Sephora Color Charged Graphic Lacquer Emerald Nails

I couldn't have picked a better timing for this post!

Green nails just in time for St. Paddy's Day!

This post was apart of Challenge Two for Fashion magazine's Beauty Panel.

I used Sephora Color Charged Graphic Lacquer in Emerald ($12.00 CDN).

Can you believe I applied this with three coats (no base or top coat).

To make my ring finger pop, I used Maybelline Color Show Nail Sticker in Divine Crocodile.

I'm a part of Fashion Magazine's Beauty Panel!

If you follow me on twitter, most of you know that I'm now a part of Fashion Magazine's Beauty Panel!

What's beauty panel you ask?

A panel of  Canadian beauty bloggers & MUA's who share our insight on 

weekly questions dealing with makeup, hair & nails.

Real Technique Brushes are now sold in Canada!

I remember my first encounter with these brushes. It was at an Ulta in Buffalo, New York.
My first time ever in Ulta and the real technique brushes were on sale. 

One base/flawless set was left and I told my friend that she could have it. 

Flash forward to now.. 

Real Technique brushes are now sold in Canada!

I know it took a while but I love that fact that I can drive to walmart and pick up products
that I know bloggers in USA and UK rave about.

*More and more walmart locations are getting the brushsets and individual brushes- so don't fret if you can't get the set that you want at the moment. Another option for getting items you want is shopping online at farleyco.ca. 

I was sent the Real Techniques Your Base Core Collection. 

You can never go wrong with a great set of face brushes!

Comes with:
-Detailer brush
Precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition.

-Pointed foundation brush
Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage.

-Buffing brush
Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation.

-Contour brush: 
Delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish

Why you should get it:

• The brushes are soft but firm enough to get the job done.
• Synthetic taklon bristles are great for anyone with sensitive skin. - Plus they are good with wet & dry products.
• The case transforms into a stand- Perfect for someone like me who is always misplacing brushes.
• The brushes have the "usage" names on them. e.g "Contour Brush" - Always good for someone who is new to makeup.
• Last but not least they are 100% cruelty-free.

Have you tried Real Techniques brushes before?

Caryl Baker Visage- The Ultimate Facial

How many times a year do you get a professional facial? 

Every month? Every six months? NEVER?

What If I told you that you can do this at your local mall!

I was recently treated to the "Ultimate Facial" at Caryl Baker Visage. 

The Ultimate Facial is a 60 minute treatment that combines the use of 

deeply hydrating collagen and cell boosting oxygen.

I got my complimentary facial done by a very knowledgeable lady named Jacqueline. She answered all of my questions! I love the fact that she wanted to get to know my skin. We talked about what I think my problem areas are and what I can do to change it.

Having these conversations are crucial. A lot of places slap on product on you without asking what your skin regime is, skin type or if you have allergies.

I have a grape allergy and she made sure that she didn't use any products that contained grapeseed oil.

I should also add that she did a skin analysis on me using a magnifying lamp. Other than the light discolouration on my cheeks she told me that all my pores are small and consistent. YES!! Honestly that made my day. Hahaha!

Before she added the collagen mask, she properly cleansed my skin. It's really important to start with a clean base to make sure that you get the best out of your facial.

The collagen sheet mask was kept on for 10 mins. Did you know collagen diminishes fine line and wrinkles? I'm blessed that I don't have this issue but I was told that early prevention is the best way to combat it. The second part of the facial involves using cell booting oxygen directly on the skin. It's suppose to plump up the skin and leave you look radiant. 

I will add that going to get it on a Friday evening was not the best idea on my part. The mall was packed and it was noisy (I'm easily distracted). They did put down a privacy screen for me which did help a bit. Next time I'd schedule my appointment for early morning or in the middle of the week when I know not as busy.

Overall, I loved the facial. My skin looked amazing and I loved the products she used.

Trends: Thigh High Slits

It's been a while since I've done something on fashion trends.

Let's get started with this trend: Thigh High Slits.

I swear slits are one of those trends that will never die.  They just start getting higher and higher! 

Being 5'2, I'm not sure if I'm going to embrace this trend this summer.

Maybe I start out with a starter piece and go from there.

Here are a few fabulous ladies rocking the trend: 

Rihanna rocking an amazing dress from her river island line.

Maria Menounos in a canary yellow dress at the Grammy's.

Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy's look at that leg!

Would you rock the thigh high slit trend?

