Pixi Beauty Spring Skincare Collections

Pixi Beauty just released major newness for spring and here is everything you need to know about the Vitamin C, Hydrating Milky, and Collagen collections. 

As you guys know, I've been a die-hard Pixi Beauty lover for years. I am just obsessed with the whole brand. They create skin-loving products that are cruelty-free, free of harsh chemicals and are packed with botanicals to enhance your natural radiant skin! The whole aesthetic is so on brand for me. Glow, radiance, natural beauty...could it be any more Pastels & Pastries perfect? Also, just look at the packaging. They are being so innovative right now and releasing SO many products that I don't know where to start. They've launched face masks, eye pads, body peels, and smoothing oils. UGH, I KNOW! Don't you want it all?

Last week I sat down with global make-up artist, Amanda Bell, to discuss all the Pixi Beauty launches. She was fresh off a plane from London where she covered The Brit Awards and then in Milan for Fashion Week. I got the inside scoop and I can't wait to share which Pixi launches I am most excited about.

There are three collections I want to focus on... the new Vitamin C line, the Hydrating Milky line, and the Collagen-infused line. You're probably thinking they all sound amazing, but which one will work best for me? I got you, girl!




Vitamin C collection:
Are you in need of brightening? Do you have hyperpigmentation, discoloration or sunspots? Does your skin look dull or just blah? The vitamin C products are here to help! Formulated with powerful antioxidants and acids (hello ferulic acid aka my fave!), the products will bring out your true radiance promoting a brighter and youthful complexion. Love it already. Some of my favourites from this line are the Vitamin-C Caviar Balm. I lather it on before bed as an overnight mask, and wake up with the bright, and plump skin. Not to mention silky soft! Also, the Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser is packed with the same antioxidants but its purpose is to cleanse your skin. You can apply with a cotton pad and there is no need to rinse off. Perfect for those late, lazy nights! Like the one I had this weekend... Here's looking at you, vodka-soda.

Hydrating Milky collection:
Is the harsh winter getting the best of you? Is your skin dry, red or lacking in hydration? I FEEL YOU. Go away winter! But in all seriousness, if your skin is dry, blotchy and in need of soothing you will want to go for Pixi's Hydrating Milky products. Try the Hydrating Milky Tonic as your toner to really sooth and balance the skin. It has oat extract so you know it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Bonus-- it's alcohol-free!
**Okay if we are talking red, inflamed skin I need to shout out the new pHenomenal Gel. It's a moisture gel that instantly calms redness and evens out your skin tone. I am obsessed with this right now and have been using it after my serum, just before moisturizer. It has aloe vera, which is so calming on the skin!

Collagen collection:
Are you noticing wrinkles, fine lines and need to inject some plumpness back into your skin? Then these products are your jam. You don't need to have "aging" skin to use these, but they are youth preserving. What to use specifically? The Collagen & Retinol Serum might be your go-to (use on cleansed skin before moisturizer). It's packed with collagen and retinol so you'll be sure to get some bright, plump skin going on. If you didn't know-- you ALWAYS want to use SPF when you are using a product with retinol. Retinol will help scrub away dead skin cells so you'll want to protect all the new skin cells. That's what makes this serum a knock-out. It's double duty!












One more product I am super excited about?! It's not from either of these lines, but it's a new one... the On-The-Glow Stick! I just know it's going to be the perfect travel companion. It looks like a deodorant stick, but is multi-purpose and can be used on face, lips and the body. Swipe it onto the skin for moisture and a serious glow-up! Amanda's pro tip: apply on your cheekbones for an instant highlight effect. This weekend I applied it on my collarbones for a little sultry glow! The light reflects on it so beautifully without any sparkle.

I hope this was a great breakdown of Pixi Beauty's new launches, and it really helps you decipher the best line for your skin concerns. If you have specific questions, let me know! I am here to help!

And you can find most Pixi Beauty products at Shopper's Drug Mart!

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The Best Skincare Dupes for Winter

Affordable skin care products that perform just as well as the luxe favorites? Yes, they exist.

