Updated Skin Care Routine.

Hello Everyone,

Here is my updated skincare routine. It has changed quite a bit since my last skin care post. My skin has always been dehydrated but in the past couple of months it's gotten worse. I have started drinking more water and decided to branch out into skincare products that are going to help with hydration and that won't make my skin more sensitive than it already it is. I also have acne prone skin, I am always breaking out. I have gone to my doctor and gotten a cream that dries out my skin to the point of where it is flaking off and uncomfortable. Anyways, now that you have a bit of a background on my skin type here is what I am currently using:

• Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - This is a very gentle cleanser, I use this day and night. It does not remove makeup. The cleanser retails for $45/CAN for the 5.1oz

• Vichy Purete Thermale Toner - This is a hydrating toner. I also use this day and night.

• Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre Moisturizer - I have been using this moisturizer on and off for 3 years, it is extremely hydrating and doesn't feel greasy. It retails for $35/CAN for 2.54oz

• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - I don't use these every day, only once a week. This gently exfoliates my skin, it is great to use before your makeup routine. This retails for $18.50/CAN for 28 pads.

• Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Cream - This moisturizes my ridiculously dry under eyes and refreshes like no other! This product retails for $47/CAN for 0.5oz

I am in my 20's and preventing aging is definitely my biggest priority. I have invested my own money into these products. I did quite a bit of research and tried samples for a few weeks before purchasing these products. Always do that before investing into skincare you're unsure about. You never know if it will work or not without giving it a shot.

-Savleen

Fall Makeup Look!

Hello Everyone!

I am so excited that fall is finally here! It is my favourite season! 🍂


For this look I used the House of Lashes 'femme fatale' lashes, Becca Cosmetics and Jaclyn Hill
'champagne pop' highlighter, OCC Cosmetics 'black dahlia' lip liner, Bite Beauty 'tannin' lipstick!

Just a quick reminder that I am moving this blog to the following link Empress Studios!

Sincerely,
Savleen

Review: Sephora Collection 10HR Wear Foundation

Hello Everyone!

First, I'd like to apologize for being MIA... I have been working on my new website which is www.empressstudios.com please check it out after reading this review . Here's another review for you all. I am reviewing the Sephora Collection 10HR Wear Foundation! Here are some facts about the foundation:

- comes in shades,
- medium-full coverage
- luminous semi-matte finish
- oil-free, paraben free, and fragrance free
- long wearing and light weight
- easy to blend

I have been using this foundation for over a month now and have tried it with several different primers and setting powders. I really like the finish and staying power of this foundation. In fact,  for the price point I was very impressed. The foundation gave me a full coverage and looks great after a super long day. If you are looking for a medium to full coverage foundation for a very reasonable price, I would say go get a sample of this foundation at Sephora. Overall, I would rate this a 8/10.

Sincerely,
Savleen

Review: Sephora Collection Liquid Moisturizing Skin Concentrate

Hello!

So, I finally got around to purchasing the Sephora Collection Liquid Moisturizing Skin Concentrate. This product is liquid moisturizer that works like a serum. A serum penetrates to a deeper layer of the skin. This product claims to leave the skin more hydrated, even and radiant. You can either use this alone by putting it on a cotton pad and applying it to the skin or under a moisturizer by applying it like a toner. I have tried it both ways and I do like it on it's own when I'm in a rush although it does work much better under a moisturizer. It does leave your skin more hydrated and plum. It does not feel sticky on the skin like some serums/moisturizers tend to feel. It is lightweight and does not have an unbearable odor.

Overall, I think this is a great product for people that are either starting to invest into skin care or people who are constantly in a rush. The price point is amazing and you cannot go wrong. But,  as a friendly reminder I will say is that you should always take the extra couple of minutes into applying your skin care routine as well as spend the few other dollars on skin care. It will last you much longer and you will see results in the long run.

The concentrate retails for 28 dollars Canadian at Sephora.

-Savleen

S/C Contouring and Highlighting!

Hello Lovelies!

I am so pleased that Sephora Collection has FINALLY released a highlighting and contour stick.

The best part is that it comes in 4 shades. They released the following shades:

• light
• medium
• tan
• deep

I purchased the 'medium' and 'deep'. This product retails for $25.00 CAN. They are a cream to powder finish. Also, another reason why I was so pleased with these is because they are matte.. usually brands release a contouring product that has a orange toned contour and a shimmery highlight (I absolutely despise that). These contour sticks blend very well and the contour is buildable.

