Achieve a Romantic Spring Look with Caryl Baker Visage

Of course, no beauty look can be completed without an exceptional skincare base.

I've been a fan of Caryl Baker Visage's papaya-powered skin care line for some time - it's the perfect mix of exfoliating (papaya contains enzymes that help remove dead skin cells) and hydrating. Visage has given the line a face lift, which launched this month, as the Caryl Baker Papaya Perfecting Collection.

The Papaya Perfecting Daily Renewing Moisturizer ($39.20 on sale) contains SPF 30 and is gentle enough to be used daily, while still exfoliating the skin's surface to remove dead skin cells. This helps promote radiance and an even skin tone.

The Papaya Perfecting Eye Awakening Treatment ($30.40 on sale) is a must for getting a perfect under-eye concealer application. The eye treatment is moisturizing and conditions the delicate under-eye area. It also helps smooth puffy, tired eyes and reduces the appearance of dark circles. Basically - I'm sold!

If you're feeling the Papaya and want to include it more in your routine, the line also includes more skincare products, including a cleanser and exfoliator, and a Papaya Leaf Herbal Tea that I am obsessed with!

Now that you've established your skincare routine, it's time to put away the neutrals you used all winter and experiment with some fun colours for spring!

Confession time: I pretty much never wear coloured makeup. I keep everything very, very neutral and beige. However, once I played around with the Caryl Baker Spring 2016 Bloom Collection, I've actually found that some of these floral-inspired shades really perk up my face and flatter me.

Here are some of my favourite products from the launch:

Caryl Baker Blush in "Rose Garden" ($22.50): A true rose blush that would flatter a multitude of complexions. It's got a slight hint of sparkle, so it perks up the face, but doesn't apply any glitter.

Caryl Baker Eyeshadows in "Sweet Pea" (slightly frosty peach-pink), "Buttercup" (matte pale yellow), "Hydrangea" (slightly sparkly blue-green) ($18): These colours go so well together! I use Buttercup all over my lid and then Sweet Pea applied on the crease, with Hydrangea blended along the outer corners and as a liner. It really brightens up my whole face!

Caryl Baker Lipstick in "Morning Dew" ($18): Again, a perfect rose shade. There is also a little mirror that pops out when you remove the lid - perfect from streamlining your makeup bag!

Caryl Baker Lipgloss in "Romance" ($18): This shade is so perfect for day and light, and layers expertly with the Morning Dew Lipstick.

Visit a Caryl Baker store quickly, because this collection is limited edition!

Experience the new Caryl Baker Visage

I love visiting old gems. Last month, I had the opportunity to go to Markville mall's Caryl Baker Visage location. I was blown away by the upgrades! Stepping into the store was totally a different experience. I remember the old set up when you walked in and you would see the front to the back of the store. Now when you walk in, you are greeted by a desk in the front. Also all the products are now at the cash. Which is kind of enticing when you are walking through the mall. 

My favourite part of the whole location is that the treatment rooms are private. I remember years ago when I went, my location only had a privacy screen. I found that part not very effective for me because I am always easily distracted. This room ensures privacy- also it eliminates the noisiness of the mall.

When I went I had three complimentary services done. I started with an pure oxygen facial, then had my brows waxed and tinted. Ended with a little bit of make up. Overall, I liked all my services! My face expert had explained everything that she was going to do, throughout my services. I had no questions in the end which is very rare for someone like me. FYI: Makeup wise I didn't get to fully explore due to time but the colours looked nice.

Tinting my brows with dye.

Will I go back? 
I definitely think that I would. Having the location in the mall is very convenient for me. One of the best things that I learned about while I there is they have an educational beauty program! Future face experts have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of beauty to effectively do their job. Often times people are hired from various places and have different ways about going about certain procedures. It can be confusing. This is the best way to effectively do your job so that no matter what location your client goes to- they will still have the great service.

Currently Obsessed: MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner Liquid Eyeliner

I was going through a beauty dilemma back in the end of 2015. I just could't find a good eyeliner that would stay put on me. That's when my Make Up For Ever fairy introduced me to the Aqua Liner Liquid Eyeliner ($27.00 CAN). I'm in LOVE!

Ugh.. Where do I start. This stuff is literally smudge-proof!

The colour that I got is 13 Mat Black - matte black

What makes this product so amazing: 

It can withstand life! Tears, water- It's budge proof!

To remove:
I use a few methods: Make up wipes, q-tip with liquid make up remover or a cleansing balm.

