The MICRO Pedi is your emergency fix

Okay so your friends tell you that they have tickets to the hottest New Year's Eve party. It's 3pm and you know all the nail salons are closed in 2 hours. They're is NO way that you can get an appointment- sooooooo last minute. 

What do you do? 
You head to your local Shopper's Drug Mart for the most painless alternative to salon fresh feet:
 The MICRO Pedi ($49.99 CAN).

Kat Von D Lolita + Lolita II Swatches on Dark Skin

Matte lipsticks are my life!
You have to get your hands on at least one of Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks ($24 CAN). 
The set actually might not be available but you can definitely buy the shades individually.

Check out Lolita & Lolita II

We all know the beautiful Lolita <3 
The iconic liquid lipstick that I seen plastered all over instagram.
I've seen on EVERY skin tone!

Too Faced Little Black Book of Bronzers


Bronzer is a product I always forget about. After years of searching for the right shade and failing miserably (they’re generally too dark, too chalky, too sparkly for me), I gave up on using a bronzer in my makeup routine. That is, until I discovered the Too Faced Little Black Book of Bronzers – which allowed me to try out a multitude of formulas.

Quo 2015 Holiday Collection: Get the Naked Look for Less

The nude makeup craze is everywhere – from eye shadows to lipsticks to the new contour craze. The good news is that you don’t need to fork out over $50.00 for the newest Naked Palette (okay, they’re still quite dreamy) – Quo has lots of great nude-themed products for less in their 2015 holiday collection!


Holiday: Quo Cosmetic cracker set

It's no secret that the biggest beauty trend this year is sharable gifts.
I'm a really big believer in the one for me/one for you mentality.
Why not share the beauty worth!

That's why I fell in love with the Quo Cosmetic Cracker set ($20.00 CAN) instantly.
*Sold exclusively at Shopper's Drug Mart.


Sephora Collection: Must haves 2015

One of the hidden gems in Sephora is their own Sephora Collection line.
So much to choose from at really reasonable prices.
During the holiday's they have amazing sets that available to purchase online and in-store.
Check out these cute and totally shareable sets that you must have this season.

Worth the Splurge? Rodial Bee Venom Serum

I love serums - I think they are the unsung hero of beauty. My advice: Never splurge on a moisturizer or a cleanser, but do your research and invest in a quality serum that will treat all of your skin concerns.

I was excited to have the opportunity to try the super luxe Rodial Bee Venom Serum. This serum promises to minimize signs of aging, even your skin tone and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The plumping formula is composed of real bee venom serum (side note: if you are allergic to bees, this is likely not the serum for you), plant stem cells and Cyclopeptide-5. Rodial's trademarked MariMoist complex provides hydration for a radiant complexion.

This serum applies like liquid velvet - it is so supple and hydrating, without feeling heavy. It melts into the skin and you can apply moisturizer quickly after to seal in the serum. Since I started using this a few weeks ago, I've received so many compliments on how glowing my skin looked! You can really see results with this particular serum.

SLEEK MAKEUP The Gold Standard i-Lust Eyeshadow Palette eye look

It's been months since I have actually done a makeup look. I had a challenge with Fashion Magazine's Beauty Panel to create a holiday party look. I knew the eyes was an important piece to set the mood.. so I decided to try out the Sleek The Gold Stand I-Lust eyeshadow palette ($11.49 USA).


Let me start off by saying this is a BEAUTY. A true gem from their Limited Edition 24 Karat Gold Collection. This is totally the palette to have in your possession, if you're trying to get noticed this season. The Glitz and glamour of this six shade palette comes with four silky shimmer powders and two pigmented cream formulas.

Sephora Collection Gel Gloss Ultra Brilliant Ultra Shine Holographic Lip Gels

What better way is there to doll up for the holidays than with some serious shimmer?
These Sephora lip gels truly do have a 3D, holographic effect, and are the perfect gloss to complete your holiday party look.

They are bold enough to be worn on their own or could be layered over a lipstick (pink or red would look amazing with this) for a glam look. Best of all? They apply well (it has an amazing doe foot application) and they are not sticky. They're also limited edition - so grab them while you can!

My Philosophy Holiday 2015 Picks

I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to attend Philosophy's Holiday preview back in October. Honestly, Philosophy has some great products that you need to get your hands on this holiday. I picked the three items that would make anyone feel gracious to have this season.

Philosophy has amazing shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath combos ($21.00 CAN).
The scents are rich, lather well and long-lasting. These are great picks but I would buy gallons of Christmas Cookie. Plus there is an awesome recipe on the bottle.

