Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Dior is the master in the world of mascara.
If it's out there, they've done it and perfected it.

I've never been a huge fan of the original Diorshow mascara since I've always been a microbrush fan and never really enjoyed the big teddybear style brush.
Though, there is a method to their madness.
Just as a tidbit since your'e reading, the reason behind the brush style, the formula and the name of Diorshow is exactly as it sounds it would be.
It was originally used on the Dior runway as a replacement for false lashes. They were able to build and build without it getting hard and crusty. It's able to closely mimic the fullness of false lashes as well as the length due to it's buildability [is that even a word? It should be]. Due to the shortage of time between looks and prepping for the next walkway, MUA's actually started using toothbrushes to do a quick full application of the mascara; hence the brush design.

But we're not here to talk about Diorshow.
We're talking about their brand new Overcurl mascara.
Personally, I'm in love with it.

I'm lucky to have a fair lash length- but nothing that can compare to what this mascara can do.
Not only are you getting incredible length and separation  you're also going to get one heck of a curl; and that's without using an eyelash curler.
I didnt' find it as volumizing as some of the other mascara's in the Dior line, but it's not stingy either.
I know what you're saying; "Sure a curling mascara. I've never seen that before. Give me my "They're Real""
But here's the differences.
Partially it's to do with the brush shape. It's slightly curved meaning you can use it either way to give maximum curl to the lashes and maximum coverage. I personally use it curve side up [meaning the bend is downward] since it find it easier to apply that way.  It makes it easier to get at your bottom lashes as well.

The other point of difference is in the formation. It's made with a K-Polymer which is basically the same thing you find in flexible hold hairsprays. It lifts and holds the curl without making your lashes hard and crusty. You still have nice light flexible lashes with a curl that stays all day long with no need for a curler.

It is currently only available in black- but I'm sure with its success they'll allow it to join the ranks of their other mascaras with a blue, brown and a waterproof formulation.
As a sidenote, if you're concerned about its lack of waterproof ability, try grabbing one of Anastasia's lash genius waterproof topcoat. Trust me, it works! I tried and tested it through both rain and snow and I came out with everything running but my mascara.

Another great thing to pair with this and one of my favorites is Diorshow Maximizer Lash plumping serum. It works as an amazing primer and to help strengthen lashes. I often put a coat on before bed as well to give my lashes a little more support since I often wear large false lashes and constant wear can be tough on your lashes.

*This is with TWO coats applied and no eyelash curler.  My apologies for the unfixed slip up on the bottom lid. Dammit for close photos! I obviously need more sleep*

You can pick yours up exclusively at Sephora

Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector™

A new primer on the block promising us oily folks some shine relief, but can it deliver?
All the reviews across the world of the internet say yes, but I'm not that quick to believe.
So, I had to try it for myself.

I've never been a fan of the silicone feel of most oil combating primers and find them relatively heavy on the skin. This one is a little different.
It doesn't have that slickness that you find with most silicone/dimethicone primers.
It goes on and doesn't move.
It promises I'll be matte for 8 hours.

First things first, I start with my daily cleaning routine.
Cleanser, serum, moisturizer.
Take a small amount [pea size] of Becca primer and work it in your hands.
You can apply it to the entire face or just to the t-zone if that's where you're primarily oily.
Wait about 30 seconds to one minute before applying your foundation.
If you find that it's piling [balling up and rubbing off your face], then you've put too much on.

Another great trick with this primer is if you're exceptionally oily in the |T-zone or just have oily eyelids, you can also use it as an eyelid primer for your shadow.

My skin was automatically matte.
No questions about it.
But then I noticed a slight tingling over my skin and bit of tightening.
I assume this is how it helps to reduce pore size [most products that claim to reduce the visible size of pores use a warming and cooling effect. It opens the pores and cools quickly to cause them to shrink]. Remember, nothing can physically change the size of pores. We can only change the visible appearance of them.

I wanted to take a closer look into the ingredients since I'm curious what causes this effect. Unfortunately  there appears to be little information. I'll get in touch with Becca and when I find out the answer, I'll share it with you.
Despite being silicone free, it isn't paraben free.
That doesn't matter a whole lot to me, but I know it's a buzz word out there among consumers and something I get asked about often.

I put it through the test- my work day.
I arrived home 11 hours later and was still shine free.
No touch ups, nothing.

I officially LOVE this primer!!!!

If you're looking to pick up some of your own, you can get it directly from Becca or from Sephora

Yves Saint Laurent: Manifesto

I never use to be a gal who was too interested in fragrances in the past.

I think it was more or less because I was always far too poor to afford them and could never see the point in paying the price for something that seemed "lavish". 

Needless to say I was always a frugal person. 

