Author: Cassandra Riské

Wife | Mom | Beauty Junkie | Makeup Collector | Instagram: @myriskelashes

Becca Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss | Review with Swatches

Cassandra Riské4 Comments

Hi Guys!!

I am a HUGE Becca Cosmetics Fan.  I have been very loyal to the brand since I discovered their ever so popular Opal Highlighter.  I have a ton of Becca products in my collection, and a lot more that I have on my wish list!!

When I first starting seeing swatches of these liquid crystal glow glosses, I knew I had to have a few of them, maybe even all of them!!

These glosses are limited edition and available only through Becca Cosmetics & Sephora.  They retail for $22 usd / $27 canadian.

Here is the product description:  These glosses are inspired by raw gemstones that have been melted down to liquid form, kaleidoscopic pearls shift shades as they catch the light to take every lip look to the next level.  Each shade features a custom mix of unique pearls blended together to create a multi-dimensional finish that flatters all skin tones.  The conditioning lip gloss formula is infused with a luxurious coconut and vanilla scent and enriched with nurturing ingredients that leave lips feeling lavishly soft and smooth.I have read a few reviews that these glosses have a bad smell and are not glossy… I completely disagree with these complaints!!  I am really sensitive to scent, and I don’t find them to be overpowering, strong or fragrant at all.  What I do pick up is notes of cake / vanilla, but only if I really focus on smelling them.  Also they are quite glossy and make my lips look ultra plump which I love.These glosses are creamy, thick and oh so hydrating!  They are so smooth on the lips and not at all chunky or gritty.  I love the packaging and the doe foot applicator.  So far My favourite way to use these glosses is on bare lips.  I just love how they look on their own.  They are so hard to capture their beauty on camera, so please go to Sephora to swatch these babies to see their true beauty!!

I am hooked and I will definitely be picking up backups of my favourite shades because I can’t imagine not having these on hand!  I haven’t stopped using them since I got them.

There are six shades and here are their descriptions:

  • Champagne Dream x Bellini – Soft peach with a rose gold shift
  • Opal x Jade – Golden opal pearl with a teal sapphire shift
  • Rose Quartz x Seashell – Rose with a hot pink shift
  • Amethyst x Geode – Lavender duo-chrome with an aquamarine shift
  • Pearl x Gold – Creamy pearl with a golden shift
  • Topaz x Gilt – Golden bronze with a soft emerald shift

My thoughts on each colour:

  • Champagne Dream x Bellini –  For my skin tone this one is the most wearable, and my absolute favourite!!  Its mostly peach with a hint of hot pink sparkles.  I love it on and I think a lot of different skin tones can easily wear this one.
  • Opal x Jade –  This has to be my second favourite.  It’s such a unique and stunning colour.  On me it pulls a very golden jade colour that I cant stop wearing and although it has a green shift I find it to be very flattering and easy to wear.  this one is ALWAYS in my purse!!
  • Rose Quartz x Seashell –  This one is another very wearable shade that a lot of people can pull off.  I would describe it as a golden pink with a hot pink sparkle.  It is SO pretty on the lips.
  • Amethyst x Geode –  I wanted this one to look amazing on me.  There’s just something about that blue mermaid lip vibe that makes me so happy.  But I feel like this one is just too blue for me to confidently pull off.  If you have no problem rocking a blue lip, then this colour is a must have for you!!  It is absolutely stunning and worth heading to Sephora to try it on and see if it works for you!!
  • Pearl x Gold –  I LOVE this one, but on my lips only the pearl shift shows, whereas swatched on my arm it looks gold.  This is too white for me to wear, but I think would look absolutely stunning on lighter skin tones, or perhaps someone who has less pigment in their lips.
  • Topaz x Gilt –  This one is gorgeous and another very unique colour, but on my lips its too much of a taupy-bronze, and the emerald shift is not flattering on my skin tone.  This would be amazing on someone with a darker skin tone!!

