Q&A: Will TRESemmé's 7 Day Keratin Smooth System work for you?

I'm all about new hair care innovations. 
When I saw TRESemmé's 7 Day Keratin Smooth System, I had to get the scoop! 
What hair type does it work for? How do you use it? 
Read below to find out everything you need to know about this new smooth system.



How does 7 Day Keratin Smooth System work?
TRESemmé conducted a survey and found that most (66%) of Canadian women would like their hair to be more manageable – the 7-Day Keratin Smooth System was the perfect solution. The new TRESemmé range features three products that work together for frizz-resistant hair that lasts through washes: shampoo, conditioner and a heat activated treatment. The Heat Activated Treatment is simply activated by the heat of flat iron and provides women with smooth hair that lasts for seven days, even through washes.

Here’s how to use:

STEP 1: Prep - Shampoo and condition with TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner. Then towel-dry hair.

STEP 2: Section & Apply - Divide hair into 4-6 equal sections. Dispense 2 pumps of the Heat Activated Treatment (per section) into your palm, then rub hands together before applying evenly to each section of your hair.

STEP 3: Distribute - Comb the Heat Activated Treatment through your hair, distributing it from root to tip, to ensure an even, frizz-resistant barrier throughout.

STEP 4: Blow-dry - Blow-dry while using a round brush until hair is completely dry.

STEP 5: Activate - To activate the Thermal Technology, flat iron hair in small sections. Repeat 3 passes per section.

Is it safe for my hair naturally curly hair?
Yes, any product in the lineup is safe to use for naturally curly hair.

Can ladies with chemically processed hair use the new 7 Day Keratin Smooth System?
Yes, it is also safe to use on chemically processed hair, you may want to consider using little more of the product than normal to overcome the damage of hair that caused by chemicals.

What makes 7 Day Keratin Smooth System unique to other brands?
This range delivers 7-Day smooth, frizz control benefit with heat-activated technology, that last through up to three washes and this combination is new and unique than other range currently in market.

Top 3 Favourite Pink Lipsticks from MAC (Guest Post)

With summer just around the corner, pink lips will definitely be trendy. I think MAC makes amazing lipsticks. For the most part they last long and have high pigmentation; however it all depends on the finish of the lipstick.

The following are my favourite pink lipsticks from MAC, ones that I go to all the time in the summer!

Left to right: Flat Out Fabulous, Girl About Town, Please Me

First is Flat Out Fabulous, and it’s my favourite lipstick that I own. It’s exactly what the name says it is. It’s a plummy blue pink with a matte finish so you’re definitely going to need to wear some sort of moisturizer underneath. Women of colour: you’re going to love this because of the blue undertones.
Next is one that I also can’t get enough of. It’s called Girl About Town and I think every girl should have this in their collection. It also as a little bit of a blue undertone and is an amplified finish so it’s going to have your lips moisturized and gorgeous.

The last one is Please Me. This may look scary for some people as it’s more on the paler side, however with a brown lip liner and lightly dabbing it on, I think it looks beautiful. Sometimes I’ll even add a clear gloss over it.


What are your favourite pink lipsticks for summer?

My Favourite S/S’14 makeup look


As most of you all know, I'm apart of P&G #BeautyUnited. This month, we were given a very unique challenge. Pick a favourite S/S’14 Looking Glass look from here: youtube.com/LookingGlass. Then do a DIY of your fave S/S’14 look!

We were given a Walmart gift card to get all the COVERGIRL, Pantene and Olay beauty products needed to complete the  look.

I choose a look called PLAIT PLEASE.
**I have braids in- so I couldn't complete the hair component but it didn't stop me from doing the makeup portion**

I loved the golden/bronze eyes combo with the pink lips. Perfect look to recreate on my skin tone. 
Plus the gloss is onboard with the latest spring trends.



Sneak Peek: Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser + Self Heating One Minute Mask with Charcoal

I've been waiting for this Bioré line to come here since I've seen tweets about it in January!
Did you know that charcoal is a proven to get rid of blemishes?
I had no idea.