If you are looking to find those killer dupes that rival in performance, will improve skin tone and texture and really amp up the glow, I got you covered. Lately, I've been receiving questions on what are some affordable and accessible products that are available at the drugstore. Investing in your skincare can get quite costly and it isn't always an option. Or you may just be looking to try something new and want to dabble into drugstore goods before you make the plunge into some luxe ones. There is so much out there and sometimes we stick to what we know. If you're looking to break out of your routine and try out these products that legit match their higher priced counterparts, keep reading!

1. GET THE GLOW
Pixi Beauty Glowtion Day Dew ($30) vs Charlotte Tilbury Youth Glow ($76)

Yes, it's true. The Charlotte Tilbury Brightening Youth Glow will illuminate your skin from within. It's smooth, the texture is so light and it glides on the face like a dream. It also colour corrects and primes the skin, and often I mix it with a drop of foundation to act as all-in-one CC cream. I do really love it. However, at a fraction of a price Pixi Beauty Glowtion Day Dew does all the same! It leaves your skin so dewy and radiant and I find it does provide the same kind of luminosity. It is also extremely weightless and glides on perfectly. I will also mix it with some foundation to add some bronzey glow. This dupe is seriously one of my faves! You get an amazing bang for your buck and it's definitely worth the $30 you'll pay at Shoppers.

2. COLOUR CORRECTING
QUO Complexion Correcting Primer ($25) vs Stila One Step Correct ($47)

I've tried both and can honestly say they both work basically identically. The Stila version is a bit heavier, while the QUO definitely feels a bit more watered down, however they both go on smoothly. I find the Stila to blur fine lines a bit more, however, the QUO feels a bit softer to the touch. I love these three-in-one correctors because they tackle all issues-- the green combats redness (which I have tons of in winter), the purple brightens the complexion and the peach evens discoloration and primes. To be honest, if you're looking for a colour corrector this winter, I'd go with QUO and save the extra $20! Since I only use correctors in the winter, I'll save and pick up the QUO next time.
I can't find the QUO version online, but just head to your Shopper's Drug Mart to pick it up! It looks the same as the Stila container.

3. FACE OIL
NIU Glow Luminizing Facial Serum ($30) vs EVE LOM Radiance Face Oil ($104)
I love Eve Lom. I really do. When it comes to face oil there is something so luxurious about it, and it makes me feel so glamorous. The Eve Lom oil smells lovely, a little goes such a long way and it does make your complexion radiant, hydrated and dewy. The NIU serum is a great alternative. It really does boost radiance and leaves you bright and radiant for a steal of a price. You can mix it into your moisturizer if you find it is too heavy or want a lighter finish. It's packed with jojoba oil, camellia oil, and bergamot oil. It leaves you feeling fresh, radiant and without a doubt bright! Are you new to face oils? Try the NIU (plus the company is run by two local girlbosses) first and see how it sits on your skin. You will not be disappointed!

Do you have any amazing dupes? Also, let me know if this is something I should continue doing!

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Best Lipsticks of 2018

Lipsticks are on their own level, am I right? At any given time if you open my purse you are bound to find a minimum of 7 lip products. I just have favourites for everything! I can't help it. There is no way I could incorporate them into my beauty round-up post since I am beyond addicted to skincare, too. 2018 served up a lot of lippies. Silky, shiny, plumping, matte, stick, tubes, pots, wands-- and the list goes on. In fact, I am spilling my purse right now to scour through them all to bring you the most used, the most loved and the most impactful lipsticks I tried. The shells may be cracked, dirty and fading, but that just means they are the best of the best, right?

Here we go, the best lipsticks of 2018:

Firstly-- A little lip prep:

Boosh Lip Plumping Balm
A perfect peppermint balm, natural and made with organic ingredients! I am hooked on this little stick. The peppermint is so invigorating and I love how hydrating the formula is (thanks to the beeswax). Recently, I've been trying out more lippies from Boosh (Dusty Rose is a serious contender for the best pastel pink!). I also love that Boosh is a local company and the products are produced with local ingredients. Plus, the container is aluminum and not plastic!

