What's your summer style? + GIVEAWAY

What's your summer style?
Right now- mine consists of maxi dresses, short dresses, jean shorts, sandals... oh I could go on and on!

What if I told you that you can win a $5,000 shopping spree just your sharing your Canadian style!

Schick Quattro for Women is celebrating stylish Canadian selfies in a contest called 

Your #Selfie. Your Style

Until July 22nd, you can enter for a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree:
Two ways to enter:

• Upload your selfie to Instagram with the #QFWSelfie hashtag and tag @QFWCanada
• Upload your selfie to the Facebook app here: http://bit.ly/QFWSelfie

To celebrate, Schick Quattro for Women is allowing me to host an amazing giveaway valued at $185!

Contents:

• Two NEW Schick Quattro for Women razors Enriched with Papaya & Pearl
• fold-over clutch
• summery scarf
• jeweled cuff bracelet 
• $50 Visa gift card

Canadians Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Don’t forget to like the Schick Quattro for Women Facebook page and follow @QFWCanada on Instagram!


*The winner must provide proof of entry- Google Friend Connect through screenshot + respond in 48 hours to win*

#Likeagirl

Did you know that 56% of girls lose confidence during puberty...

Puberty was an awkward time. Trying to see where you fit in/who your real friends are..

I could go on and on..

Being that I'm the oldest in my family.
I was use to hearing other people using the term "like a girl" to me.

Thankfully, my parents always believed in me and never subjected me to that... but not every girl is that lucky. Only 19% of girls have a positive association with the phrase “like a girl.”

This has got to change! I
t’s time to refine the term #LikeaGirl.

Don't know what I mean? 

Watch this video!

Directed by Lauren Greenfield, winner of the Sundance Film Festival Directing Award for her documentary, “The Queen of Versailles” in 2012, the #LikeaGirl social experiment captures how doing something like a girl changes as they grow up and how a bit of encouragement can go a long way in changing what it means to be proud to be a girl, and do things like a girl.

Zoe Saldana on FASHION Magazine's August 2014 Cover- Hot or Not?

I've honestly enjoyed a few of the latest movies that Zoe Saldana has started in- Star Trek, Avatar and Colombiana were really good. I'll admit she's not one of the actresses I'd look to for fashion inspiration but I loved the way she was styled on the latest cover of Fashion Magazine.

Inside the mag she talks about various things such as her marriage (I actually didn't know she was married) and how she prepared for her role in Nina. Yes.. If you don't know she's playing Nina Simone in a new biopic. I seen a lot of criticism on twitter about her getting the role due to her skin colour.. etc. Fashion Magazine asked her about it and his was her response:

On skin-deep criticisms regarding her casting in the biopic, Nina-

“I handled the role with the same love, the same respect and the same pride that any other black person would, because I am a black woman, a proud Latino black woman, and nobody’s going to take that right from me.”

Hmmm..I really think people should give her a chance.

Overall I see the the cover as HOT!
What do you think?

Beauty News: Bliss + Moroccanoil

Summer is the best time to try out new products.
With all the parties, dates and the vacations going on it's always great to look your best.
Check out these three products!

Chapped lips are not sexy on anyone. Summer is the time to break out your favourite matte lipsticks! So get ready with the Bliss 'Pout'-o-matic Lip Exfoliating Tool ($58.00 CAN). Yes.. there is a tool that will exfoliate your lips for you! No man power required.

This must-have system revitalizes and smooths lips for a beautiful, full look. The pro-powered lip-perfecting device uses gentle rotation and custom designed head with massaging numbs to softly yet effectively stimulate and exfoliate your lips. Complete with a creamy lip scrub to polish, nourish, and condition lips to help color last longer, this set includes all the essentials for soft, healthy lips.

You will never know how a week worth of vacation can cause on your hair.. I remember the first time I went to Cuba and forgot to bring my own shampoo/conditioner. My hair was a mess! 

It could have been prevented with these three products.

Moroccanoil® Moisture Repair Shampoo gently cleanses the scalp, while Moroccanoil® Moisture Repair Conditioner smoothes and reconstructs hair - both providing the added moisture and hydration needed to repair damaged strands and promote healthy, beautiful hair. Moroccanoil® Treatment will instantly absorb into the hair to help create luminous shine and luxurious, silky perfection, transforming hair with dramatic results.

Do you have a lot of dead skin cells? 

Bliss has a solution for getting fit of them their Micro Magic Spa-Powered Microdermabrasion Treatment($56.00 CAN). 

This twice-a-week spa-powered microdermabrasion treatment boosts your cleansing routine by powerfully yet gently exfoliating dead cells and pore-polluting impurities that face washes may leave behind. Aloe and mushroom extract reduce inflammation and calm skin while peppermint extract refreshes and revitalizes. 

Update Your Look with Revlon! #shop #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Lately... I feel like I'm in a make up rut.
What does that mean exactly?

My look is so basic at the moment. Tinted lip balm and mascara.
My days have been divided into working and planning a wedding- so I have no time to get dolled up. 

