Givenchy Le Rouge Lipsticks Swatches

Once you get a hold of an amazing high end lipstick- you wonder how you could have used anything else!

This was my first time trying a lipstick from Givenchy. I had no idea what to expect!

Let's start out with the Givenchy Le Rouge ($38.00)  packaging.
Gorgeous!

The lipstick is encased in a real leather packaging with silver accents.

These lipsticks are semi-matte.
It's the perfect mix of a satin and matte lipstick.
Sooo creamy and moisturizing.

Left to right: 203 Rose Dentelle, 306 Carmin Escarpin & Brun Cachemire

This lipstick-as-accessory delivers intense colors and a semi-mat finish all in one stroke. 

Swatches:

Which lipstick is your favourite?

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Review- Chestnut

I do not wear foundation daily. I usually wear it on a night out or to an event. Lately my skin has been so oily this Spring. I'm serious! Oil blotters are currently my best friend- I cannot leave home without them but that's a whole other post.

I'm always on a look out for foundations that work well for women of color. I've heard a lot of good things about hourglass foundation but the range only went up to beige and obviously that would not work for my skin tone. When I had the opportunity to review one of the eight new Immaculate shades, I first went to Sephora to get the sample to see which colour worked for me.  I met an awesome sales associate who gave me a very large sample to try out before my bottle arrived.

“Miracle Foundation For Oily Skin” - Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation– just got more miraculous. As you may remember, the liquid to powder formula absorbs oil, camouflages imperfections, and delivers a long-lasting velvet matte finish—without the need for touchups. After an influx of emails from customers claiming Immaculate had improved their skin, we came to the realization that Immaculate was not only helping people with oil-absorption and shine-diffusion, it was also remedying their skin.

I was very happy to see how this foundation held up. I honestly could go hours without having to blot my face and not worry about how I looked. I know that seems small but for someone like me who doesn't wear foundation- I always forget to check up and nothing is worst than going to an event or party and taking pictures and seeing how oily you look. Shoot!! No one could have warned me?!?

Plus the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder($64.00 CDN) has acne fighting properties. This is perfect for the girls who are afraid to wear foundation because they constantly break out.

You might expect such phenomenal results from a high-tech, acne-fighting skincare product—but from your makeup? Not likely. Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation bridges the gap between skincare and cosmetics with its paradigm-shifting formula. And it does so without resorting to ingredients like salicylic acid, which can lead to dryness and flaking. For women dealing with problematic skin, the idea of a foundation that delivers a flawless matte finish and simultaneously helps clear your complexion is a godsend.

The overall look and texture of the foundation was really nice. I really liked applying it with the stippling brush. It doesn't matter what your skin tone is, if you are from light to a dark deep like myself- I would recommend that you definitely go to Sephora try out the foundations for yourself. 

Avon Clearskin Pore Penetrating Line

I was blessed to have clear skin for 23 years. While everyone was going through bad break outs in their teens, I was living a "pimple-free" life.

Once I turned 24, I started to get small break outs once a months. As odd as it seems when you get them when your older, it's embarrassing to get them.

Although it's less than a week long, you have no idea where the next one would turn up. I'm always looking for products to use during that time. I try to switch my skin care schedule around that week just so I can shorten the duration of the break out.

Two products that I have been trying is from Avon's clearskin line! When I was younger- I was obsessed with the line. I loved that blue scrub that they had.




Right now, I introduced their Clearskin® Pore Penetrating Invigorating Scrub  ($6.49 US) & Clearskin® Pore Penetrating Cooling Toner ($5.49 US) into my routine.


The scrub is really good. The perfect scrub to use when your face is a little sensitive. Formulated with Eucalyptus Extract & Witch Hazel to cleanse and refresh. Lifts away pore-clogging dirt and excess oil. I usually put it on and let it dry- like in the picture. Then take a little water to "reactivate it" then wash it off.

Then a take a cotton pad and apply the cooling toner. First starting on the problem areas then working my way around. I love this because it doesn't leave my face dry like other toners.

These are a definite a must have! 

Schick Hydro Silk disposable razor

We made it half way through Summer and it wasn't bad! I will admit, I haven't done everything I wanted to but I am trying to take a vacation in the Caribbean. That's a whole other post!

Right now, I am finding all my old dresses I packed away from last year ( I know I'm late) and getting the best use out of them. With that said, we all know that shaving your legs is a must. What do you guys think about disposable razors? I'll be honest- I usually avoid them! In my opinion, they lack style and control. Flashback to getting razor burns and getting bad nicks all over my legs.

