How To Use A MAC Beauty Powder

Hey everyone! Before I purchased my first MAC Beauty Powder, I often wondered how exactly you should be using this powder and I wanted to give you some tips on how to use a beauty powder.

 Beauty powders are designed to to a multi-purpose product that can be used in various ways. I like to use my particular powder in the shade Play It Proper to set my under eye area. It is pearlized and I can also use this shade as a highlight. If you want to kick it up a notch, you can spray your brush with some setting spray and then go in to really intensify your highlight. You can also spray your brush and pack it onto your lid or just go in with the colour alone onto your brow bone. You can use it as a blush topper and it is a fine powder so feel free to layer it onto your face to your liking.

 

                The particular shade that I own was limited edition and it is now discontinued.

 You can clearly tell that I use my beauty powder a lot because the design of the troll in the middle has worn down quite a bit. I purchased mine at the Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale in Fall of last year.

 I also thought that it would be helpful if I shared some of my go-to brushes that I enjoy using to apply the beauty powder with. The Real Techniques Contour Brush is great to use right underneath the eyes to lightly dust on powder. I also reach for the Sephora PRO Contour Kabuki Contouring Brush #82 quite frequently to use in conjunction with my beauty powder because it hugs the under eye area perfectly with the brush!

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. All prices are in USD unless stated otherwise. Some links are affiliate. 

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MAC Cleanse Off Oil | Review

Hey everyone! I purchased the MAC Cleanse Off Oil at the Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale | September 2018 for a discounted price and wanted to put it to the test!

This claims to be an industry strength oil-based makeup remover that is gentle on the skin. It comes with a pump and the shelf life is 24 months. It did a great job at breaking down my makeup at night but I do feel like most cleansing oils are very similar. This is a great size to travel with as it is only 30 ml but I would recommend putting it in a ziplock bag just in-case it does leak. Just the the Fix+, I like the fact that you turn the pump to the locked and unlocked position in order to be able to use it.

The full sized version retails for $39 online (150 ml) or at the MAC store. 

I do have a blog post where I test out the Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil vs. L'Occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Oil.

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. All prices are in CAD unless stated otherwise. Some links are affiliate. 

Poshmark Canda: Use code BERRZZ to get $15 off your first order!
Fab Fit Fun: $10 off your first box using this link
Alo Yoga: Get 10% off your first purchase

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase

Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

Project 10 Pan - Round 6 | 2017

Hey everyone! It's that time again where I share with you 10 products that I have used up! If you haven't already checked out my Project 10 Pan Round 5 post, I have linked it for you.

MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil - In Anticipation - I am so glad that I am finally done with this lip pencil! I featured this in Part 1 of my Disappointing Makeup Products video series, and I mentioned how it dried out my lips as well as how it was a strange formula. The actual colour itself, didn’t stay put either and wiggled around. When I sharpened it, there was a small gap or hole in the actual crayon despite that I was using a MAC sharpener on a MAC lip pencil. It didn’t make sense and neither did this pencil. 

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm - This is a non-tinted beeswax based lip balm that contains vitamin e and peppermint inside. You can definitely smell the peppermint inside and this is a great every day lip balm. It is small enough to put inside your pocket or the side pocket of your clutch. It did the job and I have no complaints other than when the actual lip balm got low, it had a tendency to fall out out of the tube which was rather annoying.

ELF Translucent Mattifying Powder - This was a decent translucent powder that is very affordable. I actually featured it in a past Haul on my YouTube channel. I am extremely oily and this only worked for me when I was using other oil-control products in-conjunction with this one. I finished it rather quickly and I know that it is only $3 on the ELF web site, but my other powders seem to last me a long longer than this one. I received this free with my order when I used a promotional code online, therefore, I really can’t complain! If you want a powder that will last you a long time, this is definitely not for you but this is a great powder to keep in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day.

