Mansa Fashion

Tag: makeup

  • does it work?? lise watier 24 hours glam eyeshadow

    does it work?? lise watier 24 hours glam eyeshadow

    My loved ones are well aware that makeup is a passion of mine. I love to test out products and create different makeup looks. Recently, my husband came home with a little gift bag of items from the drugstore. Each gift bag purchased went towards a local charity, so it was a win-win situation. There were mostly some skin care and perfume samples inside, but there was also a full size version of the Lise Watier 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow. I was definitely eager to put it to the test. So…does it work??

    First thing is first…it is time to take a look at the claims made about the Lise Watier 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow. According to the brand, this is a roll-on stick eyeshadow that lasts for as long as 24 hours. It can be used as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, or primer for the eyelids before layering on powder products. This is supposed to have extreme hold, no transfer, and also be waterproof. So, does it work? In a word….yes. This is a seriously incredible product. Though this Lise Watier shadow stick wasn’t something that I would necessarily have thought to purchase myself, it is now an absolute staple in my makeup collection. I am obsessed.

    As for the claims that this is transfer proof, has extreme hold, and is waterproof? Those are 100% accurate. This does not crease or move at all. It is phenomenal. I chose to take this away when my family went to the cottage, because I knew that with this on, I didn’t have to worry about the weather impacting my makeup. No smudging, no running, no nothing. I love that this stays put all day without needing a refresh. Even with a good primer, my eyeshadows can crease in the warm weather, so it is wonderful to have a product that I do not need to worry about at all. I have worn the 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow from Lise Watier inside all day, outside all day, in the heat, in the rain, and still the results are the same. It just lasts and lasts.

    There seem to be a handful of different colours to choose from, but the one that was included in the gift bag is called Sexy Glam. It is a champagne pink colour that reminds me a lot of the champagne shade in the old school Walking on Eggshells trio from Wet n Wild. I love that it can be worn alone or with other shadows added. Most of the time, I’ve been using the eyeshadow stick all over the lid and then adding a medium brown through the crease for a bit of contrast. Quick, easy, and sure to last all day long. I love that it doesn’t smudge, crease, or transfer and I absolutely adore the beautiful colour. This is a new makeup must for me. I love not having to worry about my makeup moving on those warm days in the summer sunshine.

    So….does it work?? Absolutely. The 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow from Lise Watier is a standout product. Not only does it meet all of the brand claims, but this eyeshadow stick has made my life a whole lot easier this summer. No creasing and no smudging.

    Have you tried the 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow from Lise Watier? Are you a fan of other products from the brand?

  • kylie cosmetics theme week: mini reviews

    kylie cosmetics theme week: mini reviews

    Ahh….home sweet home. I am back from a week away at a cottage with my family (more on that in the days to come) and am slowly settling back into my routine. That means catching up on work, laundry, cleaning, my favourite television shows, and all the rest. There seemed to be no better time for a theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. Not only do I love a good theme, but I am excited to review some Kylie Cosmetics items over the next several days. As I have stated before, I am a fan of the Kardashian/Jenner family, but I am also really into Kylie Cosmetics products. Generally speaking, I love the soft pink packaging and the overall quality. Ready for another theme week? Here are some mini reviews of skin and makeup products.

    Kylie LED Hand Mirror. The first item is a non-makeup related product and it is a cute LED Hand Mirror from the brand. This (and everything else in this post) was gifted to me by my mom, because she knows how much I adore Kylie Cosmetics items. This is a little round mirror that lights up when the base is fully extended. The batteries can be changed out easily, which is a real benefit. This is something that I actually took with me to the cottage so I could apply – and check – my makeup each day.

    Kylie Cosmetics Kylash Volume Mascara. The next item in this mini review post is a sample of the Kylash Volume Mascara. According to the brand, this is a volumizing, lifting, and defining vegan mascara that delivers the perfect full lash. It is not supposed to clump or smudge. So….how did this one perform? Would I purchase a full-sized version? This is a really excellent mascara. It adds a ton of length and a lot of volume. It is a rich black colour and the mascara separates the lashes well. Though I would love a full-sized version of the Kylash Volume Mascara, one tube costs $33 CDN. As a result, I am more likely to stick with something from Cover Girl or Essence. However, this might be something that I treat myself to from time to time.

