The Stayfree Challenge

 I was asked to take the Stayfree challenge a few months ago but passed on the opportunity. I'm not sure what happened after but I started to see a barrage of pad commercials on TV. 
It was crazy! 

With sooo many claims out there, I became curious if my brand was even doing the job. 
When the opportunity came around the second time ,I knew that I had to participate.

What do you look for in a pad?
I look for a product that is going to do it's job and keep me comfortable during my time of the month!

Well Stayfree has declared it's self to be the one of the best brands out there.
 Let's see how they measure up compared to the top ultra thin pads out there.


In the kit:

  • Three bottles of 5 mL a blue saline liquid in each
  • Three 5 pound weights
  • Three blotting sheets
  • Package of Stayfree Ultra thin pads
  • Two competitive Ultra thin pad brands
  • Placement sheet 
Let's start the challenge:


The first thing I did was take out the placement sheet and place each pad where they were supposed to go based on the diagram.

Then I poured the liquid at the center of the pad and waited 30 seconds for it to absorb. Then I placed a blotting sheets on the center of the pad and added the weight on top.
I waited five seconds and then removed them to reveal the results.

Stayfree is a brand that I have never used in my life but wow!
I'm generally surprised with by the outcome. 
Especially since I know that the brand that I'm using right now is a thumbs down.


Are you a Stayfree user?



Scentuals Body Care from Nature De-Stress - Aromatherapy Roll On

On a scale of 1-10, how high is your stress level. Mine right now would be a smooth 6.75. As the months pass and the wedding date nears, it keeps increasing. A few years ago, I started to carry around a little vial of lavender essential oil. I personally found it very calming.

Right now I'm carrying around Canadian brand Scentuals Body Care from Nature De-Stress - Aromatherapy Roll On ($15.95 CAN).

It's good to rub on your inner wrists whenever you need to relax. 
Once applied take two deep breaths in and out.

Calm your nerves and reduce tension with a special blend of therapeutic grade essential oils. 

Ingredients
Bergamot essential oil:
  • Helps with stress
  • Tension
  • Fear 
Lemon essential oil:
  • Helps brighten your mood
Palmarosa essential oil:
  • Eases the mind
Lavender essential oil:
  • Calming 
  • Soothing
Plus chamomile, Clary Sage, Jasmine and Neroli are also essential oils in this blend.

What oils do you use to De-stress?


Walmart Back to School challenge: Makeup #1

It's always good to have a quick and easy back to school look.
I remember getting to college was 90 mins to 2 hours bus and train ride.
For three years, I had to wake up really early -just to make sure I'd get there on time.

I had only five minutes to get my routine down.
My three go-to products were: Eyeliner, mascara and lip colour.

Well all know the best place to get all your skincare/beauty needs is at Walmart!
I was given the opportunity to visit my local Walmart and shop in-store to complete a 
Back to School challenge. Check out my skin care post using products I bought from Walmart. 

I picked three brands that will make your life easy this up-coming semester!
  1. Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara
    The Ultimate black mascara
    $8.96
  2. Revlon ColorStay Skinny™ Liquid Liner
    0.1mm skinny tip liner
    $8.96
  3. NYC Expert Last Lipstick
    Long-lasting
    2 for $3.00
Total with tax= $23.64
Check these products up close:

Swatches
*not including the mascara*
Lipsticks: Creamy Caramel & Traffic Jam

Eyes:


The walmart beauty section is one of my favourites because they have so many rollbacks on their prices. Also they have everyday specials like bonus beauty packs and crazy everyday deals like the 2 for $3.00 NYC lipsticks.

Wedding: Are bridal shows worth it?

This is a good question that plagues every bride: 
Are wedding shows worth it?

I feel like a wedding show veteran right now. I've been engaged for over a year and I have attended four shows. Overall- they're worth it.

Walmart Back to School challenge: Skincare

When I was going to school skin care was #1 on my list. 
Yes...it came before my school supplies and outfits.
I was blessed to go through elementary school - college with perfect skin. 
I think it came down to having the right essentials.

The best place to get all your skincare/beauty needs is Walmart!
I love Walmart because it's a one stop shop. Literally everything is under one roof!

