THIS BLOG HAS MOVED

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED!!!!!!! 


The Perfectly Imperfect Beauty Blog has finally made the big step to self-hosted domain. Please come and visit the new site at www.perfectlyimperfectbeauty.com . I appreciate your patience and feedback as the new site is still being tweaked and perfected. 


Goodbye Blogger and hello Wordpress!

Beauty Blog Link Love 14/07/12

Phyrra is in love with the cult product inspired by beauty balm creams, Illamasqua Skin Base! She compares shades 1, 2, 4, and Au and dazzles you with their versatility!

Say hello to summer. Fleurissante has swatched the new Dior Diorskin Nude Tan bronzers.

Gouldylox finds a mascara that may permanently end her search for the perfect mascara.

Looking for a product that'll create a smokey eye in under ten seconds? Check out Rae's review of the Sephora Smoky Kohl Eyeliner on theNotice to see if it fits the bill.

Addicted to Beauty shares her Sleek MakeUP palette collection - be prepared for palette overload!

Shannon at Lipstick Musings is captivated by the Limited Edition Ray of Light Nail Lacquer from Deborah Lippmann. Move quickly, because it will disappear soon!

Jenn from Spiced Beauty shows you the New L'Oreal Foundations especially for Women of Color!

Miss Beauty Nerd is inspired to rock a little neon with OPI's Outrageous Neons Mini Pack!

At Eyelining Obsessions Claire investigates when good liners go bad! A cautionary tale.

Beauty Reflections thinks teal eyeshadow and Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Riviera is a match made in heaven!

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Beauty Crazed is having a summer giveaway worthy of their name - be sure to come and enter for a chance to win enough makeup to really heat up your summer!

Dior Show New Look Mascara Review

You just can't go wrong with a Dior mascara. The price can do you wrong, but the mascara itself will treat you more than kindly. 

The latest proof is in the wand. The rubber nano-brush of the New Look mascara gives you complete control over application and makes precision a cinch. Even the fine stubborn lashes near your tear duct can not escape the dark side with this brush. You can also work the brush down to the very roots of your lashes for optimal volume and separation that result in va-va-voom lashes. Bigger is not necessarily better when your goal is a full lash effect.

All mascara connoisseurs (aka drugstore addicts) know that "Black" is subjective. This formula had a glossy, almost wet looking, finish due to Dior's trademarked Black Glass Pigment that adds drama by reflecting light. The formula does apply more wet and has a longer dry time than usual, so keep a lash groomer at hand in case some lashes decide to hug each each other. Once this mascara is dry it does not want to move anywhere! For a non-waterproof formula, this mascara will survive even the hottest or dreariest of days without smudging or shedding. 

I think I want to try a "new look" and get this formula in blue.  


Grade: A

Sephora Beauty Insider 500 Point Perk: Lancome's Best of Eyes

I am not sure if this kit is still available at Sephora or online, but it has to be one of the best 500 point perks Sephora has ever put together. It is a wonderful introduction to Lancome's top selling and highest performing eye products.

Includes: 

-Genefique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate. I have almost finished my tiny jar of this miracle worker and I can definitely tell the difference. My undereye area is less puffy and dark and feels super smooth. Performs very well under makeup as it absorbs in seconds and doesn't leave behind any residue.

-Color Design Quad with eye shadows Daylight, Off the Rack, Ciel du Soir and Sultry Mauve. The pigmentation of these shadows is sheer to light, but buildable to medium. This is a classic work/daily life orientated quad that gives a sophisticated and polished look. Sometimes subtle and understated is just what a girl needs.

-Le Crayon Khol in Black Ebony. A solid performing classic eye shadow pencil that can also be used on the waterline or smudged for a smokier look.

-Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base. Adds an extra oomph to your mascara look by adding length and separation. One of the few mascara bases that isn't impossible cover or leave lashes looking rigid.

-Hypnose Drama in Excessive Black. Lancome is known for their stellar lineup of mascaras the Hypnose Drama is one of my favourites. It adds volume and definition to the lashes without clumping or fallout.

-Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover. Probably the best eye makeup remover on the market, I always come back to it. The solution is so gentle and removes every last bit of makeup without any irritation or drying. 

The deluxe sample size of these products is very generous and will last for months.

Grade: A-

Travalo Elite GIVEAWAY and 50% off Promo Code!

I fell in love with Travalp perfume atomizers last October and carry one with me wherever I go (read my review here). Travalo is the ideal travel accessory as it is TSA approved and is great for any summer adventure.  With its size, it is also the perfect way to carry your favorite fragrance with you to the gym or a night out on the town!

Travalo Elite ($19.99), holds 5 mL of any favorite fragrance (65 sprays) and is made of light, yet strong aluminum. Suitable for men and women, like all of Travalo’s products, Travalo Elite features a clear window to gauge the level of perfume or cologne.  Travalo Elite works with any cologne or perfume bottle with a removable nozzle and because of its spill-free internal refill system, no fragrance will be wasted.

Each Travalo Elite comes with a lifetime warranty in addition to the following features

• 98 percent recyclable, environmentally-friendly, lightweight material
• Features a clear window to gauge level of perfume
• Works with removable nozzle bottles
• Available in perfect pink, hot pink, gold and silver
• Spill-free internal refill system; no funnels or other parts
• Holds 65 sprays of perfume or cologne

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PROMO CODE (ends July 31)

50% off Travalo Elite and Elite Gift Sets at www.us.travalo.com when you enter the exclusive promo code PER50.

**With thanks to Travalo for providing prize and exclusive promo code**

Julep Nail Polishes For Summer (Swatches and Review)

Do you hear that?