I had the opportunity to try out the Schick Hydro Silk® disposable razors and was pleasantly surprised. At first I didn't even notice that it wasn't the "refillable" kind like the (Schick Hydro Silk razor) that I reviewed in the past. It's fashionable and comfortable. It has rubber grip- so I won't lose it in the tub. Plus I don't need to use shaving cream when I use it because of the water activated serum.

I have 15 Schick Hydro Silk® disposable razors to send out for test and review!

Once you send in your review you will be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift card!
Testers have been chosen!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Schick Hydro Silk Canada Facebook “Show your legs some sun” contest!

Hair Talk- Maintenance

Time for another hair post! The theme is "Maintenance". Summer is here and in my opinion it takes a bit more time to take care of your extensions. Pool parties, beaches, bbq and the overall sun can cause damage.

If my hair series is new to you.. I suggest you check out these past popular posts:

• My view on extensions(weaves)
• Hair talk: Textures & Extensions 

I'm not an expert so I decided to ask Constance from Bella Dream Hair some quick real life questions/scenarios on hair maintenance.

How do I get out tangles?
You can use a paddle brush or a boar brush to comb the hair.

Air dry or Blow dry?
I would recommend blowdrying the hair on a low setting, however air drying the hair is very important.

I dyed the hair now it's horribly dry. What now?
Co-washing the hair with a deep conditioner and leaving it in for at least 20 minutes can help replenish the hair after dying it.

How do I straighten the hair without damaging it?
You should always use heat protectant when apply any heat to your hair. TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray is a great one.

How do I preserve the hair once I take it out?
Storing the hair in a rectangular box with a lid will keep the hair clean and fresh. Be sure not to fold the hair or it will leave a bend in it.

I hope this helps! 

If you have an idea for a hair post- leave it below!

Canadians! Moroccanoil Launches Innovative E-Commerce

I remember when it was difficult to get your hands on Moroccanoil products in Canada. 

You could either A) get it shipped from USA which resulted in high duty fees or B) Take a trip to Buffalo. 

Beginning July 1, 2013 (Canada Day), customers within Canada can now visit the official website, www.moroccanoil.com, and make fully authorized purchases from the entire range of hair and body care products. Designed to attract sales away from unauthorized online vendors, the brand’s e-commerce initiative features an innovative profit-sharing platform that rewards all facets of the distribution channel: whenever a customer purchases a hair care product, they will have the option to select from a list of participating salons that will benefit from a percentage of each sale. If a client chooses not to select a salon during their purchase, the closest Moroccanoil Loyalty Salon to their address will automatically be credited with the sale. The client is also sent a list of five Moroccanoil salons closest to their location along with their order. There are now hundreds of salons in Canada that are part of the Moroccanoil Loyalty Salon Program, which continues to grow rapidly.

As a Canadian, it's amazing to get access to e-comm sites that cater to us.

Deciding what to get on the site? 

Check out my wishlist!

Do you have any Moroccanoil favourites?

Walmart George -Fall Preview 2013

My first encounter with George Clothing was back in 1999. On my first trip to an ASDA store in Manchester, England. I remember high quality products with affordable pricing. 

Fast forward to 2013! Nothing has changed.

I had the opportunity to view the George Preview for Fall 2013.

This fall at your local Walmart, you can get your hands on fab prints, metallics and studs!

All items that I would definitely add to my Fall wardrobe.

Check out some of my favourites below:

Which outfit is your favourite?

Polysporin At-Home Spa Party

Lip health is important in the summer as it is in the winter. One of my biggest pet peeves is chapped lips.

Seventy-seven per cent of Canadians feel an emotional impact if they have chapped lips.

When there are amazing products out there like Polysporin’s Visible Lip Health out there, No one.. I repeat no one should have chapped lips.

I was given the opportunity for my mom and I to be treated to an at-home spa experience.  Totally what I needed after a stressful day at work!

If you remember my review of Polysporin’s Visible Lip Health- Day & Night line last year, I was a huge fan.

We were given lovely treats to get the night started!

After stuffing our face with chocolates. We were given a spa treatment which was an amazing facial + Massage by the Wright Spa Mobile Beauty Services! After the facial she give us a lip scrub then applied Polysporin’s Visible Lip Health- Day to our lips. 

Then it was followed by a full make-up consultation of the latest lip colour trends.

Each product is $5.99 and can be found at Walmart!