Avon MagiX Cashmere Advanced Liquid Dark/Deep Foundation

I couldn't wait to test out the Avon MagiX Cashmere Advanced Liquid Foundation ($15.00 CAN) because they had a great range for Women of Colour. That's one of the main things that attracted me to a line.

The cashmere-soft feel you love…now with new skin brightening benefits. Advanced new formula gives skin an instant radiance. 70% of women saw more radiant, younger-looking skin. After 4 weeks of use, spots and discolorations appeared diminished. Brightens complexion and creates a pore-free, line-free and shine-free look. Leaves skin feeling ultrasoft and moisturized with a natural finish. SPF 15*

I love the "squirt" bottle and applicator.

  It's clean and easier to push out the amount of foundation you want without wasting it.

There are seventeen shades in the line ranging from light Ivory to Rich Espresso. So there is a shade for everyone!

The formula is really smooth. They describe it as "cashmere-soft". A little bit goes a long way. It can be applied with a sponge, brush or fingers. Lately, fingers have been my favourite way to apply foundation because I want a sheer finish. I will also use a wet sponge, if I want a sheer-dewy look.

This foundation brightens up your face. It doesn't apply flat nor is it muddy. Must women of colour know exactly what I mean by that statement. Wait until you see the swatches below!

One of the great selling points of the foundation is how it how it creates a pore-free finish. I know a few ladies who have an issue with large pores. You don't need a primer if you use this foundation.

The three darkest foundations in the line- Rich Espresso, Dark Cocoa and Earth shades do NOT contain SPF. I do use a moisturiser which contains SPF- so the lack of SPF is not an issue for me.

Also those three foundations would be perfect for special occasions where camera flashes were involved. If you're an Make up Artist looking for an affordable foundation to add to your kit for darker tones, this would be a good start.   

SWATCHES

From Left to Right:

Earth- Caramel- Sable- Rich Expresso- Medium Beige- Nutmeg 

Blended

From Left to Right:

Earth- Caramel- Sable- Rich Expresso- Medium Beige- Nutmeg 

Earth is a perfect match for me.
It's blended on the left and you can't even see it. Love!

Have you tried foundation from avon before?

Beauty News: OPI, Macadamia Natural Oil & Elizabeth Arden

OPI

OPI Matte Top Coat ($10.95 CDN) instantly transforms glossy nail lacquer to a matte finish when applied over any OPI hue. Matte Top Coat provides sealing protection without shine and protects nails from chipping, making manicures last longer. With a matte, transparent finish, Matte Top Coat is designed to leave nails velvety smooth while creating a touchable texture for an edgy appearance.

“A matte finish can be worn over any OPI nail lacquer shade and should be applied after the base coat and primary coats of color to give nails a unique look,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Artistic Director. “Using Matte Top Coat to transform any shade in your collection makes it a more versatile and budget-friendly way to embrace the matte trend. Give your favorite lacquers an update with a new finish without altering the color.”

Matte Top Coat contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. This product includes OPIʼs exclusive ProWideTM Brush for the ultimate in application.

*Available in April 2013*

*****

Macadamia Natural Oil

Macadamia Natural Oil No Tangle pre-styler is an indulgent, lightweight spray that works to quench hair and protect strands from heat styling, over-processing and environmental damage ‑ sun, sand and sea ‑ while providing natural UV protection. This pre-styler smoothes and softens hair while protecting wet strands from breakage and eliminating frizz and fly-aways.


“This lightweight cream spray is the perfect product for the girl-on-the-go. Not only does it detangle hair effortlessly without causing breakage and split ends, but it can easily be tossed in your beach bag for lazy summer days at the beach or in an overnight bag to refresh yesterday's blow out,” advises Nathan Cheli, Global Artistic Educator for Macadamia Natural Oil. “Beachy waves are also easy to achieve by simply spraying the No Tangle pre-styler on damp hair and pinning it in to a low bun while it dries.”

NO TANGLE PRE-STYLER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Detangles instantly and painlessly
• Protects wet hair from breakage and damage
• Provides natural UV protection
• Infuses moisture and shine
• Gives shape and hold
• Creates voluminous and smooth hair finish

The No Tangle pre-styler( $15.00) contains Macadamia Oil with Omega 7 for unparalleled absorption and restoration and is the perfect match for Macadamia Natural Oil's No Tangle brush, an innovative product that utilizes a unique flex bristle design that gently and easily diffuses tangles and knots.

