Birchbox Monthly Subscription box is Available in Canada!

Beauty boxes are making a comeback! 
Just in time for the holidays.
One of the original beauty box makers is coming  to Canada.

Believe it or not I did not know the FULL hype of Birchbox (originated in 2010) until I went on vacation. I had my Birchbox beach bag and a lady came up to me and asked me if I worked for them. After I said no, she begin to rave about the box. She told me that she had a friend in New York who would order a box for her and send it to her in Canada. She nearly did a cart wheel on the beach when I told her the boxes can now be ordered from Canada.

Let me give you the low down on Birchbox: it's a platform that helps you find the best in beauty and lifestyle products. There is a online shop component and also the option of getting a monthly subscription. 

If you choose to subscription option, each month you will get five beauty samples shipped right to your door. The products can range from skincare, perfume or maybe even nail polish. If you find something that you truly love in the box.... Guess what? You can get the full-size version of the sample you got in their online shop.

I should also add that every box comes with a card which details the price of the full-size sample and also gives you a description on what the product is and also how to use it.
Canadians if you're interested in trying out Birchbox you can go to birchbox.ca to try out your first box.

My Easy Women of Colour Foundation Guide

I get asked "What foundation/concealers work for dark/deep skin?" daily.
So I decided to make a compilation of my past posts to help out anyone who is on the hunt.
Please click the image to be sent to the full post!
Hope this helps!

LA Girl High Definition Pro Concealer

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB in Deep
Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation- Chestnut

Avon MagiX Cashmere Advanced Liquid Dark/Deep Foundation



Make Up For Ever PRO Finish Foundation

L'oreal Paris Magic Beautifier BB cream

L'oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation


Make Up For Ever - HD High Definition Foundation

COVERGIRL Ready Set Gorgeous Liquid Foundation

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer



DIY nails with MICRO Nail

Right now I'm really into beauty treatments. 
I do think it's important to go to professionals for major treatments but 
for the times in-between why not DIY? 

I was excited when I got an email to try the MICRO Nail ($59.99).
MICRO Nail electric polisher buffs and shines in seconds, instantly revealing brilliantly natural, shiny nails. Rotating at 360 degrees and up to 1,800 times per minute, the MICRO Nail has two patented rollers.
It comes with a few rollers. There is the ‘MICRO Smooth’ roller. It's designed to buff away imperfections and stains. This is a common issue with people like me who get gel polishes.

The other roller ‘MICRO Shine’ is the miracle worker! It gives you the natural shine. You can wear your nails without polish or add your fave colour on top!

I used my mom as my nail model. 
The device was gentle on the nails and the process was really quick.

MICRO Nail is battery operated and can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart or Micronails.ca.



My favourite 5 minute face products

I was asked how did I perfect my 5 minute face....I think it started in college.
I had to take 2 buses and 2 different subway trains to get to my classes.
My go-to was always cream shadow and a full volume mascara.

Here is an example of some of items that I'd use daily.

In college, I was on a strict budget but I always made sure my brows were decent. These TRIM eyebrow shapers ($3.88 CAN) are perfect to get the stray hairs away and clean up your brows. 

I've raved about the importance of using SPF daily- no matter what your skin tone is. L'oreal Paris Sily Sheer Face Lotion ($12.96 CAN) is amazing. It's non-greasy and lightweight for daily use.
Swisspers Cosmetic Applicators ($2.00 CAN) are a double duty products. I use them to apply my makeup and clean up mistakes. Hard Candy "All lid up" cream shadows ($4.98 CAN) literally last hours. I usually don't have to worry about creasing throughout the day. 
Use them with your fingers or an applicator.
Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Retro Glam ($5.98 CAN) is a perfect mascara to use because I hardly get ANY clumps. The hourglass shape also helps to fan out your lashes.

Wet n' Wild Mega Last Lip colour ($2.37 CAN each) compares to any high-end lipsticks I own. 
Long lasting & they come in a vast amount of colours.
Eyes:

What's your 5 minute face?