Buxom Hot Escapes Bronzer in Tahiti (2 g or 0.07 oz) - I have been using this little bronzer for quite some time now, and I shocked at how long it has lasted me! I featured this in my Samples Challenge video that I created. I was using this bronzer every single day and even though it has some shimmer to it, it is not too much for every day use! This is overall a great bronzer and I love the scent as it smells slightly tropical! I originally redeemed this on the Sephora web site for the 500 point perk that came with a few other items from Buxom! 

Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer in #20 Light - This is a great full coverage concealer that I was using every single time that I did my makeup. I did post an entire dedicated review for the Master Conceal in the shade Fair. I liked the formula as well as the colour very much. I don’y have anything negative to say about this product and the best part is that it is from the drugstore thus making it very affordable!

Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Pencil in Deep Brown - I’m not a fan of this pencil at all. I only purchased it because it was on sale at the time and I was in need of a new brow pencil. I know that this is a micro pencil but it did not last me long at all and the pencil actually kept breaking off on me. That was quite annoying and the NYX Micro Brow Pencil didn’t do that to me and it actually lasted me a lot longer. I would not consider re-purchasing this product ever again even if it was on sale or if I was desperate, I still wouldn’t buy it again.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara in #01 Extreme Black - I actually received this in my Sephora Mystery Bag and I found this to be an excellent mascara for the lower lashes! It is very easy to use, doesn’t transfer and I like the brush! It is not a plastic wand and it gets the job done! I looked forward to using this product each time I would apply mascara! To see what I received in my Mystery Bag, check out my video!

Buxom Hold The Line Waterproof Eyeliner in Call Me - I have two of these and I have finally finished up one. It is a decent eyeliner as it is a jet black, but it isn’t one of my favourites as I much prefer the one by Marc Jacobs. It does glide on smoothly but it transferred outside of my waterline almost every single time that I wore it. 

Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Marine Boosting Mist - I really did like this product because I found it to be a great multi-purpose product. You can see how I used it 3 different ways in my Samples Challenge Video that I created. What I didn’t like about it is how fast I went through it. I know it is a sample size but I was using it at night also after I applied all my skin care so imagine how fast I will go through a full sized bottle? It retails for $30 CAD for 2.5 oz/75 ml of product which is something to keep in mind. Another thing that I didn’t like is when I was almost done the product inside the bottle, it wasn’t spraying out clear on my face and was spraying out white specks on my face. It was annoyed after I had done my entire face of makeup and had to grab my beauty blender to tap out these white spots on my face. I do think it’s a great product, I enjoyed using it and I really liked the packaging as it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, I just feel like those few things are preventing my from purchasing a larger bottle of the Marine Boosting Mist from Tarte.


ELF Makeup Mist & Set - If you have been following me for awhile, you already know that this is my holy grail facial mist. I use it to both prime and set my face in-conjunction with a few other products. I have a few back-ups of this product and I am already on my new bottle! I actually started spraying this onto my face at night after I applied all my lotions, creams and serums to lock everything in-place as well as to add another of moisture to my face! If you want to see how this compared when compared to 2 others, check out my post on the Battle of Setting Sprays!

In case you are wondering, after I share these 10 items with you, I don't throw them away, I actually recycle them at Origins. They have a great Recycling Program that you can check out!

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
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12 Essential Makeup Must-Haves

Hey everyone! There is a lot of makeup currently on the market and I wanted to share with you 12 items that are needed in your makeup repertoire. Of course, you can always substitute certain items for others and you don't have to use the exact brands that are shown if you don't want to. I just want to show you the types of products that I find myself reaching for most often on a day-to-day basis.

