Tag: Products I Regret Buying

Hey beauties,

Another written-in-advanced post for y'all today.  I really hope you don't mind but I am really trying to put up 2 posts a week from now on and August is a very hard month to keep up on this for me.  Today's post is the Products I Regret Buying Tag.  This is just as the title states, name the products you regret buying and since I like to make my life more complicated I'm explaining why I dislike them.  Some of your favourite products might be on my list, just remember that these products could work wonders for you but they don't for me.  I might not like these for the colour, texture, overall product etc., just because they did not work for me doesn't mean they wouldn't work for you.  Now let's get started!

CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Rapture

The formulation and packaging of this is amazing (especially for a drugstore product).  The thing I don't like about it is the colour, it's supposed to be a coral colour but the it's a very shimmery hot pink-ish colour instead.  This colour just doesn't flatter me at all.  But I love this line of lip sticks!

MAC Angel Lipstick

It's always a sad day when a cult favourite makes my "I regret this..." list.  Angel is a beautiful colour but it comes up more like a bubblegum pink on me and doesn't look good.  It makes my lips look funny and awkward.  This was my first ever MAC lipstick which is why it's used so much.

Revlon Moisture Renew Lipstick in Soft Coral

I just don't have any luck with coral lipsticks.  This is a pretty colour but the silver sheen/shimmer makes this extremely unwearable to me.  I thought this was a creme when I picked this up.  It looks terrible on me which is why it made my list.  However, I do have several lipsticks from the same line which I love. Another thing I hate with all the lipsticks in this line is the smell!

Revlon Lip Gloss in Pink Whisper

A lot of people were raving about the Revlon lip glosses last year so I decided to pink one up.  I don't like these very much.  Pink Whisper is not a flattering colour and is very sticky.  They didn't have a good colour selection at my drugstore either.  I might try one more but for now this product is a definite no in my books.

DuWop Twilight Venom in Blush

This was one of my first purchases at Sephora.  I honestly think it was a huge waste of money.  This is a lip stain and it stays on forever, that's true but it has this weird tingly feeling that makes me get goosebumps. Also, look at the container compared to the actual product!  Misleading and way too expensive for 2.96mL of product!

CoverGirl Last Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara

This seems to be everyone's go to mascara.  Unfortunately, this cult favourite doesn't do much for me.  I picked it up because everyone said it was amazing and that it lengthens and volumizes.  I don't have a problem with volume my problem is length which is why i was skeptical when I picked this up.  I swear, this made my itty bitty eyelashes look shorter.  However, it is VERY waterproof.

Garnier Skin Renew Awakening Face Massager

This product was an accidental purchase.  I thought it was the eye roller one (which I like much better).  I don't feel it wakes me up very well and I don't really like the smell. It makes my face look greasy after and put WAY to much product on my face.  I am NOT a fan of this Garnier product.

Hard Candy Blush Crush Baked Blush in Honeymoon

This is the only Hard Candy product I own and it was a let down.  This blush is WAY to light to be used as a blush so I bought it with the intention to use it as a highlighter.  I don't like the way it looked or felt however the packaging was really cute!

Benefit Erase Paste in Number 2

I got this in a trio for $10 and I was really excited for all the products especially this one.  I used it and it felt sticky and goopy.  I got over that quickly and continually used it.  It actually dried out my eyes (lids and under) .  I have learned to stay away when it comes to this product.

Urban Decay Primer Potion

I have mentioned before that I have a problem with my eye.  I have come to the conclusion that A LOT if eye primers dry out my lids, this being no exception.  However, this was one of my favourite eye primers I used.  It covered up my veins nicely and went on smoothly.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

I don't like this for the same reason I don't like Urban Decay's Primer Potion. It dried out my lids.  This was a very thin consistency and it tied for first.  The only primers that don't dry out my eyes are the MAC Paint Pots.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

This also came with the trio for $10.  Once again it dried up my lids.  It was actually very thick and heavy.  It has got to be my least favourite primer I used.  If you have really veiny eyelids, this is sure to cover them up.

So, that was my list of products I regret buying.  I hope you enjoyed it and that is it for the blog post for today.

Taylor, xoxo.

P.S. I'm having a 100 follower giveaway!  Click HERE to enter!

P.P.S.  I need your help, click HERE to find out how you can help me and nominate me!

