L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara Collection

Last week I wrote about the feature that L'Oreal Paris is having in retailers across Canada.

The Dress Your Lashes promo features 4 of the top selling mascara's from the Voluminous Collection. I was fortunate to receive the full Dress Your Lashes collection to try out (just in the nick of time because I was running out of mascara!).

Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara
First up was the fiber mascara. For those of you who don't know, fiber mascara have filaments (such as silk, nylon, and rayon) added to the mascara formula, so that rather than sit on top of lashes, the formula coats the lashes, almost in tubes. This provides not only a lengthening effect, but also a volumizing one.

This one fell a bit short for me. The product didn't clump or smudge, but it didn't provide the false lash effect I was hoping it would. I've experienced this problem before with fiber mascaras, so it could just be me.

Voluminous Power 24H Mascara
I was actually already using this mascara. I kind of got hooked on it after Eddie Matler did my makeup in the Fall. However, comparatively, this one is probably my least favourite of the bunch. While I'm able to get nice long lashes, I generally have a lot of problems with massive clumping when using volumizing mascaras. But, it could just be me, because when Eddie used it on me, it didn't seem to be that clumpy. But then again, he's also a professional.

Pro tip: When using volumizing mascaras, apply a lot to the base of your lash, because if you apply a lot to the ends, the mascara will weigh down your lashes, getting rid of any curl.

Voluminous Original Mascara
This is the basic Voluminous mascara. It's easy to apply, but it didn't make me all tingly (at 6:30am) when I had to apply it. It was kind of just....there. Sure, it lengthened my lashes, but...meh.








Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
My hands-down favourite. This mascara uses one of those rubber brushes I love. Application was a breeze, there were no clumps, and I felt that my lashes were super long. I really felt as though I had a million lashes. Yep.








The past few months have been my first real foray into L'Oreal Paris, and I must say that I'm impressed. I have a tendency to use a lot of waterproof mascaras (or the Anastasia Lash Genius) because I was always experiencing smudging, but last week, I experienced no smudging, even with the massive snowfall we got in Ottawa.


Images via L'Oreal Paris

Review: Anastasia Lash Genius

One of my favourite mascara's is Buxom Lash Mascara. However, because it's not a waterproof formula, it smudges all the time, leaving me looking like a raccoon with no mascara left on.

When I heard about Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius, I knew I could ditch the waterproof mascara I was currently using and go back to my beloved Buxom Lash (I was actually still wearing my Buxom Lash, but was putting a waterproof mascara on top).

The Anastasia Lash Genius is a clear waterproof coating that you put over your mascara. It's lightweight and doesn't clump.

I find that the Lash Genius is much more effective than my regular waterproof mascara because my lashes are still long and full at the end of the day. Lash Genius actually even holds up through work outs - which is one area I find waterproof mascara's fail me.

Since it's wedding season, I'd recommend picking some up to ensure that your mascara isn't running down your face (Lauren Conrad, anyone?) for those heartfelt moments.

You can find Lash Genius at Sephora and Nordstrom - $21



Images via The Confluence.

TIBI SS12

Tibi's s/s 12 show. Wow. The collection was absolutely stunning - minimalism at it's finest with delicate pleats and easy movement. With classic separates, shoppers would only need to buy a few key pieces to mix and match. The collection was anchored with 4 key colours: a peachy pink, green, mustard, and blue (mostly as a neutral). There were, of course, your typical neutrals: black, white, beige, and grey - with various shades of grey leading that pack.

Interesting note: the show was styled by Elin Kling of Style by Kling.

I was definitely digging the short suits and the palazzo pants. I especially loved the yellow/mustard palazzo pants that were so wide they fall into 'leg tent' territory. The mustard blazer and white dress combo was unexpected and amazing.

Here's a quick video from MBFW on the Tibi show. I tried to use the pictures, but the links were all broken.

This is definitely a collection I want to run out and buy. I'm actually kind of bummed that I have to wait until Spring to find it!

Build Me Up Buttercup

One of my more recent purchases was Butter London's Yummy Mummy polish.


It was my first Butter London purchase and I was quite pleased. I really liked the colour and consistency of the polish. The brush, adequate. But unfortunately, the cap on my polish was broken. Not a huge deal, but a bit of a disappointment. But no complaints about the product itself.

