Three Gentle Back to School Products for your Skin: Cerave

I'm not 16 anymore- so my skin care routine is even more important.

I told you all my story many times. How when I was younger, I used to be blemish free... then I turned about 25 or so I started to see pimples. It was really disheartening. I go through times where I find products that work amazing for me and other times where my skin was a MESS. I'm really liking CERAVE. This brand was formulated with dermatologist to help repair your skin. It is also non-comedogenic, fragrance free and leaves and no irritation. Everything in the line is so mild( that I've tried).  Right now I have a good regimen going on which I think I'm going to stick to until the winter.

If you're going back to school and need some skin care advice. Definitely check out these products.

Add Palmers Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil to your daily routine

These liquid lip colours have crazy staying power now a days.
The removal can be crazy: Super long and annoying!
(If you don't have the right products) 

Right now, My favourite thing to use for removal is Palmers Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil- Face ($7.99 CAN).

4 Mistakes To Avoid When Applying Contact Lenses And Makeup

There’s a whole host of do's and don'ts out there when it comes to contact lenses and make-up: nifty reviews on what are the “safest" contact lenses and how to care for your lenses, amongst other things. Before we delve into this, what most people don't know is that a lot of contact lens wearers are practicing not so healthy habits which can be easily resolved leaving your makeup looking flawless and your eyes healthy.

Here are 4 common mistakes, which may sound like no-brainers, but, are commonly practiced by contact lens wearers all around the globe.

APPLYING LENSES AFTER MAKE-UP
Sounds pretty simple doesn’t it - but it's not! This is actually top on the list of the most frequently asked questions by a first-time contact lens wearer. Why shouldn't you put in your contact lenses after you applied your make-up? First of all, there may be residues of moisturizer, foundation, eye shadow or mascara on your fingers which can easily stick to the contact lens disrupting the cleanness and clarity of the lenses. Secondly there is a high chance your eyeliner will run leaving you having wasted 15 minutes of a perfectly applied smoky eye.



CHOOSING THE WRONG MASCARA OR EYELINER
With such a vast range of products on the market today, it's all too easy to get carried away and be tempted to try every single product on the shelf. However when you’re part of the contact lens squad, you need to make smart decisions when choosing your mascara.

Mascaras that contain extra fibers to enhance the length of your lashes are great, if you have 20/20 vision or wear glasses. However for contact lens wearers the results are less than positive. Lash building mascaras contain fibers which can potentially flake into your eyes and these can become trapped under your lenses, increasing the risk of infection.

One solution to prevent flaking is to avoid touching your eyes or lashes but, an even better way is to invest in products which won’t flake. Eyeliners and mascaras which are designed for extended wear are the best solution and are particularly great if you have eyes that are prone to watering due to allergies.

UNDER ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF CARING FOR YOUR MAKEUP
How you treat your makeup products is one of the most overlooked aspects of wearing contact lenses. Let’s best honest how many people follow the professional advice to throw and replace your mascara after 3 months? Mascara tubes in particular, are infamous for being the perfect 'moist' environment for bacteria and germs to build up. Plus, if you've been using a mascara for a little too long, they may get dry and cakey, which in turn creates clumps, flakes and the not so desirable risk of infection.

A simple adjustment such as making sure you keep all containers firmly closed after use, using high quality makeup brushes, and frequently washing your brushes and sponges can improve your contact lenses experience dramatically.

PRACTICING UNHEALTHY EYE CARE HABITS
When you put on eye make-up, no matter how careful you are with your application technique or handling your products, there is still a high chance that there are some residues of your make-up product that have got onto your contact lenses. So with this in mind we highly recommend you to be disciplined about replacing or cleaning them properly. Rubbing your lenses in solution for a few minutes before storing them, even if you are using a ‘all-in-one’ solution, is vital when you have been wearing makeup. Also to avoid unnecessarily putting your eyes at risk of infection and if you feel daily washing wouldn’t fit into your lifestyle daily disposable lenses are a great investment. By using a fresh, new pair of lenses every day, you’ll avoid the buildup of protein (from your eyes) or pollen, makeup and other agents which may cause irritation.


Check out SmartBuyGlasses’ collection which offers a vast range of purse friendly contact lenses suitable for all lifestyles. For more information on contact lens care, head over there .


