Wedding: Cute Custom Bridal Illustrations

After the wedding, it's good to have items to remind you of your special day.....like photographs, cards or those pictures that I know you spent a pretty penny on. But it doesn't stop there! 

How about a custom illustration of your dress?

 I was contacted by Joanna pop a few months ago and she offered to do an illustration for my blog. 
I choose to get a wedding illustration that I could frame and put up in my new office.

I was not obligated to post/share share it but she did such an nice job!
***I put a filter on it and added a watermark***

These images can also be used for your invitations, save the date cards or stationary.

If you're interested, this is a service that she offers on her etsy page: etsy.com/shop/joannapop.  Clearly i'm not married yet but I sent her an image of a dress that I thought was cute and described what I wanted my fiancĂ© suit to be. She was very professional and extremely quick I couldn't believe how fast I got my illustration in the mail.

If you are looking for a cute way to decorate your office, show off your dress or spruce up your blog, you should check her out!

Currently Obsessed: Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain™: Lip Swatches

I like when you immediately fall in love with a product when you first swatch it. It's been a rare occurrence lately (why I haven't done a currently obsessed post in a while). Right now, I'm into pigmented lip products which can last all day with a minimal maintenance.

I'm currently obsessed with Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stains ($13.00 CDN).

Give lips rich, glossy shine without stickiness. Weightless formula moisturizes with aloe and vitamin E.

Here is a product that does exactly what you want it to do. We all love stains but sometimes avoid them because they are SO drying! The combination of the gloss and stain is perfect. I can always re-apply and it never looks heavy.

Shop the colours:


Doe foot applicator

Swatches

The gloss keeps your lips soft after it wears off.
I should also add- If you have pigmented lips these colours still shine through.






Schick® Intuition® Advanced Moisture™ razor testimonials

A few lucky Spiced Beauty readers were given the opportunity to try out the new Schick® Intuition® Advanced Moisture™ razor. Check out their likes, dislikes and overall sediments about this great product.

Anne T
I loved the scent. It was lightly floral and very subtle. I find that some products have overwhelming, but found this to be a pleasant surprise.

The actual razor itself is very ergonomical and the weight was distributed nicely. I have arthritis in my hands, so this is very important to me.

The lather was rich and there was plenty to shave with. It was super convenient to have the lather and razor combined!

The shave was very smooth and close and I love it!

My skin, to my surprise, was very moisturized, smooth and soft after using this razor! I have very sensitive skin too, but had no issues with this razor!

Amy H
Using the Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor was very enjoyable because the razor gave me a clean and fast shave without any irritation or difficulty. I enjoyed the moisturizer a lot and it left my skin feeling soft. All the blades were terrific by cutting the hair very easily. It worked very well and the scent was AMAZING! While holding the handle I found it very well balanced. I intend to use the Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor a lot more. Thank you Schick and thank you Spicedbeauty.com for allowing me to enjoy shaving with the Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor.

Brenda P
First off, I love the smell of it. A wonderful sweet shea butter florally scent. The razor was nice to hold and has a nice grip. I expected to see it lather a bit more, but surprisingly, it was enough to moisturize and left my legs feeling silky smooth. Because I don’t need to use a separate shaving gel, it makes it so much more convenient to use in the shower since my shaving gel often gets rinsed off in the process. Due to its size I had a bit of trouble doing around contours like my knees and ankles, but I managed to get it done. Overall, I find it to be a really good razor and plan making a future purchase.

Amy M
The first thing I noticed about the Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor was its size. The razor is much larger than my usual razor, both in the handle and the head. Despite its larger size, this razor felt comfortable in my hands and I appreciated the rubber grips on the handle to give me greater control of the razor. The shea butter shave bar smelt wonderful, a fresh and clean scent. While shaving with this razor I just wet it in the shower and proceeded to shave. The shave bar lathered up and eliminated the need for a shave gel. I was leary about getting a close shave as I felt the shave bars would prevent a close shave. However I was quite surprised that I got a close, comfortable shave. My legs felt soft, moisturized and were hair-free. I was quite impressed with this razor and would definitely recommend it to others to try.


