Beanie the Cat Investigates: Real Techniques Brightening Concealer Brush AKA the Kitten Paw Brush...

Cultural appropriation is a thing yo, even in the cat world - so when mom brought this home and I overheard her telling the spare human that it's being called the Kitten Paw Brush on social media, I knew this was something I should check out and make sure that the cat name isn't being used in vain.

Real Techniques Brightening Concealer Brush - $11.95 - has soft, flexible bristles and a unique, kitten-paw shape to effortlessly apply makeup for radiant, glowing skin. Can be used to apply concealer, eye brightener, and cream for a satin, smooth finish. The unique shape fits perfectly under the eye area allowing you to achieve flawless coverage and also helps to cover blemishes and other skin impurities, giving you an airbrushed complexion. This concealer brush has super soft UltraPlush Synthetic Bristles and is easy to clean.

I mean it all sounds good but I got mom to try it out - because clearly I am perfect and need to conceal nothing... 

 

I got her to try it on a morning after a night that I spent racing around the house chasing things that only I can see and keeping her from her "beauty" sleep - to be fair from the looks of her I thought she would need 3 or 4 of these brushes to sort her out but amazingly just the one did it. She said that the best thing about the brush is it takes a tiny bit of concealer and just spreads it out which is a good thing as she is working on her last stick of discontinued Urban Decay concealer so really needs to make it last! It has a tendency to look cakey under the eyes but this brush buffed it right in so it was flawless - my dark circles are adorable, hers, not so much so it was nice when they disappeared!

A side-by-side comparison had me a little concerned that it was an actual kitten paw stuck on a stick but mom reassured me that it just looks like my paw...hmmmmmm.....

Available at Walmart stores across Canada and online at amazon.ca and well.ca.

- Beanie -

This week I'm obsessed with... EcoTools Dry Body Brush!

EcoTools Dry Body Brush - $14.99 - offers deep exfoliation without a messy scrub or harsh chemical. There are many benefits to dry brushing: helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores to leave skin feeling softer and smoother; boosts circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system; moisturizer works better because it won't have to fight its way through dead skin cells; and it will even help scrub off old fake tan, to avoid the patchy stage. 

 

How you dry brush is also important: start with the soles of your feet and legs - brush upwards towards your heart in short, firm strokes - and be sure not to  press too hard so the bristles don't scratch your skin. Use circular motions on your stomach and armpits, instead of short, firm strokes, then when you get to your arms, begin at your hands and work the brush upwards. Follow with a relaxing shower and be generous with the body moisturizer after (I highly recommend Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Body Moisturizer - 300ml - $40.50 - available at Sephora), you will be amazed at how easily it soaks in! You don't need to do it every day or even every other day, twice a week is probably all you need.

 

There are different styles, I've tried a dry brush with a handle before and other then the handle being useful for reaching the back, I find this palm style one with the hand strap is much better for ease of use and controlling the pressure. 

Available at Real Canadian Superstore locations across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... the Quo Beauty Holiday Collection!

The Quo Beauty holiday collection never disappoints and 2022 is no exception! From luxe sets and palettes to tiny treasures to stuff your stocking with, you can find it all!

 

My fave item this season is the All The Glam Brush Set - $26 - six travel sized brushes with glitzy handles and luxurious, easy to clean 100% synthetic fiber bristles that fit perfectly into the tin canister to provide a chic way to store and protect them at home or on the go - including: Powder Brush,  Foundation Brush, Crease Brush, All-Over Shadow Brush, Smudge Brush, Pointed Liner Brush and a Tin Canister.  

Others you need to check out include: Deluxe Lip Gloss Set - $20.00 - with 8 shades from peach to plum to make it easy to find the perfect lip gloss shade for your everyday wear or evenings out; Fresh Start Hydrogel Eye Patches - $12.00 - a pair of hydrogel eye patches that help keep the under-eye area bright and moisturized; and the always favourite Quo Beauty Cosmetic Crackers in Red or Gold -  $18.00 - a six-piece set of holiday crackers - crack one open for a glossy surprise!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Show your PRIDE with Quo Beauty!

 

Self expression has never been so glam thanks to the Quo Beauty pride-inspired limited edition collection - chock full of over 60 choices in makeup, tools and accessories to help everyone celebrate Pride Month with colour and confidence - a few of my faves:

 

Quo Beauty Love Is Love Eyeshadow Palette - $25 - contains 12 vibrant shades of pressed powder to create a multitude of looks to be proud of! 