Items Needed:
ELF Makeup Mist & Set
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 15 Fair
COVERGIRL TruBlend Liquid Foundation in L5
MAC Studio CareBlend Pressed Powder in Light
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in Medium/Deep
ColourPop Super Shock Cheek in Lunch Money
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown
Maybelline Matte Lipstick in #665 in Lust For Blush
COVERGIRL So Lashy! Blast PRO Mascara in Extreme Black
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
beauty blender pro Sponge
Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens

The ELF Makeup Mist & Set can double for a primer as well as a setting spray. The Maybelline lipstick can be used both on the lips as well as on the cheeks for a nice blush colour. You can use the bronzer in your crease and the ColourPop highlighter can be used on the lids to give the illusion of a shimmery eyeshadow. The blotting sheets from Boscia can be used to keep your oils in-check throughout the day and you can just add it into your purse or clutch.

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

MAC x Star Trek Trip the Light Fantastic Powder in Luna Luster | Review & Swatches |

Hey everyone! For Black Friday, I was on The Bay's web site and I came across the Trip the Light Fantastic Powder in the shade Luna Luster from the MAC x Star Trek Collection that was deeply discounted. The limited edition collection originally launched online at the end of August and was available in-stores early September.

Product Size & Packaging

This is Star Trek's 50th Year Anniversary and that is reflected on the outer packaging. 

You are getting 0.22 oz of product or 6.5 g. 

When you open up the compact, I absolutely love that it is not the traditional black ring around the pan and that they switched it to an eye-catching chrome.

Description & Veining

On the MAC web site, the shade Luna Luster that I purchased is described as a 'sheer wash of soft rose shimmer.' 

I am on the light side right now in terms of complexion and this was the lightest shade that I could find in the collection. As the name suggests, this is a sheer formula and it does have some shimmer but rest assured that there are no chunks of glitter. The veining will look a little bit different in every pan but it is honestly so beautiful that I almost don't want to use it for the fear of ruining it!

Swatches

Price Point & Shades

It retailed originally for $39.50 CAD, was marked down to $23.70, I had a $10 gift card on top of the sale price and shipping was free. 

There are three shades in total: Luna Luster, Highly Illogical and Strange New Worlds. Highly Illogical is described as a 'sheer wash of golden plum with fine pearl' and Strange New Worlds is a 'sheer wash of golden coral pearl.' All three shades are currently on sale on the MAC web site for $20.40 USD.

Overall Thoughts/Controversy

This is a smooth powder and it blends out easily on the skin. It is definitely buildable. This didn't emphasize any imperfections on my face. I have heard some complaints of Star Trek fans who wanted the packaging to represent Star Trek better and how they wanted more than just the logo on the clear top. 

I feel like that MAC made the right decision to keep it simple and if they did a more elaborate design, it could take away from the powder itself.

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored, I purchased this product myself and all opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant - Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
Uber - Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Shop Hope's Online - Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents - Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada - Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world) - Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook - A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on! 

Estee Lauder Makeup Sale & Town Shoes Warehouse Sale 2016

Hey everyone! Yesterday, I attended the very first Town Shoes Warehouse Sale in Mississauga and right after that, I went to the Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale in Markham! I wanted to share with you all of the awesome deals that I found at both sales! 

Town Shoes Warehouse Sale

Uggs Women’s Bailey II Button Boots (S/N 5803)

Paid: $63 CAD

Retail: $210 CAD

Savings: $147 CAD

Hunter Regent Unisex Black Wellington Boots (Similar Style)

Paid: $54 CAD

Retail: $180 CAD

Savings: $126 CAD

 On the racks, it was organized by size. There were some tables towards the front that were organized by brand such as a table with all Hunter boots and another table that had only UGG boots.

Everything at this warehouse sale was 70% off the original retail price!

They were also selling: purses, scarves, slippers and other accessories, but none of them caught my eye.

This is how the warehouse looks like and as you can tell by the photo, they have put up gates so that no one other than those working in that area can access it. They had plenty of stock and their first ever Town Shoes Warehouse Sale was a success!

Estee Lauder Makeup Sale

You need a ticket to enter this sale as it by invitation only. It happens only a few times a year. There are different colour tickets for the different days of the sale.