    Kylie Skin Clear Complexion Correction Stick. I was always told that pimples and breakouts would stop once I became an adult. Somewhere along the line, I became an adult, but the breakouts continue anyway. I am usually fighting off at least a few blemishes at a time! That is why I love the Clear Complexion Correction Stick. It is a gel serum that addresses breakouts. What I love? This has a doe foot applicator and is super quick and easy to use. It literally takes about three seconds to apply the product. This means even on my laziest days, it is still possible to address those unwanted surprises on my skin.

    Kylie Cosmetics Tinted Butter Balm in Kylie. I love an easy to wear lip product. When I want something a little more laid back, a tinted balm is ideal. The Tinted Butter Balm from Kylie Cosmetics is excellent. It is so hydrating (probably from the jojoba oil) and comfortable to wear. I love that I can wear this without needing to layer anything else on top. It is perfect as is! Nourishing with a soft hint of colour. It has a glossy kind of finish, but isn’t sticky or tacky like a traditional lip gloss. This colour is 808 Kylie. I compared it to the liquid lipstick version of 808 Kylie and the Tinted Butter Balm version is a bit lighter than the liquid lipstick.

    Kylie Cosmetics Lip Shine Lacquer in 341 A Whole Lewk. The last item in this mini review post is the Lip Shine Lacquer in the shade 341 A Whole Lewk. This lip product is excellent, because it has all of the colour of a traditional lipstick or liquid lipstick, but has a glossy finish, without any stickiness. It is kind of the best of both worlds! This colour is described as a berry mauve. It is a really rich and beautiful colour that stands out. Definitely one that would work pair well with fall makeup looks.

    There you have it! The first Kylie Cosmetics theme week post. Stay tuned for even more themed reviews…

  • 2 looks 1 palette: norvina pro pigment palette volume two

    2 looks 1 palette: norvina pro pigment palette volume two

    Summer is well underway and that means bright and colourful makeup looks are calling my name. There is something about the sunshine that demands colour. Thankfully, the Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Volume Two boasts all sorts of bold matte and shimmer shades. It certainly has been making my days a little more vibrant. Ready to take a peek inside the palette? Check out some colourful makeup looks? Here is a 2 looks 1 palette post featuring this headturning (and ultra colourful) release.

    The Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Volume Two has twenty five eyeshadows to choose from with an aqua-themed colour story. Though the aqua theme is clear with the packaging and some of the colours…there is a lot more to this palette than that. There are yellows, greens, oranges, pinks, and even some darker matte shades. (I have plans for those darker matte shades once the fall season rolls around.) There is a lot of variety here in both the colours and finishes. Though there are a lot of matte shades, there are some seriously dazzling shimmers as well. This is a really fun eyeshadow palette to put to use…and it certainly challenges me to step out of my comfort zone a bit. The quality is impressive and the shadows are really pigmented.

    Look #1: Blue and Orange. To create the makeup look above, the shade D2 (orange) was applied through the crease for an unexpected pop of colour. I knew that I wanted to make the most of some of the blues in the palette, so I used a bit of C2 and B4 all over the lid. To tie the orange and blue together, the shade D1 (an ultra shimmery blue) was added. Though this isn’t a typical makeup look for me, it was a lot of fun to create. I love the way that shimmer performs and the fact that it made the orange and blue fit a little more seamlessly together. The end result was a fun and sparkly summer makeup look.

    Look #2: Pink and Burgundy. I do have a weakness for pink eyeshadow shades. When I saw A1 in the palette (sparkly pink) there was no doubt that it would be put to use. To create the look above, I started by applying D3 (matte pink) all over the lid. Then A1 was added on top for that gorgeous shimmery finish and some C1 was applied to the inner corner. A bit of the matte burgundy shade, C5, was added through the crease to make it a little more dramatic. I love this vibrant and smokey look.

    There you have it! 2 looks 1 palette featuring the Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Volume Two. There are a lot of fun shades to work with. I have no doubt that this palette will be make the rest of the summer season just a little bit brighter.