Have you tried these yet?? If not, please do so NOW!! If you are a gloss girl, then you definitely need these in your life!!

Xo Cassandra

(Topaz x Gilt and Amethyst x Geode)

(Pearl x Gold and Rose Quartz x Seashell)

(Champagne Dream x Bellini and Opal x Jade)

​

Kaplan MD Perfect Pout Lipstick

Cassandra Riské5 Comments

Hi Guys!!

I know you have all heard of the brand Kaplan MD, but if you have not, they are a luxury skincare brand created by Beverly Hills Dermatologist, Dr. Stuart Kaplan, M.D.  His products are always seen floating around Instagram and Youtube, with good reason!!I was recently sent one of their new Perfect Pout Lipsticks.  This lipstick promises to moisturize, repair, add natural fullness, and best of all it includes an SPF of 30!!

“Luxuriously smooth, rich lip colour combined with extraordinary lip plumping technology”

This lipstick currently comes in 6 shades.  I received Santa Monica, which is described as a nude with pink undertones.  At first I was worried it would be too light for my medium / tanned complexion but, as I feel like most light nudes are too hard for me to pull off, but this colour wears well on me without washing me out!!  It is light, but not so light that I feel like I look dead!!  It has a beautiful satin sheen to it, that is not overly glossy.  Santa Monica is light, but builds up very easily, which is probably why it is so easy to wear.  It’s the perfect finish and I can easily apply it without looking into a mirror which I love. 

These are said to naturally plump the lip contour, hydrate with intense moisture, visibly smooth away fine lines, instantly soften and refine texture, and protect with SPF 30 sunscreen!  I always get freckles on my lips in the summer, so having an SPF in my lip products is so important to me.

These retail for $30 usd and the key ingredients are 22 Certified Organic Extracts, Maxi-Lip, Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, Beeswax & Candelilla Wax.  They are formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Gluten, Castor Oil, and Petroleum Jelly.

Let me tell you, this lipstick feels so hydrating on the lips!!  It has almost the same minty scent as their lip balm, which disapears fast when applied on the lips.  I just cant believe how soft and moist these go on!  They feel like a highend lip balm!!  I love that these plump the lips without that harsh burning sensation and I also love the unique & classy packaging.  It twists up from the bottom and can easily be done with one hand.  On my radar is Beverly (Deep, warm-toned pink with brown undertones) & Roxbury (Clear with a subtle, pearl finish).  I definitely need a few more!

Use code: PERFECTPOUT for free domestic shipping when you purchase one of the Perfect Pout Lipsticks!!

I want to be very clear that I will always give my honest review even when companies send me products for free.  I will either give my honest opinion , or I won’t say anything at all, so you can always trust my recommendations and my thoughts when you read my blog!

I hope you guys enjoyed this review!  Have you tried one of these lipsticks yet??  If not, I think you need to!!  Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Kaplan MD!

Take care, and talk soon!!

XO Cassandra

(Indoor swatch)

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick | Review with Swatches

Cassandra Riské1 Comment

Hi Guys!

I received another complimentary Voxbox from Bite Beauty and Influenster and I couldn’t be happier!!  Their new liquified lipsticks are such a wonderful formula!  They are made with natural monoi butter and coconut oil making them ultra hydrating and creamy.  They currently have 12 richly pigmented shades to choose from, but 19 show on Sephoras website, which means more are coming soon!!!!

They have a satin finish, and do not dry down matte at all and I love that about them.  Im a huge fan of hydrating, comfortable lipsticks!  These are described as Bite Beauty’s most nourishing lipstick, and I highly agree!  This formula is my dream come true!!