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My simple everyday look with Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Waterproof Eyeliners + Swatches

Eyeliner has been a part of my daily routine for the past 15+ years. It's one product that I am always trying. I have tried so many brands. A good 50% of them end up smudged on my lower lid halfway through my day.It's so annoying. For me, I need products that don't budge. I don't have time to touch up throughout the day so I need one application to last hours. 

I look for liners that I can literally they check off my "everything I'm looking for" a list.
It sounds dramatic but hear me out.
  • Long lasting
  • Ultra pigmented 
  • Easy application that does not drag your eyes 
  • Creamy 
  • Safe for your waterline
  • Water resistant

Cover Girl: Katy Kat Matte Lipstick Swatches

I have always been a fan of Katy Perry style. She's unapologetic and not afraid to step outside of the box. I was really excited when Cover Girl tweeted that they would be doing a one-of-a-kind make up line with her: Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks ($11 CDN). I was even more excited when the whole collection showed up at my door.

Currently Obsessed: Mary Kay Beauty Blotters® Oil-Absorbing Tissues

I'm the queen of looking like an oil slick during summer. It's annoying but that's what happens to me when I wear spf on my face. There is one product that I literally can't live without during these times: Oil blotters!

Right now, my go to's are the Mary Kay Beauty Blotters® Oil-Absorbing Tissues ($8.50 CAN). 

Currently Obsessed: Olay Deeply Clean Pore Mineral Cleanser

I'm really good with all the steps in my skin care routine. I cleanse- exfoliate- tone and moisturize almost daily. The one step that I need to switch up regularly is my cleanser. Each one has their own unique attributes. A good cleanser can help you purify and brighten your skin. Especially after a hot day!


I was excited to get back to the basics with Olay Deeply Clean Pore Mineral Cleanser ($7.99 US).

Cake Beauty: Desserted Island Brown Sugar Scrub

I've just come back from my second vacation of the year. My skin is literally perfect right now. I know jet setting is not the easiest and affordable thing to do. But there are easy ways to fake it. I have been playing around with some fun Cake Beauty items like the Delectable by Cake Beauty Everything Balm but so far I'm in love with the Desserted Island Brown Sugar Scrub($32.00 CAN).



A mix of brown sugar, cocoa butter & wholesome oils- into a lovely scrub.

Dead skin is what prevents you from looking your best. Once it accumulates, you look dull and uneven. Exfoliating can fix this by regenerating new skin to shine through.  

I love this scrub.
It gains major points from me for being made in Canada.
Plus it's:
*Cruelty-free
*Vegan
*Gluten-free
*GMO-free
*Paraben-free
*Phthalate-free


The brown sugar crystals are not rough on the skin.
After my showers, I always feel moisturized. 

The best place to use it *in my opinion*:
  • Under Arms
  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Legs after shaving

 I basically just take a scoop up with my hands and apply it to wet skin in circular motions. I heard you can also do it on dry skin too but I haven't tried that yet. 

I keep it out of water for at least a minute and then I rinse off. Once I get out of the shower and pat dry my skin with a towel. They recommend using it twice weekly for best results.


Make Every Day an Occasion Worth Remembering with Affordable Women's Rings

When was the last time that you gave yourself the luxury of a beautiful ring? It was once common for women to reserve new rings for special occasions, but modern women see the value in rewarding themselves on a routine basis. Whether you receive a promotion at work or need inspiration to overcome difficult times, Bradford Exchange has affordable rings for women that will turn any day of your life into an unforgettable moment.

Go Classic or Get Quirky 
If you want an elegant ring that you can wear to the office, to a business meeting or with your favorite evening gown, look for classic diamond rings like the Crown Jewel-Inspired Royal Legacy Ring or the ½ Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ring. The Solid 10K Gold Ring with 15 Diamonds is also a good choice because you can wear it with virtually anything. The 15 diamond stones included in this ring are finished with three different cuts, and the fine details are eye-catching.

If you prefer to put your personality on display through jewelry, look to Bradford Exchange to provide unusual options. For instance, you can celebrate your wedding with the Camo Wedding Ring Set or let your pixie fly with the Tinkerbell "Believe" Two-Toned Engraved Ring. If your faith is important to you, then the Footprints in the Sand Diamond Cross Ring or the Pure Faith Sterling Silver Diamond Ring will fit into your everyday wardrobe beautifully.


The Hottest Trends on Any Budget 
Do you see chocolate diamonds and other new jewelry trends and wish that you had thousands of dollars to blow at the jewelry store? Save your money and turn to the Bradford Exchange to stay on trend at a fraction of the price.
For instance, the Sweet Decadence Ring is designed with diamonds and mocha-colored stones that look much like chocolate diamonds. It also has a flattering design that will look amazing with your work clothes or any evening gown. It's so beautiful that you may even slip it on while running errands just to show off a little. 

Get Creative with Personalization 
One perk to shopping with the Bradford Exchange is the opportunity to engrave most rings with a meaningful message. When you're buying a ring in honor of a special occasion, you can add the date or a sentimental message that will make the ring even more meaningful.

When selecting rings to accessorize your work wardrobe or add personality to your casual attire, you may select motivational phrases or words that have special meaning to you. Imagine slipping your ring off your finger in the middle of a challenging day and seeing a word that motivates, inspires or uplifts you. Customization turns a beautiful ring into a powerful motivation tool when used in this manner.

Create Your Moment 
Every woman craves those magical moments that are marked with a special ring, but you don't have to wait for an engagement, anniversary or birthday to give yourself a much-deserved treat. You can turn every day into a moment worth remembering with the right Bradford Exchange ring.

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Festival Essentials

I'm so excited for this Summer. So many festivals and concerts coming in these upcoming months- my pockets are going to be drained. A good friend of mine asked me what should she be packing for her first festival next month- I decided to turn it into a blog post. 

Why ask me? 
Because I'm one of those girls who is almost prepared for everything. 
Break a nail? I got a file/clippers! 
Hands dry? I got hand cream! 
Lash in your eye? I got a mirror and a few q-tips. 
My purse is literally a store... and I'm proud of it.


Bandages
You do not have to bring the whole box but pack a few for you and your friends. You never know when you're going to get a blister from walking in those new pair of shoes or from the friction on your heels. I'm speaking from experience! Oh my gosh....this one time my cousin and I went to the beach and her bathing suit top kept on shifting! We used a Band-Aids to make sure that there were no nip slips.

Sunscreen
This is a given! If you left your house without this... please don't talk to me. I'm joking! I love the fact that these are travel size- Thank you Banana Boat! For reference, the spray is $3.49 CAN
and the "squeeze" is $6.99 CAN. I hate walking around with a full sized bottle... more than likely it will not fit in my purse and I'll end up leaving it somewhere. Sooo don't forget your minis!

Lip Balm
For me, I honestly have been living in liquid matte lipsticks for months! But let's be honest... they can get a little drying the longer you wear them. I find that applying a thin coat of EOS ($3.99 CAN) over my lips makes it comfortable and doesn't disrupt my lip colour.

Hydrating Spray
The sun is extremely drying. I think it is a good idea to carry a hydrating spray with you. My favourite is philosophy Renewed Hope In a Jar Microrenewal Hydrating Mist ($32.00 CAN) when you're feeling extremely parts just sprayed a few sprints and let it dry on its own it's packed with vitamins and super good for your skin

Temporary Tattoos 
I actually probably should not have included this because you wouldn't really bring this with you but it's totally fun to play with before you go! You can apply them to your hands, your back, your neck or whatever area you want to drive attention to. I love these gold metallic tattoos from Sephora!

There are probably so many more things that I could have added but this these are some items that came to my head. If you have any that you think I should I added him, please be sure to let me know in the comment section.


Mac/Estée Lauder Warehouse Haul 2016

For the First time in 6 years, I stepped foot in Markham Fairgrounds. As if my makeup drawers were not already over flowing, I had to go pick up a few things from the Mac/Estée Lauder Warehouse Sale: Highlighters & Mascaras.

A few things did not change about the sale.
  • Need a ticket to enter- Needs to have a gold foil on it or fake
  • $600 limit
  • MAX 4 item
Room #1
Stuff like mini makeup bags, eyeshadow quads, paint pots, hair care, and etc...
Room #2
Smashbox Products, lip products, brushes, highlighters, foundations, eye shadows ...etc
Room #3
Nail polishes, packaged sets, eyeliners, clinque products, charity bags and cash

This time my issue was with the lines. I would never assume that on a Friday there would be so much going on. The line for cashout was sooooo long that it spread all the way into first room. I swear I debate going home every five seconds. Especially since I didn't have much.

My haul was tiny but in my youtube channel below you can get a detailed account of what I got. let me know if I should be doing a review on anything. So far my favourite is the mascaras!


Prices:
Lipsticks $10
Mascaras buy one get one free $12
Makeup bag $2
Creme shadow/Eyeshadow trio $15
Lip liner $4
Bottom lash mascara $4
Makeup brush sanitizer $12

Three uses: Delectable by Cake Beauty Everything Balm

Since purses are getting smaller and smaller- Cake beauty is trying to cut down the products that you stuff into your make up. The solution:
Delectable by Cake Beauty Everything Balm ($16.00 CAN).

This unique multi-purpose balm is petroleum-free, hydrating and conditioning.
It has over 21+ uses.


I like the fact that it's not greasy like petroleum jelly and it smells amazing. One of the key ingredients is natural Castor oil. A product that I haven't grown up with as a child- plus Coconut oil, Cocoa butter and Sunflower seed oil. I haven't got into the full list of 20 uses but there are three that I really think are awesome.

Cuticles

With the weather changing back my hands are not in the best looking right now. The excessive hand washing really took a toll on me. For repair, I like apply it around my cuticles. Let in “soak” in for around 2 minutes and then rub it in.

Lips

Before I get ready to apply my matte lipsticks, I put the balm on my lips. I then let it penetrate until my make up is done. After I wipe it off then apply my lipstick and I'm good to go. Or to revitalize an old lipstick, I apply a squirt to refresh.

Bites

This balm helps to reduces itchiness. When your outside and obviously do not have the product to apply- just dab the balm around the bite and you're good to go.






Those are my main three uses but you can do anything from tame your brows, soften cracked skin on your heels, put it on a sunburn or use it to tame flyaways, honestly the list goes on and on. You can find this product at cakebeauty.com, Shopper’s Drug Mart or even at well.ca.

Olay 4-In-1 Daily Facial Cloths

I really don't understand people who can go to sleep with their makeup on. 
#1- It damages your skin 
#2-  There so many easy ways to remove in less than 3 mins.



I'm a wipes girl. I love how easy it is! 
Wipe your face, wash off and after that apply your night cream.

 The one thing I can say about certain brands is that they are a little bit to dry. Especially now that we are in the whole waterproof/sweatproof resistant make up era. So when these new Olay 4-In-1 Daily Facial Cloths showed up at my door, I knew instantly that I would fall in love. 



They are designed to remove dirt, makeup and oil while gently conditioning skin, these cloths cleanse and hydrate skin in one easy step Super easy to use- just wet them, rub together to lather, cleanse and then rinse. For people like me who do not wear foundation, try cutting them in into four squares. 
Why waste a full one if you don't need to. 
 These wipes are very gentle and they smell good. 
If you see them in store, I'd recommend that you pick it up!

#BESTBEAUTIFUL

I am a Beauty United influencer. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on this blog are my own.

New York Color Get It All Lip Color- Swatches

Summer is here!
Now it's time to break out the new colours and have fun.
I'm going to step away from the ultra matte trend for a bit to introduce you to 
New York Color- Get It All Lip Colors ($5.99 CAN).

The line features 12 unique lip colours. 
At a very affordable price of $5.99 CAN.
What else you should know:
  • Semi-matte shiny finish
  • Long lasting
  • Moisturizing

SWATCHES



Made in Canada: Introducing Alba Botanica

With vacay on my mind (I'm planning two major ones within 3 months) I'm already thinking of sunscreens. I'm lucky that a lovely Alba Botanica package showed up at my door. I won't lie, I've never heard of the brand before. Through research, I found out some really amazing things about Alba Botanica. 

Their products are:
  • Natural- Enhanced with naturally sourced botanical extracts 
  • Around since 1976
  • 100% Vegetarian 
  • Parabens-free

The keyword I keep on getting from these Alba Botanica sunscreens are: Emollient. Meaning: Softening and good for your skin. To be honest, that is the first time- I've ever seen those words to describe a sunscreen. This formula is like a milk lotion. So a few squeezes of the tube is all you need to fully lather your whole body. If your struggling to find out how much to really use on your body- google the "shot glass" method.

A few other notables: Alba Botanica provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 40 protection, Dermatologist Tested, hypo-allergenic and water resistant up to 80 minutes.

The biggest pro for me was the spray!
I have no answer why but I'm a sucker for anything spray lotion. It's just easier on my life. On vacay, just spray it all over the areas exposed to the sun and then pass it over to your significant other! Super easy.

Available at: Well.ca, Whole Food & London Drugs.

Foreo LUNA 2 facial-cleansing brush + Anti-Aging Device

Skin care is so important to me. It's literally my #1 priority. Whenever my skin is bad, I swear it's like an extreme downer. While some people would cover it with makeup, I go back to my skincare routine. I've been eyeing the Foreo LUNA 2 ($229 CDN) for a long time. Where have you seen a silicone device that uses sonic power before? 


What is it?
The revolutionary designed LUNA 2 is an enhanced T-Sonic™ face brush and anti-aging system that gives you a completely personalized cleansing. 

This device has actually changed my whole skin care routine. It's smooth, hygienic and powerful. It can put out 8,000 T-Sonic (transdermal sonic) pulsations per minute. Which sounds scary but it's very gentle. You never feel like your damaging your skin when you use it. Off topic: I once burned my skin with a brush device-  so I really appreciate how delicate this product is.

This dual-sided device on the other side is used for anti-aging and helps you absorb product into your skin. You can use the lower-frequency pulsations for this task. Within a week my skin of serums, hydration, water plus the foreo my skin was literally back to my teenage years. It was glowing!


How to use it?
1.
Apply your favourite skin care cleanser to your skin.
Wet the device and click the button once to start the cleansing mode.
2.
Glide the cleansing surface(the "brush" side) in circular motions over your skin.
This should last one minute.
3.
Rinse the product off and pat dry your face.
Apply your serum and moisturizer.
4.
Double tap the device to the Anti-Aging mode.
Press it into your wrinkle/fine line areas for one minute.

SHOP




How does it feel?
Extremely gentle on the skin.
With product it glides over the skin effortlessly.

How to clean it?
Easiest way: All you need is soap and water. To dry, pat with a towel.
Foreo also sells a Silicone Cleaning Spray which is also a great option.

Why you should get it?
It's an investment for great skin.
It also comes with a 2-Year Limited Warranty and 10-Year Quality Guarantee.
Lastly one charge gives you 450 uses.


Sleek Makeup Lip VIP Lipstick Swatches

Summer is coming... Are you looking for a few bright lipsticks to add to your collection?

Sleek Makeup Lip VIP lipsticks ($8.49) might be with worth trying! These extremely pigmented babies pack on colour with the first swipe.

Application:
Easy and streak-free. It actually feels pretty velvety on the lips.

Formula:
Creamy semi-matte lipstick finish that doesn't dry out your lips. Infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Coconut oil.

SWATCHES:

Personally, I'm not use to wearing bright colours like this which draw attention to my lips. But it was fun to play with them. If you asked me which colour would I work into my "every day" routine- it would definitely be Night Spot. 







Testing out Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer

This is a follow up of my popular Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer (19.99 CAN) post I did in February.

Let me do a quick rundown, in case you missed the original post. This 2-in-1 compact is all you need. Black plastic packaging- Foundation and concealer together with a tear-shaped sponge beneath, totally eliminating clutter. Perfect for me since I’m forever misplacing my concealer!



I originally tried 400 Caramel which really wasn’t my tone. So I was given the colour 410 Cappuccino which is the deepest colour in the line.

This is a medium-heavy coverage foundation with a satin-matte finish.

Disclaimer- When wearing a matte finish. It’s important to have a really good skin regime. I’m talking about cleansing, exfoliating the dead skin off, toning and moisturizing. If you neglect this your foundation will not look its best.

Testing what colour works for you:
Always use your jaw, not the side of your arm or your hand. You may pick a foundation that looks amazing on your hand and when you get home and try it…completely off. As with other compact foundations, the colour in the compact may appear darker than it will on your skin so Revlon suggests using the smaller concealer shade as a reference point for proper shade matching in-store before you buy.

Foundation Left to Right:

410 Cappuccino 

400 Caramel


Concealer Left to Right: 

410 Cappuccino 

400 Caramel


Totally embarrassing but my skin has come a long way in the past few months; some slight discolouration on my cheeks, under my eyes and around my nose.

BEFORE



With one application of 410 Cappuccino, most of it is covered. Just a few areas that need extra attention. I added 410 Cappuccino concealer on top of the foundation (I put a circle on top to show you the colour difference). Depending on your preference, you can blend this out and be done with your look or add foundation on top for extra coverage.

The finished look.

I would recommend using a sponge or fingers for this product. The product comes with a sponge—it’s under the second layer along with a hidden mirror, which is really handy. The consistency is very creamy and blendable. Not dry like most matte formulas. This is a foundation worth trying! There are 12 colours in the range to choose from. Let me know what you think below!

This post was brought to you by Revlon but the images and opinions are my own.