Quo Beauty Paint My Pride Brush Set - $35.99 - revel in five cruelty-free, rainbow-inspired makeup brushes including: Powder Brush, Foundation Brush, Blush Brush, All Over Shadow Brush and Angled Shadow Brush.

Quo Beauty Rainbow Blending Sponge - $9 - achieve an airbrushed, consistent finish to your liquid and cream makeup products with this soft, expertly shaped blending sponge that is as pretty as it is useful!

 

Everything is limited edition and much of it is sold out on line but if you pop into your local Shoppers Drug Mart store I am still seeing it on the shelves - but probably not for long! Happy Pride!

 

- Lisamarie -

Stuff your stocking with tiny treasures from the Quo Beauty Holiday Collection!

The Quo Beauty Holiday Collection is back with so many wonderful things, it will be hard to decide what to get! Included in the collection are plenty of pint sized products perfect for stuffing the stocking of the beauty lover in your life (and make sure when you shop it's one for them and one for yourself!) Here are my stocking sized faves:

 

Quo Beauty Pout Perfection Lipstick Set - $25 - a dazzling set of 4 must-have matte lipsticks. Smooth, bold colour with comfortable wear and light to bold shades that will take you from morning to night.

Quo Beauty Eyeshadow Palette - $25 - create endless holiday eye looks with palette of 12 luxurious matte and shimmer eyeshadow shades with smooth, blendable textures.

Quo Beauty Euphoric Holiday Brush Set -$18 - touch up your makeup on-the-go with a collection of four limited edition brushes and a shiny pouch to hold all your essentials. With easy to clean 100% synthetic fibers, the set contains: Powder Brush, Eye Cream Brush, All-Over Shadow Brush, Liner Brush and a pouch.

Quo Beauty Let It Glow Skincare Set - $25 - a 3-piece travel-size set that will keep skin in tip-top condition for every holiday celebration this season! Set includes: Hydrating Facial Serum - formulated with hyaluronic acid; Banana Cleansing Balm - formulated with banana extract to help melt away make-up and moisturize thirsty skin; and Purifying Glow Mask - formulated with Bentonite, Kaolin Clay to help clarify and calm the skin.

Quo Beauty All Dolled Up Fluffy Bowtie Headband - $12 - an adorable way to keep hair out of the way while cleansing, masking, applying make-up or whatever. And of course it's pink and fluffy - two of my favourite things in life!

 

Get them while you can - they are limited edition and always go fast - available at Shoppers Drug Mart Stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Stuff your stocking with tiny treasures from Mary Kay!

Mary Kay Mini Essential Eye Brush Set - $18 - includes Eye Detail Brush, Eye Shadow Brush and Eye Blender Brush tucked inside a pretty spotted zippered pouch.

Mary Kay Mini Blending Sponge Set - $16 - includes 4 mini-size blending sponges for hard-to-reach areas that are amazingly portable.

Mary Kay Hand Cream and Lip Balm Set - $21 - soft, smooth hands and mistletoe-ready lips are yours for the giving in these adorable sets available in Berry Parfait, Citrus Sorbet and Coconut Mousse scents.

 

Available for a limited time through your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant - if you don't have one you can find one at - www.marykay.ca or 1-866-455-5454.

- Lisamarie -

Quo Beauty 2020 Holiday Collection

Give the gift of sparkle and shine this year with Quo Beauty's 2020 Holiday Collection - with so many wonderfully glittery options it will be so hard to choose what to pick! 

Quo Beauty Cosmetic Crackers - $15/set - set of six festive surprise crackers each featuring a fun lip gloss inside. Gift as a set or break apart to crown each place setting at your holiday table.

Quo Beauty Lip Gloss Set - $20 - set of eight lip glosses that wrap your lips in cushiony colour to help create instant shine with no sticky finish. 

Quo Beauty Naughty & Nice Lip Crayon Set - $20 - hydrate lips without sacrificing colour with a set of double ended crayons featuring 4 lip balms and 4 lipsticks that lets you mix and match colors and create many lip looks! 

Quo Beauty Everything Nice Lip Varnish - $20 - create a stunning lip statement with this lip varnish trio, adding a festive feel to all your make-up looks! 

Quo Beauty Under The Mistletoe Mini Lipstick Set - $25 - a cute and fun set of 4 creamy lipsticks, finely dusted with glitter revealing a luxurious and moisturizing formula. Smooth, bold colour with comfortable wear. Light, medium, and deep shades have you covered morning, noon, and night.