Bao Bei

Last night I went to Bao Bei with my family for my Dad's birthday. After the disappointments that were ReFuel* (my birthday) and Campagnolo* (Mom's birthday), I was beginning to be a bit reluctant about the Vancouver food scene. Maybe it's a good thing that I had low expectations so that they were easy to exceed, or maybe the food was THAT good at Bao Bei. I think I'm gonna go with the latter.


The restaurant is gorgeous. Not in an impressive way like Goldfish or Society, but in more of a minimalistic way. The decor definitely fits the neighbourhood - it would be so awkward if they had gone for opulence. I didn't get any pictures of the inside, but I was in love with the bar - felt like a saloon. The banquet seating was pretty uncomfortable, but it was soon forgotten about.

Cutest little stamp on the menu

Bao Bei is basically Chinese tapas; small and medium sized plates that are best for sharing. This ended up being detrimental because I was starving, which leads to having to order more and more food, thus raising your total cost. But I digress.

Crispy fishies with peanuts & chili - $4

As much as I love food, I just can't take seafood. No matter how hard I try. I do, however, enjoy oysters, go figure. I do eat salmon occasionally and arctic char when available, but definitely no shellfish. My brother wanted to order the crispy fishies and I didn't eat them. Him and my Dad enjoyed them, said they had a bit of a bite from the chilis. They pair well well with beer (according to our server), likening them to peanuts/bar nuts.

Crispy Daikon Cake - $4

My personal favourite. Loved the crispy texture and the flavour. We had to order 2 plates.

King Pea Tips - $6

Probably my least favourite dish (that I ate - haha). It reminded me of gai lan, which I can have any day.

Squid: stirfried with pork belly & baby bok choi - $12

I didn't eat this. I've tried squid on a number of occasions, but I can never get over the rubbery texture. My family all gave it rave reviews, my Mom said that it wasn't too rubbery and almost melted in your mouth.

Pork Potstickers - $6

I love potstickers. I especially love potstickers from Hon's. These potstickers were good, plump and juicy, and had a definite anise taste. But, truth be told, I still prefer Hon's. Is that sacrilege?

Steamed Prawn & Chive Dumplings - $7.50

They have prawn therefore I didn't eat them. But they look good.....

Mantou - $9

Another favourite. While I did feel that I was eating pita bread, I enjoyed the flavour of the short ribs and hoisin. The menu says that there's supposed to be peanuts, but I don't remember tasting any.

Ellie's Belly - $9

My brother, the chef, l-o-v-e-s pork belly. He eats it every chance he gets because my mom doesn't make it (or eat it, for that matter).

Pork Noodle Soup - $14

Spicy broth...well, not spicy for me, but my spicy tolerance is significantly above average, bordering on insane. The BBQ pork was lean (just the way I like it) and the noodles...were, well, just that. I felt that the soup was just slightly too oily (due to the chili oil), but aide from that, a tasty dish.

Shao Bing - $8

Definitely in the least favourite category. I really liked the sesame flat bread, but I'm kind of confused on it's Asian-ness. There was some good flavour, but like my brother said, "It needs more pickled onion and greens." The chef said.


Bao Bei has a short dessert menu. What I like about it is that it's not your typical Vancouver dessert menu, meaning that there's no creme brulee, or chocolate explosion cake.

Mango Pudding - $6

The pudding was a basic tapioca with chunks of mango. It was covered by a weird, sweet bread crust. The crust was tasty and mixed with the flavour of the pudding. My brother and I really liked it, my parents, not so much. My mom likened the crust to the "white square bread from T&T" - you know you know the one.

Fried Bananas - $6

I love friend bananas. I especially love them because you can't get them at many places, so it's always an excitement when they're on the menu. These were battered in coconut, and accompanied by coconut and lime ice cream. The ice cream was amazing, as were the bananas.

I really enjoyed the pace of the restaurant. Dishes were generally served one by one (since we were sharing), allowing us to enjoy the flavours of each dish. The food was also piping hot (I really, really hate it when food comes out warm, like it's been sitting on the line for awhile. This is especially the case with SOUP), which was a huge deal for me.

I didn't enjoy that we had to keep ordering food as the meal progressed. However, because of the structure of the menu, it's not a huge deal. Meaning, that you don't have to wait for a long period of time if you add something on to your tab.

Overall, it's definitely a place I'd go back to. I'm not sure that I would go there relying on dinner, but for drinks and a couple plates before going somewhere else, or after work, or whatever, it's great.

