Holiday Wants: Sephora Collection- Brush Sets + Glitter Clutch

You can never go wrong with giving/getting brushes as a Christmas gift! 

My brushes always go missing... so extras are always welcome. 

This year, Sephora has some great brush sets! 

What girl could say no to glitter & rainbow shimmer handles.

Eyes + Face

What is it:
Holiday Light Show Brush Set

Price:
$82.00 CDN
($192 CAN value)

What does it come with:

- Black acrylic stand
- Powder brush
- Foundation brush
- Face contour brush
- Crease brush
- Shadow brush
- Slanted eyeliner brush

Why would I want it:
I love the unique rainbow shimmer handles. If you have a problem finding brushes having a stand is very helpful. Once you use it, you put it right back. Pretty easy.

Where can I get it:
Sephora online & in-store

Eyes

What is it:
Starry-Eyed Brush Trio

Price:
$29.00 CDN

What does it come with:

- All over shadow brush
- Crease brush
- Angled liner brush

Why would I want it:
These are three essential brushes that every girl should have in her collection.
They are constructed well (especially the angled brush liner) and the glitter handles are fun.

Where can I get it:
Sephora online & in-store

Face

What is it:
Two Of A Kind Complexion Brush Duo

Price:
$29.00 CDN

What does it come with:

- Powder brush
- Tapered foundation brush

Why would I want it:
I'd just get the kit for the tapered foundation brush! It's so nice and soft.
This kit is the best of both world because you can use it with powder and liquid products.
Again the glitter handles are a fun bonus.

Since the two other kits don't come with a stand or case, 

why not store your brushes in the Arm Candy Clutch if you're on the go?

What is it:
Arm Candy Clutch - Glitter Confetti
Price:
$19.00 CDN

Why would I want it:

Glitter. Glitter & more glitter. I see the theme Sephora has going on. Love this clutch and might even wear it on a night out. Sooo fun! **I should add when you get it to rub your hands over it to get all the loose glitter off. Once you do that- you should have no issues!**

Blush for Dark/Deep skin tones?

I have noticed, getting some ladies who are dark/deep skin tones to wear blush is difficult. I will admit it, a lot of us have had a bad experience with blush (or know/seen someone who didn't do it right). What a lot of people don't know is that blush can be the missing piece to putting a look together.

Dark/Deeper skin toned girls, whenever your lost picking a blush just go for oranges and fuchsias. 

For Spring/Summer, opt for a powder blushes.
For Winter/Fall, opt for cream/gel blushes. I used E.l.f. Studio HD Blush in Encore and I'm very happy with the pay off. I bought this one at IMATS.

Do you have a favourite blush at the moment?

Wedding: The Guest List + Tips

Remember it's your day! Do what you want.

This is a motto that I need to get tattooed on my arm for the next 18 months.

I will admit. There hasn't been much of an update since my last post (wedding wise).

We know that gift we want to give our guests! Haha.

Speaking of guests... One thing that is haunting me is the list. Those final numbers are critical.

One of the first things we did, once we got engaged was start our guest list.

I have collected some good advice in the past few months. 

I thought it would be a good idea to share with someone who may have the same questions.

Kids or no Kids?
We chose to go with no kids.
My (future) sister-law had kids at her wedding a few cried the whole reception.
Which was heard on her wedding video during the speeches.
If you have extra money- rent another room just for the kids.
Don't forget entertainment for them as well.

John who???
I will not have this problem on my side but in-laws adding everyone YOU DON'T KNOW to your list.
Pass! That's more money coming from your pockets.

Single friends + 1
This is one that can be debated for hours.
Think about it.. Say you invited someone you met in one of your college courses and she doesn't know anyone at the wedding. I think she deserves a plus one.
What if five friends from high school are invited. Do you give them all a +1 or assure them that they're all at the same table. Hmmmm...

We haven't yet gotten into seating arrangements yet but those are some tips to help you get started.

REMEMBER: 

Remember it's your day! Do what you want.

Lush Holidays: Snow Fairy + Christmas Kisses

Lush is definitely a place to be when it's the holiday season.

So many different things to try! I never know where to start!

It's an amazing store for the environmentally conscious shopper.

The items are hand made, natural and they do not test on animals.

