MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Face Color Highlight, Sculpt and Blush Powder SWATCHES

I have been adding a little bit extra to my make up look, over the years. Although It’s subtle, it makes me happy! Like right now I’m really into highlighters and contours.
Should I do an extra post on this?

A while back Make Up For Ever launched their Artist Face Colors Highlight, Sculpt and Blush Powder ($29 CAN) and asked me if I wanted to try it out. My answer is always yes! I Love when I can share Products on the blog that can be use for all skin tones from the ivory to Ebony. Especially when it comes to things like blushes and highlighters. When you’re deeper toned you need cosmetics that are going to amplify your look!

20 Sephora Sale Options you Need Right Now

It's that time again! 

The Sephora Sale is here!

I've been eyeing so many things right now.

It's so hard not to go in there and buy EVERYTHING with my AMEX card.

Wedding: Five things I wish I knew before I went dress shopping

Dress shopping wasn't the disaster I thought it would be. I'm short, got boobs and a small waist. I expected fitting room breakdowns but it never got to that. I had to write this post because no one ever talks about the dress experience. It's definitely something that needs to be addressed. Here are a few tips that I wish I knew before I went shopping.

DO not let anybody tell you what you can or can not wear.
I went into a retailer to talk about the process of booking an appointment and on the spot she judged me. I was wearing an oversized sweater and a puffy parka. Her words were "You're a ballgown girl. Nothing else in here would be flattering on you. Don't look over there". Immediately my confidence was shattered. There is nothing wrong with ballgowns-they're gorgeous but why put me into a bubble before I even try anything on. It doesn't matter if you're 100 pounds or 300 pounds- TRY ON WHAT YOU LIKE! You make the decision what works for you.

How to Prep your Lips for Matte Lipstick

I’m tired of hearing people say that matte or "drier" lipsticks are not for them. I personally think that there is consistency out there that would work for everyone. Whether it be a liquid lipstick or something that applies satin right out of the tube. Trust me... you can make it work.

Guest Post: Clarins Event and Double Serum Review

A couple weeks ago Clarins welcomed a group of Canadian Beauty Bloggers/Toronto Influencers to the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Toronto for the launch of their reformulated iconic Double Serum. The event featured a presentation from Clarins’ brand ambassador. The room was beautifully decorated with elements and ingredients found in the serum such a kiwi, banana and milk thistle. At the event, we were all gifted with a full 50 mL bottle to try. (valued at $120 CDN)

10 Reasons Why you Need to Incorporate Face Masks into Your Life

I know that not everybody is into skin care. I’ve met people who still use bar soap on their face.. no I’m not talking about specially made skin care soap. I’m talking regular bar soap that they also use to wash their.... never mind. I’m not knocking you but I will say that if you do have skincare issues that generic soap is probably not going to get rid of them.

I am a big believer in skin care routines. You target pesky skin care problems such as discolouration, oily skin or even peeling and flaking. Like I know people who swear by homemade scrubs/mask made out of fruit/vegetables. For the ones who don’t have a lot of time or are just downright lazy...package masks are your best bet.

My Fall Beauty Picks from Murale

It’s time to switch up your skin care routine! With the air getting drier- I'm sorry to tell you but your skin is starting to lack moisture. That leads to cracking and peeling skin. 

NOTHING that I’m trying to have in my life! Lol

A few months back I went to a Murale FALL event. For my USA readers, "Murale stores have an offering of prestige products like hair care, fragrance, cosmetics, skincare plus bath & body." I was introduced to some new brands and was reacquainted with some brands that I know and love. I was also sent home with a healthy bag full of products to try out. 

Guest Post: ECOTOOLS Polishing Cleansing Cloths

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to thoroughly cleanse your face every night whether you are a heavy makeup wearer or not. I typically double cleanse. First, I remove my makeup with a makeup wipes followed by a cleansing balm/oil and then a regular cleanser using just my hands.

Regular thorough cleansing:

• Is essential to keeping your skin looking radiant and healthy.
• Helps your treatments (serums, oils, etc) to work properly
• Helps maintain proper pore size
• Encourages proper skin hydration and prevents the production of excess oils

While makeup wipes have been my tried and true tool for removing that first layer oil makeup, oil, dirt of the day, cost wise they can add up and they can be wasteful for the environment - especially when you are using more than one wipe every night (like I do) to get the job done.

Enter my discovery of ECOTOOLS Polishing Cleansing Cloths.