Nails of the Week: Avon MegaWatt Nail Enamel

I was requested to start doing more nail posts.

Which is prefect because my nail stash is growing out of control.

This week's nails are from the MegaWatt Nail Enamels collection from Avon!

Colour: POP

Break down the color barrier with these high-voltage neon shades! Leave subtle in the drawer and go for something bold. Something electrifying! Choose any one of our brilliant MegaWatt shades and you can be sure to upgrade your mani to a higher frequency!

Neons are hot for the summer!

To make my accent nail stand out, I did an ombre effect on top.

Colour: Shock ontop of Pop

Are you a fan of  bold nails?

Is the Spa Sonic® Skin Care System worth the hype?

I'm really into skin care. I love to try test out new products and see which works best for my skin tone. I was an owner of a Clarisonic that died.. (that's another story). I was looking for a replacement that could fill the void. That's when I had the opportunity to review the The Spa Sonic Skin Care System.

First let me start with how I love the fact that it can be used all over. The system comes with two small brush heads for use on your face, pumice stone for your heels, microdermabrasion sponge and a body buffer.

This is a wet/dry system. 

Since it's waterproof you can use it in shower and sink. It also uses 4 alkaline AA batteries.

The small brush heads work different than the clarisonic in how it doesn't rotate and there is only one bristle head. It also requires more hand power. I was very happy with the bristles. They are not flimsy and it applies the right pressure to my sensitive skin.

Out of everything in the kit, I was excited for the body buffer head. The past facial system I owned didn't have that attachment. It's amazing on elbows, knees and the back of the neck. For my girls who tan, It's important to remove the dead skin cells before- this head would work wonders for you.

The microdermabrasion sponge attachment to is suppose to help remove fine lines but honestly I never use it.

Overall for the price of  $59.99 CAN- I think it's worth it if you have a similar skin type - sensitive with rare breakouts.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ Sunscreen and After Sun Moisturizer Testimonials

I started this blog to share my views with other individuals that share the same interest. Never would I ever have thought it would have ever gotten this far. Specially to the point where I can share opportunities where you the readers can sample a try products that I rave about! Check out what these Spiced Beauty readers had to say about Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ Sunscreen and After Sun Moisturizer.

Sunscreen
The scent is incredible! I found that the lotion spread easily and absorbed quickly. It did not leave a sticky or oily residue but rather left my skin moisturized and smelling fantastic. This protected me from the sun very well and I was eager to reapply throughout the day as it was such a pleasant experience. This is my new favorite sunscreen!

After-sun moisturizer
Like the sunscreen, this smells great! I missed an area with my sunscreen and this creamy gel/lotion took the sting out of my sunburn. It was very soothing without being sticky or shiny like plain aloe vera gel.

I will definitely buy both of these products as essentials for the summer!
-Susan T

I absolutely loved the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration sunscreen lotion. It goes on nice and smooth and isn't greasy. I wore it on a super hot and sunny day and it kept me shielded from the sun and sunburn-free. The Silk Hydration After Sun Moisturizer smells AMAZING and is soothing for the skin even if you don't have a sunburn! My skin still felt super hydrated even a day after applying it. Thanks Hawaiian Tropic!
-Abigail K

My review: The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen is divine! It smells amazing and goes on so smoothly! I was on the beach in 23 degree weather and no sunburn to speak of! Fabulous! The After Sun Moisturizer is another amazing product! After my beach day, and a shower, I applied the product. It smells just as great as the Sunscreen and left my skin so soft and moisturized! I highly recommend both of these products, and at such a great price point, Hawaiian Tropics products are a great purchase for Summer!
-Rebby R

I had high hopes ever since I got these products. I can truly say they work wonderfully! I love the scents. They smell much better than any then any other sunscreen... Just smells like a lotion! It's also very moisturizing. The after sun balm/moisturizer is great too so you don't dry out after being in the sun. I love this product!
-Sydney D

I have tried both products a few times and I love them! I used to hate putting on sunscreen as well as moisturizer because of my very dry skin but now I don't have to worry about getting sunburns anymore. The after sun lotion is refreshing after a day out in the sun and quite moisturizing. I have dry/sensitive/acne-prone skin and I had no issues with either product.
-Stephanie

This product smells amazing compared to those regular sunscreen products! Not only does it does it do a great job of keeping me tan-free, it also feels great on my skin. Sunscreen tend to make my skin feel even drier than my already dry skin, but this product hydrates my skin, leaving it soft and smooth!
-Yan

I have used both products. I first used the Hawaiian Tropics Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion. Being very fair, I tend to burn easily. I used this just before going into my pool and found it great. I love that its waterproof and the scent is very pleasant. It worked like a charm for me!