    What do you think of these makeup looks? What kind of eyeshadow shades do you like to wear in the summer?

  • FOTD inspired by descendants: the rise of red

    FOTD inspired by descendants: the rise of red

    As a Disney obsessed adult, it is not a shock that I watched Descendants: The Rise of Red the first day it was available on Disney+. I have watched (and loved) all of the Descendants movies over the years. I love the costumes, hair, makeup, music, dances, and the unique way that Disney lore is examined. The newest movie in the series totally wowed. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it was an immediate favourite. For starters, Brandy and Paolo Montalban reprised their roles from the live action Cinderella movie. There was also Rita Ora in the role of the Queen of Hearts. There were lots of familiar faces from previous Descendants movies as well as some fantastic new characters. I loved everything about it…and am eager for a follow up film. While watching Descendants: The Rise of Red, the hair and makeup really wowed. Though I knew there was no hope of me recreating the hairstyles of the main characters, the makeup was another story. I decided to put my own spin on the makeup look of Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts. It might not be a perfect recreation, but it was a lot of fun to do.

    As you can see from the photo above, the Red makeup look featured a light gold shadow on the inner portion of the eye, a warm red on the outer portion, and then some matte browns to tie it all together. The blush was warm and the lipstick was a bold red. Immediately, I knew what eyeshadow palette would work to recreate this Descendants makeup look: the Tarte Gilded Glamour Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Wardrobe. The Gilded palette has just the right colours. On the cheeks, it was a bit of the Rude Cosmetics blush in the shade Match 3. To finish it off, it was a NYX lipstick on the lips. My go-to products were used on the rest of the face, which includes a foundation from L’Oreal and Maybelline (I like to use the Pro Glow foundation all over and then add a bit of the Maybelline Matte Mouse to certain points of the face. Most of my skin is dry, but my nose is oily, so adding the matte foundation to that part of the face seems to address the issue.) I used an eyebrow pencil from Essence, liner from Annabelle on the lower lash line and the NYX Epic Ink Liner to create that winged look. A bit of concealer from Hard Candy and powder from Cover Girl finished off the basics. Ready to see this Descendants inspired makeup look? Here it is…

    This #FOTD was fun to create because the warm colours on the eyes were right up my alley, but the bold red lipstick pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit. It really was the best of both worlds! Watching Descendants: The Rise of Red made me very happy…and so did creating a makeup look inspired by one of the characters. Who knows? Maybe I will do makeup looks inspired by some of the other Descendants characters in the future. For now, it has been fun unleashing my inner Red.

    Have you watched the new Descendants movie? What do you think of this #FOTD?

  • red and white makeup look (canada day inspired #FOTD)

    red and white makeup look (canada day inspired #FOTD)

    Another Canada Day has arrived. For some, that means fireworks and barbecues, and for others, it looks like just another day. In past years, my husband and I have gone to local events where there was live music, vendors, and other forms of entertainment. However, since the pandemic, the celebrations have been a lot more low key for us. At first we did not feel safe heading out into the crowds. Now? It just seems harder to fit in those special events. Despite the fact that we both had plans to work on Canada Day, we have made a last minute shift, and will be heading to Ottawa to see some fireworks and a DJ that my husband enjoys. It is a long way to go for a few hours of entertainment, but I think it is exactly what we need. To look and feel my best this Canada Day, I decided to create a red and white makeup look using some of my tried and true favourites.

    There were two eyeshadow palettes used to create the eye look: the Tarte Tarteist Pro Remix Eyeshadow Palette and the Alyssa Edwards Eyeshadow Palette. Both are ones that I reach for often. The Tarte palette is one that I often take away on vacation or reach for when I want something colourful but easy to create. The shadows are ultra pigmented and look beautiful. I knew right away that I wanted to use the shimmery warm red. It was applied all over the lid and then blended out with the soft brown. To incorporate the white in this red and white makeup look, the Alyssa Edwards Eyeshadow Palette was the obvious choice. The white in that particular palette is incredible. It is so richly pigmented. As you can see from the end result, the white really pops! I loved the contrast between the bold white matte and the warm red shimmer. Eyeliner and mascara finished off the eyes. A warm red lipstick from NYX was applied to the lips to finish off the Canada Day inspired makeup look.