But as I've gotten older, I've realized that every now and again, it's okay to spoil yourself. 

To reward yourself for a hard job done well. Even if that means it's something that requires saving for. 

I know, I know, some of you are saying: "But it's only $92!".
I agree, but for some of us, $92 is an electric or Hydro bill. 

Regardless, in the world of fragrance I never put myself in the sweet or floral category. 

Especially floral. There's something about them that never spoke to me - especially something with a heavy gardenia [Madonna's new scent for example].

In the world of sweetness, it's that sticky, "young" scent [as some people would call it] like Pink Sugar. 

So when I saw this fragrance and saw that it contained a few of my fragrance enemies, I wasn't so sure how it would play out. 

It contains a Jasmine, Wood, Vanilla, and  Tonka Bean.
I figured, what the hay, and spritzed some on. 

It's not too sweet, not too floral and just has this nice, almost "fluffy" scent to it. It's hard to explain. 

As I headed on my long commute to work on a traincar full of other commuters, I found many people leaning in closer than necessary and was certain I was either going insane, or there was someone who smelled terrible on the other end of the car.
I had quite a few people tap me on the shoulder to ask me what it was that I was wearing. 

That rarely, if ever, happens to me. 

The response to my answer was mostly: "That is beautiful! Where did you get it!?"
[And in case you're wondering, it's available through a few different places, but you can get it online through Sephora]

They also have a HUGE campaign following this launch, so I'm sure you'll see it everywhere if you haven't already. Just for fun & in case you need a break from my writing- here's the official ad:

The other thing that I found better about this fragrance is the longevity of it. 

Usually after about an hour or so I find the scent has all but completely left me. Even with the heavier scents like Opium. Though, surprisingly, I found this stayed with me all day. Even at the very end of the day, when I pulled my shirt over my head to put on PJ's, I was still smacked with the scent. 

*Also, just a side note about applying fragrance, since I often catch people dowsing themselves in it. Couple of tips; be sure to spritz it on your pressure points [neck, wrists] and give your hair a spritz. Hair is porous and will hold the scent longer. Not to mention, the gorgeous scent following behind your luscious locks will have them following you just to find out what it is you're wearing.
When applying to the wrists, be sure not to rub your wrists together vigorously, it actually bruises the oils in the scent and can make it go funky on your skin.*

If you're a floral gal- Get it.

If you're a sweet gal- Get it.

Like musk, like me?- Get it.

I guarantee you wont' be disappointed.
Not to mention, how gorgeous will this bottle look on your nightstand!?

Make Up For Ever TechniColor Palette

I'll be the first to admit, I'm a Make Up for Ever junkie.
I adore their products and they definitely stand side by side with my other loves, Illamasqua [not available in Canada-YET], Ben Nye and Graftobian.

They have one of the largest selections available with regards to colour in the free world.
The pigments and the formula's are beautiful - not to mention the most waterproof make up you can find.

It's extremely rare to see a palette from them, as all of their shadows can be de-potted and placed in magnetic palettes [much like MAC].
But every now and again they throw us junkies a bone and they've got me hooked in with the new Technicolor Palette.

When I first read about it I was terribly excited with the idea of "technicolor". I automatically thought of all the amazing bright [bordering on neon] colours they have; though when it arrived it was the opposite of what my mind had envisioned.
Colours I would've loved to have seen in there would've been:

• Neon Pink #75
• Turquoise Matte #72
• Iridescent Acid Green #171
• Purple #92
• Tangerine #18
• Yellow #2
• Black #4
• White #0

And it would've looked something like this:

But alas, this was not the case.
Instead, you're looking at this:

Really? Brown? Seashell pink? Jesus.
So I had to look into this. I had to ask the question: Why call it "Technicolor"????

The answer was not as satisfying as I had hoped. 
It seems the palette's concept was based loosely on cinematic technicolor.
And in case you're curious about what I mean by that, think when the Wizard of Oz suddenly was in colour...that was thanks to Technicolor. It's your basic shades of blue, red and green. 
Though, oddly, there appears to be no red..or even pink in this palette. 
I'm a firm believer that the brown and neutral tone was added simply to appease those who fear colour into believing they're badasses by owning something with the word "color" in the title.
Though, speaking of those who fear the colour or who have no idea how to apply any of the shades offered in this palette, it comes with some great instructions. 
Enough to give even the beginner a head start and the ability to rock out a look like the pros. 

Despite my disappointment with the actual colours offered, there's no missing out on anything in the pigment department! They're utterly beautiful and blend like a dream.
They also come with 2 brushes of MUFE full brush quality. 
If you buy any palette this year and you want one with multi-function then this is your gal. 
These are also limited edition and only available at SEPHORA.
They'll run you a cool $50, but absolutely worth it!!!!