NO TANGLE BRUSH BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Minimizes breakage, splitting and damage caused by unnecessary hair stress
• Smoothes the cuticle layer, making hair shinier and more manageable
• Works on all hair types and can be used on wet or dry hair

*****

Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden introduces PREVAGE® Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum ($115.00), a revolutionary new treatment clinically proven to make lashes and brows appear longer, fuller and healthier in as little as
two weeks*

Developed in partnership with the world-renowned Bascom-Palmer Eye Institute, Elizabeth Arden’s PREVAGE® Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum is clinically proven and dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. The safe and easy-to-use formula is fragrance and colourant free and is suitable for contact lens wearers.

Key Ingredients:
PREVAGE® Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum is powered by an exclusive triple peptide complex and blend of Pro-Vitamin B5 and antioxidants. Innovative ingredients and benefits include:

• Triple Lipopeptide ComplexTM– supports lashes natural life cycle so lashes and brows appear lush, healthy and revitalized.
• Retinyl Palmitate (Pro-Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Ascorbyl Palmitate(Vitamin C) – this vitamin blend fortifies, protects and revitalizes eye lashes for a healthy appearance.
• Panthenol – conditions lashes and promotes lash flexibility and durability.
• Vitamins A, C, E, ProVitamin B5 and Botanical Extracts - Help minimize breakage as lash conditioners fortify to help protect, revitalize and recover from environmental, chemical and physical damage.

Directions:
Apply once daily at bedtime to clean eye area. Using the applicator, apply one stroke of PREVAGE®
Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum to the base of upper and lower lashes, from the inner to outer
corner. Follow the same directions for brows, covering the entire eyebrow area. Continue using 3 - 4
times per week to maintain the desired look and condition of lashes and brows.

Is the Tresemme Keratin Smooth line for you?

I have been on my hair journey (doing my hair on my own) for a year now. One of my biggest issues has been frizz! I would straighten my hair and within the hour my hair would curl right back up. It's so frustrating. I'm always on the hunt to find something to maintain the frizz.  

I will be trying out the Tresemme Keratin Smooth and Platinum Strength 

to see if it makes a difference on my hair.

The Keratin Smooth line nourishes hair and infuses keratin from root to tip for instantly smoother style and frizz control that lasts up to 48 hours. 

Platinum Strength repairs up to 2 years of damage after just 5 uses resulting in beautifully smooth, moisturized and healthy-looking hair with all its natural strength.

Before I got started, Gino Vivacqua, Tresemme's Technical Activation Specialist answered a few of my burning questions. I`ve never used keratin and I was afraid it would damage my hair.

1. What is keratin? Any of a class of tough, fibrous proteins that are the main structural component of hair, nails, horns, feathers and hooves. Keratins are rich in sulphur containing amino acids.
   
   
2. Is it safe for my hair?
   Yes, safe for your hair. Keratin is naturally found in hair, so it is a good thing to have in a product for your hair... We have done lots of consumer testing with our Keratin Smooth range and all are safe for consumers.
   
   
3. Can ladies with chemically processed hair use the new Smooth Line?
   Well hair that is chemically processed is severely damaged i.e. dry and feels rough. TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo gently cleanses (lower sulfate formula). Keratin Smooth Conditioner and Serum have a high level of conditioning agents which nourish your hair to leave it smooth, soft, shiny, manageable and with less frizz.
   
   
4. What makes the new smooth line unique to other brands?
   The shampoo has less sulfate than many other shampoos in the market today; the keratin in the products – again, not many others have keratin products; proven frizz protection for up to 48 hours.

Hope this post helped ladies!

Loving: Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara

When I took off my lash extensions I was so sad because I missed walking up to full voluminous lashes!

To fill my lash void, I applied two coats of New York Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara and I immediately fell in LOVE! 

Long, voluminous & lump-free lashes in less 2 minutes!

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara finds its power from the special brush—a first of its kind innovation that quickly coats lashes from roots to tips with explosive volume. The multi-patented brush has an internal core made of a firm elastomeric material, which applies pressure to lashes and deposits a big dose of mascara to each one. The core is surrounded by evenly-spaced, flexible bristles that coat and comb lashes from root to tip—eliminating the potential for clumping.

The lashes up-close!

The Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara can be found at Walmart ($10 CDN).

Handy Candy Nail Lacquer 2013

Have you noticed something different about the Hard Candy bottles? 

No rings and more selections!

I'm so excited!
I know you all seen this sneak peek from the Hard Candy Event.

Can you believe that there are 45 new shades now!!

There are now five collections with nine unique shades. 

Crushed Chrome Collection
Luxurious and timeless hues embellished with a golden textured finish. This collection boasts refinement and sophistication and is infused with a vivacious luster.

