Six years of blogging... is this a goodbye?

Last December, I celebrated 6 years of blogging.
Thank you for your comments, views and shares of my blog posts throughout the years. 
I know I haven't been posting a lot because of the wedding but this is still my baby. 
I'm not sure how long Spiced Beauty will be here.... but I will not lie.. the passion is kind of dying. 
I personally feel like the landscape is not where it should be right now. 
In other words, six years of doing this and I haven't seen much of a change (for me).  
Don't get me wrong... I still get excited when I see a palette in the mail or event invite but I still think there might be another realm for Spiced Beauty.  Actually let me rephrase that.. there is another realm but that hasn't really been tapped out yet.

For now, I'm going to keep on trucking........

Valentine's Day Red Lips

I love this lip color because I asked Drew Barrymore what colour would she choose for me and she chose Rosebud! Coincidentally, it was in my gift bag.

It's the perfect red for every skin tone.

Plus it would be an amazing bridal or Valentine's day colour!

FLOWER Kiss Stick High Shine Lip Color 

- Creamy application

- Pigmented

- High shine

Products used for my look:
FLOWER Kiss Stick High Shine Lip Color ($7.98 CAN)
Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara by Lashblast ($10.99 CAN)
Lise Watier Smokey Kohl Velours - Indigo ($20.99 CAN)

Flower Beauty + Drew Barrymore

I went to an exclusive Flower Beauty event a while back and I had the opportunity to try out a lot of their products and meet Drew Barrymore. She is amazing- literally everything I thought she would be and more. I'm so impressed with the line. The pigmentation, the colour range, and the overall products that they have makes it unique.

Fell in-love this amazing red lipstick- Rosebud (shown above). Which I'll post about it soon. Plus I was also introduced to a new favourite: Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadows $7.98 CAN. It that comes in six shades. The packaging is extremely cute and the consistency is soft like a soufflé.

You can apply it with your fingers or with a thin brush like a concealer brush. After eight hours of work- it did not crease. I used one of my make up removers to take off the eyeshadow and I had no issue. Each creme eyeshadow has vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
I would recommend getting every colour.

NewYorkColor: January Challenge #NYCBeautyPro

I love these challenges because they force me to get all done up!

January's challenge: Is all about Demi Lovato!

If you're out of the loop and don't know- She is New York Color's first global ambassador.

More importantly- She can rock a mean smokey eye.

Products we received in our January Kit:

Products used:

• Show Time Smoking Hot Mascara $3.49
• City Proof 24 hr waterproof eyeshadow $4.99
• Expert Satin Matte Lip Color $4.99

The Look:

I'm in love with the stay power of the City Proof 24 hr waterproof eyeshadows. 

I'm so use to "cream" shadows creasing on me but these stayed put!

And those lipsticks.. *swoon* The PERFECT combination of matte & satin. 

I'm wearing Expert Satin Matte Lip Color in Berry Me.

Avon Moisture Therapy line

I live in Canada and I know it's apart of the cycle but I'm annoyed with Winter right now.

We're all suffering from dry skin and chapped lips. 

That's why I'm happy when I find products that work well with sensitive skin.

Introducing Avon's Moisture Therapy Derma line.

This line has clinically been shown to help relieve dryness which is typically 

associated with individuals who suffer from eczema.

Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing Body Lotion ($12.00 CAN)
This mild and gentle lotion delivers the powerful moisturizing benefits of an ointment in the light format of a cream. The formula is really light but hydrating. It doesn't leave a residue behind and a dime sized amount goes a long way.

Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing Body Wash ($12.00 CAN)
This mild body wash for bath or shower gently cleanses while soothing dryness associated with eczema-prone skin. The formula is completely scent-free. The gel is infused with chamomile, aloe and vitamin E. Perfect for daily usage.

Calming Relief Anti-Itch Spray Lotion ($10.00 CAN)
Infused with colloidal oatmeal and menthol- This formula provides temporary relief of itching. This is a very interesting product which comes with a pump. Spray it on your skin, when dryness attacks. It cools it down. Remember it contains menthol- so wash your hands before you rub your eyes.

