How-to: Winged Eyeliner Guest Post by Alyssa

Winged eyeliner has been a huge trend since the 1950’s. I personally love to wear winged eyeliner because it opens up my eyes and it also adds more definition.

I love that saying "If a woman's hand is steady enough to put on winged eyeliner, then it's steady enough to stab you in the heart.” It’s true!!!

Here’s how I do my eyeliner:

Step 1: Begin by drawing a thin, diagonal line from the outer corner of the eye going out. This will give an idea of how dramatic you want your eyeliner. The longer the line, the more dramatic.

Step 2: Slightly move your brush down from the top of the line, and connect it going inwards to your lash line. Don’t worry too much about this being perfect.

Step 3: Draw a line from the inner corner all the way to the edge of the line we drew before. Take your time and rest your elbow on a flat surface. If you’re a beginner you can try drawing small dots and then connecting them together.

Step 4: Fill the remaining part of the eyeliner, and go over any sparse areas. It also helps if you look straight into a mirror.

Step 5: Clean up any excess eyeliner with a cotton swab dipped in a little makeup remover.

Step 6: Curl your lashes, add mascara and you’re good to go!

Remember that practice makes perfect! 
It took me a long time to perfect my eyeliner, and I’m still learning!

Do you prefer a dramatic wing or a small wing? 
What eyeliner do you use? 
Let me know in the comments!


Let's Talk: Eye creams?

How do you feel about anti-aging skincare? 
I'll admit I don't use it as much as I should. I am blessed to look much younger than my age. 
Plus I have good genes from my parents..but going down the line who knows what's in-store for me. 

Right now one of my favorites is the philosophy miracle worker which is a anti-aging cleanser and mask that has lactic acid (read about it here) and all that good stuff for my skin. 

One thing I know I should be adding to my regimen is eye cream. 
I have small little laugh lines but who knows how deep they can get in the next few years. 
Maybe it's me.. but I just like to keep my skin care regiment short and quick.

Right now I'm going TRY to add something new. 
Kosmea has a product called Apple of my eye cream ($49.99 CAN) that looked interesting.

Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream is a super-active eye cream, formulated with PhytoCellTec™ and powerful natural actives to leave the skin feeling refreshed, brighter and younger looking.
One of the reasons why I think that I'll be more inclined to use it is because it's a pump with an applicator which means it should be a pretty quick application. 


Questions: Do you wear eye cream?  
Do you apply it before or after your moisturizer also do you serums? 
Let me know in the comment section below.


Summer time prep: Legs Edition

Okay ladies the hibernation period is over!
I do have a question for you.. Do you wax or shave?

I know that there are other methods to remove hair but the two most popular ones are waxing or shaving. Both of them have their pros and cons.

 If I'm crunched on time I would definitely go with shaving but if I'm going 
somewhere for prolonged time like a beach vacation- I would definitely wax.

Here two new products that are coming out that you might find of interest:
Gillette Venus Snap with Embrace Razor $15.99 CAN
Venus Embrace's five curve-hugging blades help you shave close and a water-activated ribbon of moisture provides for a smooth glide.
I love how compact it is! It can fit in your make up bag or travel case. I should also add I love the fact that it comes in its own protective case. I once carelessly packed a razor in my suitcase and it broke when I got to my destination. An item like this is very handy and effective. Plus all Venus cartridges fit all Venus razor handles.
Nair Candy Apple Sugar Wax $16.99 CAN

Developed by #1 leading brand in sugar wax, this moisturizing and 99% naturally sourced formula with apple & sugar cane extract leaves your skin feeling smooth for results that last up to 4 weeks. 

This wax is a microwavable wax that kinda smells like candy apple. Definitely a much better scent than regular waxes. It also comes with a stick for application and strips for removal. I think one of my favourite things about this wax is that it's rinsable. If you apply the wax and some for some reason you freak out and you decide I can't do it.. take some water and wash it off.

Would you be interested in trying any these products?


Get Ready: Moroccanoil Body Products

Do you have a favourite night out scent?
For me it depends on the occasion/mood.

Some favourites that I have been gravitating towards lately is the body products from Moroccanoil.
  I should add this would be a good bridal scent as well.


