bring their beautifying oil back, I’m trying some haha.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Welcome back!! You always have such amazing favourites! I started going through thinking “okay I need to comment about this… and this… and this…” and then the list got too long! But, wow that NARS blush looks amazing! So pretty! I saw the full-size is a Rouge exclusive so I’ll have to check it out more seriously…. I love NARS blushes, some of my favourites for sure! The A England polish also looks amaaaaazing.

    Glad you’re feeling 50% better!! I think it’s almost impossible to stay away from computers unless you take a week off and lock yourself in a cabin! My work is the same way, I work an office job, and the only time I’m truly away is when I go out to my cottage on the weekends in the summer!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you!!! Haha sorry I created so many wants. The Nars blush surprised me – I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do! Did you know that the little sample has 4g of product whereas the full size is 4.8g – only 0.8g more!

      Yes, it’s impossible to stay off the computer! It’ll be nice when I’m on vacay and completely away from work!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. K I need that Rimmel lipstick and Annabelle blush. Love shades like that! Also that Yves Rocher eyeshadow duo is so pretty, I strayed away from purple shadows for a while and forgot how much I like them. Wish we had Yves Rocher here!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I just learned that you don’t have Yves Rocher out West – what a shame! You can order online though. The prices and sales are better online.
      And yes, you need both the Rimmel lipstick and the Annabelle blush – I actually love Annabelle blushes in general. Really good quality and not expensive.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I was surprised how much I like the Clinique! I thought for sure it would leave a greasy film but nope! And yes you must try the Rimmel – give your fancy Tom Fords a rest! 😉

      Like

      Reply

      1. That’s the main preconception with balm/oil cleansers when in fact they just take good care of the skin! It’s been a while since I’m using them and I definitely won’t go back! 😉
        And TF makeup won’t have any rest whilst I’m alive! LOLOLOL 😅😅😅xx

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  28. I don’t know why but I’m always so happy when someone likes the Clinique cleansing balm. That stuff has been one of my favorite skincare discoveries of the last year or so. It’s fantastic!
    I am adding all of your skincare and body care favorites to my current wishlist. They sound amazing! And holy cow, that Guerlain eyeliner is a stunning shade! I love the packaging too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’ve had that Clinique Cleansing Balm in my stash unused for more than a year, probably closer to 2 years! I was worried it would leave a greasy film on my skin. It is one of the best makeup removers I’ve ever used!
      The Guerlain liner is a bit fancy for my liking but I feel special every time I pull it out. 😛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Pingback: Trash Stash: May & June 2016 | stash matters
  30. Pingback: Trash Stash: April 2016 | stash matters
  31. Pingback: Obsessed Canada Order | stash matters
  32. Pingback: Saje Sensitive Elixir Calming Skin Serum | stash matters
  33. Pingback: September 2016 Low-Buy Accountability | stash matters
  34. Pingback: Favourites Lately: Late 2016 | stash matters
  35. Pingback: MyLipAddiction.com Beauty Podcast: I Almost Peed My Pants! | stash matters
  36. Pingback: Trash Stash: September and October 2016 | stash matters
  37. Pingback: Trash Stash: December 2016 | stash matters
  38. Pingback: Best of 2016 Discoveries | stash matters
  39. Pingback: Trash Stash: February 2017 | stash matters

Leave a Comment: