New Years Eve with Maybelline

I can't believe how quick 2013 went by! 
I know that there will be a lot of parties to attend to ring in the New Year.
I compiled my top products from Maybelline which should be in your makeup bag.

Baby Lips® Dr. Rescue™

Chapped lips are not appealing. Doesn't matter what lipstick you're going to wear! We all know how obsessed I am with baby lips. Have you tried out the Baby Lips® Dr. Rescue™line? It's has a hint of eucalyptus which is great for any lip issues that you may have. You can wear it under lip colour or as a prep for your favourite lip colour.

Fit Me® Shine-Free Foundation

It's always good to bring your foundation with you. The Maybelline Fit Me® Shine-Free Foundation is the perfect size to fit into your purse. My skin tone works with the darkest shade in the line 355 (coconut). It's oil-free and applies matte.

Color Elixir™ by Color Sensational®

I'm a believer in having various lip colours in your purse. I often wear two to three colours a day. If I want something light but pigmented Maybelline Color Elixir™ by Color Sensational® is one of my daily picks. I can't explain the formula but it's light and not sticky like other lip glosses. One swipe is all you need :)

SuperStay 14HR Lipstick™

I've tried a lot of products in 2013 but Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipsticks™are in my top five favourites. This lipstick is one of my best kept secrets. When they say long lasting- They mean it! No budge at all. The most creamy, rich and pigment lipstick that I have ever found at a drugstore.



I have been blogging for five years..

I'm still in awe saying this. It's been 5 years.
As sad as it seems, I totally forgot it was my bloggerversary.
I won't lie blogging has significantly changed in the past few years. 
I think my favourite years were 2009 to 2011.

Either way, I'm still going to continue to blog until the wheels fall off.

Hopefully 2014 will be great <3

My Christmas Wishlist

My Christmas wishlist is so small this year. As cliche as this sounds, all I can ask for is good health. Once that is established, I would love to have one or all of the five items which I shared below.

1. OLD NAVY
The Rockstar Mid-Rise Camo Jeans
SALE $23.50 CDN
I have yet to own a cute pair of camo pants!
They can be worn with flats, boots or sneakers.
Details:
All-over camo print.
Soft, medium-weight denim with added stretch.
Skinny leg.
2. HP 
Spectre 13 Ultrabook

$999.99
 USA
The very first computer that I bought with my own money was from HP. I need to keep up the tradition with the Spectre 13 Ultrabook
. As a freelancer, having Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 already installed is genius!
Details:
Featuring Windows 8, the HP Spectre13 Ultrabook combines a slim and stylish profile with breathtaking performance. Weighing just 3.25 pounds, this sleek Ultrabook offers a 13.3-inch full HD touchscreen display and Intel 4th generation Core i5 performance. The device also comes preloaded with Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 for editing photos and videos like a pro. Boasting up to nine hours of battery life, savvy users can rely on all-day performance with this brand-new PC from HP.

3. THE HUDSON BAY
COACH Coach Legacy Sport Bracelet Watch
$278.00 CDN
I need a cute stainless steel watch to match my ring.
Details:
Stainless Steel case and bracelet.
Water-resistant to 99 feet.
4. THE HUDSON BAY
THIERRY MUGLER Angel Couture Gift Set
$287 CDN
I've been obsessed with this scent since I recieved a sample from The Hudson's Bay!
Details:
23ml Eau de Parfum Refillable Shooting Star Spray
100ml Perfuming Body Lotion
100ml Perfuming Shower Gel.

5. Call it Spring
CLAIRDAY
$65.00
I need a cute over the knee boots in a colour other than black.
Details:
Concealed micro-wedge boot
.
Double strap detail.

Almond toe.

Holiday Wants: The Buxom Serial Kisser Set


The Buxom Serial Kisser Set ($40 CDN) is a collection of five miniature full-bodied lipsticks. There are 5 shades of lipstick in this set; two shades are part of the permanent buxom range while the other three shades seem to be limited edition (or at least exclusive to this set).


What is it:
The Buxom Serial Kisser Set is a collection of five miniature full-bodied lipsticks. Each lipstick is soft and creamy, infused with dual-action hyaluronic spheres that plump your lips and provide major hydration.

