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Beauty Vixen

My empties
Empties. 😊 
I haven't done an empties post in forever , but I had a little pile and thought 'why not?'.

I recently did a post on where to recycle your beauty containers, so go look at that. Let's look at what I've used up.
bathorium hinoki cypress magnesium flake bath soak
Bathorium Hinoki Cypress Magnesium Flake Bath Soak 
Ohhh...I love this. This is the best cold day Bath Soak ever. When it's cold, when my muscles hurt, I reach for this. There is nothing else like it and I am so sad I'm out. I am 100% going to go buy another bag as soon as there is a sale (I saw it at The Bay and Whole Foods, but their website always has sales so I have to sort out where I'm going to buy it from).
Nudestix foundation
Nudestix Nudetint
I got this last tear at their pop up sale. Never has a foundation matched my skin so perfectly, which is probably why I used it up so fast.  I usually swipe it where needed after my skin care routine.  I very much like that formula. I wish it was a fatter more all over stick so I don't fly through it so fast.
Trader Joe's Moisturizer
Trader Joe's Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion
I have been trying to use this up for a while, and am glad I finally have. I have whole other bottle of it, so I will be starting it now. It is quite a nice light face lotion, I assume it is a dupe for Olay's Complete Daily Moisturizer.
The Body Shop shea body wash
The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream
I gave this to Mr. Fox to use up. He uses up body washes quickly and this was no exception. The Body Shop always makes great body washes, my personal favourite is Satsuma, which I just ordered more of.
Tarte birthday suit
Tarte Birthday Suit Tartest Lip Paint
I got this as a mini a few years back for my birthday from Sephora. I found it in my drawer completely dried up. I did buy a full size few years back. I do not think Tarte still makes these lipsticks at all.
the inkey list shea oil hair treatment
The Inkey List Shea Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment
I ordered a whole pile of The Inkey List hair items when they first launched. I like the thinness of this oil, it feels nice on the hair and absorbs easily. I do not like how wide the opening of the cap is, it makes the product flow out too fast and you just end up wasting product. I also don't love the scent of it, I realize it is pure shea oil, but it smells horribly synthetic. Also my community doesn't recycle black plastic, so I have to take this to get recycled.
more empties
Bath and Body Works At The Beach Perfume Spray
I got this mini spray a long time ago, I really liked the scent and am kind of surprised I actually used it up. It is a great summer scent and I liked that it was a spray and not a roll-on.

Benefit They're Real Mascara
It was time to toss this one, it was good but I don't think it was as good as everyone was saying it was. I don't think for the cost I would rebuy it.

Estee Lauder Little Black Primer
I have rebought this black waterproof lash primer many times over the years. I really like it as a waterproof mascara, I don't think I every really use it as a prime. I don't think I will be rebuying it though as it is kind of pricy.

Joe Fresh Face Wipes
I found these dried out in a drawer. As Loblaws discontinued the entire Joe Fresh makeup line these were pretty old, I  just didn't know they were there. There is no where to recycle empty wipe containers in Canada from what I can tell.

That is everything I used up recently. I am actually impressed that I used so many things up. I am going to try my best to recycle everything I can. Check out my post on recycling beauty products in Canada, here. 
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I have no words for this winter, except crap. It was crap. I am actually sure most of you would agree with me on this. 

Despite all the disaster and blueness in the world, I did find time to use and like quite a few products that hopefully I will get a chance to blog more about in the future. For now,  here is a rundown of what I loved.

Dermalogica Barrier Defense Booster Ultra Calming*:
Since this winter was hard on my skin, it has needed a lot of extra hydration love. I really love this serum booster because it is light in texture and absorbs quickly. It also really soothes my skin almost instantly when it has to deal with winter wind and temperatures.

Mary Kay Naturally Nourishing Oil*:
Sticking with my dry skin, this has quickly become a staple in my life. It is an oil and squalane blend that you can use on its own or mix into your other products for a boost. I personally have been using it as an oil before my moisturizers. My skin really responds well to it and it has made a big difference in my hydration levels.

Fresh Sugar Lip Carmel Hydrating Balm:
When I got the flu in January my lips got chapt and scabby, which sucked. I found this Fresh lip balm in my stash of samples and gouged into it thinking it was a scrub. I was terribly wrong and as a result, ended up with a very thick coating on my lips. The next day my lips were so much better that I started to use it all the time. I like it because it feels smooth and silky and can also be a mask if you like. Bonus, it smells like caramel.

