Sleek Makeup Crème to Powder Blush- Swatch

The best way to throw together a look is to add some blush! In school, we were taught that we only need two blushes in our makeup kit: Bubble gum pink and a rich orange. I've always gravitated to oranges. I love how warm it looks on dark/deep skin. 

When I was sent Sleek Makeup's crème to powder blush ($8.99 US), I knew that it 

would become a staple in my collection.

Sleek Makeup's Innovative Crème to Powder Blush offers intense colour with a dewy, satin finish. 

Blending is super easy with this blush. The soft blush starts out as a creme. 

Then dries to a nice light powdery texture. Perfect for any skin type: Oily, combination or normal.

I should also add that the nice sleek black packaging is perfect for your makeup kit or personal use.

SWATCH

HOW TO APPLY

Apply using a stippling brush or your fingers to the apples of your cheeks.

Then blend!

Perfect Fall Statement Lip with Arbonne Swatches

I'm so here for a Fall lip. The more vampy the better.

I remember when I used to be afraid of bold colours like these but once I had the opportunity to try different variations.  For the first time, I had the opportunity to try out Arbonne Cosmetics.

Check out the Arbonne Lip Collection featuring these lovely 90's lip shades 

which are taking over the runway!

    Glossed Over Lip Gloss in Anise ($31 CAN)

Lip Liner in Berry ($28 CAN)

Smoothed Over Lipstick in Iris ($34 CAN)

Glossed Over Lip Gloss in Hyacinth ($31 CAN)

Smoothed Over Lipstick in Dahlia ($34 CAN)

Smoothed Over Lipstick in Aster ($34 CAN)

Key things to know about The Arbonne Lip Collection.

Smoothed Over Lipstick
-16 shades

-Creamy
-Contains fruit extracts to volumize your lip
-Stain Finish
-Hypoallergenic
-Vegan
-Paraben & Gluten Free

Glossed Over Lip Gloss
-10 shades
-Buildable coverage
-Paraben & Gluten Free
-Hypoallergenic
-Vegan

Lip Liner
-6 shades
-Dermatologist-tested
-Contains Hyaluronic acid
-Creamy and smudge-proof
-Paraben & Gluten Free

Check out arbonne.ca

Neutrogena Skin Care Talk- Why is it important to remove your makeup at night

I love trying new makeup brands. When Neutrogena reached out to me, I thought it would be a great opportunity to speak about skincare. Especially when the brand is #1 Dermatologist recommended. Toronto dermatologist, Dr. Paul Cohen answered a few of my questions regarding the importance of a night time makeup removal regime. 

1. Why is it important to remove your makeup at night?
When you go to bed with makeup, you are setting yourself up for clogged pores and in turn, a breakout. Why? Because your skin doesn’t have a chance to breathe and recover. Your skin is covered in pores, and those pores not only allow us to sweat, but pores also allow us to secrete sebum. Sebum is a waxy lubricant that helps moisturize and protect skin, and it also helps remove dead skin cells and other irritants from pores in the process. By leaving makeup on, it clogs pores and prevents sebum from doing its job -- instead, the sebum builds up, which can cause acne. My recommendation, if you know you are going out and will come home too tired to go through your normal routine, keep makeup removing wipes by your bed. I recommend Neutrogena All-in-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes.

2. Should I use a different remover for eyes, face and lips?
You don’t necessarily have to use different make-up removers for eyes, face and lips – you can use the same one. The eyes can be more sensitive than the rest of your face, so you may want to use a different remover.

3. What is a good night time regime? (cleanser..toner..etc)
My recommendation is wash, medicate, moisturize! Cleanser, toner, exfoliant, treatment, moisturizer would be my suggested regimen.

Shop the post here:

Beauty News: Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Plus Set

With winter approaching quickly, the importance of skin care increases. If you can't go for monthly facials try TimeWise® Microdermabrasion Plus Set ($60.00 CDN). Suitable for all skin types and skin tones.

You can actually get the same benefits of the salon by using two products. Start with Microdermabrasion Refine and pair it with a Pore Minimizer. Super Simple!

How it works/ How to use

Microdermabrasion refine:

• Gentle exfoliation.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and refines skin’s texture.
• Use it two to three times a week.

Pore minimizer:

• Tightens the look of your pores.
• Continuous use improves skin over time.

Interested?

This set can be purchased at maykay.ca

Check out Beautylicious!

Inspired by Toronto’s annual Summerlicious/Winterlicious, here comes Beautylicious! Now in it's 7th year, over 50 participating businesses in the Bloor-Yorkville area will give beauty lovers the option to try services at three fixed prices!

Packages start at  $30, $50, $75.

From October 22nd to November 1st Packages are available in four categories for both men & women.

• Hair
• Spa
• Skin 
• Health and Wellness 

Check it out here:

www.bloor-yorkville.com/Beautylicious/

I had the opportunity to do a treatment at Spa at the Hazelton.
Number one.... Let me start of by saying I love the Hazelton!
I've gone there for events but this is the first time I have visited the Spa.

I got the $75 Offering Spa Pedicure (1 hr treatment) Includes Manual Exfoliation and Hot Stone Massage + Express Manicure ($100 value)

My toes are super cute too but I'll spare y'all of that :)

Amazing customer service, clean facilities, friendly atmosphere.
Loved it!
Just because Fall is here- don't forget about your feet ladies.

Other notables..
I've been to the STILLWATER SPA at the Park Hyatt Hotel.
Another amazing Gem in the city!
I'd totally be interested in the $75 Offering Coffee Body Scrub.

