My view on extensions(weaves)+ Interview with Bella Dream Hair

I remember back in the day when wearing hair extensions(weave) was confusing for most. It was seen as a "black" thing and often looked down upon. Sewing, gluing or clipping in hair was too odd for some to grasp. I remember hearing words like "does that hurt" or "will it fall out" by individuals who clearly didn't get the concept. Fast forward to 2011 where in my opinion wearing extensions is the norm because of Hollywood.
 Source: google imagesKourney Kardashian getting some tracks of hair sewn in at her local Salon.

FYI: This is her real hair length.
 Source: google images

A lot of women are interested in gaining length quickly but don't understand that a cheap $20.00 pack from the local beauty store is not the key for long term. I got low down on 100% Human Hair Extensions from Bella Dream Hair.
"The difference between Bella Dream Hair and your local Beauty Supply Store is quality. The grade of hair is completely different" says Constance from Bella Dream Hair. "BDH offers pure virgin hair from donors. The hair is pure virgin human hair that can be dyed and styled as desired. Our hair will last you over a year if taken care of properly".

A year is a long time but I wanted to know more about how to maintain & treat the hair. Since it was my first time inquiring about this blend! "The hair life will honestly depends on the care the customer takes with their hair. If you apply heat and chemicals to your extensions it will damage it quicker. If you over treat your hair it will damage. This hair is no different then the hair on your scalp you MUST take care of it. If you don't deep condition your extensions then yes your hair will start to shed and fall out become dry and brittle just like your own would. A lot of women don't realize that just because you are wearing a weave does not mean you shouldn't care for your hair." says Constance.

 Source: google images
Those are some powerful words.

Honestly my skin cringes when I see Britney Spears. She needs some BDH love!

 Britney is the best segue into extension application. She is wearing fusions hair extensions. "Fusion is not for everyone again if done right it's great, a way you can wear your hair in versatile fashions but if done wrong it can damage your hair." Constance

 NOBODY wants the "Britney" look. So I asked about other methods!
"Bonding glue is nothing to be afraid of. If used properly it will not damage your hair at all. The problem is people that do not apply bonding glue in the appropriate spots. Glue is actually a Hollywood beauty secret and one of the best ways to use for extensions, but again that's if it's done properly. I have found that women wearing sewn in methods will cause more damage to your hair and scalp due to the tension braiding and sewing creates on your head. Again, braiding extensions on is another well done technique that can benefit a woman's hair growth as well as harm her hair if not done right. There are many methods available for women of every ethnicities."Constance

One of my favorites from her site was the Brazilian Curly.
"I've bleached it and dyed it a honey blonde. My curls bounce right back if I flat iron it straight. It curls beautifully and I must admit it is one of my all time faves."

Gorgeous!
I hope this helped anyone who is skeptic or curious about hair extensions.

Ladies,
I'd HONESTLY like to know what you think below.  So, please leave a comment :)

Canadian Holiday News: Pari Beauty Palette + Free faux tote from ebeauty.ca

I know some of you have seen these amazing palettes pop-up over a few beauty blogs in the past few weeks.

I'm totally late showing them but I think everyone needs a good palette or two to start the new year off with!

Palette one is: Tricks of the Trade
$69.00 CDN
Tricks of the Trade

- 8 highly pigmented eyeshadows
- 2 Ultra Gloss lip colours
- 2 silky soft blushers
- 1 full size Precious Glow illuminating and intensifying eye primer
- 1 Duo Mineral Highlighter Bronzer (New)
- 1 Double Ended Makeup Brush
Contents Value: ~$210

Palette two is: Black Tie Collection
$45.00 CDN
BLACK TIE COLLECTION
-10 neutral and smoky eye shades
-Full size high shine lipgloss
-Holiday edition bronzer/contour powder
-Illuminating face highlighter
-Mirror and applicators

You can purchase these palettes at Sears, Pari Beauty kiosk & Paribeauty.com

Lastly, I have to share that ebeauty.ca is offering a free faux skin tote with purchases over $75.00.
Here is a picture of the tote! 
I paired it with my "chained" blazer & waist belt <3
Have fun shopping ladies!