Menace - deep, rich wine colour
Provocateur – bright true red colour
Centerfold – neutral pink/mauve colour
Mistress – warm toned pink (medium) colour
Moonlighter – fuchsia colour

Why would I want it:
- Paraben, sulfate, phthalates free
- Opaque, satin finish
- Plumps lips without stinging/burning
- Great way to trial different shades & the buxom lipsticks in general
- One of these lipsticks fits perfectly in a clutch for one of the 100 holiday parties you are required to attend

What does it come with:
- 5x 0.04 oz full-bodied lipstick in Menace, Provocateur, Mistress, Centerfold, Moonlighter
- Red velvet case

Where can I get it:
Sephora.ca or in-store

Holiday Wants: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner and Waterproof Liquid Set + Swatches

It's very important for me to have a long-lasting liners. I usually apply it at 8am and expect it to be there by 5pm. It's a lot.. I know but trust me there are liners out there which are up for the challenge. Stila has some of the best eyeliners out there. Pigmented, creamy and long-lasting. This holiday get some of my favourite colours in a retro-chic tin pencil case!
Stila’s best-selling Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
Color Outside The Lines Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner Set ($39 CDN)

Colours:
  • emerald (green)
  • navy (blue)
  • aubergine (burgundy)
  • stingray (black)
  • lionfish (brown)
  • 18 (coral)
Where can I get it:
Sephora.ca or in-store


Art of the Fine Line Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Set ($47 CDN)

Colours:
  • Intense Black(Full size)
  • Midnight
  • Moss
  • Dark Brown
Where can I get it:
Sephora.ca or in-store

Do you have a favourite waterproof eye liner?



Canadians! Enter my Redken Color Extend shampoo and conditioner giveaway

I know most New Years resolutions are usually weight loss or lifestyle changes. 
What about your hair? 

Is the anything new that you want to do? 
For the first nine months this year I did I great job taking care of my hair. The past three months have been a fail and it's shows unfortunately. Now it's time to bounce back. 

2014 is going to be an extremely busy year for me but I will do better! 
Maybe even add some colour? 
Who knows!

For anyone who is debating the same, why not enter my Redken Color Extend shampoo and conditioner giveaway!

Redken’s exclusive Fade Resist Complex works with IPN to wrap around each strand to optimize color retention and improve color vibrancy. Four powerful key ingredients work together to fortify weakened areas, resurface the hair fiber and help protect the hair from color fading.
Redken Color Extend Shampoo
  • Gently cleanses and strengthens. 
  • Provides anti-fade protection and maximizes vibrancy.
  • Leaves hair strong, shiny and manageable.

Redken Color Extend Conditioner
  • Detangles and protects against color fading. 
  • Resurfaces the cuticle for a smooth, reflective surface. 
  • Provides a vibrant, shiny finish.

Winners have been emailed.

The Caryl Baker Visage collection The Magic of Beauty

The Caryl Baker Visage collection this holiday season is called “The Magic of Beauty” now to me the magic of beauty is that it inspires you and gives you the feeling of awe and when it comes to this collection it gave me a feeling that I can sum up in 3 words.....

HOLY PIGMENTATION BATMAN.

Seriously every item I tried was highly pigmented and so creamy and soft.  The magic of beauty collection is much larger than what I will be posting about here and as always with a seasonal collection you will want to go to your local Caryl Baker Visage location or go online cause stuff like this never lasts long.

(Products from left to right: Lip liner – Elixir, Eyeliner – Marine, Lipstick – Secret Potion, Face Frosting)


Limited Edition Caryl Baker Ultimate Lip Liner in Elixir
(Regular Price $17.50, Beauty Club Price $15.75)

This liner is long-wearing and waterproof.  Its impossibly soft, creamy formal glides on effortlessly for intense colour that stays put.

Well Caryl Baker you hit the nail on the head, just like the last collection I am super impressed with how creamy and pigmented these lip liners are. Elixir is a rosy brick colour, which had you asked me previous to trying it I would have said I’m not sure that colour is something I want.  But after trying it I have to say I think it’s a colour I really did need in my collection.  It’sversatile and neutral and would work on a variety of skin tones.

Limited Edition Caryl Baker Metalic-Toned Eye Liner in Marine
(Regular Price $17.50, Limited time Savings Price $12.90)

The liner has intense pigment, the super long-wear formula lasts up to 12 hours – no smudging, no smearing.  Waterproof and hypo-allergenic for sensitive eyes.

This might actually be the creamiest, softest eyeliner I have ever used.  It’s a gel eyeliner in pencil form.  The blue colour was a bit outside my comfort zone but using it in conjunction with a smoky eye proved to be a very lovely combination.