Quo Beauty Triple Threat Lip Prep Trio - $18 - lip trio to the rescue! This multi-functional lip set, containing three formulas that help pamper and prep lips:

Brown Sugar Scrub - Sweet like sugar. Apply a small amount in circular motions over the entire lip area using clean fingers. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Repeat once or twice weekly.

Lip Mask - Vitamin E and Jojoba Seed Oil wrap the lips in healing hydration. Apply before bed or when lips are in need of intense moisture.

Lip Balm - Soothing Shea Butter conditions dry, irritated lips. Apply anytime to maintain beautiful soft lips with subtle shine.

Quo Beauty Double the Fun Lip & Cheek Cream - $20 - this multi-purpose lip & cheek cream provides a wash of color that is buildable for added color or sheer it out for a lighter look. Easy to blend formula is soft and creamy. For best results, apply with clean fingertips to melt colour into the skin. Can also be applied with a lip brush or onto the cheeks using a buffing brush.

Quo Beauty All is Calm Eyeshadow Palette - $25 - with endless colour combinations, help create a party eye look using these 12 luxurious matte and shimmer eyeshadow shades that provide smooth, blendable and soft textures.

Quo Beauty All is Bright Eyeshadow Palette - $25 - 12 luxurious matte and shimmer shades with smooth, blendable and soft textures to create endless colour combinations and party eye looks.

Quo Beauty Superstars Liquid Shadow Trio - $20 - A trio of velvety soft, liquid eye shades that glide on and help create glam eye looks. Apply a veil of colour for daytime or build up the intensity for nighttime drama.

Quo Beauty Eyeshadow Duo - $8 - complimentary eye shadow duo shades can be worn alone or together to help create a beautiful eye.

Quo Beauty Beautiful You Face Powder Trio - $30 - a curated collection of face powders including highlighters, blush, and bronzers each packaged in a beautiful swiveling metallic compact. Mix and match shades between palettes and take them on the go as they are perfectly sized for travel.

Quo Beauty Trim the Tree Lip Gloss Ornament - $8 - gloss and go this holiday season with this adorable ornament shaped lip gloss.

Quo Beauty Lights All A Glow Lip Gloss Ornament - $8 - gloss and go this holiday season with this adorable ornament shaped lip gloss.

Quo Beauty All Wrapped Up Lip Gloss Ornament - $8 - gloss and go this holiday season with this adorable ornament shaped lip gloss.

Quo Beauty Featherweight Cream Blush Ornament - $8 - the must-have blush in a cute ornament perfect for gifting and holiday decorating.

Quo Beauty Save the Day Beauty Emergency Kit - $20 - there's no bigger bummer than finding yourself in a beauty emergency without the essentials so this emergency kit is here to save the day! Kit includes: compact mirror, emery board, nail clippers, mini tweezers, pack of blotting papers, 3 hair elastics, 3 foam tip applicators, 4 bobby pins, clothing tape and 1 mini blending sponge.

Quo Beauty Hydrogel Under Eye Mask - $10 - tuck perfectly into the contours of the under eye, helping deliver hydration to deeply moisturize the most delicate skin. A combination of shea butter and plant extracts condition the skin and help retain moisture for plump, smoother looking under eyes.

Quo Beauty Eye Heart You Gel Eye Pads - $8 - set of 2 gel eye pads help calm, cool, and soothe tired or puffy eyes.

Quo Beauty On the Go Mini Skincare Set - $15 - a mini set of four essential facial care tools including a silicone pore refiner, mini tweezers, mini extractor, and mini folding double ended facial razor and brow brush, all stored in a pouch for on the go needs!

Quo Beauty Sparkle & Shine Brush Set - $18 - this travel sized collection is the perfect touch of pink with a shiny twist. Includes 4-piece synthetic brush set including: powder, eye crease, all over shadow and liner brushes with a sparkling pouch to hold essentials

Quo Beauty Pop of Glam Brush Set - $25 - includes six travel sized brushes: Powder, Foundation, Fluffy Crease, All Over Shadow, Smudge and Pointed Liner - that feature show-stopping pink glitter handles that fit perfectly into a metal canister to help provide the chicest way to store and protect your brushes while on-the-go. 

Quo Beauty Pop of Glitz Brush Set - $25 - includes six brushes: Powder, Foundation, Fluffy Crease, All Over Shadow, Smudge and Pointed Liner - that feature show-stopping gold glitter handles that fit perfectly into a metal canister to help provide the chicest way to store and protect your brushes while on-the-go. 

Quo Beauty Must Have Brush Set with Roll - $55 - with these 10 must-have tools that will take your beauty arsenal to the next level. Designed to include every tool you need to create a flawless complexion and build color intensity for your desired look, no matter the occasion.

