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

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Recently, I've discovered that I am a lipstick hoarder.. especially stains! These Kat Von D liquid lipsticks are phenomenal.

My overall rating for these lipsticks is a 9/10. They are long lasting, even after eating/drinking you don't have to retouch. Your lips won't feel dry or appear flaky. This new formulation is truly hydrating. I love the applicator it applies the right amount of product. You also don't need a lip liner for a defined lip. I hope that Kat Von D comes out with more shades that are more wearable for people who can't wear bold/bright colors for work.

The lipstick is described as "A long-wear, full coverage liquid lipstick with a smooth matte finish." The formula is infused with vitamins A, C, E and without parabens.

Facts:

• $24 CAN/0.22 oz
• 12 shades
• Hydrating
• Matte Finish

xoxo, Savleen

Tried & Tested: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Hello Beauties!

I'm certain that you all have heard about MAC's Pro Longwear Concealer, I decided to try it out myself. I got matched to NC42 by an artist in store. My review is based off a month and a half of using this product.

The product claims to be a lightweight fluid that provides a medium to full coverage, gives a natural matte finish, lasts up to 15 hours and that it conceals and corrects under-eye circles. The longest I've had this product on for a day is 10 hours.


Facts:

• $24/9ml
• 16 shades 

Pros:

• comes with a pump
• easy to blend

Cons:

• creases
• pump dispenses too much product
• turns ashy

Overall, I was disappointed with this product. Although, I love the fact that this concealer has it pump, it dispenses way too much product. This product would be great for someone who has minimal to no dark circles. If that doesn't work use a corrector underneath. If you're interested give it a try but look into MAC's return policy before hand if you're unsure.

DIY: Lip Scrub

Hello Beauties!

With the colder months approaching you may notice your lips becoming dry and chapped. I've been making my own lip scrub for a few years now and I've been loving it! It removes the dead skin gently as well as moisturize them. Keep in mind not to over exfoliate your lips.

You will need the following:

• extra virgin olive oil
• brown/white sugar
• small container

Directions:

1. Put a TBSP of white sugar in your small container
2. Mix in a dash of extra virgin olive oil
3. Continue to mix until the olive oil makes the sugar stick together
4. Scrub for about 15-20 seconds
5. Leave the scrub on for about 30 seconds
6. Remove with a damp cloth
7. Lastly, apply a hydrating lip balm.
   
   I've got a couple of DIY beauty recipes I'd like to share with you all. Stay tuned by subscribing. 

xo,
Savleen

Tried and Tested: Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

Hello lovely people!

I've been wanting to try this foundation for quite a while now. So, I caved in and bought it. It is an airbrush foundation with an ultra fine mist. The foundation is exclusive to Sephora.

Facts:

• Retail price is $35 CAN
• 2.5 oz
• 9 shades
• Satin Finish
• Buildable Coverage
• Oil, Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates Free.

The suggested use according to the Website is:

1. Shake well for five seconds before each use. 
2. Cover hair and clothes.
3. Close eyes and hold can 10 inches away from face while pressing on nozzle and moving in circular motions. 
4. Blend with Sephora PRO Foundation Airbrush Brush #55. 

For achieving a light coverage it says to spray directly on to Sephora Pro #55 and blend it in. For a fuller coverage, spray six to eight inches away from the face spraying in circular movements.

I tested out the method of spraying the product on the Sephora Pro #55 brush and then blending it in and it didn't provide enough coverage for me. Although, spraying the product on to a brush is defeating the purpose of an airbrush foundation, it's less messy. The next time I used the foundation I sprayed it on to the Sephora Collection #45 brush and blended it in. Man, did I ever get a full coverage since the brush is more dense.

Overall, The foundation is great! I would give this foundation an 8/10. Due to the fact that I didn't like the finish without setting it with a powder and the color selection is still very minimal. If you're a dry skin you don't need to set it unless you want a matte finish. For my fellow combination to oily skins, set the foundation in your t-zone in order for it to last you 8+ hours. Throughout the day the foundation held up great. Since I do set the foundation with a translucent powder it stayed 11 hours without becoming blotchy.  (I have really long days)

Here's a fun fact about Sephora Collection, it's owned by Louis Vuitton. So yes, it is luxury and nothing less than any other brand Sephora carries.

I wore this foundation for my first set of Head shots.

xoxo,
Savleen

Get To Know Me!

Oh Hello There!

Today, I wanted to 'formally' introduce myself through this post.. My name is Savleen and I am the owner of Empress Studios.

I wanted my viewers to learn more about my makeup story! So, I found the 'My Makeup Story Tag' and few more questions. I absolutely loved It's Judy's Time video and wanted to do something similar except not a video. That's why I started blogging instead. My friends constantly tell me to make YouTube videos, but that will have to wait for now..



1. How old were you when you started wearing makeup?
 I was 14 when I first put on mascara! Clear mascara that is and I remember my aunt telling me I was too young haha

2. How did you get into makeup?
 Good old YouTube! I started searching how to videos and from there it began.

3. What are some of your favorite brands?
Nars, Urban Decay and Maybelline.

4. What does makeup mean to you? 
When I'm in need of a pick me up it's comforting. It enhances all of the beautiful features you already have and you can create so many as well. Makeup is my passion.

5. If you could only wear 4 products on your face what would they be?
 Brow pencil, Concealer, Mascara, and powder.

6. What is your favorite thing about makeup? 
The endless amount of looks you can create!

7. What do you think about drugstore makeup vs. high end makeup? 
Honestly, I started off using drugstore makeup. Mascaras, eyeliners lipsticks, lip liners are all things I think some drugstore brands make very well. But when it comes to primers, foundations, powders and eye shadow's I always pick something high end. But keep in mind brands like L'Oreal own HUGE brands like Lancome, YSL and Urban Decay.

8. What is one tip of advice you can give a beginner? 
You probably won't get it right away. Keep practicing, learn your own techniques and explore with everything! Don't be shy to try a bold red lip.

9. What is one makeup trend you never understood? 
I can't mention just one.. There's a few. Over tweezed eyebrows, clumpy lashes and frosted lips.

10. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
My hair has always been straight but recently it's been excessively wavy and frizzy.

11. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
It takes me about 15-40 minutes depending on what I'm getting ready for and if I slept in.

12. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
Always my eyes and brows.

13. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
I'd say a mix of both.

14. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?
Lately, yes. But, when I don't have to work, go to school or have something else to do I give my face a break. Your skin needs to breathe. 

15. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?
Nope, I absolutely love makeup but my skin needs a break. When I'm at home or around friends I don't wear any makeup unless there's an event.

16. Will you leave the house without makeup?
Yes! It's very important to me that everyone feels comfortable leaving the house without makeup. Makeup is a 'pick me up' but keep in mind that you should be able to leave your house bare faced and feel confident!

17. How often are you on Blogger?
Everyday! I prepare my content and proof it constantly before I publish it.

18. Do you read comments posted on blogs?
Yes! I love reading people's comments. I think it's a great way of acknowledging different views and learning something new. 

19. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
I try too but I'm quite forgetful.

20. How did you come up with your blog name?
It's my freelance branding name.

21. What's your favorite colour?
Right now... I'll have to say purple.

www.empressstudios.com

xoxo,
Savleen

'Tamanna Palette' Look - Details

Hello!

I posted an eye look using the 'Tamanna Palette' on my IG and Facebook Page. Like I promised, here are the details:

Brows:

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in 'Brunette'

Eyes: 

• 'Fresh' as the Highlight
• 'Blush' on the Lid
• 'Bengal' in the Crease
• 'Sangria and 'Chocolate' in the Outer V
• Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in 'Ink Black'
• Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in 'Perversion' in the waterline
• Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara 
• Red Cherry Lashes #213

xoxo,
Savleen


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My Makeup Essentials!

Hello beautiful people!

My every day makeup has varied a lot in the past year. I am restricted on time which is why I'm constantly looking for a makeup routine which is under 15 minutes. If you're someone who is always on the go, here are some essentials that will make your life easier! I promise that this takes less than 10-15 minutes.

Firstly, begin with your skin care and primer. Apply a concealer to brighten up under the eyes for a more 'awake' look. The reason why I wear a powder is because it can give you a medium coverage to even out your skin tone. Next, add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks!

Filling in your brows is optional. I love filling in my brows because it defines my face. Then, I will curl my lashes and apply 2-3 coats of mascara. Lastly, apply a lip balm with a tint of color! 

Products in the picture:

1. Mac Mineraize Skinfinish
2. Nars Blush in 'Deep Throat'
3. Amazing Cosmetics Concealer
4. Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
6. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in 'Tulip'

- Savleen

Review: Sephora Collection Pomegrante Mask!

Hello friends!

I finally had the chance to try out one of the Sephora Collection paper masks. The one I used was the Pomegranate mask which is for anti-fatigue, energizing and it's ideal for sensitive skin.

To use it: apply the mask on 15 minutes, remove it and massage in the excess product! You can rinse it off if you'd like.

 (pjs, movies, snapchat and a mask... my favorite way to relax)

This mask if fool proof, you unfold it and put it on your face! The mask was too large for my face.. but then again I've got a tiny face. Once I removed the paper the product didn't feel sticky on the skin. My skin instantly felt hydrated and appeared radiant!

I give this mask two thumbs up. You cannot go wrong with the price point. The mask retails for $8 and there are 6 to choose from. There is a mask for least one of your concerns, maybe even all of them! Go to your local Sephora and purchase one for a 15 minute spa like moment. Trust me, you will not regret this.

- Savleen