Caryl Baker Holiday Lipstick in Secret Potion
(Regular Price $18.00, Beauty Club Price $16.20)

The lipsticks are specially formulated with emollient ingredients to keep lips soft and to prevent drying and chapping.  
I do agree with that claim, the lipstick was creamy and soft but I wasn’t really able to use the colour.  Secret Potion very much goes with the Elixir lip liner, as a combo.  It really is a beautiful lipstick but it’s a brick red and I need a bit more pizzazz in a red lipstick so I think I would want to check out one of the othercolours, either Cast A Spell or Ruby Red Slippers.

Limited Edition Caryl Baker Face Frosting
(Regular Price $29.50, Beauty Club Price $26.55)
This powder delicately highlights and illuminates your skin with finely milled sparkle.

I absolutely love this highlighter, the sparkle is more ofshimmer and the powder is buttery and light on the skin.  This colour is a bit to dark for me to use as a highlighter but using it, as a peach blush is absolutely breath taking.

My over all opinion on The Magic of Beauty collection is that it is magical and beautiful.  This collection is still available so if you have a beauty lover to buy for this holiday season or maybe you just want to buy yourself a holiday treat, I suggest you get cracking and go see Ms Caryl Baker.




Essie Encrusted Treasures Swatches

Do you know what you're going to wear on your nails this holiday?
If not, I can help! Glitter is in! To me, glitter is the ultimate nail art because it can totally transform your manicure. Plus it's super easy to apply.

If you need help removing glitter: check out this past post How to remove glitter tutorial. Right now, I'm loving Essie Encrusted Treasures collection. Each polish is gorgeous and very unique. I remember going to a meeting at work and someone stopping me mid conversation to tell me that my nails look like jewels! Mission accomplished! All DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde free.
intricate, multi-dimensional, spectacularly ornate caviar nails. with all the fine detail of the most fanciful gem-encrusted jewel, these six stunning shades take manicures to a whole new richly-sculpted dimension.

belugaria
holographic jet black lace.
live like a czarina. this richly ornamented jet black nail lacquer is laced with highly textured matte glitter with flashes of rainbow holographics.

hors d'oeuvres
platinum gold with iridescent silver glitter.
nothing says extravagance like this delightful confection of platinum gold nail polish with a touch of iridescent silver glitter.

lots of lux
shimmering lapis lazuli with a superfine matte finish.
pile on the opulence and perfect the art of manicure maximalism in this shimmering blue lapis lazuli lacquer with a sleek matte finish.

on a silver platter
pearlescent gold with holographic violet glitter.
violet holographic glitter and antique silver add bold contrast to this pearlescent gold polish that proclaims: the world is yours for the taking.

peak of chic
alpine white holographic rainbow fringe.
ascend the pinnacle of fashion and freeze your well-manicured assets in this alpine white holographic polish with icy crystal fringe.

ignite the night
sparkling hematite with a superfine matte finish.
the scintillating light from this sparkling hematite nail lacquer with a superfine matte finish fans the flames of passion for luxurious fashion.



Bridal Holiday Want: MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultimate Long Lasting Lip Set+ Swatches

This is the ultimate bridal must have! Whether it be your engagement shoot, bridal shower or wedding day- you need a lipstick that will last. My go-to will always be the Make Up For Ever Aqua lip line. This Holiday, Sephora is selling the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultimate Long Lasting Lip Set $118.00 CDN (C$312 value).

What it is:
Six full-size liquid lip colors and coordinating lip liners ranging from nude to red.

Why would I want it:
The most gorgeous creamy lipsticks and liners which won't budge. A definite must have!

Define your lips with Aqua Lip, a creamy, non-transferable lip liner for long lasting, glide-on precision. Fill in with a shade of Aqua Rouge, a waterproof, highly pigmented liquid lip color for a matte or lacquered finish. Finish with Aqua Rouge clear top coat to seal in perfection.

Aqua Lip:
8C (red)
2C (rosewood)
14C (light rosewood)
10C (raspberry)
16C (fuchsia)
18C (coral)

Aqua Rouge:
8 (red)
2 (rosewood)
14 (light rosewood)
10 (raspberry)
16 (fuchsia)
18 (coral)

Where can I get it:
Sephora.ca or in-store


SWATCHES:
18 (coral)

8 (red)

10 (raspberry)

14 (light rosewood)

16 (fuchsia)

2 (rosewood)


Beauty News: Marriott Hotels Partners with THANN for New Launch

One of the worst things that you can do on vacation is forget your toiletries. Seven or more days of using products that you are unfamiliar with. In certain cases this can lead to breakouts or just overall stress. *If you're like me and pack everything BUT the kitchen sink*.

Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) and THANN, a natural Thai skincare line, today announced their partnership to reinvigorate the guestroom beauty experience by rolling out a new amenities line in Marriott properties throughout the Americas and Asia. 
I was so excited to hear this because I've stayed at a few of the Marriott hotels in New York. Plus I'm familiar with THANN products and have reviewed some of my favourites in the past!
Marriott Hotels selected THANN for its increasing global appeal, leading its expansion in the US market. Formulated through artful natural therapy and modern dermatological science, the THANN amenities are made from high quality raw materials and botanicals and presented in imaginative packaging. The partnership marks Marriott’s continued dedication to improving every touch-point that allows guests to “Travel Brilliantly” at their hotels.
THANN will not only be featured in Marriott Hotels’ guestroom bathrooms but you can also purchase the Aromatic Wood Collection on shopmarriott.com in early 2014:
  • Aromatherapy Shampoo (8.45 fl. oz.) - $26.00 US
  • Aromatherapy Conditioner (8.45 fl. oz.) - $26.00 US
  • Body Lotion (11.15 fl. oz.) - $36.00 US
  • Aromatherapy Shower Gel ( 11.15 fl. oz.) - $29.00 US 
  • Rice Bran Oil Soap Bar (3.5 oz.) - TBD
  • Aromatherapy Hand Wash (8.45 fl. oz.) - $19.00 US

What do you do when you forget your travel essentials?




Holiday Wants: GLAMGLOW Gift Sexy Set

Glamglow SUPERMUD™ Clearing Treatment is one of my top 10 favourite masks I've ever used. The results are almost immediate after using it. Definitely a must have.

Sephora is now selling the GLAMGLOW Gift Sexy set ($75.00 CAN) for the holidays. 
Perfect gift for a skin care junkie!


What is it:
A set of GLAMGLOW's bestselling products in a cool reversible gift box.
- 1.2 oz SUPERMUD™ Clearing Treatment
- 0.5 oz YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment

Why would I want it:
If skin care is one of your new year's resolution-add this set to your list!
-Smooth skin
-Unclogs pores
-Great exfoliant

Also parabens, sulfate and phthalates free!

What does it come with:
SUPERMUD™ Clearing Treatment helps fight all common skin concerns.

YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment contains super antioxidants and minerals that work to tingle, exfoliate, brighten, tighten, and resurface in as little as 10 minutes, leaving you with a youthful-looking, radiant complexion.
Where can I get it:
Sephora.ca or in-store


Canadians: Win a P&G- 12 Days of Beauty prize pack

P&G challenged #Beautyunited bloggers to a 12 Days of Beauty photo challenge!

Challenge : 
Use 12 products we received to create five Holiday inspired photos!
I shared my 5 pictures on my twitter page:

Want to win the items I used and more?

Whats in the prize pack:
1. COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pencil
2. COVERGIRL Nail Gloss 
3. COVERGIRL Clump Crusher mascara
4. Pantene Expert Collection Keratin Repair 60-second therapy Ampoule
5. Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Moisture Whip
6. Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Tousling Hairspray
7. Olay Total Effects Line & Dark Circle Minimizing Brush
8. Olay Silk Whimsy Body Lotion 
9. Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Boost & Lift Hairspray
10. Clairol free product coupon
11. Satin Care Shave Gel with a Touch of Olay and Venus & Olay Sugarberry Razor Cartridge
12. Crest 3D White Holiday Smile Survival Kit

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mark Wonder Glow Blush & Glow

Mark by Avon claims that the Mark Wonder Glow Blush & Glow can be worn as a blush or as an all-over luminizer, its an ultra-fine powder that works wonders for any complexion no matter wear you dust it and instantly takes skin from dull to radiant.


The Blush & Glow is a beautiful mosaic. The outer ring of the mosaic is a very warm almost bronzy peach and the inner ring is more rose, mauve and gold shimmer. I was a bit concerned with this product as I am considered a Winter II on the seasonal colour chart so I usually need a cool toned shade. Seeing as I am such a fair lady this product is a highlighting blush I wouldn’t be able to use it any other way.

This powder is soft, pigmented and very silky. I decided to swirl my brush into this product and just go for a highlighted peachy cheek and I really liked it. I did have to blend and use a light hand but if you had a darker skin tone I think you would be fine to just slap the blush on or even use it as an illuminator.

Lets say Nars Orgasm and Nars Deep Throat had a baby… the colour product of this union would be Blush and Glow. There is a distinct peachy pink colour like orgasm but the shimmer is more like the shimmer you get from Deep Throat and for only $18.00 you cant really go wrong. This is one of those items that if you have a mineralized skin finish or a shimmer peach blush already you might not need it but if you are on the hunt for one at an under $20 price point you should really give it a chance.