Powder Brush: To apply powder all over face or body

Blush Brush: To apply on cheekbones
Rounded Foundation Brush: For seamless foundation application
Highlighter Brush: Used to add highlights to the face and body
Multi Purpose Brush: Buff, blend, sweep – perfect for use all over
Crease Blender Brush: Use to blend shadows and diminish harsh lines
All Over Shadow Brush: Used to apply a base shadow color on eye lids
Liner Brow Brush: To define eyeline and brows
Eye Shadow Smudger Brush: Blend and smudge eye shadow on eyelid
Rounded Concealer Brush: used to conceal the inside corner under the eye.

Quo Beauty Sleigh Your Holiday Brush Set - $30 - with four essential tools designed to perfectly blend, buff, and sweep your way to a flawless finish.

Powder Brush: To apply powder all over face or body

Blush Brush: To apply on cheekbones

Rounded Foundation Brush: For seamless foundation application

Conceal & Buff Brush: Domed shape for blending and buffing concealer

Quo Beauty All is Bright Brush Set - $25 - includes four essential travel sized brushes: powder, detail complexion, all over shadow and smudge liner that feature all over glitter adding a sophisticated touch of sparkle to any make-up routine. Accompanied by a glittered pouch, store your brushes and make-up essentials in style with this super cute accessory.

Quo Beauty Merry Metallics Brush Set - $60 - features a striking range of metallics that make mixing metals easier than mixing a holiday cocktail - includes: All Over Shadow Brush, Buffing Foundation Brush, Angled Concealer Brush, Cheek Definer Brush, Flat Shader Brush, Bronzer Wing Brush, Crease Diffuser Brush and a Clutch Pouch.

Quo Beauty Artistry Brush Collection  - $75 -  showcases 7-must-have tools for your beauty arsenal including: All Over Powder Brush, Domed Buffer Brush, Pointed Crease Brush, Flat Shader Brush, Fluffy Winged Shadow Brush, Powder Sculpt Brush, Diffused Detail Brush and a Canister Pouch.  

Quo Beauty Blending Sponge - Set of 3 - $18 - the perfect gift for any makeup lover, this blending sponge cracker set has all your makeup blending needs covered!  Use them to flawlessly build and blend your foundation or other liquid and cream makeup products

Quo Beauty Mini Blending Sponges - $10 - Blend your way to a flawless finish with the help of these three mini sponges. Each sponge is perfectly sized to allow you to precisely conceal, apply and blend make-up in all areas of the face.

Quo Beauty Blending Sponge - Snowman or Penguin - $8 - fun and adorable blending sponges are great stocking stuffers! Use to help bu­ild and blend foundation or other liquid makeup products to help create an even and natural finish. Latex Free.

Quo Beauty Let It Snow Sponge Set - $10 - this set of multi-purpose wedge sponges are super cute and infused with glitter. Disposable, easy to use and ideal for all make-up application needs!

Quo Beauty Sweet Dreams Satin Cat Eye Mask - $12 - sleep sound and sweet using this soft, cat-eye shaped satin sleep mask. Complete with embroidered lashes to add even more cuteness to this adorable mask! 100% polyester.

Quo Beauty All Tied Up Headband - $12 - this super soft headband is ideal for all beauty routines. Use to hold back loose hairs while cleansing, masking, applying make-up and more. Your skin care and makeup routine has never been so cute!

Quo Beauty Sodalite Mini Facial Roller - $20 - offers a multitude of benefits and helps enhance your beauty ritual.  Made from genuine sodalite, the roller helps to decrease facial puffiness and helps firm the look of skin through gentle massage.  It is built to have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin and helps reduce facial tension.

Quo Beauty Guilded Gold Manicure Set - $15 - all the tools you need for daily nail care. Set includes:  Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Nail Scoop, and Emery Board. The set's compact size makes it ideal for use at home or while traveling.

Quo Beauty Let's Get Glam Eyelash Curler - $12 - help achieve the flirty, curly eyelashes you've always dreamed of with this gilded gold and super chic lash curler!

Quo Beauty Metallic Bobby Pins - $9.99 - 10pcs each of rose gold, silver & gold.

Quo Beauty Pearl Snap Clips - $12.99 - trio comes with a pearl snap clip, a gold ornate slide pin & a gold snap clip. Wear them together, stacked or separately.

Quo Beauty Lip Balm - $8 - an ultra-hydrating lip balm containing vitamin E and shea butter provides soothing hydration for softer, smoother looking lips.

 

Available now for a limited time exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -