Wherein Girl Loves Gloss Gets an Update

Stay tuned lovelies, Girl Loves Gloss is getting a fancy schmancy update and posts will resume *very* soon! In the meantime, head over to my Instagram page to watch all my beauty mail unboxings and let me know what type of posts you want to see next!

Watch this space!

The Drugstore Mascara I'm Loving

It's been a while since I had a really fabulous, love-at-first-use mascara to review for Mascara Monday, but the day has come once again folks! I snatched up the L'Oreal Voluminous Feline Waterproof Mascara on a whim the other day, and I am so glad I did! It claimed to do everything I wanted in a mascara in just one coat, so of course I had to put it to the test!

Small Fish in a BIG Pond: The Mode Media Bankruptcy Drama

Here's the thing: I blog because I have a genuine and slightly obsessive love for the beauty industry. Since I was young I've loved makeup, the art of painting faces and the ability to transform myself day to day to suit my desires. The beauty industry is not short of bloggers, and I am a very very small fish in a very big pond. Sometimes I kick myself for not having the guts to start Girl Loves Gloss sooner, when I was younger and probably appealed to a larger audience (because a 23 year can make almost anything look good, I swear) but I love the insight I have now as a 33-year-old woman and how makeup has played a part in my journey to get here. I remember when I signed with Mode Media in June 2015 I thought I had 'made it' - I was going to be monetizing Girl Loves Gloss and my social media outlets with advertising and the occasional sponsored post, and the prospect of making a few bucks (and oh boy, do I mean a few) felt like a great milestone with hope of many more in the future of this blog. 

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 Swatches and Review

MAC and Ariana Grande are back at it again collaborating on another Viva Glam collection. If you're new to Viva Glam, you can read my post and review about the first collab the songstress did with the brand to raise money for HIV/AIDS research here. I was a big fan of the first lipstick and lipglass launched with Ariana's name inscribed on it, and this time round is no different! 

New In from Nars: Powerfall and Audacious Additions

Unlike some brands that launch limited edition and seasonal collections at every turn, NARS tends to be a little more curated in terms of new releases. I've got a handful of new additions to the range, including and expansion of the much loved Audacious Lipstick line, as well as some new shades and products that were released in the Powerfall Collection. There are some definite winners and losers here, keep reading to find out what I loved and what I could leave!

My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at NuAge Laser in Vancouver : Part 1

I had always had one opinion about Laser Hair Removal, and that was that it must hurt like a bitch. I think that is a really common (mis)conception regarding the process of ridding body hair via laser, and I fully admit I never thought about getting it done purely for my wimpy tendencies and desire to not break the bank (my 2nd thought when hearing about the process in the past). So when the super lovely Ellie from NuAge Laser in the heart of Coal Harbour in Downtown Vancouver, contacted me and asked if I want to give it a go, I plucked up all my courage and took a leap - and now I can't believe I didn't try it sooner! 

Smelling Good: Custom Fragrance Blending with Demeter

If you're like me and are extremely particular about scent and fragrance, you know how hard it can be to get a signature scent. I struggle with many smells giving me migraines, and it's especially hard when shopping for a new perfume to get something that brings to life what the perfect fragrance in my head is. The Demeter Fragrance Library has been around for ages, creating incredibly on point unique scents that include everything from Turpentine (yes, seriously) to Suntan Lotion (on my list next for sure!) to Glue (still not joking...) to classic scents like Gardenia, Patchouli and Vanilla. In fact, the library is so extensive, it's overwhelming! Not to worry though, because now the brand is letting you custom cocktail your own perfect scent!

Two Lush Loves You Might Love Too

Lush is one of those companies that continues to surprise me with their products. Every time I think I know everything in their range, I find something else that I didn't know they 'did' and find a new reason to fall back in love with them. Recently I've tried two of their somewhat cult products for the first time, and let's just say the results were so good, my wishlist has instantly doubled!