You can order avon.ca or through your avon representative.

The Park Hyatt Toronto Stillwater Spa: Citrus Treatments + Menu

Did you know that the scent of citrus can improve your energy and relieve stress?

Last week, I had the opportunity to indulge in the benefits of citrus from Sunkist!

The Park Hyatt Toronto Stillwater Spa is now offering Citrus spa treatments as well as citrus inspired meals to boost your spirits. 

Citrus Spa Treatments:

• Navel Orange Body Scrub
• Grapefruit Massage with a hand and foot exfoliation
• Navel Orange Food Scrub
• Lemon Hand Scrub

Each treatment captures the essence of each Sunkist citrus fruit.

For example: The Navel Orange Body Scrub contains good stuff like raw sugar, organic honey and fresh squeezed Sunkist® Navel orange juice. 

Food:

• Detox Juice
• Kale & Sunkist® Orange Salad with Oyster Mushrooms and Miso Dressing
• Chili Sunkist® Lime Seared Scallops with Grilled Corn Salsa
• Sunkist® Lemon Tart

Chef Joan Monfaredi created a tasting menu to enlighten us on the health & wellness benefits of citrus. You would love the detox juice! It contains Sunkist® Navel oranges, green grapes, watermelon and fresh mint.

I had the grapefruit Massage with a hand and foot exfoliation and LOVED it! 

Definitely worth checking out if you're in need of some TLC.

Note: The citrus-inspired spa treatments will be available at Stillwater Spa Toronto from January 20th to February 28th, 2015.

The Wedluxe Wedding Show 2015

Out of all the Wedding shows that I've been to, The Wedluxe Wedding Show is the most glamorous and inspirational. It was also the very first show that attended in 2014.
Check out my "The Wedluxe Wedding Show 2014" post.

The event took place at the ARCADIAN- 401 Bay Street, 8th floor. Vendors were spread out in the Arcadian Loft, Arcadian Court, Arcadian Studio and the Mezzanine. Think that's a lot of space? The event was also located on the 7th floor of Hudson’s Bay! Definitely a place to get familiar with! It's where Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay and Hudson’s Bay Gift Registry is.

Win: LG G3 Smartphone (Canadian)

I'm to going to help you "Beat the January Blues" with an amazing giveaway 

sponsored by LG Canada!

Review: LG G3 Smartphone

One of my favourite things about being a blogger is testing out new products. I'm even more ecstatic when the new product is tech related. In early December, I was invited to Her Majesty Pleasure for a special experience with LG Canada. They were looking for an exclusive group ladies and picked me plus a few other others to become official LG G3 Beauty bloggers. 

What are top things that you look for in a phone?

Wedding: Bridal Shower Advice from Weddingbells’ Editor-in-Chief Alison McGill

After a lot of convincing from my future sister-in-law, I decided that I should put having a bridal shower on my list of wants. Let me start off by saying... I've never been to a bridal shower before. On top of that, I have no idea how the whole goes. Sooo when you don't know anything about the topic.. You speak to an expert!

I got Weddingbells Editor-in-Chief Alison McGill to answer those questions
that you may have about bridal showers.

Editor-in-Chief Alison McGill tackles my bridal shower questions

NewYorkColor: NYC Style Holiday Challenge

December's challenge: Holiday Makeup!

Believe or Not.. I've never worn a red lips for NYE.

I've totally have been missing out.

Here is my look for the New Years using NewYorkColor products!

I had to use NYC Ultra Moist Lipstick ($2.99 CAN) in Mahogany as a lipliner because it's such a deep rich plus and add Retro Red as a pop of colour in the middle. On the eyes I used Liquid Liner in Black ($3.99) and the Sun n Bronze Bronzing Powder ($5.99 CAN) Coney Island as a highlight.

Overall a nice clean look which translates well for any New Year's eve activity!

Would you wear this look?

