Blank Canvas Cosmetics 10 Pan Cream Contour Palette Review

Hello my Beauties.  

There is a time in your life where you need to venture further into the makeup world.  You know the way we all dream of been able to achieve the fabulous contoured and highlighted look that Kim K etc can pull off.  

I know I have been a huge fan of watching my favourite Beauty Gurus on Youtube and have seen them contouring and highlighting with cream products but never ever thought I would go as far as trying it myself.  I began the contouring and highlighting with my Blank Canvas Cosmetics 6 Pan powder Contouring palette lightly and have been enjoying that for the past year.  Of course when you get alot more into contouring thats when you venture towards the deeper darker contouring.  Which is why I took the plunge and bought this 10 Pan Cream Contour Palette and do you know something I am so so glad I did :) 

The Blank Canvas Cosmetics 10 Pan Cream Palette is one of their newest products available and I can tell its going to be a hit just like their 6 Pan Palette.  This palette only costs €14.99 for 10 shades which is pretty good in value :) 

Packaging  

The packaging is the same as the 6 pan palette.  A Simple black plastic palette with Blank Canvas Cosmetics written in white.  The palette itself is very light weight and very slim so its perfect for you kit if you are a makeup artist or perfect for travelling :) 

The pans themselves are actually a decent enough size which surprised me as I thought they were going to be a little smaller.  

The first thing I want to point out before I start is I have tried concealer palettes in my time and I have to admit the ones I have tried have all done something in which I was never impressed about and that is .......when in any heat they would somewhat sweat bringing what ever oils that is in the creams to the top and making them look and feel yuck.  Of course when I use them on my face I would see the oils from the concealers showing on my face after a few hours of wear...... Not impressive at all.  

Whereas this palette hasnt done that yet and believe me my house can be like a sauna most days lately and still these beauties are in tact not greasy residue nothing. 

(Please excuse the wee wet patch near the last two shades my lovely daughter likes to sit with me when I am swatching and decided to take a closer look at the palette with an Ice lolly in her hand of course she was that intrigued she didnt notice she was dripping over it lol) 

This palette can be used for a number of reason 

A) Of Course is Contouring and Highlighting 

B)  For Concealing 

C)  For foundation 

I have tried to use this palette for all three and to be honest would much prefer as a personal preference to use this for only contouring and highlighting.  

But I have used the peach toned shades under my eyes and its surely made a difference as I have had to use less of my own concealer to cover up my very dark circles.  

There is a nice mixture of peach toned, yellow toned and pink toned shades in this palette.  Which makes this palette suitable for every skin tone :)  Great news for all you makeup artists out there ;) 

The first five swatches are the top row and the last 5 swatches are the bottom row :)  

The pigmentation from this palette is amazing.  A little goes a long long way.  They feel incredibly creamy and soft.  I was quite nervous at first about using this palette as I thought if the cream did not blend well I would be left with dirty looking marks all over my face haha as I am sure alot of you out there would fear too but these creams are so easy to blend it was like a dream come true.  Here is a picture of me taking a selfie (which I totally forgot to post on instagram) of my highlighting and contouring for the first time.  Apologies in advance of the picture not been entirely clear but it was from my phone :)  

That hair style is just gorgeous isnt it lol 

I was actually amazed by this palette from the first day I used it I felt very professional doing my spot of contouring and highlighting :) :)  I am not exactly professional at it yet but because the creams glide on so easily it makes contouring and highlighting alot easier to get the hang of :) after a few practice runs we will all be able to master the Kim K contouring to a T.  

I am sure alot of you are wondering what brushes to use to to this and I highly recommend the 

F30 Sculpt Brush for contouring under my cheekbones and around my forehead this brush is amazing and allows you to apply the cream contour evenly without effort 

I also use the F02 Double Ended Painter Style Foundation and concealer brush to apply highlight to the areas I want highlighted for example down the bridge of my nose, under eye area, chin, mid forehead etc I use the smaller end of the brush to apply contour down the sides of my nose :)  For blending I use the Blank Canvas Blending Sponge which is amazing for a flawless finish :) 

I found the lasting power of this palette amazing.  It lasts all day long without any fading.  As I suffer with an oily T-zone I did feel I had to set this a little on the T-zone area to keep it from been shiny.  

