BLOG SALE!!!

Hello.  Just going through another round of Spring cleaning and I hope to find a better home for some stuff.

All items are in good condition and if there is no specification in the description, you can assume it is lightly used.  If interested, please send me an email with the product(s) name at beautifulcanvas@gmail.com. I accept PayPal. All item(s) will be ship once payment is cleared.

FREE SHIPPING for order over $40, within the U.S continent.  Otherwise, email me for details.

All sales are final.

DHC Q10 Cream Foundation - Discontinued.  One of my favorite but shade Natural 02 (suite NW/C 20-30)  is too dark for me so sampled but still almost a full tube left. $10

American Beauty Perfectly Even Natural Finish Foundation in Light -Medium Cool 06, almost full.  $6

 (L) Brand New, $3 (M) Cherry Bomb, $2 (R) Strawberry Fizz, $2

Cream Blush shade 230 - $4 (retail $14)

Korres Soft Eyeliner Pencil - Black.  Sharpen X1, $7 (retail $16)

Korres Eyeliner Pecil - Brown.  Not been sharpen, $9 (retail $16)

Avon Aquadelic Quad, $2.50

Reviva Labs Makeup Primer, used 1X, $10

MAC Moisture Coverup NW20, $7

Fasio Chandelier Shine SV5 (Fall 2010 collection) - $12 

Stila Professional Palette, $12

Clinique Colour Surge Plum Seduction Quad $14 (retail $26)

Shu Uemura False Lashes - New: opened to look at but never been worn.  $10 (retail $20)

Brand New Japonesque Lashes,$6

Fergie Outspoken Perfume, used X2 $10

Calvin Klein Euphoria for Women, 100ml/3.4oz, $40 (retail $78), barely used, almost full bottle

Size 7, about 2.5 to 3 inches heels, wore 2-3X, $15

Anne Klein Shoes, size 7.  Wore 1-2X, $10

Timberland Boots, wore only once.  Size 7 1/2.  $30

Cocktail Dress, Size 5/6 (it runs a little small, I am a 4).  Dry Cleaned, $15

Coach Trench Coat with lining, size XS, wore a few times. $55 (retail 299.99)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Review and Swatches

Price: $42 for 40ml/1.5oz

Pros: For awhile I thought I need heavier coverage because I have some broken capillaries. This tinted moisturizer reminds me why I prefer lighter coverage. It is light in coverage but enough to even out my skin tone and I can just conceal on problem areas. On me, the finish is satin, which gives a natural, my skin but better appearance. Unlike other TM, I find that I don’t have to use as much. It is also easy to apply and blendable, I just use my fingers.

(Shade Nude)

Cons: The high price, it is probably one of the most expensive tinted moisturizer out there.

Overall: When I first used this, I did not like it and did not understand what all the raves were about. It would peel, streak, and difficult to blend, I even tried it with different brushes. It turned out to be the sunscreen/moisturizer I was using. Now, it is love. So if you are having problem with this, maybe try to use it alone or with something else underneath. I think it would be suitable for most skin type, from combination to dry. It gives one of the best finish compare to a lot of other tinted moisturizer or foundation. Rating 4.5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

BEST and WORST Mascaras

I think every woman is on the hunt for a good mascara. Who doesn’t want long, dark, Bambi like lashes? I also think mascaras are fun to test drive and wear. I go through more mascaras than anything when it comes to makeup. What I always test for is whether or not it smudges and clump, my two biggest no no. Then I rate on how well it gives length, volume, and holds curl.

BEST:
Bare Mineral Flawless
Maybelline Full ‘n Soft
Tarte Lash Hugger

LIKE:
Avon Super Extend
Clinique High Length
Jane Iredale Longest Lash
L’Oreal Voluminious (I would have love it if it didn’t smudge)
NYX Waterproof
Tarte Light Camera

WORST:
Cover Girl Last Exact Waterproof
Lumene Blueberry Curl
Maybelline XXL Curl
Wet ‘n Wild Mega Wink Curling

I will periodically update this list as I have more to add.  So, what are your best and worst mascara?

David Yurman - The Essence Collection

Are there any David Yurman fans out there?  I love his jewelry; I just wish I can afford them.  I was pleasantly surprise when I found out that the line launched a new trio of spring fragrances - The Essence Collection by renowned jeweler David Yurman.  I LOVE the color, they are as exquisite as the color gem from his jewelry which remind me of Spring.

