Derek Lam 10 Crosby fragrance collection

This has been the talk of my washroom. I know.. let me explain. My husband and I are finally are having friends over to look at the house. In the my washroom, I have my Derek Lam 10 Crosby fragrance collection ($115.00 CAN) displayed. EVERYONE who sees it needs to know the backstory.


It's a collection of 10 fragrances from experiences on outside of 
Derek Lam’s window at 10 Crosby Street.
10 stories
10 moments

Wedding: Inspiration from Wedluxe

Back in January, I went to the WedLuxe Wedding show.
This was my 3rd time going!

The first time as a married woman. It was totally a different perspective. My time as a bride was amazing...but I don't think I milked it to it's full potential but now it's my time to guide brides into the "light", help them make the best choices and show off awesome ideas.

Rimmel London Magnif'Eyes Mono Eyeshadow Swatches

I've been playing with these for months!
I couldn't wait to wait to post these on the blog.
Rimmel London Magnif'Eyes Mono Eyeshadows ($5.99 CAN)
I'm really impressed with the pigmentation of these drug store eyeshadows!
The formula is extremely smooth and blendable.

These new shadows come in three finishes: glitter, matte and shimmer.
SWATCHES:
I should also add that these babies are waterproof & crease-proof!

Go out and get them now!!!


My Olistika Experience

Do you see yourself as a person who is not afraid to try new experiences? 
Do you look at things with an open mind? 
If you answered yes to these questions, you should try Olistika. 

What is Olistika?
A new concept wellness centre (Toronto, Ontario) that combines aromatherapy, reflexology & reiki to deeply but gently balance you mentally, emotionally and physically.
Back in December, I had the opportunity to try a session. I won't lie, I was nervous. But I was really interested in seeing what it's all about. This non-­invasive technique energizes you using  a combination of Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Reiki. It's completely natural. My session was conducted by Filippo Conte- owner of Olistika. He made sure that he explained everything to me in advance before we got started. The most important thing is that he made me feel at ease. The whole concept of accessing your ‘holistic toolkit’ was something totally foreign to me.

What happened in the session?
It was a combination of Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Reiki. Coolest part was that I able to pick my own blends for aromatherapy. Filippo customized it and got it right on the first try. I should add that these essential oils are 100% vegan. The reflexology part was very calming. It involves your feet, hands and head. The main point of reflexology is to get you to relax and on the path of healing. Did you know that points on your feet, hands and head link to different parts in your body? Lastly, the star of the show- Reiki. It is "a natural hands-on energy healing technique that deeply but gently balances you mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually by releasing blockages you carry, removing obstacles and restoring your depleted life force energy." I swear after my session, I felt EXTREMELY peaceful and re-energized!

I also left with three lovely products that I use daily:

Olistika MIST Lavender- Spray
Since I have bad sinus issues, I usually mist it in my face. But it can also be a room spray, sprayed on your pillow (to aid sleep) or on your body. Did you know that lavender is antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-fungal and a anti-inflammatory?

Olistika SPECIAL BLEND Healer- Drops
This is amazing on wounds/scrapes. Just apply one to five drops: "the goal is to apply gently, to cover the entire wound and surrounding area (to .5-1" around), to leave a light (dry) sheen of oil on the surface of the skin". It's important to apply two or three times daily.

Olistika SKIN BODY BLEND Winter- Rollerball
You can apply this lightly on skin your face. My favourite place is under the nose. It can also be placed behind the ears, temples or wrists. Apply day or night.

If you're in Toronto, I'd recommend that you visit Olistika for a unique experience.

New Tangle Teezer brushes that you need

I recently had the opportunity to recently attend an intimate gathering for Tangle Teezer made by Shaun Pulfre. He introduced me to three new products:

  • The Thick & Curly detangling hairbrush
  • The Compact Styler
  • Blow Styling tool brush

Perfect Your Skin with the Perfect All-In-One Compact by Mistura Beauty

I hadn’t heard of Mistura Beauty, however, when I discovered that the company was both based in Canada and offered an assortment of all-in-one makeup, I was excited to try some of their products.

My favourite product of the bunch was the 6-in-1 Beauty Solution® Compact. The powder is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, and promises to mute both rosacea and other blemishes.