ColourPop No Filter Concealer – Deep Dark Swatches

It's very rare that I give in to makeup hypes. But when I heard that Colourpop was jumping into the colour cosmetics world and launching concealers... I had to get them. Plus I heard that they had a few colours for darker woman of colour. It was a no-brainer. I had to try it out!

Fenty Beauty Advice from Sephora Beauty Advisors

On Friday, my day started out by going to a fully stocked Sephora at 10AM to swatch foundations and highlighters. The best part is EVERYTHING I wanted was in stock! **Pats myself on the back** Man I was overwhelmed but not. I’m my opinion the line is VERY simple at the moment. No red/fuchsia lips, mascara or eyeliners. I wanted to buy something that I didn’t have… don’t laugh.

New HARD CANDY COSMETICS Collection

I know Fall is coming.... and frankly I don't want to speak about it. Let me stay in "Summer".

For the first time in a while, I got my hands on some Hard Candy products. Some are hits and some are misses. I picked the four that would catch your eye if you were in-store.

Lips
Wet Ever lip lacquer $6 USD

Long Weekend Vacation Prep - Body Edition

Where do I start! Preparing yourself for a vacation is truly a serious task. Like within 48 hours before I left for Jamaica: I got lash extensions, brow treading, a Brazilian (insert the tear emoji) plus a manicure and pedicure. But although a lot of this stuff required a salon. That includes wait times. For ladies who have NO time for that- A lot of things can be done at home to save money/time!

Especially if your just doing a long weekend getaway!

Five Housewarming Etiquette Tips + Bleu Lavande

Okay I've reached the age where I get one of three invites. A wedding, a baby shower, or a housewarming. Although a housewarming seems like one of the least important out of all three. It's NOT! Through out the years I've seen some very INTERESTING things.

Here are some tips that I acquired from being the host and a guest.

Host:

Make sure your house is presentable.

It seems logical....but I can't tell you the amount of housewarmings that I've gone to where people have sectioned off a place where my husband and I can't enter.

Guest Post: Why You Need a Tinted Primer

I love a good primer. Some may even call me a little bit of a primer junkie. I have tried all types from drugstore to high end. If you haven’t been using a primer, you are truly missing out. A good primer can make or break the how your makeup look once applied whether you’re keeping it light with a BB cream or doing full face, full coverage glam.

Many people skip out on this step because they don’t believe they need one or don’t think it is worth the investment. For those who don’t believe, you need a primer because:

• It helps makeup to go on smoother
• It conceals your pores
• It helps your makeup last longer
• It helps smooth/blur out imperfections

There are so many primers on the market to address certain skin types. Primers for mature skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, mattifying primers and primers with illuminating properties for that extra glow.

Clore Beauty Recap + Sensationnel EMPIRE hair line

If you're following me on my social networks, you would have seen that a few weeks ago I was promoting an event with myself and a few other Toronto influencers.We were going to be at an in-store event for Clore Beauty Supply. To promote the launch of a Sensationnel EMPIRE hair line at their Customer Appreciation day. Clore Beauty Supply is a leading beauty supply company here in Canada (They even have a salon inside of two locations).

Flashing?!?! Is the DERMAFLASH Facial Exfoliating Device for you?

I cant even begin to tell you how many times an email for an interesting device pops up into my inbox. Then I ask about it and it's USA only. REALLY! 
Flat out.. If it's not available here.... I'm not covering it. 

I don't know if it's me or not but once you hear about a product- it's everywhere! I remember seeing an old video of Taraji P. Henson's MUA using the tool on her before the Grammy's. Guess what?? It was the DERMAFLASH device!  A few weeks ago, I got an email saying the DERMAFLASH was available in Canada.

So I had to do some inquiries about it before I jumped the gun.

Thankfully, I got some answers from DERMAFLASH and I'm sharing them for people like me who have questions!

Three basic video/photography tips that you should know

I'm a firm believer in "Everyone needs a refresher". Sometimes I find myself slipping in the blog world. Basically doing things more sloppy than I'm use to. Which is not a good look but I always bounce back. I often have to reshoot things because I'm not satisfied.

Sometimes you have to go back to a check list.

- Is the image appealing?
- Is it too dark?
- Is there detail in the image?

Hydration is KEY! New Laneige Skin Care

Let's talk skin care! I've really been REALLY into skin care lately. After coming back from Jamaica my skin has totally changed consistency. Now it requires more hydration. I've actually been using a few brands that have my skin looking MUCH better!

Back in 2016, I started my year out with these Laneige classics. 

Now come and see what I upgraded to!

My Spiced Life Contributor: Shauna

I think that it's probably been about a year since I've had a contributor on the blog. I love contributors because not only does it lessen the load for me (I'm just being honest lol). It gives you guys the opportunity to meet other Beauty lovers and hopefully find a new product a try. 

