Clore Beauty Recap + Sensationnel EMPIRE hair line

If you're following me on my social networks, you would have seen that a few weeks ago I was promoting an event with myself and a few other Toronto influencers.We were going to be at an in-store event for Clore Beauty Supply. To promote the launch of a Sensationnel EMPIRE hair line at their Customer Appreciation day. Clore Beauty Supply is a leading beauty supply company here in Canada (They even have a salon inside of two locations).

Curls or no Curls?

As you all know the big day is drawing near.

The number one question I get asked is "Are you nervous?"

My answer is "No...."

I know exactly what I'm doing and I wouldn't do it if it wasn't for me.

I have my dress..

But now I need to pick a final hairstyle.

Here are my three choices.
Curls or no Curls?

Of course, all Kim Kardashian looks.

Which is your favourite?

To make this style work for me.. I need A LOT of volume and length.

I'm happy to say that Bella Dream Hair is going to help me achieve that!

I had the opportunity to choose from four types of hair.

-Brazilian Straight

-Brazilian Wavy

- Brazilian Curly
-Brazilian Natural Wave

Brazilian Natural Wave is the best hair to get the look I want!
It can also be straightened.

I had the opportunity to choose lengths from 8" to 36".
YES 36" *screams*

I'm thinking about making them into clip-ins so I can change my hairstyle for the honeymoon.
Not sure yet...

I'll be sure to post the final look.

Theorie Flat Irons come to Canada!

I've been on the flat-iron hunt for a while. I never have good luck with them. The latest one fell apart in my hands as I was straightening my hair...sad. I had to opportunity to try out a professional brand called Theorie who has just entered the Canadian market.

At Theorie, groundbreaking products are never inspired by imitation - they're inspired by relentless passion, creative vision and the pursuit of excellence. More than any other trait, innovation defines the heart of our brand. You'll see it in our products. You'll see it in our packaging. You'll see it in everything we do. 

When you think of the amount of money I've invested in to flat-irons over the years, I should have just put money towards on a good one. I was sent the Saga 1' flat iron ( SRP as low as $150 CDN) in purple. It comes in various other colours as well.

This is luxury and craftsmanship. It came with a very durable pouch, sleeve and a heat resistant cord! I've burnt a few cords in my time-so having a casing is amazing.

The case and sleeve are also great for traveling.

Features:

• The flat iron comes with 100% solid titanium plates and can be cleaned easily.

Do you know how nice it is to be able to straighten your hair and not have to worry about it getting caught in-between the plates! To clean- I just take a slightly damp cloth and wipe the plates after they cool down.

• Clear digital display with adjustable temperature 310°F – 450°F.

I'm so use to using dials on flat-irons but digital is really easy to read. I don't have to worry about what to do if my finger slipped and I burnt my hair... Don't laugh. It's possible. You can pick a temperature which works with your hair and lock it. Pretty smart idea.

• Non slip grip and sleek design.

Very important when heat protectant serums are involved. I usually get it all over the flat-iron but it didn't fall out of my hands...which has happened in the past.

Here is a picture of my hair which was flat ironed on a low setting not to burn my hair.

I also had clips-in which flat-ironed pretty smoothly as well.

Overall, I'm pretty embarrassed that it took me awhile to use a high quality flat-iron.

It's easier for me to put it at a lower temperature to get the look I want, than to use a cheap flat-iron and put it all the way up. So much healthier for my fair.

You can find Theorie flat-irons in Canada at West Coast Beauty, Passion Beauty Supply, 

Metro Beauty Supply, and Capilex Beauté.

Hair Talk- Maintenance

Time for another hair post! The theme is "Maintenance". Summer is here and in my opinion it takes a bit more time to take care of your extensions. Pool parties, beaches, bbq and the overall sun can cause damage.

If my hair series is new to you.. I suggest you check out these past popular posts:

• My view on extensions(weaves)
• Hair talk: Textures & Extensions 

I'm not an expert so I decided to ask Constance from Bella Dream Hair some quick real life questions/scenarios on hair maintenance.

How do I get out tangles?
You can use a paddle brush or a boar brush to comb the hair.

Air dry or Blow dry?
I would recommend blowdrying the hair on a low setting, however air drying the hair is very important.

I dyed the hair now it's horribly dry. What now?
Co-washing the hair with a deep conditioner and leaving it in for at least 20 minutes can help replenish the hair after dying it.

How do I straighten the hair without damaging it?
You should always use heat protectant when apply any heat to your hair. TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray is a great one.

How do I preserve the hair once I take it out?
Storing the hair in a rectangular box with a lid will keep the hair clean and fresh. Be sure not to fold the hair or it will leave a bend in it.

I hope this helps! 

If you have an idea for a hair post- leave it below!

Pretty in Mink: First Time Lash Extension Experience

I've been debating getting lash extensions for a while now. My first experience wasn't the best but it was totally my fault. Note to self (and others): Don't use OIL BASED mascara on them!!

Buytopia and Charming Media gave me the opportunity to get a full set of lashes to review my experience with you all. I totally did not know what to expect. All I know is that I didn't want to look like a drag queen!

No offense but overly dramatic lashes are not for me at all. I was so nervous at first! 

Would I like them? Would my lids get glued shut? Will they be office friendly?

My overall experience was great! Deborah, the owner of Pretty in Mink was very helpful with all of my questions. Trust me I had a lot! I love how she allowed me to tell her what look I was going for. I wanted a naturally full look which was office friendly.

Even though this wasn't my first time getting last extensions, I was at ease when showed me pictures of her clients to give me an idea of the work she does. Everyone looked gorgeous and I knew I was in good hands.

Since I knew the process would be 1 to 1.5 hours, I brought my headphones because I thought that she may be boring. We talked the whole time! 1.5 hours went by and we didn't even realize. Throughout the process I had no pain or discomfort as the lashes were being applied.

Final look:

They're gorgeous!!!

Day 1 to 3 (notables):
I lost a few lashes nothing to be concerned about.
I have sensitive eyes so it took my left eye some time to adjust.

Day 4 and BEYOND:
This is when you really have fun. My make up time has cut down significantly! On top of having amazing skin at the moment (I'll leave that for another post) my only issue is finding a great lip product for the day!

I want to share these tips with you all who are getting them for the first time.

• Know that some lashes will fall out. It's normal.
• Your lashes will grow out and some lashes may lift with them as time goes on. This is also normal. That's why you go for refills every 3 to 4 weeks. If your lashes grow extremely quick like mine refill every 2 weeks.
• Be gentle with them. It sounds obvious but pulling them would hurt and damage them! Only use water-based makeup remover on your lashes. Oil-based remover will break down the glue and they will fall off.
• Get acquainted with your lash technician because you will have questions.
  Especially if it's your first time!

Deborah was amazing! If I had an issue, I let her know. Even after she my lashes, I still stayed in contact if I needed some assistance. She always responded with the right answer (thankfully). I'd definitely would recommend Pretty in Mink to anyone in Toronto/ GTA surrounding area. 

I hope my post helps anyone getting them for the first time!
Let me know if you have any questions below.