Holiday Beauty: Under the Tree

I love this idea!
It's so fun and inexpensive.
I wish my husband would allow me to fill the whole tree with makeup.


Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Extreme! set

As a beauty addict, I have a confession: I am absolutely rubbish at applying false lashes. I can never get the line of glue where I want it to be, and I can never get the falsies close enough to my lash line. I’ve tried a full set, individuals, you name it – I can’t do it.


This set promises lashes that will look just like falsies, without the glue. It comes with two products – a Prime & Seal mascara that primes your lashes and seals in the “falsies” effect (you use this as steps one and three) and Flexistretch Nylon Fibers that offer the “extension” effect (you use this as step one). How does it work? The Flexistretch Nylon Fibers cling to the tips of your eyelashes, providing a lengthening effect. When you reapply the Prime & Seal mascara, the mascara will cover the fibers, making it appear as if your eyelashes are insanely long.

Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick - Aria & Amore

I was able to get Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipsticks in Aria & Amore ($29.00 CDN) through my Scarlet & Julia order last month. I literally wear them every single day. I'm obsessed with liquid Lipsticks.

It's really hard to find a good matte, long lasting brand but Stila has it all!
I've heard three really good things about Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipsticks.

Gift Ideas: Ole Henriksen Lift & Glow Set

I was so excited to try this kit as Ole Henriksen has been one of my favourite skin care lines since I was a teenager – their On The Go Cleanser cleared up my acne, their POWER Peel™ PRO-strength Microdermabrasion/AHA Peel System taught me about the importance of chemical exfoliation (if you’re a newbie to it, this set is amazing to try it at home, rather than a $300 spa treatment. Pro tip – only use half of the product and double the number of treatments – store the remaining product in an airtight container). I was delighted to see that this set of five products included four that I have not yet tried – and one of my all-time favourite serums.


Too Faced Melted Kisses & Sweet Cheeks Set

My favourite Christmas items are the sharable kind! 
This Too Faced beauty contains three deluxe sized Melted Lipsticks with three coordinating deluxe Love Flush blushes. 

If you don't know liquid lipsticks is 2015 "must have" product. 
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick is an all in one product that allows you to have that lasting effect of a lip stain and the pigmentation of a liquid lipstick. Pair the look with a matching blush! Too Faced Sweet Cheeks gives you everything you could want in a blush. Fade-proof, smudge-proof and last up to 16 hours.


Best Selling Melted Lips + Blush from left to right:
• Deluxe Melted Nude & Love Hangover, Deluxe Melted Peony & Justify My Love, and Deluxe Melted Fig & Your Love is King

Holiday 2015 EOS Limited Edition Decorative Lip Balm Collection

EOS is making the holidays exciting! 
Combining two of my favourite things: Soft Lips & DIY fun!


Three pack decorative lip balms are a great idea!
Now it's easy to customize your EOS to reflect your unique personality.


How I got started in Beauty

I fell in love with makeup back in 2008, after watching a special effects video on YouTube. After watching which seemed like 20 videos, I stumbled on a “Golden Goddess” tutorial and that was it! I remember watching this young girl totally transform herself in less than10 minutes. I was hooked!

That’s what my obsession with makeup started. I started out with makeup from the dollar store (which I might add- wasn’t the best idea) then to drug store makeup items like Annabelle cosmetics and Maybelline. Lastly, graduating to Holy Grail MAC Cosmetics that all the gurus had. Looking back at those early pictures always makes me laugh. I looked decent but there was room for improvement. Like… my brows were way too thin and I was afraid to use liquid eyeliner!


Introducing Scarlet & Julia: Canada's new online beauty destination

I have become an avid online shopper. Now that I've moved and I'm not within walking distance of the mall, the internet is my best friend. That's why I was so excited when I received an awesome package from the new online beauty destination Scarlet & Julia. 


Your new one-stop shop that offers a variety products, tips from experts and exclusive bargins. 

What you can get on the site: 
  • Makeup 
  • Skin care 
  • Bath & body 
  • Hair care 
Let me also add that they beauty outlet section. No need to dig through bins and get your hands dirty. These limited-timed sales are easy to access. Just sign up and become a member for free! 