New Kid on the Block: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

I knew the minute I saw the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick I needed to try it. First of all stick foundations are so easy to use, and make perfect travel companions, secondly, the 26 shade range looked phenomenal, and thirdly the funky triangle shaped tube had me all sorts of curious. Hey, what can I say? I love great packaging! Hourglass had some incredible claims about this foundation, so I gladly put them to the test!

Just When You Thought They Were Done: Becca X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Splits Collection

The collaboration that had makeup lovers stalking their local Sephora's is back again, and possibly for the very last incarnate. Becca teamed up with Jaclyn Hill (Youtube extraordinaire) on several new launches this Spring and Summer and the last addition to the range hit stores recently is The Champagne Splits Shimmering Skin Perfector Mineral Blush Duos. Not only are they exclusive to Sephora, but they are limited edition which has had some beauty lovers a little perturbed. So, the big question is: are these worth the continued hype, or should you pass for the next big launch?

Just Launched: MAC It's a Strike Collection

It's been ages since a MAC Collection has appealed to me as being as day-to-day wearable as the It's a Strike Collection. As you might have guessed, this time round its a bowling theme, with super fun names like 'Babes and Balls' 'King Pin' and 'Perfect Score'. The 26 piece collection is online now (with a few online exclusives!) and has some gorgeous plums and dusty pinks I can see it being a huge hit for fall (or as the brand claims, "Right up anyones alley" - how punny).

The Must Try: Too Faced Brow Quickie

If there are few things I take super seriously on my face, its brows and lashes. When it comes to filling in my next to no eyebrows, I've tried everything under the sun over the years, and I thought I had finally found the perfect combination of products that gave me strong, well defined, full looking brows - that is until I discovered my new favourite brow product: Too Faced Brow Quickie.

Mascara Monday: MAC Instacurl Lash Mascara

When it comes to unique, innovative and downright gimmicky mascaras as of late, MAC has it in the bag. With innovative concepts like the Beyond Pro Twisted Lash {review here} it totally excites a beauty lover like myself! So naturally when I saw the Instacurl Lash Mascara with its yellow-tipped, animal-claw like tube, I knew I had to put it to the test for you all! With a twistable, adjustable brush that transforms from straight to curved with a flick of the wrist, I was beyond curious to see if it was all for looks or if it performed as MAC promises it will. Keep reading to see my before and afters, and my thoughts on possibly one of the most bizarrely packaged mascaras I've tried to date!

The Jaclyn Hill Ride or Die Makeup Tag

Jaclyn Hill has pretty much been taking Youtube and the beauty world by storm, and recently she did a video devoted to her "ride or die" makeup products that she always falls back to, or never wants to be without. My lovely blogger friend Kate {KateLovesMakeup} posted hers, and tagged me to do mine, so here are the products that I reach for when all else fails!

The Revamp: Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation vs Face and Body

You know that moment when you find out one of your favourite products of all time gets discontinued and you immediately panic and plot out how many is considered reasonable to stock pile? I felt this way when I found out that the Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation was the replacement for my beloved Face and Body Foundation. The panic subsided slightly when the brand announced that the iconic formula was 'back and better than ever' - but I still knew I needed to put it to the test myself. So, does Water Blend hold up to my high expectations set by the original?

Healthy Hair Journey: The Hair Brush You NEED in Your Life

Hair has been a sensitive subject for me in recent years. Right up to the end of my twenties I had gorgeously soft, fine yet dense, straight chestnut hair that easily and enviously grew to the middle of my back. Then I hit 30 and the hormonal shift that seems to happen in many of us wrecked havoc on my locks transforming it from not just fine to also thin, brittle and tangled, frizzy rats nest nightmare. I was gutted (and still am) and have been struggling ever since to find products that might give me even a glimpse of my former hair glory. This brings me to my latest series: The Healthy Hair Journey. It's only fitting that I kick this series off with one of the few that I have noticed a significant difference with, The Wet Brush. If you have hair past your chin, this one is for you! 

