Canadian Made Products: KonaKare & Beauty According to Ale

I love trying out new brands.
Especially if they're Canadian and all-natural!

Introducing Kona Kare!

Using only the finest oils and butters from all corners of the world, our Lip Butter Balm is truly unrivalled! Amazingly blended with Monoï de Tahiti oil – a miracle wonder – from French Polynesia, our Lip Butter Balm not only moisturizes and protects your lips from dehydration, but it is also conditioned to be an incredible lipstick primer and also offers a natural brilliant shine.

Introducing Beauty According to Ale!

New, all natural and preservative free way to combat dry hands.

The line features a Sugar Scrub and Moisturizing Pomade.

Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

A fantastic sugar scrub that will do wonders for sensitive, dry and/or overworked skin. Staying true to the name, this product is handmade, preservative free, dye free and contains all natural ingredients. Use to exfoliate your hands, feet and/or face/body. Once a week for FACE and 2-3 times a week for hands, feet and body.

Moisturizing Pomade

This subtley spice moisturizer is perfect for dry, overworked skin. Handmade and all natural, this product is dye and preservative free; making it great for skins of all types including those with sensitive skin. Infused with Geranium and other essential oils to make your skin look good and feel good.

Scrub on the left & Pomade on the right

I like these products because they contain ingredients that I can actually pronounce. Such as Cocoa butter, jojoba, evening primrose essential oils and beewax (in beauty according to ale) and Monoi de Tahiti oil (konakare). It's such a small thing but it's really good to know what you are putting on your hands/lips/face. 

Which product do you want to try?

Hard Candy Spring 2013

I recently I had the opportunity to attend the Hard Candy Spring 2013 Launch party in Toronto.

I love Hard Candy! I've reviewed them on the blog before. They have great products which can be found at your local walmart. I took a fellow beauty blogger Rasilla with me to get the scoop on what's new for 2013.

This February you will see Hard Candy apparel in-stores($12 to $18 US). The apparel was fun. Sequins, hearts & stars. Typically the type of items that every girl has in her closet. It's more weekend wear for me because I work in an office. But If you are your a tween/teen it's very cute for school.

Check out some of the new items:

Eyeshadow Collection Mirrored Compact $5.98 US

• Neutrals
• Smokey
• Greens
• Blues
• Pinks

They now have bath products in two flavours:

Poison apple berry & Black orchid &vanilla

There was balms, dry oils, body scrub, balt salts & bubble bath.

Shown here:
So Foam So Good

Foaming Body Wash $ 7.68 US

Under So Foam So Good you can see "Shadowholic".
Waterproof eye shadow crayons $ 4.98 US

9 different shades.

Nail Lacquer $3.98 US

Five Concepts:

• Crushed Chromes
• Itsy Glitzy
• Crystal Confetti
• Glitteratzi
• Candy Sprinkles

 Various Mascara ranging from $5.98-$6.98 US

All Glossed Up $4.98 US

Glossy lip stains in 8 different colours.

Lip Def $5.98 US

Super shiny lip colour 10 different shades.

Poppin Pigments $5.98 US

Loose shadows sets available in 8 shades.

*Under popping pigments you can see "All Lid Up".
Long wearing creme eye shadow $5.98 US

10 different shades.

I was pleasantly surprised with the products I tested. Let me start off by saying the pigmentation on the products I swatched was amazing! If you're like me and gravitate towards products that are long lasting you will be in for a huge treat this Spring.

Is there a product that you have your eye on?

Photo credit:  Becca Lemire

Take Care of your Skin + My Recommendations

Less than 6 weeks until the first day of Spring! I`m so excited. I have so many cute outfits that I can`t wait to wear. Looking outside is so depressing for a Summer baby like me. My skin hates the winter. It`s so hard to keep hydration. Thankfully, I have many products/tips to make my skin happy.

• Water is your best friend! Drink a lot to keep your skin hydrated.
• Take your showers in lukewarm water. If you're brave try cold water! Did you know that hot water can dry out your skin of its natural oils.
• Best time to hydrate your skin is after the shower when your skin is damp. The product absorbs quickly.
• Don't forget to exfoliate! It's not just your face that needs the TLC. It`s best way to remove dead skin.
• Petroleum Jelly is your friend. It's the quickest way to moisturize problem places like elbows and knees.

Some of my current favourite products:

 Vaseline Total Moisture Collection

Pure exracts + multi-layer moisture complex in Strays-3TM infuse moisture at the top, core and deep down surface layers, for healthy-looking skin that’s soft but never greasy. This everyday lotion absorbs quickly and penetrates deeply, which both feels good on skin and does good for your skin.

 Satsuma Body Butter

This rich and creamy Body Butter is a feast for the skin. It melts straight in to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. It contains Community Fair Trade shea butter and smells of fresh satsuma. 24-hour hydration Great for normal to dry skin Fresh satsuma scent.

