got glam cosmetics - review

Hello friends!

Today I wanted to talk to you all about some lovely makeup products from Got Glam Cosmetics!

These were sent to me a little while ago, and I've been testing them out so that I can share my opinion with you all :)

Waterproof Mascara (black) : (US$22.00, CAD $30.22)

I've absolutely fallen in love with this product!  Typically, I don't like waterproof mascaras and find that they don't end up looking nearly as nice after being in the water.
But, that definitely isn't the case for this one!  I've recently started teaching swimming lessons, and even after hours in the pool this keeps my lashes looking amazing.

Plumping Lip gloss (in the shades radiant & sassy)   (US$18.00, CAD $24.72)

These glosses are like nothing else in my makeup collection!  They are packed with glitter, and look gorgeous alone, or over lipstick.  The golden colour reminds me a lot of the Jouer Cosmetics Lip Topper in the shade skinny dip, which has been a favourite in the makeup community ever since it was released :)

I adore this high-shine, plumping formula and I know I'll get a lot of use out of these. They're so lovely!

If you'd like to check out these and all Got Glam Cosmetics' other amazing products 

just click here :)

xoxo

Maiya 

+ peeks cosmetics +

Hello everyone!

Today I'm back with a VERY exciting post in collaboration with one of my new favourite makeup brands; Peeks Cosmetics!  They were kind enough to send me a tone of their gorgeous lip products to try out, and I thought I would share my opinions on them with you :)

Lip Blasters:

These are SUCH an incredible product. The best way I can describe them to you is that they are somewhere between an intensely pigmented gloss and a moisturizing liquid lipstick!
They go on fully opaque in one swipe and last on my lips for hours, even though they never dry down fully matte. They are also cruelty, gluten, and paraben free and have a delicious fresh mint flavour.  I can't say enough about this formula and the shade selection :) they are just absolutely gorgeous!

Down below are swatches of all the shades I was sent (right to left):

-tangerine (neon orange)
-sexy (soft pink)
-babe (fuchsia pink)
-popularity (neon pink)
-mystery (red)
-diva (burgundy)
-delicious (dark brown) - this one reminds me a lot of True Brown K by Kylie Cosmetics

Lip Gloss:

The next products they sent me were their lip glosses. These are enriched with vitamins A, C, and E so they keep your lips soft and hydrated. They are also cruelty, gluten, and paraben free (like all of their lip products). 

Some of these are sheer and some are more opaque, but all of them are very high shine and long lasting on the lips.

I am not typically a lip gloss girl, but these have totally changed my mind! They are not sticky at all, very comfortable on the lips, and SO beautiful.

Here are some swatches of the shades they sent me (right to left):

-fantasy (nude) - this one is my personal favourite!

-grown woman (rose pink)

-doll house (pink)

-control (orchid)

Lipstick:
Lastly, they sent me 6 of their lipsticks (5 matte, 1 satin).  When fully dried down these give the look of a liquid lipstick, without being drying at all.  They are enriched with vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable while still having a gorgeous matte finish.  These have SUCH an incredible formula and I have been reaching for them almost every day!

Here are swatches of all the shades I was sent (right to left):

-love thang (soft pink)
-wineberry baby (deep violet)
-quick sand (light brown)
-bonjour (light grey)
-bare me (nude)
-chocolate cake (brown)

As you can probably tell, I am completely in love with each and every one of these products.  I would highly recommend checking out Peeks Cosmetics and if you do, let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Maiya

Current Beauty Favourites

Today I wanted to do a little post about some of the makeup and beauty bits I've been loving lately.  These are the products I've been reaching for day after day, and I would recommend each and every one of them to you guys!  They are sooo lovely :)

Winter is never a great time for my skin.  Since it's already quite dry, the cold windy weather is not much help, and leaves my hands very often dry and cracking (yum).  I've been absolutely loving this "Hand & Nail Cream" by the brand MOR because first of all....the packaging is GORGEOUS.  Also, it's really moisturizing without being too thick, and leaves a delicious sweet marshmallow scent.

Another current favourite of mine is the Rimmel "Match Perfection Foundation".  I recently purchased this, and it has now won the title of my all time favourite drugstore foundation...it's sooo good.  It leaves a really natural dewy finish, which I much prefer to a matte look.  It's also very inexpensive (around $8 canadian) and worth every penny!

The Maybelline "fit me" is my current favourite concealer! It's very creamy and easy to blend, and I'd say it has medium coverage. I love using this for my under-eyes and for blemishes :)

The combination of these 2 products makes for the most AMAZING brows ever.  The NYX "micro brow pencil" is very thin and perfect for creating natural, hair like strokes.  It's very similar to the famous ABH "brow wiz", but for half the price :)
So I fill my brows in with the pencil, then set them in place with the Benefit "gimme brow" which keeps the hairs in place all day, and also has little fibers that thicken your brows and add a bit more colour.

