Ultra Holiday Glamour: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Mini Lipstick Charms Set

Hi, everyone! If there's ever a perfect time to indulge and luxury and glamour, it's the holiday season. Whether it's your motivation to treat yourself, look your most fabulous, or distract yourself with pretty things to hide from family drama (we've all been there, no?), Charlotte Tilbury has you covered this Christmas! 

Charlotte Tilbury is a brand never, ever lacking in the glamour department, but it's during the holiday season where this aesthetic reaches its pinnacle. Case and point? The Matte Revolution Mini Lipstick Charms** set ($55 CAD). The set contains three miniature Matte Revolution lippies that are diminutive in size, but just as stunning as their full-sized counterparts. 

The set is housed in the brand's signature mahogany cardboard packaging with gold detailing, including gilded kiss-prints covering the box. The shades included in the kit are printed on the top of the box, as are the ingredients on the back. 

To  access the products, there is a neat slide-out design that reveals the three adorable lipsticks inside. 

The lipstick tubes are golden and circular, with a smooth texture (as opposed to the ridged design of other Charlotte Tilbury lippies). They feature a festive tiny star design as well as the brand's logo and each is topped with a dark plummy brown ribbon- you can truly use them as charms or Christmas tree decorations! (Though mine will be stored perpetually in my purse). 

As you can see, they are quite tiny, all nestling easily in the palm of my hand. How adorable are they!? That said, the downside of this set is that it is not a great value, with full-sized CT lippies costing $38 for 3.5 ($10.85 for 1g) vs. $18.33 for 1g in the mini set. As such, it's definitely not a value set, but it is a great way to try three different shades without having to commit to finishing three full lipsticks!

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks are touted as "luminous, modern matte lipstick" that promotes fuller looking lips with a buildable, long-wearing, hydrating formula that doesn't sacrifice the bold finish that matte lipsticks have to offer. 

The three shades included in the set are:

Very Victoria- "inspired by Victoria Beckham, a suede taupe-nude for those who buck the trend like Brigitte Bardot"

Red Carpet Red- "a true ruby red to bestow Hollywood-style wow factor- think Scarlett Johansson, Marilyn Monroe, or Michelle Williams"

Amazing Grace- "inspired by Grace Kelly, a vintage tea rose for pretty, polished perfection a la Nicole Kidman or Miranda Kerr"

Here are closeups of each:

Red Carpet Red

Very Victoria

Amazing Grace

And here are swatches of each on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone) in natural light:

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks in (L-R): Red Carpet Red, Very Victoria, and Amazing Grace

And here is each in the context of a complete makeup look!

Red Carpet Red

Very Victoria

Amazing Grace 

As expected, I am totally smitten with each of these lipsticks! I was already a fan of the smooth, comfortable Matte Revolution formula and luxe packaging that Charlotte Tilbury has to offer, so it was wonderful to be able to receive three more shades from the range that I'd yet to try. Each is beautiful, wearable, and perfect for the holiday season! No, this set is not a good value if we're counting dollars per weight, but it remains a perfect gift for lipstick lovers new to the brand, those wanting to try a variety of shades without committing to a full size, or simply those who love pint-sized glamour! 

The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Mini Lipstick Charms Set** can be found at Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Beautylish, or on the Charlotte Tilbury website.

Thanks for dropping by! xo

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**These products were sent to me as PR samples for consideration and review. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% authentic and my own!

MAC Shadescents Collection Info

Hi, everyone! I hope you've all survived the perils and victories of Black Friday and that you're now sitting cozily with your new goodies (or maybe still with a turkey hangover?). I'd say that now might be a bad time to enable you to shop further, but hey- it's my perpetual duty, so I'm going to enable away! 

We all know that MAC never lacks for new, limited edition releases, but every couple months or so they put forth a collection that totally grabs me. The latest on this list is the Shadescents launch- a colourful, fragrant collection that pairs some of the brand's most iconic lipstick shades with new, corresponding perfumes. Such a neat idea! 

The collection includes six perfumes, each with packaging and fragrance notes that mirror the iconic lipstick hue that inspired it. It also features the corresponding lipsticks in special limited edition packaging, also mirroring the lipstick shade itself. Here's what MAC has to say about the release:

"Scent and lips create irresistible chemistry with M·A·C Shadescents, six new perfumes inspired by our most iconic Lipstick shades."

Pricing

Fragrances- $67 CAD
Lipsticks- $21 CAD

The fragrance and lipstick pairings are: 

"Candy Yum-Yum conjures tropical fruit and cotton candy" to complement its matching lipstick described as "neon pink"

"Crème d’Nude evokes the vibrant sexiness of naked skin" to complement its matching lipstick described as a "pale muted peach beige"

"Notes of saffron, incense smoke, and cordovan leather surprise and intoxicate in My Heroine" to complement its matching lipstick described as a "bright purple"

"Lady Danger thrills with notes of wild cherry" to complement its matching lipstick described as a "vivid bright coral red"

"Ruby Woo goes bold with whiffs of deep red leather" to complement its matching lipstick described as a "very matte vivid blue-red"

"Velvet Teddy calls forth wild honey and creamy musk" to complement its matching lipstick described as a "deep tone beige"

The collection inspires you to find your perfect scent and colour match- so which is your pick?

Which Shadescent are you?

#IAmRubyWoo

#IAmCremedNude

#IAmMyHeroine

#IAmCandyYumYum

#IAmLadyDanger

#IAmVelvetTeddy

Shadescents will launch online in the U.S. and Canada on November 30^th and at counters December 8^th.

I personally can't wait to check out this collection in-store! Lady Danger and Heroine are two of my all-time favourite lipsticks, so having a matching fragrance would be super neat! Or maybe I'll fall for Velvet Teddy or Ruby Woo, lipsticks that have long been awaited in my stash.

Are any of these fragrance and lipstick pairings tempting you?

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! xo

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Fall 2016 Sephora VIB Sale Haul!

Hi, everyone! Boo to the fact that it's Monday, but I know what will make things better- some Sephora haul porn! Looking at pretty products always helps get my dopamine flowing and when better than on a cold (so cold!) Monday morning for a little boost? As many of you probably know, last week was Sephora's annual Fall sale, which offers a 20% discount to their VIB members store/site-wide. Most brands that Sephora carries never go on sale, so events like this are really the time to stock up and pull the trigger on products you've been dying to try. 

Here's a shot of my entire haul. I opted for a mix of skin care, hair care, and makeup this time around, with some added VIB perks and samples. 

Peter Thomas Roth Mask-A-Holic ($92 CAD)- currently out of stock

I have heard so many raves about PTR masks and, because I've never delved into the brand and this set was such a killer value, snagging it was kind of a no-brainer! The set contains 5 masks (the Cucubmer Gel Detox Mask, 24k Gold Mask, Blue Marine Algae Mask, Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, and Irish Moor Mud Mask) as well as the brand's "signature mask applicator", an interesting plastic paddle. The masks in the kit address a wide range of skin concerns, from aging to congested pores, from dehydration to dullness. The variety is quite appreciated! 

I may post a more thorough review down the line, but I'm a bit bummed to say that I've tried three masks from the set so far (the Cucumber, 24k Gold, and Irish Moor Mud masks) and none have really wowed me yet. The textures are neat and a pleasure to use, but none have really produced any visible results. Also, despite the high price tag of these masks, they all feel a bit plastic-y (couldn't think of a better way to describe them), which adds to their superficial feel. I do have high hopes for the Algae and Pumpkin masks, however, so I will keep you posted! 

Tata Harper Detox Defense Set ($53 CAD)

I have been stalking this set for ages because Tata Harper is a brand that constantly tempts me and it contains a variety of products seemingly suited to my combination/oily, blemish-prone skin type. The kit contains four items aimed at detoxing the skin for dirt and pollution- the Purifying Cleanser, Nourishing Oil Cleanser, Replenishing Nutrient Complex, and the Purifying Mask.

I have briefly tested each of these products and preliminary opinions are that there is not a weak item among them! The Nourishing Oil Cleanser did a fabulous job at removing my full face of makeup without leaving a greasy residue. The Purifying Cleanser is as dreamy as problem skin face washes get- it's oil-based, so feels so smooth and luxe, yet contains ingredients to purify and refresh (e.g., willow bark, lemongrass), which leaves skin feeling so clean, yet also ultra hydrated. I've sampled the Replenishing Nutrient Complex in the past and have liked it this time around as much as previously. It's a face oil that does a great job at reducing redness in my skin and is super nourishing, but non-greasy enough to wear under makeup. Finally, I'd sampled the Purifying Mask previously as well and am super happy to have another helping in my collection. Like the cleanser, it leaves my oily, sensitive skin feeling so clean and fresh, but not the least bit stripped or irritated. So happy I finally bought this set! 

Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine ($28)

I am beyond lazy when it comes to styling my hair, so it speaks volumes that this is the one styling creme I will always have at the ready. I use it on second-day hair to smooth and define my waves and it does so amazingly well without deflating my hair or making it look greasy. It somehow adds both texture and sleekness and it's the only finishing product I need when I'm wearing my hear down. I'll never be without this! 

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick Duo in Bronze/Pepper ($17 CAD)

We all know I'm a huge fan of Bite Beauty, but also that I need more lipstick like a hole in the head. A solution to both? Mini-sized lippies from Bite that I just might finish! The brand released four variations of these adorable festive little duos and I opted for (deciding to be practical) a pairing that would be totally wearable on a daily basis. The duo I chose contains Pepper, a popular mid-tone pinky-brown and Bronze a warm semi-frosty golden brown. They layer so beautifully together and leave lips looking hydrated and full. I've already worn this a few times this week! 

Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick in Candy Cane ($25)

As per above, I clearly didn't need any more lipsticks, but I made an exception for this one because it's something special. I tested it out at Sephora last month and instantly fell in love. Not only is the vibrant pinky-magenta red hue incredibly beautiful and flattering, but the texture felt comfortable on my lips and the wear time was great. Plus, this version smells like chocolate mint! I'm sure I'll be wearing it tons over the holidays. 

Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No.20 Plush Eye Shadow Palette in About Last Night ($124 CAD)

So, this was my big splurge of the haul and I regret nothing. I own two of the Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No.7 Palettes (i.e., his 7-shadow palettes) and absolutely adore them both. So even though this palette is beyond pricey, the relative value was quite good and I had no doubts about the quality of the shadows. 

This palette comes in beautiful seasonal gold packaging and is housed in a unique rounded square (is that a thing?) compact with 20 beautiful shadows inside. The shades are predominantly neutrals and plums and come with a nice variety of mattes, shimmers, and metallics. I have used this palette a few times now and have totally been blown away! My pictures below don't even do it justice. So many of the neutral shades are quite unique and the pigmentation of all the colours I've tried so far has been phenomenal! 

Make Up For Ever Dare To Be Bold (Beauty Insider Set- 500 pt. perk)

I had a moderate amount of VIB points stashed up, so I couldn't resist with this set- I mean, it combines Make Up For Ever with super bright, bold colours. What's not to love!? This set contains a classic red lipstick, a vivid pink lip gloss, a turquoise eyeliner, black mascara, and a mini plummy brown Artist Shadow (one of my favourite shadow formulas out there). Can't wait to delve in! 

Finally, I snagged three mini samples with my order: perfume samples of Maison Margiela Replica in Lipstick On (too perfect not to try), Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (I quite enjoy the Daisy range), and an Estee Edit makeup remover (which I thought would come in handy for travel. 

Phewf! So that was a pretty epic haul, but hey- I just got married and have been working extra long hours lately, so what better of a time to treat myself, eh?

Did you pick up anything during the recent Sephora sale? Any faves that I mentioned? Did I tempt you with anything?

Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

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