Taylor's Favourites: Drugstore Eyeshadows (Cream & Powder) & Swatches

Hey beauties,

I have come up with the BRILLIANT idea to pre-write blog posts for my upcoming trips, so if you read my update and was like "Hey, you said you weren't gonna be here this week 'cause you're in some unknown place that I don't care about" I am, but that place (if you're reading this) has internet connection/ wi-fi and will let my access my blogger account.  Today's post as you can tell from the title will be my favourite drugstore eyeshadows from cream to powder.  A little fact: I don't like eyeshadow too much, I rarely wear it and kind of find it unnecessary, regardless I do have favourites that I reach for and these are some of them.

Maybelline Velvet Crush Quad

Top: L-R Lid, Crease
Bottom: L-R Brow Bone Outer Corner

Purple eyeshadows are one of the most universally flattering things you can do for your eyes.  Purple makes any eye colour pop, I have brown eyes and anything purple makes them much more noticeable.  I have a friend who has grey-blue eyes and purple does wonders for her eyes too.  It's a fact, purple can make ANY eye colour pop but it can be intimidating to wear sometimes.  This is why I like Velvet Crush, it's purple but it's a more toned down version.

L-R Lid, Crease, Brow Bone, Outer Corner

 Here are the swatches (above) of Velvet Crush, as you can see they kind of have a silver-blue undertone and I'm sure if you search it up on YouTube you'll find such cute and creative tutorials using only this $10 quad.  The shadows are super-pigmented and are very easy to apply and blend.

CoverGirl Shimmering Sands Trio

L-R Darkest to Lightest

 The CoverGirl Shimmering Sands trio is a cult favourite and has been one for years.  It's under $5 and has amazingly stunning neutrals.  Be careful with CG eyeshadows though because they are usually hit or miss products.  This was one of my first EVER products and I do not regret it one bit.  In fact, I will re-purchase this for the rest of my life.

L-R: Darkest ro Lightest

 As you can tell from the swatch (above) the eyeshadows are exceptionally pigmented.  This is certainly not a waste of product.  The Shimmering Sands trio feels like it glides right on when you apply it.  A little tip is to tap off all the access since these are so pigmented.

CoverGirl Tapestry Taupe

This eyeshadow is a medium brown colour.  It really isn't "taupe" to me so the name is a bit misleading.  Instead it's a really pretty lid/crease colour.  I think if you were to go on one of those "just wear one eyeshadow" days I would reach for this one.  It's a universally flattering colour and since it's so simple you wouldn't look overdone, you'd just look like a natural beauty.

This eyeshadow isn't the most pigmented, I'll admit.  However, it does give your eyes that extra little spark and looks so cute on.  Even though it's simple people will surly ask you what that gorgeous eyeshadow you're wearing is.  This single eyeshadow is only $2 (at least that's how much I paid for it).  It's formulation is very smooth, think Urban Decay NAKED Palette smooth.

Almay Intese I-Color 01 Trio For Browns

This Almay Trio has been around forever and I believe they upgraded their packaging.  I like the fact that they have a specific trio designed for each eye colour.  The Trio For Browns one has the 'fun' colour as a purple (remember: purple makes your eyes pop).  I use this purple as a liner all the time, which explains how I hit pan.  This actually comes with a sponge tip applicator but it's very cheap so I threw it out.  The highlight colour is a dupe for a limited edition MAC colour called "Soft Force".

This has probably got to be the BEST drugstore eyeshadow formulation in the world.  I kid you not, you touch these and the colour pay-off is amazing and plus the application is so easy and effortless. The only colour I had a hard time swatching was the purple because there was practically none of it left.

L'Oreal For Brown Eyes Summer Dusk

This quad is amazing for beginners because the eyeshadows are labelled 1, 2, 3 & 4.  On the back is the steps to achieve an everyday look.  Personally I have never tried the look on the back as I'm more creative and want to do things the hard way.  I've used so much of this product that the numbers have actually worn off.  The colours just compliment each other so well and you have a perfect eye looke for about $10.

L-R: Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, Bottom Right

 The skintone shade in this is probably my favourite (top right).  It is a bit pink-toned which adds a little bit of playfulness to your eyelid.  If you dislike pink eyeshadow stay away from this quad though because all the eyeshadows are red/pink based minus the highlight.  The pigmentation isn't the greatest and neither is the application but these last a long time and are true to colour so you do not need a primer.

