Guest post Kmakesithappen 4 Ways to Get The Dewy Skin Glow


All Over Glow
If you’re looking for an all over glow, then using a foundation with a dewy finish will give you what you’re looking for. Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse Foundation gives an amazing dewy glow to your skin. For the parts that might appear a bit too dewy (T-zone and nose area) Take a pressed powder and just pat those areas down for a more satin finish. Other foundations with a dewy finish include Burberry Velvet, Neutrogena Health Skin, and NARS Sheer Glow.

Light Glow
If the all over dewy skin is a bit too much for you then try an illuminating primer. These illuminating products go on before you apply any makeup, and give more of a light glow. Illuminating primers are great to use with full coverage foundations and BB creams. Loreal Magic Lumi Illuminating Primer is a great illuminating product. Hard Candy Sheer Envy Skin Illuminating Primer is another good drugstore primer for dewy skin. A little bit more expensive is Quo Re-Texture Cream Face Primer.

Natural Glow
Liquid illuminators are great for all over use. You can mix them with your primer, your foundation, or just apply them to certain areas on your face. These along with the illuminator face primer are probably the most natural looking. Gosh Liquid Highlighter is a great illuminator; Benefit High Beam and NARS Orgasm illuminator are both super popular ones. MAC Strobe Lotions is another great liquid illuminator.

Controlled Glow
Powder illuminators are probably the easiest to use. Highlighting with powder illuminators is great for bringing out certain features, like your cheekbones, brow bones it also looks great on the tip of your nose and on your cupids bow. I love using Sleek Makeup Face Form Palette that comes with a highlighter, its super soft and natural looking. Skinature Inc Daylight Illuminator works great for underneath the eyes. Miaoou Magic Finish Cooked Powder and MAC inextra Dimension Highlighters are also super great.

Guest post by kmakesithappen

Guest Post: abeautywithbrains Let's Go Nude!


Yes I'm talking about lipsticks! A nude that complements your skin tone is a great finishing touch for your makeup. A smokey eye/nude lip combination is one of the most sexiest makeup looks to me. Kim Kardashian must agree with me because it's her signature look!

Nude lips can be worn in the daytime as well with more simple looks but it can be tricky selecting a shade. The wrong shade will have you looking like a corpse in a matter of seconds. Here are a few of my favorite nude lip recipes, WOC approved of course.

1. Loreal Colour Riche Lip Color "Fairest Nude" + Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss "Peach Petal"
2. NYX Round Lipstick "Tea" + Milani lip gloss "Secret"
3. NYX Xtreme Lip Creme "Nude Peach Fuzz" + NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss "Smokey Look"

I prefer having a satin or glossy finish, I find matte a little hard to pull off. Nudes look best with a creamy texture.

Don't be afraid to "go nude"!

Guest post by: abeautywithbrains

Guest Post: FabEllis’ Summer Must Haves

For many of us, summer is the season we wait for all year. It’s the time for warm weather, sandals and vacations. If you’re a beauty lover, not only does your wardrobe change to accommodate the warm temperatures, but so does your beauty routine. With summertime currently in full swing and the heat soaring, minimal is the name of the game.

Here are my three summer must-haves:

1. Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in Hot Plum
Summer is the ideal time to rock bright, bold lipstick. Maybelline’s Hot Plum lipstick is a gorgeous pink shade that looks good on everyone! I love this shade because it instantly adds fun to your whole look.

2. L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara
With the summer heat in full effect, I try to keep my makeup to a minimum; however, I still want to look polished. This mascara makes my lashes appear ridiculously long and my eyes bright. It’s perfect for the days where I need a little something without wearing any makeup.

3. Dickinson’s Oil Controlling Astringent
Since I have combination skin, the oil on my face likes to make a frequent appearance in the summertime. This astringent not only cleans my face, but helps keep oil at bay which is an absolute must!

What are some of your summer must-haves?

Guest post by FabEllis

Guest Post: discoveriesofself Sleek Original Palette Swatches

I've always been a lover of Sleek!

I love the fact that it's not only super affordable but it caters for a wide range of skin tones 
as well as carrying high pigmentation with its products.

I already own a few Sleek eyeshadow palettes however I hadn't brought one in a while so I decided to pick up The Original palette by Sleek.