Other notables:
  • Cash back reward in S&J credits
  • Free delivery on purchases of $75+
  • Free samples on purchases of $75 or more 
  • 1% of our sales is donated to Look Good Feel Better

The Beauty House: Russian Volume Extensions

I had the opportunity to visit The Beauty House. Located at 49 Stewart Street which is adjacent to the Thompson Hotel. They specialize in eyelash extensions, however, they have a few other services which are really interesting such a brow extensions. Remember over tweezing in grade 7?? 
Well they can fix that! 
Looking for something more permanent?
Try Microblading or Feathering!


The first thing I did was look at the gallery on the site for examples of their work. 
 I close get 3D lash extensions because I loved how natural but glam the work was.
Plus I knew that it would literally cut down my get ready time by 30 mins.
A total life saver!

New Spiced Beauty Contributor: Jessica

The holiday's are coming and I thought it would be a perfect time to get a more content out on the blog. I'm lucky that I found a great contributor. Jessica is no stranger to the blog. She's been reading Spiced Beauty since her PR intern days and I'm excited to welcome her on board. 

Check out what Jessica has to say about beauty, blogging & skin care.



Hudson's Bay #Beautyunderground

Beauty Underground is a new beauty concept shop located on the concourse level of the Queen Street store and online at the Bay.com. This location is perfect for girls who love to grab and go!


Hours of Service:
 Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 9:30 PM 
Saturday from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
 Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM 

Introducing: H&M Beauty

Canadians deserve more options when it comes to beauty products.
Welcome H&M Beauty Canada!

I'm lucky that I had the opportunity to check out the new beauty brand up close and personal.
My personal favourites are the glitter dusts, matte lip colours & highlighters.
Canadian prices can be found here: H&M Beauty

Check out some shots I got from the event below!

Currently Obsessed: Indeed Labs Fillume Volumising Moisturiser

I recently ran out my holy grail moisturizer so I decided to try out Canadian skin care brand Indeed Laboratories. They have a new product called fillume volumising moisturiser ($24.99 CAN). 

It's suppose to refine the visual signs of aging. 
Making skin plumper and smoother with continued use. 
This formula has some unique ingredients such as sym3D.

Mary Kay Holiday 2015

It's time to talk Holiday! November is here!
Let's get started with some limited-edition products from Mary Kay!

The first thing I could say is everything is super colourful and smells great!

NUDESTIX Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel


Sometimes a product comes into your possession and changes your whole life. Brows are a tricky subject for me. I was born with super thick brows.

In grade 7, I found brow scissors and it was over. I had these horrible thin brows for years.

Nobody told me that they were bad... until my first day of my makeup course.

Once I grew them out, I was never sure what to put in them. Whenever, I'd find a product.. I'd get bored of it easily. Or I'd get overwhelmed. I refuse to carry around more than one product.

Then I was introduced to Nudestix Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel ($28.00 CAN).

Sleek Makeup Crème to Powder Blush- Swatch

The best way to throw together a look is to add some blush! In school, we were taught that we only need two blushes in our makeup kit: Bubble gum pink and a rich orange. I've always gravitated to oranges. I love how warm it looks on dark/deep skin. 

When I was sent Sleek Makeup's crème to powder blush ($8.99 US), I knew that it 
would become a staple in my collection.
Sleek Makeup's Innovative Crème to Powder Blush offers intense colour with a dewy, satin finish. 
Blending is super easy with this blush. The soft blush starts out as a creme. 
Then dries to a nice light powdery texture. Perfect for any skin type: Oily, combination or normal.
I should also add that the nice sleek black packaging is perfect for your makeup kit or personal use.

SWATCH

HOW TO APPLY
Apply using a stippling brush or your fingers to the apples of your cheeks.
Then blend!


Perfect Fall Statement Lip with Arbonne Swatches


I'm so here for a Fall lip. The more vampy the better.
I remember when I used to be afraid of bold colours like these but once I had the opportunity to try different variations.  For the first time, I had the opportunity to try out Arbonne Cosmetics.

Check out the Arbonne Lip Collection featuring these lovely 90's lip shades 
which are taking over the runway!

    Glossed Over Lip Gloss in Anise ($31 CAN)


Lip Liner in Berry ($28 CAN)


Smoothed Over Lipstick in Iris ($34 CAN)


Glossed Over Lip Gloss in Hyacinth ($31 CAN)


Smoothed Over Lipstick in Dahlia ($34 CAN)


Smoothed Over Lipstick in Aster ($34 CAN)


Key things to know about The Arbonne Lip Collection.