    Whether today is an ordinary Monday or you are celebrating Canada Day, here is hoping the day is one to remember.

  • fab or fail? spongebob squarepants eyeshadow palette

    fab or fail? spongebob squarepants eyeshadow palette

    Though some themed beauty products are fabulous, there are many others that are lacking in quality. In the years that I have been testing and trying different makeup products…my weakness has always been a cute theme or cartoon character. In fact, I have purchased eyeshadow palettes inspired by the Care Bears, Minnie Mouse, Moana, Peanuts, The Powerpuff Girls, and countless others. I can’t seem to resist! When I came across a Spongebob Squarepants Eyeshadow Palette with fun summery colours, there was barely a moment of hesitation. Did I need it? No. Did I want it? Yes. Did I buy it? Of course. Without further ado, it is time to find out whether this fun Spongebob Squarepants themed eyeshadow palette is fab or a total fail.

    The colour story is so much fun, especially now that the summer season is fully underway. The bright yellows, sky blues, and ocean greens just scream sunshine and summer to me. Personally, I like to embrace more colourful eyeshadow looks during this time of year. For whatever reason, it just feels right. The Spongebob Squarepants Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty set me back $9.99 CDN, but with summery shadows and a fun pineapple theme, it was just too fabulous to resist.

    The packaging has lots of colourful pineapples all over and a cute cartoon image of Spongebob Squarepants sporting pineapple shaped glasses. On the inside, there is a classic image of Spongebob next to the mirror. Such a fun detail! I love that this palette is colourful and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Clearly, the colour story and the packaging is excellent. The eyeshadows are even themed. Some examples? Welcome to Paradise, Endless Summer, and Krabby Kahuna, and Home Sweet Pineapple.

    The Spongebob Squarepants Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty has a lot going for it…except for the actual quality. Sigh! Another dud from this brand. It is so strange to me that some Taste Beauty releases are fantastic and others are so terrible. I wish there was some level of consistency with the formula. The packaging is always wonderful, but the eyeshadows are beyond hit and miss. I need to learn my lesson and stop taking risks on these themed releases, but I can make no promises.

    The look shown above is not one that I am happy with. Not only did this not turn out well, but it took ages to create anything at all using this Spongebob themed eyeshadow palette. In short? The pigmentation is not there. Originally, I wanted to use the fun greens and blues. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough pigmentation for any of the colours to actually be visible. I did my best to make the Endless Summer shade work, but instead of being burgundy, it ended up looking like a soft orange. I tried to apply a bit of Home Sweet Pineapple as a shimmery topper, but it did absolutely nothing and was barely visible in the end. My next thought was to use the darkest colour in the palette. I tried to add in some black, but it really didn’t blend at all, and the end result was something harsh and patchy. As cute as this Spongebob Squarepants palette is….the quality is terrible.

    Is it fab or a total fail? I think that is pretty clear. Unfortunately, the Spongebob Squarepants Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty is a fail. It is cute and well themed, but the quality is not there. The shadows are not pigmented at all and do not blend.

    What summer eyeshadow palettes do you like to use? Would you ever purchase a themed makeup item?

  • review: danessa myricks beauty (love is love palette)

    review: danessa myricks beauty (love is love palette)

    It is always exciting to try makeup from a brand that is new to me. It is especially exciting to try out a palette that focuses on love, representation, and inclusivity. I have seen a few Danessa Myricks Beauty products at Sephora before, but have not taken the plunge because of the prices. However, my mom recently gifted me the Love Is Love Illuminating Eye and Face Pigments palette after she fell in love with it. This palette costs $88 CDN….so I was definitely spoiled with some high end makeup. Ready to take a look inside? Find out how this palette performs? Here is everything you need to know about this colourful release.

