Social Media Update

Hey everyone,

It's pretty crazy. I'm over 13,500 views. My Twitter account (@makeupbymegant) and Instagram account (@makeupbymegant) are getting increasingly more popular, which is insane, so I just thought I'd add an additional post and remind any new readers about how you can keep up with what I'm doing and the posts I'm writing. Thank you all for reading, I really appreciate it and I can't believe that I'm getting regular views here. Because of all your support I am continuing to write posts every other day and perhaps I'll even start making some YouTube videos.... maybe. Let me know what you think! Anyway, thanks again!

 Here's my Twitter account. I update pretty frequently, almost always makeup-related posts and I link directly to new blog posts. https://twitter.com/makeupbymegant

 My Instagram is a little more personal, I post about things I don't always write about, and of course there are a few #selfies. http://instagram.com/makeupbymegant

 I also have a Facebook page, which, to be fair, I very rarely use. It is mainly liked by personal friends and family, whereas Twitter and Instagram is better for me to get in touch with other readers from across the globe. Regardless, here is the page: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymegant

And I'm now on Bloglovin'! It's a great site where you can follow blogs all over the place, and then Bloglovin' summarizes them in a newsfeed so you can very easily keep up with all of your favourites in one place. http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12781243

So there ya go. Not a hugely interesting update, but if you're liking the posts perhaps you might like the other things I'm showing on social media. You guys are the best! Thanks for continuing to read!

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Megan

Hourglass Femme Rouge Lipstick in "Grace"

Hey everyone!

This is my last post regarding the Sephora 500 point perk from Hourglass. I've already written about the mascara, primer, liquid lipstick and now I'm finally reviewing the Femme Rouge Velvet Crème lipstick in the shade "Grace".

 The tube is really cute and tiny. It's in different packaging than the full sized version, but I think it still looks nice and is fairly good quality. 

 It's only 0.03oz, but that's okay because it's pretty rare to finish up a lipstick in my collection! I actually like having these mini sizes around, it's great for a night out, light packing for trips or if you're just planning on keeping it in your pocket for touch-ups. 

 The colour itself is really nice. It's a soft nude with some peach tones in it. It's not overly warm-toned, but I do think it would look especially nice on those with yellow/neutral undertones in their skin. I love the shade swatched on my hand, but on my lips it can pull a bit more orange, despite it's neutral colouring. 

 Just to illustrate how tiny this lipstick really is!

And finally, a swatch of the colour. It has a nice satin finish and is very long lasting. It also isn't drying whatsoever, something I really like in a long lasting lipstick. 

I think this is a beautiful product, and an excellent everyday shade for anyone with slightly warmer skin tones than mine.

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Urban Decay Naked Palette Review

Hey everyone,

I know that the Urban Decay Naked Palettes have been out for quite a long time. With Naked3 debuting last Winter, and the original Naked Palette dating back to the Summer of 2010! It took me a while to get my hands on it for a few reasons, 1) everyone has already written everything that could be written about the Naked palettes, 2) It's not cheap, it retails for $64.00 on the Canadian Sephora website, 3) I never knew which one would suit me the best out of the three.

"This is a shadow palette EVERYONE can use, and a truly spectacular gift. Experiment with office-appropriate neutrals, summertime bronzy looks, or sultry smokiness. With such a diversity of neutral shades at your fingertips, there's more to neutral than meets the eye."

 The packaging is the one thing about the Naked palettes that annoy me. The second two are great, but this first one gets dirty so quickly with it's velvet-esque casing and dark brown colour. It's not hard to deal with, but when you see how much more convenient Naked 2 and 3 look, I can't help but let it annoy me. 

 All Urban Decay products are cruelty-free, something I will always love and continue to look for in makeup products. 

 The palette itself comes with 12 'neutral' shades. There's a mirror, which is great- but again, Naked2 and 3 have a larger mirror. It came with a double-sided, cruelty-free, synthetic brush which is actually really nice, but I take them out of the palettes and keep them with the rest of my brushes. 