I just recently started testing this product out, and I already love it!  This is the "glow all the way" primer by Hard Candy Cosmetics.  I wouldn't say that this extended the wear of my makeup like many primers do, but the glow really shone through my foundation and gave a very dewy finish.  I've also used this over foundation as a cream highlight, and it works very nicely that way as well!  Plus the packaging is adorable... ;)

These have been my absolute favourite lipsticks for the past few weeks!  They are both so comfortable on the lips, and pair well with almost any makeup look or outfit :)

-Rimmel Kate Moss "42"
-Mac "creme in your coffee"

Lately I have been completely obsessed with highlighting!  And my go-to has definitely been "pink champagne" from Tarte :)  I got this in a Christmas set and I don't know if it's still available...but if you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend that you do!  This brush (also from Tarte) is perfect for applying and blending it out.

"Vanille Extreme" by Comptoir Sud Pacific is definitely my current favourite perfume (and possibly all-time favourite...?).  I can't tell you how many times people have asked me what perfume I'm wearing when I use this.  It's so lovely.

This is the blush I've been reaching for almost every single day lately.  It's so natural and glowy, and is the perfect blush for almost any makeup look.  I really want to try out more blushes from this line, because this one is incredible! (Lancome "blush subtil" in the shade "miel glace")

----------

And that is all!  Hope you guys enjoyed this post, and let me know in the comments if I should do these types of posts every month...?  Also, stay tuned because I have 2 very exciting posts coming up soon ;)  I can't wait for you guys to see them!

xoxo

Maiya

benefit holiday blush palette

Hello guys!

I've been waiting to post this for quite a while now...ever since i bought this I've been wanting to show you all!  I just wanted to wait a while so I'd have time to try it out and form a proper opinion first :) 

I picked up this Benefit "Real Cheeky Party" from their Holiday 2015 Collection and it is INCREDIBLE.  The set contains;

• they’re real! mascara deluxe sample | 0.36 g Net wt. 0.1 oz.
• they’re real! push-up liner deluxe sample | 3.0 g Net wt. 0.1 oz.
• dandelion medium | 4.0 g Net wt. 0.14 oz.
• watt’s up! small | 1.5 g Net wt. 0.05 oz.
• sugarbomb medium | 6.0 g Net wt. 0.21 oz.
• hoola medium | 5.0 g Net wt. 0.17 oz.
• CORALista medium | 5.0 g Net wt. 0.17 oz.
• rockateur medium | 5.0 g Net wt. 0.17 oz.

I've always wanted to try out the Benefit Boxed Blushes and Hoola Bronzer, but for $36 each...I could never quite justify the purchase.  So when I saw this set, I absolutely could not resist!  Because for just over the price of one Boxed Blush, you get to try out 5!!!! (as well as a mascara, eyeliner, and highlight!)

The set is sold at Sephora for $50 (and claims to be valued at $116), but I was able to grab mine at 20% off during the VIB Rouge sale event.  It was worth every penny :) Now here are my thoughts on the product!

 Personally, I love the packaging!  It reminds me of a watermelon and is so colourful and happy.  It's a very sturdy and well made metal tin which is much appreciated :)  The only part I don't love is that the actual products are held in a fairly flimsy cardboard insert...which can be slightly annoying.

As for the actual products inside (the most important part!), they are SUCH great quality.  I've been using almost nothing else on my cheeks since I bought this...I'm so in love!  My current favourite blush from the set is "sugarbomb", but every single one is beautiful!

They're all very long lasting, bendable, and very soft powders :)  I have no complaints and would definitely recommend picking up this set before it's sold out!

It would make such an adorable Christmas gift and I'm sure lots of girls out there would be all over this set, am I right ladies!? ;)

Hope you guys enjoyed this post :)  I have plenty more makeup posts planned, so let me know if you're interested in seeing them!  And maybe comment down below which of the products from this set you think would be your favourite.

Love you girls,

xoxo

Maiya

summer makeup look + giveaway

Hello!

Today I thought I'd share with you a makeup look I can't stop wearing this Summer.  It's very long lasting and great for hot days in the sunshine :)  (stay tuned til the end for an exciting giveaway with Parlo Cosmetics!)