Annabelle Eyeshadow in Glow

Annabelle's single eyeshadows remind me so much of MAC eyeshadows in texture, pigmentation and look.  If you want good MAC dupes then check out Annabelle.  I believe this was a dupe for Electra, but I am not sure since I don't own Electra.  They have the same amount of product as a MAC eyeshadow but this one is only $6.

The pigmentation is just phenomenal.  I know for sure they do not have the advanced colour selection as MAC but all the cult favourites will probably have a dupe somewhere in the Annabelle line.  These are definitely worth it to take a look at.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils

L-R: Dark Brown, Iced Mocha, French Fries, Baby Blue

 These are the only cream eyeshadows I own from the drugstore for a good reason.  Obviously the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils are a cult favourite so I won't go into too much detail with them since 1000 people have already done reviews on them and raved on and on about them.  By the way: Iced Mocha is black because it's supposed to be a lip pencil although other people have it as an eye pencil.  These retail for about $3 each.

L-R Dark Brown, Iced Mocha, French Fries, Baby Blue

As you probably know, these are known for being super pigmented and easy to use.  You do need to blend them or they will crease.  Unfortunately, theses crease super easily so be careful especially when you're working with dark colours like Dark Brown.  My favourite ones are Iced Mocha and French Fries.

So those were my favourite drugstore eyeshadows.  I hoped this post kept you entertained for some time.  Hopefully, you will be seeing more posts from me soon.

Taylor, xoxo.

P.S. I'm having a giveaway and I think you should enter!

P.P.S.  I need your help.  Please read this blog post to find out how you can help me or maybe help yourself.

I Need Your Help! Pretty Pretty Please?

Hey girls,

You might have noticed that I have added a new 'banner' to the side of my blog that says "Nominate me for the Winter 2011 Beauty Awards".  Well I'm sure some of you were wondering what this was.  One of my favourite beauty blogs that I have started reading for the past 5 months has announced the "Beauty Blog Awards" recently.  Basically, every 3 months, a beauty blogger will be elected to receive a prize worth $500, and receive exposure since Handmade Reviews is a giant beauty blog out there.  Pretty much everyone who has a "new" (3-15 month) blog can enter as long as you meet all the qualifications (to see the rules and etc. click HERE).  

I need your help, and if you want to enter too go right ahead.  I want you to pretty pretty please with a cherry on TOP click on this link: CLICK ON ME! and put my blog web address which is: http://stylishlyyoursbeautyblog.blogspot.com/ (you can copy and paste) in the 'Blog You Are Nominating' section and put your e-mail address in the section above so I can be nominated (and maybe qualify for the next round) of the Handmade Reviews Beauty Blog Awards Winter 2011.  It would mean the world to me if I won.  I'll keep you updated, and trust me you want to follow Handmade Reviews (and tell her I sent you).  She has the best honest reviews and does giveaways all the time.  Click on THIS to go directly to her blog.  Thanks for all you support and help.  Oh and let me know in the comments if you nominated me or if you want to run!

Taylor LOVES you!

P.S: Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  

The Cutest Nail Polish EVER ?!

Hey everyone,

I feel so bad that I haven't making too much time to blog but this weekend I went to the mall and decided to go in Holt Renfrew (which is the Canadian equivalent to Saks Fifth Avenue/ Neiman Marcus).  I was walking around when I came across a Deborah Lippmann nail polish display.  I was looking at all the nail polish and out of all the beautiful colours one caught my eye and looked familiar.  When I got home I was determined to find out where I saw this polish (which I purchased) and I found out Fleur De Force created a nail polish of the day featuring this polish.

Like my new wall colour? 

The nail polish comes in this plastic box which I keep on because I'm strange and I feel the need to hoard everything.  The nail polish has 15 mL of product in it which is the same amount as an OPI polish.  However this is over twice the price for $22.  I know don't scream at me, I would normally NEVER spend this much on a nail polish but it's just so amazing!

 The nail polish is called "Happy Birthday" which I'm sure you were all wondering.  It is a glitter polish (I use it as a top coat) with all different colour sparkles.  It looks great over every colour and just adds a little fun to all your nails.  It is the prettiest and smoothest glitter polish I has ever seen and applied.