 The first 4 shades: Virgin (pale champagne shimmer), Sin (pink champagne shimmer), Naked (matte light brown) and Sidecar (silvery glitter shade).

 The second 4 shades: Buck (matte warm mid-toned brown), Half Baked (bright gold metallic shimmer), Smog (light pale bronze with a hint of grey) and Darkhorse (deep bronze shimmer).

 The final 4 shades: Toasted (medium pink shimmer), Hustle (pink based dark brown shimmer), Creep (shimmery deep grey) and Gunmetal (pale glittery grey with some blue undertones).

I haven't posted swatches because they can be found all over the internet, but I have used and love this palette. The eyeshadow quality is spectacular, buttery and pigmented. I was going to mention some favourite shades but I love them all so much it's hard to decide. Here are my top 3: Virgin (perfect inner corner highlight), Half Baked (stunning metallic gold shade), Naked (matte neutral brown perfect for crease defining and blending all the shades together). I can't say enough about this palette. It's beautiful, versatile and well worth every penny. I have, and will continue to recommend this to everyone I know. Well done, Urban Decay. A very well deserved cult favourite.

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Hourglass "Icon" Liquid Lipstick Review

Hey everyone!

Only one more Hourglass sample post to go! The Sephora 500 Point Perk got me a set of Hourglass samples, and I've been trying them all out to write these reviews for you lovely people! So I'm sorry that these past few weeks have been a bit Hourglass heavy, but I figured I may as well test them out right away! (Plus new makeup is always exciting!) I hope you enjoy!

"Get a bold red lip with this lasting, vivid shade from Hourglass. The proprietary blend of advanced polymers in this liquid lipstick delivers intense, vibrant color with exceptional longevity. Skin-conditioning emollients, antioxidant fruit extracts, cili fruit, goji berry, and vitamins A, C, and E help to protect the lips throughout the day."

 The packaging of this liquid lipstick is exactly what the full size is like, this one is just 0.03 oz. It can actually be purchased online in this size for $12.00- so this is a pretty nice bonus. It is tiny, for reference, it's about the size of the width of my iPhone 4S. So it's incredibly compact, perfect for nights out for your pockets.

 This is a swatch taken on my hand. It's a beautiful 'iconic' red, with blue undertones. It has a glossy finish, but not like a lipgloss. It just looks like a nice satin finish. I swatched this on my hand and immediately wiped it off.

This was the stain left on my hand after 30 seconds of wear. So if you're thinking of trying out a few shades for your lips one night, maybe save this one for last. It could affect how other lip colours will look on your lips.

Overall I think this product is excellent. There's a reason it's named "Icon", firstly for it's fantastic colour which will forever be classic and fashionable, but also because it's lasting power, quality, moisturization and packaging make it easily beat any other brands liquid lipstick lines. I would highly, highly recommend this to everyone I know, and I will certainly be shopping around for some different shades.

I hope you enjoyed this review! Thanks for reading!

Megan

Quo's "Electric Eyes" Eyeshadow Pencil Review

Hey everyone,

Today I'm reviewing Quo's "Electric Eyes" Eyeshadow Pencil review. Quo is a Canadian brand, exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart. It's on the more expensive side for a drugstore product, but the quality is pretty good and it's comparable in price to other drugstore brands such as L'Oreal.

 The packaging is pretty simple, it's a traditional wooden pencil which needs to be sharpened (no twist up here!) and the packaging matches the colour of the product. It even has a glittery finish to match the sheeny finish of the eyeshadow itself. 

 "Volt" is the pale pink shade on the left, and "Shock" is the purple shade on the right.

The pigmentation is pretty good, but what I love the most is the metallic finish, which almost comes across as glossy. Although I think the product doesn't last well enough for everyday looks, I think for costume makeup or a more editorial look these would be great. It can crease a bit, but when freshly applied it looks awesome.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend this product, especially when there are better products such as Rimmel's Scandaleyes Eye Pencils, but I think if you can find them and want a really glossy finish you should give them a try.

