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Showing posts with label Beauty News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty News. Show all posts
photo loreal-paris-colour-riche-nail-polishes-fw2015-01.jpg
*NEW* L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polishes for FW2015

One of the challenging question on Monday, besides "Can I not go to work?", is "What nail colour should I wear today?"  And L'Oréal Paris makes this even tougher for us with their new shades for this FW2015 season.

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polishes FW2015 | Mani Monday

December 28, 2015 • , , , , , , • 0 comments
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It has been a couple years since Benefit brought out They're REAL mascara that tops the best selling charts in the makeup world.  Today, Benefit launches a brand new mascara that promise to "hooks, lifts, and curls lashes" and last for 12-hours long—Benefit Roller Lash (CA $29 / US $24).

Benefit Roller Lash Launches Today | Before & After on My Pin Straight Lashes

February 27, 2015 • , , , , , , , , , • 2 comments
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Image from LORACCosmetics.com

Gosh, where do I even begin the excitement.  Well, I guess it started with that we can't track down LORAC in Canadian stores any more!  I pretty much gave up in seeing LORAC Pro Palette 1 & 2 unless I go to the states and find an Ulta or Kohl's.

LORAC Mega Pro Palette is available for sale tomorrow!

October 6, 2014 • , , , , • 15 comments
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It has come and gone, but it's back again!  That's right.  The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette (CA $67 / US $58) is back in stock once again on Sephora.  This time it's available to everyone!  So hurry, get yourself one if you have been wanting one, before it goes out of stock again!

I have been playing with mine for a week now.  Click to continue for some sneak peek before the review :)

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette Sneak Peek & It's Back in Stock!

October 1, 2014 • , , , , • 3 comments
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Image credit: Sephora.com

Hurry VIB Rouge's!  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette is now available on Sephora.com and Sephora.ca!

We have spent so much money at Sephora just for this day!  I wanna say just kidding but I actually have been waiting quite a while for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette (CA $67 / US $58).  And I'm so glad I'm a VIB Rouge.

Image credit: Sephora.com

Last year, everyone was crazy about the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (CA $67 / US $58), and it flew off the shelf too quickly that they had to bring it back as a permanent item.  This year, with the release of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush (CA $41 / US $35), where shades are also out of stock for months, they are bringing the palette version for the holiday season!

So act now, fellow beauty enthusiasts who happen to shop at Sephora, a lot :P

Happy Shopping!


x Rica




Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette is now available on Sephora!

September 19, 2014 • , , , , , • 9 comments
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How many times have you accidentally swiped mascara on the bridge of your nose?  For me, that's every other day when I apply mascara on my left eye.  Lancôme recognized that an average mascara users are not completely satisfied with how they apply mascara.  They also sees that women want their mascara to reach all the lashes from root to top, even in tricky areas.

Their answer to these problems is Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara (CA $35 / US $32).



While bending the straight mascara may help with the application process, it's not the best solution because they're usually not flexible enough to reach all corner without trouble.  Lancôme Grandiôse features a patent-pending Swan-Neck Wand that is short and twisted and is described to be the "ideal shape".  The 25° curved stem is designed to "intuitively adapts to the contours of the face".

Even just after the first try, it was apparent that the Swan-Neck Wand was very intuitive to use without breaking my wrist.  I think it is less of an hassle than one with a traditional wand.  Also with this curved wand, every time you twist open the mascara, it mixes the formula for you so you don't have to do it.


This mascara also comes with a smaller brush head, with bristles "shaped like half petals" that will coat every lashes from root to tip.  I was able to reach to lashes from either corners, as well as my bottom lashes.  I didn't notice if I smudged mascara on my lid, which is what this precise brush head is supposed to achieve.

The formula is quite nice because it does it all (volumize, lengthens, and defines).  However, I wouldn't say it is the best in all 3 categories, it's more of an all-rounded mascara.  It has great staying power but it is easy to remove.  It also doesn't make my lashes hard like a boar bristle brush.