I know I said I use it as a top coat but I know people just use it as a glitter polish.  This is two coats of the polish so to make it opaque you would probably need 4 coats.  I just apply one coat to my nails to make them more fun.  I think this would look so pretty over a cream black nail polish, it would probably look like stars.  Happy Birthday is without a doubt my favourite nail polish of all time.  It was definitely worth every penny.

Taylor, xoxo.

P.S. I have finally put up my 100 follower giveaway!  Click HERE for a direct link to my giveaway and be sure to enter for your chance to win over $100 worth of prizes!

Giveaway: Thank-You For 100 Followers (CLOSED)

Hey y'all

So, I cannot thank-you enough for reading and following my blog.  The only way I can thank-you is for me to host a giveaway.  Whenever someone had a giveaway when they hit a milestone I never understood why they wanted to reward me for just watching or reading, it made no sense but now it means the world to me whenever I see that Follower counter go up by 1.  I haven't even been blogging for a year yet I have hit 100.  Hopefully I can hit 1000 one day, but if that day comes, it won't be for a long time.  So I'm sure you all want to know what the giveaway prizes are and here they are.

MAC Eyeshadow Duo in "Shallow V. Deep"

Sephora Lesson 1. Starter Kit Brush Set

Sephora Lesson 5. Natural Eye

Lesson 6. Sephora Goddess

Sephora Lip Gloss in "Apricot Souffle"

Sephora Lip Gloss in "Rosy Glow"

MAC Eyeshadow Duo in "Sweet Laison"

Here are the giveaway rules:

1) You MUST be a blog follower via GFC
2) You must be 18 years or older or have your parents' permission
3) This is an international giveaway
4) Winners will be chosen through random.org
5) Giveaway ends September 6, 2011
* Comments are not entries, you must fill out a form.

For extra entries -- each thing you do will count as an extra entry:
1) Follow me on twitter and leave your twitter name in your entry form (found below)
2) Write a whole blog post about my giveaway (leave link in your answer for the form)
3) Put my giveaway in your sidebar (leave link in your answer for the form)


Taylor xoxo

Taylor's Favourites: July 2011

In my last giveaway, I asked y'all what kind of posts you would like to see me do,  I got a lot of "monthly favourites" as a request.  So, I thought about doing monthly favourites before and I also thought of doing seasonal favourites but I figured I would always look forward to writing about my favourite products of the month at the end of it or at the beginning of a new one.  So without any more ramblings and text you probably didn't read, here are my favourites of July 2011.

1. Benefit High Beam

This is a highlighter and since I have oily skin I usually veer away from anything that would make face look shiny.  However, I LOVE this product.  This is the smaller size, I got it in a Sephora exclusive Benefit trio that also came with Posietint and Benetint.  To be honest, I don't think I'll ever finish the mini version.  I love the fact that it just gives you the best glow.  I put it on my cheekbones and whatever is left on my fingers I apply to my nose.

2. MAC Mellow Mood Lipstick

I love this MAC limited edition lipstick.  It is a lustre and is called "Mellow Mood".  Mellow Mood was originally launched in the 2008 collection called "Electroflash", I got it in my Tartan Tale Vain & Glorious Lip Bag.   It's a very shimmery nude-pink colour.  It is my new favourite lipstick and whenever I wear lipstick (which is RARE) I'll reach for this.

3. MAKE UP FOREVER Smoky Lash Mascara

This mascara is one of the best mascaras I have ever tried in my mascara using life.  It lengthens, volumizes and holds curl like CRAZY.  It is an all around great mascara.  The only thing I'm not a fan of it the fact that it clumps after a few coats.  I do love this mascara and I've never bought a high-end mascara before but this might be my first full size mascara purchase.

4. MAKE UP FOREVER Aqua Eyes

I got a little version of the MUFE Aqua Eyes eyeliner in Matte Black.  I wear this on my waterline and I don't think it's waterproof.  It might be water-resistant but it doesn't stay on my waterline all day, but it is very pigmented and smooth which is the reason I love this.

5. Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation

 I don't actually use this as foundation, my mom gave it to me since it wasn't her shade at all.  The girl who matched her was way off and insisted she bought this colour.  My mom is way lighter than me, I'm tan and she's pale.  Since this was too dark, it actually suited me well.  It is a high coverage foundation which I use as concealer.  It actually has SPF 30 also, so that's amazing.

6. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

This is my first one of these and I am in love.  This is the best powder I have ever tried and I will be re-buying this.  I've had it since the beginning of the summer, so this is my summer shade.  I love the finish it gives my skin and it mattifies my skin as well.

7. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

This is my favourite foundation of all time, it just blends it perfectly with my skin.  It looks nothing like my skin in the bottle but the colour kind of customizes to my skin.  It's amazing.  I love the fact that it is super light and perfects your skin.  It has SPF 15 as well.

8. NARS Gina Blush

The colour of the blush didn't transfer very well on camera but it is the perfect peach colour.  It's not a pinky-peach or a brown-peach it's straight up PEACH.  It is super pigmented so be careful.  This is my go-to summer blush since it's more of a summer appropriate colour.  I need to get a new NARS blush because the formulation is so silky and  smooth.


9. MAC Suntints in Full of Grace

This is a liquid lip balm and has SPF 20.  I apply this every time I go outside, it tastes so good too.  This is from the 2009 Baby Blooms collection, it was re-promoted in the Surf! Baby collection this summer so it might be still available.  It is slightly tinted and gives a nice glossy finish.

10. NARS Dolce Vita Lip Gloss

This is one of my favourite lip glosses.  It smells and tastes amazing, the NARS lip glosses are the best lip glosses I have ever tried.  Their formulation is superb and is non-sticky.  It's slightly deeper than my lip colour but it does look natural on.  It's pretty much a dusty rose colour.

11. Sephora Precision Sponge

I bought this sponge because it resembles the beauty blender.  I stumbled upon this accidentally and had no idea it existed.   I really want to try the beauty blender but it is expensive and not easily accessible.  The rounded side is used to blend and the pointy side is used to correct.  I put it under water the first time I used it and disappointingly it didn't expand.  However, it did give a really nice finish.

12. First Aid Beauty 5-in-1 Eye Cream

I have been having some troubles with my eye recently and this eye cream has solved it.  It's not an overly expensive eye cream and it serves 5 purposes.  I only use it for one (moisturizing) but it's nice to have the other four I guess.  It is my little miracle worker and if you have dry spots on your lip or an allergic reaction to eye shadow primer that makes your lips really dry (like me) then check this out for sure.

So these were my first monthly favourites post,  I hope you enjoyed and read my newest update post to let me know what prizes you want in my upcoming giveaway.

Taylor, xoxo.

Update: Where Has She Been?!

Hey everyone,

So, I have been absent and posting less lately.  I thought I should explain myself in a brief blog post.  Keep reading for an update on my upcoming 100 follower giveaway.

I haven't been at home lately so I have been in a town near Toronto, Ontario for a few weeks.  I am leaving soon.  However in 2 weeks, I'm going to Muskoka for my parents' 25th anniversary.  I'll be there for about 5 days then I'm coming back to where I am now for another week then going back home.  My dad and mom went home last week and they painted my room Tiffany blue so my room is a disaster.  This weekend I went to Pittsburgh with my cousins to go shopping.  I didn't get much but the week before I went to Buffalo on Friday and got quite a bit.  Let me know if you want a GIANT collective haul.  Warning: If I do a collective haul it will take awhile because I might place an order with Urban Outfitters and I'm going to Sephora again to get one of those "free gift with purchase" VIB coupons.  Since I'm close by to Toronto, I've been occupied by a lot of things.  I've been meeting up with friends and some of my besties have been driving/flying out here to spend a week or 2.  At the end of August, I'm going out to Blue Mountain.  So, that week I won't be making any blog posts, also when I'm in Muskoka, I won't make any blog posts.

Now for the part of this post you've been waiting for the giveaway update.  First of all, THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME REACH 100 FOLLOWERS!  I was so excited when I saw the toll said  '100 followers'.  You have no idea how much I owe you.  I have 5 prizes so far 2 from MAC and 3 from Sephora.  The value of prizes right now is about $60.  I want this to be a $100 value giveaway.  Since I'm going to Sephora, let me know what you would like to see that extra $40 go to.  Let me know which brand, what item, what colour scheme.  I really want to thank-you for everything.  Please leave your suggestions in the comments and my giveaway will hopefully be up by the 2nd week of August.

I'm sorry for my lack of posts but once August ends I'm coming back full force - better than ever.

*** A little update: 2 days after Muskoka I'm going to California for a week.  It was a last minute, spontaneous decision!

Taylor, xoxo