    According to the brand, the Love is Love palette is a “celebration of the creativity, beauty, and love of our vibrant LGBTQIA+ community.” The intention is to celebrate the beauty of love in all forms with mesmerizing multi-chrome tones. The shade names are Ally, DREAM, Freedom, Worthy, Limitless, Truth, and Embrace. I love the themes of acceptance, celebration, and inclusivity. This is a limited edition release, so if you are interested in adding this to your collection, be sure to act fast.

    There are some pros and cons to consider when it comes to the Love Is Love palette. The cons? The eyeshadow names are not printed inside the palette. Instead, there is a clear plastic sheet inside and the names are printed on the back. I appreciate that the names are still visible, but it is always preferable to me when they are included in the palette itself. The other con is the layout. Though I like the unique shapes and placements, the DREAM shadows down the center are much smaller and are connected, so there is often carry over from one shadow to the next. This means that using a smaller brush for application is essential. As for the pros? Literally everything else. These products are remarkable. Without a doubt, the best formula that I have ever tried. When I applied a shadow on my eyelid for the first time, I literally gasped, because it was so pigmented. It was a jaw drop kind of moment. Even now, as I write this, it is hard for me to wrap my head around the Love Is Love palette.

    Some eyeshadows need to be built up in order to achieve a bright and colourful look. Not these. One swipe was all it took for bold and intense colour. Though it looks vibrant in the photo above, it was even more impressive in person. The DREAM colours down the center are the literal best eyeshadows that I have ever used. They have the best finish and are so pigmented. In a word? Wow. The other shadows in the palette are beautiful as well. Ally and Truth work well on the inner corner. Embrace and Limitless (the purple and black shadows) are the weakest in the bunch, but those dark colours work well balance out all of the rainbow goodness. The largest pans in the palette are Freedom and Worthy, which are described by the brand as being universal highlighters for the eyes, face, or lips. I personally love to use those as cheek highlights or to add an extra little pop to the inner corner of the eye. The white half is actually a gorgeous lilac colour. It pairs well with the bold purple in the center.

    The Love Is Love palette from Danessa Myricks Beauty is extraordinary. The eyeshadows down the center of the palette are without a doubt the best that I have ever used. The others are stellar, but wow, the DREAM colours are a real dream come true. Though this palette was expensive, this is a brand that is now on my radar. I am completely obsessed with the formula.

    Have you tried anything from Danessa Myricks Beauty? What do you think of this eyeshadow palette?

  • testing dollar store makeup (tivoli and la colors)

    testing dollar store makeup (tivoli and la colors)

    Is it possible to find great beauty products for a whole lot less? Absolutely. As wonderful as it is to treat myself to items from Sephora every now and then, the drugstore, discount stores, and dollar stores are frequented far more often. So, it is nice to put dollar store products to the test sometimes! After all, fun beauty finds should be available for everyone who wants them. On that note…here are some mini reviews and a makeup look featuring dollar store beauty items from Tivoli and L.A. Colors.

    This little dollar store makeup haul includes two liquid lipsticks from Tivoli and a blush from L.A. Colors. Starting with the liquid lipsticks, these were from Tivoli, which is not a brand that I can recall trying in the past. There were a handful of colours to choose from, but I opted for the cool toned nude colour and the purple-pink colour. Both were fairly unique, which was intriguing, because I often like putting more unusual lipstick shades to the test. In terms of performance, these liquid lipsticks perform fairly well, but require a bit of building to achieve full colour payoff. It took two coats for the nude colour and three coats for the purple-pink colour. That being said, the liquid lipsticks dry down completely after application and last well. The colours are bold, beautiful, and affordable. Each one was $1.50 CDN. Though the packaging isn’t anything special and the shades don’t have names…this is an ultra affordable way to embrace colour. Plus, the colour lasts really well.

    As for the L.A. Colors blush? Obsessed. This one does have a name and it is called Sweet Cheeks. It is classic bright pink blush. Though the packaging is on the cheap side (this was also $1.50 CDN), it does include a little brush for application, which is a nice detail. I have been using this blush 80% of the time over the last three months or so. My routine is essentially to use a bronzer and then add this bright pink blush to the apples of the cheeks. It just works so well. The blush has a nice amount of pigmentation and the colour is perfection. This has become a real standout in my blush collection. And it is something that I expect will be in heavy rotation this summer. I am so glad that I took a chance and tried this dollar store product.