Since summer is here, it's time to make a change and start playing with new products.
I went to Loblaws to pick up some goodies for my new look. 

Let me start off by saying- I've never shopped for makeup in a grocery store before.
Perfect time to try it out for my #CollectiveBias post.


My initial thoughts about Revlon (makeup) being sold in Loblaws.

Pros
Convenience

• (Get your fruits and makeup needs in one location)

Cons
Selection

• (Not as stocked as a drug store)
• (Not a lot of the new release products)
• (Messy)
• (I saw no sales!)

I hardly seen any of the new Revlon products which are shown in the magazines.
No Lip stains or shadow compacts from the new collection.

I love matte lips. So I had to get a Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm ($9.99 CAN)!
This is probably the BEST matte lip product that you can get for under $10.00!
Long lasting & very pigmented. I debated getting this in pink or red.

I decided to put this colour back and go with a signature red lip.

I needed a product to create my famous cat eye which usually requires a lot of precision.

Picked up the new Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Liner (8.99 CAN). The tip is tiny!
Probably one of the smallest ones I've seen on the market.

To finish of the look I went with Revlon Lash Potion Volume + Length Mascara ($12.99 CAN).
It's a "wet" mascara but works well when you let it dry in-between coats.

Again the convenience of grocery shopping and getting makeup is pretty awesome! 

Quick makeup breakdown:

If I'm going to purchase Revlon- I'd probably go to a drugstore for variety, quantity and sales.

Do you have a favourite product from Revlon? 

Hair: Cleansing Conditioners?

To shampoo or not to shampoo that is the question. 

I started my hair journey a few years ago which now entitles me to do 

my own hair 90% of the time.

One thing I can tell about my hair is that loves moisture! There are a lot of talks out there saying that shampoos actually strip your hair moisture and conditioners cannot replace the full amount of moisture that has been lost. I have switched to a cleansing conditioner. Best decision ever! Most cleansing conditioners are really good for the hair because they don't contain harsh chemicals and they really help your hair maintain moisture. I love how soft my hair is after using them.

Click the product below and check some of my favourite cleansing conditioners!

Here is a shot of my natural hair- 

I have combed out my curls after putting in the Pantene damage repair cleansing conditioner ($9.99 CAN).

Do you have a favourite cleansing conditioner?

The Oils of Live Clean this Summer

Oils have definitely become mainstream and have been making a huge impact lately.

I personally think that they are a must have in your hair regime. Not sure what brand to start with? Check out Live Clean’s three amazing hair oils.

Live Clean KERATIN OIL Leave-in Treatment ($11.99 CAN)

Perfect for curly, frizzy and dry hair.

This product repairs hair by using Buriti Oil and Macademia Nut Oil. Plus Wild Flower Honey to help your hair hold onto water molecules. Want that perfect blowout? It also helps to prevent heat damage.

LIVE CLEAN MONOI OIL Leave-in Treatment ($11.99 CAN)

Perfect for brittle, fine and dry hair.

This product contains Tahiti’s native Tiare flower (which known for it's beautiful scent) and Monoi Oil (very rich blend of coconut oil). Plus Bamboo Extract and Jojoba Oil to ensure your hair is fully moisturized. 

LIVE CLEAN AGE RESIST MIRACLE Nutrition Oil ($11.99 CAN)

Perfect for aging/damaged hair.

This product contains Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein which attaches to the hair shaft causing hair to appear fuller. Also contains Jojoba, Rosehip and Avocado Oil. An amazing pre-shampoo treatment.

Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm Swatches

Last year was all about colour for me. This year, I'm more laid back with tints and balms.

On my radar right now, is Benefit Cosmetics hydrating tinted lip balms ($22.00 CAN).

A hydrating, fruity, tinted lip balm that conditions and glides on sheer.

Let me say this again. The keyword is tinted balm. As a girl with pigmented lips, I'm not looking for colour payoff just hydration. It's a bonus that these lip balms are very conditioning as well. 

They're perfect on their own or over your favourite lipstick.

Colours- According to the swatches below:
1. Lollibalm - candy orchid
2. Benebalm - rose
3. Cha Cha Balm - sheer mango
4. Posiebalm - poppy pink

My favourite balm is of course Lollibalm!

It works amazing with Lollitint which I reviewed back in January.

Do you have a favourite tinted lip balm?

Beauty News: Marc Anthony Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Collection

What if I told you that you can get the treatment of 12 products in 1 product? 

Check out the Marc Anthony Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Collection! 

It's developed with the latest Apple Stem Cell Technology which nurtures healthy hair growth. 

Three carefully targeted products to regenerate hair. The gem of the line for me is the Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Daily Conditioning Treatment. All you have to do is spray it evenly on wet hair from roots to ends. Leave in and comb through and style.

Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Daily Conditioning Treatment ($16.99 CAN)
Versatile, Apple Stem Cell enriched Daily Conditioning Treatment primes your hair for flawless looking hair day in and day out. A leave-in for all hair types.

Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Sulfate Free Shampoo ($14.99 CAN)
Cleanse your way to thicker, stronger, healthier growing hair. Infused with the power of Apple Stem Cells and Biotin. Sulfate Free.

Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Sulfate Free Conditioner ($14.99 CAN)
Nourish and hydrate while promoting thicker, stronger, healthier growing hair. Infused with the power of Apple Stem Cells and Biotin. Sulfate Free.

All these products are available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

New: Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor + Giveaway (20 winners)

Did you know the spring is almost over? 10 more days until Summer! 

Can you believe it? 

Right now I'm in the process of taking out all my summer dresses so I can get see what fits and what doesn't.. so far so good! But that's not going to stop me from shopping hahaha!

You know I always have the 411 on what's new and coming out. 

Check out the Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture razor ($11.99 CAN).

It's a razor that comes with new Moisture Ribbons which lathers/moisturizes your skin. Of course, eliminating the need for shaving gel. Less stuff in the shower is always a good thing. Perfect for anyone who is like me that wants to get in and get out!

Other Cool info:

• Ergonomically designed handle
• Grip to help you while in the shower.
• Pivoting head
• Four blades surrounded by a conditioning solid

Do you want to prepare yourself for summer?

Schick is giving 20 Canadian Spiced Beauty readers their own 

Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor to send out for test and review!

Once you send in your review you will be entered to win a $100 Visa Gift card!

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Pinks: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color Rose Symphony

I've been talking about doing this post for so long. While working full-time and attempting to plan a wedding and of course trying to have a life.. I have been taking a bit of a back seat on the blog.

Summer is coming in right now one of the hottest colours out is pink. As a deeper skin woman of color, I feel that I need to be conscious about what pink I wear. Hear me out.. I personally do not want to be walking around with milky Pepto lips because it's not flattering to my skin tone. When When I brought up the idea of doing a pink lip series on Twitter, a lot of women of colour were really happy for me to do it.

This week's summer pink is:
 L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color Rose Symphony ($12.99 CAN)

Formulated with precious micro-oils and rich color pigments, 

Extraordinaire provides the ideal balance of color and care for perfect lips. 

Purchase it here:

Beauty News: Soap and Glory & Palmer's

I find that the best time to shop for makeup is spring/summer.
Think about it- when you're going to a pool party what do you buy?

Nail polish- shaving supplies-sunscreen- DIY pedicure products

The list goes on and on.

Here are two products that may get you on the right path this summer.

Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil for Face ($9.99 CAN)

This Skin Therapy Oil for Face is an age-defying, multipurpose skin perfecting oil.

Daily you battle environmental factors which take a toll on your skin.
What's the outcome?

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles 
• Dark spots
• Sagging skin 
• Uneven skin tone

Palmer’s non-greasy, hypoallergenic facial treatment is formulated with all of the same great ingredients used in our best-selling Skin Therapy Oil but amped up with even more face-loving, anti-aging ingredients.

This product combines 11 different oils to keep your skin looking good while battling the elements. I prefer to use it right before I go to bed. Especially after a day after being in the sun.
 Why not wake up with soft skin?

SOAP & GLORY Heel Genius™ Amazing Foot Cream ($16.99 CAN)

It renovates rough feet in a single overnight session, doubles as a foot cream, and will give even the roughest of cuticles a run for its money. Featuring allantoin, glycerin, macadamia oil, menthol, bilberry, orange and lemon fruit acid smoothers.

Remember when I brought up the pool party?

 What if your friend decides to throw one the next day and you have no time do get a pedicure... 

What do you do? 

I had the opportunity to get some inside info from Marcia Kilgore of Soap & Glory to solve this dilemma.

Which Soap & Glory products would I use to get my feet spring/summer ready?

 Soap and Glory’s Heel Genius is both a moisturizing foot cream and mask that renovates rough feet in a single overnight session, especially if you wear socks after you apply to lock in the moisture.

It's that simple!

Which product do you want to try this Summer?

Early-Harvest Raspberry for the Summer from The Body Shop!

Have you even seen a product and you just had to have it. I mean you don't now it works/smells or performs but you needed it? That's how I felt when The Body Shop put out a tweet with an image of their new Raspberry Collection. One thing about The Body shop is that their scents NEVER disappoint. They never smell artificial! Which is really hard to do for some companies.

I'm so happy to say this collection is everything I thought it would be.
It smells AMAZING!

Start spring in style with our new fruity, indulgent and deeply moisturizing Raspberry Body Collection.

Shop the Body Shop Raspberry Collection!

EARLY-HARVEST RASPBERRY BODY SCRUB ($20.00 CAN)

This body scrub looks like jam! It contains raspberry extract and smells amazing.

 I will admit it can get a little messy- so be cautious in the shower

EARLY-HARVEST RASPBERRY BODY LOTION ($12.00)

This lotion is pretty hydrating. I love using it as a hand lotion after I wash my hands. 

Plus it smells really good!

EARLY-HARVEST RASPBERRY BODY BUTTER ($20 CAN)

This is a very rich and pungent body butter. 

The texture is amazing and it's made with Community Fair Trade shea butter.

Do you have a favourite The Body Shop scent?