I also love how they put stickers with the faces of the person who made it.

Did you know that you can get some of your favourite holiday products boxed and 

wrapped ready for you to put under your tree?

Boyfriends, husbands, fiances, brothers, fathers and uncles!

Did you read that I just wrote?!

Here are two are my favourites this season.

SNOW FAIRY - BOX

$22.95 CAN

Contents:
Angels Delight 70g
A divinely fruity blend of tangerine and orange oils.
Snow Fairy Shower Gel 100ml
An enchanted blend of cotton candy fragrance and silver luster.
Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar 30g
Glitter bar for glowing skin.

Snow Fairy shower gel is one of those scents that you need to stock up on because it's only around the Christmas season. It smells like candy cotton! Along with Snow Fairy comes Angel's Delight soap! Also a Shimmy Shimmy glitter bar. 

CHRISTMAS KISSES

$22.95 CAN

Contents:
Chou Chou... I Love You Toothy Tab 12g
Chou Chou this new Toothy Tab for a sparkling smile.
Santa Baby Lip Tint 8g
Cola-flavored deep red lip tint.
Santa's Lip Scrub 25g
Our new cola-flavored lip scrub for soft, kissable Christmas lips.

It's very important to have soft, healthy lips. Especially, this Christmas! You never know when mistletoe is going to magically appear. Start off by brushing up with Chou Chou... I Love You Toothy Tabs. Then exfoliating cola flavoured Santa's Lip Scrub. Finish up with Santa Baby lip tint.

L’oreal Voluminous Power Collagen mascara

L’oreal claims its Voluminous Power Collagen mascara delivers Volume like never before, dramatic volume that lasts 24 hours. They also claim the volume-building formula delivers up to 15X lash impact.

I was pretty excited to try this mascara as I happen to really like L’oreal mascaras for the most part and volume is the name of the game with my lashes.

I need to be honest here. The first time I used this mascara, I wasn't sure what to think. There is something that makes this mascara thick and wet but not liquid in texture. It’s almost got an elastic quality to it. Which makes sense since the word collagen is in the name. I am all about really testing a product though so I put it through its paces and in the end it turns out I really do like this mascara.
On first swipe of this mascara you may not get a lot of volume, you will probably go back for a 2nd coat, heck maybe even a 3rd. (I always encourage the second mascara coat, actually if truth be told I encourage layering all kinds of mascaras) Once you have added another layer or two you will finally see the volume this mascara is talking about.

I tend to like L’oreal mascaras because they separate and add thickness and this mascara does both of those things. I cant speak to the 24 hour claim but I can say after a good 12 hours of wear incorporating staring at a computer, commuting and standing in front of a hot stove my mascara stayed in place. I also can speak to the 15X lash impact all I know is that my lashes looked way more voluminous after the application and that’s something I can get behind. All in all once I got used to the texture of this mascara I enjoyed it and will definitely keep using it.

You can buy it here:
Canada
USA

Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot

When you go on vacation you can only bring a selected amount of items in your suitcase. I only had 45 pound allowance. One thing I left out was most of my skin care. I made sure to bring makeup wipes, cleanser plus a high spf moisturizer. Although I was only gone for seven days when I came back one side of my face was a mess. It was the perfect time to use my Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot treatment ($21.00 CDN).

Its advanced formula with hyaluronic acid creates an invisible "bandage effect" on the surface to protect against external agents. Salicylic acid and LHA, recognised dermatological ingredients, act at the source of the imperfections.

The consistency is a gel. I have been using it consistently on and off for two weeks and I really like the quick results. It's non-comedogenic and it does not irritate my sensitive skin.
When my blemishes dries up there is no dark marks after.

Apply directly on the imperfections in the morning and at night on cleansed skin or on top of your moisturizer. If you want to apply makeup on top, wait a few minutes until the skin surface is dry.

Products for good: Clinque, Avon + The Body Shop

Here are some possible holiday gifts that give back!

Clinque

Happy Hearts Fund is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope in the lives of children after natural disasters.

The HHF was founded by model and philanthropist Petra Nemcova in 2006.

The Facts:

• HHF has worked in 14 countries.
• Rebuilt over 70 schools. 
• Benefited more than 40,000 children and 337,000 community members.