This product is amazing for anyone who wants to learn how to contour and highlight or wants to get into cream contouring. I cannot emphasize how pleased I am with these shades. I recommend this to anyone, beginners and pros! For the price and quality you just cannot go wrong with this product. I will give these a 10/10 for price, shade range, quality and efficiency.

Good job Sephora Collection!

xoxo, Savleen

Glowing Skin MOTD!

Hello!

I've been posting a few 'Makeup of the Day' photos. Here are the details for my every day glowing skin look!

Complexion: 
NARS- all day luminous foundation
Kevyn Aucoin- sensual skin enhancer
Sephora Collection- Microsmooth powder.

Cheeks: 
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
NARS Blush in 'Deep throat'
Becca Cosmetics 'Opal' highlighter

Eyes: 
MAC cosmetics shadows:
'brule' on the lid and highlight,
'bamboo', 'wedge' and 'espresso' in the crease
Bobbi brown gel liner

Brows:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz 'Brunette'

Lips: 
MAC Cosmetics 'Soar' lip liner and 'Syrup' lipstick.


-Savleen

Review: NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

Hello Everyone!

Lately, I've had this growing obsession with glowing skin so I've been trying out a few different liquid highlighters and luminous foundations. I've been trying the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation for a few weeks now and here is my overall review based on my skin type which is combination skin.

The foundation claims to stay on for 16 hours. It's a light weight formula that's oil free and paraben free. It gives you a natural finish and you can achieve a medium to full coverage. The best way to apply this foundation is by warming it up and working it into your skin by using your fingers. I tried to use it with a brush and I did not like the way it looked or stayed throughout the day.


Details:

• 1oz/ $57 CAN
• 20 shades
• Oil Free
• Paraben Free
• Natural Finish
• Buildable Coverage 
• For all Skin Types

Pros:

• Packing, it has a pump!
• Long wearing
• Photographs well
• Lightweight
• Doesn't oxidize

Cons:

• Can enhance dry skin
• Doesn't last long without a primer

Overall, I do like this foundation. With the summer coming up it most likely will not be my every day foundation. If you are a very dry skin I highly suggest prepping your skin with a hydrating skin care routine and a hydrating primer. If you are an oily skin set your t-zone with a translucent powder. Anyone with combination skin you can also set your t-zone with a powder.
 

My Favorite Dark Lipsticks!

Hello Lovelies!

I have a confession, some of you may already know about it... I am obsessed with lipstick, especially dark lipsticks. Also, I am constantly on the hunt for a dark lipstick that might be slightly different than the last one I bought. Here are my top 5 dark lip colors! I hope this may help you escape your comfort zone.
 




OCC- Lip Tar- Black Dahlia $22/CAN

MAC -Lipstick- Diva $16/US

Lime Crime - Velvetine - Wicked $20/US

Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick- Vampira $24/CAN

Bite - Luminous Crème Lipstick - Tannin $28/CAN

Glamglow SUPERCLEANSE!

Hello Everyone!

GlamGlow recently came out with 3 daily cleansers supercleanse, thirstycleanse and youthcleanse. They're all a mud-foam formula. I have been using the GlamGlow Supercleanse daily cleanser for the past month and a half. This product is phenomenal for problematic skin, or for anyone who wants a quick deep clean! It rinses away pore-clogging debris and impurities. 

You can use this cleanser daily. I like to use it 1-2 times a week! It leaves your skin feeling so clean.  To use this product apply 1-2 pumps onto your fingers and work it onto a dry face. Slowly start applying water to your hands and working it into the product until it begins to lather. Rinse with warm water. It leaves your skin with a mat finish. If you are using this product daily, make sure you keep your skin well hydrated.  

Facts:

• $43CAN/5oz
• parabens, sulfates and phthalates free

Pros:

• comes with a pump
• deep cleans

Cons:

• fragrance
• pump can get clogged
• can be too drying for combination or dry skin 

Overall, I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is a combination or oily skin type. This helps with excess oil, clogged pores and break outs. Like I mentioned earlier, ensure you're still moisturizing your skin.  For a dry skin, I wouldn't recommend this as your daily cleanser since it can really dehydrate your skin. Try using it once a week for a deep clean and also make sure you're keeping your skin very well hydrated.

Monthly Favorites - March!

Hello Everyone!

Here is my first 'Monthly Favorites' post! It's a mix of skin care and makeup products. I grabbed the five products that I've used the most or kept going back to during the month of March.

 

The first product I reached for a lot is the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer. I don't use this product as a foundation, I use it as a highlighter. It's easy to blend and is long wearing! My color is in SxO8. Also, this is finally carried on the Sephora website! It retails for $58 in Canada.

The second product I reach for every single day is my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Tulip. This contains an SPF 15. This not only keeps my lip protected from the weather, it also nourishes and give my lips a natural tint. This retails for $26 Canadian. Also, this is available on the Sephora website and in tons of different shades.

For my every day concealer I use the Laura Mercier Full Coverage Concealer. The reason why I'm so in love with this product is because it also corrects my under eye circles and is not drying under the eyes. This concealer provides a full coverage without appearing cakey under the eyes (FINALLY). The smallest amount goes a very long way. I would suggest warming the product up with your fingers and applying it with your ring finger. This product retails for $35 Canadian. 

Every three months I try a new mascara and it takes quite a bit to impress me but I have been loving this Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. It is lengthening and volumizing. The brush helps separate the lashes and doesn't clump them together. It is not water-proof. This mascara retails for $26 Canadian

Lastly, I've tried out a few eye creams and so far I have found this one to be the only one that actually helps with hydrating my under eye area. This is the Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream. Since it is a gel, it instantly absorbs. It also helps brighten under the eyes (Thank You Fresh!). This retails for $47 Canadian.

- Savleen

Quick Loose Curls Tutorial!

Hello Lovelies!

Being a full-time student and working in the cosmetics industry I find it difficult to make time to curl my hair. So, I have finally come across the most efficient way (for me) to achieve loose waves that look like they took me more than 10 minutes to do! Here is my step by step tutorial for you all, I hope this helps!

Here is what you need to achieve this look:
- A Comb
- Jaw Clips
- 1.25 inch styling wand
- A finishing spray/gel
 
Firstly, apply a heat protector all over the hair. Then, separate your hair into 6 sections; I use the Sephora Collection 'Hold It Together Blow Dry Clips'. Now, take out one of those sections and begin to curl your hair away from your face. Hold it for about 3-5 seconds and repeat until you've curled all of your sections and then let your hair cool down. Using your hands apply either a finishing gel or spray. My two favorites are the Tresemme 'Curl Defining Spray Gel' and the  Living Proof 'Flex Shaping Hairspray'. To finish styling your hair use your fingers to comb out your hair! By the end of it you should be able to achieve your desired loose curls.

- Savleen

Flawless Complexion Favorites!

Hello Everyone! Firstly, I'd like to apologize for my absence. I finally have more time to blog more.

Before continuing on with this post; I'd like to remind you all that your skincare and diet are the essentials to having a beautiful complexion, makeup can only do so much. With that being said here are my flawless complexion favorites excluding my skin care and primer.

For my foundation I love using the Marc Jacobs Marvelous Mousse - Full Coverage foundation. It contains skincare ingredients that help with hydrating, soothing the skin and has anti aging properties. The best way to use this product is by warming it up on the back of your hand and using a brush that is fairly dense in order for you to receive the full coverage this product claims to offer!

The Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer provides you with a medium-full coverage. This concealer also has skin care benefits (always a plus in my opinion), it also has light diffusing technology and lastly it's extremely hydrating to use under the eyes. A lot of the concealers I have tried have been very drying under the eyes even while I'm using an under eye cream, so this is a huge pro for me. I like to lightly pat this product on using my ring finger.

Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer does wonders! I use this product as a highlighter and it blends in seamlessly and does not look heavy on the skin. A very little amount goes a long way. If you are an extremely dry skin I would suggest mixing in a bit of moisturizer. This can also be used as a foundation, personally I like it better as a concealer. To use this I either use a damp beauty blender or warm it up with my fingers then blend it out.

I hope this helps if you had any questions about one of those three products! If you have any requests for another blog post feel free to email me at empressstudios@gmail.com

- Savleen