Benefit Cosmetics never cease to impress.  This fall, they are adding a new member to the Box O'Powder family and a brand new brow product to their brow-grooming line.

Let's talk about the new Benefit Rockateur Box O' Powder* (CA $36 / US $28).  The tag line for this product is: "for girls who don't blush easy".  This cheek powder is a beautiful rose gold colour.  You all probably know how much I like my Box O' Powders, I was actually wondering when they are releasing a new one since it has been a while.  On top of that rose gold has been my obsession for the past two years.  So this rose gold in a Box O' Powder might be the perfect combination yet.




Another new release is the Benefit Gimme Brow* (CA $26 / US $22).  Like its name suggest, it is designed to give an illusion of more brow.  I personally have pretty sparse brow and I know I am not the only one who would accidentally give a bald spot our brows.  Available in two shades (light/medium and medium/deep), this product promised that it will be "building brows where before there were none".  Plus, it is supposed to be water-resistant, long-wearing, and natural-looking.  All these sounds so magical.




Both will be available in September 2013, I am very excited to try these out (well too excited that I tried Gimme Brow before taking pictures... but I don't want to spoil, haha).  Be sure to check back later to see my two cents on these brand new products!

Now, am I the only one who's that clumsy to pluck more than I should?  Let me know if you have done that before! ;)

Until next time,


x Rica

NIVEA Haus 2013

NIVEA Haus 2013 at Yonge-Dundas Square

For some reasons, I was never able to make it to the NIVEA Haus in the past two years.  But this year, NIVEA Haus is mobilized and is travelling across Canada to share skincare knowledge with Canadians, so I was able to pay a visit last week.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer

Summer is coming up and many of us have trouble keeping their makeup on in the heat.  So if something claims to be a makeup magnet, I'm there to try it!  New from Benefit Cosmetics, the Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer (CA $38, available in July 2013) claims to act like a magnet to "instantly lock-on your foundation".  This pro-long wear primer promises to keep your makeup looking fresh even after hours.  Here's the results they observed (worn with hello flawless liquid foundation & powder):

94% said it helps foundation last longer
97% saw an improvement in the look of skin/complexion
94% said it increased foundation coverage
97% said it enhanced foundation's performance.

This all sounds so promising, I'm going to put it onto an ultimate test (i.e. test it on Rica) and see how it works out!

Until next time,


x Rica

NIVEA Haus is back to Toronto, and this time it's bigger and better because it has been made mobile.  This means it'll take their skincare education on the road, and tour around major cities in Canada (Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Montreal).  NIVEA said its pop-up centre (or truck?) will feature a few different activities to engage with their visitors:

MAC All About Orange Haul

It has been a while since I last splurged at MAC, but all it took is one collection — MAC All About Orange.  I went to a MAC store when it was launched last thursday, and I was able to pick up a few things that I had my eyes on.

Did you know the first day of Summer in 2013 is June 21?  While Summer is still two weeks away from now, Summer launches have already (or very soon-to-be) arrived at drugstores and beauty counters.  Let's look at some of the drugstore new launches coming up in Summer 2013!

Maybelline New York

L to R: Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara, Master Smoky Shadow-Pencil, Master Duo Eyeliner, Color Tattoo Pure Pigments x3

• Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara* (available in June 2013, CA$10.99), which is a total indication of you-should-really-check-it-out. 
• ColorTattoo Pure Pigments (available in June 2013, CA$8.99) comes in 9 colours, I, of course went for the neutrals
• Master Smokey by Eye Studio* (available in June 2013, CA$9.99) comes in 5 different colours, so it'll be easy for you to find one to match the classic smokey eyes that you want to go for.
• Master Duo by Eye Studio (available now) gives you control in getting a thin or thick glossy line.

What else is there?  Maybelline Color Show Polka Dots and Holographics nail polishes!  Their Color Show line is so affordable (I have seen as low as $2.49) that you can't go wrong with trying out their fun shades.

L'Oreal Paris Nail Lingerie

When I think about nail stickers, I always think of the ones with funky design that make me say the famous line in Lethal Weapon: "I'm too old for this s..."... well... stuff!  Sometimes, I do play with those cute designs (did that last halloween), but I just end up wanting to hide my nails when I'm at work because they're a bit too childish.  But the new L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail Lingerie* (CA $9.99 / US $8.95) is another story.  Available starting this month (June 2013), the Nail Lingerie comes with a more sophisticated and grown-up design (and even name), which are office friendly at the same time.