 Aveeno Baby Daily Lotion

Contains natural colloidal oatmeal blended with rich emollients to soothe and heal your baby's delicate, dry skin.

Scrub 'em and Leave 'em

With babassu oil, sea salt and moisturising jojoba and mandarin oils. Scented with our Mist You Madly™ fragrance.

Avon Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel Polishes

Avon has been putting out some really impressive products lately!
This is actually the first time I've tried their nail products.
I'm happy that I was sent these products to share with you.

Let me start of with some of their items which can lead you on a journey to healthy nails.

I'm extremely impressed with the Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel polishes. 

I haven't met one person who doesn't dread smudging their nails!

 Nothing is worst than thinking your nails are dry then looking at them again and seeing smudges.

I know that there are several different options out there for quick nails like gels or 

dying drops but when your in a rush you really need a product like Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel.

Why you need it:

• 26 vivid colors.
• Affordable at $6.99 each.
• Different finishes- pearl.. satin..  etc.
• Fast-track your nails from wet to wow in 30 seconds!
• New improved formula with volcanic rock makes nails feel rock hard.
• Full coverage with a high-shine finish.
• No formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.

These get an A from me because they do exactly want they claim! 

Plus the colors are vibrant and affordable.

Quick drying!

These are also the perfect polishes to try out nail designs because they dry quickly.

 If you mess up, wipe it off and try it again!

Available as of February 2013 through Avon Independent Sales Representatives, 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

I'm in Love with the Make Up For Ever PRO Finish Foundation

As a WOC, it can be hard to find your perfect match when it comes to foundation. I have a yellow undertone with a hint of red. That's why orange based foundations look horrid on me. For the past two years, I've been searching for something that can be used dry (etc. pressed powder/minerals). Everything I've found so far has been too "muddy" and just didn't look right.  

When I found out that Make Up For Ever was coming out with PRO Finish ($42.00 CDN) in February, I had to try it out! 

This portable, easy-to-use foundation can be used both wet and/or dry due to it's unique formulation. PRO Finish offers a light to medium coverage in a satin, sheer or matte full finish depending on if you use it wet or dry. The vast shade range (25 colours) caters to all skin types and skin undertones!

With 45% less talc in its formulation, PRO Finish offers a non-cakey finish with true colour payoff. PRO Finish is fast, easy, portable and above all, reliable. Whether it is used for a full application or touch ups on the go, PRO Finish caters to a wide audience when it comes to their foundation needs.

I like the Make Up For Ever HD formula but I'm in love with the PRO Finish.

I am able to control the amount of product that works best for me! I don't wear foundation regularly because I've never found one that matches my fast pace lifestyle. Now all can apply a flawless complexion and still have enough time for the rest of the face with PRO Finish.

I'm a 178 for a color reference.

Why would you want this?

• Can be used wet/dry.
• 45% less talc.
• You can choose your finish sheer, satin finish or dry for a full, matte finish.
• 25 shades with golden, neutral, and pink undertones.

Applied dry: 

Dry Application Technique:

1. Using the sponge or Kabuki Brush apply powder starting on the cheeks and nose then moving toward the chin

2. Continue to apply powder across the forehead moving outward toward the temples and down toward the sides of the face

3. Repeat if more coverage is needed

Applied wet:

Wet Application Technique:

1. Using the sponge or Kabuki Brush apply powder starting on the cheeks and nose then moving toward the chin
2. Continue to apply powder across the forehead moving outward toward the temples and down toward the sides of the face
3. Then spray with your favourite water hydrating spray.

If I had to pick my favourite application it would be wet. There are so many ways to use it. You can also apply a wet sponge or brush to the product and apply it . I prefer the water hydrating method because it looked so natural. Basically my skin but WAY better.

Fashion: The Garter/Suspender Trend

I love a great pair of pantyhose! It's a great item to throw on when you don't want to bare a lot of leg. The look of pantyhose is evolving!  Ladies are going beyond the sheer/fishnet look and are going for something much more risque!

I've been eying the garter/suspender trend for a while now. When I first saw Rihanna rocking it, I HAD to have it. I also knew off the bat that it was originated in UK.I really wanted these but I'm sure that I'd have to wait a LONG time for them to be delivered from UK to Canada.

I'm pretty sure that Rih is rocking the House of Holland for Pretty Polly Mesh Super Suspender Tights! The same tights that I recieved for review from Alexblake.com.

Alexblake.com is a new America based site that carries American brands as well as a wide range of fabulous European brands, many of which you can’t ordinarily find in North America.

I love them because they are risqué but don't show a lot! 

They look really cute with a pair of short shorts but I wore mine with an over-sized sweater dress.

Is this trend for you?

My GetGelled Manicure Bar Experience

Recently, I had the most fun ever at a nail bar. 

As crazy as it seems, I can count the times I've had fun at a nail bar on one hand.

The place I'm talking about is called Get Gelled! Manicure bar.

A new, cute and modern place located in the Yonge/Bloor area.