Dark Circles Beware: Kat Von D's Lock It Concealer Creme

Le't make this clear right from the get-go - I look half asleep  (*cough* dead) without undereye concealer. I also find it one of the toughest products to shop for because everything is either too dry, too creasy, doesn't come in the right shade for me or doesn't last worth a damn. The struggle is real, folks. 

When I heard about the newly launched Kat Von D Concealer Creme, and that it was a completely new formula, I just had a good feeling. Turns out, I should always listen to my gut, because this stuff kicks ass. 

Good Grease: 5 Cleansing Oils I Love and How to Use Them

Ages ago I did a post called 'Good Grease' which had my 5 favourite Balm Cleansers in it. I have been meaning to do a 5 Favourite Oil Cleansers ever since. Over the years I have fallen in love with oil cleansing as a super effective way to get off my makeup that is also gentle and balancing on the skin. Here are 5 I have been rotating through, from drugstore to luxury, and why I love each one. 

Currently Lusting After: August 2016 Beauty Wish List

It's been a while since I did my last wish list post (June in fact!) so I thought it was about time we all had a collective sigh over all the new beauty products that are launching! A few of these items are limited edition, and I imagine will be hot sellers - so best move on them fast if they tickle your fancy!

Mascara Monday: Lancome Grandiose Extreme Mascara

I recently attended an event here in Vancouver hosted by L'Oreal featuring their luxury lines. The Lancome table was featuring their brand new mascara Grandiose Extreme, which you just know I was itching to try! They claim it is blacker and more voluminous than the original Grandiose {review here} with maximum lift that can last 24 hours. So did it deliver on such incredible claims?

Autumn 2016: Chanel Le Rouge Collection Illusion D'Ombre Shadows

I'll admit it, when I caught wind that the Fall 2016 Chanel collection, Le Rouge, was going to be red themed, I wasn't super intrigued. You see, red lipstick and I do not have a chummy relationship; I find the shade incredible hard to wear on my golden undertone skin and dark hair. When I saw that there were two Illusion D'Ombres being released with the collection however, my curiosity was piqued having never tried the formula of shadow before. The Le Rouge Illusion D'Ombre in Rouge Brule and Illusion D'ombre Velvet in Rouge Contraste might just have me changing my opinion on red!

Mara Hoffman for Sephora Kaleidescape Charcoal Brush Set

It's rare that I look at brushes in sets; I too often find there are only one or two brushes I really want, and the rest are redundant. It's like back in the day when you had to buy the whole CD just to get the one song that was a hit on the radio (please tell me you all are not too young that you don't remember that??) When the Mara Hoffman for Sephora Kaleidescape Brush Set showed up recently, first I had to take a moment to just swoon over the packaging, and secondly I wondered if it would be the case where I might only like one or two in the set...

This Just In: YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stains + Giveaway!

If you're new to Girl Loves Gloss, you may not know that the Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain in #27 is one of my all time holy grail lip products. I fell in love with the long-wearing glossy formula the minute they launched, and since then the brand has had a few versions but none have really 'got me' like the original has, until they launched the Vinyl Cream Lip Stains... Keep reading to see swatches and my review as well as enter to win the giveaway at the end!

Mara Hoffman for Sephora Kaleidescape Lipgloss Set

When the Mara Hoffman Collection for Sephora arrived on my doorstep not long ago I was immediately smitten with the patterns! Her whimsical and wanderlust inspired prints are so much fun, and I was thrilled to see how cohesive the collection ways. I'll be reviewing a few pieces from the collection over the next little while, but today it's all about gloss! Besides being a total bargain, the Mara Hoffman for Sephora Kaleidescape Lip Gloss set is totally adorable. So how is the colour payoff and wearability? Keep reading to find out!