Last Minute Wants: Sephora Edition

If you're an extremely late shopper like me and are going to attempt to brave the malls tomorrow here are a few items from Sephora which any makeup lover would be glad to get!

Hello Kitty

The Red Bow Beauty Diaries
$33.00 CAN
A diary for the ultimate collector that honors Hello Kitty's 40th Anniversary with 15 pretty surprises—from accessories to makeup collectibles.

Hello Kitty

Ruby Compact Mirror
$30.00 CAN
A collectable Hello Kitty-shaped compact mirror that sparkles in bling with nearly 300 hand-placed jewels in honor of Hello Kitty's 40th Anniversary.

SEPHORA COLLECTION

Gold Star Skinny Brush Set
$49.00 CAN
A colorful five-piece brush set in a flashy, metallic clutch.

tarte
Bon Voyage Collector's Set And Travel Bag
$71.00 CAN
A chic, portable travel bag filled with a collection of limited-edition, oversized must-have beauty essentials for the eyes, lips, cheeks, and complexion.

SEPHORA COLLECTION
Pure Luxury Antibacterial Brush Set
$75.00 CAN
A seven-piece brush set treated with a cutting-edge antimicrobial technology that keeps brushes fresher for longer and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Urban Decay
Full Frontal Lipstick Stash Set
$47.00 CAN
A limited-edition mini lip set loaded with six mini shades of Revolution Lipstick, plus a full-size, 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil.

o.b.® PRO COMFORT® Regular tampons giveaway!

I'm interested in finding out about various different things but there are some stuff that you can find out through conversations with your friends and some stuff that you need the internet for (if you know what I mean). I was asked to try a pack of o.b.® PRO COMFORT® Regular tampons and share my honest options. When I find a brand and I like, I do not venture out. After many years, I decided to let's see what else is out there. Who knows, I might find a new favourite.

o.b.® PRO COMFORT® Regular tampons with Fluid-Lock® grooves for locked-in leak protection. The only one with SilkTouch™ cover for ultimate comfort and protection

I won't lie.. I was a little bit shocked when I first received the package. It was extremely small and it could fit in the palm of my hand. I swear I thought I received the wrong package. The biggest shocker was that there was no applicators. 

The Scoop:
The size!
I was able to put them in one of my mini makeup bag without any hassle.
Also when I traveled out of country they took up NO space.

Less Waste
Did you know without the applicator  o.b.® saves 58% of waste compared to some other brands?

Detailed instructions
Each pack comes with an very detailed sheet that gives you step-by-step instruction and FAQs.
If you're an applicator user then you will be happy to see this sheet.

Patience
I want to be 100% honest. I didn't get it the first few tries. Which is okay because I been dependant on an applicator for years but once I got it- it wasn't bad at all. Similar to any other tampon just pull the string once you're ready to dispose of it.

o.b.® PRO COMFORT® Regular are available in a 18 or 40 pack.

Have you tried o.b.® tampons before?

Well o.b.® is giving 50 Spiced Beauty readers the opportunity to get an 18-count box FREE!
Shipped right to your doorstep!

Interested?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday: Benefit Cosmetics 3 Scoops O' Sexy

What a cute gift idea!

Benefit Cosmetics 3 Scoops O' Sexy comes with 3 limited edition 

lip balms/lip and cheek tints ($50 CAN)

Give the whole box set to someone or share with others!

Check out my past posts on Benefit's lip balms & lip and cheek tints.

-Lollibalm lip balm in Candy Orchid

-Lollitint lip and cheek stain in Candy Orchid

-Benebalm lip balm in Rose

-Benetint cheek and lip tint in Rose

-Posiebalm lip balm in Poppy Pink

-Posietint lip and cheek stain in Poppy Pink

You can get this gift set at Sephora online & in-store.

Quick & Easy Holiday Look: Liner & Bold Lips

The older I get the less patience I have to do intricate makeup looks.

For me, liner-mascara-lips are a must!

Here is my super easy Holiday Look!