I waited in-line for about 1 hour and 10 minutes which wasn't too bad. My friend went on the Friday and had to wait for 2 hours just to enter the sale! 

Here are some of their rules and restrictions in-case you are wondering.

They have one sample out and they do write the brand as well as the shade for you. You are able to swatch these. When you find a shade that you like, there are papers provided and you simply write the number down on your paper. 

I highly recommend that you bring your own pen because the pencils provided either go missing or are constantly in use!

Once you found everything in that section that you want to purchase, you then line-up and give your paper to one of the workers. They then go based on the number that you have written down on your paper, and get the corresponding products for you. They put the paper in the bag with your chosen items and seal it. They then give it back to you and you can continue shopping. All the products must be in a bag when you purchase them. Also, if an item is sold out, they do update it on the table to let the customers know that they are out of it.

$4 Bins

This particular section can get crazy. It is the $4 section and everything here is $4 per item. You can find some great items here that are fabulous stocking stuffers! 

What I Purchased:

I had a feeling that I would find some great items today and I was right! I was most excited to purchase the GLAMGLOW products! I saved quite a bit of money and I can't wait to try out these products for you! 

$4 Bins:

Clinique Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara in Jumbo Jet

Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion (30 ml)

Estee Lauder New Dimension Sculpt + Glow Mask (15 ml)

Estee Lauder New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum (7 ml)

Origins Hand Lotion Trio

Retail: $28 USD or $37 CAD

Paid: $10 CAD

Savings: $27 CAD

GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment (15g) 

Retail: $24 CAD

Paid: $10 CAD

Savings: $14 CAD

GLAMGLOW POWERMUD Dualcleanse Treatment (50g)

Retail: $79 CAD

Paid: $30 CAD

Savings: $49 CAD

GLAMGLOW THIRSTYCLEANSE Daily Hydrating Cleanser (30g)

Retail: $16 CAD

Paid: $15 CAD (Buy One Get One Free)

Savings: $17 CAD

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup

Retail: $21 CAD

Paid: $10

Savings: $11 CAD

MAC Huggable Lipcolour in Touche

Retail: $25 CAD

Paid: $10 CAD

Savings: $15 CAD

MAC Lipglass in Russian Red

Retail: $12 CAD

Paid: $10 CAD

Savings: $2 CAD

MAC Studio CareBlend Pressed Powder in Light

Retail: $32 CAD

Paid: $15 CAD

Savings: $17 CAD

MAC Overlacquer 

Free gift at the end upon collection of the invitation.

Outside the building, there were these bales of hay that were spray painted! I absolutely loved them and got my friend to take a picture of me with them after we had finished shopping. 

All that shopping made us quite hungry and we went to eat some dinner at a restaurant that I have been wanting to try-out for a few months now! It is called Smash Kitchen & Bar and it is located in Unionville. I got the Smash Burger with fries and my friend ordered the L.A. Mac & Cheese without the bacon because she is a vegetarian. The Mac & Cheese was very rich and creamy. It was absolutely delicious! My burger had a double patty and it was cooked excellently! We both ate all of our food and our only complaint is that we wished that there was a location closer to us! 

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and I purchased all these items myself. All opinions are my own and are truthful. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant - Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
Uber - Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

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*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents - Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada - Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world) - Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook - A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on! 

Most Used & Favourite Makeup Brushes & Tools

Hey everyone! I have used many brushes and makeup tools over the years. I felt that it was time for me to write a blog post about all of my favourites and what has been working for me!

Brushes

ELF Studio Kabuki Face Brush - I have owned this brush for many years and it has lasted many washes. There are many uses for this brush as you can apply powder, bronzer or many other things with it. How I like to use it is to blend out my blush, highlight and bronzer/contour with it.

Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush - I purchased mine in a trio at Wal-Mart awhile ago and I adore this brush! I especially like it to apply highlighter onto my cheekbones, cupids bow, chin and right above my eyebrows. I feel that it is the perfect size for me and it does a lot of the work for you.

