Avon Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel Polishes

Avon has been putting out some really impressive products lately!
This is actually the first time I've tried their nail products.
I'm happy that I was sent these products to share with you.

Let me start of with some of their items which can lead you on a journey to healthy nails.

I'm extremely impressed with the Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel polishes. 

I haven't met one person who doesn't dread smudging their nails!

 Nothing is worst than thinking your nails are dry then looking at them again and seeing smudges.

I know that there are several different options out there for quick nails like gels or 

dying drops but when your in a rush you really need a product like Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel.

Why you need it:

• 26 vivid colors.
• Affordable at $6.99 each.
• Different finishes- pearl.. satin..  etc.
• Fast-track your nails from wet to wow in 30 seconds!
• New improved formula with volcanic rock makes nails feel rock hard.
• Full coverage with a high-shine finish.
• No formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.

These get an A from me because they do exactly want they claim! 

Plus the colors are vibrant and affordable.

Quick drying!

These are also the perfect polishes to try out nail designs because they dry quickly.

 If you mess up, wipe it off and try it again!

Available as of February 2013 through Avon Independent Sales Representatives, 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

I'm in Love with the Make Up For Ever PRO Finish Foundation

As a WOC, it can be hard to find your perfect match when it comes to foundation. I have a yellow undertone with a hint of red. That's why orange based foundations look horrid on me. For the past two years, I've been searching for something that can be used dry (etc. pressed powder/minerals). Everything I've found so far has been too "muddy" and just didn't look right.  

When I found out that Make Up For Ever was coming out with PRO Finish ($42.00 CDN) in February, I had to try it out! 

This portable, easy-to-use foundation can be used both wet and/or dry due to it's unique formulation. PRO Finish offers a light to medium coverage in a satin, sheer or matte full finish depending on if you use it wet or dry. The vast shade range (25 colours) caters to all skin types and skin undertones!

With 45% less talc in its formulation, PRO Finish offers a non-cakey finish with true colour payoff. PRO Finish is fast, easy, portable and above all, reliable. Whether it is used for a full application or touch ups on the go, PRO Finish caters to a wide audience when it comes to their foundation needs.

I like the Make Up For Ever HD formula but I'm in love with the PRO Finish.

I am able to control the amount of product that works best for me! I don't wear foundation regularly because I've never found one that matches my fast pace lifestyle. Now all can apply a flawless complexion and still have enough time for the rest of the face with PRO Finish.

I'm a 178 for a color reference.

Why would you want this?

• Can be used wet/dry.
• 45% less talc.
• You can choose your finish sheer, satin finish or dry for a full, matte finish.
• 25 shades with golden, neutral, and pink undertones.

Applied dry: 

Dry Application Technique:

1. Using the sponge or Kabuki Brush apply powder starting on the cheeks and nose then moving toward the chin

2. Continue to apply powder across the forehead moving outward toward the temples and down toward the sides of the face

3. Repeat if more coverage is needed

Applied wet:

Wet Application Technique:

1. Using the sponge or Kabuki Brush apply powder starting on the cheeks and nose then moving toward the chin
2. Continue to apply powder across the forehead moving outward toward the temples and down toward the sides of the face
3. Then spray with your favourite water hydrating spray.

If I had to pick my favourite application it would be wet. There are so many ways to use it. You can also apply a wet sponge or brush to the product and apply it . I prefer the water hydrating method because it looked so natural. Basically my skin but WAY better.

Fashion: The Garter/Suspender Trend

I love a great pair of pantyhose! It's a great item to throw on when you don't want to bare a lot of leg. The look of pantyhose is evolving!  Ladies are going beyond the sheer/fishnet look and are going for something much more risque!

I've been eying the garter/suspender trend for a while now. When I first saw Rihanna rocking it, I HAD to have it. I also knew off the bat that it was originated in UK.I really wanted these but I'm sure that I'd have to wait a LONG time for them to be delivered from UK to Canada.

I'm pretty sure that Rih is rocking the House of Holland for Pretty Polly Mesh Super Suspender Tights! The same tights that I recieved for review from Alexblake.com.

Alexblake.com is a new America based site that carries American brands as well as a wide range of fabulous European brands, many of which you can’t ordinarily find in North America.

I love them because they are risqué but don't show a lot! 

They look really cute with a pair of short shorts but I wore mine with an over-sized sweater dress.

Is this trend for you?

My GetGelled Manicure Bar Experience

Recently, I had the most fun ever at a nail bar. 

As crazy as it seems, I can count the times I've had fun at a nail bar on one hand.

The place I'm talking about is called Get Gelled! Manicure bar.

A new, cute and modern place located in the Yonge/Bloor area.

I was recently contacted by Sun (owner) to see if I was interested in one of their services. After looking at her portfolio I knew I had to come in. I'm obsessed with nail art! I never got the opportunity to get it done in my area because nobody knows what the hell I'm talking about. Sun knew exactly wanted!

 

Here is the finished outcome!

GORGEOUS!!!!

Close-up of my nails

Unfortunately, I lost the bow today :( 

It was a lovely seven days...haha.

This totally gives me the opportunity to go back again!

If you're in the area check out Get Gelled! Manicure Bar.

Need Help With Your Glasses?

Recently, I got my eyes tested again. The verdict was actually much better than I thought it would be. My eyesight has hardly changed in the past five years. I'll be 100% honest with you all... I wear my glasses like once every six months. I basically need them if I sit very far in the movie theatre or when I stare at my screen for too long without breaks.

I currently have a really nice hot pink pair but now I'm looking for something much more classy.

If you're like me and you don't know where to start, check out these videos:

How To Find Glasses That Fit

How To Choose The Best Lenses For Your Glasses

*This is a sponsored post*

My Top Five Uses for Vaseline

Growing up Vaseline was a holy grail in our household. We used it for everything!

I recently got this super cute mini swarovski vaseline lip therapy jar at a unilever event.

 I've always wanted one since I've seen them on the Tyra show(years ago).

 

I'm honestly not sure if these are for sale but it always spark several questions once I bring it out.
Super cute! Now on to the vaseline uses!

1. Hair I remember my mom using it to keep my "flyaways" in place. 
2. Makeup RemoverI use to wear a lot of waterproof mascara and vaseline was the quickest way to remove it.
3. MoisturizerThis one is pretty obvious but it always made my skin look great.
4. LipsQuickly relieved chapped lips. You can also make a DIY lip scrub by adding sugar!
5. NailsI remember a past coworker of mine moisturizing vaseline into her hands every night. She even went as far as wearing gloves to bed. Crazy but her hands were always super soft and her nails were hard!

What is your favourite vaseline use?

Win Tickets to Screening of Safe Haven! With Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough in Attendance

If I had it my way I would watch movies all day.
It's the perfect way to get away from it all for two to three hours.
Alliance has come our with a great movie that may interest you called 'Safe Haven'!

'Safe Haven' opens on Valentines day and stars Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough. An affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to love again, Safe Haven is based on the novel from Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling author behind the hit films The Notebook and Dear John.

I looved The Notebook & Dear John so I know this will be a good movie.
Guess what! 

Alliance is offering four Spiced Beauty readers the opportunity to score some FREE advance DOUBLE passes (for you & a friend) to see the film this Monday January 21st with the talent in attendance Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough!

How awesome is that!

Have you ever been to a advanced screening of a film with the stars in attendance!|!

**This giveaway is for anyone who is a GFC follower & able to get to the Toronto Area**

HOW TO WIN:

Four followers that fill out every entry correctly in my rafflecopter widget wins!

I will be in contact with the winners directly!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Watch the movie trailer preview:

* Giveaway details and are subject to change without notice.

GLAMGLOW Youth-Mud Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask

If you haven't already noticed, I'm a very picky person. Especially when it comes to skin care. 

There are so many products out with unbelievable claims.

I had the opportunity to test out GLAMGLOW Youth-Mud Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask ($69.00) at the Glossy Box TO party back in December.

Photo credit: Lubin Tasevski / Andrea Hunter

Let me add this- Canadian ladies save 10% on your first Glossy Box with the code Glossy29.

After walking around the party seeing ladies with a green masks drying on their hand, I decided to check GLAMGLOW out. I was met by a nice lady who gave me some claims which in my opinion sounded too good to be true.

Designed as a 10-minute professional ‘facial in a jar’ for behind-the-scenes use in Hollywood’s Entertainment, Music, Fashion & Award industries, for immediate camera- ready glowing skin. GLAMGLOW’s mud base is from the South of France Mediterranean Sea, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez & Monaco. GLAMGLOW’s moisturizing collagen synthesis is for both men & women. Use a couple of times a week or simply when you need GLAM-tastic™ skin.

• Leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing.
• Activates moisturizing collagen synthesis.
• Provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation.
• Helps to leave skin smoother, brighter and softer.
• Provides tighter skin texture and tighter pores.
• Helps to provide a more youthful appearance.
• Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils.
• Helps to protect against free radical damage.

This stuff is amazing! 

If you have sensitive skin like me, I'll warn you it really tingles at first.

I contemplated washing it all off but the tingling subsided eventually. If you can't handle the tingle, I was told that you can keep the mask on for half of the recommended time. 

I also love the fact that you can determine how much of a "scrub" you want. 

The formula has green tea leaves in it which promotes anti-aging and gives you radiant skin. Who doesn't want that!!

GLAMGLOW Youth-Mud can be found at Sephora & Murale in Canada.

Jessica Alba at the Golden Globe Awards Rocking Hourglass Cosmetics

I've peeled myself away from watching the Golden Globes awards to post this all for you. Didn't Jessica Alba look stunning!! I still can't believe that she's a mother of two. She rocked that fab peach-coloured gown by Oscar de la Renta.

She's is also wearing one of my favourite makeup brands Hourglass cosmetics. I was sent this breakdown and I know that someone may want to recreate the look!

Skin: 
Makeup Artist Lauren Andersen prepped the skin with Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum, and followed with Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer in Sand. She then used Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer in Warm under the eyes, down the bridge of the nose and fanned the product out in the center of the forehead to create dimension. She finished the skin step with the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light applied all over to create a golden, subtle warmth. “It’s a soft, refined shimmer that’s glowy,” says Lauren.

Cheeks: 
She used the bronze shade from Hourglass Illume Crème-to-Powder Bronzer Duo in Sunset to contour the cheeks and followed with the blush shade on the apples of the cheeks.

Eyes: 
Hourglass Film Noir Kohl Eye Pencil in Espresso was first applied to the outer corners of the eyes and then smudged it with a brush. Lauren then applied Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer in the crease of the eyes and the gold shade from Hourglass Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Dune on the lids. Lashes were treated to several coats of Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. She finished up by amplifying the brows with Hourglass Arch Sculpting Brow Pencil in Soft Brunette.


Lips: 
Finally, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera, a vibrant tangerine shade, was applied to the lips. The velvety matte color delivers richly pigmented and long-lasting coverage for up to 14 hours.

Ladies! 

How do you feel about this look?

Love it or hate?

Current Obsession: Avon Ultra Sexy Collection

It's been a while since I've tried anything from Avon. 

Lately, I've seen some great products come out and I'm happy that I had the opportunity to try it out.
First up is my current obsession is Avon Ultra Sexy Collection.

Flirty Fragrance Sensation of luscious strawberry, tantalizing jasmine and smokey cedarwood.

Ultra Sexy Shimmering Body Powder $12.00CDN

With a glam puff for a provocative dusting of shimmer and scent.

Ultra Sexy Body Mist $14.00CDN

An irresistible fruity-floral cocktail to wear wherever you dare.

Ultra Sexy Body Moisturizer $10.00CDN

A voluptuous body lotion infused with luscious scent.

Ultra Sexy Body Scrub $10.00CDN

A beguiling body smoother for skin that begs to be touched.

I could bathe in this, it smells so good!

What is your favourite Avon scent?

Best Concealer EVER: LA Girl High Definition Pro Concealer

Sometimes you stumble on a product that is so amazing that you want to buy the whole stock!

I found one that will you run out and buy it today!

I won't lie, I've never paid any attention to La Girl products before. I believe I've seen them in a few dollar stores before but the stock was low and the items were not appealing.

I found the LA Girl High Definition Pro Concealer for $2.99. Being a WOC, it's hard for me to find a concealer with enough yellow & red for my skin tone.  I took a chance and bought chestnut and hoped that it would work.

Plus it was only $2.99, if it didn't work  I was okay with throwing it out. Each tube has a brush-tip applicator. Which is perfect for under eyes because it's soft!

Can you believe that I got a PERFECT match on my first try! 

This is everything that I would want in a concealer! 

1. Creamy
2. Lightweight
3. Buildable
4. Affordable

I love the fact that it has Chamomile extract plus vitamin C & E in the formula.

Get your colour here before they sell out:

Here is a picture of me using it under my eyes.

I don't have foundation on.

I'm so happy to share this with you all! 

Please let me know if you purchase it!

Maybelline - Color Sensational® Vivids Lipstick Swatches

As you can tell I'm on a serious lipstick kick right now! There are still so many different shades and finishes out there that I can't wait to get my hands on. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to try out the Maybelline Vivids for a few weeks now.

 
I'm in love! 

Maybelline has been putting out one hit product after another lately. I'm happy to say I've been a fan of every single one!

• 8 super saturated lip shades.
• Brighter color from our exclusive vivid pigments.
• Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar. 

Why do I love the lipsticks you ask? 
Because they apply true to color! The color that you see when you take off the cap is exactly what you see when you apply it!

These lipsticks are also quite long lasting and moisturizing. My lips didn't dry out throughout the day and I didn't have to apply it as much as I would some of my other lipsticks. I also have pigmented lips and it shows up perfectly on me.

Swatches: 

I'm sorry I didn't get to do a lip swatch with all of them but I love Hot Plum.
I think this might be my signature color for 2013!

Plus they only cost $9.99.

Which color is your favourite?