Products used:

L.A Girl Glazed Lip Paint -Tempt  (*Bought at my local BSB $3.99 CAN*)

Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara by Lashblast ($10.99 CAN)

Lise Watier Smokey Kohl Velours - Indigo ($20.99 CAN)

Would you wear this look?

Canadian Holiday: 12 Days of Beauty!

It's that time again!

P&G has challenged #Beautyunited bloggers to another 12 Days of Beauty photo challenge!

You know I'm aways up for the challenge!

We had to use any of the 12 products from #COVERGIRL, #Pantene, #Olay, #Clairol, #VidalSassoon, #HerbalEssences, #VenusOlay and #3DWhite  to create five Holiday inspiration photos!

Want to try out some of the products that are shown above? 

Guess what!........

P&G is sending one of my lucky Canadian readers a gift pack with the same Holiday essentials that I received!

1. Olay Sensitive Body Wash (part of the Olay Body Sensitive gift set)
2. Secret Oh La La Lavender Clear Gel Deodorant (also in this year’s Secret + Olay holiday gift set)
3. Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream Fragrance-Free (featured in this year’s Olay Regenerist gift set)
4. Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo + Conditioner
5. Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner
6. Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo
7. Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care 2-minute Moisturizer Scalp & Hair Treatment
8. Clairol Hair Colour Coupon
9. Crest Flex-Fit Whitestrips
10. COVERGIRL Full Lash Bloom Mascara in Very Black
11. COVERGIRL Eye Shadow Quads in Notice Me Nudes
12. COVERGIRL Bombshell Powder Brow & Liner Medium Brown

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday: Kat Von D Immortal Lash & Line Kit

This holiday is all about the lashes. 

If you cannot pay to get some falsies put on... why not build them yourself. 

Kat Von D Immortal Lash & Line Kit ($24 CAN) is the best way to get your eyes ready this holiday. 

The kit comes with full-size Immortal Lash 24HR Mascara and deluxe-size Tattoo Eye Liner. 

Immortal Lash is a cutting-edge, 24-hour mascara that powers lashes to their maximum potential with a first-of-its-kind three-in-one brush that lengthens, curls, and coats every lash in ultra-black drama.  

Tattoo Liner, the bestselling liquid liner, provides the ultimate precision, versatility and control with innovative brush tip design crafted with 325 ultrafine bristles.

The brush is amazing and gives me insane volume.
After application my lashes are still soft which makes removal a breeze at night.

My only tip is that the formula is wet..so do not immediately blink or sneeze after application.

The eyeliner is nice as well. 

It's waterproof but just like the mascara- removes really easy with wipes. Since I like my liner a deep rich black, I had to go over it a few times to get my desirable look.

This kit is now available on Sephora online for your favourite makeup lover!

Nudestix: Go nude, but better SWATCHES

I feel like 2015 is going to be about natural looks. 

The point is to look polished but never over done. 

If that's you.. then should check out Nudestix.  

Their slogan is "Go nude, but better".

They come packaged up in a sleek black tin along which has a large mirror and a pencil sharpener.

The line is actually the brain child of Jenny Frankel who is a chemical engineer with over 20 years of beauty experience.  Her muses are her daughters Ally & Taylor. I had the opportunity to try out some products from the line. Immediately, I fell in love with Nudestix concealer pencil ($28.00 Cdn). The consistency is amazing. I had NO idea if the colour would match me but it ended up being perfect! I'm a deep 8. That is the darkest colour in the line. The colour is not muddy or red, it's the perfect matte chocolate brown. I should also add the pencil is very soft so it glides instead of drags.

Left to right: Angel, Deep8 & Ripe

I also tried out a lip/cheek pencil ($28.00 Cdn) in Ripe (not sure if it has the right colour for me but I loved the consistency as well).  I want to try sin. Also I tried one of the magnetic eye colours ($28.00 Cdn) in Angel. If not used over the lid, this would make a great inner eye colour.

TIP: 

"If you have an oily lid like me, you’ll love the way the magnetic eye color never creases, fades or smudges."- Ally

Nudestix is sold at Sephora.

Shop the line below: