Review: Maybelline Baby Skin

Primers are really great for making sure your makeup stays in place all day, in the summer its extra important, to provide a barrier between the skin and the product, but also ensuring your makeup stays in place instead of sweating off. I live in Ontario, a province in Canada, it gets really hot and humid here- and the heat waves are almost unbearable. We didn't really get much of a Spring- it's already 25 Degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit).

I wear something under my makeup pretty much year round (if I remember), but in the summer I am always on the hunt for something that will hold whatever little makeup I put on for the whole day. Well, I think I found it.

Maybelline recently came out with a skin product addition to their Baby Lips line, called Baby Skin- it's almost like a cheaper alternative to Benefit's Porefessional. It promises to blur pores and imperfections, while also priming the skin.

Frankly I enjoy it- I am not an oily or a dry skinned person, I'm pretty neutral grounded when it comes to my skin, but I do have some larger more noticeable pores on my nose and in-between my eyes. Usually a bit of concealer provides enough coverage to deal with that- but in the summer it's another layer that could possibly just oxidize and fall off my skin. I really do find that when I put this on my face, especially in those spots my pores don't look as large, or noticeable.

I put it on before my L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifer BB Cream- and it not only holds it in place, but it almost sheers it out, I don't use as much and get this fantastic feel to my face, that isn't too powdery or overdone, it doesn't feel thick, or like I have another layer of products on my face.

Now for the long lasting part- I took a picture literally after I did my makeup, and another 9 hours later, and to me it looks the same, I didn't notice my makeup oxidizing or falling off, I felt like I had just put it on. Now this might seem like an exaggeration but I promise, it felt like I had done my makeup maybe an hour ago, 9 hours after I had.

Overall, I like this product, it was worth the $7 I spent for it, and it works well, I notice that my pores that I usually cover with some concealer don't need to be concealed, when I wear this, and it keeps everything in place all day. Granted I also used a powder overtop, but I thoroughly enjoy this product. Well worth it in my books!

What's in my everyday makeup bag?

My makeup bag is a small gathering of all the things I am currently loving. I do have a fair amount of products, the majority of which are stored in combination with my sisters makeup downstairs. (We have a beauty corner set up), since I don't go down there everyday at the moment, it's unrealistic to keep my makeup and such down there as I probably won't use it.

I use this small sized makeup bag that I got from Forever 21 last year. It's pink and white and stripped and really cute! Surprisingly it holds a lot, enough for my face, eyebrows, eyes, and perfume. This bag is literally all I would need for a night or two away without even thinking about what I'm bringing with me.

Face
Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller I use this before I do my makeup under my eyes if they are a little puffy, or if I am really tired to combat that and reduce the size of my bags. L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream (Fair/Pale) This is my one step face product, since I have freckles I can't really use a full coverage foundation, so BB creams provide enough coverage without being too heavy and in the summer this is perfect in the heat!

Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer (125 Very Fair) I adore this concealer. It has enough coverage to hide my bags and it really does give the effect of being awake, which during the school year is a saving grace. Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder (001 Transparent) This is great for keeping matte in the summer when sweating is a big thing. I use this on my T-Zone in particular, and I got it in transparent to avoid extra coverage. ELF Undereye Setting Powder This stuff is great for under the eyes to set my concealer, I like it.

Revlon Highlighting Palette (Rose Glow) I love this palette, it's perfect for a blush/bronzer/highlight in one swipe, which removes a lot of extra products from this bag. ELF Blush (Twinkle Pink) This is great for adding just enough colour to my cheeks if I want to boost the colour of the Revlon Palette.

Eyes
Along with eyes, are eyebrows- Milani Brow Kit (01 Light) I love this for filling in my brows, I blend the two brow colours together to get a really great natural colour, and the highlight to define my brows. The brush that is included is the perfect size for me. Maybelline Colour Tattoo Metal (Barely Branded) I use this to prime my eyes, the shade is really similar to MAC's Painterly Paint Pot, which for $8 isn't a bad deal, the colour adds a little bit of sparkle to the shadow but it really does stay all day.

NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow (Blame it on Midnight) For me this is the best crease colour I can find, it is light enough to add some warmth to my eyes, but is really good for blending out colours as well. NYX Love in Rio Trio (Meet me at the copa) I love this trio- it's great for a natural eye. Enough said.

Physicians Formula Kohl Kajal (Nude Trio) I use the champagne colour for my waterline to make me look a bit more awake and also widen my eyes. I use the gunmetal colour to tightline for a natural looking fuller lashline. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (Black) I LOVE THIS MASCARA it's perfect for a natural look, obsessed. Mary Kay Eyelash Curler I've had this for years, it gets the job done.