This is a great palette for those of us who love a simply smokey eye for any occasion!
The palette contains 11 shimmer eyeshadow and 1 matte black eyeshadow.

The shimmer eyeshadows are beautifully soft and pigmented and how up well on my skin tone.
The swatches below were taken without any primer being added and without flash in natural daylight.


The top row of eyeshadows are fabulous for a great night out look, 
you can really have fun with these colours.

The bottom row were what I call more of 'highlight' colours, as gorgeous as they are they can appear slightly ashy on a skin tone such as mine, however for inner eye highlights these colours would work absolutely fine.

I decided to create two looks with this palette (one using colours from the top row and another from the bottom) for the sake of this post to test out their pigmentation and I can safely say that I was very impressed.

I used a Maybelline colour tattoo underneath the purple eyeshadow to ensure that the colours pop but to be perfectly honest it wasn't necessary, the purple was so vibrant!

The copper eyeshadow was equally as beautiful, I didn't use a base with this, only a thin layer of Too Faced Shadow Insurance primer, as you can see the colour pay off is top notch!

I don't really have a con for this palette, if I was to be very picky I would say the range of colours included in one palette may not be to everybody's taste but for the price and colour pay off I'm sure this can be forgiven.

Guest post by discoveriesofself

Guest Post PiinkCupcakez: Watermelon Frenzy



·      NK Base Coat
·      Essie "Splash of Grenadine"
·      Sinful Colors "Rise and Shine"
·      L.A. Colors Art Deco "White"
·      Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
·      rhinestones
·      dotting tool
·      tape
1. Paint thumb and middle fingers with Sinful Colors "Rise and Shine". Paint the rest with Essie "Splash of Grenadine".

2. Once nails are completely dry, tape your Index, Middle, and Pinky fingers as seen below.
*Tip* - Stick the tape onto your hand before sticking it to your nail. If the tape is too sticky it can pull off the nail polish underneath it.


3. Paint them with Sinful Colors "Rise and Shine" and carefully remove the tape while it's still wet.

4. Next, take your white nail art polish and create thin lines that follow the designs you've just created on your middle and pinky nails. You can then stick a rhinestone onto your middle finger using clear nail polish.


5. Get your dotting tool and dot it up!
Don't have a dotting tool? No worries.
I actually used the end of a bobbypin for this.


6. Apply a topcoat and you're done!

Of course you can substitute these nail polishes with your colors of choice.
Happy Painting!


Guest post by PiinkCupcakez

Canadian National Exhibition

It's that time again! 
The Ex always reminds me that summer is almost over. 
Every year, I take the Go train and check out the attractions & events at CNE. 
Check out some great shots I took this year!
Can you believe that this was made out of sand! 
I played the Birthday game and I won!
How effortless does he look up there!
I was so scared watching him.
The attraction rides!
I had to check out the shopping section!
So many deals!
 This week visit the CNE for only $5 after 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings both weeks of the CNE excluding Labour Day Monday. 

Back to School must haves

I always remember the high of going back to school. Nervous for the new year but happy to see all my friends. I always had two weeks of brand new clothing ready and got my hair done right before classes. There are so many products out there to keep you looking your best for back to school. 

Here are my top must haves for back to school! 





  • Lush Grease Lightning ($13.95 CAN)
A few days before school and a pimple shows up right in the middle of your forehead!
What do you do?
Dab Grease Lightning on your problem spot to speed up the process.
A gentle infusion of thyme, tea tree and rosemary cleans up problematic dirt and soothing aloe vera gel calms and hydrates irritated skin. See? Blemishes aren’t so scary after all.
  • IMAN BB creme ($27.50 CAN)
Want to get a gorgeous glow in the Fall?
Try the IMAN BB creme. I found that this product works best for me when I'm having a low impact day. So it perfect to wear to classes or to the library... etc.
Hydrates with Kokum, Almond, Aloe and Vitamins A, E & C
  • Blueberry Acai Smooth Sphere Lip Balm  ($3.99 CAN)
Dry lips before school?
Get an EOS sphere lip balm. Throw it in your backpack or makeup bag.
It delivers the love, delight and moisturization you always get from eos, but also the goodness and  delicious flavor of blueberries and acai berries.
  • Kiss Nail Dress ($12.99 CAN)
Not good with nail art? Try Kiss Nail Dress nail stickers! 
They come in various unique patterns which are suitable for short & medium nails.
2 Looks in 1 Strip—French or Full Manicure. 22 strips that fit all nails and last up to a week. Goes on in minutes, off in seconds without remover.
  • Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask ($19.99 CAD for a box of 6 masks)
You got rid of the pimple but it left a mark?
Hydrates and treats the skin to deliver results both immediately and over time. With half a bottle of moisturizing serum enriched in each mask, the Dark Spot Treatment Mask instantly hydrates and illuminates the skin for a more radiant complexion after just one application.