The tip:
Foam-tip applicator for precise application. Great for beginners or pros!

Random amazing facts: 
This liner is apart of Make Up For Ever's Aqua collection created for the Parisian Aquatic Ballet. Yes..Aquatic Ballet. That's not even the crazy part.. These products were tested under water for 5 hours. Also fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested.

What else do you need to know to convince you that this is what you need in your life?

Marc Jacobs Beauty- Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

This hands down was the BEST PR package I have ever gotten in my life.

Randomly a black box with Marc Jacobs Beauty showed up at my door. 

To my surprise when I opened it- it played a video from Marc Jacobs with a compartment holding a black mascara.

The video was a story about Marc watching his mother apply mascara and the techniques that she used. Which gave birth to the idea for the Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara ($33.00 CAN).

Now this mascara is amazing! 

Definitely one of the best ones that I have tried in while. 

Just look at this brush!

Rich voluminous mascara that gives you the look of wearing falsies.

I'd recommend that you do around three strokes throughout your lashes to get the best effect.

 I'm just in love with really dark formulas. This mascara contains Flash Volume Complex™. It helps to create fullness, length and smudge-proof lashes. Also it's free of: Parabens, Phthalates and Sulfates.

Have you tried this mascara yet?

Have you tried Softlips?

I can not leave the house without lip balm. Due to the cold Canadian weather- they're a must have. I was sent over some new products from  Softlips®. I remember back in high school when Softlips® were the go-to lip balms. Now they're back and better than ever!

Two types: Luxe & Cube


Softlips® LUXE ($4.67 CAN)

What I really like about the packaging is that it's clear-
so you will always know how much product is left.

Available in:

Creamy Coconut

Silky Shea

Softlips CUBE ($4.99 CAN) 

Comes in a glass-like cube design. 

The packaging isn't bulky and can easily be thrown in your purse.

Available in:

Berry Bliss

Fresh Mint

Peach Mango

Vanilla Bean

Cube & Luxe: 5 in 1 lip care

A lot of dead skin on your lips right now? 

Shea butter will be your best friend. It hydrates and restores your lips back to normal.

Lips splitting due to the cold weather? 

The vitamins A, C & E are going to put antioxidants into your lip and replenish any damage.

SPF 15 is definitely needed if you're going out outside. Just because you put it on your face you cannot forget your lips.

I like the fact that the application is smooth. I hate waxy lip balms! Also the "scent/fragrance" is very pleasant. If you're crazy like me you could even layer scents to get a customized concoction that works for you.

Perfect Your Blowout with Drybar

With over 52 salons across the United States and their own namesake line of hot tools and hair products, Drybar knows a thing or two about the perfect blowout.

I was excited to try out two of their most popular products. While I currently have my shampoo and conditioner on lock, I was looking for a way to make my blowout look even better and last even longer.

To prime your blowout, the Chaser Shine Cream ($36.00 CAN) can be worked into damp hair to tame frizz and flyaways and also add shine and separation, for a “done, but not too done” look. This made my unruly hair a lot more manageable when I styled it – the frizz was easier to work through and immediately disappeared, and any baby hairs along my hairline were not sticking out, as they usually do.

The Sparkling Soda Shine Mist ($35.00 CAN) is incredibly lightweight and adds a natural-looking shine to your hair (like you’ve just had a colour gloss), while also taming frizz and flyaways. Think of it as the top coat to sealing in your blowout. The best part? The formula contains UV absorbers to help keep the sun from ruining your dye job. This product is my favourite out of the two – it really made a difference in how my hair looked once I styled it. Combined with your favourite light hold hairspray, you are locked and loaded until your next shampoo.

Drybar products are exclusive to Sephora stores and Sephora.ca in Canada.

Real Techniques 2016 Brushes

It feels great to start 2016 with some new brushes in my collection! 

I've always been a fan of the Real Techniques line. 

High quality brushes at affordable prices. 

Check out what I received: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (10.49 CAN)

I'm obsessed with sponges! I wet them and apply my foundation for the dewy/barely there look.

This is very unique- multi-functional sponge.

 With a dabbing motion use the rounded sides to blend out large areas of the face- Cheeks, forehead..etc. 

Use the flat edge for the contours on your face- Eyes and nose.

Real Techniques dual-fiber Stippling Brush (12.99 CAN).

A secret weapon to looking airbrushed with out the airbrushing machine is a good stippling brush.

The bristles are ultra-plush and 100% cruelty-free.

Might I also add that the bristles are hand-cut!

How crazy is that? 

