EmiliaStyle: Canadian Blogger

Benefit CHEEKATHON Palette Review| Beauty

This purchase was the perfect way to start my summer. At the end of my semester, after I'd gotten all my grades back, I thought I would treat myself to a little something. This was that little something. Because it was such a beautiful purchase and I was so excited, I decided to really utilize it and make sure I tested out every shade and do a proper review... And so here it is :)

Firstly, the packaging screams Benefit, and while I have to say it isn't exactly my favourite, the product is so good, it really doesn't bother me. The palette itself comes with 3 blush shades, "Dandelion", "Rockateur", "Coralista", and two bronzer shades, "Hoola" and "Dallas".

Here in Canada, it retails for $75, which is quite a pricy palette, but when you think of the fact that each shade is full size and individually, the shades retails at $36, you realize you end up getting a pretty good deal if you utilize all the shades.

That was the one thing that made me hesitate. When it comes to palettes, I don't usually use all the shades given, I have my favourites but the others are left untouched. This is the first palette I own that I feel I'll use every shade in it. While there are some I love more, each one of them is wearable for everyday use.

First and foremost, I've been really impressed with the quality. I mean, everyone knows that "Hoola" is an amazing bronzer and "Coralista" will suit pretty much any skin tone. But I've always found Benefit to be quite hit or miss. I can't really say it's one of my favourite brands but this palette has definitely made me think twice about them. The pigmentation for each shade is right up there and "Dallas" is one of the few bronzers that actually stays on my face all day long.

At the start, I thought I would really like the brush that comes with the palette, it felt very soft to the touch. However, to be completely honest, I used it once and really didn't like it. It felt like nothing was getting onto the bristles, so I've just opted to use my own brushes.

Dandelion: Is the first blush in the palette and it's a gorgeous dusty pink, perfect for summer. It's not the most used bush out of them all, but I'll use it when going for a very soft, minmal look.
Hoola: Of course, not much description needed for this one. This is a really nice bronzer for contouring because it's soo matte. Finally, the pigmentation is great, there's no orange in it, so you simply get a nice golden bronzed effect when wearing it.
Rockateur: This is definitely my favourite blush out of the 3 because I can also use it as a highlight. It's a very shimmery rose colour that gives a beautiful glow. I love a good highlight, so the fact that I can use it for both is definitely a plus for me.
Dallas: At first glance, I didn't think I would like this bronzer. Probably because I was scared of the red-ish tones in it. While "Hoola" is completely matte, this one has just a little shimmer to it. However, this is the shade I've been using the majority of the days. I think it's perfect for my skin tone and I think that's because my base is quite yellow, olive but I do have quite a bit of redness. It contours my face really nicely and blends in well with the natural tones of my face.
Coralista: The ever-loved blush. This was the first shade I tried because I was so happy I finally owned it. It's gorgeous. I love a good coral blush and when my skin is clear, this is definitely the colour I reach for the most. A coral blush is also pretty much an essential when going for a golden bronzed, beach summer look. ;)

I've super happy with this purchase. If it's in your budget and you've been looking for a beautiful cheek palette, then I definitely recommend you go and pick this up.

I was watching one of Lily's vlogs and she made a joke about how so many beauty bloggers use the excuse of buying palettes because they are "great for travelling". And while I definitely agree that I use that excuse more times then I should, this will be the first place I don't ;) While I won't give up this palette any time soon, it's quite bulky and large. So, definitely not the most convenient for travelling. However, on the bright side, it does have a large mirror, which comes in very handy.

Thanks for reading my review! I hope you found it useful and let me know if you decide to pick it up for yourself. As well, I'd love to hear about some of the new products you've been loving and that you recommend I should check out. Have a wonderful day! <3

Emilia

11:00
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Constantly Learning| Style

Canadian Blogger

Don't you just love those days when you wake up in the morning, throw something on, look in the mirror and realize "this is actually an awesome outfit". I love days like those, I wish they happened all the time. While I love style, sometimes I look back on old outfits and seriously wonder what I was thinking when I left the house. Oh well.. I think that's just part of growing up and embracing your trial and error ways.

I've been on work mode for the past few weeks and I've come to the realization that my time management skills are even worse then I thought. I don't know... I feel like I should have time for certain things and then the days goes by and I realize all I've done is go to work. So I'm making a conscious effort to relax and enjoy my off days but also stay product. I've also realized that sleep is a truly wondrous thing and that waking up at the same time every morning can help you stay on track with your schedule.

So, while this new system has only been in effect for a few short days, I feel like I should be happy for the progress. Small baby steps right? :)

My new job has also allowed for new ways of learning. While I've stayed in the same world, a new company has allowed me to learn even more about the industry and how similar companies can operate very differently from one to the other. It has also reassured me tremendously concerning my fears for the future and allowed me to realize that the majority of people in their twenties are simply trying to figure out what they want and how they'll survive to the next day. So while my over thinking mind may not have been able to process that knowledge a few months ago, now that I've had to interact with a new group of people, it's slightly comforting to know that I'm not alone even amongst strangers. Is that train of thought a little too morbid? ;)

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this post, or at the very least, have taken inspiration for this "casual-chic/ city style" outfit. I really enjoyed wearing it because it's perfect for those days when the sun isn't always out, so it's a little chilly, but it's not freezing either. Unfortunately, Montreal has had to deal with extremely odd weather these past few weeks, so we are left not knowing if the cool spring weather is still here or if we can finally whip out our shorts for some hot summer days.