My Payless must haves for 2012


You ladies know that I try to keep you all on top of what's hot at Payless. It's the day after Christmas and I know you may have a little extra in your pocket! Check out these pieces that I've fallen in love with. It's a mix of everything!
  • Glitter heels are fun.
  • Leopard print is playful.
  • Over the knee boots are hot.
  • Houndtooth is stylish.
If you had to get one piece... What would it be?

My Holiday Scent is Candied Ginger from The Body Shop!

I've always had a soft spot for ginger. 

As an island girl I grew up with it in the house for every ailment. 

Stomach ache... ginger!
Nasuea... ginger!
Bloating... ginger!
I'm sure you get the point...

20+ years later and I'm surprisingly not sick of it!




I love the fact that Candied Ginger is not a raw ginger scent. It has a hint of sweetness.
Best described as a "fresh and zingy scent of ginger".

If you have the chance this Holiday swing by The Body Shop and check out Candied Ginger!

What is your current Holiday scent?

Perfect Holiday Red Lip from Mary Kay

The holidays is the best time to rock a mean red lip! 
I've been trying to decide what would be my go to color.. in other words I have wayyyy to much to choose from. A little birdy from Mary Kay dropped a lovely package off with their new products and immediately found my holiday lip.

Here is what I used:


  • I first feathered my lips with Mary Kay Cappuccino lip liner.
  • Secondly, I applied Mary Kay Nourishine Plus in Rock n Red.
  • Lastly, I applied Mary Kay Creme Really Red.



The combination is amazing! 
The colors are rich, vibrant and overall fun.
At first I wasn't sure if the combo would work but it was fun experimenting and
seeing this amazing outcome!

SWATCHES:

I have no idea why I wrote Chocolate. Its really Cappuccino.

I think is color would look with any skin tone.
I'm ready for the Holidays now!
Thanks Mary Kay <3

Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes Collection- Limited Edition

If someone asked me what I wanted for Christmas I would put this baby at the top of my list!

I honestly have anywhere from two to five minutes in the morning (If I'm lucky) to do my makeup. Liner is a huge part of my routine. I need it to last long, not smudge or even fade. Nothing is more disturbing than looking at yourself four hours into your shift and noticing raccoon eyes. Definitely not cute. 

I'm proud to report back that MUFE Aqua Eyes Collection is honestly all I needed.

Waterproof, smudge-proof, and fade-proof, Aqua Eyes is an award-winning, creamy, long-lasting eyeliner that truly stays put.


This set contains:
- Full Size Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black)
- 5 x Travel-size Aqua Eyes in Dark Grey 21L (dark metallic grey), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), Blue With Green Highlights 12L (metallic teal blue), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Purple 11L (metallic purple)


Aqua Eyes Liner Breakdown:

Consistency/ Color Pay off:
  • Creamy- They glide on smoothly.
  • Rich Vibrant colors- You don't need to go over your line twice.
 Endurance:
  • Long Lasting - Over eight hours: They last my whole shift!
  • Smudge-proof - It didn't smudge on my lid.
These liners truly live up to the hype. I've tried a lot of eyeliners and currently these are working out the best for me. I gravitate towards the black because I work in an office but it's good to know that I have colors to switch it up with on Friday and the weekends.

At the price of $40.00 CDN which equals $6.67 is a great deal for variation six great liners.

 SWATCHES:
Ladies this is a Limited Edition item! 
So rush to your local Sephora to pick one up ASAP.

Have you tried these liners before?

I'm loving Sexual Sugar Perfume by Michel Germain

A few weeks ago I was offered the opportunity to try Sexual Sugar by Michel Germain. I was EXTREMELY hesitant at first...BUT explaining to others that your wearing Sexual Sugar perfume is a definite conversation starter.

First some background on Michel Germain:
  • Canadian Company from Michel Germain a French-Canadian designer.
  • Fragrances for men and women.
There is no better way to explain Sexual Sugar other than it smells just like berry flavored cotton candy.

The scent is rich and long lasting. I usually spray it 1- 2 time(s) at 7am and I can still smell it at 8pm.

I did some research on why this perfume is a top seller and it all comes down to the three "notes".
  • Top notes: The scents that are perceived immediately upon application of a perfume. 
  • Middle notes: The scent of a perfume that emerges just prior to when the top notes dissipate.
  • Heart notes: The scent of a perfume that appears close to the departure of the middle notes.
Check out the notes in Sexual Sugar:
  • Top Notes: Wildberries, Sugar coated orange zest
  • Middle Notes: Passion flower, Orange water flower, Jasmine
  • Heart Notes: Fresh roasted almonds, Vanilla creme brulee, Sandalwood
No wonder it smells amazing! Sexual Perfume, is a top seller at The Bay, Bloomingdales & Macy's.