I used the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Moisturizer after I rinsed off from my swim. This lotion left my skin very soft and I really liked the coconut papaya scent. Very yummy! I will definitely buy these products and use them this summer!
-Shari

I recently received a sample size of Hawaiian tropics sunscreen and after sun moisturizer
to review. I thought the samples were a great size, perfect to throw in my purse or beach bag.
I first tried out the sunscreen lotion and loved the smell ,it was a nice light scent.It was very
easy to apply ,absorb quickly, and didn't leave my skin sticky or oily.
The sun moisturizer, which was my favourite. The scent was very nice and
I would use it as a moisturizer all the time, because of the scent..
It went on very easy and had a nice cooling effect..
I will be using and recommending to friends and family
-Angela M

I tried both products at the beach and I like them. Out of the two, I prefer the after sun lotion because the scent is less noticeable. The sunscreen doesn't have the awful 'sunscreen' scent which is nice.
-Jonathan

I was lucky enough to have the chance to try out two new products by Hawaiian Tropic. I have to say that I love both the Silk Hydration sunscreen lotion and After Sun Moisturizer! I am very fair skinned with freckles and tend to burn very easily so I need to use sunscreen when I spend any length of time outside. We went to the zoo last week and before leaving I applied the sunscreen and found the scent to be heavenly. It is not overwhelming at all but just a subtle scent that is not overpowering and does not have that smell that many other products have. It is not greasy or oily and after putting it on I could not even tell I was wearing anything at all. It protected my fair skin and no burning! Once I got home I used the After Sun Moisturizer and it as well did not leave a greasy or oily residue on my skin. The coconut papaya scent smells yummy and left my skin feeling smooth and silky. Both products are a definite use again in my books and I will be grabbing the full sized products next time I go out shopping. Thanks for the chance to review these products.
-Belinda M

The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen smells and feels amazing. It doesn't leave a sticky residue like other sunscreens, it absorbs quickly and it leaves my skin feeling soft. The smell is summer in a bottle! I love the hint of coconut.

After being out in the sun the After Sun Moisturizer provides a nice cooling affect and is very hydrating. My skin feels soft for hours after applying and it also smells great. I love the combination of aloe and shea butter and can really see a difference after applying.

I've really enjoyed using both products. I used to see applying sunscreen as a chore because I didn't like how they felt on my skin or the scents, but the Hawaiian Tropic products make me excited to use them! I will be purchasing both products because they're very effective and budget friendly.
Thanks again!
-Julia Rusznyak

Yeah I did try it and I love it! It doesn't feel greasy on my skin and I have very sensitive skin. It hasn't irritated it. I am glad I got a sample, this is truly a great sunblock. Thanks for the opportunity.
-Dyane Bonczuk

The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion absorbs into my skin quickly and leaves it feeling soft and moisturized. It didn't leave any greasy feeling at all. It protected my skin well, leaving no signs of sunburn after running errands all afternoon in the sun. My favorite part was the scent, a perfect blend that makes me think of a tropical island.

The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Moisturizer looks really cool with the ribbons of aloe and lotion. It goes on thick but quickly blends into the skin, leaving it smooth and supple. The light, fruity scent lasts a long time and really lifts my spirits.

These two products together leave me with soft, healthy skin that smells amazing! I will definitely continue to use them both.

Thanks for the opportunity to try these out!
-Jonnie

Love Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration sunscreen lotion! Feels like lotion, not a greasy/sticky sunscreen like the ones I'm used to. Light coconut scent. Dries quick and non-tacky. Broad spectrum (UVA&B protection) and water-resistant. What is there not to like? I would definitely purchase this.

Really like Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration After Sun moisturizer. I wanted to sniff my skin all day; it smells so good! I tan really easily so don't suffer from redness or burns, but on my skin it was refreshing and so I can imagine it being very soothing for sunburns.
-Rachelle

The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration sunscreen easily replaced my everyday moisturiser because it almost felt like my regular moisturiser and not nearly as sticky or greasy as sunscreens I have used in the past. The scent of the sunscreen was light yet delicious. Similarly, the After Sun Moisturiser smelled great and was also very hydrating after a long day of sitting in the sun! Overall, both products left my skin feeling great.

-Stephanie Lau

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion is a great product for someone who is looking for a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen. Absorbs super quick & leaves almost no residue, except for the extra hydration from the lotion. It also smells pretty amazing for a sunscreen, and when I apply it - I feel like I am just applying a basic moisturizer.

The After Sun Moisturizer smells great and has an interesting aloe and moisturizer swirled consistency that I really liked. Would def recommend.

-fesspoire

"Hawaiian Tropic as been one of my go to products for skincare in the sun for many years. Recently I was given the opportunity to try the new Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen. I was very pleased it had a delicious smell, kept my skin moisturized and protected against the sun. I would definitely buy this product again. This was my first experience using an after sun moisturizer and I was once again impressed. The smell was super yummy and my skin feels hydrated after being in the sun all day. These Hawaiian tropic products live up to their name as they leave your skin glowing, silky and most importantly protected."
-Jasmine

It's been hot & ridiculously muggy out here over the past few days, so I wanted to make sure that I had sunscreen on or else I'd burn (again..) It applied evenly and didn't have an overpowering smell like many sunscreens have (thank goodness no coconut smell!) It also absorbed into my skin quickly and didn't feel oily.  From biking and the heat, needless to say I was slightly sweaty and thankfully it did not appear milky.  By the end of it, I was burn-free and slightly moisturized.
-Samantha

After Sun:

It absorbs quickly and provides a cooling relief after a day in the sun. We were building a deck so I used it after every day and the best is the smell! Coconut smoothie!

Sunscreen:

My new favourite sunscreen, provides good coverage absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy or heavy. I have sensitive skin so this is appreciated. The smell reminds me of piña colada of the beaches of Hawaii :)

On a random note, I really like the packaging. I assumed the ribbons were printed on the bottle but that's actually the product! Very neat.

-Elyse

Winner of the $50 giftcard is Jasmine G. 
Congrats!  

Canadians! Enter my Veet Giveaway

Summer is finally here! I know June was kinda disappointing with all the rain but I know July will make up for it. Time to break out the short shorts & swimsuits.

Veet wants to help YOU with the prep work with a product giveaway valued at $100 for one of my lucky readers.

You can win:

• Veet Precision Wax & Care-specially designed to effectively remove unwanted facial hair where it’s needed for up to 28 days.
• Veet Underarm Hair Removal Kit, the perfect preparation tool to remove unwanted hair from the underarms, while eliminating razor burn in this delicate area. Veet’s Hair Removal Cream is effective on hair as short as 0.3mm and is enriched with soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E leaving skin feeling smooth and hydrated for up to one week.
• Veet EasyWax Electrical Roll-On Kit, an innovative dispenser that warms up and evenly distributes salon quality wax for use even on the most sensitive of skin.
• Veet Hydro'Restor Hair Removal Cream.

Rules:
Must be Canadian
Must be 18+
Please fill out all the steps in the giveaway below to be eligible!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Riri Loves MAC Summer Collection- Barbados Girl Lustre Drops Swatch

I'm so happy that I got everything in my MAC order! No issues at all other than waiting (what I feel like forever) for my lustre drops. It's soo gorgeous. The perfect rose gold that suits every skin tone.

There is a fine glitter in the drops that looks really pretty when it is hit by the light!

Enjoy the swatch below!

June Empties: Garnier, Maybelline & Biore

Anyone else guilty of trying another product before finishing the one that you started? I am. As a beauty blogger, it's the usual but I totally need to do better. I will try to finish at LEAST three products each month. Keyword TRY.

This month, I finished three products that I would recommend.

Biore- ULTRA deep cleansing pore strips
I can't believe I didn't try these earlier! They are different than the regular strips because they are formulated with tea tree oil, menthol and witch hazel. You can feel them as they work. I feel like I need these in bulk!

Maybelline Clean Express Facial Towelettes
I personally prefer to remove my makeup first with a towelette then wash my face. To save money, I usually tear them in half. The formula contains moringa seed extract which helps remove impurities and improve skin texture.

Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo
I'm always on the hunt for a good shampoo! This formula contains no paraben, silicone or dye. After using it my scalp is clean and my feels soft. Plus it smells really good.

Have you tried any of these products?

Riri Loves MAC Summer Collection- Heaux & RiRi Boy Swatches

I was so happy when the box arrived at my door step. After hearing comments on twitter about orders getting cancelled, I was concerned that I would not be able to get my hands on these babies.

On the left we have RiRi Boy & right is Heaux.

This post was just for swatches. 

Enjoy the images below.

Which colour is your favourite?