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).

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!

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...

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?

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.

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! 

Stila's Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Palettes for All Skin Tones

Stila hit the scene in a huge way back in the late 90's and early 2000's with their iconic Kitten Eyeshadow {my first ever Sephora purchase} and signature cardboard packaging. Since then they've gone through not one, but two packaging revamps and have really started to put function over funky. Case in point: the new Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Eye & Cheek Palettes that combine beautifully paired shadows and blush based on skin tone rather than eye colour. I recently got my hands on the Fair/Light palette to put to the test; Keep reading to see why it's become my go to travel palette and why I think Stila's got a winner concept going for them!

Urban Decay Goes a Little Mad with the Alice Through the Looking Glass Collection Lipsticks

If you missed it earlier this month, Urban Decay announced a MASSIVE revamp of their lipstick line. At the same time they launched the Alice Through the Looking Glass Collection, which had some of the new formulas in it! I have all 5 shades, and if you're loving a bold or unusual lip choice (or just a really stunning red!) then keep reading for swatches and review!

Urban Decay's Alice Through the Looking Glass Palette

As little girl, I fell in love with Wonderland. Everything from the White Rabbit, to the Mad Hatter, to the Chesire Cat and hookah smoking Caterpillar had me captivated. Alice, with her curiosity and sense of adventure lured me right in and Lewis Carroll's stories of Alice and the quirky characters she crossed will always be some of my very favourite. 

So naturally, when I saw that one of my all time favourite brands, Urban Decay were collaborating with Disney's 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' film on a collection, I was a little beside myself. I don't think I've ever torn into a package so quickly as I did this one, and have been so eager to collect some thoughts and swatches for you!

The Luxe Blush I'm Loving: Tom Ford's Soleil Collection Sheer Cheek Duo in Bicoastal

The Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duo in Bicoastal* falls into that 'almost too pretty to use' category, what with its white and gold trimmed packaging, and embossed powder texture. When I read the word "sheer" in the title, I immediately assumed this would lack pigment, but I couldn't have been further from the truth! Turned out this is a stunning rose/shell pink blush and highlighter in one that gives the perfect flush to summer tinted skin.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencils | The Gwen Stefani Collection

I've talked about the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Collection loads here recently. I loved the eyeshadow palette and the lipsticks, and could take or leave the blush palette. Now I've got the Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Pencils that Gwen collaborated with and have to say, they are exactly what I expected!

5 New Beauty Launches I'm Excited About

Occasionally there will just be a cluster of releases that have me completely renewing my interest in the beauty industry (let's be real, the love never dies, but occasionally takes a nap...) Today's post has 5 new launches that have me all heart-eyed emoji. Let's take a look...

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Lipsticks Review and Swatches

I've been talking plenty about the Urban Decay collaboration with Gwen Stefani lately. The brand has released limited edition eyeshadow and blush palettes, lip pencils, brow powder duo and today I'm talking about the lipsticks. The Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani Lipsticks* are 6 shades designed and inspired by the famed No Doubt songstress in shades she felt represented her signature style (which is naturally why there are so many bold reds). I got my hands on 4 of the lipsticks to give you all some reviews and swatches. 

The Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush Palette | Review and Swatches

You may remember my rave over the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette last year (read the review here) and now the brand has expanded to further the collaboration with a blush palette in very similar deco-esque packaging. The limited edition Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush Palette  was designed with the songstress to fill the void of shades she always wanted in her personal makeup collection. With four blushes, one highlighter and one bronzer, it's geared to be the "perfect blush palette". So, does it hold up to the much deserved hype of the eyeshadow palette?

Ellie Goulding for MAC | A Collection I Can Get Behind

 

If ever a MAC limited edition release seemed made for me! The MAC x Ellie Goulding collaboration is laced with super wearable everyday peaches and pinks. The collection screams of something I would gravitate towards and I would highly suggest if you love a great nudey-peach or golden pink, you head to your nearest MAC counter or get online now before its long gone.

This Just In | Too Faced Love Flush Blush Wardrobe

I love a good palette, there's no doubt about it when you see my ridiculous makeup hoarding collection. Not nearly enough brands do blush palettes in my opinion - I am so much more likely to break from a makeup rut if there are out-of-my-comfort-zone shades conveniently packaged alongside some great neutrals and everyday colours. Diversity, ya know?

So when the Too Faced Love Flush Blush Wardrobe* showed up I danced a little jig and let out a squeal of joy (Mr. GLG knows this as Happy Makeup Dance) seeing that it had all 6 shades in the permanent range!

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Eye Colour Set for Holiday 2015

One of the best purchases I made last year was the holiday set of Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Colours - I  did a full review of it here.  As a big fan of the formula and ease of use, I was thrilled to see that for Holiday 2015 there was another set, the Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Collection*, this time with six shades, including two more satin finish versions!