AA, BB, CC creams, do you we'll keep going down the alphabet? The first BB cream I tried was from Garnier, and really I wasn't impressed. To me, most BB creams feel like tinted moisturizers - nothing special. I was recently at Sephora looking for something light to wear for the summer that would survive the entire day and provide medium coverage - and I was recommended Tarte's BB tinted treatment primer. Sure it's "primer" - but I put it to the test as a stand-alone BB cream. 

Facts about my skin:
Skin tone: Olive tone
Skin type: Oily and acne prone
Problems: Occasional breakouts on the chin and cheeks, acne scars, large pores in the t-zone, an oily t-zone, and the odd wrinkle - well that's a depressing list.

Welcome to my review of Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($29 CDN)

Skin tone: Olive skin
Skin-type: Dry
Problems: Those pesky fine lines, and over-all I have dark circles and some visible veins around my eyes.

It happens to the best of us - what looks and sounds like a great product in store turns out to be a dud. These products may be holy grails for some ladies out there, but for me - quite the opposite. Here are a few of my recent duds. Let's get right into it:

Spring is finally here! Although it doesn't feel like it quite yet in Canada - we had a snow storm this weekend and it's sitting at about -15. This winter has been a dreadful one - and I figured it was time to forget all about those cold days - and start to get ready for spring!

Here are my top picks for Spring 2014 makeup trends - and my personal makeup picks to showcase these trends. What are you looking forward to this spring? Comment below!

Welcome to my review of Jane Iredale's PurePressed Base ($60 compact, $40 refill)!

The facts about my skin:
Skin-tone: Olive skin tone
Skin-type: Oily acne prone
Problem: Occasional breakouts on the chin and cheeks, acne scars, large pores in the t-zone, an oily t-zone, and the odd wrinkle - wow that's a lot of problems!  

The Product: Meet Jane Iredale's PurePressed Base (in the color Latte)($60 compact, $40 refill)
If you're not familiar with Jane Iredale, the owner started the line in 1994 and their foundations claim to act as a foundation, concealer, sunscreen, contain active skin care benefits, and are non-comedogenic and do not block pores. This foundation in particular is said to be:
- Very water-resistant and highly pigmented
- Applies evenly and easily, providing long-lasting, gorgeous coverage
- Light diffusing properties make skin look flawless, healthy and younger
- Minimizes pores and fine lines
- No oil, talc, dyes and parabens
- Gentle, safe for sensitive eyes and formulated with good-for-the-skin ingredients

Below are the full ingredient details - from a refill package of the foundation. When you purchase it for the first time you will need to buy the compact and power combo for $60, The compact is a lovely gold color, made from metal and quite heavy - with the "J" design right on the compact. The re-fill foundations can be purchased for $40 - and if you order straight from the Jane Iredale site - your order comes with a note from Jane (I'm sure they're mass produced but which a nice touch!) and a real dried lavender - which was a nice surprise!

Welcome to my review of Rimmel's Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm ($7 CDN for 2.5g) 
(That is a mouthful of a product name!)

Facts about my lips:
Skin tone: Olive
Natural lip color: pink/mauve
Lip size: I'm lippy - no other way to say it!
Skin type: I try to keep my lips moisturized - living in a very dry Canadian climate!

The Product: Meet Rimmel's Lasting Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm ($7 CND for 2.5g)

The infamous Clinique Chubby Stick started it all - with the crayon-type lip balm/stick. Now, of course, almost every drugstore makeup brand has come up with their own version. I have heard rave reviews about some of the drugstore versions such as Revlon - but it was Rimmel that got me the most excited about their version of the lip stick. I'm a big Rimmel fan - from their nail polishes to eye shadows and eye liners - I think they're great! Over all I find their products are very good quality, and available in a wide range of colors. The product claims it is a "Lightweight long lasting intense colour and moisture... Intense... smooth lasting balm that is comfortable to wear all day." The Rimmel website states the balms come in 7 colors - but the color I purchased was not listed on their list so there are likely more colors out there. I purchased the color 610 "Sun Kissed". I loved the pink-nude, I think a great transition color from winter to spring! The packaging itself was pretty standard - like many of the lip balm 'crayons' out there where you twist the bottom to bring up the product.

Welcome to my review of Benefit They're Real Mascara($12 CDN for 0.14oz; $29CDN for 0.3oz)

Facts about my eyes:
Size: Medium
Shape: Almond
Color: Brown
Type: Hooded (and I mean hooooded)
Lashes: Medium length, straight