    Have you ever tried a dollar store makeup item? What do you think of these products?

  • random things that are making me happy lately.

    random things that are making me happy lately.

    Life has been a little uneven lately. Truth be told, there have been a handful of stressful events in recent weeks. Like construction on our balcony and a massive apartment repair that will happen in the near future. (Ceiling repair…which means everything in our living room and hallway needs to be packed away and moved into another room for a few days.) There was also a celebration of life that was incredibly difficult. In response to all of this, I have been trying to focus on happy things as much as possible lately. Here are a few of the things that have been making life a little more beautiful in recent weeks.

    Meeting Loonette The Clown. One clear highlight was attending a local Comicon event where Loonette The Clown (Alyson Court) from The Big Comfy Couch appeared. I was completely obsessed with this show as a child and that love has continued on into my adult years. The stuffed dust bunnies (seen in my photo with Alyson Court) normally sit in the corner of a room in our home. I’ve had them for many many many years and it was finally time for them to meet Loonette! It was such a neat experience. To be honest, I was totally star struck to see someone who was so important to me as a child. Though there was a very long wait in line to meet her, it was well worth it. I also purchased an autograph, which she signed from “Loonette.” It was a fun detail and I am appreciative that she recognizes how important she was to the lives of kids all over the world.

    Rewatching Television Shows That I Love. There is always something new to watch these days, with tons of streaming services available. I do watch my fair share of new releases. However, sometimes it is nice to watch old favourites and fall in love with the characters all over again. One of my friends was doing a rewatch of Veronica Mars. It inspired me to pull out my DVD set to rewatch the fourth season (the only Hulu season). Though that season was divisive in the fandom, I still love it and enjoyed every minute of my recent binge watch. Another show I have been obsessed with lately is Crazy Ex Girlfriend. It was my first time rewatching in a bit and I made it through the entire series quickly. The show is incredible. I often find myself relating to things that maybe I shouldn’t…and singing along with all of the songs. It was nice to reconnect with beloved characters.

    Using Special Beauty Items. The products that I use tend to vary based on my mood, the season, and the occasion. Most recently, I have been finding happiness with the two products above. The first is the Sugar Cookie Palette from the Too Faced Christmas Bake Shoppe collection. It is one that I have continued to love. There are some wonderful cool toned eyeshadows and a gorgeous pink blush. For my makeup look today, I applied Claus A Stir (cool toned brown) with Treat Yo’ Elf (brown-gold glitter) layered over top. A bit of It Soots You (matte black) was applied along the lower lash line to finish it all off. Most days, the Mint To Be (cool mint) eyeshadow shade is the star, but today, it was all about that cool toned brown. As for fragrances, I have been reaching for With Love by Hilary Duff a lot. This is an oldie but a goodie. (A quick Google search tells me this was released in 2006 and that makes me feel very old indeed.) I have a few bottles of this perfume because I love it so much. I was afraid of running out, so I sort of stock piled it back in the day. No regrets! This has been making life smell extra fabulous.
    What random things have been making you happy lately?

  • does it work?? hard candy face off luminous liquid blush

    does it work?? hard candy face off luminous liquid blush

    I have never been shy about my love for Hard Candy products. Though it is becoming more difficult for me to find some of my old favourites…it is still a thrill to put anything from the brand to the test. A little while back, the Face Off Luminous Liquid Blush caught my eye. In fact, it was tossed into my basket without a moment of hesitation. I didn’t read the packaging or look at the price. It was a must. The reason? The liquid blush was available in purple. As I mentioned in a recent post, purple blush is something that I love. I was more than ready to put a liquid purple blush to good use. So, the question is….does it work??

    According to the brand, the Luminous Liquid Blush is an “easy, dewy, hydrating skin tint. Designed to give you color and glow with one easy swipe.” The blush contains a blend of vitamins, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and squalene to make the skin glowy. It is also supported to blend well and layer well so the blush colour can be more subtle or more intense. Additionally, this is vegan and cruelty free. There are a lot of impressive claims from the brand, but the question remains. Does it work??