The Beauty Tray #1 (aka, Recent Favourites)

Happy Weekend, everyone! It's time for the first installment of a brand new series here on the blog, entitled The Beauty Tray. These entries will feature some of the products I've been obsessing over lately, some that haven't gotten their proper due on the blog to date, and others that I regard as hidden, underrated gems. I plan to do a Beauty Tray post every so often in lieu of a "Monthly Favourites" sort of post- as we know I can barely get my monthly Empties entries up on time ;) I really hope you enjoy them! 

First, a quick note on the actual tray I'm using for these posts. I snagged this Ellen Tracy letter tray amidst a Winners Haul some months back and knew that I wanted to use it for makeup storage somehow. It's become a shelter for my newest, most fawned over makeup and skin care goodies, so I thought it would be the perfect vessel to showcase my current faves. Hence, the Beauty Tray!

Here's a look at my picks for this inaugural post:

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub
I named Lush's Popcorn Lip Scrub as one of my 2013 Skincare Faves, and when I finished that up I thought I'd give another version a go. Mint Julips smells of sweet mint and leaves my lips incredibly soft, smooth, and hydrated. It's a wonderful, effective treat!

Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer
I acquired this lately in my recent Cult Beauty Haul and couldn't wait to give it a go! I chose this primer as my first-ever Jouer product because my oily, acne-prone skin needs a bit of extra clearing and shine-proofing during the warmer months. This wears beautifully under water-based foundations, mattifies without drying, and definitely prolongs the wear of my base makeup. 

Kevin Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium
Another winner from my Cult Beauty Haul, this is a cult-status product that I could no longer live without. The perfect matte shadowy grey, this applies boldly at first, but blends effortlessly to create natural-looking contours on the face. Instant cheekbones!

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Ample Amber
Another recent addition, scored in my Shoppers Optimum Haul (for free, people!). This is a cream-based shadow that applies smoothly and stays put nicely. Ample Amber is a warm coppery bronze that works with so many eye looks. I've been wearing it constantly!

Jouer Creme Eyeshadow Crayon in Renaissance
Yet another goody from my Cult Beauty Haul (can you tell I'm happy with my order?), this cream shadow works wonderfully applied all over the lid for a bit of smoke or as a liner for more subtle definition. Renaissance is a lovely plummy bronze shade that I find to be incredibly flattering with my brown eyes!

d.j.v. Beautenizer Volume Lash
This is my favourite product from the Cult Beauty Goody Bag that came along with my order. The most volumizing mascara I've ever used. Hands down. That's saying a lot!

Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask with Pink Clay
Recently featured in my April Empties post, I quickly bought the full size after falling head over heels with a sample I received. This deep cleans and cancels redness without any hint of dryness or tightness. My skin looks clear, calm, and even after every use!

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer
You may have seen this one back in January, as part of my NYC Beauty Haul. This primer is hydrating with no sign of oiliness and has a sheer tint that allows for a lighter hand with foundation afterwards. Hasn't broken me out, is full of skin-loving ingredients, and is a perfect mate to my trusty By Terry Cover Expert foundation. 

RMS Cream Eye Shadow in Magnetic
I snagged this little gem a couple months ago from one of my favourite Toronto-based beauty shops, Jacob & Sebastian. I'd discovered RMS some months prior and was was impressed with their organic, pigmented formulas. This cream shadow is a lovely plummy taupe shade with tons of shimmer and a coconut oil base. It creases slightly on its own, but works wonderfully underneath powder shadows!

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect Makeup in 10 Beige
I totally caved and picked this up last week, even though I had sworn off buying new foundations for a while. I'm so happy I broke my pledge. This provides natural, even coverage with a velvet matte finish. It also stays put so well! Perfect for oily-skinned gals who don't like full coverage foundations.

Wet N' Wild Comfort Zone Colour Icon Eye Shadow Collection
My sister was kind enough to give this to me as part of my Christmas gift and I'm thrilled that she did! This palette is incredibly versatile and the quality of the shadows is excellent, especially given the $4 price tag! The shades range from soft ivory to mossy green to reddish brown- everything you need for an earthy eye look!

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Bare Light
This was another product I scored for free in my Shoppers Optimum Haul. I'd heard so much buzz about these re-launched highlighters from Revlon, so I decided to bite. Although this is a bit too glowy for me when mixed with foundation (the curse of oily skin), this looks lovely dabbed onto my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose. Gives a lovely golden beige glow!

And, of course, Sadie could not stay out of this photo shoot:

I really hope you enjoyed my first installment of The Beauty Tray! It was such a fun exercise to gather my recent favourites and shine a much deserved spotlight on them. Hope I've tempted you with a few things! 

Have a wonderful weekend :)