Here is another picture of my daytime contouring using the last shade on the 2nd row and the 3rd shade on the 1st row as a highlight 

I originally bought this palette for my kit but I am keeping it for myself :)  I will go back and order another for my kit :)   

I highly recommend this palette to anyone who is looking to venture into the contouring world you are guaranteed to find a shade suitable for you for both day and night.  You also have to option to mix shades to suit our skin tone as there is 10 options :)  for the price its worth it and you are most definitely getting value for your money :) 

So what do you think?  Would you give it a go?
Let me know if you do and what you think of it? 
 If you are thinking of purchasing from Blank Canvas Enter "NINA" at the end for a little discount for all my lovely readers
Until next time 
Lots of Love Luck and Laughter 

I love love love hearing from you all :) I make it my duty to read each and every one of you comments and every time i get a comment from you it highlights my day thanks so so much to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Physicians Formula: Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Nude Eye

Hello my Beauties :) 

You know when you go into a store for something in particular and come out with more than what you went in for?  Well us beauty bloggers are all the same its just in our blood, we cant help ourselves.  Thats what happened to me a couple of months back when I was ordering on iherb.com .  I was only going to buy the real techniques brush set when bam in front of me pops up a label saying Physicians Formula (Happy Days)!!! Physicians formula is very hard to get here in Ireland and Its like you have hit jackpot when you get the opportunity to get some in your hands :) 

So I just had to order this palette as I have heard alot about it.  Some good some bad of course but I just had to try it for myself. 

This palette I have to admit has been out for some time now, if I am not mistaking its about 2 years ago when it was first released.  It is still available and one of the top products made by Physicians Formula. 

The Packaging has to be mentioned here :) from the outer package to the inside packaging.  The outer packaging basically tells you all you need to know about what you are buying and even have a time on a look you can create which is always handy.

This beautiful pink packaging is complete covered in a lace material with beautiful flower designs plus concluded with a pink bow to finish the girly look I love it :) :)  The lid has a magnet on it so its easy to open and close.  Inside you will find a sponge tip applicator which is slanted to allow you to use as shadow applicator and and eye-liner applicator to be honest I have not used this but its always handy.  

 You are getting 9 shades in total in the palette.  The layout is a bit odd I would have expected it light to dark instead of dark to light.  I like that the palette is small in fact its 7.5g small and can easily fit in your handbag or clutch but because its made this small means the shadows are made a little narrow.  As you can see yourself the 1st, 4th, 7th and 8th shade is narrower than the others and believe me if you don't use a narrow brush to pick up the shadow you are guarantee to pick up the next shade along with the one you are going for.  
The shadows themselves are of course shimmery.  They can be used both wet and dry.  Dry for a sheer wash of colour and wet for a more intense look.  I did find when using these dry that you have to build the colour up especially on the lighter toned shades.  When used wet you need very little to achieve the look you want. 

 The swatches above are made with no primer and dry also I had to swatches a few of the shades (the near skin coloured ones) for them to show up 
The palette offers 3 looks a) a Natural look in which the last 3 shades can be used b) Playful look which the middle 3 shades can be used and lastly c) Dramatic which is the first 3 shades.  I did try each look the way Physicians Formula has worked out and to be honest I thought the Natural look was a little too natural for me the Playful I would call Natural and the Dramatic I would say would be the best look in my eyes but even at that you would surely need a matte shadow to blend out all that shimmer otherwise you would surely look like a disco ball when the sun shines on you :) :)  I definitely prefer using this palette with a dampened brush as I love the intensity of the eye-shadow and their finish.  
This is a perfect palette for daytime looks you will get some beautiful natural looks and also have plenty of different shades to play around with but I find that if you wanted night time looks out of this you would have to work with it.  
Here is a look I created using the more intense shades and of course with a dampened brush and primer 

On the lid I used the 3rd shade followed by the 2nd shade on the outer corner and blended inwards.  I used the 1st shade on the outer V and in my crease I used a matte brown shade from another palette to blend out the harsh lines.  I used a little of the last shade in the inner corners of my eyes and brow bone .  I applied a little of the 3rd shade on the lower lash line and used the 1st shade on the outer lower lash line blending it in to the centre :)  

Overall i am pleased with this palette its perfect for everyday looks.  Also this is a perfect palette for all of you out there who love their nude palettes.  I feel alot of these shades might not be much used to a woman of colour as there is quite a few shade that near enough match my skin tone.  I think anyone with fair to medium skin tone will have more use of this palette.  If I was to mark it out of ten I would surely mark it 7/10.  For the Price $11.47 its definitely worth a try :) :) 

Have you tried this palette yet?  What is you thoughts on it?  

