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It was sitting at the outer most corner next to MARCELLE BB Cream during the Beauty Premiere.  Without any light boxes, it was really hard to spot this particular product at the event, especially the lighting there was kind of dimmed.  It didn’t seem like they were pushing this product like the other products they’re releasing this Spring.  However, it has become a staple in my everyday makeup routine for the past couple months.  It was included in the swag bag that we were provided at the event.
MARCELLE Xtension Plus Lengthening and Curling Mascara
On the website, it describes this mascara as follow:

“Give your lashes extra length and curl with Xtension Plus Mascara. The formula and brush curl, define and separate lashes while minimizing clumps. An innovative and specifically designed soft polymer brush offers a side with a row of longer bristles which reach even the shortest lashes and stretch them from root to tip, achieving their maximum lengthening potential. The tapered brush tip is perfect for extreme definition. Removes easily with any Marcelle eye make-up remover.”

From my makeup bag, MARCELLE Xtension Plus Lengthening & Curling Mascara is one of my everyday basics

February 27, 2012 • , , , , • 0 comments
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I have always wanted to try the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, probablyfor about 3 years now.  But I could neverjustify paying that much for a highlighter, especially when I already havehighlighters lol.  So I was kind ofexcited to see the MARCELLE Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil in mygoodie bag.  It might not look exactly thesame, but it seems that it could deliver similar results.

MARCELLE Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil

MARCELLE Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil

It comes in a square packaging with five different colour stripes,arranged from top to bottom in the order of the lightest to the darkest.  This makes i t easier for user to choose whichcolour to use.  You could use a smallbrush or your fingers to pick one specific colour and apply on your face, ormix a few of those colours.

MARCELLE Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil

For me I could use the top two colours (or even three) forhighlight, and the rest for blush.  Thebottom two colours could also be used as a shimmery bronzing colour.  Of course, you can also mix everything togetherto get a shimmery blush.  I really likethe effect that it gives on the cheeks.

Because of the texture of this product, which is not grainy orclumpy, you can also use it as eye shadows. I have used the top most colour as inner corner and brow highlights, andthe 2nd and 3rd colour as all over the lid colour.  Of course, you could also use the rest ascontour or just all over the lid.  I feelthat these colours work best for lid colours as oppose for crease coloursbecause they are on the shimmery side. They’ll definitely brighten up the eye.

Here are some swatches:

MARCELLE Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil individual swatches

MARCELLE Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil Mixed

I really like the Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil, but tobe frank I mainly use the top three colour because they are the lighter ones,and I have other blushes that I like to use =P. I can see that it would work for many people of different skintones.  For girls who are very pale, thetop most colours would definitely still work for you as a highlight, while therest can be used for blush and bronzers. For girls with darker skin, you could probably use the top 3 ashighlighter, and the bottom 3 as blush.

MACELLE also has the two other Multi-colour products, the Blush andthe Bronzer.  Since this works out quitewell, I would probably get the Blush one when it goes on sale because it isdefinitely on the pricier side (it retails for CA $16.95).  But it seems like a cheaper alternative forthe Bobbi Brown Shimmering Brick, or I would like to think so =P.

Have you tried other Multi-colour face powder that work well for you?  Preferably something on a budget =P.  Let me know =D.

x Rica

Disclaimer: I received this product in the MARCELLE Group eventBeauty Premiere sample bag.  This post isnot being sponsored, and I am not receiving compensation for reviewing thisproduct.

Highlighter, Blush, and Bronzer 3-in-1! MACELLE Multi-colour Face Powder in Luminous Veil

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One of the newest releases of theMARCELLE skincare line up.  They havereplaced their old Essentials Eye Makeup Remover with this innovation, for good.  I first came across with this product at theMARCELLE group Beauty Premiere back in November 2011.  It is the second most intriguing product oftheir Spring launches, with the first being, of course, their sold out BBCream.  It is intriguing because itpromises to nourish your lashes while removing your eye makeup, even thewaterproof ones.