Smells 
Pacifica Island Vanilla Roll On Perfume This is great for on the go smell touch up, I love vanillas and this one is summery, which is right on for this time of the year.

Spring Clothing Haul

My recent lack of busy-ness has left me with a lot of free time, free time I occasionally spend shopping. Spring has finally come to Canada, although it feels like it will only last a week or two before it is summer and too humid to breathe. The change in seasons has given me the opportunity to ditch the chunky sweaters of winter and embrace the pastels of spring. Spring (and fall) is truly the only time where I live that true fashion can shine. Summer is too hot for anything other than shorts, tank tops and top knots.. and winter, well winter requires a parka.

So shopping, yeah I've been doing that. Stitches is this great Canadian clothing store owned by a parent company who owns many other stores under their brand, they carry similar styles but never the same designs, the price remains as great and the quality amazes me. I went to an outlet store a couple days ago and picked up some spring/summer must-haves. The beauty of Canadian springs is they are typically warm enough to start wearing shorts. They were having a sale, on top of their awesome deals. I grabbed 2 tank tops (that I didn't get pictures of) for $9 total (6 for one and 3 for the other).

On top of that epic deal, I picked up 2 pairs of their shorts- a hunter green colour and a coral. Each pair were between $10-$12. Again, a steal. I think I am most excited for the coral ones, but the green are super cute too.

For some reason, they show up a lot more pink then they should- which bothers me. I LOVE the lace detailing on the bottom of the shorts, I think it adds just the right amount of detailing for a pair of shorts- and they came with the belt, which is beige and really just rounds out the shorts.

I'm really excited about these too- shorts are like required for summer, completely. I like that they aren't denim, so something different can be done with them, dressing them up is a definite option.

I love sheer tops, paired with a tank top it's dressy and casual all at the same time. I like that this one is a sleveless top, with a collar and button down makes it a little more dressy. It has navy blue and cream colouring which is still light enough for summer. This was $12, a great price I think.

Giant Tiger is another great Canadian company. It offers reasonably priced clothing as well as household needs and minor groceries- it's like a mini Walmart. I love this store- I've been shopping at it for as long as I can remember.

I got these awesome light coral-peachy coloured capris for $25! They came with a matching belt and I absolutely adore them. They are a perfect contrast compared to my love of mint and are the same tone as my mint pants. I think they are great for cooler summer nights or spring- like right now. :)

The last thing I got was this over the shoulder bag. It's has gold hardware and the chain is detachable, which is awesome for nights out if I want to make it a clutch not just an over the shoulder bag. You will not believe the price- $8. Such a deal, and considering it was originally $10, even if it wasn't on sale it would still be a steal.

That's all the shopping I've done- so far. What are some of your favourite spring/summer clothes?

What's in my purse?

A girl's purse is an insight into her world. My purse is exactly that, my world. When I'm in school it carries a lot more than it does currently, including day planners, iPads, pencil cases etc. Since I am not in school right now, my purse is SO MUCH lighter.

The Bag I got my purse from the Fossil outlet just outside of Seattle Washington on a trip just after Christmas with my family. It is last years bag, which meant it was the lovely price of $50 compared to the regular $100. With the exchange rate I believe it totalled $60, which still is not bad. It's a perfect over the shoulder deep purple colour which I think can be worn year round. It is a quality leather which is great and it holds up really well. I absolutely adore this bag (and considering I have been using it for 5 months, that means something).

The Wallet My wallet is a mint green (I love the colour) with off white paneling as well. I got this from Aldo for $25. It doubles as both a wallet and a wristlet thanks to the handy detachable strap. Inside, which I didn't show, has my cards and money, but in the zippered pouch on the front I keep roughly 5 dollars in change, including a toonie, loonie, couple of quarters and maybe some dimes and nickels.

Along with my wallet, I have this adorable change purse. This store Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade chain that carries a vast variety of products from around the world. This particular change purse is from India, and the pattern is so cute.

The makeup to go bag Ipsy is this fantastic monthly subscription service where they send you a glam bag, which is a bag full of products every month. In Canada, it costs $17 a month, and most of the product samples are worth the money! Well once you get the bags, you have to figure out what to do with them. I have been subscribed for a year and have a lot of bags to use. Inside my purse I keep this bag that has lipsticks on it. I keep lip products, hand cream and cleansing hand wipes.