Vegan Finds: Soulstice Spa nail polish review + Swatches

For the past few weeks I've been testing polishes from a vegan & cruelty-free brand called Soulstice Spa.

They are USA based and "non-toxic, 3FREE color + shine ---- free of toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate".

The three colors shown are from the Fall 2011 collection!
Left to Right: LA, South Beach & Telluride
LA: Stars & sparkle; glitter dust.
South Beach: Sheer white, sleek and modern.
Telluride: Ethereal, crisp light green shine.

POLISH BREAKDOWN
Coverage/Color-off:
  • Great consistency- Not runny or too thick.
  • Two coats to get good coverage.
  • High shine (similar to a gel treatment)
Price:
I loved the mix of Glitter sizes in LA.
I found that they were easier to remove with a base underneath.
 COMBO: LA & Telluride

I think that South Beach applied like a dream: Smoothly!
This is a color that I would not usually rock but it I'm starting to like it on my skin tone.
Two Coats of South Beach.
Overall I would give these polishes great high marks. They could definitely rival the non-vegan polishes on the market. As for the price, $8.00/ $8.50 is very reasonable for a cruelty-free polish.

imPRESS by Broadway Nails Launch!

A few weeks ago I attended party for imPRESS me by Broadway Nails.

What is imPRESS nails you ask?
Your way to salon perfect nails in seconds!
  • No drying time
  • Superior, lasting shine
  • Easy removal
  • Lasts up to a week


They come in 36 different styles which suits each one of your personalities! 
I found the "nail polish" bottle that they come in super cute.
Application is REALLY easy. No glue need.
Just pull back the plastic to expose a special adhesive.
Line it up with your cuticle and push on.
My two week shellac was on it's way out, so I applyed the zebra print to my nails.
How amazing does that LOOK!
They look like gel nails in my opinon for less than half the price.

Check out this gorgeous picture I took of Anjali from Rock that look new imPRESS nail mani.

UPDATE for removal:
You gently peel off from side to remove. If they seem really 'stuck' then apply polish remover around edges, wait 1 minute, the peel off.
* I didn't have any damage on my nails because I used nail polish remover to
take off the nail.*

What do you think about these nails?
Would you rock them?

Sleek Makeup Pout Paints-Pin up + Port Swatches

Sleek PLEASE come to North America!!
Thankfully I have a little angel in Wande who sent me some some UK goodies.
She has a lovely blog as well. Go check her out: Wande World.

The consistency is amazing. NOT drying, runny and a little bit goes a LONG way.
For the people who don't know what Sleek Pout Paints are here is a quick rundown:
New ultimate lip pigment that provides a blast of colour in one purse sized tube! The intensely saturated formula provides outstanding colour pay-off in just one tiny speck, and dries to a long lasting satiny finish. With a wide variety of Pout Paints to choose from you can mix up your very own unique shade using a combination of colours, or simply go for one stand out striking pop of colour. 
Left is Port & right is Pin up.
Gorgeous aren't they!

Which one is your favorite?

Spiced Beauty's 3 Year Bloggerversary Giveaway! (CLOSED)

I can't believe it's my 3 year bloggerversary!
I want to say thank you to EVERYONE who reads, comments and shares my blog. 
You are all amazing!
I honestly would NOT have gotten all the opportunities that I have without you all. 
I always try my best to give back to you all.

With that..here is my bloggerversary giveaway!
I have been accumulating products over the year to giveaway. 
There is a heavy Canadian and MAC influence because it's mostly all I use!
17 pieces! Yes.. 17 pieces for you to try enjoy and share if you want.

Contest rules:
*International Conest
* Two Winners will be chosen
* You must be a follower of my blog

Bargin Finds: $5.00 Dress from H&M

I'm always asked where do I get my style & bargin roots from and the answer my MOM. No words can sum up how much I love that lady.

On one of her recent shopping trips to our holy grail store (H&M), she came back with this for me!

I ended up wearing it to my roof top date in Niagara Falls.  Perfect Occasion!

So ladies have you had time to check out any of the H&M sales?