MARCELLE Renforcils Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover

First of all, the packaging that it comesin is the same one as their old micellar eye makeup remover (and their variouscleansers) – a squeeze tube, quite a big one too if you ask me.  You don’t really need a whole lot of theproduct, a dime size should be enough for both eyes, which means this tube willlast you quite a while. 
MARCELLE Renforcils Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover



To remove your eye makeup usingRenforcils, you would squeeze a dim size on two cotton pads (or one if youdon’t mine waiting finish removing eye makeup from one eye, then theother).  Then you would place the cottonpads, with the product, on the eyes.  Leaveit for about 10 to 15s to ensure that it’s melting your makeup.  The last step you will just have to gentlywipe the makeup off with the cotton pads. I like to use it with a sponge type cotton pad because the cotton onthese pads are less likely to come off and linger on your lashes.  Frankly, it’s a pain to remove those cotton,so if you ask me, I would highly recommend using the sponge type cotton pad ifyou choose to use cotton pads, but you can use your fingers as well.  Here's a demo on my hand with very waterproof eyeliners.

Before - From L to R: MAC Blacktrack Fluidline,
e.l.f. Cream Eyeliner in Metallic Olive, MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #2


In progress - a dime size of Renforcils


In progress - Renforcils spread out on the hand

In progress: wiping off using a sponge cotton pad


After one wipe

After a few more wipes

After - what's on the cotton pad

I feel that it removes makeup quitewell.  The key is to let is melt themakeup down before you wipe it.  However,you might not get all of them at one time, especially when the product is superbudge proof.  I would suggest that youcould repeat the process, or just apply a bit on to the leftover and use acotton swab to remove the rest.  Usuallyit comes off with my cleanser too, so I don’t bother doing it the secondtime.  It is better to wash your faceafter makeup removal anyway.


A major complaint that I have though isthat it stings my eyes when I use too much. One trick that Jessica from BEAUTEZINE taught me is that only use a peasize amount for both eyes, because when you use too much, it can get into youreyes.  And when it doesn’t sting, it ispretty great.  So you might want to becareful on the amount that you’re using.  You can see that my eyes got a bit red because I open my eyes right after removal and took a picture.  Usually, I do it in the bathroom, so I can remove the residue with water and not have to worry about it stinging my eyes lol.

Makeup Removal Before and After
As for the lash fortifying claim, I haven’tseen really extreme result, but every time I use this to remove my eye makeup,there are no lash fallout, which is not I usually see with other eye makeupremover.  I usually get one or two lashesfallout when I use those traditional eye makeup removers (the ones that youhave to shake and mix).  So, this is ahuge plus!

I got mine from Walmart for CA $14.96because I refuse to pay CA $17 at Shoppers Drug Mart.  The price point is not very great but you doget a lot of product with your money, so it’s not too bad.  You can get this from Canadian Walmart,Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall Pharmaplus, and online on www.marcellecosmetics.com.  For those of you who live in the U.S., youcan get MARCELLE products online from their website.  They offer free shipping for orders over$50.  =)

Have you tried this new product?  How do you use this product?  Let me know =D.



x Rica

No more picking lashes off my face, thanks to MARCELLE Renforcils Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover

February 26, 2012 • , , , , • 4 comments
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Beauty subscription boxes have become a huge trend right now.  Basically, the include deluxe size samples, usually 4 to 5 of them, in the box, and most of the time, you only pay for shipping.  One that stands out to me was the Julep Maven Box.


Nail Maven, Julep Maven February Box

February 23, 2012 • , • 3 comments
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I have oily skin, and my T-zone is for sure to get oily throughout the day.  So anything that promises to keep me shine-free throughout the day, I would jump on it (maybe not literally).  So I have high hopes of the boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment when I got it a few months back.

boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment

On the packaging, it says that
"A multi-tasking treatment that instantly redeuces the appearance of pores and blackheads while keeping them less visible over time.  Mattifies oil and shine all day as it smoothes skin's texture, leaving a soft-focus silky finish."

boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment

I mainly use it as a makeup primer because it says to use over or under makeup.  I never like to put any treatment type thing on top of my makeup, because more often than not, it will make it look worse.  I don't see that it particularly helps the makeup last longer, or make it slide off my face earlier.  So I don't think it is contributing any good or bad to the makeup application.

I would agree with a few things in this description.  It does instantly mattifies my face and hence the pores are not as visible. However, it doesn't really last.  Since it claims to mattify your face throughout the day, I would expect less shine.  But I don't think that was the case.  My T-zone still gets oily around lunch time, as always.  Therefore, it's safe to say that it doesn't help with the oil controlling either.

boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment

The packaging of it, though, is very nice.  It comes with a airless pump, which is very sanitary.  The pump is a rather nice one, because it gives very good control, meaning you can pump out as much as you want.  So no product is wasted!