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Hourglass "Mineral Veil" Primer Review

Hey everyone,

Today I'm reviewing another mini I received in my Sephora 500 Point Perk. The Hourglass Mineral Veil primer is one I've heard about for a very long time, and something I've been sceptical to try because primers don't tend to do that much for me. This is the first primer I've used in a while that really improves the application and longevity of my foundation, and I'm not entirely sure how it does it.

The packaging is surprisingly nice for a 0.16 fl oz size. It's a glass container with a stick applicator which I'm sure will help scrape every last drop from the jar. Considering this is a small size I'm really impressed with how little you need and how well it works. It's also a generous size for a perk- especially since the 0.33 fl oz size sells for $21.00 and the full ounce sells for $60.00. 

Sephora's website describes it as:

A mineral-based, water-resistant primer with SPF 15 that neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application. This clean, satin-finish formula helps keep makeup looking fresh and prevents fading. Veil Mineral Primer also absorbs excess oils and minimizes the appearance of pores by evenly distributing light to help hide and soften skin imperfections and fine lines.

 I really like how Hourglass don't test on animals, I think it's a huge perk to any brand, and for that alone I am willing to spend more money. 

As you can see, the stick applicator isn't anything spectacular, but it does the job and keeps things somewhat hygienic. 

Overall, I think this product really improves how you apply your foundation and how well it lasts. It has a bonus of SPF15 and although expensive, Hourglass don't test on animals. If you have the money to spend, or if you really think a primer will enhance the look of your makeup I would certainly recommend this product. For the amount it costs, a little does go a long way, and I think it not only improves the look of foundation, but also your face as a blank canvas by smoothing lines, colour correcting and creating a soft, glowy effect on bare skin. 

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Soap & Glory's "Sexy Mother Pucker" Lip Plumping Glosses

Hey everyone,

Today I'm writing about Soap & Glory's "Sexy Mother Pucker" glosses which add fullness to your lips. It comes in a variety of colours, plus a clear, original formula.

Their website describes it as:

Soap & Glory’s bestselling Original Formula SEXY MOTHER PUCKER includes ingenious PLUMPING MICROSPHERES that explode in volume up to 10x when they come in contact with water (they’re like tiny, dehydrated little sponges that expand when they get wet) and an exclusive microcirculation-stimulating extract to visibly enhance lip volume.

 The packaging is pretty cute, nothing too fancy, just a standard lipgloss tube. Of course, the name is what makes the product (as with most of Soap & Glory's products) but I think this is extra sassy- something they are probably very proud of, and something great to pull out of your purse at parties.

 The black tube contains the clear lipgloss. I tried to photograph it, but didn't have much luck. It's very glossy and I think it looks great alone or paired with a lipstick.

 I also have the shade "Yummy Plum" which is essentially jam in a tube. It looks like jam (has the consistency- will elaborate later) and does actually have a fruity smell. You could very easily smother this on someones toast and they'd never know the difference. 

The gloss has a standard doe-foot applicator, which is fine to apply the glosses. They are supposed to plump your lips, so if you don't like the plumping sensation then this is definitely not for you. It is also incredibly sticky. Probably my only downside. If there is even a slight suggestion that it's windy outside, don't bother choosing this. Your hair, other people's hair, pet hair, leaves, branches and entire trees could attach itself to this stuff. It does help with it's lasting power, but I'd only wear it with my hair in a bun or securely in a hat of some sort. 

Overall, I would recommend this to someone who wants a relatively inexpensive gloss with nice colours and sheen, and also with an excellent staying power. For those who dislike the plumping sensation I'd stay away- and for those really expecting a massive plumping effect I also wouldn't advise you buy this over something else. It doesn't plump your lips too spectacularly, but does add a but of volume.

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Hourglass "Film Noir Full Spectrum" Mascara in Onyx

Hey everyone,

Today's review is about Hourglass' 'Film Noir Full Spectrum' mascara, a freebie I received as part of a Sephora 500 point perk. It also came with the Hourglass primer, a lipstain and a lipstick, all of which I will review in the coming weeks. I was intrigued by the mascara because I'm always intrigued by expensive makeup which will inevitably go bad within the coming weeks and months. Expensive mascara baffles me, but I do find that some of the best mascaras do cost a little bit more.