My Morning Skincare Routine

When I was younger I would literally slather Lubriderm lotion on my face and call it a day (the horror, I know!). I was blessed with incredible skin; Something that doesn't seem to have been continued into my 30s. After countless products and combinations, there are 5 that I've been using every morning and my skin has been loving. Stay tuned for my updated evening skincare routine, but in the meantime, here's how I start my days!

For the Sparkle Lovers: Urban Decay Moondust Palette

With a name like 'Moondust', Urban Decay's latest palette sounds out of this world right out of the box. Apparently, the brands most requested palette ever, Urban Decay's Moondust Palette* features eight uber sparkly, multi-tonal glittering new shadows. Right out of the box, I doubted I would like this palette given the nature of glitter in cosmetics (and my aversion to wearing glitter) but I'm actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of these shadows! 

A Tale of Two Brushes: Morphe M433 vs MAC 217

If there is one brush every makeup artist from here to edge of the Earth has owned at one time or another, it's the MAC 217. More than a humble blending brush, the 217 has the perfect tapered edges for crease work, while still being flat enough to lay down colour, and it's soft enough to blend everything out. If you asked me to recommend only one eyeshadow brush that would give you the most bang for your buck, it would be the 217. But what if I told you there was a dupe for a quarter of the price?

Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops: The Hyped Up Highlighter You Might Need

Oh boy, do we have a winner on our hands with this one folks. If you've been hiding behind a dial-up connection for the last month or so, you may have missed the launch and subsequent hype behind the Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops. With YouTubers and Beauty Bloggers raving about these little bottles of pure glow, I knew it was something I needed to try and let me just tell you, they completely lived up to the hype.

Shopping the Tarte 30% Off Friends and Family Sale

I don't normally do "shop the sale" posts because I am a bit of a makeup floozy and like so many products from so many brands. Tarte, however, is one of my favourite brands ever, and it's rare I come across something from the brand I don't like. Since they have their incredible 30% Off Friends and Family Sale going on right now (it ends July 27th, so hurry!), I thought I would share some of my tried and true all time favourites from the brand!

Urban Decay Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner Swatches and Review

If there is a brand that has been launching one incredible collection after another this year, it is Urban Decay. With the launch of their massive 100 shade Vice Lipstick range (more on that coming soon!), and the revamped liquid liners by way of the new 20 shade Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner, there is certainly no shortage of colour! I've got 11 of them and have had a play to put together a review for you, so keep reading for swatches and my thoughts...

Tarte Naughty Nudes Amazonian Clay Blush and Highlighter Collection

If you've ever read this blog before, you will already know that the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blushes are my favourite blush formula of life. Until a week ago I owned 9 shades, and that collection just gained 4 more and a highlighter thanks to the Naughty Nudes collection! I'm thrilled the brand expanded the range to include some warmer neutral shades, and while they're all gorgeous I have some definite favourites.

This Just In : Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer in Siena

Occasionally a product comes along that almost looks too stunning to use as if I should never run a brush through it or God forbid my grubby fingers for fear that it will no longer have the appeal it did fresh out of the box. Or, perhaps that is just me, and you all could care less about how pretty a product looks (I doubt I am alone in that thought, though...). When the Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer in Siena showed up at my door, I had one of those, "ooooohhhhhh" moments the minute I opened it. The sleek burgundy packaging gives no hints to the stunning ombre powder that lies inside. My first instinct was to close it up and squirrel it away for safe collecting, as to not ruin the stunning gradient from cream to coral to bronze. Don't worry, I got over that REAL quick and tested it out for you all, you know, in the name of good blogging...

500th Post: 10 Products I'd Cry About If They Were To Be Discontinued

If you'd asked me 3 years and 500 blog posts ago if I would still be writing Girl Loves Gloss, I probably would have had a doubtful answer. Over the years this turned in a sleepy little blog to something that people actually read occasionally! Whether you started reading 500, 395, or even 3 posts ago, thank you so much for you support. I get a bit emotional thinking about it, so here are 10 products that I might actually cry if they were discontinued. 