Shauna is a PR professional. I have been actually been emailing with her since 2016. We finally met in 2017! She's a really cool girl who listens to my beauty rants and raves- Soooo I thought she would be a perfect August contributor!

Wearable Pinks for Dark Skin Women + My Favourite Combo at Moment

If you follow me on Twitter: JENNMUA. You know that I speak a lot about wearable soft pinks for dark skin women. Apparently it's hard to find *insert the eye roll emoji*. A true unicorn. Let me start off by saying, it shouldn’t be. Some of us just want a nice pink which is NOT a porn star pink. You know exactly what I’m talking about!!! I'll spare you the imagery.

I know I’m a couple days late for #nationallipstickday but I thought it be great to speak about this combo that I came up with! I love it but I totally wish I could find this all in one bottle/tube. Either way it will due for now.

Arbonne: Smoothed Over Lipstick - SWATCHES

I know that I'm behind on swatches but please forgive me! 

When I heard that Arbonne had some new lipsticks, I really wanted to try them. 

I really LOVED Arbonne's eyebrow basic brow combos so I had high hopes for the new lipsticks.

I'm so used to wearing matte lipsticks that when I get something hydrating- I'm so shook up! These babies have the attributes of a balm but with the power of a lipstick. I know it sounds odd but wait until you see the swatches. One word to describe them: SMOOTH.

Arbonne: Smoothed Over Lipsticks ($29.00 CAN)

Sooo what's going on with Spiced Beauty?

I know that I haven't really and publicly put this out there but I changed my blog name. 

My blog is now called MY SPICED LIFE.

The first question, I got was why....

I started this blog at 23 years old, living with my family having a boyfriend and just finishing college. I was BORED.  Now i'm in my early 30's, living with my husband(same guy I dated for 10+ years) and owning my OWN business. 

My views and likes/dislike have changed drastically. 

I know that some people are asking "Will this still be beauty blog?" 

Beauty is still one of my first loves. It will NEVER go away. I still have had numerous people.. not just WOC come up to me and tell me that I was one of the first Beauty Blogs that they found in Canada. But I want to share other stuff of my life without being confined to just beauty. Like my love of travel, electronics, food, random events.... I could go on and on. 

Also Wedding things. 

I didn't really get to divulge during the time because I took more of a hiatus to plan but there still a lot of things I want to share with you guys! 

Please let me know your thoughts! So being that a lot of blog related info and I don't think I have done a tag in a while! I want to share some info about my life and maybe share some little titbit that you don't know about me.

Why you Should Wash your Brushes + Real Techniques Deep Cleansing Palette & Gel

I once had a friend who told me that she didn't know that you were supposed to clean your make up brushes. Guys.. for three years! She had the same brushes...Mind you she was using those cheap synthetic two dollar packs.... But still! The whole concept took me out. I nicely told her to throw out what she has and start fresh.

For some of you guys who don't see a problem.
Here are three issues that you can get with dirty brushes:
-Staph infections(Yes.. google it)
-Clogged pores (Pimples all over)
-Pink eye (You get the idea...)

Every time you hop on Instagram or Twitter you always see somebody complaining about how much they hate washing their brushes. I'm in the same boat... I hate washing my brushes! And I'm going to tell you the truth I have enough brushes that I can go without washing brushes for a while. I know that's not the reality for everyone... so I'm gonna show you the easiest way to clean your brushes right now.

Yes there are DIY methods. But if you're lazy and on the go like me :) Here is the quickest and easiest way to clean your brushes and make sure that you're free of infection and bacteria.

Get the Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette ($19.99 CAN) 

Make Up For Ever: Artist Acrylip + Swatch

One of the first lip products my list to share for the Summer is the Artist Acrylip ($23.00 CAN).
Totally different from your typical matte lip. 

This is a extremely pigmented product.

Four tips every Bride needs to hear before they get Married

I just hit the two year mark a few weeks ago. Man.. let me tell you that time goes by fast! But flashback to 27 months ago.... the planning part was very interesting! Between the feelings and unsolicited opinions. You have to stand your ground. Here are four pieces of advice that I can give to you to make the best out of your big day!

Currently Obsessed: Mary Kay’s Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

I’m so excited that skin care is making a comeback. I’m obsessed with it and live for a good skin day. Random fact about me: I started making my own skin care masks when I was 10. My friends and I use to get together and create some really crazy mixes. I’m happy that if I need to remedy a skin care issue there is a product for that!

Easy ways to save money on your vacation

One of the best things I did in my 20's was travel with my husband! Thankfully the beach was one of our passions so we had a lot of fun in Jamaica (multiple times), Cuba, Dominican Republic and Bahamas. I can admit that if it wasn't for these tips we would never have saved as much money as we did.  FYI if you missed my Four Tips to Help you Plan your Next Island Vacation post... get on it.

Let me explain......

Adulting: Shopping at Lowe's Canada

So the first time in my adult life, I have a lawn & backyard which requires maintenance. I grew up in house which was a part of the condominium complex. So all my parents had to do was pay the complex monthly and they would take care of everything outside. They took care of the grass, shovelled snow, paint and even planted trees/flowers. Now as a married woman....  although I don't have to mow the lawn or shovel snow, it is my responsibility to try to keep the house as warm and inviting as can be!

I was sent a Lowe's Canada Spring/Summer Style Guide for inspiration. Which literally made me want to overhaul my whole house and start over. The emphasis was on 4 patio trends: Metro Modern, Renewed Formality, Gracious Living & Cuban Cool. Each theme takes the guess workout of the stress of finding decor that works together. Plus it's exclusive to Lowe’s Canada.

Here are some of my favourite looks:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Concealer + SWATCHES

What if you were told that you had to keep your makeup regimen to three products.

Would it be hard for you? It would be the easiest choice for me.

• A liquid lipstick
• Lashes
• Concealer

Years ago concealer would never be in my top three "survival" products. But I won't lie, I love how awake it makes me look. Especially days when the world is trying me and I'm surviving on NO sleep. 

As a woman of colour, I know that we are prone to getting dark under eye circles. With the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Concealer’s ($34.00 CAN)  you don't need a lot to get the job done! I also forgot to add that the concealers have a Anti-Dark Circle Complex with Radiance Booster.

Basic Brow Combos with Arbonne Cosmetics

So my holy grail brow product has now finished. I'm now kind of jumping from unsuccessful brow products- one right after the other. It's tragic.. I know. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

 I had the opportunity to try out some brow products from Arbonne to get my to get my brow basics down pat. I don't know about you but brows are so important to me. When they just get done! GIRL!!! I swear I feel like nobody can tell me anything.

 Here is my brow in its natural state, you can see I have very long and thick brow hairs. So if you accidentally take out a few extra hairs accidentally it really shows!

Purse: Declutter & Simplify

I think I've reached a part in my life where I'm ready to simplify.*I hope my husband isn't reading this*... Simplify is such a scary word because if you knew how many things I own right now you would know that it's REALLY needed.

But for me, not to overwhelm myself... I have to start small. Soooo why not start with my purse. 

I used to be the queen of large purses... It all dates back to college and every girl had one of those large TNA bags. It was perfect for me! I could fit my laptop, lunch and whatever essentials I needed for a full day of class. 

My Thoughts about Hairsprays + Herbal Essences Biorenew

This post is going to be so awkward because it’s about a product that is so known to everyone but I just don't embrace it. Here it goes. I hardly use hairspray. I don’t know if it’s laziness (probably laziness) but it’s just a step I always look over.

I spent a lot of time on my curls, whether it be with heat or Flexi rods… but with the heat and humidity of the environment they don't last. By the end of the day I’m rocking a semi-straight style- that I didn’t ask for…

Let’s go back to the root of the problem…Why do I hate hairsprays? We all know the hairsprays of the past. They’re heavy and not workable at all. Like I just remember those up-do’s that were sprayed to the high heavens and did not move. Like a week later you would see the person in the same style and a curl hasn't budged…that is not for me. Lies… it happened once and NO I won’t share pictures LOL. Just bad vibes all over.

TREND: Bomber Jackets

You don't have to be a high school jock to enjoy the bomber jacket trend.

They're fashionable, come in various prints/colours and are pretty affordable.

Lise Watier Cosmetics: Rouge Intense Suprême SWATCHES

I'm always talking about how I need to highlight some more Canadian companies.
Especially ones who are doing amazing things!

Honestly have been sitting on these pretty lipsticks for a while….but it's time that you experience the greatness that is Lise Watier Cosmetics: Rouge Intense Suprême ($27 CAN).

How I cleared my skin up last year!

My skin care story hasn't always been that smooth. Pun *intended* I had really clear skin up until my early 20's. When I hit my middle 20's it got a little rocky. I didn't have extreme breakouts like some people I know but it was enough to make me feel self conscious. In 2016, was probably my best year skin care wise. Here are the four main factors which I think changed everything.

New Real Techniques Sponges that you need in your makeup stash!