Sneak Peek: CoverFX has a new CC cream!

I always get so excited whenever I find a new foundation that caters to dark/deep Women of Colour. It took us a while to get a good BB cream in our colour and I was having a huge issue finding a CC cream. Every brand was way to light or I would have to mix it with my original foundation. 

Finally, I found one that sounds quite promising!  

Cover FX’s NEW CC Cream Time Release Tinted Treatment ($45.00 CDN)! It’s all you need for all day colour and complexion correction. This Do-it-all CC Cream treats, corrects and protects your skin with buildable coverage and is available in 8 inclusive shades. As with all Cover FX products, it is also clinically tested, Vegan and Free of the Inflammatory 5: Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Gluten-free, Mineral Oil-free and Talc-free.


Availability: Cover FX products are available at www.coverfx.ca and at leading North American retailers including Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora.

Once I come back in September from vacation, 
I will have a full review!

Lise Watier: TARTANTASTIQUE Get the Look

Fall is coming! Or is it already here?
Fall makeup is definitely one of my favourites.
Gold and plums make a beautiful combination.
If you love fall makeup you should check out the Lise Watier TARTANTASTIQUE collection. 

Both rebellious and sophisticated, our TARTANTASTIQUE Collection matches perfectly with this fall’s key looks! Plaids, checks and tartans are Britain’s runways inspirations. A modern twist on a classic look.
Products used:
TARTAN ($21.00 CDN)Lipstick

PRUNE ($20.00 CDN)
Dramatique Intense Extra Smooth Liner

QUATUOR EYESHADOW QUARTET ($32.00 CDN)
A brand new quad for autumn.
The "Les Mauves" Collection offers a selection of violet shades : deep mauve, a cool brown, pale beige, and metallic lilac. Four shades in perfect harmony, a feminine and classic composition.

HAUTE COULEUR High Coverage Lip Lacquer ($22.00 CDN)
An extreme shine and a sheer colour. A formula offering absolute comfort and moisture. Plus a non-sticky texture and extraordinary lip adherence.

Full look:

Are you a fan of Fall makeup?

Beauty News: Redken Diamond Oil

Redken does it again with another great hair care line called Diamond Oil. 
If the gorgeous packaging doesn't get you, check out the benefits it has for your hair!
Diamond Oil utilizes an exclusive formula of silicone free hair oils that include camelina oil, coriander oil, apricot oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and other to strengthen hair from the inside-out. Results are unprecedented strength and shine. Through Redken’s exclusive Interlock Protein Network and multi-faceted Shine Strong Complex, Diamond Oil delivers a nourishing blend of coriander, camelina and apricot oils that target all layers of the hair to strengthen, replenish and protect with each use. Hair is fortified and sparkles with intense shine.

Diamond Oil Shampoo
This shampoo is for damaged and dull hair. Rich foam cleanser strengthens hair to prevent breakage and hair fall while boosting smoothness & shine.

Diamond Oil Conditioner
It contains essential oils which results in soft/ shiny hair. It also moisturizes, protect & detangle hair while reducing hair breakage.

Diamond Oil Deep Facets
This is a Hair Mask which is essential to hair care. Shine boosting deep conditioner nourishes, strengthens & replenishes hair to prevent damage & breakage.

Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine
An intense leave-in hair care. Strengthens & reinforces for smoother, shinier hair while protecting from breakage.

Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense
If you have damaged/ coarse hair this leave-in hair care is for you. Strengthens, smoothes & protects hair from breakage.



COVERGIRL Mascaras

This summer Covergirl wants you to unleash your inner Beauty Rebel.


I automatically gravitated towards the new mascaras! Mascara will always be one of my weakness.
I can have five bottles open at one time. A different lash look for every occasion.
Both of these are very unique but get the job done.

