Shopping my Stash Series: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Monte Carlo

I’ve been slowing down in term of makeup buying (how much makeup does one really need?) which has lead me to thinking of starting up a “shopping my stash series”. This series would mean that once a week or so, I’ll bring you a mini-review of a product I’ve recently re-discovered. This is also a way to review products I own but have never gotten a chance to talk to you all about. I think it's nice to rediscover (and use!) products that you haven't regularly used in a while. It's like new makeup!

So today, I’m bringing to you the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Monte Carlo I’ve recently pulled out of my stash.

I’ve mentioned it a few times in my blog in the past couple of months, but truthfully, this product was neglected until recently. I’m not sure why I kept passing on my Monte Carlo since it is the perfect run-out-the-house-I’m-late color. I love wearing it with little eyeshadow but heavy mascara, flushed cheeks and defined brows. It’s a sheer color, so it’s easy to apply, but it still gives my lips the little punch of color it usually needs.

Applied on my lips

Swatched on my hand

I'm not going to lie, I don't like the rose scent of Chanel lipsticks. It's just very... grandmothery to me. It doesn't bother me that much though because it fades away quickly after application. I wouldn't say this lipstick is terribly moisturizing either, but it doesn't dry out my lips.

It's weird. Writing this mini-review, I've come to realize that it's not an amazing lipstick in terms of formula, but I use it anyway. Why? I think it's because of the simple fact that it's easy to use, delivers a natural color, and admittedly, I love the packaging. Who can resist that lovely Chanel logo anyway?

Hope you guys will like this series! Feel free to shoot me requests on products you'd like to see reviewed!

March Favorites!

This is a bit late but I'm really excited to shade my March favorites with you! I don't always do monthly favorites, mostly because I have a short makeup attention span and don't stick to specific products, but March was different!

1. I seriously cannot rave enough about the Shu Uemura Glow on Blush in M Pink 31. There's something so easy about wearing this blush - I barely have to blend it in, and it suits every type of makeup from smokey eye to natural face.

2. I've recently been loving an easy, run out the door, lip. Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine in Boy is the perfect shade to slap and go. It's pink, shiny and natural. The only slight negative to it is the smell - I don't really like the rosey scent of the Rouge Coco Shine. Nevertheless, this has been a March favorite - I might actually finish the tube at this rate!

3. After I stopped poking myself in the eye with the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume mascara, I really started to like it. I don't know if it's just because I've started being clumsy in life generally (seriously, I've broken a blender, a candle and a bowl in the past few months) but when I first got this mascara, I kept poking the wand in my eye! And it freaking hurt! After I got used to it (the wand, not the poking), I started to realize how good this mascara is. It reminds me a lot of the Make Up For Ever Smokey Lash mascara which I love, but less clumpy. The formula isn't too liquid, and it really coats the lashes. Love!

4. While this month I've run so late for work I haven't had a chance to put on eyeshadow, the times that I've had a chance, I've really enjoyed the NARS Small Dome Brush 12. This brush is super soft and blends like a dream. For people who do not have a lot of lid space like me, it is perfect for plotting out my crease. Sometimes I find the MAC 217 is a bit too big for my lids and works better for blending out the edges of your eye makeup. I highly recommend the NARS Small Dome Brush for the gals out there like me that need something more precise than the 217 for the crease!

5. NARS Dolce Vita is just one of those perfect lipsticks. I've had this lipstick in my bag all month and have loved wearing it. I love how this lipstick feels polished, but not obvious. And how it's glossy but not shimmery. And I love that it doesn't dry out my lips. One of my best NARS purchases right there.

6. March has been the month of the Bourgeois Healthy Mix foundation as it is now empty! I've really liked wearing this foundation - while I do need a powder to make this last all day, it really an amazing lightweight foundation. I don't think I'll be repurchasing it right away (especially since it wears best on me in the winter months) but this is a winner in my books.

7. When I first got my MAC 129, I was a bit disappointed. The brush hairs felt rough, and it just didn't blend as well as I would have liked. After a few washes, the bristles have softened and I'm really enjoying it! I've been reaching for this all month over my Real Techniques brushes. Glad this wasn't a bust after all!

8. A new discovery this month has been the Hydraluron Moisture Booster. Because Caroline Hirons knows how to talk about skincare and I don't, go read her post about this product. I must say, I'm really really happy with it. Acne scarring on my cheek was gone in half the time it would usually take to fade. Good news for us Canadian girls, Shoppers Drug Mart now carries it!

Thanks for ready my March favorites! Have a great week!

5 Favorites of the Moment

Here are 5 products I've been using religiously for the past three or four weeks.

1. Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara in Black

I heard about this mascara from Glitter Geek. Arianne raved about the thickening one coat formula. I saw the mascara on sale over the holidays and decided to give it a go. Guys, this is the. best. mascara. ever. Well, after Make Up For Ever's Smokey Lash. But for a drugstore mascara, a quarter of the price of Smokey Lash, it is definitely worth its while. If you like really big and thick lashes when you're applying mascara, this is for you. The bonus of this mascara is that while it applies thickly and generously, it is not a huge pain to take it off. I've complained about the L'Oreal Voluminous formula - when you try to wipe it off with eye makeup remover, it just spreads instead of cleaning off like it should. I hated it for this reason. Le Big Show has given me no issues with removal. No waste of cotton pads with this one!

2. MAC Eyeshadow in Brun

 This is my go to color for eyebrows. I must admit, I am quite lazy when it comes to brows. I don't usually fill them in. They are quite thick so there are no patchy spots really -  I use Brun to make them look more "groomed". Lately though, I've been enjoying a clean, sharp brown, a warm coral blush and rosy lips.

3. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

This has been on regular rotation since I got it. It's the perfect - holy moly I'm late - lipstick. It's not sticky like a balm so there are no problems with hair getting in it and it's light and sheer enough that you can put it on without a mirror. I wish I could keep one in my handbag at all times but I'm too scared of damaging it!

4. MAC Cream Color Base in Virgin Isle

I've loved wearing this with almost no makeup. A big swatch of mascara, a balm and bright coral cheeks. A look I have called, What You Look Like When Walking Outside in Oh So Wintry Canada.This product is extremely pigmented. I usually use it with my Sonia Kashuk flat top foundation brush and blend it into my hand before applying to my skin.

5. Eucerin Aquaphor Skin Protectant Ointment

This has been my nighttime lip treatment savior. For some reason, lip products by Blistex don't work on me. They usually leave my lips more chapped than when I applied the products. My lips have been so dry that they have been cracking in the middle and at the corners. Enter Aquaphor. When my lips are feeling particularity dry, I dab and rub in some of this ointment. It makes my lips feel plump and nourished again. I've used it every night for a about three weeks and the condition of my lips is much better. I do however suggest that you really rub the product into your lips - I don't find it does much if I just apply it quickly. I also got a cold this week and this has saved my nose from being red and chapped. Miracle product, I swear!