The Essence Collection is designed to be worn alone or paired, mixed to create an expression that is unique.


Delicate Essence (Tourmaline): Romantic and feminine, with notes of pink pepper, lotus blossom and sparkling orange.


Fresh Essence (Peridot): Crisp and playful, with notes of sparkling apple, cassis, juicy red fruits and fresh greens.


Exotic Essence (Citrine): Mysterious and sensual, with notes of sparkling mandarin, casablanca lily, rose petals and exotic woods.


The Essence Collection ($85.00) is now available at David Yurman boutiques and DavidYurman.com

Reviva Labs Essential Fatty Acid (EFAs) Cream Review

We already know that essential fatty acid (omega fat) is good for us. Recently I came across a few brands that incorporate this into their skin care. Reviva Labs EFAs Cream contains a blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from plants that will benefit those with already thin skin or use as a preventative measure.

Price: $25/1.5oz jar

Pros: The ingredients list is lovely; it has aloe vera and green tea for soothing and different type of oils such as rosehip, olive oil, and more for anti-oxidants. What I love about this cream is the texture. It is very creamy yet absorb so well and there is no greasy residue. In the morning, my face just feels so soft, smooth and radiant. As always, I don’t normally start writing review for skin care until I use it for 4 weeks or more and during this period, I didn’t experience any breakout and irritation from using this. I also did not layer it with any other serum or moisturizer to get a true feel of the product.

Cons: Nothing from me. I know that some people might be objectionable to the jar packaging but consider how thick it is, I don’t think they can package it any other way.

Overall: I cannot testify for how well this cream works on improving thin skin. I probably have not use it long enough plus, I don’t even know how to measure something like that. What I do know is that I love the beneficial ingredients and how soft and smooth it makes my skin feel. I just look healthier in the morning. Rating: 4.5/5

Ingredients: Purified water, aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, borage oil, rosehip oil, hemp oil, avocado oil, wheat germ oil, black currant seed oil, olive oil, sesame seed oil, polysorbate 60, stearic acid, glyceryl laurate, panthenol, pomegranate oil, mixed tocopherols, olive squalane, soy liposome, green tea extract, sweet almond oil, allantoin, cocoa butter, phenoxyethanol, ethyl hexyl glycerin, benzyl alcohol

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Caudalie Moisturizing Cream-Mask Face and Eyes Review

Caudalie Moisturizing Cream-Mask Face and Eyes is a hydrating mask that contains grape seed extract (polyphenols antioxidant), glycerin from plant and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate. You can wear a thick layer as a mask or for very dry skin, you can apply a thin layer in place of your regular moisturizer or eye cream.

Price: $40/1.6oz tube

Pros: The first time I tried this was on an afternoon where my skin was dry, flakey, tight and uncomfortable. I was getting ready to go out so I didn’t have a lot of time to leave this on, 10-15 minutes max. When I wiped it off, I was blown away. My skin was soft and smooth; the dry, flakey patches were gone. What I also really like is that I have very sensitive eyes and I can apply this as close to it as I like without any irritation. Unfortunately when my skin is normal or just a little dry, this mask does not give me the same wow factor as it does the first time.

Cons: It is expensive, I am not sure if the price justify.

Overall: If your skin is normal, you may not see a big improvement after using this mask. I think this is best as part of your emergency kit for when things go wrong, that is when you will really appreciate it. Rating: 4/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Got2Be Guardian Angel 425 Degrees Heat Protect ‘n Curl Iron Spray and Gloss Finish

Happy Valentine Beauties!  I hope everyone have a sweet sweet time today, whether it is with a significant other or with your friends.  Moving on to the review...

I like to be as low maintenance as possible and still look good when it comes to my hair. I don’t use a lot of product, just the basic shampoo and conditioner most days and now that I have long hair, a few drops of serum to detangle. So, unless I see a noticeable difference, I won’t even bother adding anything else to the routine.

Price: $10

Pros: It smells really nice; it makes my hair soft and shiny without weighting it down. Most importantly, it helps my hair hold its curls. I have naturally wavy hair. However, lately, I am not sure if my hair’s structure changed or because it’s getting longer and heavier but it doesn’t seem to hold curl like it used it. Also, unless I curl my hair the same day as I washed it otherwise, if I wait till the next day, good luck. This allows me the option to curl my hair the next day if I want to and best of all, it does not make my hair crunchy at all.