Left:
Flamed Out Mascara ($9.99 CDN)
Make a bold statement with winged lashes that curve up and out. The unique wire brush coats your lashes for an instant volume boost.
If you're going for all over volume, I'd definitely recommend this mascara. You can also build more volume by letting it fully dry in-between coats. In my opinion, if you have time to play with your lashes this wire brush is awesome for getting the look that you want to achieve.

Right:
Clump Crusher Mascara by Lashblast (10.99 CDN)
A breakthrough in no-clump mascara. Get 200% more volume and zero clumps. Features an innovative double-sided brush with lash-loading and clump-combing zones to crush clumps.
This mascara is definitely for definition. I got more of a natural lash look when using it. This is the perfect mascara to use when you're in a rush because you do not have to worry about separating your eyelashes. Plus I love the curved rubber wand.


Wearing Clump Crusher Mascara by Lashblast 

Do you prefer wire or rubber wands?

Trends: Skater Dresses

If I could wear a dress everyday I would.
I love how flirty & feminine they are.
Now a-days there are so many styles to choose from maxi, midi, mini or bodycon- the list goes on.

One dress style that looks good on everyone is the skater style.

The fit and flare of a skater dress works with all body types.
It has a fitted bodice and (at times) a pleated or full skirt. 

You can also play it up with a cute belt or add a cute chunky necklace.



Are you feeling the skater dress trend?

Vacations Must Haves: Dove, Korres & Tend Skin

As I pack, I think it would be best to document it!
It may help someone who has to pack for a trip soon or for myself in the future.

Here are three essentials that NEED to be in your suitcase if your taking a trip to the Caribbean. 
I usually try to bring trial sizes but these are the exceptions. 


Currently Obsessed- Make Up For Ever: Smoky Extravagant Mascara

I've been in mascara heaven lately!
So many great innovative formulas and brushes on the market.
Right now, I'm currently obsessed with Make Up For Ever: Smoky Extravagant Mascara!



I'm all about volume and length! Overall luscious lashes.
This mascara gives me all of this and more!
This mascara delivers long-lasting wear with no clumping in one stroke. Using 4D technology, an exclusive microdefining wax complex envelopes the lash surface in ultrablack pigments for far-away impact and up-close precision. The dual-purpose, cone-shaped brush has a precision tip that separates lashes as the rounded base creates extravagant volume from any distance.
Very rare to find a mascara that does everything it claims! 
The shape of the brush is person. I can get the little lashes in the front and flare out my outer lashes.

Have you ever seen a brush like this?

Canadians: Where Ever Summer Takes You Giveaway ($150 value)

Canadians! Schick is offering one Spiced Beauty reader the opportunity to win a 
"Where Ever Summer Takes You Giveaway" valued at $150 (CAN).

Whether you be jet setting to NYC or soaking up the sun in Jamaica.
I have you covered!

The package has some amazing goodies!
  • Schick Hydro Silk Disposable
  • Skintimate
  • Hawaiian Tropic’s NEW Island Radiance™ Self-Tanning Lotion x2
  • Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer x2
  • Beach tote
  • Beauty travel pack (eyelash curler, hair brush, compact mirror, make-up bag & nail polish)
  • Sun glasses
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Layering Demeter Fragrances!

Nothing is better than trying scents that combine and smell better together.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to try out some new Demeter scents ($20 CDN).  
The mission of the Demeter Fragrance Library is to expand the use of fragrance, each day, everywhere.

The Demeter frangrance library has over 250 scents to choose from. 
Varying from everyday things such as baby powder to the bizarre such as holy water.


I've been having fun doing different experiments to get my own customized scent.
Through trail and error, I have noticed that if things go together in real life and don't make you gag-
Then it makes a good layered scent.

Trust me on this one!

 I could have vanilla cookies (Vanilla cookie dough) and drink pink lemonade!
Voilà la! A sweet scent for spring/summer.

I could also be smelling roses with the sunshine beaming on my face!
Why not try Sunshine & Rose together?
Another great combo which I'll probably use in the Winter/Fall when I miss the Summer.


Remember these are combinations scents that work for me. 
It's possible that it won't smell the same on you because we have different natural oils.

I should also add that these scents are made of 95% natural ingredients - So stock up!