Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipsticks!

I'm posting my favourite lip inspirations up until Valentine's day!

Today's lip is from the Mary Kay True Dimensions line called Spice 'n' Nice!

These flirty, feminine shades beg to be adored while showing off your charming side. Dangerously smooth and delightfully tempting, this lip-loving lipstick provides colour-infused luxury for your lips. The buttery-smooth-feeling formula melts onto lips, instantly drenching them in moisture and locking it in. Infused with advanced skin care ingredients, the formula smooths the appearance of fine lines and helps lips look fuller. Just a push of the clear, click-button top releases pure, radiant colour from its ultrastylish case. $19.00 CAN.

These lipsticks live up to their name! 

They glide on like butter and are quite long lasting!

As you can see Spice 'n' Nice looks totally different with a flash.
Quite a pleasant surprise! I love it even more!

Do you like this lip colour?

Valentine's Day Look with Maybelline

I recently received some great Maybelline products. Instead of doing individual reviews, I decided why not do a makeup look with them! This look was done just in time for Valentine's day! I decided to stray away from the traditional soft colors like pinks on the lid and try something different. 

I used some of the new 2013 releases to create a simple look!

 
Products Used

Lids:

Eye Studio® Color Tattoo™ Metal

24HR Intensity, Tattoo tenacity Luxe it up with our long-lasting metallics

With the tip of my finger, I dabbed Gold Rush on my lower lid.

*I also used a no name brown shadow to define my crease*

Eye Studio® Master Duo 2-in-1 Glossy Liquid Liner Violet LusterFirst 2-in-1 glossy liquid liner goes from thin to thick with the twist of your wrist

Lips:

Color Whisper™ by Color Sensational® Cherry on Top

Truly translucent gel-color with pure color pigments suspended in a weightless gel.

 

I'm currently in love with the Color Whisper lip colours!  
They're so moisturizing and pigmented!

What colors will you be wearing for Valentine's Day?

Bobbi Brown Make Up Rachel Roy Spring 2013

I had to share a past Bobbi Brown's NYFW look for Rachel Roy.
I know that this show was a while ago but I can't get over how amazing their skin looks!!

“Rachel Roy’s Spring 2013 Collection brings to life an unexpected dreamland through artful prints, pops of neon and fantastic fuchsias, oranges and pinks. To balance the brilliant shades and dramatic draping of the collection, the makeup features a nude palette of bronzes and browns. Dewy skin complements the youthful collection and completes the look.”
Lead: Bobbi Brown

THE LOOK
Skin: Hydrating Face Cream ($52 US)
Eyes: Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint (Nude Beach Collection, Spring ’13, $25 US), Burnt Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow ($21 US), Extreme Party Mascara ($24 US)
Cheeks: Antigua Illuminating Bronzer ($36 US)
Lips: Nude Beige Sheer Lip Color (Sheer Lip Colors, Spring ’13, $24 US)
Rockstar Products: Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint, Burnt Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow

I need that foundation ASAP!

The Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy 7 Day Challenge

Have you heard of the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy line?

Just as good soil is to a tree, a well nourished scalp is the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair. For years women have been treating the wrong end of their hair. CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ made with Nutrium 10™, nourishes the scalp, creating the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair.

I find that a lot of people neglect their scalp!
It's sounds funny but it's true.

 A moisturized scalp = healthy hair!

Did you know that if you use their shampoo and conditioners for 7 days you will have stronger hair!

Guaranteed or your money back!

Are you up for the challenge Canadians?

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?