These are the colours I received:

Éclair – Soft Rose

Demi Glace – Chocolate Mauve

Flambé – Vivid Poppy

I hear that Whip (Blushed Beige) is a must have, so that one is next on my list!!!They also included their line and define lip primer which has quickly become a new favourite of mine!  I love that this lip primer comes with a built in sharpener at the bottom so that you can easily freshen up the tip when you want to percisely outline your lip line.  It contains lauroyl lysine and silica to naturally nourish lips, retain long-term color, and prevent feathering while resveratrol, jojoba oil, and argan oil condition and smooth the lips.  I love the texture / consistency of this lip primer and I find it to be smooth and thick and really does fill in my lip lines making a smooth canvas for my lipstick.

If you don’t yet have an Influenster account, I highly suggest you sign up now!  It’s so easy to get free samples and I have received some really good full sized products!!

Thank you again to Bite Beauty & Influenster Canada for this wonderful Voxbox!!  This was a major jackpot for me!!

Have you tried any of these products??  If not, I highly suggest you go to your nearest Sephora to check them out!  Bite Beauty nailed it again!!

@BiteBeauty @Influenster #TheLiquifiedLipstick #contest

Xo Cassandra

Kat Von D Saint & Sinner Perfume | Influenster | MyRiskeLife

Cassandra RiskéLeave a comment

Hi Again!

Here I am with another awesome voxbox from Influenster!!  I received Kat’s two new perfumes, Saint & Sinner free for testing purposes.  Now although these are sample size, I knew from the moment I opened them up that these were my kind of scents!! Saint is described as a floral with notes of mandarin, caramel, and sparkling mirabelle plum.  With vanilla, jasmine, sandalwood, and creamy musk.  I would describe it as a sweet, musky vanilla (but not overly musky) that smells divine!!!  I do not pick up any notes of floral, which I like because Im not normally attracted to floral scents.  This perfume smells SO good.  I highly recommend going to Sephora now to check it out!!!

Sinner is described as warm and spicy with notes of vanilla, mandarin, mirabelle plum and spicy cinnamon.  Its base notes are vetiver, patchouli, and wood which deepen this fragrance.  This one is noticeably deeper / muskier, but not in a bad way.  I would desribe it as a warm musky vanilla!  This one smells divine as well!!  Please go smell both of these and comment down below which one you are gravitating towards!!!

Of the two Saint is my favourite, as I enjoy the softer sweeter scent…but I do like both of them and I especially like to mix the two to create a unique scent.

The full size bottles are to die for!!  Especially for those of you who collect and display perfume bottles!!  Her packing is always, always on point!!

I definitely will be adding Saint to my wish list… but the beauty junkie in me wants Sinner as well because these two go hand in hand kind of like Yin & Yang!
Now if you don’t already have an Influenster account, I highly suggest you sign up now!  It’s so easy to get free samples and I have received some really good full sized products!!

Thank You to Kat Von D Beauty and Influenster for another wonderful Voxbox!!

I hope you found this review helpful!  Are you a Saint or a Sinner?!!

Xo Cassandra

#SaintandSinner #theresurrectionisreal

 

Deciem | The Abnormal Beauty Company

Cassandra Riské4 Comments

Hi Guys!!

I was lucky enough to receive a package from Deciem | The Abnormal Beauty Company and I have been using these products for quite a few weeks now.  I wanted to share them with you all, and let you know how I feel about each item.

First, here’s some info on the brand:

They are a Canadian company that prides themselves on exceptional quality.  They do not test on animals, and they currently own and operate over 10 brands.  Some of the more well known brands are The Ordinary, The Chemistry Brand, and Hylamide.  What I love most about Deciem is that they are cruelty free, they offer incredibly affordable prices and they produce their own products!!

You can purchase Deciem products direct through their website, Sephora, Cult Beauty, and Beautylish to name a few!

Here’s a little excerpt from their website that I love!!

“Everything we do is of exceptional quality. Today, quality is no longer defined by merely price points or distribution channels. Quality today means being authentic, being different, being functional, being beautiful and being sensibly priced, even to the wealthy. And we respect these principles.”

Now onto the goodies that they sent me! 