Before application of boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment
Swatch of boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment
After application ofboscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment  

From the before and after pictures, you could see that it does give instant results.  But I feel that only half the claims were fulfilled because, sadly, the results don't last.  So I wouldn't recommend it based on my own experience.  But it has gotten a lot of rave reviews on Sephora, so maybe I was just unlucky =/.

Have you tried any oil controlling products that did wonders for you?  I would really need some recommendation.  Let me know!

x Rica

boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment? I wish!

February 21, 2012 • , , , , , • 2 comments
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I have always fancied MAC 217 (and yes, I'm feeling a wee bit British today).  It is a cult favourite in the beauty community.  Over time, since it has been so popular, other companies tried to create brushes that posses the similar shape, and try to achieve the similar results that MAC 217 will give to its users.  I couldn't help but acquire a few of these counterparts.  So it's only appropriate if I give my two cents on them and see which ones are worth getting, and which ones are not that great.

From top to bottom: bdellium #776, MAC 217, Sigma E25, Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush, Sigma E25 (Travel)
Handle/length comparison


MAC 217 Blending Brush

MAC 217 Blending Brush
Of course, we must start with the original,  MAC 217.  It is my very first MAC brush.  I still remember I was so excited to get it from the MAC counter near my university.  I must say, over the past few years, although the numbering has worn off, the brush itself is still going strong.  One interesting fact about my  MAC 217, it is made in Japan, which is different when comparing it to other brushes company, where majority of them has factory in China.  By the way, I have also had MAC brushes that are made in France

MAC 217 Numbering (faded)
The  MAC 217 bristles are made out of white goat hair, which are not as white as they were few years ago, but they are still as soft, which makes it feels luxurious on the eyelids.  I guess most important part of this brush is its shape.  It does not have super long bristle, and it's flared out to the top into a dome shape.  It is quite stiff and full, but at the same time it is very soft, which makes blending very easy.

I love that it is multipurpose.  Although it is meant for eye shadows, you can also use it for your concealers.  I have done that before, but I have unless you want to pick some white hair out from your face and damage your brush, I would use other brushes for concealers.  For some strange reason, it doesn't shed when it's used to blend out cream eye shadow.  Anyhow, I prefer to use the  MAC 217 purely as an eye shadow (powder or cream) brush, which it excels at.  I like that it is a one-brush-does-it-all brush.  When I'm feeling lazy, I'll use it to apply lid colour and crease colour, use it for blending out the colours, and of course, apply a highlight colour as well.

MAC 217 Brush Head

Pros:

  • Soft bristles for your delicate eye lids
  • Long lifetime brush makes your investment worth it
  • Very very minimal shedding
  • Stiff dome shape that makes applying and blending out colour easy
  • Long handle provides you the options of the amount of control you want with the brush
  • Accessible where you can find it at any MAC stores, counters, or buy it online
    •

Cons:

  • Quite expensive as it costs US $22.50 / CA $27
  • The whiteness of the bristles is not as long lasting, it can get stained from, say, cream products
    •

Battle of the Brands: MAC 217 and its alike

February 20, 2012 • , , , , , , , • 20 comments
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I might be on a lash mode lately (as seen in here).  Not that I would wear them every day, but I would really like to try them, you know, to find the perfect pair!

Last year, I learn that Emi Suzuki, a famous Japanese model, has become the spokemodel for Decorative Eyelash's newest series - Playgirl.  Decorative Eyelash is a Japanese drugstore brand of lashes by Sho-Bi.  Sho-Bi is also known as the parent company for Diamon Lash and Brigitte Cosmetics (a new brand of make up highly featured in Japanese fashion magazine Vivi).  They have been around for a long time, but recent revamped their entire line-up and came up with the Playgirl series.  I really wanted to try them, but back then there was no seller that would ship to Canada, and not cost a fortune.