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara

Remember I mentioned that there are 3 mascaras that I have repurchased in recent years, the first one was revealed, and the second one is a cult favourite — Maybelline The Falsies Mascara.  Truth be told, I'm not here to review the original The Falsies, rather its little sister — Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara* (CA $10.99).
Coming out in the next month or so in North America, The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara is a dual-ended mascara for both your top and bottom lashes.  It promises to "push up and fan out" your upper lashes and "magnify every tiny bottom lash without clump or mess".

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm

I have never been a gloss girl, in fact, I ALWAYS pick lipsticks over lipgloss.  But I didn't mind the new Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm* (CA $8.95).  Coming in 10 gorgeous shades, this moisturizing lip care formula is hitting the drugstore in Canada in July 2013 (it's already available in the U.S.).

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Single Face Brushes

Who's a fan of Pixiwoo on YouTube?  (One hand up).  Who's a brushaholic?  (Both hands up).  So Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman brushes seem like must-tries for me.  Many people like to try their brush sets out, but I opted to try the single brushes out.  I have 5 single face brushes here to share with you.

First of all, let's talk about what they all have in common.  The make of the brushes are excellent.  The bristles are made with hand-cut synthetic taklon, which are 100% cruelty free.  They are quite soft, but not the softest that I have felt.  What I like the most about the bristles is that they don't shed.  The worst thing is when you have to pick hair out of your face when you're already in a hurry in the morning.  Each brush comes in an aluminum handle that covers about 2/3 of the whole handle, and the remaining 1/3 is plastic with flat bottom.  The flat bottom comes in handy because your brush can actually stand up on its own, so it's quite good for storage.

When I think of Montagne Jeunesse, I think of their Cucumber Peel Off Face Masque that I have used and repurchased for numerous times since I was a teenager.  Their extensive selection of masks always draw my attention whenever I pass by their stand.  It's such an easy way to get a little at-home facial that will not make a dent in your wallet.  Thanks to Farleyco, I got a chance to preview their new skincare revolution.  Low and behold, they have developed a range of new masques that makes at-home pampering even easier and provides greater results but less mess — Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa*.

L'Oreal Paris Red Carpet Nail Art Workshop work station

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a nail art workshop with L'Oreal Paris Celebrity Manicurist, Tom Bachik.  Tom's work has been featured on numerous red carpets and magazines.  Some of his celebrity clients include Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Mila Kunis, and Zooey Deschanel, just to name a few.  So it's natural for me to get SUPER excited about this workshop.

Hugo (left) and Tom (right).  HI TOM!!!!!

Tom introduced himself by telling us a little bit about how he turn from a skateboarder/graffiti artist into, what he likes to refer himself as, MANicurist.  I love hearing about his stories and humour.  He is just a lot of fun and very nice! 

During the interactive workshop, we got to try out some of L'Oreal Paris's new products to test them out.

The queen of cute packaging and makeup kit is back!  This time it's a collaboration between Benefit Cosmetics and Matthew Williamson - The Rich is Back.  This limited edition high fashion makeup kit features 4 eyeshadows, Gimme Fever cheek powder, a lipgloss in Inferno, and the award winning They're Real mascara!

This kit will be available in June 2013 exclusively at Sephora.  BUT there's an advance pre-sale tomorrow at Sephora at the Toronto Eaton Centre from 12pm to 7pm!  So you get the chance to check it out before everyone does!  Also you'll have a chance to meet with Benefit Makeup Master Jose Rivera to learn more about the tips and tricks in using the palette.  See below for more details about the Pink Carpet flash sale event!
I'm gonna be popping by during lunch time to check it out.  Will you?


Don't forget to enter my blogaversary / 100th post / blog makeover GIVEAWAY!  I'm giving away a Too Faced Boudoir Soft & Sexy Eye Collection!

Until next time,



x Rica

Last night I got an exciting news that the Canadian own Annabelle Cosmetics now has a online shopping site!  Hurray!  To celebrate their new shopping site, Annabelle is have a promotion for its customers for a limited time (online only)!

• Spend $25 and get $5 off your orders
• Spend $50 and get $15 off your orders
• Spend $100 and get $40 off your orders

Now, you don't have to be a Mathie like me to figure out the discount (of course, the $40 off $100 is the best deal).  If you are new to Annabelle and not ready to commit, no worries, Annabelle is also offering free shipping on all orders until May 12!  So for those of you who have been wanting to try their Smoothliner but don't have Annabelle near you, now its time!

If you're ready to try Annabelle out but don't know what to get, let me help ya.  To get you started, let me share with you a few must-haves from Annabelle...

• TwistUp Retractable Lipstick Crayon because they're creamy, pigmented and easy to use
• Eyebrow Pencil because it keeps my brow hair in place
• SmudgePaint Creamy Gel Shadow + Liner because these babies don't smudge

Also, my wishlist...

• TwistUp Retractable Lipstick Crayon because you can't have too much
• Expandable Mascara because I'm a mascara junkie
• BB Compact Makeup because it sounds like it'll be good for my oily skin

I feel like I'm like an infomercial guy, but there actually is more. To add a cherry on top of the sundae, if you're one of the first 100 people register your online consumer profile and benefit from free shipping, you will get free shipping for life!

Don't forget to enter my blogaversary / 100th post / blog makeover GIVEAWAY!  I'm giving away a Too Faced Boudoir Soft & Sexy Eye Collection!

Until next time,


x Rica

Revlon Lash Potion Volume + Length Mascara by Grow Luscious (CA $9.95) is one of the latest offerings from Revlon.  I have been itching to try it but I waited until I saw that a lot of people want to know more about it, I know I had to review it.  Long story short, I love it (as you know it made it to my Spring/April favourites).  For those of you who likes the long story (and see the before and after), here we go!

Earlier this week I had the chance to attend the Almay Playfully Pretty Tea Party.  It was a lovely event on a lovely sunny day, perfect Spring day to have a tea party!

Tea party with Liquid Lip Balm

Beautiful cups and plates ALL THE WAY from England!

One main theme about this event is Mother's Day.  Almay has partnered up with their current spokemodel Kate Hudson, as well as her mother, Goldie Hawn.  The award winning actresses mother-and-daughter-duo is the face of this special campaign feature their intense i-color line.  They have a mother-daughter makeup and makeover station to celebrate this special occasion.

Almay Mother's Day Campaign

Last week I did a recap on the Revlon 2013 Product Launch and I mentioned that there is one secret product that I can't talk about until after April 15.  Well, now it's pass that, so here we go!

Emma Stone is the face for this mascara, an she's wearing Blak

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara display at the launch

Lash Potion Mascara in Blackened Brown

On April 14, the night of the MTV Video Awards, Revlon revealed its latest innovation in front of millions of viewers on TV.  Available at your local drugstore in May 2013, Revlon Lash Potion is the newest mascara by its Grow Luscious line.  It promises to provide "spell-binding volume and super natural length from the very first application".  Its magic lies within the brush and the formula.  Revlon describes the was as the "Illusionist Wand" that coat lashes with their "formula of strengthening proteins" that gives maximum volume and clump-free length.  They also say that the formula of the mascara "conditions and moisturizes so lashes are less brittle".

What are your beauty wishes?  Nice manicured nails at all times?  Fuller glossy Lips?  Flawless complexion with radiance?  Long and luscious lashes?

This past Sunday, a few Toronto beauty bloggers and I met up at Milestones for our regular(ish) TOBB brunch!  Normally, we would chat about beauty, catch up with our fellow beauty bloggers and maybe meet a few new faces.  This time, on top of the aforementioned activities, we have a special guest who flew all the way from the United Kingdom — Amanda Bell, the makeup artist of PIXI Beauty.

Round Table of makeup goodies

If you are an avid viewer of some British beauty vloggers on YouTube, you probably would have heard of PIXI Beauty before.  They are a UK based makeup brand developed by its founder & creator, Petra, with a mission of "simply to bring out the natural beauty in all women – to make women look like themselves, only better.gredients so that skin is treated whilst you wear it".  They have been made available in the U.S. at Target for a few years now.  As you all probably know already, Target has arrived in Canada, and PIXI Beauty is also available now in the Canadian location.  Hurray!