The Sun Safety Series : Coppertone Clearly Sheer

Welcome to a new series that will run throughout the summer focusing on safe sun practices and reviews of sunscreens in all price ranges! As a former tanning bed lover turned SPF advocate, I've made it my duty to get all my family and friends wearing sunscreen every time they go outdoors. Since I find choosing the right SPF product tricky, I'll be testing out several over the next two months to share with you all and hopefully shed some light on how you can protect your skin from sun damage, skin cancers and a myriad of other issues caused my pollution and UVA/UVB rays. 

Sunday Steals: ELF Contour Palette

It's been ages since I posted a good Sunday Steal, and I know it seems like most of the time I feature higher end makeup and beauty products but that is genuinely just because it tends to what I wear myself. Every once in a while however, I find a fantastic little find from the drugstore that boasts the same quality (or better!) as a luxury cometic item, without the fancy price tag. The ELF Contour Palette fits this bill perfectly. 

MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Colour Sticks Review + Giveaway

Whenever I see a brand release a twist up shadow stick I get excited because let's face it, the convenience factor is super enticing. Years ago MAC released their Grease Sticks, which I remember having such high hopes for, only to have them turn into a creasing mess. Fast forward several years and brands have caught on to formulations that are crease-resistant and MAC is at it again with the Pro Longwear Waterproof Colour Sticks! I put 9 shades to the test to see if they lived up to their name and claim, so keep reading to see my thoughts, swatches and how you can win one in the hottest colour for summer!

The Estee Edit : What I Like, Dislike and Still Want to Try

Makeup house giant Estee Lauder has a new little sister by way of The Estee Edit - curated with young beauty attitudes such as Kendall Jenner in mind, the launch is meant to play up an edgier, less put together look. I recently got the chance to talk to some of the artists for the line as well as try out some of the best sellers from the range, and have some definite thoughts on the range. Here's what I did and didn't like, as well as the products that are definitely on my wishlist... 

Getting a Brighter, Whiter Smile with Colgate Optic White

This post is sponsored by the Colgate* Optic White TM/MC  #DesignerSmile Campaign. All views and images are my own.

I'm the first to admit I love a good bit of makeup. I'm not afraid of colour, or to go out in a full face, but at the end of the day I feel the most beautiful thing a person can have is a great smile. As a girl who had the full mouth of braces, retainers, elastics, neck gear (yes, I am admitting that on the internet!) and random other orthodontic work as a teenager, keeping my smile looking as bright as I can is a top priority for me. So when I was given the chance to try out some of the new products for the Colgate* Optic White^TM/MC  #DesignerSmile Campaign, I jumped at the chance! Keep reading to find out how I get my smile looking brighter and whiter in a few simple steps.

Laura Mercier Extreme Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette Review + Swatches

I know what you're thinking: "Jaime, seriously? Another neutral palette?" and I promise that is how I felt about this too until I tried it. Out of the box, the Laura Mercier Extreme Neutrals Palette looks really rather ordinary, but what it actually is, is a beautifully put together palette with a fabulous balance of warm and cool tones in a variety of finishes. How's that for a solid performer?

Mascara Monday: Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Mascara Review + Before and After

It's no secret that this girl loves her mascara (heck the blog would have been named that if it had a better ring to it!). I've been known to refer to my lashes as my "money makers" - because it's my favourite feature to play up. So when I saw that the legendary Charlotte Tilbury was coming out with a new mascara aptly named Legendary Lashes, I knew I had to try it.

Home Sweet Home: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Vancouver

I don't often start a post with a picture of your's truly, because it's a bit sassier than I really am to be honest. In this case though, I felt it was just because you all know this shade is well beyond my peachy-pink comfort zone! This deep raisin hue is courtesy of a bit of a special product: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Vancouver (yes, that's right - named after my very own home sweet home!). 

