Gift Guide : Sephora Collection 2020 under $20

This is the 7th annual Sephora gift guide! 

I'm so grateful to be #gifted from Sephora Canada on this one again. 

This year is so cute!!!

There were a few products sent and I chose the best products that could totally work for anyone in your life. There is something for everyone- Young..old and in between!

I’m sharing my top 5 Sephora Collection products that you need to put on your radar either for yourself or for the ones that you love!  **But don't forget about yourself LOL!

Tips on What to Do After an Eyebrow Disaster

I know I am not the only one in quarantine who has botched their eyebrows. My first attempt was flawless. I was super careful and I had the time to do it. The second time... The baby was crying and I attempted to get the stray hairs out of with a mini scissors?!?! 

I know! 

I took a really massive chunk out but thank GOD for brow pencils!

Today I will be sharing three tips on how to cope with a bad brow situation.

Top 5 Acids You Should Add to Your Daily Skin Care Routine

With the heavy winter months, it’s important that you make sure to keep up to date with your skin care regime. That includes making sure to use the right products that will help protect, moisture, hydrate and nourish your skin, to ensure it survives the harsh weather.
Don’t neglect to give your skin the TLC it deserves! 

Here are 5 skin care acids that are a must for your routine

CATRICE Cosmetics has launched in Canada

This is my first time trying Catrice Cosmetics! 

I seen them in Shopper's Drug Mart earlier this year but totally had no time to explore. 

Who is Catrice Cosmetics?

A luxury-inspired makeup brand with VERY affordable prices. 

They launched in Canada in March. Hasn't even been a year in Canada yet!

I love that there are a lot of 5 star reviewed products on website.

Image from Catrice site

Gift Guide : Sephora Collection 2019 under $20

Sephora Holiday goodies! 

This was one package that I was extremely excited for! 

And as usual it didn’t disappoint. 

Sephora collection has such a cute spread this holiday season.
I've been a huge Sephora Collection fan for an extremely long time!

*if you don’t believe me- check my old Sephora gift guide posts. 

For the ones who are new to the blog and have no idea how good Sephora Collection products are: You can get pigmented and high quality makeup, fragrance, beauty tools and skin care products for an amazing price point! Everything is EXTREMELY affordable.
Everything in this post can be bought on a $20 budget. 

Gift Guide: The Body Shop picks under $50

The Body Shop is one place that I always make a quick stop to whenever I’m in the mall. I love to go in-store and smell/test plus restock my body butters/shower gels. I was really excited this year when they sent over an amazing box of products for me to test (just in time for the holidays). It’s been a while since I’ve opened up a box and literally fell in love with EVERYTHING inside.

Have you tried: L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24h Fresh Wear Foundation

I love that I get the opportunity to try so try so many different foundations- all different finishes and textures. I have promised myself that I'm going to give myself 6-9 months to write about ALL of them currently in my possession! It's a serious task but it has to be done. As a dark skin girl, do you know how hard it is to find swatches or true images online? I won't leave you hanging!

These days it seems like there are a lot of brands out there that who feel like they have everything that what we want in a foundation. 

But do they truly stack up??

Have you heard of the L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24h Fresh Wear Foundation ($19.99 CAN) ? If you've struggled to find the right foundation that hits a few of your must have lists- this might be the way to go. 

Sooo what's going on with Spiced Beauty?

I know that I haven't really and publicly put this out there but I changed my blog name. 

My blog is now called MY SPICED LIFE.

The first question, I got was why....

I started this blog at 23 years old, living with my family having a boyfriend and just finishing college. I was BORED.  Now i'm in my early 30's, living with my husband(same guy I dated for 10+ years) and owning my OWN business. 

My views and likes/dislike have changed drastically. 

I know that some people are asking "Will this still be beauty blog?" 

Beauty is still one of my first loves. It will NEVER go away. I still have had numerous people.. not just WOC come up to me and tell me that I was one of the first Beauty Blogs that they found in Canada. But I want to share other stuff of my life without being confined to just beauty. Like my love of travel, electronics, food, random events.... I could go on and on. 

Also Wedding things. 

I didn't really get to divulge during the time because I took more of a hiatus to plan but there still a lot of things I want to share with you guys! 

Please let me know your thoughts! So being that a lot of blog related info and I don't think I have done a tag in a while! I want to share some info about my life and maybe share some little titbit that you don't know about me.

Valentine's Day Red: Sabrina from SHP

Valentine's day is coming up!

Looking for the perfect lipstick to slay in this week?

Look no further! I decided to make it easy for you.

I had the opportunity to talk to some of my favourite WOC bloggers to get the scoop on everything from their favourite lipsticks to lipstick confidence.