I keep a total of 6 different lip products in it. Noya Cherry Lip Balm I got from my ipsy bag a few months ago, it smells delicious and really works (on top of that it's all natural products). Nivea Hydro Care, so moisturizing. Blistex Raspberry Lemonade Blast another great moisturizing lip balm. Pop Beauty in Fuschia Freesia a really pretty colour on the lips, scary in the bottle. Lastly, I have 2 Maybelline Colour Whispers- Pin Up Peach and Rose of Attraction these are staples in my purse.. and life.

I also keep PUR Beauty hand cream- I got it in my stocking at Christmas, but I know my mom got it at Target for a dollar- so worth the dollar. PUR Beauty cleansing hand wipes- also a Christmas stocking stuffer- also from target for a dollar- again worth it.

Randoms- I keep Mentos- which are my favourite on the go mints, my grandpa always has them in his car- so now I always have them with me. Sunglasses- Forever 21 knock off Ray Bans, with Cheetah Print on them, favourite sunglasses until I can afford the real deal. Kleenex- I keep the small travel pack of like 10 kleenex in my purse just in case- emergencies can happen. Kool-Aid Liquid, it has 24 servings in this tiny bottle, which turns it into Cherry Kool-Aid. I love this stuff because I can't drink many pops and soft beverages (Aspartame triggers migraines) so I can turn any old bottle of water into kool-aid.

Well, thats it, the inside of my purse- what do you guys think are staples for inside your purse?

Tag Week: New Beauty Guru Tag

1. When did you truly get passionate about makeup and clothes?
I've always loved makeup and clothes, for as long as I can remember. I got truly passionate about makeup and clothes about 2 years ago.

2. What's your favourite eyeshadow colour and name?
AAH, I'm not sure. I think my favourite would be sin from the Urban Decay Naked palette.

3. What do you love most about blogging? 
I love everything about blogging. I love reading and commenting on other blogs, as well as trying new products or techniques and writing about it on my own little space on the internet. It's also something great to do with my day, since I'm done school now I'm not really sure what to do with myself, and talking about what I love with a great internet community is awesome.

4. What beauty guru inspires your work?
Zoella, I have been reading her blog for a couple years and I watch her videos religiously. She seems so laid back and friendly. I also love Rach Loves, she's also from Canada and she's so funny!

5. What are your 3 favourite makeup brands that you would recommend to others?
Rimmel, Urban Decay and L'Oreal

6. what country is the first one on your list to visit?
I am completely obsessed with England, I went there once for 2.5 days and I would love to go back for a week or two and really experience the country.

7. what is your favourite colour to wear on your lips?
Either MAC Viva Glam V or Maybelline Colour Whisper in Pin Up Peach

8. what is your go to beauty product?
L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream and Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer, or L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara in Black

9. what interests do you have besides makeup and beauty?
I love reading, and organizing.. I've always had my nose in one book or another, and now that I'm done University and have the time (and desire) to read again I don't think that will ever change. I also love organizing and finding new homes for things, or having a clear system for my life.

10. you are a disney princess. what disney princess would you be?
I love all the disney princesses. I can't decide. Maybe Elsa? She's not sure of herself and really comes into her own at the end of Frozen. But I also love Rapunzel, or Anna. And Ariel, and all of them. I find I could relate to all of them if I tried.

Tag Week: This or That Beauty Tag

For the next instalment of Tag Week, I went for an older one the This or That Beauty Tag. Again I found this one through google, on makeuptalk.com from a couple of years ago, and truthfully I really enjoy the blog in general. Below are the list of this or that questions, my answers are the bolded ones :)

makeup
blush or bronzer
lip gloss or lipstick
eye liner or mascara
foundation or concealer
neutral or color eye shadow
pressed or loose eye shadows
brushes or sponges

nails
OPI or china glaze
Long or short
Acrylic or natural
Brights or darks 
Flower or no flower 

body
perfume or body splash
lotion or body butter 
body wash or soap
lush or other bath company 

fashion
jeans or sweat pants
long sleeve of short
dresses or skirts
stripes or plaid 
flip flops or sandals 
scarves or hats
studs or dangly earrings 
necklaces or bracelets 
heels or flats 
cowboy boots or riding boots
jacket or hoodie 
forever 21 or charlotte russe 
abercombie or Hollister
saks 5th or nordstrom

hair
curly or straight
bun or ponytail
bobby pins or butterfly clips
hair spray or gel 
long or short 
light or dark 
side sweep bangs or full bangs
up or down 

random
Rain or shine
Summer or winter
Fall or spring 
Chocolate or vanilla 
East coast or west coast

Tag Week: The Beauty Scenario Tag!