 I only received the sample size, so I wasn't expecting excellent packaging, but for a mascara I think it's totally fine. I don't think mascara needs fancy packaging, but I think it should when you pay a premium for a product.

 The shade is Onyx, which is the only available colour they provide. It's a softer black, I wouldn't describe it as a jet black but I don't think it's meant to be. It has a slight grey-tone to it, nothing noticeably different but does look slightly more natural than a jet black formula. The formula is actually quite glossy, something I don't usually like in a mascara, but since it creates more natural looking lashes I don't think it's a bad thing. 

 The mascara has a relatively wet formula, but once it as dried it doesn't go anywhere. I typically buy waterproof mascaras, and this one didn't flake or smudge. 

 This is the wand on one side. As you can see, they did try to get an hourglass shape (of course) and I think it's really comfortable to apply the mascara. It fits my eye shape really nicely, I don't worry that it might prod my eyeball or smudge my eye makeup. 

The other side is a bit fuller, and I think it really helps to add volume while the thinner side combs lashes through for length.

While I really like this mascara, and will enjoy using this sample, I'm not sure if I could spend the money to buy the full size. I've heard that it is prone to drying up (as will all mascaras) but if people are complaining about it, I think it might be a little more of a problem than I am anticipating. However, while it's new I think it's great, something I would recommend to anyone willing to splurge on mascaras.

I hope you enjoyed this review!

Thanks!

Megan

Bloglovin'

I've recently added a new button to the sidebar of my blog! It's the Bloglovin' widget, something you can press to follow me on Bloglovin' and keep up to date on all of my new posts! Click it to see what's new!
Thanks!
Megan

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Milani "Luminoso" Baked Blush Review

Hey everyone,

Today's review is on Milani's Baked Blush in the shade Luminoso. This is a very popular product, available in the U.S and Canada, but sought after by Beauty Bloggers everywhere! I'd heard so many excellent things that I had to buy it when I saw it, so here's what I think!

 The packaging makes the product look a little cheap, it certainly isn't my favourite. Underneath the blush is a section for a useless brush and a mirror which is somewhat useful. I'd prefer for the blush to just be at the base of the container, it means the blush could easily pop out or be more prone to breaking. I do think it's a bit flimsy, which is a downside, but the product itself is much higher quality. 

 On the base is the shade number and name which I find so helpful! It drives me crazy when products don't do this, so I'm really happy they did.

 Because it's a baked blush, the product is raised out of the pan. The Luminoso shade could quite easily be a highlight, but it has some orange/coral undertones which look quite warm on my skintone. I think it's beautiful in the summer months and would make a stunning highlight on skintones darker than mine. I'm certainly looking to try some more shades, if I remember correctly there's an interesting plum shade I might pick up in the near future!

As for pigmentation, I don't think it's marketed to be heavily pigmented and it really isn't. You do pick up a nice amount of product and I do think it's more flattering as a barely-there wash of colour rather than a full-on glittery, orange streak. It does have shimmer, but it's very fine and not separate from the colour itself, so don't expect chunks of glitter, it's much finer and nicer.

Overall, I don't think this shade is hugely flattering on me but I'm willing to try some different shades. I can see why people like it, it's high-quality makeup in cheap packaging, but it certainly does the job and looks very pretty on the skin. For a drugstore price I would definitely recommend it, but if you have fairer skin than me I would perhaps pass on "Luminoso". 

I hope you enjoyed this review!

Megan

Bite Beauty's "High Pigment Pencil" in Tart

Hey everyone,

Today I'm writing about Bite Beauty's "High Pigment Pencil" in the shade "Tart". It's a beautiful pink/red shade, perfect for spring and summer. Sephora describe it as a 'soft cherry red' which I think is  a pretty good description, but I think it's important to know that it's a bit brighter than you may think. It's quite wearable for a brighter shade, and I think it would suit a variety of makeup looks, but there's nothing I prefer more than a cat-eye flick and bright pink lip!