I would definitely give it a 4/5



Bao Bei is located at 163 Keefer Street


*I give these places a 3/5 - meaning that I didn't hate it there, but I'm not rushing back. I would only return if someone else wanted to go there or for an event.

FLIRT ALERT!

That's the name of my new lipstick. How sassy is that??


I bought Benefit's Full-finish Lipstick in Flirt Alert for New Years. I had decided that I would go with bold lips since I was too scared to do bold eyes with my lash extensions (I also had a hunch that I wouldn't have the capacity to take the eye makeup off at the end of the night - boy was I right).

I hadn't heard much about the product, but Benefit's always a good go-to. It was the perfect bold red that I was looking for - the others were a bit brown, orange-y, or too pink. Plus their packaging is always super cute - the little insert in the box reads, "Men may come & go but lipstick is forever". Oh Betty, how wise you are.

The product is great. It glides on silky, doesn't dry my lips out, and the colour is fantastic. It's definitely my new favourite lipstick.

The only downside that I've experienced is that due to the packaging, it doesn't have that typical lipstick shape, it has the slanted tip. I've found that this doesn't allow for great application. I don't have Angelina Jolie lips, so swiping it over my lips gets messy. It's definitely the type of lipstick you need a brush for.

It's My Party

It's here! My birthday!

What did you get me?

My birthday is actually tomorrow (Saturday). Tonight is going to be celebrated with the boyfriend with dinner at Socie+y (he's never been). I'm really looking forward to the mac + cheese balls. Saturday is more food, dinner at Nuba, drinks at Diamond. Maybe some Lamplighter after? Come by, say Hi, stay for a drink.

I had family birthday dinner last night at ReFuel (Sorry, no food porn, left my camera at home. Ugh.), and to be honest, I was disappointed. The service was lacklustre, the food mediocre. Fuel had received such great reviews before, so naturally I was expecting the same from ReFuel. I had their much buzzed about Fried Chicken. It was good - not too greasy, tasty batter, moist chicken, but overall just Meh. Overall, I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

I am, however, looking forward to dinner at Nuba. Guarenteed food porn next week.


I hope you all had the opportunity to check out Define Magazine. We have some great pieces lined up for next week and the weeks to come.

If you're interested in contributing, please email me or check out the "How to Become a Writer" page at Define Mag.

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Doe Eyed

A week before Christmas I finally made it to Noir Lash Lounge to get lash extensions. I had only heard good things, so I was eager to pump up my lashes for the holiday season. You know how it is, your family always wants to take pictures during gift opening and you're still half asleep.

I was certainly pleased with the results! My lashes were fuller, longer, and curled, instantly giving me that wide-eyed and bushy-tailed look. I felt doe eyed. For the rest of the day I couldn't stop looking at my lashes at every opportunity I got. They significantly decreased the time for makeup application - concealer, blush, high lighter, done! It's almost 3 weeks later and I still have quite a few lashes.

Don't think it was all sunshine and rainbows though. I did have one lash that had become unstuck from my lid, but was still adhered to my lash itself, that would poke me everytime I closed my eye. It was livable at first, but then it became painful, so painful that the only option I had at that point in time was to just try to get it off. I ended up pulling it off…plus a few lashes. I have since learned that it's better to cut the lash off than rip it out - but desperate times called for desperate measures. If it had been possible, I would have headed to Noir where they can remove the lashes for free.

The verdict? Will I get them again? Yes, definitely. However, I won't become a full fledged lash addict. I try to make my makeup and cleansing routine as basic as possible. Having to be constantly conscious of the lashes wasn't difficult, but was occasionally trying. Thus, I was wary to wear eyeliner because I didn't want to spend all the time and effort to take it off. Lazy? You bet. I loved the way they looked, I loved the ease they provided in my daily makeup application (especially going to work). But they're not for me in terms of a long term commitment. I'd rather use that money towards shoes.

I absolutely cannot wait until I can put my face directly under the shower head again.

Prime Time

More and more women are using makeup primers these days. For those who don't know, primers go on like a lotion (after your moisturizer and before your makeup) and create a barrier between your makeup and your skin. This prevents the clogging of pores by all the grime and filth in makeup. Primers also give the makeup something to adhere to, making your makeup last longer.

I've used 3 different primers. The first one I used was Philosophy's The Present. I don't remember much about this product, but it's gotten good reviews. I didn't have any complaints about this product, but I suppose that I didn't love it enough to continue using it.