Until now, I found out that they're available in Hong Kong and I can't wait to ask my brother to help me get them.  But here's the problem... I don't know which ones to get!  Note: ALL images from http://www.sho-bi.jp/decorative/


The Playgirl series features 12 pairs of lashes (8 pairs of upper lashes and 4 pairs of lower lashes).  It's quite an extensive line up in one series in my opinion.  First let's take a look at these gorgeous lashes:

Play Cute series:


Play Cute #1 is designed to not block the view of your iris.  It also has some small crisscross to provide a dolly look.  Note that these come in black bands.

Loads of Decorative Eyelash, which one should I choose? Help!

February 18, 2012 • , , • 4 comments
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Don't you hate it when your nail polishes chipped the next day after you applied it?  I do.  If you're a follower of nail trend, you must have heard of Shellac or other gel polish, that are supposed to provide a shiny manicure that lasts for about 2 weeks time and wouldn't chip.  But going to a nail salon to do it every month, or worse, every other week, is a pain.  Not to mention the price to get it done by a professional manicurist is quite hefty.  So you would happy to hear, there are now quite a few at-home gel nail polish system.  SensatioNail by Nailene is one of the newer ones.

SensatioNail Starter Kit

I first talked about SensatioNail when I posted my haul from Chicago.  I purchased the starter kit and two polishes.  Now I've only had it for two weeks, so I won't be reviewing it, yet.  But I thought I would run through how I give myself a clear manicure.

I'm showing a demo on my pinky, here's a before:



I think SensatioNail is gonna be Sensational

February 17, 2012 • , , • 8 comments
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Manicures usually look shiny right after you apply it.  But after a while, it starts looking dull.  Like the other day, my new gel polish, which is supposed to be real shiny, was looking dull... like this...

Before: dull nail =(
There are different causes to it, you might have smudge the topcoat a bit, it might be the quality of the topcoat, but more than often, there's oil on your finger nail.  It can be from your hand cream (I experience this a lot), touching your face (the sebum on your face), or any other source of oil.

Quick Tip to Revive a Dull Manicure

February 16, 2012 • , • 3 comments
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Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and Sephora teamed up with NARS and had a little special offer for their V.I.B.'s, and giving them a 3 piece NARS mini gift with $35 of purchase.  Since I was running low on my cleanser, I thought it's a good time to get it now.  And here's the NARS V.I.B. gift bag....


V.I.B. stands for Very Important Beauty Insider, which basically translate to "beauty enthusiasts who spend quite a bit of money at Sephora", or in my case, "shopaholic who spends WAY TOO MUCH money at Sephora".  When they first introduced this V.I.B. system, it wasn't that great.  For a year or two, there were only 15% off sale, which regular B.I. will get it too, just maybe a week later.  But since last year, they have really been boosting it up.  Giving out nice gifts like these to attract people to buy more, which is pretty evil lol.

Anyway, back to the topic, there are 3 NARS minis in this goodie bag: Laguna Bronzer, Orgasm Illuminator, and Pro-Prime Smudge proof Eyeshadow Base.  I really wanted this gift bag because I have always wanted to try the NARS Laguna Bronzer, but never caved in and buy one because I have enough bronzers.  But hey, this is free, sort-a, so I took the opportunity.


When they say these are mini, they're tiny!  A regular Laguna Bronzer is probably 5 times larger.  This mini is the same size as their single eyeshadow, which I guess isn't that bad.

I have had samples of Orgasm Illuminator before, which is of the same size.  It's a little smaller than, say, a chapstick.

The best deal here is probably the eyeshadow base because this tube is significantly bigger than the deluxe sample I redeemed before.  It's about the size of a MAC select moisture cover concealer, but a little slimmer.

They also came with a tiny "brochure" telling you what's inside and their ingredients.


I think the content of this gift is pretty good, comparing to the things I have gotten before.  I'm definitely looking forward to try the Laguna Bronzer and rekindle my love with the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (it's the best eyeshadow primer!!!).  If they keep having these kind of gifts I'm going to go broke.  Even if you don't want to be a V.I.B., if they keep pushing out these gifts and you keep redeeming them, I think eventually you'll just renew your status naturally lol.

I went to Sephora at around 3, and they still have quite a bit left, so maybe they will still be available tomorrow (but don't quote me).  If you're a V.I.B. and wondering if you should make a purchase and get this bag, hopefully this will help you make up your mind.