Sephora Collection Volume On Mascara:
I have always loved coloured mascara, but I find good bold ones hard to find. I used to love a whole bunch of brands about 15 years ago but they no longer exist. So when I saw a sales rep at Sephora wearing bright pink mascara I had to find out who made it. When I learned it was Sephora Collection I immediately picked up one, and then another. 
I have 05 Violet On! (which is really pink) and 04 Green On! (Which is a teal shade). They are a bit thick in the formula but have complete colour coverage. I get a compliment every single time I wear them, even from men. 
Revlon Photoready Candid Antioxidant Concealer*:
Since I haven't been wearing much makeup this winter concealer has been my friend. I have been using this one for most of the winter as my go-to concealer. It has a creamy formula that blends out well and a doe foot applicator. A little blended out under my eyes and around my nose and I am good to go in the mornings. 

There you go, 5 things I am loving right now for Winter. 
Is there anything you really liked this past winter?

*Denotes PR samples. All views and opinions are my own.
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*Post features PR samples.

Mary Kay has a bunch of new fantastic products that they just released for Spring 2020. I was lucky enough to be sent some samples to try out, so let's take a look at what is new for spring this year.
WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER PEN IN INTENSE BLACK, $20
I love Mary Kay's Liquid Eyeliner Pen, it is, in fact, my go-to line for day to day wear. This new waterproof version replaces it.  Now, this initially bummed me out, just because I love it so much. But I learned quickly that this new one features the same pen tip that I love with a more waterproof formula.
It has a deep dark formula that is truly black. It also has a beautiful felt tip that is broad at the base and tapers to a perfect point. On man do I love the way this liner is made to hold up over and over again, it never gets worn out.

LIQUID EYE SHADOW, $16
These new items come in a tiny tube with a tiny doe foot applicator. They all have a shimmer and metallic factor to them. You can apply them directly to the eye and blend out with a brush or finger or use a brush to apply them. Either way, they blend out quickly without drying down too fast.
• Pink Starlight - light pink gold shade
• Meteor Shower - taupe - grey shade
• Light Beam - light champaign shade
• Purple Nova - eggplant shade
GEL SEMI-MATTE LIPSTICK, $21
Mary Kay's Gel Semi-Matte lipsticks have four new shades added to them with the spring launch.
I love this formula for being a semi-matte and thus being super smooth and not drying. You get the pigment and long-lasting factor without the dry factor.
• Blush Velvet - Rose Beige Nude
• Berry Famous - Berry Burgundy
• Trademark Pink - Blue-Pink
• Red Stiletto - True Red
I found all the shades to be classic and wearable. You like a good berry shade, then you'll love Berry Famous. You like a classic pink then Trademark Pink is for you. Blush Velvet is a great rosey nude that works for lots of skin tones without having a lot of white in it. Finally, Red Stilletto is just a great classic red shade that works for lots of skin tones.  I really compliment these additional shades to Mary Kay's Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick line, because they were missing them, but they also work so well with so many skin tones.

BEAUTY UNEARTHED ILLUMINATING BRONZER, $22
There are two limited edition bronzers for Spring 2020, Copper Glow and Gilded Glow. Both have a multidimensional look to them with swirls of two different shades in it.
Gilded Glow is the lighter of the two and works better for lighter skin tones while Copper Glow is darker with a kick of shimmer to them and would probably be best suited for those with deeper skin tones.
They blend out extremely easily and feel silky soft which is what I look for in a bronzer.

PERFECT PALETTE (BEAUTY UNEARTHED), $21 (UNFILLED) 
This is the palette seen in the photos unfilled. It is a limited edition for spring.
Its brown and gold pattern matches the bronzes perfectly but can fit blushes, bronzers and eyeshadows from Mary Kay's permanent line of Chromafusion palette products. I think if you like to collect palettes limited edition palettes then this one is a must. It has a large mirror to it and a hefty weight that gives it a nice quality I like in my palettes.

EYE PRIMER, $18
While not a new product, Mary Kay's Eye Primer is new to me. This primer comes in a tube and easily squeezes out. It is clear and I absolutely love that because it means everyone can use it no matter their skin type. It feels a bit more gel-like then cream but dries down nicely and helps keep my eye makeup going all day.

TIMEWISE MICRODERMABRASION PLUS SET, $60
Timewise Microdermabrasion Plus Set has been around a while, but now it has a new look.