So far Clinique has donated $250,000.

Happy Heart Fragrance $42.00 CAN
$10 from sale goes to HHF
Nail Enamel in Happy <3 $14.00 CAN
$3 from all sales goes to HHF

Avon

Start Something Rhinestone Bracelet $20.00 CAN

The Start SomethingTM USB Key Bracelet helps to being awareness and empower young women to speak out against bullying and domestic violence.

• 1 GB USB key
• Rhinestone casing on a silicone strap with a buckle closure.

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of each bracelet will benefit equally the Canadian Women's Foundation and Big Sisters mentoring programs across Canada.

The Body Shop

THE JOYFUL GINGERBREAD HOUSE

$20.00 CAN

Give joy with a selection of festive favorites in a delightful gingerbread schoolhouse box. By buying this or any other gift, youre supporting our project to give children around the world better access to an education for a brighter, happier future.

Inside:
Cranberry Shower Gel 60ml
Gingerbread Shower Gel 60ml
Cranberry Body Butter 50ml
Gingerbread Body Butter 50ml
Mini Crinkle Lily – Cream

Did CND Vinylux polishes live up to the hype?

I have seen some of my fellow beauty bloggers trying out the CND Vinylux polishes recently and I was excited to get my hands on the line.

I'm a huge fan of CND shellac polishes. We all know how popular they are in the nail salons. 

I expected the same thing out of the Vinylux line. 

My biggest attraction to the polishes is the fact that they come off like regular polish.

I got the 7 piece The Forbidden mini collection from nailpolishcanada.

Colours:
Blue Rapture, Night Glimmer, Burnt Romance, Steel Gaze, Dark Dahlia and Tinted Love.

When applied with CND Vinylux Topcoat, Vinylux shades lasts for a week on the nails. Vinylux is a simple two step process that requires no base coat and is applied like regular polish. First, apply 2 layers of colour then apply Vinylux Topcoat. With natural light exposure the Vinylux Topcoat gets more durable resulting in a week long manicure.

Formula/consistency.
It's beautiful! So creamy and vibrant.
If I had to score it on just formula, It would get a 10!

Wear
This is where I get baffled. I did everything the bottle said.
Some nails would stay almost chip-free and others would look horrid after day 3.
I have no idea what happened.

I'm still on the fence about this product. 

Has anyone else had the same issue with the CND Vinylux polishes?

Is there a technique that I should be using?

Destination Wedding or Not?

Most people who get engaged in 2013, are probably going to get married in 2014. Not me! I'm one of the few who is going to opt for some time in the middle of 2015. Why? I just want some time to get dress ready and take some courses to further my career. My fiancé is totally okay with that.

My favourite shot from Jamaica.

Question on my mind is destination wedding 

or not?

On my wedding day, I personally don't see myself on a beach. 

After looking at the costs of getting married locally it's definitely a SLIGHT possibility.

Let me lay out the pros/cons:

Pros of destination

• When you book a week at the resort the ceremony is usually free
• People who decide to come- get a group rate which is much cheaper
• Combo of a wedding/honeymoon in one
• Wedding will be small and intimate
• You save a lot of money

Cons

• A lot of people won't come
• I feel like I'll sweat too much ( I know.. don't ask)
• What if I forget something really important!! You can't get someone to get it when you're on a Island!!
• What if I get sick?
• I'm a control freak- I can't control the planning when everything is going on so far away. 

All of these are valid points. 

I have no idea what to decide but I hopefully will have an answer by the end of December.

What do you guys think? 

Destination Wedding or Not?

The Body Shop: Ginger is Back for the Holidays

I love going in The Body Shop and seeing the transformation of the store into Holiday mode. It's so fun, inviting and smells amazing!

Once of my favourite Christmas scents will always be ginger. The Body Shop has a new scent for you to Fall in love with called Ginger Sparkle.

This is a limited edition scent created just for the holidays.

If you're a ginger fiend like me there are 11 items that you can get from The Body Shop. Prices range from as low as $4.00 to $15.00 CAN:

• Ginger Sparkle Body Butter
• Ginger Sparkle Body Polish
• Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream
• Ginger Sparkle Hand Lotion
• Ginger Sparkle Hand Wash
• Ginger Sparkle Heart Soap
• Ginger Sparkle Home Fragrance Oil
• Ginger Sparkle Lip Butter
• Ginger Sparkle Reed Diffuser
• Ginger Sparkle Shimmer Lotion
• Ginger Sparkle Shower Gel

Will you be adding this to your Christmas list?