The Classic Shadow Brush (#6) in the 11 piece Pink-A-Dot Brush Set by BH Cosmetics - I love this for packing on colour onto my lids. It is a flat shader brush and I love the fun pink polka dots on the black brush handle!

BH Cosmetics #4 Dome Fluffy Brush - Unfortunately, I couldn't find this set on the web site but I love how soft this brush is! It is my go-to brush for apply blush onto the apples of my cheeks!

Sigma Large Angled Contour Brush F40 - This is a brush (pictured above,) that I have been using for many years for bronzing up my face. I feel like it is perfect for applying bronzer to any face shape really.

EcoTools Domed Bronzer Brush - I found about this brush a while back from the YouTuber Love MelisaMichelle. I bought mine at Wal-Mart and I found it pretty hard to come across. I suggest that if you see it in stores, to pick it up right away! I love this for setting my face with powder on days that I am not baking and need to set my foundation & concealer. You can use it to apply bronzer but I like to use it as a powder brush. The bristles are densely packed and the head of the brush is rounded. The handle is made out of sustainable bamboo, the ferrule is recycled aluminum and they use cruelty-free synthetic bristles. 

Morphe E46 Mini Angled Buffer Brush - I like using to this brush to: clean up underneath my contour and bronzer, to set the under eye area and to press powder into the sides of my nose. I feel like I need to buy another one of these brushes because it works so well! 

Sigma Tapered Blending Brush E40 - This is by far my favourite blending brush in my crease area when I do not want something defined or precise. If I am not depositing a specific colour in a certain place and just want to blend away, I automatically reach for this! It is has been my favourite for years and will be hard to find another blending brush that I like more than this one.

BH Cosmetics Angled Brush #10 - This is from the same set as the domed fluffy brush that I had previously mentioned and I love using this on my brows. I use this to map out my brows when I am using the Brow Pow Eyebrow Powder in Dark Brown from The Balm. 

Sigma Small Angle Brush E65 - I use this brush to apply the gel stain from IT Cosmetics onto my brows. I also use it when I apply the Anastasia Dipbrow in Dark Brown. It is more stiff than the other angled brush and works very well for this purpose.

Eco Luxe 10 Piece Brush Set from BH Cosmetics - This flat shadow brush is smaller in size and I always use it to apply shimmer to my inner corners as well as under the brow bone. It is the perfect size to apply product to smaller areas. I have even used it to apply highlighter down the bridge of my nose! 

Tools

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers - I have owned mine for a few years now and the writing has actually rubbed off. These tweezers are very easy to use and the tip is stainless steel. The slanted shape of the tip makes it easy for removing multiple hairs at once. I have used many different brands as well as styles of tweezers and I can say that these are the best! I purchased mine at Sephora. The blades are sharp yet ultra thin and I love the ergonomic design!

Tweezerman Brow Shaping Scissors - I bought mine at Sally’s Beauty Supply and these are amazing! I don’t know what I was doing without these before! It makes trimming your brows very easy and it is stainless steel. 

MAC Small Pencil Sharpener - I have owned this sharpener for over 10 years and it is by far my favourite. It perfectly sharpeners all my pencils (not just MAC pencils,) and it is very easy to empty out as well as clean.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - I have tried a wide range of curlers and this makes my lashes look incredible! I had an ELF eyelash curler for years before that fell apart on me (literally.) This is what I reach for on a regular basis and I do not need to apply much pressure to give my lashes that perfect curl.

beautyblender pro - I absolutely love this sponge because it is bouncy and blends out creams as well as liquids beautifully. I even use this sponge to apply powders when I decide to bake my face. 

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY.

Berrz <3

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored. Some links are affiliate. 

Third Love - Use code BRABLEMS for 15% off your next order
Uber - Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Shop Hope's Online - Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents - Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada - Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world) - Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook - A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!