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Saturday 3 May 2014

The Beauty Tray #1 (aka, Recent Favourites)

Happy Weekend, everyone! It's time for the first installment of a brand new series here on the blog, entitled The Beauty Tray. These entries will feature some of the products I've been obsessing over lately, some that haven't gotten their proper due on the blog to date, and others that I regard as hidden, underrated gems. I plan to do a Beauty Tray post every so often in lieu of a "Monthly Favourites" sort of post- as we know I can barely get my monthly Empties entries up on time ;) I really hope you enjoy them! 

First, a quick note on the actual tray I'm using for these posts. I snagged this Ellen Tracy letter tray amidst a Winners Haul some months back and knew that I wanted to use it for makeup storage somehow. It's become a shelter for my newest, most fawned over makeup and skin care goodies, so I thought it would be the perfect vessel to showcase my current faves. Hence, the Beauty Tray!

Here's a look at my picks for this inaugural post:


Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub
I named Lush's Popcorn Lip Scrub as one of my 2013 Skincare Faves, and when I finished that up I thought I'd give another version a go. Mint Julips smells of sweet mint and leaves my lips incredibly soft, smooth, and hydrated. It's a wonderful, effective treat!

Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer

I acquired this lately in my recent Cult Beauty Haul and couldn't wait to give it a go! I chose this primer as my first-ever Jouer product because my oily, acne-prone skin needs a bit of extra clearing and shine-proofing during the warmer months. This wears beautifully under water-based foundations, mattifies without drying, and definitely prolongs the wear of my base makeup. 

Kevin Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium

Another winner from my Cult Beauty Haul, this is a cult-status product that I could no longer live without. The perfect matte shadowy grey, this applies boldly at first, but blends effortlessly to create natural-looking contours on the face. Instant cheekbones!



Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Ample Amber
Another recent addition, scored in my Shoppers Optimum Haul (for free, people!). This is a cream-based shadow that applies smoothly and stays put nicely. Ample Amber is a warm coppery bronze that works with so many eye looks. I've been wearing it constantly!

Jouer Creme Eyeshadow Crayon in Renaissance

Yet another goody from my Cult Beauty Haul (can you tell I'm happy with my order?), this cream shadow works wonderfully applied all over the lid for a bit of smoke or as a liner for more subtle definition. Renaissance is a lovely plummy bronze shade that I find to be incredibly flattering with my brown eyes!

d.j.v. Beautenizer Volume Lash

This is my favourite product from the Cult Beauty Goody Bag that came along with my order. The most volumizing mascara I've ever used. Hands down. That's saying a lot!








Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask with Pink Clay
Recently featured in my April Empties post, I quickly bought the full size after falling head over heels with a sample I received. This deep cleans and cancels redness without any hint of dryness or tightness. My skin looks clear, calm, and even after every use!

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

You may have seen this one back in January, as part of my NYC Beauty Haul. This primer is hydrating with no sign of oiliness and has a sheer tint that allows for a lighter hand with foundation afterwards. Hasn't broken me out, is full of skin-loving ingredients, and is a perfect mate to my trusty By Terry Cover Expert foundation. 

RMS Cream Eye Shadow in Magnetic

I snagged this little gem a couple months ago from one of my favourite Toronto-based beauty shops, Jacob & Sebastian. I'd discovered RMS some months prior and was was impressed with their organic, pigmented formulas. This cream shadow is a lovely plummy taupe shade with tons of shimmer and a coconut oil base. It creases slightly on its own, but works wonderfully underneath powder shadows!



Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect Makeup in 10 Beige
I totally caved and picked this up last week, even though I had sworn off buying new foundations for a while. I'm so happy I broke my pledge. This provides natural, even coverage with a velvet matte finish. It also stays put so well! Perfect for oily-skinned gals who don't like full coverage foundations.

Wet N' Wild Comfort Zone Colour Icon Eye Shadow Collection

My sister was kind enough to give this to me as part of my Christmas gift and I'm thrilled that she did! This palette is incredibly versatile and the quality of the shadows is excellent, especially given the $4 price tag! The shades range from soft ivory to mossy green to reddish brown- everything you need for an earthy eye look!