I was recently contacted by Sun (owner) to see if I was interested in one of their services. After looking at her portfolio I knew I had to come in. I'm obsessed with nail art! I never got the opportunity to get it done in my area because nobody knows what the hell I'm talking about. Sun knew exactly wanted!

 

Here is the finished outcome!

GORGEOUS!!!!

Close-up of my nails

Unfortunately, I lost the bow today :( 

It was a lovely seven days...haha.

This totally gives me the opportunity to go back again!

If you're in the area check out Get Gelled! Manicure Bar.

Need Help With Your Glasses?

Recently, I got my eyes tested again. The verdict was actually much better than I thought it would be. My eyesight has hardly changed in the past five years. I'll be 100% honest with you all... I wear my glasses like once every six months. I basically need them if I sit very far in the movie theatre or when I stare at my screen for too long without breaks.

I currently have a really nice hot pink pair but now I'm looking for something much more classy.

If you're like me and you don't know where to start, check out these videos:

How To Find Glasses That Fit

How To Choose The Best Lenses For Your Glasses

*This is a sponsored post*

My Top Five Uses for Vaseline

Growing up Vaseline was a holy grail in our household. We used it for everything!

I recently got this super cute mini swarovski vaseline lip therapy jar at a unilever event.

 I've always wanted one since I've seen them on the Tyra show(years ago).

 

I'm honestly not sure if these are for sale but it always spark several questions once I bring it out.
Super cute! Now on to the vaseline uses!

1. Hair I remember my mom using it to keep my "flyaways" in place. 
2. Makeup RemoverI use to wear a lot of waterproof mascara and vaseline was the quickest way to remove it.
3. MoisturizerThis one is pretty obvious but it always made my skin look great.
4. LipsQuickly relieved chapped lips. You can also make a DIY lip scrub by adding sugar!
5. NailsI remember a past coworker of mine moisturizing vaseline into her hands every night. She even went as far as wearing gloves to bed. Crazy but her hands were always super soft and her nails were hard!

What is your favourite vaseline use?

Win Tickets to Screening of Safe Haven! With Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough in Attendance

If I had it my way I would watch movies all day.
It's the perfect way to get away from it all for two to three hours.
Alliance has come our with a great movie that may interest you called 'Safe Haven'!

'Safe Haven' opens on Valentines day and stars Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough. An affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to love again, Safe Haven is based on the novel from Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling author behind the hit films The Notebook and Dear John.

I looved The Notebook & Dear John so I know this will be a good movie.
Guess what! 

Alliance is offering four Spiced Beauty readers the opportunity to score some FREE advance DOUBLE passes (for you & a friend) to see the film this Monday January 21st with the talent in attendance Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough!

How awesome is that!

Have you ever been to a advanced screening of a film with the stars in attendance!|!

**This giveaway is for anyone who is a GFC follower & able to get to the Toronto Area**

HOW TO WIN:

Four followers that fill out every entry correctly in my rafflecopter widget wins!

I will be in contact with the winners directly!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Watch the movie trailer preview:

* Giveaway details and are subject to change without notice.

GLAMGLOW Youth-Mud Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask

If you haven't already noticed, I'm a very picky person. Especially when it comes to skin care. 

There are so many products out with unbelievable claims.

I had the opportunity to test out GLAMGLOW Youth-Mud Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask ($69.00) at the Glossy Box TO party back in December.

Photo credit: Lubin Tasevski / Andrea Hunter

Let me add this- Canadian ladies save 10% on your first Glossy Box with the code Glossy29.

After walking around the party seeing ladies with a green masks drying on their hand, I decided to check GLAMGLOW out. I was met by a nice lady who gave me some claims which in my opinion sounded too good to be true.

Designed as a 10-minute professional ‘facial in a jar’ for behind-the-scenes use in Hollywood’s Entertainment, Music, Fashion & Award industries, for immediate camera- ready glowing skin. GLAMGLOW’s mud base is from the South of France Mediterranean Sea, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez & Monaco. GLAMGLOW’s moisturizing collagen synthesis is for both men & women. Use a couple of times a week or simply when you need GLAM-tastic™ skin.

• Leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing.
• Activates moisturizing collagen synthesis.
• Provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation.
• Helps to leave skin smoother, brighter and softer.
• Provides tighter skin texture and tighter pores.
• Helps to provide a more youthful appearance.
• Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils.
• Helps to protect against free radical damage.

This stuff is amazing! 

If you have sensitive skin like me, I'll warn you it really tingles at first.

I contemplated washing it all off but the tingling subsided eventually. If you can't handle the tingle, I was told that you can keep the mask on for half of the recommended time. 

I also love the fact that you can determine how much of a "scrub" you want. 

The formula has green tea leaves in it which promotes anti-aging and gives you radiant skin. Who doesn't want that!!

GLAMGLOW Youth-Mud can be found at Sephora & Murale in Canada.