Buxom Va-Va Plump Shiny Liquid Lip
My go-to, no matter the shade! I did a whole video on these because I love them so much. The hydrating formula plumps your lips,  are long-lasting and they shine so magnificently without getting sticky or smudging. And I don't normally love a shiny lip, but something about these makes you feel like you're ready for the red carpet. Beg for Mauve and Boldly Go are two of my favourite shades. Apply the Buxom Big O for some serious plumping! I can't even count how many of these I used in 2018. A favourite, for sure!

BareMinerals Gen Nude Liquid Lipstick
This is my Buxom counterpart for matte lips. I especially love the silky smoothness of this formula. Luxe is a dirty pastel pink which is in my purse every single day! I can't get enough of the texture since it goes on like a cream but has a matte finish. They also smell like vanilla cake, which I am obsessed with. Even the red shares are so deep and long-lasting. Gen Nudes are also found in shiny versions, so make sure you're sourcing out the liquid lipsticks for the gorgeous matte finish.

Lipstick Queen Nothing But The Nudes
A more recent discovery for me which I love! And the name says it all... Queen is right! I first fell in love with the "Nothing but the Nudes" collection, which is the creamiest collection of nudes. The colour is rich and pigmented. This can be hard to come by with nudes as they are typically so sheer. I've been wearing "Hanky Panky Pink" all fall! I especially love how they are packed with vitamin E to make them hydrating and smooth.
Spoiler alert: The Rear View Mirror Lip Lacquer collection is launching Spring 2019, and prepare to fall head over hood (they are inspired by the feel of a new car)! I love how easy this application is, the lacquer glides on perfectly. You can line the lips and then fill them in all with the same stick. Lately, I've been loving "Little Nude Coup". These are going to be such a hot release for 2019.

Pixi MatteLast Liquid Lip
Oh baby, do I love these, too! They are an amazing price point so you can literally stock your shelf. They recently came out with 5 additional bold shades which I have been loving. I always get asked what I'm wearing when I wear these. That is because the colour is striking, it is extremely matte, ultra pigmented and it does last hours. They contain rosehip and beeswax so they are super duper hydrating and long-lasting. Also you can't beat the angled applicator to really shape the lip.

I think matte was my go-to look this year...

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick
No 1- Le Rouge. It is the ultimate, BEST red. The formula for this creamy lipstick is absolutely divine. My lips could be dry and cracking and the minute I apply this, all is healed! The staying power on this lipstick is also revolutionary. Eat, drink, sweat... it does not budge! Plus the gold sparkling case is an added bonus. Luxe, glam and worth the hype!

Do you need a little extra lip care? Check out my top beauty picks for 2018 for two lip must-haves!

Some of my other all-time faves are Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury, Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lips, NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment and L'Oreal Colour Riche Ultra Matte Lipstick.
S H O P T H E P O S T :

{ top left to bottom right: wearing PIXI, YSL, bareMinerals, Buxom }

Thank You Giveaway | Win My Favourite Beauty Skincare Products

Remember this post?

Five years of blogging. Wow. It's been a while, my friends! You can read all about what I've learned over the past five years over here. I wanted to do something special to go along with the post, and I know the anniversary was in February, and now it's March, but sometimes there isn't enough time in the day, don't hate me! I put together a little (who am I kidding, it's massive!) giveaway to thank you all for all the support I have received over the last five years. It's been quite a ride in the best way.

This giveaway is legit guys. One amazing thing about having a blog is getting the opportunity to share things that make me so excited! One of those things is definitely the brands I love and their products. I love, love, love testing out skincare, beauty and hair products. It's become such a passion of mine and I'm so glad you guys like reading about the experiences. I pulled together some of my favourite products for this giveaway. It's not sponsored by any brand, it's just some products that I have received from brands (that I love), and some that I have purchased. These are the ones I go back to, and ones that I can't wait to share. I packaged them up in a pretty box and I can't wait to send it off to one of you to say thank you!

Check out the short video below and take a sneak peek into the giveaway!


(Spoiler: it features some of my faves from Benefit Cosmetics, Smashbox, NARS, Pixi, essie, L'Oreal and more!)