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Bare Light

This was another product I scored for free in my Shoppers Optimum Haul. I'd heard so much buzz about these re-launched highlighters from Revlon, so I decided to bite. Although this is a bit too glowy for me when mixed with foundation (the curse of oily skin), this looks lovely dabbed onto my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose. Gives a lovely golden beige glow!

And, of course, Sadie could not stay out of this photo shoot:


I really hope you enjoyed my first installment of The Beauty Tray! It was such a fun exercise to gather my recent favourites and shine a much deserved spotlight on them. Hope I've tempted you with a few things! 

Have a wonderful weekend :)

31 comments:

  1. I want to try everything here :)! Especially that Chanel foundation, I bet it's amazing!

    xx
    http://gita-oddsandends.blogspot.com/

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    1. It really is a great foundation! So worth checking out :)

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  2. Some great picks! I am loving the chubby stick and lip scrub too :)
    http://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/

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  3. i really want to try the Chanel foundation out but am trying to be good and not buy things. AND i really need some more organization things for my desk. its going crazy with products and just crap everywhere...must go to winners.
    Jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

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  4. Some awesome picks! I need to check out Cult Beauty. They ship to Canada then? www.twinkleboots.ca

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    1. They sure do! And it got here in just over a week without any duties or extra fees. Impressive! :)

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  5. This was a fun post to read! There are a lot of things in here I'd love to try... the Jouer primer sounds so good for the summertime!

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    1. It's been really great so far! Perfect for summertime :)

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  6. great products sweety!
    wish you a wonderful day!

    <3
    http://www.getcarriedaway.net/

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  7. Great products! I love that lush lip scrub too! I have the mint one but I want to try bubblegum next <3

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  8. Boy, that Chanel foundation sounds great. Pretty kitty face!

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  9. I really want that Chanel foundation but going to make myself use up something else first as the foundation drawer is a bit over flowing! I love the sculpting powder too, really want to try the KA candlelight highlighter too because of how much I love the sculpting powder! xx

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  10. I haven't cracked my CHANEL foundation opened yet but all the glowing reviews are making me so so so excited! I have too many open foundations to get through at the moment so I'll definitely have to wait a little bit before I get around to using it! I'm a little curious about that Revlon highlighter though - reminds me so much of Benefit's High Beam!

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    1. I really hope you love the Chanel foundation. It's been great for me so far :)

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  11. I would love to try the Kevin Aucoin Sculpting powder! May put that on my wish list!

    Des | Simple Charm Beauty

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    1. It's so worth it! Very happy I picked it up :)

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  12. Love seeing posts like this - its lovely to see what products people are using, colours, brands etc!! :)

    Love all things Clarins too - so many beautiful products coming from them at the moment :)

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk - hope we can follow each other xxx

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    1. I agree! The Clarins mask was such a pleasant surprise :)

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  13. wow! this is really helpful! thank you!

    New post on the blog sweetie!
    http://michaelmacalos.com

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  14. Hey Jennifer, I was just thinking yesterday that I should have a tray of go-to products on display! Loved see your picks! Very curious about the Jouer primer :)

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    1. Thanks, Sunny! It's really come in handy! Plan to review the Jouer primer soon :)

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  15. I've been dying to try that Chanel foundation it sounds amazing!!
    Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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    1. It's so worth it! I've been loving it so far :)

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  16. Great products! ;)

    http://powodzeniaveronica.blogspot.com/

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  17. Great picks! That Wet n Wild palette looks so fun!!
    Kallie @ But First, Coffee

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    1. It really is! It's fantastic, especially for the price :)

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  18. love all the stuff :) great post dear !! xx
    www.ambifashion.com

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  19. The chanel foundation sounds lovely! I shouldn't really pick up another foundation but this sounds tempting! :D

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    1. Hehee, I was in the same boat but so happy that I picked it up!

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All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)