July Empties

☑ 100% Pure Body Cream (samples) review

The first thing that struck me with this body cream was the scent. My favorite by far was Green Apple - yum! They all smell amazing - and I'm not talking about that cheap chemical scent! I wish the scent would last longer on the skin but this body cream is still a pleasure to use regardless. As for the texture, it's just what I was expecting for a body cream: deliciously rich, non greasy and fast absorbing. There is a wide variety of scents available and they are all vegan, except Honey Almond, which is vegetarian.

Repurchase: yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing Body Moisturiser with Cucumber

☑ LaRocca Skincare 24k C-Gold Gel (sample) review

Can you believe this product costs $143 for 1oz? Crazy right? I didn't notice any improvment regarding the clarifying, brightening and firming of the skin. Maybe I'm too young for this? But one thing I can tell for sure is that this gel is really moisturizing, and it leaves my skin sooooo soft and smooth! I couldn't stop touching my face after applying it! As it's a gel, the texture is light, but I still think it's a little heavy for a gel - it takes some times for the product to be absorbed into the skin. It doesn't feel greasy though.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum

☑ Clarins Toning Lotion Alcohol-Free with Camomille (sample)

I bought this for $5 on a whim at the first Clarins warehouse sale I attended... $5 for a sample size they aren't even allowed to sale... I think it was the first warehouse sale I ever attended but since thne, trust me I've learned what it worth it and what is not worth it. I don't think this product is worth the price, as a toner is a toner, right?

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion (sample)

Tag: Summer Besties

I'm not a big fan of tags (even though I enjoy reading them), but I've seen this one on YouTube and on some blogs and I thought it was quite interesting so I decided to give it a go!

Favorite summer...

Lip product - MAC Lazy Day Lustre Lipstick I was extremely lucky to win this gorgeous lipstick from Kim. Because of my dry lips, I don't wear lipstick as often as I would like to, but this one is definitely a favorite of mine. It's a perfect pale pink that doesn't make me look like a ghost even though I'm pale, and I like its glossy finish.

Blush - Annabelle Mineral Powder Blush - Au Naturel I've never been a big fan of mineral makeup because it tends to be a mess to use, but I love this blush regardless. Yes it goes everywhere on the bathroom counter when I try to put it on, but the color is just so natural and perfect, it's definitely worth it. This blush is easily buildable and provides a natural and radiant glow thanks to its slightly shimmery finish.

Nail Polish - Barry M Nail Paint in Mushroom Barry M is not available in Canada as of yet, but I was very lucky to receive this nail polish to try and review. It's one of the best drugstore nail polish I have tried so far! It lasts a week with minor chips, the formula is great and you barely need two coats to achieve perfect opacity. Mushroom is a super pretty taupe shade that has quickly became a staple of mine.

Bronzer - Annabelle Zebra Bronzing Powder in Haute Gold (the original question was "Liquid face product" but I don't use any) I reviewed this a long time ago, and even if I had the chance to try numerous bronzers in the meantime, I always go back to this one. It is perfectly shimmery and even if I'm fair, this bronzer gives a natural glow to my face without overdoing it.

Powder face product - Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation SPF 15 - Bisque I normally don't wear foundation, but I like to swipe this one on to absorb the oil on my face when it's hot outside. It also has SPF 15 which is great, because I don't have to apply a greasy sunscreen before going out.

Hair product - Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo As I have super greasy roots, I fell in love with dry shampoos a long time ago, but I haven't had the chance to try Batiste until very recently - not to mention it's pretty hard to find here in Canada. Batiste is perfect: even if my hair is dark brown, the white residues are easy to brush out, and my hair is left volumized, texturized and clean for hours. With other dry shampoos, there was always a problem, but Batiste solved it all. I have tried Batiste Original, Blush and Tropical, and out of the three, Tropical is my favorite as it smells fresh and citrusy. The on the go size is also perfect to throw in my handbag.

Eye product - Too Faced Eye Shadow - Sitcom Siren When it's all hot and sweaty outside, I don't feel like putting makeup on and I tend to get lazy, that's why I like to rely on Sitcom Siren: it's a pretty taupe eyeshadow that applies like a dream and blends really well. It's a great natural shade to apply all over the lid when I'm in a hurry.

Self Tanner - Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Décolleté I bought this bronzer recently at Clarins 2011 Spring Warehouse Sale for $13 instead of $32 because I have never heard of a tint bronzer before. I'll be honest: the application is awful - because it's a tint, you have to be quick and apply the product exactly where you want because when it's put, it stays put - you can't blend it. I know it was meant for the face and décolleté, but I really wanted to try it all over my body, and I wasn't disappointed: it really gives a dark tan without looking orange. It's a hassle to reapply it every week thought because of tint formula but I have yet to come across a bronzer that gives me better results.