Meet Sabrina from SHP
wearing Sephora Cream Lipstain in 01 Always Red

Tell me about your blog?

SHP is a beauty blog where I feature my most loved products and divulge all of the tips and tricks that I've learned over the years.  I currently review products, create beauty looks for women of color and give every day lifestyle tips.

What is your favourite-

High end red

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Dragon Girl

Low end red

Sephora Cream Lip Stain - 01 Always Red

High end pink

Too Faced - Cinnamon Kiss

Low end pink

Colourpop - More Better

SHOP HERE:

Any advice on how to confidently sport a new lip colour? 

My advice would be for you to find a shade that flatters your skin tone by looking at beauty blogs and visiting makeup counters, then test out your selected shade around the house to see how you like it throughout the day.  Also, if you are new to wearing color, try a gloss or light lipstain first so that you get accustomed to seeing yourself with a different look.  

Do you have a favourite WOC red or pink lipstick moment?

Janelle Monáe's signature red lipstick moments are all my favorites. 

She's amazing and her lipstick choices are always on point.

NewYorkColor: April Challenge #NYCBeautyPro

It's been a while since I have done a #NYCBeautyPro challenge! 

I had to do challenge this month due to it's contents.

I know it's early to say this but I swear New York Color Smooch Proof Liquid Lip Stains ($2.99) are the best products of 2015.

Back to the challenge....

This month we had the opportunity to do a look inspired by like our favourite fictional character.

I picked Tiana from The Princess and the Frog!

I felt like her bold lips would be perfect to emulate with these lip stains!

I shared these on instagram and you all went crazy!

They're pigmented and EXTREMELY long lasting.

Okay so I found a new product that I'm in love with! It's @newyorkcolorcan smooch proof liquid lip stain! Have you seen these in stores yet?

A photo posted by Spiced Beauty (@spicedbeautyblog) on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:40am PDT

PLUS UNDER $3.00! INSANE!

I swear Tiana would have these in her makeup stash.

Main products used:

• New York Color Smooch Proof Liquid Lip Stain ($2.99)
• New York Color City Proof 24 hr waterproof eyeshadow ($4.99)

Have you seen these in-stores yet?

NEW Mary Kay Eyeliner Swatches

I love when brands revamp old favourites.
Mary Kay® has reworked their eyeliners and I'm a fan! 

The new Mary Kay® Eyeliners ($16.00 CAN) are more long lasting and pigmented.

The Specs:

• Retractable pencil tip + built-in shaper.
• Soft tip with extra glide.
• Long lasting colour.

Swatches

Do you have a favourite colour?

Theorie Flat Irons come to Canada!

I've been on the flat-iron hunt for a while. I never have good luck with them. The latest one fell apart in my hands as I was straightening my hair...sad. I had to opportunity to try out a professional brand called Theorie who has just entered the Canadian market.

At Theorie, groundbreaking products are never inspired by imitation - they're inspired by relentless passion, creative vision and the pursuit of excellence. More than any other trait, innovation defines the heart of our brand. You'll see it in our products. You'll see it in our packaging. You'll see it in everything we do. 

When you think of the amount of money I've invested in to flat-irons over the years, I should have just put money towards on a good one. I was sent the Saga 1' flat iron ( SRP as low as $150 CDN) in purple. It comes in various other colours as well.

This is luxury and craftsmanship. It came with a very durable pouch, sleeve and a heat resistant cord! I've burnt a few cords in my time-so having a casing is amazing.

The case and sleeve are also great for traveling.

Features:

• The flat iron comes with 100% solid titanium plates and can be cleaned easily.

Do you know how nice it is to be able to straighten your hair and not have to worry about it getting caught in-between the plates! To clean- I just take a slightly damp cloth and wipe the plates after they cool down.

• Clear digital display with adjustable temperature 310°F – 450°F.

I'm so use to using dials on flat-irons but digital is really easy to read. I don't have to worry about what to do if my finger slipped and I burnt my hair... Don't laugh. It's possible. You can pick a temperature which works with your hair and lock it. Pretty smart idea.

• Non slip grip and sleek design.

Very important when heat protectant serums are involved. I usually get it all over the flat-iron but it didn't fall out of my hands...which has happened in the past.

Here is a picture of my hair which was flat ironed on a low setting not to burn my hair.

I also had clips-in which flat-ironed pretty smoothly as well.

Overall, I'm pretty embarrassed that it took me awhile to use a high quality flat-iron.

It's easier for me to put it at a lower temperature to get the look I want, than to use a cheap flat-iron and put it all the way up. So much healthier for my fair.

You can find Theorie flat-irons in Canada at West Coast Beauty, Passion Beauty Supply, 

Metro Beauty Supply, and Capilex Beauté.

My Top 7 May Favourites: Revlon, Vichy, Sephora & Hourglass

I kept my look to a straight minimum in May. I was soooo busy with a lot of work at my 9-5. 

Here were my essentials:

1. VICHY Capital Soleil Bare Skin Feel Lotion SPF 45 ($29.95 CAN)
For men and women of all ages with phototypes 2, 3 or 4 who want to protect their skin efficiently from UVA and UVB rays, in an ultra-light dry-touch texture for body and face.
I will be speaking about sunscreen a lot this summer! I love this because it applies sheer. I don`t get a white cast when applied. Do you know how hard it is to find a sunscreen like that!

2. VICHY Aqualia Thermal Night Spa ($44.00 CAN)
This gel-like formula is loaded with Vichy Thermal Spa Water, hyaluronic acid and Aquabioryl for a total hydration boost.  These active ingredients act in relay to lead Vichy Thermal Spa Water deep into the skin and skin cells for maximum benefits, lasting well over 12 hours.
Hydration is key! Perfect product to use after you exfoliate before bed.
*Tip: Wait about 10-20 minutes before you lie on your pillow.

3. MARK GlossWorks Lip Gloss ($14.00 CAN)

Go from beach to street without a worry with a luscious formula for gorgeous glossy color that helps protect lips from drying UVA and UVB rays. Brilliant shine that lasts for hours.

Love! Love! Love this lipgloss! It contains SPF so it protects your lips from the harmful rays. It`s pigmented and has the perfect shine.

4. Essence Cherry Blossom Girl  2in1 eyeliner ($1.00 CAN on sale)

Yin & yang! both ends of the 2in1 eyeliner let you create beautiful, accurate lines – from fine to broad. thanks to its semi-permanent texture, this eye make-up is extremely long-lasting in a choice of classic black or natural dark brown. 

This launched back in September and I was sooo lucky to find it on clearance for a $1.00. This stuff does not budge. Honestly it`s the perfect eyeliner! I wish there were more- I`d buy them all.  

5. Revlon lash potion™ volume + length mascara by grow luscious™ ($9.95 CAN)

Magically transform lashes to lush, long and lustrous. A potion with strengthening proteins drenches lashes for volume. Triple-groove wand combs through for clump-free length.

Clump-free lashes! I personally would say that it gives me more volume than length. I apply 3 to 4 coats to get full volume.

6. Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12 HR Wear ($6.00 CAN)

A waterproof eye pencil with a long-wearing, matte black shade. 

It`s so hard to find a matte eyeliner that last all day! This one is perfect because you don`t have to "set" it and it's paraben-free!

7.  Hourglass N° 28 Lip Treatment Oil ($49.00 CAN)

A richly concentrated oil blend of cutting-edge actives, botanicals, and skin-rejuvenating vitamins for the delicate lip area.  

No words can explain how it feels on your lips. It also has opulent 24KT, anti-bacterial, gold-plated tip to create a soothing effect on the lips. I know the price may scare you but trust me it's worth it.

Dinner with OPI's Suzi Weiss-Fischmann

I recently had the opportunity to do something amazing.
I had dinner with Suzi Weiss-Fischmann!

Suzi Weiss-Fischmann is OPI's Executive Vice President and Artistic Director. For two hours, a table full of Canadian Beauty bloggers and I talked about the wonderful world of nail polish. It was amazing!

Lise Watier Summer Sunset Collection

This is the first time I'm featuring Lise Watier on Spiced Beauty! Another great Canadian cosmetics brand. One of my favorite products from them is their Professional Corrector for dark skin.

Currently, I am in love with their limited edition collection: Summer Sunset.

I want to share some of the new products from there Summer Sunset Collection!

Swirl these colors together to create a nice glow. This bronzing powder can be used on various skin tones. Slips easily into your purse!

Long-lasting wear and available two palettes: Warm & Cool (Tropical & Paradis). 

Same sleek packaging as the bronzer above. 

Did you know that it can be reused as a wallet or a clutch?

CRYSTAL DROPS Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss

Do you like the wet glossy look? If so, then this gloss is for you. 

Three colors to choose from smoothie, tangerine & dragon fruit.

Enriched with vitamin E for its moisturizing properties. 

Applies easily with a beveled applicator tip.

NAIL LACQUER LIGHT UP CAP - Tangerine

Did you know that this nail polish is the 1st in Canada?

The light up cap makes for easy to do your nails at any time.

SUMMER SUNSET EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY

Lise Watier creates a new sensual and sparkling feminine fragrance! The freshness flowers and the cheerfulness of summer colours inspire its summery composition! The fragrance opens with a bouquet enriched with the vitamins and subtle tartness of grapefruit blossoms, bergamot and luxurious red fruit. The scent then reveals its femininity with touches of jasmine, lily of the valley, honeysuckle and apple. It finishes nicely on creamy, enveloping background notes that are woody and musky.

SUN SMART Écran UV universel teinté FPS 30

Silky to the touch and extremely comfortable, 30 SPF, it leaves the skin velvety-soft without any oily film…All SUN SMART benefits in addition to tan! Contains no paraben and filters the sun?s rays with no chemicals. Applied after regular daytime skin care or before going out into the sun, Tinted SUN SMART is your skin's best friend!

3-IN-1 MIRACLE PRIMER

3-in-1 Miracle Primer has a translucent base which instantly matifies, corrects your skin, and minimizing the look of pores and fine lines. A coloured base corrects skin tone and illuminates your complexion. I wear this alone. Colors: Bronze, Abricot and Banane.

DUO GLAM ROUGE INFINI Lipstick Duo- Rose Ombre Glam

Water-based liquid lip stain and a high pigment lipstick in our Duo Glam Rouge Infini Lipstick Duo. With its specially selected waxes, Vitamin E and a unique complex known to stimulate ceramide synthesis, the lipstick provides instant colour release without feathering. Its creamy and full coverage texture provides ultimate comfort and a silky matte finish. Use them together. Use them separately. Use them as you choose. 17 colors.

CoverFX is Launching on The Shopping Channel this weekend!

This weekend CoverFX will be launching on the Shopping Channel.

Once of my favorite makeup artist, CityLine beauty expert Derek Selby 

will be demonstrating the Power of CoverFX.

Last year, I had the privilege of having Derek do my makeup. 

 

If you don't already know Cover FX was the very first make up brand I used in school. 

The line is very diverse and suitable for all skin tones ranging from porcelain to ebony.

Want to purchase but don't know what color you are?
Check out the chart below:
FYI- I am a B45

If you missed Derek on The Shopping Channel, check him out at the Bay (Bay&Queen) May 10.

NewBeauty - TestTube™ Canadian blog exclusive!

A few weeks ago I asked "What is the best beauty box in USA?" on twitter. Nine people out of ten ladies said NewBeauty - TestTube™! I'm excited to share the goodies that I received in my NewBeauty box. Before we get started I will let you all know that this is a USA ONLY box. I'm giving you all the exclusive on my Canadian blog.

TestTube is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind sampling program enabling members the opportunity to try a variety of the best beauty products before investing in them, and then share their feedback about the products. Every three months, for just $29.95 (plus shipping and handling), subscribers receive a TestTube filled with deluxe and full-size samples of coveted, high-performance luxury products and the latest issue of NewBeauty magazine. TestTube subscribers also receive videoemails, demonstrating how to achieve optimal results with the products.

 Let me start off by saying I am so amazed! I've never seen anything like it. We have monthly box subscriptions in Canada but we don't get magazines or anything similar to NewBeauty. I am a big fan of magazines. I couldn't get over how thick this magazine was. There was a lot of great content to read.

 

Moroccan oil glimmer shine spray
This is actually my second bottle of the spray. I love it! Very lightweight and not greasy.
$24.00 value.





Dr.Brandt pores no more anti aging mattifying lotion
This weekend I actually mixed this with a bit of a foundation. *Thumbs up*
$60 value.






Garner skin renew dark spot corrector
I suffer from light pigmentation on my cheeks. I'm excited to full try out this product for eight weeks. Hopefully, I will see some progress soon.
$17 value.





Hydroxatone 90 second wrinkle reducer
I did not try out this product because I do not have any wrinkles at the moment.
$79.95 value





Lashfood natural eyelash conditioner
This is the first natural lash conditioner that I have heard of. This baby should last me  four to five months.
$95 value





Ahava extreme day cream
Very rich cream with antioxidants. A little goes a long way.
$68 value.




Kerstin florian foot balm
Perfect for the cold winters. I think I might just keep this in my purse.
$32 value







Kneipp herbal bath
I like this because the scent is not overbearing. One capful is all you need.
$19 value

$50 dollars spa look gift card

Overall I thought that this was a great value for your money. Expecially if you're into trying out high end products at a fixed low price. I admit that some products were not for me "wrinkle reducer" but that is the pro of beauty boxes. Share the contents with your mom, sister, aunt or whoever. If I lived in America I would definitely be a subscriber of NewBeauty - TestTube™.

Have you tried NewBeauty - TestTube™  before?

If not, what do you think of subscription boxes that come three times a year? Love? Hate it?

Share your thoughts below!