The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum:

This serum is said to target multiple signs of ageing at once and is formulated in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes.

The scent is fresh yet light and the texture is thicker than my SkinInc serum that use to be my holy grail.  It leaves my skin feeling nicely hydrated.  It smoothes into the skin with ease and leaves it feeling really plump and smooth!  I use this in the AM and PM as recommended.  Did I mention that this serum is only $14.80 Canadian!!!

I highly highly reccomend this one and I have seen a huge improvement in my skin since using this serum.  I think this combined with the next product I am going to talk about has made remarkable changes to my texture, fine lines and has helped to reduce breakouts.

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%:

This is described as a stable emulsion of next-generation forms of retinoid, and offers better effects against signs of ageing.  This product is not a treatment for acne.  (Although I have always read that Retinoids help in the reduction of acne, so I am a little confused by this statement).  Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation.

I did not experience any increase in acne when using this product, but it may be because I was previously using a retinol product.  I have not found my skin sensitive to the sun while using this retinoid.  I do use a sunscreen on my face, as it is important as they can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation.

This Retinoid retails for $9.80 Canadian and I was told by the rep that it has been compared to Sunday Riley’s Luna Oil which retails for $70 Canadian!!

I have noticed that when I get breakouts, they tend to go away a lot faster than normal, and I can only attribute it to the retinoids in this product.  I am really happy and will definitely be repurchasing it once I run out.  No more over-priced Sunday Riley purchases!!

Hylamide Hydra-Density Mist:

This is said to offer intense lightweight hydration, comfort and immediate and lasting oil-free hydration.

I am definitely a facial mist junkie.  I have so many in my rotation, and I have definitely come across ones that just don’t reach my standards.  This one has quickly become one of my favs and I use it every single day normally AM and PM after I wash my face.

I enjoy the scent and I feel like I pick up notes of the grass root or the green tea, I am not fully sure but I do really enjoy the natural earthy scent.  The mist itself comes out really nice and it hydrates so well and sinks into the skin quite fast.

Im a busy Mom of two and sometimes this is all the skincare I have time for!  It retails for $18.00 Canadian, which to me is a good price point.

Hylamide Pore Delete:

This is a next-generation prismatic liquid for immediate visible blurring of pores, shine and textural irregularities.

Let me be really clear… I LOVE ALL THINGS THAT MATTIFY AND HELP TO ERASE PORES!!  

The suggested use is to apply as the last skincare step if used without makeup, or to pat gently over the face with fingertips after liquid foundation but before powder.

I typically will use this throughout the day when I become shiny (rather than loading more powders onto my face).  It works so well on top of makeup, even on top of setting powder even though they do not suggest putting it on top of powder.  I will pat it onto my shiny areas and it instantly absorbs all excess oils without disturbing my foundation which I love.  It’s also really good on those no makeup days.  It keeps me matte for quite a while and really does blur my pores and imperfections!  I love this stuff!!  It also does not ball up at all as some other pore minimizing products tend to do.

This retails for $19 Canadian and is definitely a gem to have in my collection.  I have noticed that the Hylamide line is more costly than The Ordinary line and I am not sure why, but I still love this product and I am eager to discover more!!

The Chemistry Brand Hand Chemistry:

OMG you guys I love this stuff!!!  It is described as a pro-repair skincare for the hands which targets 8 signs of hand aging simultaneously and improves the looks of firmness, elasticity, density, evenness, brightness, texture, smoothness and hydration.

Upon application it is so nice and thick, smells like a dream and leaves the tops of my hands feeling so smoothed and almost blurred like the pore delete mentioned above.

It also only retails for $7.00 Canadian which I can’t even believe because it is so damn good, and the packaging is of high quality.  I don’t know how they do it!!

This is a must have in my opinion and it is definitely always going to be in my rotation.

Here’s a few products that are on my wishlist, aka in my cart:

SubQ Eyes – I always use a serum on my eyes before my eye cream and I am almost out of my current one.  This one sounds like everything I need and want in an eye serum!!