Fashion accessory - Claire's Adjustable Humming Bird Ring I won this ring from Em about a month ago, and I'm absolutely in love with it! I've never been a big ring wearer but I never had something similar to this and it is sooooo gorgeous. I love its vintage vibe and the little sparkly stones are super pretty!

Clothing piece - Garage denim shorts I don't think I have ever bought denim shorts as I prefer to simply cut off the legs of old jeans that I don't wear anymore. Why waste something that still fits? I love the look of denim shorts, they go well with everything, and I even wear them in the winter with leggings or stockings.

L - R: Lazy Day, Au Naturel, Haute Gold, Bisque, Sitcom Siren


♥

The winner of my LoveMode.com giveaway is...

Krystal!

Yey! Congrats hun!!! =D

Shopping: Clarins 2011 Spring Warehouse Sale

I went to a Clarins warehouse sale only once (around maybe two years ago?) with my friend Sara and her mother but I wouldn't have known about this sale if they hadn't told me. The last time, I remember nothing really interested me, but I ended up getting two Instant Gel self-tanners out of pure curiosity and Escada Pacific Paradise because it was just delicious - fruity and sweet, yum! I have barely used the self tanners though but I'm starting to get interested in this whole fake tan thing, so I plan to use them more this summer. My friend Ariane also told me that Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse SPF 15 was great, so I was very curious.

When I heard about the spring warehouse sale through MontrealAubaines.com, I figured out I could have a look as it was only 15 minutes from where I live. I went with my mother on June 3 at around 6:00 PM, and to my surprise, it wasn't that crowded, and we entered pretty quickly.

There were a lot of brands available, such as Anna Sui, Thierry Mugler, Clarins, Azzaro Paris, Couvent des Minimes Haute Provence, Nuxe, Pür Minerals, Kibio, Parfums Roxy, QuickSilver, Burberry Fragrance, Lanvin Parfums, Porsche Design, Annick Goutal, and more.

Of course, the first thing I looked for was the self tanners. I picked up the Delectable Self Tanning Mousse as soon as I saw it, but I put it back when I realized the expiration date was in September z=

I was disappointed, but then Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Decolleté grabbed my attention with its claims to achieve a natural-looking, dark, tropical tan.

Intense in the bottle, subtly golden on the skin. Upon application it promotes the beautiful, sunny radiance of a sun-filled vacation. Hour after hour, its tropical tanned colour intensifies but remains very natural-looking. Makes it possible to intensify or to maintain the tanned colour you want simply by renewing application. Also leaves skin soft and hydrated, tanned and toned, skin looks so healthy.

I've been told this product isn't sold in Canada and it's not on Clarins Canada website, so I guess I was lucky to find it! I don't care that it's labelled for face and decolleté, I plan to use it on my body as well. I got it for $13 instead of $32, bargain!

Then I decided to have a look at Nuxe products, because I have always found their prices ridiculous in store, but I've been pretty obsessed with their Rêve de Miel Lip Balm as my lips have been acting crazy lately. No matter which lip balm I use, nothing works, and they stay super dry and chapped, and they even keep peeling. The corners of my mouth are even cracked!

I spotted the tester but couldn't find the unopened packages, only to be told by the sale assistant that they all have been sold. OMG, seriously?! But then my mother spotted a bonus package with the three Rêve de Meil products: a day cream, a body cream and... the lip balm! The package was only $29, talk about a bargain!

With this extremely nourishing and repairing fragrance-free balm that contains no preservatives or artificial scents and has no sticky effect, most damaged lips are supple and soft. 

Thanks to this amazing balm, damaged lips will instantly be soothed. Its luscious texture and its sweet taste of Honey and Grapefruit turns applying it in truly blissful moment.

My mother was very kind and gave it to me as a present. This lip balm is rated 4.2 out of 5 on MakeupAlley so I have really hopes about it!

My mother spent around $200 at the sale. Here's what she bought:

• X3 Clarins Sun Care Cream Very High Protection 100% Mineral Filters For Children ($13 each)
• Nuxe Rêve de Miel Set including Ultra Comfortable Body Cream (miniature), Ultra Comfortable Face Cream and Lip Balm ($25)
• Burberry Brit For Women Set including Eau de Parfum Natural Spray 100mL, Refreshing Body Lotion and Energizing Body Wash ($58)
• X2 Nuxe Rêve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Face Cream ($20 each)
• Burberry Brit For Women Limited Edition 100 mL ($48)

Talk about amazing bargains! The sunscreens smells great, a little citrusy, and the texture of the Nuxe Face Cream is simply amazing! It's very thick to the touch, almost like butter, but it almost melts when in contact with the skin.

Overall, we are pretty proud of our purchases, and I'll be sure to let you know what I think of the Clarins self-tanner and the Nuxe lip balm.