The second one I used was the highly recommended Smashbox Photo Finish. It's quite expensive ($36 (1oz.) - $49 (2oz.) ), yes, but I can assure you that it is amazing. It's a mattefying formula, removing any shine from your skin. Plus it's full of antioxidants, is scent-free and makes your skin feel silky.



The primer I'm using now is Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer. This product goes for $32 (1.01oz.). I bought it because I was curious about the HD line, and because I was trying to save a bit of money. The formula is a bit more moisturizer-like than the Photo Finish, but almost a bit too runny. It provides a nice sheen/lustre to my skin, but not oily looking. However, the smell...ugh. It reminds me of an old lady. The scent is very purfumey.


In the end, I'm glad that I tried out the HD Microperfecting Primer, but the scent is a huge deterrent for me. I can tell you that I will definitely be purchasing Photo Finish the next time I need primer. It doesn't just win out because it's scent-free but because it's definitely a great product and I loved the way it felt on my skin.

Images from Sephora

Gimme a 'B'!

If you were to survey 10 women on the street, I would guess that you would receive 4 different answers. Mascara is one of the few beauty products that is very personal. Products like concealer and eyeshadow are created for one use. But mascara, you can get formulas that lengthen, curl, volumize, and any combination of those! There are different types of applicators, mascaras for lower lashes, for upper lashes, and even waterproof. With so many options, it's no wonder that everyone has a different favourite.

My go-to mascara is Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash.

With the mascara you get a little pamphlet with mascara secrets and some statistics on Buxom. For example, did you know that...since your lashes are thicker at the bottom, you should "first apply mascara to the tops of your lashes in order to even out the thickness, and then apply full coats". I did not know that, thanks Buxom Lash!

Not only do I love the little pamphlet, but I also adore the big, voluminous brush. The shape of the brush is "designed to lift and separate every lash", which is actually fairly true. But, more on that later. With a brush this big, application is really easy, sometimes I feel like I could apply it in the dark. But let's be honest, I'd end up with black smudges all over my face.

Buxom Lash is great because it delivers. I've found that it meets my needs, volumizing and lengthening. The packaging is cute, the little info pamphlet is great, and it's full of antioxidents (bonus!).

But what's the catch? I find that there are times when I get clumps, which I haven't decided is a user error or not, and I sometimes get raccoon eyes. Not horrible, not even really noticeable to others. But again, I'm generally prone to having my eye makeup smudge a bit. A big downside from what I read of the Sephora reviews, is that it's not waterproof. But, I believe they are making a waterproof version soon enough!

Overall, I'd definitely recommend trying it out if it seems like something that would work for you. But I totally understand if you just can't bring yourself to cheat on your old faithful.

My Love is Like...Vampire Blood?

If you know me really well, you know that I am Anti Twilight (as well as Harry Potter), which is why this is kind of a weird review for me to write. I almost feel hypocritical, but I justify it because I am so Pro DuWop Lip Venom. I love the tingly sensation that you get when you wear DuWop products, so when the DuWop Lip Venom V was announced, I was skeptical because of the Twilight influence, but intrigued.


The DuWop website says that Lip Venom V is not a gloss but a "shimmering crimson lip stain" with a "super potent bite". It is considered to be a lip conditioner and contain argan, avocado, olive oils, and vitamin E.

Let me start off by saying that anything that is written on the website about vampires and crap, is well, just that. Crap. "This product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds". Seriously? If I had seen the website prior to buying the product, there was no way I would have. I'm 25 for Pete's sake! I don't want some crap thrown at me about vampire and human worlds. The marketing for the product is horrible. It's a $25 lip stain! Not a gloss. So, using this ploy to market is a bad idea. 15 year olds can't afford $25 lip-anything, nor should they be wearing lip stain. But that's another issue all together. I understand that the product is Twilight sponsored, no problem there, but the marketing is totally corny.

But other than that, everything else said about the product is bang on. It provides a great red colour, an awesome tingly sensation, and it feels good on your lips!

The downside is that the red colour is a bit too bold for every day wear. It's a night shade of red, and would be difficult to pull off at work or school. But props to you if you have the confidence to rock that look in the day.