This Just In : MAC Cosmetics Brant Brothers Collection

I always love that MAC steps outside the box when it comes to collaborations, and this time round, they've continued to stand apart by having the Brant Brothers (sons of model Stephanie Seymour) be the face of their latest launch. The neutral based collection is inspired by modern day unisex grooming, aiming to appeal to all genders with products that simply enhance and define the face. I was sent several pieces of the collection, and I have some definite hits and misses, so keep reading for my thoughts and swatches!

Chanel Summer 2016: Dans la Lumiere de L'ete

When it comes to beautiful cosmetics (or things in general!), Chanel pretty much has it in the bag. Not only is the packaging effortlessly chic and Parisian, but the collections are always beautifully curated. That time old tale of, "You get what you pay for" almost always rings true when it comes to Chanel, and the new Dans la Lumiere de L'ete for Summer 2016 is no exception. There's more yay than nay in this limited edition collection, so keep reading to hear which products are my favourites.

Three Neutral Blush Must Haves

When it comes to blush, I adore a bright coral or pop of pink, but there are times when you really just need a good old neutral that goes with absolutely everything. Whether you don't know what to pair with a specific look, or just want something for every day that will always look great - I've got you covered!

Eyeliner Made Easy : Diorshow Waterproof Pro Liner

When it comes to eyeliner, I have almost as high expectations as I do mascara, and we all know I set that bar high. I want something that won't smudge, flake or fade, and it gets bonus points if it hangs around in the waterline half decently. That's a pretty tall task for most eyeliners to take on, and so I wasn't really expecting to love the Dior Diorshow Waterproof Pro Liners as much as I do! If you're not super swift with liner, are new to makeup, or just generally want things to move along a little quicker in the morning, keep reading to find out why I think these might be worth taking a look at!

Currently Lusting After: June 2016 Beauty Wish List

As you all may know, it was my birthday a couple of days ago (go check out my massive birthday giveaway here!) and I asked you all to leave a comment letting me know what makeup/beauty item you'd like to get for your birthday. I've been loving reading all the answers, but it's got me thinking of the items that have been on my wish list! I've got eight new beauty items that I've been incredibly curious about since they were released. Keep reading to find out what made the short list and why!

The Epic Birthday Beauty Giveaway 2016

Welp, it's that time of year again: June 10th is my birthday. I am begrudgingly turning another year older (but seriously though, can I just not?) and I figured what better way to celebrate than to giveaway an epically large amount of incredible makeup goodness! Sound good? Yeah I thought so - keep reading to find out all the ways you can enter to win!

The Colour Line Up : Chocolate Hued Favourites

In the world of makeup, chocolate has been all the rage for a while now. With cosmetic brands like Too Faced actually using real cocoa in the making of some of their most popular products, and the classic 90's lip making a resurance, brown is everywhere again! Here's a fun little compilation of my favourite chocolate hued items that I can't get enough of.

Clinique's Pop Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer : Review & Swatches

After falling in love with the Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primers last year, I had a feeling it was only a matter of time before the brand came out with a liquid lipstick version. Unlike the trend of uber matte liquid lipsticks of late, the Clinique Pop Lacquer Lip Colour + Primers* are actually a super high shine finish that is meant to stay hydrating with full coverage colour. Right from swatch I knew these lacquers packed serious punch to them, and were so much more than a standard lip gloss.

Must Have Alert: Clarins Summer 2016 Bronzing & Blush Compact

So by now we all know I live for bronzer, right? My recent inventory had me counting around 20 different bronzers, and yes, I've completely come to the understanding that clearly I have a problem. Here's the thing though: I am beyond picky about my bronzer (almost as picky as I am with mascara). I want something that isn't loaded with shimmer, doesn't have too orange or yellow of an undertone and doesn't sit powdery on the skin. Enter in one of my new favourite things: Clarins Summer 2016 Bronzing & Blush Compact and we've got a recipe for a seriously gorgeous bronzer!