I know that you have read about my love/hate relationship with makeup sponges. My stance hasn't changed- I'm still #teammakeupsponges. I love finding new shapes and ways to use them. I have been posting these new Real Techniques sponges on my Spicedbeautyblog instagram account and I have been getting a lot of questions and request to post them on the blog! 

Currently Obsessed: Nivea’s Creme Care Facial Cleansing Wipes

I don’t think I will ever not be obsessed with makeup wipes. They’re convenient and easy to use. Although I have so many makeup-removing methods to choose from melting cleansers to soaked cotton squares…nothing does the trick like wipes.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Star Lit Powder + Swatches

Do you remember in 2009 when pigments were the biggest thing? I remember getting those large containers and hardly making a dent in the jar. Then people started to press them and the hype of pigments kinda died down...

Fast forward to 2017 and I have seen the use of pigments/powders starting to get popular again. My favourite look is a smokey eye with some gold pigment patted on top. Or maybe even a metallic green. So many options!!!

My love/hate relationship with Makeup Sponges

I'm going to admit something....All of my brushes are collecting dust right now. My obsession with makeup sponges are not dying anytime soon. The typical slope shape is not the norm anymore. You remember those $1.00 for a bag? I still see them at dollarama!
Now i've seen every shape- eggs, spheres and diamonds...
YOU NAME IT!

Limited-Edition Mary Kay Glossy Lip Oil

I'm ready for Spring. Like really READY. I'm sooo tired of wearing this big jacket everywhere and not being able to show off my pedi (first world problems). I have been playing around with a lot of Spring makeup daily. Mary Kay was one of the first companies to kick off Spring for me. The first thing that caught my eye was the Limited-Edition Glossy Lip Oil.

This innovative lip oil provides a comfortable application with a non-sticky, luminous shine. 

What do I do with my Wedding Guests?

I actually got an email from a reader (Hi Cindy!) regarding a wedding situation. I thought it would be perfect to share on here because you never know what someone else is going through. 

Her Question-

I'm getting married in April and I'm unsure what to do. The ceremony and venue is far. It's Hamilton. I'm not from there and none of my fam is from there. I have a gap in the middle where I take pictures and do an outfit change. Do I book a few hotel room for a every to stay in? I have no idea what to do.

When I got married, I was in the same position.. kind of. And I had to learn this on my own to let your guests think for themselves. As a bride, it's so easy to get wrapped up in so many different situations. I'm the type of person that honestly does not want to inconvenience anyone and I will look for ideas to make other people happy.... Which usually end up  with me sacrificing my time or things blowing up in my face.

Four Tips to Help you Plan your Next Island Vacation

Often times people leave from the comfort of their home for vacation, honeymoon or just to get away. These trips can be stressful, if you have never been to a certain location before.

Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

I love traveling and I'm lucky to have a partner that feels the same!
These tips will help you take advantage of the good points about travel and prepare you for your trip.

Save money online with Groupon Coupons

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

Things are much different now that I don't live with my parents. I won't lie, I was lucky being a princess. I hardly paid for anything so I saved a lot of money. Which is a complete 360 now because everything requires money!

Teeez cosmetics - STYLE ADDICT HIGHLIGHTERS + SWATCHES

Have you heard of Teeez cosmetics before? 

I actually seen the kiosk downtown in The Bay last year. 

I swatched a few lipsticks and liked the consistency but didn’t get to explore the brand further.

I got another opportunity to play at the NKPR Spring 2017 event.

I demo-ed the highlighters and fell in love!

My beauty resolution for 2017

Do you do beauty resolutions? 
I usually try to do something new yearly but sometimes I fail completely. My beauty resolution for 2017 is pretty simple. It's funny because I preach this to other people all the time but I won't lie... there is that one or two times when I don't do it. Then I regret it because my skin goes haywire!

My resolution will always be to remove your makeup no matter how tired you are. I always use wipes (This is another blog post). But when the wipes run out laziness can kick in.

Five tips to make you more confident when getting your makeup done

I have a confession. 

Although, I am a makeup artist- getting my makeup done gives me sight anxiety...Yeah I know. 

My main fear is:

What if I don't like it & how I nicely ask someone to change it?

Quick Last Minute Holiday Look #2: Deep red lip and a smokey eye

Can you believe the year is ending already?? I actually feel that everything went so fast.

This look is the same base as my Quick Last Minute Holiday Look: Soft pink lip and a glittery smokey eye. WITHOUT the pink lip & glitter. Everyone tries to say you can wear a smokey eye with a red lip... Well I'm proving you wrong.