All you have to do is:
1- Subscribe on YouTube and comment on one of my videos
2- Sign up for my newsletter (pop up appears on the homepage)
3- Follow me on Instagram (@gabpacifico), tag 2 friends in the comments and tell them why they should follow me

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's really that simple. Bonus entries if you comment on this post!

Thank you ALL for everything. Seriously. So much love for you ALL.

Good luck!


This post was not sponsored by any one brand, but some of the products were given to me as PR samples. Some of them I have purchased because I love and want to share. All opinions on these products are my own. 

Winter Glow at Three Different Price Points

Glowy, rosy, golden skin is one of my obsessions. I can't even leave the house without a swipe of highlighter, and I have no remorse, my friends! I love the way it reflects the light and adds a bursting luminosity.  I don't judge if you're more of a matte gal, I can appreciate it all, but a dewy glow is just what I've been feeling as of late. You can add it to the inner corners of your eyes for a real pop,  use it above and under your eyebrows for a life, plump up your lips by adding it to the cupid's bow (middle portion of your upper lip), and the list goes on! There are a few products that have become my go-tos, and it doesn't matter your budget, I have a product for you at every price point! Let's break it down, shall we? Seven products, three categories (worth the splurge, affordable and fab, and drugstore find) and all are shining stars!

SKINCARE

Dior Capture Youth Glow Booster Age Delay Illuminating Serum -worth the splurge 

Dullness and uneven skin tones are no match! I love the Dior Capture Youth Glow Booster for multiple reasons. It smells so lovely, so light and you can feel it working into the skin. How does it restore radiance? With one of my favourite ingredients- vitamin C of course! Apply before moisturizer or mix in with your moisturizer (my favourite right now is the Dior Capture Youth Advanced Cream). Your skin will just glow from the inside out, total hydration and no gimmick. Bonus-- formulated with mostly natural ingredients, it delays signs of aging, because it really is never too early to start fighting the inevitable!

Vichy Idealia Smoothness & Glow Energizing Cream - affordable and fab

I've been loving this moisturizer lately too. It combats stressors and amps up on the glow. It contains fermented black tea (aka kombucha) and blueberry extracts and thermal water. Talk about antioxidants! Not only does it reduce fine lines, but it boosts glow and tightens the skin. I always pair with the Vichy Anti-Fatigue Eye Care. It actually is the best eye stick I've used! It contains caffeine and licorice root to blur fine lines and rid dark shadows. It gives off such a shimmer, and it's a must-have. Combine the two and you will be glowing.

Pixi Rose Flash Balm- drugstore find

Perfect if you want the glow, but not necessarily the shimmer or shine. I love adding the balm after the Rose Essence Caviar. It creates a dewy look that is extremely hydrating and supple. You know that look like you've slept in your makeup and your face is just so lovely? Yes, that's the dew! Moisturizes the skin, brightens and revitalizes all in one go. Tip-- don't rub it in, just pat on the skin. 

FACE

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops - drugstore find

First off, the Lumi Glow line by L'Oreal. Holy GLOW is right! All I do is add a drop to my moisturizer, or if I am wearing makeup that day, my foundation and it gives you a great dewy glow from a lit from within look. It even comes in two shades-- Daybreak and Golden Hour. I've been using Daybreak as it feels more cool, perfect for the daytime, but Golden Hour would be perfect to accent a tan (hi, summer!).

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer- drugstore find

Same same, but different.  This one is a use all over lotion. This liquid highlight comes in three shades and it can totally be worn alone or over makeup. It creates a lovely all over glow and it extremely lightweight. You can even accent with it if you'd like. It gives off a fresh glow, not too overpowering, perfect for the day-to-day!

Pixi + Cafe con Dulce - drugstore find

This multi-use pallet was maybe made for me? Nine shades of shimmery powder to cream beautifulness!  It has you covered with every shade-- peach tones, rose tones, golden tones, and bronze tones, perfect for highlighting and brighten. I love using it on the eyelids and on the cheeks. Use it on the inner corner of your eyes for the ultimate effect! Tip-- add a swipe of Pixi Lip Icing on your lips after you highlight the cupid's bow. The sweet, luminous lip gloss adds the perfect touch to any colour. It's the perfect top coat!