This theme week will go from Sunday (April 27th) to Sunday (May 3rd)Day 2 of this tag! I chose the more recent Beauty Scenario Tag. I first saw this tag on Fleur DeForce's channel on youtube, just over a month ago I think. Here it goes:

1. You have to get rid of all your foundations, and only keep one highend and one drugstore which do you keep? 
100% honestly. I do not own any high end foundations. (I am really interested in the Naked one by Urban Decay!) My favourite drugstore one is the Clean Foundation in Ivory by Covergirl. It's a light enough coverage that it doesn't cover my freckles too much and matches my skintone perfectly.

2. You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it? 
Hmmm... If this were a professional interview, for a job or something I would probably drop a hint like rubbing my tongue over my teeth (super stealthly!) If she doesn't catch it, I would probably ignore it. I think it would depend on the type of vibe I got from her, if she was young and gave off a really good vibe I would respond differently than if she was grouchy. I literally have no idea, if it was me who had lipstick on my teeth I would want someone to mention it to me.

3. Your not feeling yourself and you need a pick me up lipstick which one do you reach for? 
I would reach for either MAC Viva Glam V, it's a great my lips but better shade on me, and if I'm not well I would need that for sure! OR I would reach for Maybelline Colour Whisper in Pin Up Peach.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently?
Hair: I would embrace brushing out the curls I did with my curling iron almost daily.
Makeup: I would fill in my brows! and BLEND!!

5. You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length pixie lott hair cut but they hear wrong and give you a pixie hair cut. Do you a) smile, say thank you, leave and call your mom and cry hysterical b) cry in the chair and things get awkward or c) complain to the manager and demand a refund?
Oh Lord. This is actually my BIGGEST fear. I would most definitely be a c person. Mainly though because when I do something drastic to my hair I bring pictures so my stylist can see exactly what I'm going for. And because my hair is a curly mess most of the time, a pixie cut would equal an afro for me, I'd at least want A LOT of product to deal with it. 

6. Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which "do it all" palette do you bring? 
 I would say my Naked 2 Palette. It's a perfect neutral taupe Palette, and I really like how taupes look on my skin. 

7. Your house has been robbed, don't worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What's the product you really hope is safe? 
Oh no. Hmm... I guess it would be my Inglot Freedom System. My sister and mom got it for me from New York City when they were on a trip there. So not only does it have sentimental value, but it was expensive (I do not like wasting money!) and the colours are perfect for me. And I would be REALLY SAD 

8. Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) just pretend you haven't noticed b) ask them to repurchase it or c) secretly do the same to something of theirs?
I really hate confrontation, and I really hope anyone I leant any of my makeup to would return it in the condition I gave it to them in. If it was not highend or expensive or I could repurchase it easily, I would replace it myself and pick a. If it was expensive or from somewhere I do not go to often I would ask them to repurchase it so b. It would completely depend on the product they ruined.  

I tag anyone who reads this post! Leave a comment with your answers or a link to your blog so I can check it out! 

Hello! Bonjour! Hola!

Hi!

My name is Mikayla, I'm  21 (almost 22!) years old. I'm in my final weeks of university and absolutely crazy about all things fashion and beauty related. I live in Canada, a lovely country covered in snow about 8 months of the year. For the past four years my life has revolved around a lot of stereotypical Canadian things, I'm in school for a Bachelor of Arts in History and Canadian Studies (yes, I have studied my own country for 4 years) and working at one of my many local Tim Hortons. For those of you who don't know, Tim Hortons is to Canada what Starbucks is to the rest of the world. Next year, I embark on a one year college program to study Human Resources Management, and want a job in Toronto! 

I decided to start this blog because I have spent countless hours on the internet reading blogs and watching videos about makeup, beauty, fashion and more and want to have a place to write about some of my favourite things. I've always been a girl who loved to dress up, go shopping and try on new things, the same applies to my love of makeup. I am always on the look for something new, and being a student, affordable. I've actively been wearing makeup for the last 10 years of my life, I competitively Figure Skated (which required dramatic makeup to be visible on the ice).  

Lately, my life has been consumed with university, two jobs, and a social life. One of my best friends is my biggest makeup pal, we go shopping at our Shopper's Drug Mart (like a CVS or Walgreens) a couple times a week, and the girls know us by name! I'm hoping this blog is a way for me to transition from all of the things that keep me busy, to being unemployed and graduated (haha!) 

I guess, Hello, welcome to my blog, and I hope you want to read it! because I really want to write it! 

xo, Mikaylaaas

ps. if you want to see my face, this is me!