Until Next time 

Lots of Love Luck and Laughter 

I love love love hearing from you all :) I make it my duty to read each and every one of you comments and every time i get a comment from you it highlights my day thanks so so much to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My Interview With Make-up Artist and Creator of Blank Canvas Cosmetics aka BCC's Una Tynan

Hello Everyone How are you all doing today :) 

As you can see by the Title of this Blog Post I have a different sort of post for you all :) 

I have to say in the past 3 years I have noticed a big change in the Beauty Industry in Ireland 

I noticed Ireland is not exactly popular when it comes to beauty related products and most of us Irish were using more International products such as Rimmel, Revlon, Maybelline Mac etc.  Up until I started blogging about products I noticed most of my reviews non Irish branded.  That sort of bothered me in a way because even though we are a small country WE DO HAVE POTENTIAL :) 

So about 8 months ago or in an around I decided every month I would buy, try test and blog about Irish made products I will make it my business to do so as it might help broaden us as much as International brands.  Since doing this I have been pleasantly surprised by really how good some of our local brands/sites are.  I am even surprised that I have never heard of these brands/sites or tried them out 

One of my most Favourite Irish Sites are Blank Canvas Cosmetics aka BCC I am sure you all know at this stage as I have reviewed quite a few items from their site.  Not only are they amazing quality products but they are super affordable and said to be even better than some of the high-end brands out there plus they ship internationally without the extra charges.  

So i felt now that this is one of my favourite on-line stores to shop at I thought it would be pretty amazing if I could get an Interview with the person who started up Blank Canvas Cosmetics and maybe get a little more insight into The products and site :) and of course herself :) 

I hope you enjoy :) 

Una let me take this opportunity to thank you for take the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for me I am sure some of these questions has popped into the minds of alot of your customers I know been a fan of BCC I have been looking forward to getting to know a little more about you and I am delighted you agreed to do this interview so lets get started :) 

1. How long have you been a makeup artist?

It’s now almost 11 years ago since I first trained in fashion, film, theatre and photographic make up. Since then, I’ve taken lots more specialist courses. 

2. What age were you when you first showed signs of interest in makeup?

Technically, I was more drawn to make up in an art form at first and didn’t actually wear make up until I was about 20 aside from some clear mascara, Vaseline and powder. It was in 3rd year at university that a friend suggested I wear kohl eyeliner and from then I was hooked. I loved how make up can enhance. I love how make up can be used as an expression of personality and individuality and just like art, everyone has their own idea of what’s beautiful.

3. If you have any advice for someone who wants to study or expand their knowledge in makeup what advice would you give them

You have to have passion/the fire in your belly for makeup. I don’t necessarily follow trends, but rather I just get inspired by what looks good. I’d advise getting to know our own face first. It sounds obvious but try applying your make up without a mirror to discover the contours of your face, eyes and lips. Develop your own looks, and get as much practice at applying makeup on a variety of different faces, skintypes and age groups. Build your kit wisely. You don’t need to spend thousands to have a great kit. Experiment with high end and high street products.

There are so many learning opportunities through courses, blogs and Youtube. Avail of all of them and keep within your budget. No amount of money spent on a course will make you a great artist unless you work on your own craft.

4. What is the one makeup rule you always stick to?

For me, the great thing about makeup is there are no rules in makeup but instead there are techniques. The only one rule I think is fundamental to the way your make up will turn out is how you care for your skin. This creates the “canvas” for your make up to look flawless.

5. Celebrity wise who is your inspiration for makeup looks?

There are so many; Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, Cheryl Cole, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, J.Lo, Adele. I could go on forever.

6. You now have an amazing online store call Blank Canvas Cosmetics. How did you decide on the name Blank Canvas?

I wanted a name that meant something to me and I’ve always seen the face as a blank canvas so it was the most obvious choice.

7. What inspired you to start up Blank Canvas Cosmetics?

The easy answer is that I love the makeup world and am a product junkie but there were a few more decisive factors to it. I’ve always been a creative and entrepreneur-minded type person and became more ambitious as I got older. I had been teaching since 2000 and was then an academic director in a college for 5 years Whilst I loved what I did, I felt like the time was right for me to do what I’d always wanted to do and start my own company. I love the challenge that came with the process of setting up Blank Canvas in spite of the high level of commitment, hours of dedication and huge financial investment it took to get it to launch point.