You’d apply this like you would a contouring powder – on the outside of your cheeks, on the forehead, down the bridge of your nose. It took a little bit of trial and error for me as the first time I used it, I applied what I normally would when using blush and it was far too dark for me. The best thing to remember is that a little goes a long way – you’ll notice results with just a light dusting of the powder across your whole face.

I saw best results when I used the Mistura Retractable Brush (pictured above) – which along with the compact is perfect for tossing in a purse of carry-on. To complete the look, conceal with the Mistura C-2-P Complexion Corrector and naturally plump your lips with the Mistura Plump & Glow lip gloss.

To find Mistura Beauty retailers near you, use their handy store locator.


Too Faced Chocolate Melted and Melted Metal Liquified Lipsticks Swatches

I remember when I seen these Too Faced Chocolate melted and melted metal liquified lipsticks ($25 CAN) pop up on Instagram. I knew I had to have them!


For the ladies out of the loop, these six liquified cocoa-powder-infused shades come in two formulas: Melted & Melted Metal. Expect pigmented, high shine and a yummy chocolate scent.

SWATCHES:
Surprisingly, my favourite shade was Chocolate Cherries!
 Remember that a little goes a LONG way.


Will you be checking out the Too Faced Chocolate melted & 
melted metal liquified lipsticks line?

SHOP:





Achieve a Romantic Spring Look with Caryl Baker Visage

Of course, no beauty look can be completed without an exceptional skincare base.

I've been a fan of Caryl Baker Visage's papaya-powered skin care line for some time - it's the perfect mix of exfoliating (papaya contains enzymes that help remove dead skin cells) and hydrating. Visage has given the line a face lift, which launched this month, as the Caryl Baker Papaya Perfecting Collection.

The Papaya Perfecting Daily Renewing Moisturizer ($39.20 on sale) contains SPF 30 and is gentle enough to be used daily, while still exfoliating the skin's surface to remove dead skin cells. This helps promote radiance and an even skin tone.

The Papaya Perfecting Eye Awakening Treatment ($30.40 on sale) is a must for getting a perfect under-eye concealer application. The eye treatment is moisturizing and conditions the delicate under-eye area. It also helps smooth puffy, tired eyes and reduces the appearance of dark circles. Basically - I'm sold!

If you're feeling the Papaya and want to include it more in your routine, the line also includes more skincare products, including a cleanser and exfoliator, and a Papaya Leaf Herbal Tea that I am obsessed with!

Now that you've established your skincare routine, it's time to put away the neutrals you used all winter and experiment with some fun colours for spring!

Confession time: I pretty much never wear coloured makeup. I keep everything very, very neutral and beige. However, once I played around with the Caryl Baker Spring 2016 Bloom Collection, I've actually found that some of these floral-inspired shades really perk up my face and flatter me.

Here are some of my favourite products from the launch:
Caryl Baker Blush in "Rose Garden" ($22.50): A true rose blush that would flatter a multitude of complexions. It's got a slight hint of sparkle, so it perks up the face, but doesn't apply any glitter.


Caryl Baker Eyeshadows in "Sweet Pea" (slightly frosty peach-pink), "Buttercup" (matte pale yellow), "Hydrangea" (slightly sparkly blue-green) ($18): These colours go so well together! I use Buttercup all over my lid and then Sweet Pea applied on the crease, with Hydrangea blended along the outer corners and as a liner. It really brightens up my whole face!

Caryl Baker Lipstick in "Morning Dew" ($18): Again, a perfect rose shade. There is also a little mirror that pops out when you remove the lid - perfect from streamlining your makeup bag!

Caryl Baker Lipgloss in "Romance" ($18): This shade is so perfect for day and light, and layers expertly with the Morning Dew Lipstick.

Visit a Caryl Baker store quickly, because this collection is limited edition!


Experience the new Caryl Baker Visage

I love visiting old gems. Last month, I had the opportunity to go to Markville mall's Caryl Baker Visage location. I was blown away by the upgrades! Stepping into the store was totally a different experience. I remember the old set up when you walked in and you would see the front to the back of the store. Now when you walk in, you are greeted by a desk in the front. Also all the products are now at the cash. Which is kind of enticing when you are walking through the mall. 


My favourite part of the whole location is that the treatment rooms are private. I remember years ago when I went, my location only had a privacy screen. I found that part not very effective for me because I am always easily distracted. This room ensures privacy- also it eliminates the noisiness of the mall.


When I went I had three complimentary services done. I started with an pure oxygen facial, then had my brows waxed and tinted. Ended with a little bit of make up. Overall, I liked all my services! My face expert had explained everything that she was going to do, throughout my services. I had no questions in the end which is very rare for someone like me. FYI: Makeup wise I didn't get to fully explore due to time but the colours looked nice.


Tinting my brows with dye.
Will I go back? 
I definitely think that I would. Having the location in the mall is very convenient for me. One of the best things that I learned about while I there is they have an educational beauty program! Future face experts have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of beauty to effectively do their job. Often times people are hired from various places and have different ways about going about certain procedures. It can be confusing. This is the best way to effectively do your job so that no matter what location your client goes to- they will still have the great service.

Currently Obsessed: MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner Liquid Eyeliner

I was going through a beauty dilemma back in the end of 2015. I just could't find a good eyeliner that would stay put on me. That's when my Make Up For Ever fairy introduced me to the Aqua Liner Liquid Eyeliner ($27.00 CAN). I'm in LOVE!

Ugh.. Where do I start. This stuff is literally smudge-proof!


The colour that I got is 13 Mat Black - matte black


What makes this product so amazing: 
It can withstand life! Tears, water- It's budge proof!




To remove:
I use a few methods: Make up wipes, q-tip with liquid make up remover or a cleansing balm.

The tip:
Foam-tip applicator for precise application. Great for beginners or pros!

Random amazing facts: 
This liner is apart of Make Up For Ever's Aqua collection created for the Parisian Aquatic Ballet. Yes..Aquatic Ballet. That's not even the crazy part.. These products were tested under water for 5 hours. Also fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested.

What else do you need to know to convince you that this is what you need in your life?





Marc Jacobs Beauty- Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

This hands down was the BEST PR package I have ever gotten in my life.


Randomly a black box with Marc Jacobs Beauty showed up at my door. 
To my surprise when I opened it- it played a video from Marc Jacobs with a compartment holding a black mascara.


The video was a story about Marc watching his mother apply mascara and the techniques that she used. Which gave birth to the idea for the Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara ($33.00 CAN).


Now this mascara is amazing! 
Definitely one of the best ones that I have tried in while. 
Just look at this brush!

Rich voluminous mascara that gives you the look of wearing falsies.
I'd recommend that you do around three strokes throughout your lashes to get the best effect.


 I'm just in love with really dark formulas. This mascara contains Flash Volume Complex™. It helps to create fullness, length and smudge-proof lashes. Also it's free of: Parabens, Phthalates and Sulfates.

Have you tried this mascara yet?


Have you tried Softlips?

I can not leave the house without lip balm. Due to the cold Canadian weather- they're a must have. I was sent over some new products from  Softlips®. I remember back in high school when Softlips® were the go-to lip balms. Now they're back and better than ever!

Two types: Luxe & Cube


Softlips® LUXE ($4.67 CAN)

What I really like about the packaging is that it's clear-
so you will always know how much product is left.



Available in:
Creamy Coconut
Silky Shea

Softlips CUBE ($4.99 CAN) 
Comes in a glass-like cube design. 
The packaging isn't bulky and can easily be thrown in your purse.

Available in:
Berry Bliss
Fresh Mint
Peach Mango
Vanilla Bean

Cube & Luxe: 5 in 1 lip care

A lot of dead skin on your lips right now? 
Shea butter will be your best friend. It hydrates and restores your lips back to normal.


Lips splitting due to the cold weather? 
The vitamins A, C & E are going to put antioxidants into your lip and replenish any damage.


SPF 15 is definitely needed if you're going out outside. Just because you put it on your face you cannot forget your lips.

I like the fact that the application is smooth. I hate waxy lip balms! Also the "scent/fragrance" is very pleasant. If you're crazy like me you could even layer scents to get a customized concoction that works for you.