Nicole G
The Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor is a razor with the soap bar attached directly to the razor itself. This means that using shaving cream is not necessary.
I have tried the razor a few times already, and I have to admit this is my favourite razor to date, and I'm not just saying that.
Here's why:
1. It comes with soap already attached, no need for shaving cream. This is perfect to take on vacation. It's less stuff to carry around.
2. Since the soap is already attached, you can use it in the shower with the warm water running. No standing in the cold trying to shave goosebumps.
3. It's moisturizing. I didn't need to re-moisturize my legs afterwards.
4. It comes with a shower hanger. This is an important feature for me. You don't have to lay it on the floor of the shower so all the soap runs off. It hangs high and dry up on the wall.
5. It give a nice close shave. No stubble for this lady.
6. The Dutch in me loves the fact that it comes with an extra razor head. So I don't have to buy another one right away. It's good value.
The only thing that I didn't love was the scent. I like my soaps to smell nice and fruity and this one was more floral.
All in all this was a very good razor. I give it four and a half stars out of five stars.

Eldon L
Wow is the Schick razor ever easy to use! The 4 blades make shaving all the hairs a breeze and I had no problem shaving tricky areas such as the armpits and knees due to the pivoting head. I love the conditioning bar with shea butter as I can skip my shave gel and also save time. The bar has a slight perfumery smell but not overpowering. The only downside of the razor is that it is quite bulky so it wouldn't be ideal to bring it on vacation. However, I would definitely recommend everyone who shaves to try Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture especially for people with dry skin like me. My skin felt the softest of all the other razors that I have tried and will only purchase Schick from now on!

Doris H
Thank you for the opportunity to try out the Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture razor for the first time.
To say I was impressed with this razor would be a total understatement. I was more than impressed with the convenience and shave.
I'm extremely happy with how it left my legs feeling so smooth. This razor provides impeccable convenience of not having to use shave gel separately. How fabulous!
It is an amazing product that I will continue to use. Fantastic shave!!!

Suzanne G
I was very excited to try the Schick Intuition when I received it and I was not disappointed. The packaging with its creamy looking picture of shea butter against the pink background is very eye catching. The package contained a holder, cover and a refill.

The first time I used the Schick Intuition I kept running my hand up my legs to check if it was doing its job as I could not feel the blades against my skin. The blades and the moisture ribbons really were doing their job and I was impressed how my legs felt so soft and silky.

This razor would be really great when travelling as you do not need to bring along your can of shaving cream.

I am very pleased with the results the Schick Intuition gave me and I will be purchasing refills next time I go shopping.

Karla S
I received a Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor free of charge. I love this razor! I love the conveinece of not having to use any shaving cream/gel when shaving my legs,as the conditioning bar on the razor does a great job! I used it in the shower,and with water,it became very sudsy,and let me shave smoothly with no knicks or cuts. I have shaved about 3 times so far,and the conditioning bar is still hardly worn down,so I`m thinking it will last a while. I would prefer the razor to be a little smaller though,as I find it a little bulky for my hands..but overall I love it,and will probably purchase it when I need a new razor. It is also great for overnight trips,or short vacations,as you do not need to bring any shaving cream with you,just the razor. I also love the suction cup holder,so I can attach it to my shower wall,and out of the way. It`s great,thanks for the chance to review!
Karla

Jonnie
The Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture is the perfect razor! The shea butter moisture ribbons do an incredible job of leaving my legs feeling silky and the 4 blades make for a really smooth shave with no knicks or cuts. It glides over my legs so easily and afterwards my legs don't have any flakes of dry skin. The moisturizing solid also rinses off really easily with no residue left behind. This razor smells really nice and it's so wonderful to not have to lather up slippery shave gel while in the shower. I really can't say enough about this product!

Lisa H
I really don't like shaving. I don't like having to buy the blades all the time, then the shaving cream and really, it can be a pain. However, I LOVED using this razor. Loved that it took almost NO time to shave both my legs, my skin feels AWESOME after and I like that it came with a holder for the shower (my other razors always fall all over the place). Only "complaint" would be I can't really tell where I've shaved and where I have not (as you can tell with shaving cream), but really, that's not a big deal. I highly recommend this product.