8. I absolutely love love love your brushes and have a big love the the 6 pan palette which are all your best sellers BTW ;) I am so proud that we as a country are starting to build itself up in the beauty industry So I can imagine how you feel been one of the companies. Where do you see BCC going in the future?

I’m so proud to be Irish and to have a company in Ireland. It’s not easy to have a business in the current economic climate.

We have customers worldwide but there really is nothing like the Irish seal of approval. Customer service is paramount to us. Blank Canvas is growing rapidly and everyday we’re so grateful to have such loyal customers, not to mention the amazing bloggers and Youtubers who remind us everyday how lucky we are to have their support and product love. In Ireland, we now have stockists located in pharmacies and salons. We’ve several projects lined up over the next few years so it’s a really exciting time. 

9. Of course this question will always be on everyone's tongue so I have to ask even though I already know the answer. Are you products Cruelty Free?

I would never support testing or harming animals. When I first started planning the company, I knew I wanted to create high end quality and cruelty free ranges and offer a combination of entirely vegan or specifically goat/pony hair where natural hairs are used, as no harm comes to the said animals during the hair

removal process. We use faux leather for our brush pouches and holders. Our product line plans for the future follow the same ethos too. 

10. Finally have you any secret plans like new brushes or products you would like to share with us crazy beauty fanatics or is it all top secret :) :)

I’m bursting to tell you what we’ve planned for 2013 but all I can say is keep an close eye on Blank Canvas as we’ve some exciting products coming this year.

Thanks so much Nina for asking me to interview x

Well I really enjoyed do this post and its something different and informative.  I cant wait to see What BCC Cosmetics has to offer in the future :) 

Seeing as this is my first ever interview on my blog I would love some feedback from you lovely readers.  

Did you enjoy it?

Would you like me to make it a regular thing?

Check out some of my blog posts on Some of the products I own from BCC 

Until Next Time 

Lots of Love Luck and Laughter 

I love love love hearing from you all :) I make it my duty to read each and every one of you comments and every time i get a comment from you it highlights my day thanks so so much to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing Refiner Review

Hey my beauties I hope you are all well :) 

Today's review is on the Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing Refiner that i have been meaning to get and try for a very long time but never got round to it until a few weeks ago.  Actually i totally forgot all about it until someone asked me had i tried it yet and i replied no and they stated they were wondering had i tried it to find out what i thought of it before they got it awwwww its so sweet that they trust my word enough to wait and see what i thought :) :) 

Anyway on with the review 

Catrice state:

the new range of professional products for an excellent foundation. Ideal preparation: the Smoothing Refiner. The oil-free silicone-based primer practically makes pores disappear and fills out wrinkles for a smooth, refined complexion. Now you’re ready for your grand entry! Comes in a high-quality jar.

You are getting 14g of product for 4.99 euros which in my eyes is a bargain straight away as like any other primer going in the market you only need the slightest bit to do your whole face :)

The Packaging is alot different to some primers i have used.  The ones i own have a pump applicator whereas this on is a plastic jar.  To be honest i would have much preferred a pump applicator due to hygienic reasons but hey we are never happy eh? But when buying this product (the fact that it has such a wide opening) make sure it is sealed as you don't know who has put their fingers to the product if the seal is broken.  

The jar is small enough for your kit or handbag that's what i do like about it :) 

Now for the product itself :) :) Well when you see it in its package it looks a sort of pale pinky shade (which spreads out clear once applied) and also looks a little on the greasy side.  It looks creamy in the pot and it certainly feels creamy to touch and to apply on face skin.  You do feel the silicone in it but the fact that its oil free this will suit most skin types :).  The Fact that you can feel the silicone might alarm some of you but believe me it doesn't create any problems. 

Now i do suffer with open pores around my nose area and i do have a few "laughing lines" ;) so I was ready willing a able to put this baby to the test first on its own it certainly shows signs of reducing pores and lines for sure you could literally see the difference straight away not a huge huge difference but some but to put it to even more of a test i put this on before a certain foundation i found to sink into my pores especially and OMG girlies its made such a huge difference i am actually in love with this product !!!! The foundation a stayed away from i have been wearing on a regular basis now thanks to Catrice Prime and Refine (as i hate wasting anything and now i can use this foundation up).  