To apply Lancôme Grandiôse, I start with the upper lash line and (1) apply mascara to the outer corner because it has the most formula at this time.  Then, I would (2) rotate the wand slightly and move to the centre of the lid and coat the lashes in a zic-zac motion.  Next, I (3) use the tip of the mascara to get to the small lashes in the inner corner.  Finally for the bottom lash line, I would repeat all the steps above, again from the outer corner.



I quite enjoy the application of this mascara.  It volumizes, lengthens, and defines.  It's not the most dramatic mascara ever, but that's not to say it's not a good mascara.  Even after 2-3 coats, my lashes are still quite soft.  The staying power is pretty good with minimal smudging on my folded eyelid.  Yet, it is super easy to remove (I just use a cotton pad soaked with the L'Oreal Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar Solution).  I would recommend this mascara if you're fed up with bending your mascara wand and just want an easy way to apply.  Lancôme Grandiôse is now available at counters, lancome.ca / lancome-usa.com and Sephora!


Do you twist and turn and bend to get to all the lashes?  Do you think this innovative wand and precise brush will be the answer to solve your mascara problem?  I'd love to know :)

Until next time,


x Rica


*Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara | Review, Photos & Demo

August 15, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , • 11 comments
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Images from Urban Decay

UDers rejoice!  We have loved all the NAKED palettes from 1 to 3.  Many of us love the NAKED Basics palette even more.  A lot of us often say, "I wish there are more shades in the NAKED Basics palette".  Guess what?  Urban Decay heard us and they will be releasing the NAKED2 Basics soon.

Images from Urban Decay

Every NAKED palette has a theme and will feature neutral shades that fit the theme
Images from Urban Decay

Images from Urban Decay

Now the new NAKED2 Basics features "6 TAUPE-hued matte neutrals" (they said that but they're not actually all matte):
  • Skimp: pale nude satin
  • Stark: nude-pink matte
  • Frisk: warm gray matte
  • Cover: muted red-brown matte
  • Primal: muted brown matte
  • Undone: deep, smoky brown matte
Like the NAKED Basics palette, it is designed to be suitable for everyone, every skin tone.  With eyeshadows, you can count on Urban Decay to give you richly pigmented and buttery smooth shades.

I do own all the NAKED palettes, but I still want this new one.  I can't wait when it becomes available!  I have already signed up for notification.  Hopefully we hear more from Urban Decay before it's available for sale (more than just an Instagram teaser), because we know it's going to fly off the shelf.

Shop this story...


Until next time,


x Rica


Urban Decay NAKED2 Basics is Coming Soon! | Beauty News

August 10, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , • 3 comments
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I love this time of the year.  The Sun is out.  There is a nice breeze and it's not too hot.  It's also time for a eventful season with Toronto.  One of the biggest is the Luminato Festival that happens every year around downtown Toronto feature art, music, film, theatre, etc.  As the Partner of Creativity of Luminato, every year L'Oréal Canada will have different activation around town for event goers.

Luminato Festival 2014 | Vichy Skin Health Centre & L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Beach House

June 13, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , • 3 comments
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By now, you might already know about my lip balm obsessions (here, here & here).  I especially love tinted lip balms because they are the best gift to a lazy girl who still want something to make their lips pop.  Naturally, you know I'll be there ready when Benefit Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balms (CA $22 / US $18) are released.

Benefit Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balms: New match for their cheek & lip tints | Review, Photos & Swatches

May 28, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , • 9 comments
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Just when you think L'Oréal Paris had a great skincare year in 2013, boom, 2014 is even better.  With the release of this new line of Sublime Cleansers, they want women to feel pampered about cleansing.

L'Oréal Paris Sublime Cleansers Will Make You Re-evaluate Your Skin Cleansing Routine | #SublimeCleansing

March 18, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , • 7 comments
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Along with the release of Calligraph:ink, Shu Uemura also put together a selection of 5 Pressed Eye Shadow Refills (CA $19) that will complement the theme of the collection.

Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadow Refills: The Complementary Shades of Calligraph:ink | Review, Photos & Swatches

March 4, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , • 6 comments
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shu-uemura-calligraphink

I used to practice Chinese Calligraphy when I was little, but I was never fantastic at it.  It's only when I use a Sharpie-like calligraphy pen instead of a calligraphy brush that I can write great penmanship, but it was considered cheating that way.  Fast forward to present days, I no longer practice calligraphy, instead I picked up another art, the art of eyeliner.  Again, I'm still not so great at it, but with a good tool, I'm slowly but surely getting a hang of it.

shu-uemura-calligraphink
Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink
The brush tip
shu-uemura-calligraphink

One tool in particular is the all new Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink Liquid Eyeliner.  The Calligrap:ink is sold in two separate components: Calligraph:ink Applicator (CA $24) and Calligraph:ink Cartridge (CA $22).  The "system" different than most eyeliner out there in that it comes with a brush tip applicator that resembles the traditional Calligraphy Brushes in Asia.  It has a rather stiff brush head that gives you a lot of control when you go and line your eyes.  Like calligraphy brushes, you can create lines of different thickness using the Calligraph:ink Applicator.

As for the formula, it is an intense black liquid liner that is not runny (i.e. not running down from the brush tip, no dripping), so that's nice.  It doesn't set right after you apply, so if you made a mistake you can fix it if you're real quick.  Once it's set, it has a semi-shiny finish like most liquid eyeliner and then it doesn't budge, until you remove it with a make up remover.  I have tried using Micellar solution, but it doesn't remove it completely, so I'd recommend an oil base make up remover, like the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils.

See swatches and demo below:

shu-uemura-calligraphink
Calligraph:ink swatches
shu-uemura-calligraphink
From natural lash enhancer to slightly dramatic cat eye with one Calligraph:ink

To change the cartridge (or to use it for the first time), you simply unscrew the holder from the brush tip side and slowly insert the cartridge.  I do need to apply a bit of pressure in order to insert it.  It didn't cause any splash, but they did warn that it may happen.  Next you would hold the eyeliner brush tip down so that the product come down to the brush.  I would store it flat to avoid ink leakage.

shu-uemura-calligraphink
Cartridge and the applicator attachment
shu-uemura-calligraphink
Brush tip side down to bring the product to the tip.

The Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink might not be a life changing product, but it does help you with eyeliner applicator.  I like that it is a brush tip so it won't dry out like sponge/felt tip applicators.  I also like that this brush is on a stiffer side, which provides more control.  The formula is also very black and intense, and it stays put all day long.  While I still haven't mastered the art of eye-lining from the wing, I have not messed up my eyeliner (just yet) with this product (but it may happen when I have a shaky hand day :/).  If you're on a market for a new liquid eyeliner, definitely try out the Calligraph:ink.

Until next time,


x Rica


*Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink Liquid Eyeliner: Become a Calligraphy Master... On the Eyes | Review, Photos, Swatches

February 26, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , • 0 comments
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Last month I had the chance to go to the Shu Uemura SS2014 Press Event to learn and explore about their upcoming collection, and to witness the magical makeup techniques of Shu Uemura's Global Creative Director—Kakuyasu Uchiide.

Shu Uemura SS2014 Press Event | Looks & Beauty News

February 5, 2014 • , , , , , , , , • 2 comments
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I don't have a bucket list to go skydiving, hike the Peru Machu Picchu trail, or simply wear the boldest makeup to work.  Sorry for being so dull but doing things out of the ordinary is just not my style.  Thankfully, the new L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Extraordinaire Lip Colors (CA $12.99 / US $9.99) are well within my comfort zone.

L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Extraordinaire Lip Colors are Well Within My Comfort Zone | Review, Photos & Swatches

January 29, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , , • 10 comments
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Thought we were out of the Polar Vortex but it hits again.  It was -20 ~ -30 degree Celsius over here in Canada.  Since I'm not getting a southern island escape, I've got helped from Revlon Nail Art Sun Candy to try to bring some Sunshine in my life.