Self Heating One Minute Mask with Charcoal ($9.99 CAN)
Heats on contact and purifies pores in just one minute.

Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser ($9.99 CAN)
Deep cleans 2x better & naturally purifies.


Both are Oil-Free & Dermatologist Tested!

Canadians- I haven't found a place online to purchase it yet. Once I do, I'll update the post.

Americans- You can buy the Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser at Drugstore.com
Self Heating One Minute Mask with Charcoal at Drugstore.com

Review will be up in March.



Covergirl Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara


Calling all girls who cocktail their mascara! Covergirl has a new mascara on the shelves which you may be interested in. It's called bombshell volume by lastblast mascara ($10.99 CDN)!

Flaunt the next big thing in lashes with Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara! The brilliant two-step Bombshell Boost System combines extreme volume with an intensifying top coat for big, sexy bombshell lashes. 

Step One: Apply the extreme volume basecoat. 
Step Two: Finish with the intensifying top coat.

I am the queen of cocktailing mascaras. I find that one mascara is not always enough. I like to experiment with different brushes and formulas.

First off, I will admit it's pretty big.. but it really beats carrying around two mascaras.


My number one rule is wait until the first mascara dries before
you add your second coat. This ensures that it doesn't clump together.


If you are new to the idea of cocktailing mascara- don't be nervous. It's pretty easy because there's a big number one and two showing you which mascara to put on first. If you're a rebel like me- you can start with number two and finish off with number one. It all depends on what you would like.

Check out Covergirl Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara on sale:


Available in:
  • Very Black 800
  • Black 805
  • Black Brown 810
  • Brown 815
Canadians you can find this mascara on sale at walmart.ca
Americans you can find this mascara on sale at drugstore.com


Maybelline Color Sensational- The Buffs: Untainted Spice

I love a good nude lipstick. As a woman of colour, it's always hard to find the right shade. Sometimes the colour is ashy or way too light. It's a never ending battle.


I was so excited when the Color Sensational® The Buffs - Lip Color By Maybelline collection ($9.99 CDN) showed up at my doorstep. One thing to know about Maybelline lipsticks: Always pigmented, creamy and long-lasting.

Depending on your skin tone there are 10 colours in the line to choose from. The colour I am showcasing is called untainted spice. It's the second darkest colour in the line.

Colours in the line:
Bare All
Truffle Tease
Blushing Beige
Nude Lust
Maple Kiss
Stormy Sahara
Untainted Spice
Espresso Exposed




Tip: If you are trying to warm up the colour. I would suggest getting a lip pencil that is a little bit darker than your skin tone- feathering it on your lips and then applying lipstick in the middle with a lip brush.


If you see these beauties in your drugstore- I suggest you 
swatch them and find your closest match!


New Spiced Beauty Contributor: Alyssa

I love switching it up and giving other beauty lovers a platform to share what they love. I approached Alyssa a while back to contribute to Spiced Beauty. She's a young- future MUA who definitely knows her stuff. Check out what she has to say about beauty!

Why did you want to contribute to Spiced Beauty?
About a year ago I was on twitter and I was searching for makeup artists in the Toronto area. I came across @JennMUA also known as the founder of spicedbeauty.com and started reading her blog often. I loved her positive reviews and the products she shared with her readers.
Months later, we started messaging each other and I told her I want to be a makeup artist and in the business field. She then offered me to be a guest contributor to her blog. I was honoured, and of course I had to take the offer. I knew this was a great opportunity for me to take, and I was praying for something like this to happen for a very long time. I definitely look forward to working with Spiced Beauty and providing her readers with reviews and swatches.

Favourite Canadian Beauty Brand?
I’d have to say Lise Watier and Annabelle.

Liquid, pencil or gel eye liners?
Liquid eyeliners for sure. No doubt about it.

Tip to get the perfect eyeliner?
Looking down into a mirror and resting your elbow on a flat surface can help keep your hand from shaking. You can also do the tape trick; just make sure to put the tape on the front of your hand so that it removes the majority of the stickiness because the skin around the eye is very sensitive.

Lipsticks or Gloss?
Lipsticks for sure. They last a lot longer, have more pigmentation and are not as sticky.

My ideal mascara is...
I like something that gives me volume and length, preferably in waterproof. My current favourite is the Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Mascara. For days when I want longer, eye-widening lashes; I use Lancome’s Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara.


My favourite make up remover ...
I use both solutions and wipes to remove my makeup. For days when I’m wearing a full face makeup, I like to use the MAC Cleanse Off Oil. It makes it a lot easier to break up mascara on my lashes. To my oily ladies out there; don’t be afraid of this product! The particles in oil are too big to clog your pores.
When I only have makeup on my eyes and lips, I use Neutrogena’s Hydrating Towelettes. It works great with my dry skin and it can even handle waterproof mascara! Both removers are tough on my makeup, but gentle on the skin and do not leave my face feeling oily or soapy.

My skin care routine ...
I have finally found a skin care routine that actually works for my dry skin. In the morning, I splash my face with cold water and cleanse my face with Purity by Philosophy. Then I apply a very small amount of my favourite product ever; coconut oil. It’s popular in the West Indian culture and my whole family uses it every day. It nourishes the skin, hydrates, and fades away dark spots. It’s amazing. I don’t like having that oily feeling to my skin when I put on my foundation, so I apply my favourite moisturizer which is currently the Cetaphil Ultra Hydrating Lotion.
In the nighttime I do the same routine, but I first remove my makeup with the same Neutrogena wipes I mentioned before, and I don’t put on the Cetaphil lotion. Once a week I use my St. Ives Apricot scrub to exfoliate my skin at night.

Curly or straight hair?
I prefer straight hair; however curly hair is really nice for those days when you want to feel more dolled up.

How many lip products do you have in your purse/makeup bag?
I have 4 in my makeup bag and I just found 1 more at the bottom of my purse. So 5 in total. They are: Vaseline Lip Therapy, Revlon lip butter in Pink Truffle, MAC Spirit lipstick & Whirl lipliner and a Buxom lipgloss in Mwah.


Try Something New- Purple Lips for Date Night

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

For date night, I always opt for a red lip. It's sleek and it's sexy.
 Sometimes it's good to go out of box.

I went to Shoppers Drug Mart to pick up some new things for my #collectivebias post. I was on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick and then I seen it. On sale for $9.99- Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless. A very pigmented violet balm that I know would look amazing on my skin tone!


It's really easy to find the beauty products I wanted at Shoppers Drug Mart. The aisles are long and always fully stocked. You can search by a brand and I personally loved that they always have great items on sale. I went on a really good week.
 Look at all those sale tags! 


Since I was going to go bold on the lips, I decided to make it a little easy on the eyes.
Here are the items I choose.

I used L'Oreal The Infallible Blackbuster 8HR Liquid Eyeliner since I wanted a thick cat eye. I love that it has an eight hour wear. 

To bring the cat eye together, I lined my lower water line with one of my favourite pencil eyeliners from Annabelle cosmetics in Jet Black.

Can't forget the eyebrows. I decided to go with an eyebrow pencil from Essence cosmetics. Shoppers Drug Mart is the exclusive retailer in Canada for Essence Cosmetics. Everything in the line is under five dollars.

For the night out why not little glow a little. I went with a highlighter from Essence cosmetics which is perfect for every skin tone. 

To finished off the eyes, I used the new Cover Girl Bombshell volume by LashBlast Mascara.  
I topped off the look with Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless.

I was able to walk in and out of Shopper's Drug Mart with everything I wanted and had no issues. 

Is this a look that you put rock for date night?


Fashion: Tribal Batwing Sweater

Have you ever seen an article of clothing on somebody else and really wanted it. I remember seeing a girl shopping in this amazing tribal print open front sweater. She paired it with a tank, leggings and thigh high boots. It was so cute!

I was contacted by Rosewholesale, while searching the site- I seen a similar sweater in cream! I had to have it.

If you're not familiar with the site they are:

A leading international online fashion clothing store. Focusing on the very latest in affordable fashion style, both attire and accessories, we provide thousands of the latest in chic product lines, to give maximum choice to our discerning clientele. We aim to provide an extensive range of high quality, trendy fashion clothing – not only at the lowest prices, but also with a professional dedicated service to our valued customers from all over the world.
Since it's cold outside, I focused on sweaters (they have over 700 styles!). 
Plus they have a lot of cute tops and dresses that I would definitely add to my wardrobe.

The sweater I chose:
  • Oversized (can be worn with a belt)
  • Thick & Warm
  • Over universal size
I just have to remember to hand wash it..or it will shrink in the dryer.

There is a lot to view on the site. It totally easy to get overwhelmed and want to buy everything.
My tip would be sort by price, read the reviews and be aware of shipping costs from your country!



Three products to add to your beauty list- SKIN

I'm always looking for new skincare items to add to my list. In 2013, I was able to finish some of my favorites. Then I was faced with a dilemma – do I go and buy my favourites or try something new. You can never go wrong with trying something new. 

Here are three products which I would suggest you add to your beauty list:

Let's start off with Philosophy's Miracle Worker. One thing to know about me is if a product has the words anti-aging on it. I do not touch it. I know.. I know.. I'm getting older but I've been blessed with a baby face but I do know that all good things to come to an end. This anti-aging lactic acid product is a cleanser & mask. When I ran out of my favourite face cleanser, I decide to try it out. It is amazing! My first bottle is almost done and I already have two backups. Keeps your skin baby soft and radiant.

Have you seen Givenchy Mister Smooth Primer in stores? I do not wear foundation but if I'm going to an event- I will wear concealer under the eyes.  This product looks/applies like a cream and doesn't leave residue. As a woman with a darker skin tone, it's perfect for me! There is nothing worse than seeing someone's primer on their skin and it has a white cast.

Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate is another anti-aging product that I was skeptic about. After seeing a few positive blogger reviews. I knew I had to give it a try. Since it's very cold outside after I put on my light moisturizer, I apply it and go about my day. It's very light weight!



Have you tried any of these products? 




Canadians! What is your fave celeb hairstyle + Matrix Shampoo and Conditioner giveaway

Have you thought about your Valentine's Day hairstyle? 

If someone told me I could pick any hairstyle I wanted... 
I will probably pick Lana Del Ray's side swept curls with a flower crown. 

I know it's a little bit extravagant but it's so pretty. 
Since I would probably be using a lot of heat to keep the curls, It's good to use a heat protectant. 
I would start with Matrix Total Results Heat Resist line: Shampoo & Conditioner.

This year for Valentine's Day Matrix has five different Total Results together forever sets which include a shampoo and conditioner. Just in time for you to get ready for your big night out! Each set is sold for $16.00 CAN and can be found at select salons.

Do you want one for yourself?


Need volume? Have damage? Frizz getting you down?
Matrix is gifting two Canadian readers the appropriate together forever set for their hair.
ENTER BELOW


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post: Avon Single Shadows + Swatches

Can we all put our hands together and slow clap for Avon? 
I know that seems like a weird request but I had the opportunity to try the Avon True Color single eye shadows and they are amazing.
Avon’s description of the product is as follows “ Sometimes a rainbow of color is just to much, and you want something stunning, but simple. With all the beautiful options, it’s easy for you to find your signature color. The one that does something to the glow in your eyes that you can’t quite figure out. The one that gives you the look.” The single eye shadows come in a sleek compact black case with a small sponge applicator. The shades I tried were Champagne, Turquoise Glow and Green Dazzler.
All three of these shades are in the Shimmer/Pearlized/Frost category. The textures of these eyeshadows are soft and easy to blend.


Champagne is a soft neutral metallic shimmer shadow, many times Champagne colours can lean pink or yellow but in this case it seems to lean more to the beige side of things keeping it very neutral and making it a must have for anyone’s collection.

Turquoise Glow is a shimmery green blue that almost has a yellow glitter undertone.

Green Dazzler is actually just that, it is a deep forest green with dazzling glitter.


There are a great amount of basic and beautiful colours and if you are looking for a soft, buttery eye shadow that doesn’t break the bank I suggest at least taking Champagne for a test drive. I happen to have my eye on Satin Taupe, Mauved and Beige.

These eye shadows are available from your local Avon representative or online and are just $5 CDN (you can sometimes find them on sale for $3.99 CDN). So Ladies If I were you I’d hurry and scoop some of these eye shadows up.

Canadians! DenTek wants to spoil you this Valentine's Day! GIVEAWAY

Are you excited for Valentine's Day this year?
DenTek want to make sure that you are ready! They carry oral care products such floss picks, interdental brushes and disposable picks.

They recently did a really cool survey which concluded that most Canadians would turn down a date with Brad Pitt or Jennifer Anderson... if they had bad breath.

Yes.. you heard me! 
If they had bad breath!

Oh it gets better. According to DenTek’s “Look Who’s Flossing” Survey, Toronto placed eighth with only 18% of Torontonians stating that they make flossing part of their daily routine.

Canada’s Best Cities for Flossing 
1. Vancouver
2. Ottawa 
3. Montreal
4. Edmonton
5. Winnipeg

Canada’s Worst Cities for Flossing
6. Calgary 
7. Halifax  
8. Toronto 
9. St. John’s 

We have to do better!
DenTek is spoiling three Spiced Beauty readers.
You can win:



XOXO Sequin pouch
Compact Mirror with Hearts
DenTek Floss Picks
Pocket Strips
Heart shaped chocolates

ENTER BELOW TO WIN:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil + Swatches

Since I'm West Indian, I'm so happy to see oils being celebrated and now on the market. 
They have various purposes and a lot of benefits. 

This is definitely the year of the cleansing oils. 
Almost every brand has one out or coming out with one right now.

For anyone new to Cleansing oils they're pretty awesome. 
Apply them to dry hands- massage it into your makeup and rinse off. Super easy!

One cleansing oil getting a lot of buzz is L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil ($11.99 CAN). One of the most smooth oils that I've tried in a while. When I say smooth I'm referring to the viscosity. Not too thick- Not too thin- Just right.
L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil, high performance cleansing for all skin types. Instantly dissolves even waterproof make-up, skin feels perfectly clean with a non-greasy finish. The oil formula helps to re-balance skin's natural oil production for healthy-looking skin.
I applied waterproof eyeshadow to my arm and set it.
Then applied 2-3 drops to dry hands and massaged it over the eye shadow.
It immediately started to "break up".
Then it washed off clean. No shimmer left over.
LOVE!

Have you tried a cleansing oil before?


Battle Winter: Face, Hands and Feet + Huge Giveaway USA & Canada

In the winter, I often find that people forget to take care of their hands and feet. It's always important to make sure that my hands and feet are always ready!

You never know when impromptu vacation happens.

I was contacted by Skinall Distributions awhile back. I was given two things to try: Kocostar 5 Finger Nail Pack($17.95 CAN for 5 packs) and the Foot Peeling Pack ($9.95 CAN). My first time trying it, I did a girls night. 
I had no idea what to expect!

The Kocostar 5 Finger Nail Pack was amazing because in the winter I find that I get a lot of hang nails. It's very annoying and hate when they rip down into your skin. I easily slipped on my fingers into each pocket with no mess. I was able to type while they were on without them falling off. After the 30 mins, I felt like my cuticles were softer and my nails looked hydrated.


For me, the Kocostar Foot Peeling Pack was a little tricky for the first time. You had to keep it on for 90 minutes to get the full effect. I'm the type of person who likes to move around A LOT!  If you decide to try them, put them on before a home movie night. 90 minutes will go by and you won't even know.

On the packaging, it states it takes 3 to 4 days for your feet "your dead skin and callus will start to peel off". Guess what?..  Mine took around 9 to 10 days to fully come off. The after was extremely soft feet. Smoother than a trip to the nail salon.


I also received a really cute pink pore brush as an extra. I usually go for the motorized version but it's good to have something with you in case you run out of batteries/your devices run out of power. I like using it with my favourite foaming cleanser- in circular motions.