I was given the opportunity to visit my local Walmart and shop in-store to complete a 
Back to School challenge.  

It was fun going through the aisles and looking at all the makeup/skin care stations.
I picked three products that will make your skin ready to battle the up-coming semester!
  1. Simple® Foaming Cleanser
    Essential for sensitive skin
    Roll back $6.77
    Was $7.97
  2. Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid Powered Contour Cleansing System
    Gentle on skin
    $14.96
  3. Simple® Protecting Light Moisturizer spf 15
    Perfect for sensitive skin
    $10.97
Total with tax= $36.95

Wet your skin and apply Simple's foaming cleanser into wet skin with your finger tips.


To get out all of the dirt and impurities use Olay Fresh Effects's Va-Va-Vivid powered contour cleansing brush. Use it on your face in a gentle circular motion.



Lastly, use Simple's Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 to protect your skin from 
UVA and UVB rays. 


Have you tried these products before?

COVERGIRL Ready Set Gorgeous Liquid Foundation

Here is another foundation to add to your list for women of colour. 

We all know how hard it is to find a foundation that is not to "red" or not "too muddy". I  found one which can be found in your local drugstore. I should let you guys know that this is not a review. I just wanted to put this out there for any looking for something affordable to try.

If you're looking for a medium coverage to full coverage foundation that is oil-free 
try Covergirl's Ready Set Gorgeous ($7.99 CAN)! 
This liquid foundation's oil-free formula provides medium coverage to even skin tone and cover imperfections. The result is a flawless, natural look that lasts all day.

Apparently this foundation has a built-in powder system to fight shine and sweat.


For me 315 was too light and 320 was too dark so I mixed 
them both to get a custom colour.


Have you seen COVERGIRL Ready Set Gorgeous Liquid Foundation in stores yet?



Check out: I love...


I've been a long time fan of I love... products since 2011.  If you search the blog you can check out some of my past posts.

I've always enjoyed their various scent options and combos. They are unique & fun!

I love... is:
  • Perfect for sensitive skin
  • Made with natural extracts
  • Moisturizing

We all know that you can purchase the line at their exclusive Canadian retailer Shoppers Drug Mart and you can also check out the line on Farleyco's website.

Raspberry & Blackberry

Strawberries & Cream

Have you tried any I Love products before?



New: EOS- Visibly Soft lip balm spheres

Here is something that must be in your bag for back to school this September.
EOS- Visibly Soft lip balm spheres ($3.99 CAN)

These super cute lip balm spheres are not only obsessive because
 they are moisturizing but they smell so good! 



Coconut Milk & Vanilla Mint 
Contains:
  • Hyaluronic acid- It's a naturally-occurring compound which improves the texture of lips.
  • Vitamin C-  For hydratation.
  • Plus shea butter and vitamin E.

I should also add that they are also Petrolatum-free, paraben-free, gluten-free
Available:
•  Shopper’s Drug Mart
•  Loblaw’s
•  Walmart
•  Target


Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Citrus Flirt

I'm trying so hard to enjoy this "Summer"! 
Can you believe that I have never owned an orange lipstick?
I've always been scared of them because of my skin tone. 
But guess what?!?!

I found one: Mary Kay® True Dimensions™($19.00 CAN) Lipstick in Citrus Flirt
These flirty, feminine shades beg to be adored while showing off your charming side. Dangerously smooth and delightfully tempting, this lip-loving lipstick provides colour-infused luxury for your lips. 
These are my favourite buttery lipsticks!
Check out another one of my favourite from the line: Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipsticks



Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Swatches

Liners are the quickest way to enhance up your look. 
For over a year, I've been a gold shimmer, cat eye and black liner girl. 
Time to switch it up! 

I've been playing around with Revlon Colorstay Eyeliners ($9.99 CAN).
    Why these liners are awesome:
  • Rich pigmented colour
  • Long-lasting up to 16 hours
  • Safe to wear on lashline
  • Built-in sharpener/Smudger
  • Waterproof

Smudger one end and sharpener on the other side

SWATCHES:

From left to right:
Sapphire,  Jade,  Charcoal & Amethyst
toronto beauty blogger
Which colour is your favourite?