Author Archives: Fiona

Valentine’s Day Nail Swatches – It’s Love at First Swatch!

Happy (early) Valentine’s Day! What does this day mean to you: an opportunity to spoil your loved one or a get-paid holiday created by retailers? To Mary and me, this is just another day to have lots of fun with our makeup and nails (like every other day :P).

This holiday is always filled with reds and pinks, so we’ve included a selection of our favorites! But of course, it wouldn’t be Swatch And Learn’s style to just give you just that. No! We’ve got some nail art and colors that usually aren’t associated with Valentine’s Day.

Just make sure to click on the images to see more swatches and full reviews. Let us know what you think of our choices and what your fave V Day nail colors are! Continue reading →

Sephora by OPI How Many Carats Review & Swatches

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** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Those who love splashes of colors on their nails might think Sephora by OPI How Many Carats is a yawn fest. But there is something sophisticated and demure about this milky white shade that’s appealing. Plus, it’s a great shade for a classic French manicure.

My issue with Sephora How Many Carats isn’t so much the not-so-exciting shade. It’s more with the quality you get. It is definitely not worth the price – an expensive price, at that! Come see why! Continue reading →

e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Earthy Review & Swatches

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** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Who loves green eyeshadow? Me, me, me! I always thought my favorite is purple, but I was looking in my makeup stash and found green after green after green. Yikes. But who could blame me? (I don’t.) Green contrasts against brown eyes so beautifully!

And e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Earthy is a cheap find that I really enjoy wearing. The green is simply to die for, while the golden shimmery finish adds that wow factor. All for $3? I would definitely buy it again and again…and not feel a single bit of guilt. Continue reading →

Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon HandiBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Foam Review & Pictures

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** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

I’m not a germaphobe! There. I got that out of my system. I do not, however, like the idea of getting sick from germs and viruses – even if it’s just the common cold. That’s why I always carry around some sort of anti-bacterial product with me.

I’m actually using several anti-bacs right now – one for work, one at home and one in my purse. OK, so maybe I am starting to sound like a germaphobe… but these products are so convenient, and most of them smell great (aside from Purell). Since the flu’s alive and kickin’, I thought I’d review the one I currently use at work: Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon HandiBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Foam. Continue reading →

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter Review & Pictures

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** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

I remember when I was in high school, I loooooved fruity scents. It’s like I wanted to make myself smell edible! Back then, I was all about The Body Shop (this was before Bath & Body Works graced Canada with its presence). I wasn’t in love with all their scents, but The Body Shop Mango Body Butter was always a fave.

One of the many reasons why I stopped shopping there is because their prices are kind of high. But recently they had a sale, and who am I to pass that up? I picked up the Mango Body Butter, and I felt like I traveled back in time. It brought back so many memories. Plus, I realize I still love the scent! Continue reading →

Nubar Liquid Metals Collection Precarious Lavender Review & Swatches

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** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Weird. I was looking through my nail polishes and found Nubar Liquid Metals Collection Precarious Lavender. It’s a color that I haven’t worn before, and I don’t even remember purchasing it! Isn’t it great when you find gems that you own? It’s like finding money in between the seat cushions.

I’m not sure how I could’ve forgotten to try this pretty pale purple with a metallic finish. I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m usually impressed with Nubar nail polishes, and this one’s no exception. However, this one doesn’t secure a perfect status in my eyes though. Find out why! Continue reading →

Smashbox Proof Cream Eye Liner Palette Review & Swatches

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** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Do you have a makeup product that always catches your attention in the store? One that you test out every time, but never purchase? Smashbox Proof Cream Eye Liner Palette was that product for me… until I actually bought it. 😛 Eye colors are my Kryptonite!!

At first I thought I made a mistake and had wasted my money. But that was when I hadn’t figured out how best to get the product onto the included brush. Now that I found the best method, I’m truly liking this Smashbox cream liner palette. It’s not perfect, but it’s a winner still!

Continue reading →