The last brush is Real Techniques Concealer Brush (10.99 CAN). 

I won't lie- I prefer a sponge for concealer but it's always to have a good angle-cut brush on hand.

This brush can be used with liquid or cream products.

For a full list of where these brushes are sold: Real Techniques Canada

Revlon Colorstay 2 in 1 Compact Makeup & Concealer-SWATCH

I'm excited new foundations are on the market. Dark/Deep toned girls like me are getting more options! This new combo is from Revlon. This is their Revlon Colorstay 2 in 1 Compact Makeup & Concealer (19.99 CAN). 

Packaging:

• Black plastic packaging with concealer built in. 
• Very unique concept because I'm always misplacing my concealer. 
• Convenient to have everything all in on place.

Under the foundation there is a black tear shaped sponge and a mirror.

Finish:

• 12 blendable shades to choose from.
• The formula is a "demi-matte".
• Definitely a medium-heavy coverage foundation- so it wouldn't be hard to build up coverage.

400 Caramel swatch

Foundation on the top

Concealer on the bottom.

Caramel is not my colour- So I can't test the wearability and sweat proof claims.
**I'm going to try to get my hands on the darkest colour and report back soon**

Have you tried this foundation yet?

Valentine's Day Red: Dorcas from Curious About My Curls

Meet Dorcas from Curious About My Curls
Wearing Sephora cream lipstain in shade 01

Tell me about your youtube channel?My channel is called Curious About My Curls and it focuses on natural hair. I use it as a place to share my tips and tricks that need further explanation past my Instagram page - which is my main and most frequently updated platform (@Curious_Curls).

What are some tips to finding the perfect red or pink lip?Give everything a try. The beauty of women of colour is that we come in all shades and undertones so what may work for one person may not work for another. Try it out, don't be scared & keep a lip liner handy. A lip liner, especially one close to your skin town can make a colour that doesn't quite work look fab!

What is your favourite-
High end red -
Sephora cream lipstain in shade 01

Low end red -
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick - Kate Moss collection in shade 01

High end pink -
Nars Roman Holiday

Any advice on how to confidently sport a new lip colour?
Try it out at home first a few time so you're used to it before sporting it out the door.

Do you have a favourite WOC red or pink lipstick moment?
When it comes to a bold red or pink lip, Rihanna does it extremely well. Her collaboration with MAC for the release of Riri Woo would have to be my favourite lipstick moment. The campaign shots were stunning not just because of the product but because you can feel her attitude and confidence.

Valentine's Day Red: Natalie from DOS

Day 4
Meet Natalie from Discoveries of Self
Wearing Coloured Raine Cherry Blossom Matte Lip Paint

Tell me about your blog? -
My blog is a beauty blog aimed at WOC interested in affordable make-up as make-up for WOC in the UK is limited. I post product reviews and swatches as well as some videos here and there all aimed at WOC interested in beauty.

What are some tips to finding the perfect red or pink lip?
I think one of my tips for red lipstick is to opt for a blue based red (true vibrant red) as this type of red works well on all skin tones, for pink lipsticks my tip would be to always pair a pink lipstick with a purple/plum lip liner. This creates a flattering ombre effect.

Favourite High End Red -
Ruby Woo as this was my first ever red lipstick

Low End Red - Colourpop LAX Ultra Matte

High End Pink - OCC Anime Lip Tar

Low End Pink - Sleek Mystic Lipstick

Any advice on how to confidently sport a new lip colour?
My tip to sporting a new lip colour is to keep the rest of your make-up simple and make your new lip colour the statement.

Valentine's Day Pink: Raisa from Glam Morena

Day 3
Meet Raisa from Glam Morena
Wearing MAC Flat Out Fabulous

Tell me about your blog? - 

I own the blog Glam Morena, which is mainly a beauty blog. I offer swatches, makeup looks, and much more! 

What are some tips to finding the perfect red or pink lip? 

Test out a variety of shades and hues until you find one (or more) that you fall in love with. 

What is your favourite-

High end red:
It's limited edition, but MAC's RiRi Woo. 

Low end red:

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Creeper 

High end pink:

MAC Lipstick in Flat Out Fabulous 

Low end pink:
NYX Matte Lipstick in Bloody Mary 

Any advice on how to confidently sport a new lip colour? 

Put it on your lips and rock it! 

Do you have a favourite WOC red or pink lipstick moment? 

Yes! Rihanna's MAC collab featuring RiRi Woo, which really made me want to branch out more into different shades of red lipsticks.