MAC foundation samples

I got 3 MAC foundations samples when I went in the last time to redeem my “free” lipstick for the Back to MAC program.  I’ve now had the chance to try all 3 foundations at least twice each, so I can provide a first impressions type of review on them.
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The foundations I got were: Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF35, Matchmaster SPF15 Foundation, and Mineralize Moisture. Firstly, what I typically like in my everyday foundations:
• lightweight – skin-like finish
• easy application – I typcially use my fingers
• long wearing – at least 8 hrs to last me through a work day
• good colour match
I have combo skin with an oilier t-zone, sensitive skin that can get dehydrated.  Foundation is a product that I like to try a sample first before taking the plunge with a full size – I like to check the colour match in a variety of lighting, and also make sure they don’t cause break outs.
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I’ve been curious to try the Mineral Moisture foundation since its launch and the other 2 samples were chosen for me by the MA who recommended them based on my preferences and skin type. Here are my thoughts on each after trialing them.

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MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder

Since I finished up my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (MSFN) powder last month, I finally got to open up my MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder (SSDP), which has been sitting in my stash since it launched in Sept 2014. :/  I know… I have a tendency to buy stuff and then not open it for months.
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The compact costs $37 for 10g and is made in Italy.  I mainly bought this because the tester at the MAC store felt so smooth.  I told the MA that I love the MSFN and she said this was comparable but even more smooth looking. I was intrigued!  I was matched to the Light Plus shade.

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TBT: OPI The World Is Not Enough

I decided to feature this OPI polish from the 2012 Skyfall collection since the newest Jame Bond film, Spectre, is due to open in North America tomorrow.  Even though this polish is from the Skyfall collection, the name is actually from the 1999 film which featured Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Marceau and Denise Richards:

Ugh, give me Daniel Craig any day!

OPI The World Is Not Enough is a gorgeous taupey pewter shimmery polish:
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I picked it up from a dusty salon supply store that was shutting down last year, so I got it for only $5!

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L’Occitane Shea Butter Gentle Toner

L’Occitance is a brand that I don’t tend to turn to for facial skincare – their biggest draw for me is their Shea Butter Hand Cream.  I decided to give their Shea Butter Gentle Toner ($25 for 200ml) a try since it’s meant to be both gentle and moisturizing, plus it’s alcohol free.  I got this for “free” last year when I redeemed my Optimum Points at Shoppers Drug Mart.
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Mandom Barrier Repair Concentrate Serum

I have another skincare review since in September I finished up all of my skincare and rather than buying more (due to No-Buy), I finally cracked open a bunch of products in my stash.  The Mandom Barrier Repair Concentrate Serum is a product that I had read many online rave reviews and had been keen on trying it out for myself. I purchased this in December 2014 from Sasa.com, at $16 for 60g.
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The bottle comes in a clam-shell packaging that thankfully did not require bolt-cutters to open.  The baby on the packaging kind of freaks me out.

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Review: Poshé topcoat

This post is dedicated to chicandpolished, who requested that I do a review on Poshé topcoat after I raved about it in my Essie gel-setter topcoat review.
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It is by far my favourite fast drying topcoat that I’ve tried!  I push it onto all my friends and they love it too. 🙂

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theBalm Instain blushes

This post is dedicated to Rachael of Helpless Whilst Drying – she recently posted a review of the theBalm’s Nude’Tude palette and asked for recommendations on other theBalm products to try.  I recommended their Instain blushes, and she asked if I had a blog entry on them – I didn’t, so here it is!

theBalm Instain Long-wearing Staining Powder Blushes are offered in 6 shades and I own 4 of them:
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L – R: Lace, Houndstooth, Toile, Swiss Dot

They cost CAD $31 / USD $22 for 5.5g so they’re not cheap, but I love them so much that I’ll likely get the other 2 remaining colours.

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Review: Essie Gel•Setter Top Coat

By now you’ve probably heard about the Essie Gel•Setter™ top coat – it’s fairly new on the market and promises “cushy, rock-hard shine of a gel, in a foolproof formula”. I was living under a rock and had not heard about this but stumbled upon a display while I was doing some birthday hauling. I picked it up mainly because at the time I had just recently got gel polish applied and loved the shine of the gel polish. Also, the top coat was on sale. 😉
Essie Gel Setter

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Collab: Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer

Today’s post is a collaboration with StyledWithJoy!  We both received the Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer a couple of months ago.  As we’re both in North America (her in the US, me in Canada), neither of us have direct access to this cult beauty item which is exclusive to shops in the UK. Luckily for us, we finally got our grubby hands on this from our respective fairy godmothers (her sister in her case, and through my lovely swapper Nicola, in my case).
Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer

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Charlotte Tilbury Bitch Perfect lipstick

I mentioned in my belated birthday gifts post that I bought the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Bitch Perfect with my Holt Renfrew gift card:
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I’ve now had a chance to wear it for a couple of weeks so I can report back on how I like it.

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