That is the sound of Vancouverites collectively rejoicing that summer has FINALLY arrived! Months of rainy and cloudy dreariness are finally behind us which means I can start to wear all of my pretty sandals. Just one minor problem...someone forget to inform my toes that they would have a starring role. A pedicure is desperately needed so I am on the hunt for the perfect summer shade. Julep's monthly releases have given me some colour combinations to consider. 

-Kate is a cream with a slight green/celery undertone. A different take on the nude nail for summer. 

-Daphne is quite streaky but evens out after the second coat.

-Sasha is the creamiest and most opaque of them all. A fun and trendy colour for the summer on either your toes or your fingers. 

-Sandra and Morgan have the same consistency. They are opaque but have a slight streakiness on the first coat. The very fine shimmer is so pretty when it catches the light. 

-Canada is a clear base infused with chunky glitter. It was very difficult to get an even application of glitter as the clear base builds and builds with each swipe and very little glitter is put down. I found the best technique is to pat the brush on the nail. This polish is best layered over another colour.

-Mila is an amazing shimmer polish that applies quite evenly and densely. This polish can be used alone or layered over a dark base for more drama. There is a plethora of colours-the closer you examine, the more different hues you find. 

What nail colour trends are you loving this season?

**Julep Maven subscription provided by PR for editorial consideration**

Run and Get this Now! Anastasia See and Be Seen Set Review and Swatches

Anastasia Beverly Hills no longer has to prove that they aren't a one trick pony as the brow aficionado of the beauty world. No, no. This line still deservedly carries that banner with pride, but they are unrolling some exciting products for lips, face and eyes that you do not want to miss! You already know that I adored the All Eye Want Palette and the Highlighting Creme Duos, but the newest trick up Anastasia's sleeve has solidified this brands place of honour in my "Favourite-Never-Fails-Me" list. 

With a client list that boasts the whose who and up-and-coming in Hollywood, it is no surprise that Anastasia has created a kit that that gives a nod towards the Hollywood glitz and glamour. The limited edition (only two weeks left!!) See and Be Seen kit has everything a girl needs for a fun and bright summer look that will compliment you both pre- and post-tan this summer. Perfectly on trend with high shine and colour impact, this kit will help you to make a fashionable beauty statement while stilling looking polished and chic. The textures of the eye shadows and glosses rival the top selling fashion house beauty brands and feel luxurious on the skin. All of the products are long lasting, crease proof, smudge proof and basically fool proof. 

The Kit 

• Two new HydraFull Gloss colors in Heiress and Plastic.  These limited edition bright summer colors were created specifically for the theme of “Make It Happen” and are not available anywhere except in the See and Be Seen Kit.  Anastasia’s Hydrafull Gloss contains lip tint to maintain longer lasting color while maximizing lip hydration and fullness.
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The lipglosses made this whole kit for me. The colours look quite fluorescent in the tube and on the applicator, but once they are applied to the lips they take on a new life. The colour is vibrant but not scary or unapproachable. The richness in texture (no stickiness!) and payoff are delightful as is the tint they leave behind after the high shine wears down. I particularly love wearing Heiress all over with just a touch of Plastic in the center to add fullness and dimension. The colours blend together so well that they are perfect companions.  Of note is the innovative applicator: it looks and feels like a spatula that helps to distribute product on the lip evenly and precisely. It took some getting used to but I can see why they when this route with the packaging because I traditional makeup brush or doe-foot applicator would not give the same finish with this formula. 

The new caramel tinted Brow Gel.  Anastasia’s brow gel sets your perfect brow look with a hint of tint and is fortified with botanical hair conditioners and essential oils to keep brows feeling as great as they look.

I already on the brow gel in Brunette and use it everyday. Caramel is just slightly too light for me right now but will be perfect once the sun naturally starts to lighten my hair over July and August. Today I used Brunette and Caramel together and loved the result! My brows looked fuller and more sculpted and the products does not move once it sets! The answer to all of your unruly brow woes. 





The soft pink and golden hues of the ILLUMIN8 Shadow duo in On Set.  ILLUMIN8 Eye Shadow Duos are designed to illuminate the appearance of skin while also soothing, softening and hydrating.

         

         

        

The same consistency and colour pay off that won me over in the All Eye Want Palette. Follow this link for my full review. The packaging is gorgeous and feels very luxe and heavy. The duo alone would be sold by other brands for almost the price of this whole kit, so that alone makes it a bargain. 

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the genius promotion tools that were sent to me. When I opened the box and gasped with delight after finding a 3D Viewmaster with amazing vintage inspired picture wheels. I have never had so much fun reviewing product information and promo pictures-it is the smartest and most innovative information packet I have ever received! Nostalgic and effective. 

Rating: A+

**Disclosure: Products provided by PR for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.**

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains Review and Swatches

These chubby pencils are a huge improvement on the original Just Bitten lip stains, which were in their own right a decently performing product. Gone are the rough felt point tip and drying liquid replaced by a smooth and moisturizing balm. The application is fast and easy and the results last for hours! In fact, I much prefer the texture of these Kissable Balm Stains to the highly publicized Color Burst Lip Butters because they feel more lightweight.  

The packaging, texture and peppermint smell are very similar to Tarte's versions. When the balm top starts to wear down, you twist the bottom to push up more product. The rounded tip conforms well to the shape of your lips and prevents smearing.

For the first couple of hours, the colour is rich in pigmentation and has a lovely glossy shine. Once the shine wears off, the stain has a satin finish that lasts for approximately 6 hours. There is some wearing off around the inner lip after eating and drinking, but it is just a fading in colour as opposed to a complete removal of colour. There are 12 shades in this range.

 (Adore, Romantic, Crush, Smitten, Lovesick, Sweetheart)

Right now they are only available in the US, so I  hope they make their way over the border soon so I can check out the full range.  These are definitely coming to Hawaii with me so we shall see how they withstand extreme heat. 

Grade: A-