You can see here that it is frizzy and kind of brittle hence, I didn't look too happy :)

The act of heat curling itself smooth out your hair.  However, this spray gives it more shine, softer and longer lasting curls.  It will hold till the next day with some loosening.

Cons: It is hard to find, I couldn’t find it at Target or Ulta, which does carries Got2Be. I had to order mine from Amazon.

Overall: It helps my hair hold curls, soft, shiny, smell good…what is there not to like? I just wish Ulta carries this.  Rating: 5/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Stila Sun Bronzer Review

I am not a regular bronzer user. I think over the years, I have learned to embrace my fair skin complexion. Plus, as someone with fair skin, it is really hard to find a bronzer that won’t make you look orange or fake. So, will Stila Sun Bronzer live up to the challenge?

Price: $28

For reference, I am reviewing shade #1. They have 2 shades, 1 and 2.

Pros: It has no shimmer which some people prefer. Suitable for light skin, it is not orange or muddy. I am no expert at applying bronzer but this look so natural, even I can’t tell that I am wearing bronzer. I can tell that my complexion is warmer, healthier but I don’t see any bronzer mark and I attribute this to my skill in blending but more so with the product itself.

Cons: Nothing really.

Overall: If you have light skin and are looking for a bronzer without shimmer, give this easy to use, natural bronzer a try. Rating 5/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

2 for 1 Deal at Stila

If you think Stila $10 travel palette was a good deal, wait till you hear this new awesome deal. Stila is offering their stars members an exclusive deal, 2 for ONLY $9 of their Tokyo and Fiji palette. That is less than $1 per eye shadow or convertible color.

Set includes:
Trendsetting in Tokyo
Fabulous in Fiji

What a great way to save money and pack for travel.

Reviva Labs Collagen Fibre Eye Mask

Reviva Labs Collagen Fibre Eye Pad Kit contains four pair of eye pads and a bottle of Skin Energizing Gel.  Let’s start with how to use these eye pads.  You first apply the gel under your eye and then you place the pad on top of the gel.  Next, take a damp cloth or cotton pad, dab it on top of the pad to help it adhere.  Wait for 15-20 minutes then peel it off. 

Price: $38 for 1 kit.


Pros: Personally I like mask, they are fun, especially for your eyes. I experience no irritation. It tingles a bit but went away after a minute. Upon removal, you will notice temporary firmness, brightening, and smoothness.


Cons: Nothing really as long as you have realistic expectation. Realize that there is currently no cream or mask in the market that can instantly lift and erase wrinkles “permanently”; we just simply don’t have that technology. Also, I used 3 pair of pad so far and still have 95% of the gel left; I wish they give more pads in a box as it is kind of expensive. However, refill pads are available for purchase.


Overall: This is a great option for a at home spa day or right before a special event. The firming and brightening effect give you a lifted, more rested look. I imagine the smoothness should also help with makeup going on better.  Rating: 4/5.


Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences

Do Your Bottom Lashes Need Their Own Mascara?

So the question is, do your bottom lashes need their own mascara?  Apparently, the people at Clinique think so!  Their new Bottom Lash Mascara claims to "get in on the action with a brush engineered for tiny tasks and a formula that resists smears. Pair it with any mascara on top".  It's retail for $10. 

Tell me what you think?

Soft and Romantic Look for Valentine

It is almost that time of the year again…Valentine. When I think of Valentine, I picture something soft and romantic. I came up with this easy natural look that has that soft and romantic vibe for daytime or romantic date.

Eyeshadow Primer - I used Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Apply a pink eyeshadow on the lids.

Apply a light to medium gray to the crease.

Apply a deep purple on the outer V and highlighter under your brows.  Make sure you blend, blend, blend!

For a softer look, I tightline instead of applying eyeliner.  I also added some gray and purple eyeshadow on my lower lash line.

Eyes:

Bare Mineral Flawless Mascara

Ulta Love (Pink)

Everyday Mineral Wood Sorrel (Gray)

Everyday Mineral Monsoon (Purple)
Urban Decay Sin from the Naked Palette (as a highlighter and not pictured)

Sephora Cream Eyeliner in Must Have (Review coming soon...)

Kiss Kiss brow pencil

Face:
She Uemura Architect Foundation
Stila Bronzer
NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic
NYX Powder Blush in Angel
Korres Cherry Oil Lipgloss in Light Purple