NARS Danger Control Eyeshadow Palette -worth the splurge 

Holographic, glittery and fabulous! For such light shades I can't believe how pigmented they are! My faves are the top three, Rave, Elektra, and Aeyrn Sun.  I've already dabbled into these pastels but I know they will be so lovely for spring and summer. The shades really are long lasting, and no fall out to be found!

Are you ready to get your glow on? Are there any products totally calling your name? Let me know!

S H O P  T H E  P O S T:

Pixi Please : Pixi Beauty in Review

Naturally beautiful, skin serving, botanically enhanced, quick, simple, flawless... Today I'm talking all things Pixi Beauty and if any of these words resonate with you, you need to keep reading.

Before having the pleasure of meeting Pixi makeup artist extraordinaire, Amanda Bell, I was already smitten with the brand. Years ago I would raid Target's beauty section and stock up on the essentials whenever I made a trip over the border. Now that the brand has made its way onto the shelves of Shoppers Drug Mart I can always be sure that my beloved Glow Tonic is never more than a quick hop, skip or jump away!

Amanda and the Pixi team hosted an inspiring luncheon at Colette last week and I can honestly say that the intimate afternoon made me fall even more in love with the company and products! What I love about Pixi is that they focus on enhancing your own skin in the most natural way (winner, winner!!) The skin treats are there to clean and prep the skin and the makeup products are truly there to enhance what you already have, not to cover or hide your own natural beauty. The pastel pink and mint packaging is just a bonus!

Since natural beauty is something so dear to me I really felt connected to the brand. Amanda told us how Pixi came about and shared that in the early days, the infamous Glow Tonic was delivered in barrels to their Soho, London store and the ladies of the shop would package, bottle and label the toner. How cool is that?! Their reason for constantly selling out? The formula has not changed at all! And it's one that is suitable for all skin types. Trust me-- this sensitive skin, rosacea bearing, break-out prone girl can attest to its brilliance!

I wanted to highlight a few tips that I learned from Amanda, and also share a few of my favourite products, old and new!

Stand Out Products:

1. Glow Tonic-  The best toner I've used. It's my go-to morning and night and can honestly say I notice a difference when I forget to apply it or travel without it. It does not dry out your skin, it leaves you feeling fresh (since it exfoliates), clean and glowing.

Pro Tip: The Glow Tonic is the first thing you should be setting in your skin. You don't want to see any old makeup come off on the cotton pad. So make sure you really focus on the cleansing (don't be afraid to really get in there!!)

2. Vitamin Wake Up Mist- A new product and an instant favourite for me. The smell is absolutely in- toxifying-- think orange blossom, lavender and citrus. It's basically summer mornings in a mist. I have been using it anytime throughout the day as a refresher, and also after I apply my makeup to set.

3. Rose Oil Blend- Another amazing product that gives off the ultimate dewy glow. You can use it after your toner as a straight face oil, but I've also been adding a drop to my moisturiser to really hydrate the skin and add some elasticity.

Pro Tip: Mix 1 drop of the Rose Oil Blend with the H20 Skin Drink for the ultimate hydration.

4. Flawless Beauty Primer- One product you will need for the summer! Besides the even skin, this primer adds the most perfect illuminating glow. You can even use it as a face moisturizer. I've been adding my Rose Oil Blend to this primer and finishing off with the Vitamin Wake Up Mist for a simple, flawless, glowing look (it's what I'm wearing in these pictures)! 

OTHER TIPS:

The Hydrating Milky Mist contains black oat which is perfect for sensitive/ rosacea prone skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which is amazing for moisture!
The H20 Skindrink provides a serious moisture surge and a cooling effect.

**Wearing the following Pixi products in these photos:
Glow Tonic
Hydrating Milky Mist
Flawless Beauty Primer mixed with Rose Oil Blend
Vitamin Wake Up Mist
Endlessly Silky Eye Pen- Bronzebeam
Beauty Bronzer- Summertime

S H O P T H E P O S T:

Thank you to Pixi Beauty. Products were given for review but all opinions stated are my own.