Carole D
The Shick Intution Advanced Moisture left my skin feeling smooth and soft. It also performed and give me a close shave. I really enjoy the handle and it made shaving in the shower a lot easier. What I dislike and for that reason alone I would not buy the Shick Intution Advanced Moisture it's the overpowering perfume smell.

Bree J
Wow. I am impressed! I like the other razors like this - so much easier to just do it in one step (yes I am lazy) but they make my legs dry so I always have to throw on lotion. After using Schick Intution Advanced Moisture razor It worked nicely - glided smoothly and I only had to do one swipe because of the 4 blades and pivoting head. I didn't put lotion on like normally, because I was running late and noticed last night my legs are soft and smooth. Like really soft. Forget lotion I am just buying more refills today so they are on hand. If I had to rate this I would give it a 5/5 - easy to use, fast results and nice soft,smooth skin after!

Megan F
I love the razor!! It has been my favourite so far! My only complaint is that the handle carries water after put up to store, so it is super cold water running out when I use it the next day. Just a small hole would remedy this issue. Otherwise, it is a great time saver to not have to put shaving cream on my legs to be able to shave!

Belinda M
Thank you for the opportunity to try the Schick Intuition Razor. I love the idea of not having to worry about shaving cream when I want to shave and applying moisturizer after I am done. This baby does it all so I can cut back on the clutter in my shower. The four blades allowed for a super close shave and my skin is smooth and silky. I like that I can also hang it on the wall out of the way with the holder complete with suction cup! The handle is large enough that you can get a good grip on it and it will not slip out of your hand. I will be using this product again and again.

Festival Style with Hard Candy Cosmetics

It's definitely festival week in Ontario & Montreal. 
With the VELD, OVO Fest and Osheaga going on, 
I know that everybody is scrambling to find the perfect make up look.

Do you go bright and bold? 
Or do you go in neutral and soft?

I decided to go bold
Hard Candy sent me some of their festival must haves to try!

Here is what I used for my look: 
From left to right:
Hard Candy All Glossed Up Hydrating Lip Stain ( $4.98 CAN)
Hard Candy Single & Loving It Eye Shadow range- World peace ( $2.98 CAN)
Hard Candy Walk the Line Liquid Eyeliner- Electric slide ( $5.98 CAN)
Hard Candy Shadowholic Eye Crayon- Golden rule ( $4.98 CAN)
Hard Candy Ginormous Lash Lash Boosting Mascara ( $6.98 CAN)

All Hard Candy products can exclusively be found at Walmart!
Which product do you want to try?

 

NewYorkColor: Times Square Challenge

I was asked to be apart of NYC Canada Beauty Pro program. I felt like it was the perfect thing to participate in so I can share looks that work for WOC and try new products from the line.

The first theme was Times Square. It's one of my all-time favourite places to visit in NYC. 
The bright lights- sounds- food .. I could go on and on!

In July's package there was:
  • One (1) Big Bold Volume by the Lash Mascara
  • Three (3) Show Time Velvet Eyeliners
  • Three (3) IndividualEyes Eyeshadow Powders
What I used & The Look:

NYC New York Color's Individual Eyes palettes ($4.99 US) are an all-in-one product!
It comes with a primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing eye colour shadows.

NYC New York Color's Showtime Velvet Eyeliner ($1.99 US) are different than your typical coloured eyeliners because they have little shimmers in them. 
They come in three colours.

NYC New York Color's Big Bold Mascara ($4.99 US)  has a rubber brush that makes hard to catch lashes quite easy.

Would you wear this look?


Wedding: The Ins and Outs of Wedding Guest Lists Advice from Weddingbells’ Editor-in-Chief Alison McGill

Let's back track a bit. Last time I interviewed Weddingbells’ Editor-in-Chief Alison McGill the topic was wedding dress shopping. Today's topic is something that ALL brides dread.. The wedding guest list. This is the one part that has caused me so many headaches! I'm trying to keep my wedding small but all these people are popping up out of nowhere! Trying to accommodate everyone- plus listening to your parents requests is stressful. Hope this helps someone out there! 

