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:

Stocking Stuffers: Flower Beauty Rollerball Eau de Toilette

I struggle with finding stocking stuffers to add to Christmas stockings. 

Chocolate and Candy canes are a must but how about something that smells good? 

I was recently introduced to Flower Beauty and fell in love with their Rollerballs. 

For under $10.00 ($9.97 CAN) you can fall in love with three unique scents.

From Left to Right:
Feeling delicate and soft?
Try Cherished!
A comforting and nuzzly powdery floral.

Feeling romantic and daring?

Try Sultry!

A sensual oriental floral that wraps you in a seductive trail of creamy florals, alluring spices and sultry vanilla woods.

Feeling strong and happy?
Try Radiant!
A striking and confident sparkling floral blooming with dewy greens and lush freshness.

If I had to pick a fave I'd pick Sultry.  It smells fun but has a sexy playful side.

Want to try out the scents for yourself?
Flower Beauty is exclusive to Walmart.

Birchbox Monthly Subscription box is Available in Canada!

Beauty boxes are making a comeback! 

Just in time for the holidays.
One of the original beauty box makers is coming  to Canada.

Believe it or not I did not know the FULL hype of Birchbox (originated in 2010) until I went on vacation. I had my Birchbox beach bag and a lady came up to me and asked me if I worked for them. After I said no, she begin to rave about the box. She told me that she had a friend in New York who would order a box for her and send it to her in Canada. She nearly did a cart wheel on the beach when I told her the boxes can now be ordered from Canada.

Let me give you the low down on Birchbox: it's a platform that helps you find the best in beauty and lifestyle products. There is a online shop component and also the option of getting a monthly subscription. 

If you choose to subscription option, each month you will get five beauty samples shipped right to your door. The products can range from skincare, perfume or maybe even nail polish. If you find something that you truly love in the box.... Guess what? You can get the full-size version of the sample you got in their online shop.

I should also add that every box comes with a card which details the price of the full-size sample and also gives you a description on what the product is and also how to use it.

Canadians if you're interested in trying out Birchbox you can go to birchbox.ca to try out your first box.

My Easy Women of Colour Foundation Guide

I get asked "What foundation/concealers work for dark/deep skin?" daily.
So I decided to make a compilation of my past posts to help out anyone who is on the hunt.
Please click the image to be sent to the full post!
Hope this helps!

LA Girl High Definition Pro Concealer

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB in Deep

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation- Chestnut

Avon MagiX Cashmere Advanced Liquid Dark/Deep Foundation

Make Up For Ever PRO Finish Foundation

L'oreal Paris Magic Beautifier BB cream

L'oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation

Make Up For Ever - HD High Definition Foundation

COVERGIRL Ready Set Gorgeous Liquid Foundation

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer

DIY nails with MICRO Nail

Right now I'm really into beauty treatments. 

I do think it's important to go to professionals for major treatments but 

for the times in-between why not DIY? 

I was excited when I got an email to try the MICRO Nail ($59.99).

MICRO Nail electric polisher buffs and shines in seconds, instantly revealing brilliantly natural, shiny nails. Rotating at 360 degrees and up to 1,800 times per minute, the MICRO Nail has two patented rollers.

It comes with a few rollers. There is the ‘MICRO Smooth’ roller. It's designed to buff away imperfections and stains. This is a common issue with people like me who get gel polishes.

The other roller ‘MICRO Shine’ is the miracle worker! It gives you the natural shine. You can wear your nails without polish or add your fave colour on top!

I used my mom as my nail model. 

The device was gentle on the nails and the process was really quick.

MICRO Nail is battery operated and can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart or Micronails.ca.