Products used for this look:

+ BARE REPUBLIC natural mineral tinted moisturizer (SPF 30)
+ Rimmel match perfection concealer
+ Parlo Cosmetics natural mineral foundation
+ Parlo Cosmetics natural mineral blush (in the shade "jolene")
+ Anastasia brow wiz 
+ Swissco eyelash curler
+ Maybelline colossal volume express mascara  
+ Parlo Cosmetics natural mineral eye shadow (in the shades "big talk", "safari", and "shimmy shimmy")
+ Coolway beachy salt spray
+ Parlo Cosmetics tinted natural lip balm (in the shade "coral me happy)

Step 1-

Apply your favorite tinted moisturizer or BB cream all over your face.  Make sure it has SPF to protect your skin from the Summer sun!  I like to blend it in using a damp makeup sponge but using your fingers or a brush would work as well.

Step 2-

I buffed this mineral powder foundation in all over my face to add extra coverage and keep the tinted moisturizer in place all day.  Using a powder or powder foundation will really extend the wear of your makeup and keep it from melting off your face in the heat!

Step 3-

Apply your favorite blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend out along your cheekbone.  I used a rosy pink blush ("jolene" by parlo cosmetics) because it has a gorgeous sheen to it which will make you look very glowy and luminous for the summer (which is very on trend right now in the makeup world!).

Step 4-

Apply a highlight to the tops of your cheekbones (above the blush), and down the bridge of your nose.  I actually used an eye shadow ("shimmy shimmy" by parlo cosmetics) as my highlighter for this look!

Step 5-

Lightly fill in your brows to define them, but still keep them nice and natural :)

Step 6- (eye shadow)

- I applied "big talk" all over the lid and blended it out into the crease.

- Next I took a highlight shade ("shimmy shimmy") and applied it to the inner corner and brow bone (under the tail end of your eyebrow)

- Lastly, I took the darkest shade and popped it on the outer third of my eyelid then blended it out into the crease. I also applied it all along the lower lash line.

Step 7-

Curl your eyelashes and apply your favorite mascara (waterproof is a great option for Summer)

Step 8-

Apply a tinted lip balm to add a pop of color to the look while keeping your lips moisturized all day!

Step 9-

Take a setting spray of your choice and mist it all over your face to keep your makeup in place and refreshed.

Step 10-

Spritz a sea salt spray in your hair and work it in with your fingers to give your hair some effortless volume and texture :)

- - - - - - - - - -

Hope you enjoyed this quick tutorial and that you try out this look sometime this Summer!

Also, make sure to enter my giveaway for a chance to win some makeup from Parlo Cosmetics!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Maiya

easy diy cream blush

Hello everyone!

I'm absolutely loving Summer so far :) aren't you?  It's so nice not to have to worry about school and just relax.

A few days ago I was feeling in a crafty mood and decided to experiment with some diy makeup recipes.  I finally came out with a perfect combination and a gorgeous cream blush for the Summer time!  It's so easy and I'm sure you'll have everything you need to make it at home.

ingredients:

+ wax (make sure it's safe to use on your skin...like beeswax or soy wax)

+ any powder blush, eye shadow, loose pigment, or lipstick

+ natural oil  (I used coconut but jojoba, vegetable, or any other oil would be fine)

+ a little container (I used an empty powder blush container)

+ a heat source (I just melted everything in a metal spoon over a candle)

step 1 - measure out 1 tsp of wax, 1 tsp of oil, and 1 tsp of color (powder blush, lipstick etc)

step 2 - melt your wax and oil over the heat source

step 3 - mix in your color (if you're using powder, make sure it's very fine and that there are no lumps)

step 4 - pour your mixture into your container

step 5 - let it set for a few hours...and you're done!

I'm SOOOO happy with how this turned out.  It's very pigmented, beautiful, and works just as well as any cream blush you would buy!  If you want it to be even more long lasting you can set it with a powder blush, but it lasts fairly well on its own.  I also love how you can customize the shade of this product :) You could make so many different shades...the possibilities are endless!  You can also use this product as a lip balm if you want.  It's very moisturizing and adds a little pop of color to your lips.  Perfect for Summer!


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Have a wonderful day...love you ♥

Maiya

ipsy - June 2015

Hello!

Happy Summer!  I'm officially finished school so I should be posting more frequently for the next few months.  Yay!!!  To celebrate the end of the school year I decided to treat myself to an ipsy subscription.  In case you aren't familiar with it, ipsy is a monthly subscription service that sends you 4-5 sample sized beauty products.  It's only 10$ a month (or 15$ if you don't live in the US) which I think is an amazing price!

I just received my first bag a few days ago and thought I'd show you what's inside!

 

The first product in my bag was this OGX "Healing+Vitamin E Penetrating Oil"  (check it out here).  I've used this a few times so far and I absolutely LOVE it!  It claims to heal split ends and add moisture to your hair, and so far it has made my hair feel amazing and really helped with frizzyness :) I run this through towel dried hair after a shower and it works wonders.  Not to mention that this very big for a sample sized product!  I am so soooo happy with it.

The next product in my bag was a Too Faced "Melted Lipstick" in the shade "Melted Candy" (check it out here).  I was really happy to find this in my bag cause I already have 4 other melted lipstick shades and they're amazing ♥  This one is a hot pink color that is perfect for the Summer.

Above is "Melted Candy" and below is my entire melted lipstick collection

("Melted Berry", "Melted Fuchsia", "Melted Candy", "Melted Nude", Melted Peony") 

The next product in my bag was this Swissco Eyelash Curler (check it out here).  I love that it's purple and it works very well.  It feels like good quality and I was very pleased to see this in my bag :)

The next product in my bag was this treStique Mini Shadow Crayon in the shade "Marimoto Pink Pearl" (check it out here).  It is absolutely WONDERFUL.  I've worn this by itself and with eye shadow over top, and it didn't crease either time.  It is a great products and I will be using it all.the.time. ♥ This might just be my favorite product in the bag!

 The last product in my ipsy bag was this adorable coral nail polish!  It's from the brand Aurora and claims to be a "Gel Effect" polish with no UV needed...which I'm guessing means it gives you the same look as a gel polish without the hassle!  I haven't used this yet but it is a perfect Summer shade and I'm very excited about it :)

I was VERY happy with my ipsy and will definitely be continuing with my subscription.  Let me know if you'd like to see more ipsy posts in the future...maybe this could be a monthly thing! ♥

Maiya

Spring Makeup Haul

Hello!

Lately I've been trying REALLY hard not to buy any more makeup.  Cause I honestly have wayyy too much already, and my savings are almost entirely gone.  But I just can't seem to help myself...so I decided to show you guys what I bought in the last couple of weeks :)

Let me know if you like haul posts down in the comments...cause I'll probably accidentally buy tons more makeup soon, lets be honest.  Oh!  I also have a very exciting post coming up later this month so stay tuned!

I picked up this Smashbox "Cherry Smoke" photo op eye shadow palette.  It's limited edition and has so many gorgeous shades, I couldn't resist!  The packaging is really sturdy and has a mirrored pattern on the top as well as a really big mirror inside.

My favorite shadows from the palette so far are the two on the left called bare and unadorned, as well as the top peachy shade called shell, and the bottom copper shade called oxidize. But I really do love them all :) This palette was a bit expensive, but worth every penny!

  

Here they are swatched in rows from right to left  ↑

The next thing I purchased was this "High Intensity Eye Shadow" duo from Hard Candy.  The duo is called Slow and Steady and these claim to have a unique hybrid texture, which is not a powder, nor a cream. It claims to have

• Intense color
• Silk hybrid texture
• Up to 24 hour lasting hold
• Water, crease, and fade resistant

I haven't tried these out enough times to be able to say whether these meet all of the claims, but I do have high hopes!  And the colors are absolutely beautiful, I'll probably be picking up a few more!

I picked up two Revlon "Super Lustrous Lipsticks" in the shades 668 Primrose (above ↑), and 660 Berry Haute (below ↓).  These weren't as pigmented as I expected but they do have a really nice formula.  They're very moisturizing and leave a gorgeous, glossy wash of color on the lips.

I've had my eye on this Rimmel "Lasting Finish" lipstick in the shade 070 Airy Fairy.  It is the absolute most perfect nude lipstick and I love it so much.  I do wish it was a bit more long lasting, but overall I do love it and I'm so glad I picked it up.

I'd also been wanting this Rimmel "Full Color Lip Liner" in 063 Eastend Snob for quite some time.  I LOVE this color on its own or as a liner.  It's just so gorgeous.

Next I picked up this Rimmel "Apocalips Lip Lacquer" in 101 Celestial. This is such a creamy gloss in the most gorgeous dust rose color.  

Swatches from top to bottom:

• Airy Fairy
• Eastend Snob
• Celestial
• Berry Haute
• Primrose

I was needing a new under eye concealer so I picked up this Rimmel "Match Perfection 2 in 1 concealer & highlighter" (I'm in the shade 125 fair in case you were wondering). I absolutely love the formula, it's amazing.  This is probably my new favorite concealer!

Next I picked up this set of 3 eyeshadow palettes from the brand "Mariposa" (which I hadn't heard of before).  These weren't very expensive and I wasn't expecting great quality at all, but I was very pleasantly surprised!  These were really pigmented and smooth shadow, and I loved the shades in all of the palettes.

Let me know if you'd like to see a makeup collection post...cause I'd love to make one :)

Maiya