Revlon Nail Art Sun Candy is Heating Things Up with their Vibrant Hues | Review, Photos & Swatches

January 23, 2014 • , , , , , , , , • 11 comments
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This Spring, Dior is nailing it with their Trianon Édition Collection.  Available at Sephora now and coming to all counters on January 30, the new collection features a beauty rosy coral blush with a pretty and cute bow embossment and a limited edition 5 colour pastel eyeshadow palette.  They're also bringing on the bright lips to prep for the summer and delicious floral hues for the nails.  Not to mention a limited edition shade for a cult fave, Dior Lip Glow.

"This collection can be defined by its desire to divert Dior, disrupting and pushing it to a place where lyrical romanticism can be dangerous; there where the most beautiful rose garden seems poisonous," —Raf Simons, Creative Director of Christian Dior.





Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte (CA $32 / US $30)
  • 091 Nocturne
  • 761 Mirage
  • 641 Fantaisie
  • 121 Celeste (LE)


Dior 5-Couleurs Trianon Édition in 234 Pastel Fontages (LE) (CA $62 / US $61)


Dior Backstage Primer (CA $30 / US $28)


Dior Pore Minimizer (CA $42)

Dior Glow Maximizer (CA $42)


Diorblush Trianon Édition in 763 Corail Bagatelle (LE) (CA $44)


Dior Addict Lip Glow in Coral, LE (CA $35)


Dior Addict Lip Gloss, LE (CA $31 / $29.50)
  • 442 Pétillante
  • 772 Exquise
Rouge Dior, LE (CA $36)
  • 531 Rose Crinoline
  • 774 Allégresse

Dior Shimmering Matte Effect Top Coat in 197 Perlé (LE) (CA $26)

Dior Vernis (LE) (CA $26 / US $24)
  • 204 Porcelaine
  • 457 Bouquet
  • 777 Bloom



Also new this year is an addition to their Capture Totale line—Dior Capture Totale Dream Skin (CA $115 / US $110). Dior says their scientists have spent over 1000 hours and conduct hundreds of trials to formulate this new treatment to achieve "an immediate ultra-natural finish for all skin types and tones while fighting against signs of aging". The expected results after regular use of Dream skin are firmer, plumper and smoother skin, as well as radiant and youthful glowing skin.

"This breakthrough formula features a combination of optical active ingredients as well as the active biological ingredients from the Dior Gardens. Together, these ingredients work to immediately recreate beautiful skin on the surface while fighting deep down against wrinkles, redness, dark spots and loss of radiance over time." — Dior


I have major soft spot for a beautiful blush, especially one with a bow embossment, so I deem that this blush would be a must check out item in the collection.  The Dior lip colours also look extra delicious, as always.  I have used Dior makeup for a long time but have never actually tried their lipsticks and lip glosses... maybe I'm missing out.  I'm also very curious about the Shimmering Matte Effect: How can it be shimmery and matte? I need to swatch.  As for Capture Totale, it's an interesting idea because it claims to produce a homogenous colour that will blend with your skin and blurs imperfection after applied.  I wonder if it's like BB or CC creams out there.

What about you? Which product from this collection intrigues you?

Until next time,


x Rica

Dior Trianon Edition Collection for Spring 2014 & Capture Totale Dream Skin | Beauty News

January 22, 2014 • , , , , • 9 comments
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Remember when we all fell head over heels for the Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliqués?  This dream collaboration has done it again and this time for something that could last more permanently, beauty tools! I got a chance to preview some of the items before the holidays at Tips Nail Bar (that was recently moved and the new location was fabulous!). There were cookies, hors d'oeuvres, nail polishes, manicures, sketch artist, and of course, the Revlon by Marchesa Beauty Tools





Revlon by Marchesa Beauty Tool Collection are the tools you want to collect! | Beauty News

January 17, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , • 13 comments
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