Did you end up redeeming your gift?  Or did you pass it up?  Let me know =)

x Rica

NARS loves V.I.B.s, and we love NARS <3

February 15, 2012 • , • 5 comments
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Another product that is on the top of my list from the Shop MAC Cook MAC collection was the Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush.   I missed out when it first came out in the Lillyland collection.  So this time I caved and got it.  They also repromoted Florida, which I did get from MAC warehouse sale =D, and I will be reviewing this shade as well.


Contrary to what the shades I picked for the Kissable Lipcolours, these Cremeblend blushes that I picked up are rather vibrant or bold...


MAC Cremeblend Blush in Optimistic Orange and Florida

Bold or natural, it's your call with Shop MAC Cook MAC Cremeblend Blushes

February 14, 2012 • , , , • 8 comments
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With Valentine's Day just one day away, have you prepared to surprised your other half on the day of love?  If you still haven't found the perfect gift, never fear, take a look at my suggestions and see if it will make your shopping trip easier when you head to the mall later on.  I'm going to mix things up because some gifts are applicable to both ladies and gentlemen =).

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette (For her only)
Available at Sephora, Ulta, Urban Decay, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc.
Urban Decay Naked2 Palette
One of the hottest items in the beauty market right now.  The universally flattering shades in one compact palette makes this palette a perfect gift for every girl, no matter if they just wear minimal makeup, or makeup enthusiast!  Due to popularity of the original Naked Palette, Urban Decay and Sephora have learned their lesson and have really stocked up their stores.  Even if you see the display is empty, go ask the sales associates there.  Chances are they have tons at the back room but just didn't put them all out yet =).


Fujifilm Instax Mini (For both)
Available at lomography stores, Urban Outfitters, Sears, Walmart, etc.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 50s in Piano Black
Capture all your precious memories and print them out instantly.  I love instant cameras, I used to have a sticker one from Polaroid.  I can't say they're better than digital cameras or film cameras but they're certainly a lot more fun.  With Fujifilm Instax Mini, the photos will be printed out immediately and they are credit card size which means you can put them into your wallet right after!  I personally own two of them even though they are basically identical in terms of function.  (One tip to taking instant picture: Do not follow that song that say "Shake it like a Polaroid Picture".  I repeat, do NOT shake it.  It can damage the picture and make the film separate prematurely.)





Fragrances (For both)
Product photos from Sephora.com
Pick a fragrance that you like and they don't already have and make sure they don't hate the scents.  It's easier said than done, I would agree.  Thankfully, there's the Sephora Favourites Deluxe Fragrance Sampler For Her and Sephora Favourites Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler For Him, so it is highly possible that they will find something they in these sets.  In Canada, there are an even better deals at Shoppers Drug Mart.  At SDM, there are sets for guys and girls that allow them to try out around 10 samples before they pick a full size with the gift certificate included in the set!  They will have a year to choose, so no rush, no rush.



Shops: Build A Bear Workshop (For both)
From Build A Bear Workshop
I love BABW! I got my LiBeary (yes, that's the name I gave my bear) there as well.  I don't really know anyone who would hate a cuddly soft stuffed animal.  They have tons of options there, from Bears to Dogs, from Bunnies to Cats, and let's not forget about Hello Kitty.  They also have a few asthma friendly ones for you to choose.  You can simply pop up to the mall and build a bear, which takes about 15 minutes or so to make.  The best part is that they're not all that expensive and you can personalize your stuffed animal with different costumes they have there!  Or you can shop online too.


Shops: Urban Outfitters (For both)
Product photos and logo from urbanoutfitters.com
Urban Outfitters is one of my favourite shop.  I like to shop there because their stores have a variety of items.  Their jewelries are quite affordable, and you can't really go wrong with jewelries for girls.  For guys, there are lots of apparels and novelty items!  They just have a variety of brands and stuff for you to choose from.  Basically, UO has it all: from fun T-shirts to dainty necklaces, from quirky books to figures, and from lomo cameras to home decors.  There are also beauty products at UO!  How can you not like this store?  While shopping for him/her, you might even be able to find something for yourself =D.

These are the gifts that I have received or I actually want to receive.  I hope this will help some of you out there to get a gift for your love.  Happy Early Valentine's Day!


x Rica

Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Guide for him and her

February 13, 2012 • , , • 5 comments
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