Caffeine Solution 5% + egcg – This said to reduce the appearance of eye contour pigmentation and puffiness…Yes Please!!

SubQ Anti-Age Serum – Clinically advanced serum for rehydration, a plump, healthy appearance and visible texture regularity.  This is suppose to be a stronger version of The Ordinary Buffet Serum that I am currently using, so I am excited to try this next.  Who doesn’t want stronger anti-aging properties!!!

The Ordinary high-adherence silicone primer – Im primer obsessed and I hear this one is the bees knees.

Heel Chemistry – It’s summer, Im a Mom, and I need this, PERIOD!!  Plus it sounds like magic for your feet!

There’s so much more that I want to discover from these brands!  Have a look at their website and you’ll get lost like a kid in Toy’s R Us!!  (I NEED IT ALL!!).

Have you tried anything from DECIEM? If not then please do!!  The fact that they offer such high quality products for a fraction of the price, with the same active ingredients as other high-end brands is reason enough to check them out!

Xo Cassandra

Shiseido Wet Force BB VoxBox | Review with Swatches | Influenster

Cassandra RiskéLeave a comment

Hi Again!

Influenster Canada and Shiseido Canada sent me a few products for testing purposes.  I thought it would be helpful for me to tell you my thoughts on each product as I know a lot of people are fans of Shiseido and suncare in general!

1.  Sports BB Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce:

Here are a few things that I really like about this BB Cream:

  • It is transfer resistant as it claims.  When I touch my face it does not feel like I am wearing makeup and I do not get any transfer onto my hand.
  • It feels really nice and light on the skin.
  • It is very natural looking with a very light finish & coverage.
  • It blends out really easy with a beauty blender.
  • My face has not burned at all when wearing this SPF.

Here are a few things that I do not like about it:

  • It does cling to dry patches, so make sure you are well moisturized and exfoliated before using this BB cream.
  • If you have really dry skin this may not work for you.
  • The shade range is very poor… it currently only comes in three colours… Light, Medium, & Dark.  I would like to see more colours as I think I would fall into the Medium-Tan category

Overall I do like this BB Cream, but it is a shame that the shade range is so poor.  If they made a lot more shade choices I think they would generate more attention!!

2.  Ultimate Cleansing Oil:

I am in LOVE with this cleansing oil.  I have been a die hard Clinique Cleansing Balm girl, but I have been wanting to try a cleansing oil so I was pretty pumped when I received this to try.  I love the texture of this oil, its not what I epected.  Its watery yet thick and when I apply it to my face it does not drip down and I love that.  I always use a makeup wipe after washing my face just incase any makeup/residue is missed and I rarely have any makeup left on my face after using this cleansing oil.  I am very curious how this compares to their Perfect Cleansing Oil… does anyone know??  Let me know down below please!!

I would definitely repurchase this and I highly recommend giving this a try!!

3.  Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40: 

I have used this on my face and body and I definitely like it!!  It is fragrant but smells nice.  It has kind of a fresh / clean scent and is only strong if you smell it close upon application.  The scent disappears fast for me, but people who are very sensitive to fragrant smells may not like this.  It goes on sort of thick and quite white, but rubs in very easy and the white disappears completely.  I really like the thick creamy texture.  I have not burned while using this sunscreen!  On my face it left a matte appearance which I really like since I can get quite oily in my Tzone.  I prefer this over the Sports BB Cream mainly because the colour was not quite right.  There is also a tinted version that I am now very curious about!!

Thank You again Influenster Canada and Shiseido Canada for the chance to review these products!!  I found two new products that I love and will repurchase!!

These products were sent to me free for review but as always these are my honest opinions. 

Xo Cassandra 

Spring Vibes VoxBox | Influenster

Cassandra Riské2 Comments

Hi Guys!