Editor-in-Chief Alison McGill tackles my wedding guest list questions

How do you pick who comes to your wedding?
On your wedding day you want to be surrounded by those nearest and dearest to you (both family and friends). Whether you invite all of them will depend of course on your wedding budget and the size of the guest list you can accommodate. If your wedding is super-small and intimate, you may be challenged to narrow down exactly whom you invite. There are no hard and fast rules on who must be there—invite the people who mean the most in your life, who are extra-special. Wedding invites are a delicate subject and often come with their fair share of drama. It’s always good to be prepared for backlash because it happens. Often.

Are plus ones necessary?
Plus ones are not necessary but it’s often expected. Your guest will expect to invite a guest to accompany them to the wedding. If you are not extending the invitation to a plus one, be sure that is clearly indicated on your guest’s invitation. You may hear from the guest asking to confirm that a plus one is not invited. Taking it one step further, your guest may write in the name of their plus one even though you have indicated the invitation is for them alone. Once again be prepared to deal with this situation as you may have a disgruntled wedding guest on your hands.

How early in advance should you send out your invites?
Wedding invitations should be sent out no later than three months in advance of your wedding day. Better yet, it’s always appreciated by your guests if you send a save the date far in advance of your wedding day. People love advance notice on events and you want to be sure they clear their calendar for your wedding day.

What should be in the invite? (Response cards, for example)
Your invitation package includes the actual wedding invite and an RSVP card (or an email address/website where guests can respond). Including a map of the ceremony and reception location is also a great idea.

RSVPS: Mailing them back vs. email corresponding?
Either way is acceptable. It all depends on what the couple is asking for. If there is an RSVP card enclosed, fill out and send back. If there is an email, then send your reply electronically.

The Body Shop: Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

I might not wear a lot of makeup but mascara is a must for me. I should add... my mascara usually does not come off easily because it's layered. I use 3 to 4 coats to get my desired look... Don't Judge me..haha.

With that being said, I'm always interested in trying out new products which are going to make my life easier before I go to bed. Sometime last year, I got my hands on a tin of this product: Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter ($16.00 CAN). It's honestly amazing! It's really nice to get a product that is soft and gentle but still does the job. This is my second tin! 


Shop The Body Shop: Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter


This cleanser is an indulgent make-up remover for the whole face. It gently and efficiently melts away make-up and impurities, leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed and pampered.

How to Apply:
With a dry face massage the product into skin. Then rinse it off with warm water or use a wet muslin cloth to cleanse & exfoliate.


I applied waterproof/smudge-proof products and let it set. 
Then applied the cleansing butter and worked it in.

This product leaves your skin feeling clean, has a pleasant light scent and melts away your makeup.
What more could you need??

Purminerals- JUPITER ASCENDING Collection Swatches

 I missed playing with palettes- mixing and matching colours to get the perfect look. I received this Purminerals palette inspired by the movie JUPITER ASCENDING ($35.00 CAN). Which stars Mila Kunis and my favourite eye candy Channing Tatum.

Let me start off by saying- this is a limited-edition makeup collection which is sold exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart. The colours in the palette are based of Jupiter Jones’ signature look.



Inside the encasing there is a light-up lip gloss in Galaxy. Which is a appropriate pink for all skin tones.
Plus a liquid precision eyeliner in Outer Space. Also nice black liquid eyeliner perfect for making a clean cat eye.


This palette comes with a mini eye shadow applicator brush. 

Colours from left to right:
  • Majesty eye shadow (pale taupe)
  • Destiny eye shadow (cream)
  • Night Sky eye shadow (slate)
  • Jupiter eye shadow (rose)
  • Caine eye shadow (mocha)
  • Cosmos eye shadow (iridescent white)
Are you feeling this collection?

The Body Shop Sells Sorbet?!?!?

I love when new products/innovations come out. Especially if it's a texture that you have never felt/seen before. It was literally love at first sight when I received this Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet ($20.00 CAN) from The Body Shop.