I highly recommend this primer to everyone but especially to people who suffer with dry skin, big pores, fine lines etc you will see a difference i promise and whats more is it even makes BB creams last all day long even in the warmest days :) 

One word of advice is if you suffer with very oily eyelids do not apply this on your eyelids as i have found that it made my eyeshadow crease even with using an eye primer.  

That's the only downfall i have with it. 

Have you tried this product?

What are your views on it :) 

Until next time 

Lots of Love Luck and Laughter 

I love love love hearing from you all :) I make it my duty to read each and every one of you comments and every time i get a comment from you it highlights my day thanks so so much to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Revlon Giveaway hosted by Ashley Elizabeth

Hey my beauties 

Today i am letting you know about a great giveaway hosted by the lovely 

Ashley Elizabeth 

She is hosting a Revlon Giveaway for the month of July :) 

Every month she does amazing giveaways 

One of I personally won a while back (which i still have to review ooopppps putting it on my list now as i type)

I love this girl i met her through twitter and have been a follower of her channel and blog from near the beginning.  She is beautiful inside and out :) 

So if you are interested in entering her giveaway and been a part of her world.  

Click the picture above :) 

Hope you all have a brilliant day 

& Happy 4th July to all my American readers hope you enjoy all your celebrations 

Lots of love luck and laughter 

I love love love hearing from you all :) I make it my duty to read each and every one of you comments and every time i get a comment from you it highlights my day thanks so so much to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

June Glossybox Giveaway

Hey Everyone How are you all doing 

Today i have a GIVEAWAY for you :) 

I am celebrating reaching 500 followers and i have you to thank

:) im amazed at the amount of positive feedback i get from you all 

There is only going to be one winner i am afraid but i am planning another give-away on my youtube channel as i have reached over 400 subscribers and that is going to be very soon :) 

Anyways with this giveaway i decided the winner will win this months glossybox and as its taken for already out of my account i am due to get it by the end of the month :) :) so this in a way is a surprise box as i dont even know what you are going to get :) :) 

If you are not familur with Glossybox you can check out the website to get an idea of what it is 

http://www.glossybox.co.uk/

To enter all you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below and if you do any of the extra entries please include the relevant information in one blog comment 

This giveaway is open to everyone and which means when i receive the glossybox i will ship out to anyone of you where ever you are :) :) 

This Competition is end on the 28th of June 2012 to give you all enough time to enter and also lessen the time to wait for your glossybox :) 
Please read T & C :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*******THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT ANYONE WITH FAKE PROFILES BE IT FACEBOOK, BLOG OR YOUTUBE WHO ENTER WILL HAVE TO BE DISQUALIFIED AS I FEEL THAT THEY ARE ONLY MADE TO ENTER COMPETITIONS.  iTS NOT FAIR ON THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GENUINELY FOLLOWERS/FRIENDS AND ITS ONLY RIGHT ********

Please check T & C If you have any questions everything should be cleared in there :) if you please ask.

Hope you enjoy this giveaway

good luck everyone

April Glossybox 2012 & Ramble :)

Hello My beauties 

Hope you are all well 

This Blog Post is just a follow up of my video revealing what i got from the April Glossybox :) 

Here I will post some pictures of what i got so you can see a close up :) :) Thanks so much For watching my video :) 

So thats all the items I got in the April Glossybox.  Seeing as most of these is Full size i will review each one as i use them as most of them are at a reasonable price and on the plus side Organic and pure which is a bonus in my eyes 

I hope you enjoyed this and if you have any questions please dont hesitate in asking as i love hearing from you all :) 

So until next time 

Take care 

Lots of Love Luck and of course Laughter 

Nina C 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Glossybox October 2011 Review

For those of you who doesnt know what Glossybox is.  Its the answer to all of you out there who wonders what Birchbox is like.  Plus the answer to all of us out there who can afford high end beauty products and would love to experience what they are like without paying the PRICE!!!!!!!! 

For more information please watch my video below:

Pictures of the Glossy box and items

I received for October 

Check out www.glossybox.co.uk for even more information 

Keep an eye out for my next Glossybox I cant wait!!!!!!!

I hope you enjoyed :) 

Lots of Love Luck & Laughter 

Nina Carry 

xoxoxoxoxoxox