Overall, I'm not too satisfied with the product though. But here's why: I didn't know that it was a stain. I was expecting a red lip venom gloss, so imagine my disappointment when I discover that it's just a stain. I didn't read up about it before - I saw DuWup, I saw red, and I wanted. So any dissatisfaction that I have with the product is entirely my problem.

Verdict? Toss up. If you're willing to spend the money for a small lip stain, then do it! But I know that I wouldn't because there are other products out there that are a bit more economical for me.

Image Citation.

To Matte or Not to Matte?

Over Labour Day long weekend I finally found one of the things I had been coveting for awhile - matte nail polish. I picked up OPI La Paz-itively Hot - a bright fuchsia colour.



I hadn't heard much about the matte colours except for that they exist and are one of the hot nail trends. Having taken a bit of a nail polish hiatus over the summer, this was the perfect thing to throw me right back in. I typically change the colour on my nails 2 or 3 times per week. Speaking to the girl at the salon, she told me to make sure I read the directions (!!??).

I got home and read these so-called directions. 1) Do not wear a base coat or top coat, 2) Do not use hand moisturizer. I took the latter to mean that I shouldn't have cream on my hands prior to polishing, because there's no way that I would be able to not moisturize for however long the polish was on. Finally, there's what I would call a disclaimer.



OPI matte may not last as long as regular OPI.



Which, I suppose makes sense since there are no base or top coats.

The major plus side of this polish is that it is quick drying. No fuss. Seriously, you could put it on while getting ready for a night out and you wouldn't have to worry about smudging it! I loved that. What I didn't love, however, was that it does, in fact, chip rather easily. The other morning, after doing my nails the night before, I left for work, got on the SkyTrain, and by the time I had gotten to work, one of my nails had a huge chip in it! But, I suppose that since it does dry so quickly, it's not that big of a deal since it would take no time to fix it.

All in all, despite the annoyance, it's a great product, the quick drying being a huge selling factor to me. Plus, I love the way it looks!

Coloured Mascara

Lately I've been all kinds of obsessed with coloured mascara. I first jumped on the bandwagon last year when I was in Paris. I was in Sephora and asked the girl about what colour mascara would be good for brown eyes. She recommended Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara in Purple Haze. It's worked great. For all you brown eyed girls, purple is the colour that makes your eyes pop!



Shortly after I returned home, I went to the states to shop (obvs) and stopped in at Victoria's Secret. They had their Beauty Rush products on sale and I picked up 2 coloured mascaras, Violight (purple) and Indiglow (blue). I was eager to try blue mascara since I'd had such success with the purple, especially since it was supposed to make the whites of your eyes brighter.






Success! Personally, I find that the blue does a lot more for me because I have pretty dark lashes and also because my eyes can look tired and red from time to time, so anything that makes me look more alert, I'm all for!



I now have 2 purple and 2 blue mascaras and I put them to the test! (The second blue one I have is Benefit's BadGal Lash Mascara - sample size from Sephora! Ha!)




Of the purple mascaras, my vote goes to Urban Decay. I find the colour more noticeable on my lashes than the Beauty Rush, which seems like it's just brushing on a slight tint of colour. The Urban Decay is also noticeable by others - a friend said to me once, "Are you wearing purple mascara??" Why, yes, I am.


Take a look at the difference in colours:




Urban Decay is on the right and Beauty Rush on the left. I definitely prefer the rich, grape-y colour of the Beauty Rush, but unfortunately it's not that colour when it goes on. The pinkier, more eggplant colour of the Purple Haze shows up rather nicely on my dark lashes. The downside of both? Neither make my lashes longer and thicker, so I prefer to put on a coat of black mascara first to get my lashes longer and then apply a quick coat of the purple.





The blue's are a bit more difficult to decide on. The Beauty Rush is definitely noticeable on my lashes; the same friend said to me, "Are you wearing blue mascara?". But, like the purple ones, the Indiglow also needs a coat of black before applying. Since the BadGal blue is the same formula as Benefit's regular mascara, it doesn't need the extra coat of black. But, since the original BadGal doesn't give me the lashes I desire, I still put on a coat of my own black mascara before the blue.


BadGal is on the left, Beauty Rush on the right. The colour of BadGal is definitely a lot richer than the Beauty Rush, which comes off fairly muted. But when put on, the colours are fairly similar. And since I end up applying black mascara beforehand anyway, I'd have to say that in the blue category, it's a tie.



Have you tried coloured mascara? What brands do you prefer?





Images of products from Victoria's Secret & Sephora.