Anyways, see you soon! <3

Emilia

15:00
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Sunday Thoughts| Style

Canadian Blogger

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Instagram Round Up| Lifestyle

Beauty Blogger

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A Few Thoughts| Fashion

Canadian Blogger

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Nudes Discovery| Beauty

Beauty

In the past, I've always avoided nude lipsticks. Even a few years back, when the trend was to have skin coloured lips, I just couldn't join in. I always felt that I looked dead, and therefore decided that nude shades just couldn't and wouldn't suit me. I carried on loving my pinks and berries until a few months ago, I decided I wanted to be "brave" at the MAC counter and pick up a new shade. So, I opted for "Retro"- a dark berry, brown lipstick. It was something completely different to what I normally wear, but I was very much drawn to it. The colour is perfect for casual wear, but it still, in its own way, makes a statement.

From then on, I've been a little more brave in testing out lighter toned nudes. While they still very much lean on a pink side, I'm impressed with my willingness to try some new shades. So, here are my four top nude lipsticks for newbies! :)

This is one of the newest to my collection and also the first Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick I've tried. There's a reason why I wear this in almost every Instagram post, I love this shade. It's quite dark but still brown that it gives a really nice edge to your outfit, especially when you aren't wearing heavy eye makeup. The only downside to this product is that it is very drying, therefore, it isn't one I would recommend wearing every day of the week.

Next up, I've got NYX Stockholm and it's another favourite of mine. Unlike Lolita, this shade is much lighter and more on the pink side- it reminds me of a mocha shade. I really like that, even though it's matte, the pigment isn't extreme and therefore I don't find the formula as drying as the previous liquid lipstick. I really like pairing this one with a brown smokey eye because I think it complements my skintone quite nicely.

As I mentioned earlier, this was the first "nude" lipstick I've ever tried. When comparing it to another shades in this post, it's quite clear that I don't think you can fully categorize it as a nude shade but it was what got me the confidence to venture into the trend. It has quite a bit of berry, red tones in the formula, so if those are the shades you usually go for then it can be a nice transition colour before diving into the lighter browns.

Lastly, I have this gorgeous Rimmel shade in "08". This is quite similar to NYX shade but it sheen to it unlike the matte shade. I highly recommend this lipstick for any beginners. Firstly, the cost is fantastic, especially considering how good all Rimmel lipsticks are. As well, I think it is great for everyday. Because of the pink tones in it, the shade isn't too harsh for school and it holds really well, you don't need to constantly worry about re-applying.

Well there you have it! The beginnings of my nudes lipstick collection. While I know it is very on trend right now, I think they will shades I keep in my makeup bag for a long time. What are some shades you'd recommend I try out next?

Have a gorgeous week!<3

Emilia

13:57
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Natural Makeup Look (Drugstore)| Beauty

Affordable Makeup

I've never been very good with selecting standout drugstore makeup brands. While I, and my wallet, would rather spend less on the products, I tend to get sucked in to the whole "to get good quality, you need to spend more" ideology.

However, in the last few months, I've realized that it only takes a little research online to figure out which drugstore brands are worth it and which ones aren't.

This is why I'm very proud to show you a complete drugstore makeup look. It's quite "natural", but still full coverage, hence being perfect for my day-to-day.

The even better part of creating this post is coming to the realization that these are actually products I do use on a regular basis and some have even substitutes for more expensive counter parts.

Now, I'm not too sure if The Body Shop counts are drugstore, but because it is on the more affordable side (roughly the same prices as L'Oreal), I've included them here.

I've gone for my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum for foundation and have been sticking to the L'Oreal Colour Match Concealer. A new discovery of mine has been this NYX HD Concealer that I've gotten in a lighter shade to serve as my under eye concealer. And of course I couldn't finish off my base without the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, which has been a favourite for a long time.

For the eyes, I went for neutral, brown tones that would give some definition but wouldn't be to harsh.

For my brows, I opted for my new but loved NYX Micro-Brow Pencil, which works just as well as any other high end fine nib pen out there.

I used NYX "Sin" all over my eyelid and then used this Rimmel ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Stick in my crease. I was able to blend this really nicely with simple a large and dense eye brush. I then went it with a brown liner to define my top lash line.

Finally, I finished off the look with Maybelline The Falsies Mascara, which has been a favourite of mine for a few years now.

To complete the entire look I went it with a duo highlight and blush shade from Revlon (in the colour 02- Rose Glow) and on my lips, opted for NYX Soft Matte Cream in a gorgeous mocha colour.

Overall, I very much enjoyed experimenting with my drugstore products and it has made me realize how I don't always need to save up and splurge on the more expensive pieces. While Sephora will always be one of my favourite shops, I think I'll discovery some fun and new pieces at any drugstore.

Emilia

13:46
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The Pink Edit | Beauty

Go-To Makeup Look | Beauty

Benefit CHEEKATHON Palette Review| Beauty

Constantly Learning| Style

Sunday Thoughts| Style

Instagram Round Up| Lifestyle

A Few Thoughts| Fashion

Nudes Discovery| Beauty

Natural Makeup Look (Drugstore)| Beauty

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