An instant cooling sensation for all day hydration. This silky-soft moisturiser hydrates and refreshes skin with an ultra-light light formula.
It's so light and soft but very hydrating. Actually- The Body Shop has also come out with line body sorbets which come in your favourite scents.  That's a whole other story but the next time that you are in the body shop please treat yourself and I'll test out every single one. You will fall in love!

Shop the Sorbet line:


Must Have: L'OREAL PARIS Sublime Sun Silky Sheer Face Lotion SPF 50+

My stash right now is insane.. Sometimes I miss out on some gems/don't get to them in time. My regular facial moisturizer got misplaced- so I had to try something new. Some of you may think I'm being over dramatic but it was a life-changing skincare decision. Let me start off by saying that you should be wearing sunscreen daily no matter what your skin tone is. I usually go with about SPF 15 but I'm always looking for something better.

During my frantic rush to get ready one morning for work, I found a stash of sun products that were sent to me by L'Oreal Paris: Sublime Sun Silky Sheer Face Lotion SPF 50+ ($9.99 CAN).

Being a deeper skin tone SPF can sometimes show up white and streaky on me. It's definitely something that you can handle on vacation but not something that I can handle for every day use. The product comes and a slim orange bottle that is small enough to fit into your make up bag.

The formula is fluid and not thick like usual facial sunscreens  I use. The most important thing for me is that by the end of the day it doesn't leave me oily nor does it clog pores because the ultra-light texture is designed for your face.

Check out the L'OREAL PARIS Sublime Sun line:



Why you need it:
  • Oil-free
  • Non-greasy
  • Water resistant 
  • Won’t clog pores
Swatch:



What's your summer style? + GIVEAWAY

What's your summer style?
Right now- mine consists of maxi dresses, short dresses, jean shorts, sandals... oh I could go on and on!

What if I told you that you can win a $5,000 shopping spree just your sharing your Canadian style!
Schick Quattro for Women is celebrating stylish Canadian selfies in a contest called 
Your #Selfie. Your Style

Until July 22nd, you can enter for a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree:
Two ways to enter:
  • Upload your selfie to Instagram with the #QFWSelfie hashtag and tag @QFWCanada
  • Upload your selfie to the Facebook app here: http://bit.ly/QFWSelfie
To celebrate, Schick Quattro for Women is allowing me to host an amazing giveaway valued at $185!

Contents:
  • Two NEW Schick Quattro for Women razors Enriched with Papaya & Pearl
  • fold-over clutch
  • summery scarf
  • jeweled cuff bracelet 
  • $50 Visa gift card

Canadians Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Don’t forget to like the Schick Quattro for Women Facebook page and follow @QFWCanada on Instagram!


*The winner must provide proof of entry- Google Friend Connect through screenshot + respond in 48 hours to win*

#Likeagirl

Did you know that 56% of girls lose confidence during puberty...
Puberty was an awkward time. Trying to see where you fit in/who your real friends are..
I could go on and on..

Being that I'm the oldest in my family.
I was use to hearing other people using the term "like a girl" to me.

Thankfully, my parents always believed in me and never subjected me to that... but not every girl is that lucky. Only 19% of girls have a positive association with the phrase “like a girl.”

This has got to change! I
t’s time to refine the term #LikeaGirl.

Don't know what I mean? 
Watch this video!


Directed by Lauren Greenfield, winner of the Sundance Film Festival Directing Award for her documentary, “The Queen of Versailles” in 2012, the #LikeaGirl social experiment captures how doing something like a girl changes as they grow up and how a bit of encouragement can go a long way in changing what it means to be proud to be a girl, and do things like a girl.


Zoe Saldana on FASHION Magazine's August 2014 Cover- Hot or Not?

I've honestly enjoyed a few of the latest movies that Zoe Saldana has started in- Star Trek, Avatar and Colombiana were really good. I'll admit she's not one of the actresses I'd look to for fashion inspiration but I loved the way she was styled on the latest cover of Fashion Magazine.