I received the Spring Vibes VoxBox from Influenster Canada.  This particular box is special because it’s the first ever Co-Op VoxBox sent out to Canadians!  Normally the boxes are filled with goodies from one brand.  This box on the other hand is a mix of different goodies from all different brands!

Now lets see what’s inside!!

EBATES.ca Popsocket:

Check out Popsocket.com to see all the different designs of these handy little grips / stands for your phones / tablets, and many other items.  You can also customize a popsocket to make your own design!

I highly recommend signing up for an Ebates account.  You get Cash Back for shopping online and it’s so easy to use!  There are currently 750 stores that are a part of this Cash Back program.  The stores I mostly use Ebates for are Sephora (obvi), The Hudson’s Bay Company, and Amazon.  Follow the link below to sign up:

www.ebates.ca

Nivea Q10 Firming Body Oil:

I am really happy with this Body Oil.  It leaves my skin feeling hydrated but not overly oily or greasy which I love.  I apply this body oil, then let it sink into my skin.  Then I put on my robe to absorb any excess oil so that it transfers onto my robe rather than my clothes when I get dressed.  I really like that it contains avocado oil, cottonseed oil, and macadamia oil.  It truly leaves your skin feeling supple and so hydrated!!

imPRESS Press-On Manicure:

It has been YEARS since Ive used press on nails, so I was happy to receive these imPRESS Press-On Manicure nails in my box.  Their website has a really descriptive how to on the best way to prep and apply their nails that I found really helpful.  I really like these nails!!  They were so easy to put on and I just love the way they look on me.  They have so many cute colours and designs and different nail shapes as well.  Not to mention these are very affordable.

After a few days wear a few started to come loose, I would just hold them down for a few minutes to reattatch, then I ended up pulling the loose ones off and reapying fresh ones as the box came with so many extras.  I feel all my excessive hand washing and the fact that I use a cleansing oil at night to remove my makeup both played a role in these nails not staying firm… no biggie in my opionion as the box comes with extra nails and these are quite affordable.  Even though these didnt last as long on me, I honestly cant wait to buy more!!!  I do wonder however if these will cause any damage to my natural nails…anyone know?? Please comment below!!!

Annie’s Homegrown Macaroni & Cheese:

This was another product that I was happy to receive in my box.  I always choose the Annie’s brand when purchasing Mac & Cheese for my two young kids.  I normally purchase the classic noodles, so it was nice to try something different with the shells with real aged cheddar.  Have a look at their mission, and you’ll probably start eating this Mac & Cheese as well!

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean 3-IN-1 Power Paks:

I received a coupon for a free pack of Arm & Hammer Power Paks, so I went to my local Walmart and picked up a pack!  Laundry packs are my favourite as they are so quick and easy to use.  So far I like these ones.  My laundry smells nice and fresh, but the scent may be too strong for those with sensitivty to smells.  I also wouldnt recommend these paks on small loads as clothes come out a little crunchy / stiff.

Nescafé Sweet & Creamy Instant Coffee:

As a mom of two, I’ll take free coffee any day!!  I have never tried Nescafé’s Sweet & Creamy Instant Coffee before.  Actually I don’t think I’ve ever tried any brand of instant coffee.  I was surprised to discover that it is actually really good and creamy, and not at all artificial tasting as I thought it may be.  One tip I would offer is to not add too much water to the mixture, unless you like light / mild coffee.  I would purchase these again as Momma loves her coffee!!

Quaker Harvest Fruit & Nut Granola Bar:

In my box were these two flavours – Orchard Fruit and Dark Chocolate Cherry.  I often buy these bars, but I have never tried either of these flavours.  So far I have only tried Orchard Fruit, and I did not really like it.  I’ll keep you posted on the orher flavour!

So what did I love most in this box?? Definitely Nivea’s Firming Body Oil & the imPRESS Press On Nails!!

Thank You again to Influenster Canada and all these other brands for sending me these products free for review, as always, these are my honest opinions!!

XO Cassandra