The set, when used together, helps exfoliate the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. I don't have large pores (I hope) so I haven't noticed a difference in that area, but I do love how smooth my skin feels after I use the Microdermabrasion Refine part and will continue to use the set just based on that alone. It is a really good exfoliator.
LOVE & LASHES BUNDLE, $59
Limited edition for spring, this kit has a few summer essentials for you.  Lash Love Waterproof Mascara in black, SPF  Sunscreen and a round beach blanket.

Now you probably know I am all about sun protection, so SPF 50 sunscreen is a fantastic product that feels amazing for a lotion sunscreen.
The blanket is adorable, at 59 inches it is one of those round beach blanket/towels that features little mascaras wands all throughout it.
The mascara is a summer must because let's face it you don't want your mascara running at the beach.
So there you have it, some new limited edition and permanent items from Mary Kay for Spring 2020. I am really in love with the new liquid eyeshadows, they are so easy to use and make putting on eyeshadow a cinch when I am in a rush or a great base for powder eyeshadows. I also love the new lipsticks, they are great shades that work so well. I also love the beach blanket, it's huge and so practical for when I head out to my pool come the warmer weather.

You can order Mary Kay at MaryKay.ca or through your local Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.
*Products were sent for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own.
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Givenchy is known for having some pretty innovative mascara wands. Their latest twist on the mascara wand is one that pivots 90 degrees to change the way you apply it.
So how do you apply it? Well when pulling it out of the tube, press it against the opening to make the wand pivot 90 degrees. Then you just comb it through from underneath. It is pretty easy and it gives a pretty darn dramatic look.
While the concept seems gimmicky, I really like the effect it gives to the lashes. It is one of the closed to falsies looks I have ever really created. I love both the mascara formula and the double comb like brush and the look they give together.
What do you think of the idea of a mascara wand like this? Would you try it out?
*Product was sent for review, but all views and opinions are my own.
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Revlon recently launched 5 new mascaras, I was lucky enough to try two of the formulas out, Dramatic Definition and Voloume + Length Magnified.
REVLON DRAMATIC DEFINITION MASCARA
- Smooth, flexible formula coats lashes for clump-free separation.
- 92% of women saw clump-free lashes
- Revlon Lash Separator Brush
- Tiered bristles for defining and separating every lash -revlon.ca

This mascara has a silicone style brush that is meant to separate and define the lashes. It actually dose and an amazing job of doing those two things. I never found my lashes clumped or needed to be combed after using it. It isn't meant for those who want to get incredible volume or length to their lashes, I actually don't think definition and separation can be accomplished if you want that. This is for someone who wants a nice mascara with defined lashes, because that's what it does, really really well.

The spooky is most likely the key to getting the defined lash effect, it aren't too long, but they are constant, which means an even distribution of mascara and a cleaner look on your lashes.
bare lashes, one coat, two coats.
REVLON VOLUME + LENGTH MAGNIFIED MASCARA
- High shine black fiber formula provides amplified volume and length
- 98% of women experienced rich, intense lashes
- Revlon Magnifying Lash Brush
- Square brush designed to anchor formula to lashes for intense volume + length -revlon.ca

This is a traditional fiber brush that is meant to add volume and length to your lashes.
bare lashes, one coat, two coats
I was quite a fan of the discontinued Revlon's Lash Potion mascara which had a very similar brush.  I find this brush helps apply the mascara very evenly and fully, clumps don't tend to happen so it makes me really happy.

I always get long and plump lashes when I use it, making me think it very accurately named. The best part is how quickly it built up on my lashes to form the length and volume...just fantastic.
Overall I am loving both these mascaras, if I want plump filer lashes,  Volume + Length is what I reach for. If I want something more subtle and day time I reach for the Dramatic Definition.
 
I love that they aren't round, they don't roll off my counter but more importantly it gives me so much more control when applying the mascara.

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* These products were sent for me to review; all views and opinions are my own.
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Mary Kay has just launched some new items for summer, some permanent and some limited edition. Today I am going to take a look at some of those new products.

Lash Intensity Mascara $22
This new mascara boasts the ability to make your lashes look super full and that will last all day without smudging. It has  a large asymmetrical wand that is really sort of square in design; one side has longer bristles while the other has short bristles. It is interesting to say the least. 

I must say that I was absolutely shocked at how big my lashes looked after just one coat. I mean shocked is more the word, I felt like after two coats like I was wearing false lashes on (no lie). The unique wand was not hard to use, intact I found it fun to play around with to see how I liked to use it best. I also like that the wand handle is square shaped aiding in me getting a great grip on it and getting precision application on my lashes. I never found that my lashes clumped at all. So yeah, I was impressed with it.
Perfecting Concealer $17.50
This concealer super creamy concealer comes in 6 shades, which I actually think is a pretty impressive range when you see how light to dark they run. Creamy and creaseproof it has come pretty great coverage. It has light-diffusing technology that helps with the look of fine lines and minor imperfections while remaining easy to blend.
I really love how there is a great range of shades in this line of concealers. I found that the three lightest shades all worked really well for me depending on what I needed them for. I find they all blend extremely well and have a great level of pigmentation to them to cover everything from hyper-pigmentation, a bursted capillary on my cheek, a minor hormonal breakout  to a recent cut on my face. Overall it is a really great concealer that I will be reaching for more often. In fact I wore just concealer the other day without any foundation and was very happy with the results. 
Undereye Corrector $17.50
This is a peachy toned concealer with the exact same formula as the Perfecting Concealers. I found it did a really great job of being just peachy enough to deal with my problematic under eye area.
Rose Gold Compact Mini $22
Mineral eye Colour Bundle $54 without Compact / $76 with Compact
Mary Kay has an excellent build your own palette system in place already, but why get the regular black palette case when you can get this limited edition rose gold one? It is so darn pretty. Better yet, you could get it filled with six fantastic neutral shades (Sweet Cream, Spun Silk, Moonstone, Rosegold, Driftwood and Espresso). 3 are matte and 3 are sparkles.
 I think it is a great pre-made set that takes the guess work out of picking your own palette. Plus they are really nice shades. I do think $9 a shade it is a tad bit pricy. There seems to be no discount for this bundle,  you are paying $22 for the case and $9 a pop for the shadows wether you buy them alone or all together. That being said I really like this set and quality of the shadows, if you're a fan of Mary Kay's shadows or if you want a more compact palette this may be a good choice for you. I personally really love the case and would take it any day over the plain one (it is only $2 more so why not get it?).
MK High Intensity Ocean Cologne spray $49
MK High Intensity Ocean Hair and Body Wash $22
Set $69
This is a limited edition cologne and hair and body wash that you can get on its own or as a set. It has an aquatic scent to it (my favourite choice for Mr. Fox) that is described as citrus-marine. I personally cannot stop randomly smelling the cologne's bottle, I just pick it up off my desk and smell its spritzer. Sadly Mr. Fox doesn't wear cologne too often (which sucks because I love a scent like this one) but he does exclusively use body washes. He has already become quite taken with the wash and he has reported that it is not drying at all. I just like the scent. I feel since Old Spice got rid of their Aqua Reef scent he has been on the look out for an aquatic scented body wash for a long time and this just happened to fit the bill nicely.
TimeWise Tone-correcting Serum $48
This serum is meant to transform dull skin and brighten it up. Reducing the appearance of skin discolouration, hyer-pigmentation, dark spots, past damage and freckles with day-to-day use.  I like that this serum isn't all about light reflectors and shimmers to create the appearance of a less flawless skin, it is a clear formula that has ingredients that work. While I haven't given it enough time to see how well it works long term, I like the feel it gives to my skin and hydration.
Beauty That Counts Hearts Together Lipstick $18
This limited edition lipstick features adorable hearts on its case and embossed on to the lipstick itself (so cute). It happens to be a gorgeous dusty rose cream shade that I think suites many different skin tones. If that wasn't enough to get you to buy it, for everyone purchased $1 will be donated to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation. From there the money will go to help Look Good Feel Better (helping women with cancer), and to help end violence against women (through grants to women's shelters and community outreach programs). Pretty great right?
True Dimensions Sheer Lipstick
This limited edition sheer lipstick is a red with gold sparkles in it. It feels so smooth and silky on the lips (because it is moisturizing) while just giving a nice glossy tint of red to your lips. It has a fancy tube that has to be popped out from the lip, which is just straight up neat to use. I am going to wear this one a lot in the summer, as much as I love a bold lip I can't be bothered in warmer weather, so this one makes it easy and much lighter to wear red.
So that's the new summer launch from Mary Kay, the stand outs for me are the Lash Intensity Mascara, Perfecting Concealers and Undereye Corrector. If you have a man in your life the MK High Intensity Ocean Cologne is great too.
*Products were sent to me for consideration, all views and opinions are my own.

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About Me

Jill Oliver-Fox is a Toronto based beauty blogger with a love for beauty, food, and pets. She began the blog in 2009 and hasn't stopped since. To read more about Jill and the Blog, click here.

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