Fight Bacteria with GoSwipe

I'm obsessed with my phone, I bring it everywhere! I swear it's like a third limb to me. 

If I forget it, I'm feel completely empty.. Haha!

You would never believe how many germs are currently your phone. I once read an article stating that your phone as the same amount of germs as a toilet seat.

New products from Korres Fall 2012

Korres is a beauty brand that makes some amazing skin products. Everything in the line is made of organic and natural ingredients. These products are gentle on the skin and can be found in select Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora stores. I honestly feel like there is something for everyone in the line.

9th Annual White Cashmere Collection

Did you get to see the White Cashmere Collection this year?

The collection was in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. I’m still in awe that these collections are made with REAL Cashmere bathroom tissue. Each piece was carefully crafted by some of Canada’s top Canadian designers. 

That’s pure talent!

 I fell in love with a piece by a designer named Label. 

I had the opportunity to “style” a pinterest piece around the dress. 

I love the pieces that I chose.
Of course I had to add sparkly shoes, ombre cake and a cute boy to match!

Check out this great video showcasing the whole collection:

Hey Ladies!
Can you please fill out this survey. Matchstick will donate $2.00 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for each survey completed.

Pretty in Mink: First Time Lash Extension Experience

I've been debating getting lash extensions for a while now. My first experience wasn't the best but it was totally my fault. Note to self (and others): Don't use OIL BASED mascara on them!!

Buytopia and Charming Media gave me the opportunity to get a full set of lashes to review my experience with you all. I totally did not know what to expect. All I know is that I didn't want to look like a drag queen!

No offense but overly dramatic lashes are not for me at all. I was so nervous at first! 

Would I like them? Would my lids get glued shut? Will they be office friendly?

My overall experience was great! Deborah, the owner of Pretty in Mink was very helpful with all of my questions. Trust me I had a lot! I love how she allowed me to tell her what look I was going for. I wanted a naturally full look which was office friendly.

Even though this wasn't my first time getting last extensions, I was at ease when showed me pictures of her clients to give me an idea of the work she does. Everyone looked gorgeous and I knew I was in good hands.

Since I knew the process would be 1 to 1.5 hours, I brought my headphones because I thought that she may be boring. We talked the whole time! 1.5 hours went by and we didn't even realize. Throughout the process I had no pain or discomfort as the lashes were being applied.

Final look:

They're gorgeous!!!

Day 1 to 3 (notables):
I lost a few lashes nothing to be concerned about.
I have sensitive eyes so it took my left eye some time to adjust.

Day 4 and BEYOND:
This is when you really have fun. My make up time has cut down significantly! On top of having amazing skin at the moment (I'll leave that for another post) my only issue is finding a great lip product for the day!

I want to share these tips with you all who are getting them for the first time.

• Know that some lashes will fall out. It's normal.
• Your lashes will grow out and some lashes may lift with them as time goes on. This is also normal. That's why you go for refills every 3 to 4 weeks. If your lashes grow extremely quick like mine refill every 2 weeks.
• Be gentle with them. It sounds obvious but pulling them would hurt and damage them! Only use water-based makeup remover on your lashes. Oil-based remover will break down the glue and they will fall off.
• Get acquainted with your lash technician because you will have questions.
  Especially if it's your first time!

Deborah was amazing! If I had an issue, I let her know. Even after she my lashes, I still stayed in contact if I needed some assistance. She always responded with the right answer (thankfully). I'd definitely would recommend Pretty in Mink to anyone in Toronto/ GTA surrounding area. 

I hope my post helps anyone getting them for the first time!
Let me know if you have any questions below.

$50 MAC or Sephora e-giftcard Giveaway

Can you believe that in December i'm celebrating my 4 year blogging anniversary!

I can't believe it! Time really flies when you love what you do. 

As a pre-celebration Rai from Glam-Morena and I are having a joint giveaway for a 

$50 MAC or Sephora e-giftcard.

Rules:

Must be a Glam-Morena & Spiced Beauty Google friend connect follower

Must be 17+

Must be a Canadian or USA resident 

Fill out the form below and good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Authenticate a Designer Bag

 I recently was sent a few tips by Shop Bella Bag founder Cassandra Connors
on how to authenticate a designer bag.

We all know that thrifting & buying pre-owned luxury items is on the rise. Nothing is worst that thinking that you got something authentic and getting home and realizing that it's a straight FAKE!

Check out these five tips from Cassandra:

• Counting stitches. While tedious and somewhat frustrating, counting stitches can really be a deal breaking when it comes to authenticating a bag. Keep in mind that the real deals often have a much more complex stitching design that most knock-offs.

• Examine interior and exterior logo stamp. While knock-off logos might look like the real deal at a glance, a thorough examination is necessary to find the minor detail differences between the real logo and the knock-off logo.

• Trace serial numbers. Serial numbers almost always seal the deal in authenticating a bag. The serial number assigns a specific number to one designer piece that involves the history of the bag. A knock-off serial number will not show up in a designer database as it was most likely made up.

• Test hardware magnetism. This has a lot to do with the materials there are generally used with a specific brand. When the material used of the real deal is known, it’s easy to compare the differences.

• Inspect zipper heads. Each brand uses a different zipper brand, and almost always uses the industrial ones. Also, zipper head designs are almost always altered, and because the zipper is such a small details, it can sometimes be hard to catch.

I hope these tips help! Feel free to share them with a friend.

GRATiAE Exfoliating Body Scrub & Body Butter

As a child, I remember my mother having the most luxurious cream and perfume bottles.

Now that I'm older, I totally understand why.

I know I'm not the only one who buys things because of the packaging!
It totally makes you feel good.

That's how I felt when I received GRATiAE.

.

GRATIAE is a skin care line that has been designed with one purpose in mind: anti-aging. It successfully makes use of Gratiae's thermal spring water and combines it with exclusive materials, flora native to the Sea of Galilee and organic plants.

 I remember taking the products out of the box and my mother "ohh-ing" and "ahh-ing" about how 

great the packaging looks without knowing about the contents.

Exfoliating Body Scrub - Passion Fruit & Lime

This refreshing body scrub exfoliates and cleanses the skin, leaving you feeling invigorated and revitalized. It accelerates blood circulation and leaves your skin refreshed and soft.

I was totally not expecting literal sugar.

 It's best to take some out add a few drops of water and scrub in a circular motion.

 Body Butter - Passion Fruit and Ginger

This silky body butter is a rich, creamy, all-over body moisturizer formulated with natural and organic ingredients. Easily absorbed into the skin, it conditions, softens, and prevents dryness. 

This is a very rich butter. It melts into your skin without any greasy residue.
I don't think I've ever used a body butter like this before! I'm very impressed.

When applying it make sure to fully moisturize it into your skin and feel your hands after.

Look at my before & after:

Overall, if you're comfortable with paying a little more for a luxurious product I'd recommend GRATiAE.

I promise that you will be happy with your decision!