To get back on track this month’s Five Favourites will see a double feature; favourites from both December and January!

Five Favourites / December 2009

MAC Lipglass / Viva Glam V
I picked this up to pair with Viva Glam V lipstick, and I’ve found that it works well on it’s own too. It’s a really nice neutral on my skin tone, it doesn’t add much contrast but it does make my lips look polished. It’s perfect for work, I think I’ve worn it the most consistently of any of my other lipglasses.

A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It’s pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application. (from maccosmetics.ca) $16.50 CAD

MAC Lustre Lipstick / Viva Glam V
This is my second Viva Glam lipstick and it’s fantastic. Just like the lipglass it’s perfect for a neutral lip. It gives some dimension, but it just keeps things looking polished rather than adding obvious colour. For some it might look boring in the tube, but it’s a gorgeous colour. Definitely a new staple.

In 1994, M·A·C introduced VIVA GLAM, an outspoken deep red that was universal in its appeal and its glamour. In 1997, a second lipstick was created VIVA GLAM II, a lightly pinked mauve. VIVA GLAM III, a foxy brown plum lipstick was launched in 2000. VIVA GLAM IV, a heartful rose charged with gold, was introduced in March 2002. In March 2004, Viva Glam V makes its debut, a clear, smooth, pure neutral pink with a delicious Lustre finish! VIVA GLAM VI, the newest member of the VIVA GLAM family, is a warm terracotta-plum with pearl finish. Wear it alone or finish it off with a coordinating coat of VIVA GLAM VI Lipglass. In the spirit of all Viva Glam, every cent raised goes to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. (from maccosmetics.ca ) $16.50

MAC See Thru Lip Colour / Secret Crush
In the past I’ve had some bad experiences with lip stains with my lips drying out and overpowering fragrance. This little tube (it’s closer to the holiday mini lipglass size) is fantastic. I used it regularly throughout December as a base for berry/red/pink lips. It definitely clings to the lips, so I found that even if a gloss or lipstick faded my lips never looked naked. I wish they would release these to the permanent line, the lip and cheek stains are too great to be just limited.

A lightweight gel lip stain that deposits long-wearing transparent colour on the lips. Provides an ultra sheer look and comfortable application. Refreshing in wear. Makes lips look “just kissed.” (from makeupalley.com) $14 USD

MUFE HD Foundation / 153
This foundation has been my HG for over a year. I’ve found shades to match me when I’m tanned in the summer and when I’m not, the colour range is absolutely fantastic. The coverage is medium with some ability to build, but my favourite thing about this foundation is how it photographs. It’s absolutely divine, a little goes a long way and it blends like a dream.

An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life. This foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting. (from sephora.com) $40 USD

Royal & Langnickel Brow & Lash Brush / C510
This came as part of the brush set I received at the IMATS Toronto. When I first saw it I thought it was a pointless addition, but I’ve found that I reach for it over my other brow comb. The brush is dense enough to apply shadow very well, where the other end works to blend the colour (shadow or pencil) like a dream. I’ve never really been a fan of double ended brushes, but this is definitely made itself useful.

This brush does double duty. A lash applicator on one side and a small bristle angle to shape your brows on the other. (fromroyalbrush.com) $5.99 USD

Five Favourites / January 2010

LUSH Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub
Every time I’ve been into the LUSH store, someone is telling me about this scrub. I think I had a few demos done with it, but I could never really bring myself to spend that much money on a salt scrub. I decided to splurge a bit with some Christmas money and wow.. this stuff is lovely. A first the scent seems a bit overwhelming, but in the shower in the morning it’s the perfect wake up scent.

We make this best-selling scrub out of fine and course sea salt to give your skin a fresh glow like you’ve just spent a week at the beach. Brightening and cleansing grapefruit infusion and lime oil are balanced with nutritious and moisturizing fresh avocado butter and coconut fat. Cleanse with Ocean Salt and you’ll notice an immediate difference. We recommend those with flaky or dry skin use this once a week to exfoliate while those with oily skin cleanse daily with it (lucky you!). (from lush.ca) $17.95 CAD

MAC Beauty Powder Blush / On A Mission
I picked this up in the summer when it was released with Style Warriors and I didn’t wear it much. LOL It worked well enough in the summer, but I feel like I was reaching for it more once it got colder. It gives more of that “been outside in the cold” flush, which I reach for a lot this time of year. Love the finish of BPB’s too, just beautiful. Now to find a similar colour in the permanent or pro line..

Silky-fine, shot with pearl, this blush inspires a subtle glow in tandem with a pure colour vibe. Ultra-smooth, delivers a light and alluring shimmer together with a sheer-colour payoff. Builds colour for ultimate effect. In every way luxurious. (from maccosmetics.ca) $22 CAD

MAC Fast Response Eye Cream
This was something I picked up as part of my “MAC skincare experience”. I’m usually not a fan of eye creams because I find they just don’t work exceptionally well. The reason why this is a favourite is because I noticed a difference with how my under eye concealer applied. Less is more I say.. especially with expensive concealer. ;]

The super-charged, caffeinated cream with instant effects. De-puffs, erases the look of dark circles, firms, soothes and softens skin around the eye. Special optics act like magic to fade away lines. (from maccosmetics.ca) $36.50 CAD

MAC Satin Eye Shadow / Arena
This colour is absolutely gorgeous! It’s a permanent colour that does not get nearly enough love. The finish isn’t matte, but it’s not so shimmery to be frosty. It’s amazing on it’s own to brighten up the lid, or as a blending/highlight colour. Definitely a new staple, so glad it’s permanent.

Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well. (from maccosmetics.ca) $17.50/pot or $13.00/pan CAD

MUFE HD Concealer / 345
I was skeptical about this concealer, one; because you don’t get much product, two; it has a weird applicator and three.. it’s bloody expensive. At the end of the day however, it works and it works well. I’ve had trouble with concealers looking cakey or just not covering, and this does neither. Much like it’s foundation equivalent, a little goes a long way. This is key, again since my main gripe is with the price. Definitely going on the list to pick up at the next IMATS.

An oil-free, medium-coverage concealer that covers imperfections while remaining invisible to high-definition televisions and the naked eye. This concealer creates a soft-focus effect, brightening the eye area while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a natural, radiant look. The innovative soft silicone applicator enables precise application for a perfectly even finish on camera and in person.(from sephora.com) $28 USD