Itsy Glitzy Collection
Intense, illuminating, and incandescent hues saturated with the richest and most extreme mica and glitter. Inspired from the runway and now at your fingertips.

Glitteratzi Collection
The combination of confident opposites and intimate tonalities mixed with the right amount of sparkle creates enthusiasm for the vitality of life. The hues are natural and are becoming more evolved and colored. Tasteful tones with all the personality to satisfy every trend setter.

Crystal Confetti Collection
A unique collection based on artistic expression. Flourishing, adventurous, full coverage shades with various particle sizes and creative textures. Graffiti is revolutionary; it’s an outlet to create public art. Now take this artistic and creative expression to your nails.

Crystal Confetti- black tie optional

Candy Sprinkles Collection
Suspended in a clear top coat, shimmery flecks sparkle brilliantly with different shapes of shiny glitter. Candy Sprinkles is a fabulous top coat over any color.

Candy Sprinkles- sugar rush

Which polish is your favourite?

The Body Shop: Lip Glosses and Eau de Toilettes

New goodies are out at The Body Shop! 

They're colourful and smell so yummy!

I'm a huge fan of body butters so I'm extremely excited that I can now spritz on my fave scent.

Simply spritz on your pulse points for a targeted burst of light and wearable scent($14 each).

Eight fragrances:

• Strawberry
• Moringa
• Coconut
• Mango
• Shea
• Satsuma
• Pink Grapefruit
• Vanilla

Satsuma is my favourite scent right now! Smells like a zingy sweet orange.
Before I go to work I spray it on my shirt and I swear eight hours after I still smell it.

There are 11 super-glossy, mouth-watering shades to choose from, each with a succulent fruity flavour to lift your mood.

Your lips are left moisturized smooth and kissably soft thanks to our new formula enriched with vitamins E and B5 and Community Fair Trade organic virgin coconut oil. Perfect for a dewy spring look!  ($10 each)

I love having a gloss that smells true to it's scent. 

As you can see above some of the glosses have a slight shimmer and some are just a gloss.

Which product do you want to try?

Current Obsession: Weleda Body Oil Starter Kit!

There are so many health benefits in body oils.

They offer calming effects, restore skin balance and soothe muscles.

I recently had the opportunity to try out some Weleda Body Oil from their starter kit. 

If you don't know what oils would work for you I'd advise you to try out this kit ($15.99 US).

Convenient, on-the-go body oils

To get you started we’ve put together a conveniently sized sample of our luscious body oils. Whether you have dry skin, need a relaxing or pampering massage, want to restore your skin’s vitality or just delight your senses, this is the kit for you.

The best way to use these body oils are "right after your bath or shower, 

while your skin is still damp, to lock in moisture."

You get six oils which are each 0.34 fl. oz.

Birch Cellulite Oil
improves skin tone and appearance
Cellulite gets visibly toned down after just one month with this revitalizing oil. It’s a dermatologically proven treatment that nourishes your skin with pure natural and organic plant extracts to smooth, tone and support your skin’s overall health.

Arnica Massage Oil
soothing and warming skin care
Tired, aching muscles get immediate relief with this nourishing oil. It’s a soothing natural beauty treatment that deeply nourishes your skin as your body and mind relax.

Lavender Relaxing Body Oil
soothing and calming skin care
Your tired body and spirit find soothing care with our most relaxing oil. It’s a calming blend that restores essential moisture balance to soften your skin and melt away the stresses of your day.

Wild Rose Body Oil
pampering skin care
Deserving skin finds indulgent renewal and radiant beauty with this luxurious body oil. It’s a full-body pampering with our most precious extract for rich moisture and a nourished glow.

Sea Buckthorn Body Oil
replenishing intensive skin care
Thirsty, tired skin in need of intensive replenishment gets nutrient-rich moisture with this revitalizing oil. It’s a replenishing full-body treatment packed with antioxidants and vitamins to nurture and protect your skin’s radiant health, particularly after exposure to the sun.

Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil
indulgently firms and renews
Aging and tired skin is revitalized by the renewing Pomegranate Body Oil. This natural oil moisturizer is a nourishing full-body treatment that regulates moisture balance and restores your natural vitality with potent antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

All the oils were great but lavender is my favourite. If you are ever anxious or stressed, lavender is extremely calming. This size is perfect push into your purse or makeup bag. 

Just dap it on your wrist and breathe it in and exhale it out. 

Have you ever tried any of these oils?