Inside the mag she talks about various things such as her marriage (I actually didn't know she was married) and how she prepared for her role in Nina. Yes.. If you don't know she's playing Nina Simone in a new biopic. I seen a lot of criticism on twitter about her getting the role due to her skin colour.. etc. Fashion Magazine asked her about it and his was her response:

On skin-deep criticisms regarding her casting in the biopic, Nina-
“I handled the role with the same love, the same respect and the same pride that any other black person would, because I am a black woman, a proud Latino black woman, and nobody’s going to take that right from me.”

Hmmm..I really think people should give her a chance.

Overall I see the the cover as HOT!
What do you think?

Beauty News: Bliss + Moroccanoil

Summer is the best time to try out new products.
With all the parties, dates and the vacations going on it's always great to look your best.
Check out these three products!

Chapped lips are not sexy on anyone. Summer is the time to break out your favourite matte lipsticks! So get ready with the Bliss 'Pout'-o-matic Lip Exfoliating Tool ($58.00 CAN). Yes.. there is a tool that will exfoliate your lips for you! No man power required.

This must-have system revitalizes and smooths lips for a beautiful, full look. The pro-powered lip-perfecting device uses gentle rotation and custom designed head with massaging numbs to softly yet effectively stimulate and exfoliate your lips. Complete with a creamy lip scrub to polish, nourish, and condition lips to help color last longer, this set includes all the essentials for soft, healthy lips.
You will never know how a week worth of vacation can cause on your hair.. I remember the first time I went to Cuba and forgot to bring my own shampoo/conditioner. My hair was a mess! 
It could have been prevented with these three products.
Moroccanoil® Moisture Repair Shampoo gently cleanses the scalp, while Moroccanoil® Moisture Repair Conditioner smoothes and reconstructs hair - both providing the added moisture and hydration needed to repair damaged strands and promote healthy, beautiful hair. Moroccanoil® Treatment will instantly absorb into the hair to help create luminous shine and luxurious, silky perfection, transforming hair with dramatic results.
Do you have a lot of dead skin cells? 
Bliss has a solution for getting fit of them their Micro Magic Spa-Powered Microdermabrasion Treatment($56.00 CAN). 

This twice-a-week spa-powered microdermabrasion treatment boosts your cleansing routine by powerfully yet gently exfoliating dead cells and pore-polluting impurities that face washes may leave behind. Aloe and mushroom extract reduce inflammation and calm skin while peppermint extract refreshes and revitalizes. 


Update Your Look with Revlon! #shop #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Lately... I feel like I'm in a make up rut.
What does that mean exactly?

My look is so basic at the moment. Tinted lip balm and mascara.
My days have been divided into working and planning a wedding- so I have no time to get dolled up. 

Since summer is here, it's time to make a change and start playing with new products.
I went to Loblaws to pick up some goodies for my new look. 
Let me start off by saying- I've never shopped for makeup in a grocery store before.
Perfect time to try it out for my #CollectiveBias post.


My initial thoughts about Revlon (makeup) being sold in Loblaws.

Pros
Convenience
  • (Get your fruits and makeup needs in one location)

Cons
Selection
  • (Not as stocked as a drug store)
  • (Not a lot of the new release products)
  • (Messy)
  • (I saw no sales!)


I hardly seen any of the new Revlon products which are shown in the magazines.
No Lip stains or shadow compacts from the new collection.

I love matte lips. So I had to get a Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm ($9.99 CAN)!
This is probably the BEST matte lip product that you can get for under $10.00!
Long lasting & very pigmented. I debated getting this in pink or red.
I decided to put this colour back and go with a signature red lip.

I needed a product to create my famous cat eye which usually requires a lot of precision.
Picked up the new Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Liner (8.99 CAN). The tip is tiny!
Probably one of the smallest ones I've seen on the market.

To finish of the look I went with Revlon Lash Potion Volume + Length Mascara ($12.99 CAN).
It's a "wet" mascara but works well when you let it dry in-between coats.
Again the convenience of grocery shopping and getting makeup is pretty awesome! 

Quick makeup breakdown:

If I'm going to purchase Revlon- I'd probably go to a drugstore for variety, quantity and sales.

Do you have a favourite product from Revlon?