Smoothed Over Lipstick
-16 shades
-Creamy
-Contains fruit extracts to volumize your lip
-Stain Finish
-Hypoallergenic
-Vegan
-Paraben & Gluten Free

Glossed Over Lip Gloss
-10 shades
-Buildable coverage
-Paraben & Gluten Free
-Hypoallergenic
-Vegan

Lip Liner
-6 shades
-Dermatologist-tested
-Contains Hyaluronic acid
-Creamy and smudge-proof
-Paraben & Gluten Free
Check out arbonne.ca

Neutrogena Skin Care Talk- Why is it important to remove your makeup at night


I love trying new makeup brands. When Neutrogena reached out to me, I thought it would be a great opportunity to speak about skincare. Especially when the brand is #1 Dermatologist recommended. Toronto dermatologist, Dr. Paul Cohen answered a few of my questions regarding the importance of a night time makeup removal regime. 

1. Why is it important to remove your makeup at night?
When you go to bed with makeup, you are setting yourself up for clogged pores and in turn, a breakout. Why? Because your skin doesn’t have a chance to breathe and recover. Your skin is covered in pores, and those pores not only allow us to sweat, but pores also allow us to secrete sebum. Sebum is a waxy lubricant that helps moisturize and protect skin, and it also helps remove dead skin cells and other irritants from pores in the process. By leaving makeup on, it clogs pores and prevents sebum from doing its job -- instead, the sebum builds up, which can cause acne. My recommendation, if you know you are going out and will come home too tired to go through your normal routine, keep makeup removing wipes by your bed. I recommend Neutrogena All-in-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes.

2. Should I use a different remover for eyes, face and lips?
You don’t necessarily have to use different make-up removers for eyes, face and lips – you can use the same one. The eyes can be more sensitive than the rest of your face, so you may want to use a different remover.

3. What is a good night time regime? (cleanser..toner..etc)
My recommendation is wash, medicate, moisturize! Cleanser, toner, exfoliant, treatment, moisturizer would be my suggested regimen.

Shop the post here:

Beauty News: Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Plus Set

With winter approaching quickly, the importance of skin care increases. If you can't go for monthly facials try TimeWise® Microdermabrasion Plus Set ($60.00 CDN). Suitable for all skin types and skin tones.
You can actually get the same benefits of the salon by using two products. Start with Microdermabrasion Refine and pair it with a Pore Minimizer. Super Simple!
How it works/ How to use

Microdermabrasion refine:
  • Gentle exfoliation.
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and refines skin’s texture.
  • Use it two to three times a week.
Pore minimizer:
  • Tightens the look of your pores.
  • Continuous use improves skin over time.
Interested?
This set can be purchased at maykay.ca



Check out Beautylicious!

Inspired by Toronto’s annual Summerlicious/Winterlicious, here comes Beautylicious! Now in it's 7th year, over 50 participating businesses in the Bloor-Yorkville area will give beauty lovers the option to try services at three fixed prices!

Packages start at  $30, $50, $75.
From October 22nd to November 1st Packages are available in four categories for both men & women.
  • Hair
  • Spa
  • Skin 
  • Health and Wellness 
Check it out here:
www.bloor-yorkville.com/Beautylicious/

I had the opportunity to do a treatment at Spa at the Hazelton.
Number one.... Let me start of by saying I love the Hazelton!
I've gone there for events but this is the first time I have visited the Spa.

I got the $75 Offering Spa Pedicure (1 hr treatment) Includes Manual Exfoliation and Hot Stone Massage + Express Manicure ($100 value)
My toes are super cute too but I'll spare y'all of that :)
Amazing customer service, clean facilities, friendly atmosphere.
Loved it!
Just because Fall is here- don't forget about your feet ladies.

Other notables..
I've been to the STILLWATER SPA at the Park Hyatt Hotel.
Another amazing Gem in the city!
I'd totally be interested in the $75 Offering Coffee Body Scrub.

CARYL BAKER VISAGE also has some great facials
They're offering three $50 skin services:
  • Natural Acid Peel ($95 value)
  • Deep Sea Purifying Facial ($95 value)
  • Collagen Hydrating Facial ($95 value)
SO many options!
Have fun ladies.

Eos Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Pack Lip Balm 2-Pack

This product has been super popular in my household.
"A two pack? I've never seen that before?"
"They're pink!"


 It's the EOS 2015 breast cancer awareness collection. 

What is it?
Two top selling eos lip balm in Strawberry Sorbet and Limited Edition Wildberry ($7.99 CAN).
100% of net profits are donated to breast cancer research.


Remember eos lip spheres are petrolatum-free, paraben-free and gluten-free.
This limited edition product is available until November 2015.

You can find it at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Loblaws, evolutionofsmooth.com and Walmart.