Favourite Fall Nail Colour?

Fall nails can range from neutrals to the deepest plums/blacks.

With that being said, I personally find that deeper tones look really nice on my skin tone.

Currently, I've been trying out CND Vinylux Weekly Polish. 

Not sure how I feel about the line yet but this deep blacken plum is gorgeous!

What is your favourite Fall nail colour?

Thierry Mugler Angel Enchanting Bear for Sick Kids

From November and during the Holidays, $2 from each teddy bear sold at the Thierry Mugler Perfumes counter at Hudson’s Bay stores will be donated to the HBC Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians through programs that reflect distinct Canadian values. The Funds raised through this program will benefit a Canadian children’s charity.

Angel Bears for SickKids Foundation
Thierry Mugler will also give Angel Enchanting Bears to SickKids Foundation for two activities. The teddy bears will first be given to the hospital nurses during “Perioperative Nurse’s Week” to acknowledge their work with the children. During the month of December, SickKids will be handing out holiday gift bags with Angel Bear included to families with sick children in the hospital over the holidays.

An Angel Perfume Refill with a $25 Teddy Bear Purchase
In addition to the $2 donation to the HBC Foundation, the purchase includes a complimentary Angel EDP 5ml refill at the Thierry Mugler counter - a value of $15. Angel bears will be sold exclusively at Hudson’s Bay for $25, with a purchase of $50 or more on anything in the store.

Avon Extra Lasting Eye Liquid Liners Review

The Avon Extra Lasting Eye Liners claim to provide up to 12 hours of defining colour, its fade-roof and smudge-proof. These eyeliners come in 4 shades (black, dark brown, cobalt and deep violet) are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist tested.

These liquid liners are what you would expect from a traditional liquid liner. They come in a cone like tube you must shake before use and have a thin, pointed felt tip applicator.

The formulation is wet but dries matte. It does take some time to set but for me that’s not a bad thing. I’ve always struggled with being able to wear liquid liner during the day. I love a dramatic look but in the office I want it to be a bit softer. This liner is like an oil painting. It takes some time to dry but that means I can thin or thicken the line and touch up mistakes faster.

These eyeliners are super simple to use and the felt tip applicator gives you a precise line of pigment. I’m not sure if they last a whole 12 hours but that is because the minute I get home from work I wash my make up off my face. What I can attest to is that they lasted my workday. 

If you are looking for an easy everyday liquid liner whether you are a liquid liner novice or expert that Avon Extra Lasting Eye Liners are worth a try and at only $12.00 it’s a total steal.

Review: HP Slate 7 8GB Tablet

What do you look for when buying a tablet?

I look for five key things:

• Something that is not bulky
• Has a quick processor
• Visually attractive
• Affordable
• Lightweight

I need something that I can bring with me on the go. I travel a lot! 

Tell me tell you, dragging around a 17 inch laptop is not feasible.

I have the opportunity to test out the HP Slate 7 tablet ($149.99 CAN) and I'm pretty impressed!

Sleek, 7-inch diagonal touchscreen tablet that weighs just 13 ounces, making it an ideal affordable device stylish people on-the-go. Stay on top of your busy schedule with onboard apps and capture photos and videos to share with the video webcam on the front and 3 MP camera on the back. The Slate 7 is also the industry’s first tablet to feature Beats Audio™ for the best-sounding richest audio available. 

Braided Bridal Options from Moroccanoil

One of my bridal blunders at the moment is will my hair be up or down? I love the elegance of an up-do but down is so bouncy and fun!

Decisions! Decisions! I recently came across this email showcasing bridal hair design by Antonio Corral Calero, Moroccanoil® Artistic Director for the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2014 Bridal Collection.

Antonio designed six different variations of braided looks: “The attention was on the matte texture of the hair and the intricate details of each braided bun, parted side or center, with minimal volume on top.”