 The packaging is the usual Bite style, matte black with a pop of colour, making finding this shade a breeze!

 The colour itself is stunning, a wonderful, bright pink/red with more warm tones in it. It's not completely matte, but isn't overly glossy either. As with all of Bite's "High Pigment Pencils", 'Tart' has the same excellent lasting power and consistency as the rest of them. 

The nib is relatively precise and does a good job of applying the product. 

Super unflattering picture which I will no doubt regret uploading later, but anyway here I am sporting the lovely shade in Chicago. Excuse the picture of me, and admire my lips/gorgeous friend, Jess!

Overall I'd highly recommend this product, either in this exact shade or any others they have! A product I adore and will continue to collect and rely on!

Thanks for reading!

Megan

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick

Hey everyone,

Today I'm writing about a recent Sephora purchase from when I visited Chicago. I went into Sephora and didn't have any purchases planned, of course there are always things I would love to buy, but I tried to be sensible and only picked up two items. This was item number one, Yves Saint Laurent's 'Rouge Volupté Shine' lipstick in the shade "Nude in Private" or #9. Kind of a weird name, but I can't complain because the shade is beautiful.

 Of course, YSL's packaging is flawless. One of the reasons to justify the price...

 The formula is quite balmy, and although it feels lovely on the lips, don't leave it in a hot car!

 The colour is a pretty neutral shade which looks excellent with any eye look or outfit!

YSL describe it as: "An innovative and comforting lipstick enhanced with fruit extracts rich in vitamins and antioxidants that leave lips visibly softer and smoother with up to eight hours of hydration."

I've tried the Rouge Volupté "Silky Sensual Radiant" lipstick in 'Lingerie Pink', and although the formula is incredible and the pigmentation is fantastic, the shade was a bit pale for me (problems with purchasing online), so I thought I'd pick up this different formula and compare the two. The Shine formula is less pigmented and more glossy. It definitely moisturizes a bit more, and smells incredible. The Silky Sensual formula is much more pigmented and while it does have some shine, it isn't as glossy as this formula. The packaging is stunning on both accounts, in fact it's the same packaging, but it's so beautiful I could never complain. Although expensive, I think I will get a lot of wear out of this shade and certainly get my money's worth.

I hope you enjoyed this review and are having a great day!

Megan

FOTD 8: Matte Makeup Look

Hey everyone,

Today I'm doing an almost entirely matte makeup look because I think it's incredibly flattering and sophisticated, and sometimes I don't feel like sparkles and glitter. Enjoy!

 I started off by using Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation. It isn't totally matte, but it's not too glowy either. I think it leaves a nice satin finish which could be mattified with powder. I used Rimmel's Stay Matte powder to mattify the skin.

 To cover any redness or blemishes I used MAC's Studio Finish concealer. Again, it's not totally matte, but does matte down with a powder.

 To brighten dark circles, I used Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer. 

 I then filled my brows in with my fave brow product, Anastasia's Brow Wiz in Taupe.

 As an eyeshadow base, I used Urban Decay's "W.O.S" (Walk of Shame I think...) from the Naked Basics palette. 

 I then buffed "Naked" from the Urban Decay Naked 1 palette into the crease of my eye. 

 Also from UD's Naked 1 palette I used Buck in my outer corner and blended in to the crease of my eye. 

 I then took Tease from Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette and blended this in with my crease and eyelid colours to add some dimension and to make it look more evenly blended. 

 Instead of liner, I smudged UD's Crave from the Naked Basics palette. I applied a little bit under my eye to complete the look. I also made sure to go in with a clean brush and blend this out- black eyeshadow can look patchy or too harsh if not blended well. 

 Here is the look in regular indoor lighting.

 You can see there is no shimmer at all!

 In brighter natural lighting the shades look a bit yellow, but in person it was much more neutral. 

 The finished eye look

 I then used a matte bronzer by the Body Shop to add some dimension to my face

And here's the finished look!

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Megan