CARYL BAKER VISAGE also has some great facials
They're offering three $50 skin services:

• Natural Acid Peel ($95 value)
• Deep Sea Purifying Facial ($95 value)
• Collagen Hydrating Facial ($95 value)

SO many options!

Have fun ladies.

Eos Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Pack Lip Balm 2-Pack

This product has been super popular in my household.

"A two pack? I've never seen that before?"

"They're pink!"

 It's the EOS 2015 breast cancer awareness collection. 

What is it?

Two top selling eos lip balm in Strawberry Sorbet and Limited Edition Wildberry ($7.99 CAN).

100% of net profits are donated to breast cancer research.

Remember eos lip spheres are petrolatum-free, paraben-free and gluten-free.
This limited edition product is available until November 2015.

You can find it at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Loblaws, evolutionofsmooth.com and Walmart.

New York Bridal Fashion Week Marchesa Fall 2016 Collection- Moroccanoil

Sometimes simple is the way to go!

The classic question every bride gets is "Are you going to wear your hair up or down?".

For me, down was a given but there are so many cute up-dos that are not so structured.

 Marchesa Fall 2016 Collection had some really cute hair opitions that need to be on your radar!

All done with Moroccanoil products.

Hair Style Inspiration:
If you seen Marchesa’s gowns- you will know that they have an ethereal feel.
Very delicate and exquisite.

Romantic braided style with floral accents

The look was done by Steven Turpin for Moroccanoil

Beauty News: Live Clean Sheer Light Skin Perfecting Dry Body Oil

I'm sorry to break this to you but Fall is coming. The temperature is dropping and your skin is changing. A good hydration regime is key right now. I've added Live Clean Sheer Light Skin Perfecting Dry Body Oil ($9.99 CAN) to my favourites. This silky oil is honestly amazing.

It's not heavy, leaves no residue and has a light scent.

What's the secret? 

Natura8 Complex™ including:

• Safflower Oil
• Argan Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Sesame Oil.
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C

I forgot to add that it also improves the appearance of fine  lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, redness, discolouration and scars.

Lush Fresh Made Cosmetics: Cup O' Coffee & Rosy Cheeks

Sometimes, I miss going back to school. New outfits, seeing my friends and hearing stories about the summer. I just love routines! But I understand that not everyone can say that.

Bad skin days can totally make you want to delay going back.
With exactly 5 days to go until the big day, get a head start with the new lush masks.

Annabelle Cosmetics Instaglam Kajal Eyeliner + Kajal

As a beauty blogger, I'm always testing something. My purse is full of products. It's extremely hard to down size. I often find myself forgetting something important at home. Annabelle Instaglam Eyeliner + Kajal $12.50 CAN prevents me from having breakdowns. 

Everything to line my eyes in one product.

Liquid

Kajal

SWATCHES

They both apply smoothly along your lash line. One thing I love about the kajal is that it's really black. Like midnight black. Overall the convenience of having both products together is a lifesaver!

Key notables:

• The kajal is waterproof
• Perfect for sensitive eyes
• Scent-free
• The liquid liner lasts up to 12+ hours

This product would be perfect for traveling or to add to your makeup bag for back to school.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

As a WOC, I get asked about foundation A LOT. I mostly just refer people to my Easy Women of Colour Foundation Guide but since 2014- I haven't found a new one to add to my list until now.

Introducing MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($50.00 CAN) & Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation ($50.00 CAN) .

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation is literally the MOST natural foundation that you will ever use in your life. Honestly I have never tried anything like this in my life. It's like I'm wearing an instagram filter.

My colour:  COLOR 178 = Y535 - Chestnut

With 40 shades to choose from, Whether your an MUA or your local selfie queen you will love this medium finish formula. You know when you watch the news in HD and you see enough makeup on the host that you swear you can peel off? You would get NONE of that with this foundation. It's honestly invisible under the newest 4k lens. Let me also add that it's formulated with hyaluronic spheres for time-released hydration.

You can apply it with a brush or a sponge.
I prefer to use a damp sponge for application.

No filter here!

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation is for my girls who need a bit more coverage. It's the same concept of the liquid just with more of a medium-full coverage.

My colour:  COLOR 178 = Y535 - Chestnut

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation is perfect for extra coverage, contouring or touch ups.

This is the most natural-looking stick foundation that I've ever seen in my life.
15 shades to chose from. I love the fact that it's in a stick foundation that doesn't dry me out stick to my skin.

Check out my  MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer post

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer - Swatches + Pictures

A primer is the key to making your foundation last. It's such a small step. Finding a primer that works for you is very hard. I've tried some that have broken me out like pimples everywhere. To others that turned me into an oil slick. It's truly trial & error.

Sometimes you really have to invest, if you want your make up to be pristine. 

Right now the MAKE UP FOR EVER step 1 Skin Equalizer ($43.00 CAN) is literally everything. 

Make Up For Ever did an amazing job making these primers for all skin concerns.

10 formulas target your texture & tone concern.

Here is what I received:
Mattifying Primer reduces shine- oily skin.

Radiant Primer Caramel adds radiance- deep/dark skin. 

As stated before prep is key. These primers are all light, creamy and effective! 

Your foundation will apply smoothly and last a REALLY long time.

I use the Mattifying Primer in my t-zone and my nose.
Then I follow up with Radiant Primer Caramel on my dark areas.
It's amazing under the eyes.

If you see these in stores- Get them ASAP!