Products used:

Moroccanoil® Treatment (MSRP: $43.00 / 100ml)

Moroccanoil® Root Boost (MSRP $29.00 / 250ml)

Moroccanoil® Boar Bristle Classic Brush (MSRP: $72.00)

Moroccanoil® Molding Cream (MSRP: $28.00 / 3.4 fl. oz.)

Moroccanoil® Luminous Hairspray Medium locks (MSRP: $22.20 / 330ml)

First Look

• “To begin, I combed all the hair towards the back of the head 
• “I then created three large parts: right, left and back.” 
• “Each of the three parts became a braid. The right and left sides were inward French braids and the back braid between them was a standard braid, which would serve as the base for the chignon.”
• “I pulled the left and right braids around the back of the head and then wrapped them several times around the back braid.They wrapped about halfway down the back braid.” 
• “I pinned the bottom part of the braid inwards, towards the nape, and created the chignon.” 
• “To give the chignon a more romantic and uneven look, I gently pulled and opened elements of each braid slightly within the chignon.”

Second Look

• "First, I parted the hair to the side."
• "Next, I divided the hair into three parts: right, left and back"
• "Each of the three parts became a braid. The right and left sides were inward French braids and the back braid between them was a standard braid, which would serve as the base for the chignon."
• "I pulled the left and right braids around the back of the head and then wrapped them several times around the back braid. They wrapped about halfway down the back braid."
• "I pinned the bottom part of the braid inwards, towards the nape, and created the chignon."
• "To give the chignon a more romantic and uneven look, I gently pulled and opened elements of each braid slightly within the chignon."

Third Look

• "For this look, I combed all of the model’s hair towards the back and used Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray Medium to help control and eliminate fly-aways close to her face. Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray Medium is the perfect tool for this look: it gives the right amount of hold to keep
• the hair in place, and leaves it looking beautiful with natural shine."
• "Next, I divided the hair into three parts: right, left and back. "
• "Each of the three parts became a braid. All were standard braids, which would serve as the base for the chignon. 
• "I crossed the right braid with the left towards the back of her head, and clipped it into place." 
• "Then, I took the back braid and twisted it towards the outside, rolling it towards the crown. I used clips on all three braids at the bottom of the chignon, to hide the ends. 
• "As a final step, to give the chignon a less tight, more romantic and slightly uneven look, I gently pulled and opened elements of each braid slightly within the chignon."

Fourth Look

• "For the fourth look, I combed all the hair towards the back of the head and used Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray Medium to help control and eliminate fly-aways close to her face."
• "Next, I divided the hair into three parts: right, left and back."
• "Each of the three parts became a braid. The right and left were lace braids. The back (middle) braid was a standard braid, which would serve as the base for the chignon."
• "I pulled the left and right braids around the back of the head and then wrapped them several times around the back braid. They wrapped about halfway down the back braid."
• "I pinned the bottom part of the braid inwards, towards the nape, and created the chignon."
• "To give the chignon a less tight, more romantic and slightly uneven look, I gently pulled and opened elements of each braid slightly within the chignon."

Fifth Look

• "I began by parting the model’s hair to the side." 
• "Then, I divided her hair into three parts: right, left and back." 
• "I created two braids: one on the right and another on the left. One was a regular braid, and the other a French braid. 
• "The back (middle) part was turned into a ponytail, which I back-combed slightly."
• "The right braid was crossed with the left, towards the back in a circular motion around the back braid until mid-ponytail. "
• "Next, I pinned the bottom part of the braid inwards, towards the nape to create the chignon."
• "As a final step, to give the chignon a less tight, more romantic look, I gently pulled and opened elements of each braid within the chignon."

Sixth Look

• "To create the final look I began by combing all of the model’s hair towards the back of her head. I used Moroccanoil® Luminous Hairspray Medium to control any fly-aways close to her face."
• "Next, I divided her hair into three parts: right, left and back."
• "The right and left parts were turned into feather braids. The back(middle) part was turned into a slightly back-combed ponytail."
• "I then crossed the right braid with the left towards the back of the head, circling the back part until mid-ponytail."
• "Next, the bottom part of the braid and ponytail were pinned inwards towards the nape to create the chignon." 
• "As a final step, to give the chignon a less tight, more romantic look, I gently pulled and opened elements of each braid within the chignon.

What do you think about having a braided do for your wedding?