 I also think these products are unisex and can enjoyed by both men & women. 
Check out some items on my radar right now: 
Moroccanoil Hand Cream $28.00 CAN
This smells divine! 
It's a blend of the Mediterranean: Flowers, Orange Blossom, Lemon & Musk.
Treat hands to an instantly pampering experience. Moroccanoil® Hand Cream is a luxurious, concentrated cream made with the natural gifts of argan and avocado oils along with cocoa, shea and mango butters to repair dry hands. Its weightless formula absorbs quickly to protect hands and leave them soft and supple. Delicately fragranced with an orange blossom scent. Paraben-free.

Moroccanoil® Cleansing Bar $10.00 CAN
This bar lathers up beautifully. 
I love to combine it with the Moroccanoil Body Shower Gel.
Gentle and effective cleansing for skin that needs pampering. Moroccanoil® Cleansing Bar is a mild body bar that combines antioxidant-rich argan oil and shea butter to moisturize as it cleanses. Delicately fragranced with the signature Moroccanoil scent. Paraben-free.
Moroccanoil Body Shower Gel $26.00 US
Moroccanoil Body Shower Gel doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. 
It lather well and smells amazing!

Nourishing, nurturing and instantly revitalizing, this highly concentrated yet gentle formula hydrates as it cleanses, infusing skin with the antioxidant benefits of argan oil. An aromatic shower experience highlighted by the refreshing signature Moroccanoil scent; it restores skin's optimal moisture balance, while improving elasticity, texture, and tone.

Shop the rest of the goodies in the Moroccanoil Body line:

SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Collection

The official Pantone color of the year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid. 
It's a gorgeous shade of purple with hues of a fuchsia and pink undertone.

This color looks amazing on everyone. 
Doesn't matter if you have a cool or warm skin tone. 

Sephora has a Radiant Orchid collection!

It's modern and it's feminine and they have everything for lips, cheeks, blush and Nails.

SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE
Rush Luster Cheek Sweep $31.00 CAN
Workable shades for light & dark skin.
Colours:
- Blush in Radiant Orchid
- Luminizer in Bridal Rose
- Luminizer in Spanish Villa


SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE
Color Gaze Brush Set $82.00 CAN
Strudy brushes in my favourite colour!
Contains:
- Stand up cosmetic case in Radiant Orchid
- Angled blush brush
- Flat-top foundation brush
- Small domed powder brush
- Large shadow brush
- Crease smudge brush
- Flat liner brush


SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE
Venus Lure Lip Balm $19.00 CAN
Soft lips instantly!
Be gentle with this balm- it's soft.
This cooling, lip-plumping balm provides a natural-looking shine and tone. It is infused with lip treatments including hyaluronic acid to support natural collagen and make lips appear firmer and more defined. 

Check out some goodies from the line:



My Top 6 Favourite Lip Liners (Guest Post)

Lip liners are great products to own in your makeup collection. They help increase the longevity of your lipstick, as well as prevent it from bleeding or feathering out.

Left to right: MAC Spice, and Essence Honey Bun
Let’s first start out with nude colours. The two that I’ve chosen can go on a wide range of skin tones. All MAC lip liners have very high pigmentation and don’t budge. MAC Spice lip liner is a gorgeous warm brown that can be worn with tons of lip combinations.
Looks best with: MAC Velvet Teddy, Maybelline Nude Lust, Revlon Mauve it Over, or any clear gloss!
Quick tip! Do you find your MAC liners running out too quickly? Try using the MAC sharpener. It’s especially made for their products and doesn’t sharpen as much of the product off.
Essence lip liners are also great. They are really affordable and also have a good collection of nude colours for every skin tone. You can find them for less that $2 at the drugstore. I love this one in Honey Bun. It’s very pigmented and creamy.
Looks best with: Smashbox Chai, Maybelline Truffle Tease, and Revlon Colorburst in Soft Nude.


Left to right: MAC Beet, and NYX Purple Rain
MAC Beet lip liner came out in the Marilyn Monroe collection back in December 2012. It’s a right between a purple and a red, and is my go-to liner for fall. A dupe would be Rimmel Cherry Kiss lip liner.
Looks best with: Nars Scarlet Empress, MAC Rebel, Wet n’ Wild Sugar Plum Fairy or even just clear lip gloss!
NYX Purple Rain is a must have colour for me. It’s a beautiful cool toned purple with a non-drying finish. NYX has a very wide range of lip liners, and are known for their dupes to MAC products. They all last very long and are so creamy!
Looks best with: Covergirl Divine, OCC Hoochie, and Maybelline Hot Plum.



Left to right: NYX Dark Red, and Milani Fuchsia
NYX retractable lip liner in Dark Red is my go-to red liner. It goes with almost all my red lipsticks! Unlike many lip liners, this does not have much of a matte finish; it’s a bit more glossy. I like to outline the outer part of my lip with this colour and go in with a lighter red to create and ombre effect.
Looks best with: MAC Russian Red, Revlon Cherries in the Snow, and Revlon Colorburst Red Velvet.

And lastly, Milani Fuchsia is a cotton candy pink with purple undertones. Depending on how many layers you apply, the colour gets richer and richer. This also looks great with so many different lipsticks! I love it for summer.
Looks best with: MAC Candy Yum Yum, MAC Flat Out Fabulous, or Maybelline Vivid Rose.

What lip liners have you been loving? 
Let me know in the comments!


Spa Week by WaySpa.com is back!

How high is your stress level right now?
Would you be interested in a affordable trip to the spa?

Guess what?
Spa Week by WaySpa.com is returning to Canada from April 21-27!

Over 100 spas will be participating.
You can experience a spa package for just $50!
Book here: www.WaySpa.com/spaweek

Yes only $50.
Treatments ranging from facials to pedicures are available in your surrounding areas.

Interested?
Here is how to book your SpaWeek treatment!
  1. Choose your province
  2. Purchase your Spa Week Voucher
  3. Pick your $50 spa treatments
  4. Book your appointment

Have fun!

Reader Feedback: Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel

A while back I gave some Spiced Beauty readers the opportunity to try out the new Skintimate® Mandarin Burst Shave Gel! Check out their feedback below:

The Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst shave gel comes in a very colourful can that is eye-catching. It would catch my attention on a shelf with other shave gels. The product dispenses easily and evenly. I enjoyed the citrus smell of this shave gel. It's subtle and not too over-powering. The shave gel lathers up into a nice, rich lather. While shaving, my razor just glided over my skin giving me a close shave. I usually just use soap when I'm shaving and I realized how much better this shave gel was. There was no tugging or pulling of my skin like I sometimes get with soap and the areas I shaved felt soft and moisturized. Overall, I was very impressed with this shave gel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others!
Amy

After a long winter, I used this Skintimate Mandarin Burst shave gel to shave my horrifically long-haired legs for the first time after too many months. Here are my thoughts on it!

It first dispenses as a pink gel, and then forms a creamy thick lather when you rub your hands together. It smells amazing! It has a slight pink grapefruit scent, and to me, kind of smells like pink lemonade in candy form. I especially love citrus scents, so this is fantastic.

I found the shave gel to be very moisturizing and not drying at all. I have dry skin, and this was very nice to use. It gives a good degree of lubrication, and didn't clog up my razor at all. It didn't make my legs itchy, and in fact, they feel so smooth and soft! I was able to get a very close shave.

Overall, I thought that this was a great shave gel, and I would highly recommend it, especially it you like citrus scents! It definitely smells delightful.
Cher-Ann

My first impression of Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst Shave gel was what a pretty can of shave gel! The colours are beautiful. When I first tried the gel, I immediately noticed the scent...Mandarin...AMAZING! So refreshing and uplifting, I just love the scent! The consistency of the gel was perfect. Not too thick not too thin. It lathered into a foam beautifully and I did not need very much to cover my legs. The shave went smoothly (literally) and my legs were left soft and shiny and smelling like Mandarin! I love this product and would highly recommend to my girlfriends. I give this product 5 out of 5 and 2 thumbs up!
Rebby

I received the Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel this week to try and I love it. It smells fabulous. My whole bathroom fills up with that fresh, fruity mandarin scent. The scent also lasts a long time on the skin afterwards. The shave gel itself lathered up quite well and it left my legs feeling hydrated and smooth. I had no irritation or nicks at all. I would definitely recommend it to others!
Thank you!
Brenda

I have had the opportunity to review and try the Skintimate Mandarin Burst shave gel. I had found that the texture, consistency and effectiveness of the Skintimate cream is probably the best I have used in a long time. It is so easy to apply,no mess/no fuss and when you're done shaving, just rinse off and your legs and they will feel like they have just went on a refreshing vacation. Skintimate left my legs very silky smooth with a gentle light feeling to my legs after I had used it. There is no strong after-scent and left my legs feeling deliciously protected.Skintimate Mandarin Burst shave gel is reasonably priced and I would definably recommend it to anyone young and old.
Lynn

This little gem is sunshine in a package!

The scent of new Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel, has a heavenly, invigorating citrus scent that fills the shower the minute you press the release button!

The gel soon turns into a soft and creamy lather which lends itself to a close, comfortable shave.
This shave gel has six moisturizers, including olive butter and vitamin E, which also acts as an anti-oxidant to hydrate and sooth those winter-weary gams! Which, from the looks of it, isn't quite over yet. :(

If you need to make the arduous task of de-fuzzing a little more enjoyable, this lively little wonder will help you on your way to summer ready, silky, shaven skin!
Donna

I have had the opportunity to use the shave gel 3 times in the past week. As always, I find that Skintimate shave gel works very well to give me a close shave and leave my legs smooth. I have a lot of faith in Skintimate shaving products. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with this new scent. I was anticipating a sweet mandarin aroma but the Mandarin Burst also contains lime and lemon in the mix and I found that it smelled a little bit like a cleaner.
Maggie

I have been just lathering up soap and using that for years, as the cost of shave gel just seemed to be a waste of money... Not anymore, this product is awesome. I feel like I just walked out of the spa after shaving my legs and underarms with it. I am an early morning shaver and the combination of citrus scents really wakes and cheers me up first thing in the morning. This shave gel comes out so creamy and smooth and doesn't clog up my razor. I will definitely be buying more in the future and love how great it smells and leaves my legs and underarms feeling so smooth after.
Erica Seaman


I was so excited to review the new Skintimate Mandarin Burst Signature scent shave gel!  I'm not a fan of shaving my legs. My skin is super dry so I was excited to try a new shave gel.  I love how quickly it lathered to a foam. It left my legs feeling very silky & soft even 3 days post shaving. It definitely moisturized my skin and didn't dry my legs out like other shave gels have done. I was excited  about this scent. Mandarins evoke memories of summer & warmth.  The scent is divine but I honestly wish it was a little stronger. I found it to be a little mild.  Overall I loved the Skintimate Mandarin Burst gel. Thanks Spiced Beauty & Skintimate for the wonderful opportunity!  
Melissa

Gentle Skin Care for Sensitive Skin: Ecotools & Simple

I go through periods of time when my skin is very sensitive. 
 I'm always looking for options during that time to prevent my skin
from looking dull during those times.

I think I found a winning combination!

Ecotools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge- Sensitive skin ($11.99 CAN) and Simple Vitamin Foaming Cleanser($7.97 - $10.99 CAN).

I've been using the Simple Vitamin Foaming Cleanser for months but I find it much more effective a with facial sponge!

I had no experience with a facial sponge that looked like this before. To be honest, it look like a pumice stone. I avoided using it for a while because I thought it would scratch my skin. After doing some research on Google about Konjac sponges I decided to give it a try.
The new unique Pure Complexion Facial Sponge is handmade with 100 percent natural ingredients, including Konjac* vegetable fiber, for a better clean that reveals smooth, refreshed skin. It is dermatologist tested for use both morning and night to wash away dirt, oil and makeup, leaving skin glowing without over-drying or causing redness.
I was surprised how it fills up with water so quickly. Plus it's very soft and gentle skin. Definitely not the idea I got when I took it out of the package. Overall, I liked the "clean" I got when I used it with my foaming cleanser.

The only thing that I really thought was odd was when it dried. It didn't dry looking how it was when I received it. I know that's such a small minor detail(which may not bother others) but either way when you add water back to it, it "fluffs" back out.

For anyone who's interested in this Simple skin care vitamin cleanser- it's really good! You get the perfect amount via a pump every time. My skin never feels dry or tight after using it. Plus it's full of the good vitamins our skin needs! 
Our special blend of Simple cleansing and moisturising goodness containing Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Chamomile and Geranium, helps to keep your skin moisturised, refreshed and cleansed.


Have you tried these products?

Top five Spring/Summer must haves from Mary Kay!

It's so nice to use the words Spring/Summer in a sentence. Would you believe me if I said last week there was still ice in my yard. Now that we're pass that- I'm excited to share some of my new favourites from Mary Kay.

Mary Kay CC Cream Complexion Corrector Cream Sunscreen SPF 15 $22.00 CAN
Colours:
  • Very Light
  • Medium-to-Deep
  • Light-to-Medium
  • Deep

Delivers 8 skin benefits in 1 simple step. Mary Kay® CC Cream acts like makeup to instantly correct complexion imperfections while formulated like skin care to help nurture skin‘s beauty tomorrow.

This is one of the first CC creams which is suitable for a dark/deep skin tone. I'm really happy with the coverage. I should add that it's oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested and tested for skin irritancy and allergy.

Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner With Extendable Brush - Jet Black $19.00 CAN

The foolproof gel eyeliner defines eyes to create beautiful looks with precision and is perfect for women who like to mix up their look or those who are less experienced using liquid eyeliner. 
If you want a super quick cat eye, I'd suggest a gel liner. 
This formula is very creamy and easy to work with. 

Mary Kay At Play Jelly Lip Gloss $12.00 CAN
Colours
  • Poppy Love
  • Violet Vixen
Glide on slick, shiny colour with full-on glossy goodness in a fun jelly texture.
The colours apply sheer but you can build to get your desired look.

Limited-Edition Mary Kay Springy Eye Duo $18.00 CAN
Colours:

  • Stonewashed
  • Summer Sunset

With its springy feel, this lightweight, creamy formula glides on smoothly and resists creasing for lasting colour that leaves an even, cream-to-powder finish. 
The consistency is crazy. I've never felt a product like this. 
This is a true cream-to-powder hybrid that doesn't budge. 

Limited-Edition Mary Kay Nail Lacquer $10.00 CAN 
Colours:

  • Carefree Coral
  • Lemon Parfait

These nail lacquers are part of the limited-edition Hello, Sunshine! Collection – spring’s must-have makeup featuring sun-washed hues with a beachy, vintage twist.
Mary Kay has some of the best nail polishes on the market. 
They apply smoothly and have a nice finish.

Which one of these products would you try out?



MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush Swatches

Make Up For Ever has come out with new High Definition blushes. 


A while ago, I had the opportunity to attend a Make Up For Ever event and I fell in love with these blushes immediately. They apply like second skin! I mean no streaking at all! They are made with oils, waxes and powders. Honestly when you put it on the feel like you have nothing on. 


It can be worn to sculpt your cheekbones or as a blush.

I'm going to be honest- swatches do not do these blushes justice. 
The pigmentation is amazing!


Apply them with your fingers and blend.


Top 3 Favourite Skin Primers Guest post by Alyssa

Whether you have oily, normal, dry or combination skin, a primer is a must! 
They can help even out the skin and make your foundation last all day.

Here are my 3 favourite skin primers of all time:
Annabelle Instant Perfecting Base
I was recently sent this primer from Annabelle and I’ve been loving it so far. It reduces redness and makes my skin feel so smooth! Sometimes I will wear this right over my moisturizer for the no-makeup days. It gives your skin a healthy glow and I will definitely be purchasing it in the future. Not to mention, this product has a pump which is not common in most primers, but can be very handy!

Maybelline Baby Skin
This is one of those products where you either grab it or pass on it. On my dry skin it glides on easily, gives a natural finish and doesn’t dry me out!

If you have oily skin, I recommend using a very small amount because your face can tend to get greasy throughout the day if you apply too much. You can find it for around $8 at the drugstore.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
This is my all-time favourite primer. If you really want to invest in a good one, go for this one. One little pea size can do your whole face! I got two sample sized ones weeks ago and I’m still on my first one.

It’s not greasy, and it smooth’s out your pores, fine lines, and blemishes. Your skin will feel as soft as butter! It feels great and it’s totally worth it.

Tell me what your favourite primers are in the comments! 
I would love to hear them!

WORLD MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK: David Dixon

Another fashion week has come and gone! 
This year decided to keep it short and only a attend backstage beauty/hair for one show. 
Of course, it had to be David Dixon!

He showed his bridal collection that was designed specifically for Kleinfeld-Hudson’s Bay.
That was a huge treat for me!
I love seeing the dresses flow down the runway.

Makeup:
David Dixon definitely knows how to do "pretty". 
She’s fresh, feminine and romantic.”- Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline Canada

Check out the breakdown for Maybelline beauty:
Face:
Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream 
Cheeks:
Baby Lips SPF 20 Lip Moisturizing Balm in Quenched
Face Studio Master Glaze in Just Pinched Pink.
Eyes:
Color Tattoo Inked in Pink
Color Tattoo Bold Gold 
Brown Kohl 
Lips:
SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Eternal Rose.

***********

Hair:
Very bridal appropriate!

Jorge Joao, Redken Canada Lead Stylist created a aggressive side part with low chignon.
He also took out small pieces to create moment on the runaway.

Products used:
Pillow proof blow dry express primer with heat protection
Heat Styling Satin Wear 02 Thermal Blow Dry Hair Lotion