Win the book Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm? + $50 Sephora GC

The lovely ladies from www.thebeautybrains.com gave me the opportunity to read/review their new book Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm?

Paperback $16.95

This informative book cuts through the confusing, misleading, and sometimes false information that beauty companies bombard consumers with and provides scientific answers to hundreds of questions about cosmetics.

TEN TRUTHS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COSMETICS:

1. Curling Shampoos Don’t Work!

2. Wearing the right fragrance can actually make people think you have lost weight.

3. While brushing your hair does temporarily help distribute natural oils, in the long run brushing “100 strokes every night” strips layers of cuticle and weakens hair.

4. There is no proof that tourmaline flat irons perform any better than the less expensive non-ceramic versions.

5. Sunscreen is one of the best cosmetics you can use to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free.

6. Spit on a zit may not be an old wives’ tale after all!

7. There is a difference between antiperspirant and deodorant. Antiperspirant actually stops you from sweating, while deodorant just masks the odor.

8. No cosmetic will make your nails grow longer and stronger, but you can do things to improve their condition.

9. Urea is found in cosmetics, but it does not come from urine!

10. Multiple types of parabens are used in formulas to ensure that your personal care and cosmetic products are as free as possible from disease-causing microbes.


I enjoyed reading this book because the answers were clean and concise. Also good percent of the questions asked were ones that myself or you guys would have. I want to tell you more but you will just have to get the book at these stores:

Amazon

Indigo

Barnes & Noble

Borders

Books-A-Milllion

Indiebound

Walmart

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Guess what!!

The ladies at thebeautybrains.com is giving:
One (1) winner will receive a $50 Sephora Gift card and a copy of the book.

Rules:
Must be a follower of Spicedbeauty.com
Must be over 18
This is open to Canadian & USA followers

How to Enter:

Follow Spiced Beauty on facebook

 &

On twitter: JennMUA

TWEET THIS:
Win a copy of Can you get hooked on lipbalm?+ a $50 Sephora GC from @JennMUA  www.spicedbeauty.com

_______________________________________________________________ 

Must have Product: Cover Fx-Clean Fx Makeup Cleansing Mousse

You guys remember when I told you about my Coverfx: Drench the Skin You're In event experience last month. I want to share with you my must have product from CoverFX right now!

Hello Cover Fx-Clean Fx Makeup Cleansing Mousse

This alcohol- and oil-free facial cleanser removes long-wearing and water-resistant makeup thoroughly yet gently while hydrating, toning and softening the skin. The travel-friendly formula, ideal for sensitive skin, can be used with or without water for rinsing.

I have had cleansing milks, wipes and oil free cleansers in the past..but THIS... this is something beyond amazing. I could totally rant and rave but I think it's best if I show you what this mousse can do!

I applied waterproof pencil eyeliner to my arm and let it dry. Then I squirted a small amount of mousse on a cotton pad.

I applied the pad to my arm and let it soak in for about 20 to 30 seconds. Then I wiped the mousse off in ONE swipe. I did not wipe or wash my arm and there is absolutely no residue at all!

Here is cotton pad to show the residue of the waterproof pencil.

 I don't need I need to stress how great this product is! The pictures speak for themselves :D

Extra information:

What else you need to know: PETA approved. Dermatologist tested. Ph balanced. Free of soap, fragrance, and colorant.

You can purchase this product from Sephora, SDM, select The Bay, Murale, Coverfx.com, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser in the UK .

My Nail Polish Story- What's yours?

Let me explain to you all how my nail polish addiction started. I think it's playback for having naked nails for years! I remember my friends telling me "JENN!!! You should wear nail polish" or  "OMG! You're nails are so nice but you NEED to do something with them". I had the time but it just wasn't my thing. I know there is someone out there who feels my pain.

A couple months ago my bf took me to an amazing mani/pedi place and everything changed from then. After getting compliments on my nails, I started to do them on a regular. I also started to follow more nail blogs for color inspiration.

Here are a few of my favs:

BarryM Grey + E.L.F Black

E.L.F Black + Sally Hansen Strobe Light

BarryM Instant Nail Effects + Fuchsia is Funky Nails in Miss.Robinson+ The blue is  LA Color matte polish in  turquoise

I think I will start to share my nail hauls & favorite designs on my blog from now!

What's your nail story? Do you wear polish everyday?

I'm loving fish tail braids!

You would think after growing up with braids, I would hate them. Yes, in certain cases they may look elementary but it's the easiest way to glam up a look.

I became fascinated with Fish Tail Braids earlier this year when I seen Rihanna wear it on stage. This picture is actually from earlier this week... She wore a white Dolce & Gabbana dress which probably cost over $1,000!!! When you think about it she could have done a head full of curls,  intricate updo or fun beach waves... but she chose a fish tail braid.

What to learn how to do a Fish Tail Braid?? Follow these directions from MTV Style:

STEP 1: Divide the hair you want to braid into two equal sections.

STEP 2: Start the fishtail braid by holding the right section with your right hand. Then, using your left hand, pick up a small chunk of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section.

STEP 3: Repeat on the other side: Hold the left section in your left hand. Use your right hand to pick up a small chunk of hair from the outer right section and cross it over to the inside of the left section.

STEP 4: Continue picking up small sections and crossing them over until you reach the ends of your hair.

STEP 5: Secure with an elastic (like Sephora's Snag-Free Hair Elastics, $3.50), and spray the braid with a little shine spray like Smooth N' Shine Scalp & Breakage Miracle's Root to Tip Oil Sheen Spray ($3.99, drugstore.com) to seal in moisture and boost shine. And you're all set!

Do you like fish tail braids?

M·A·C SHOP TOGETHER

Want a new way to shop with your friends?

M∙A∙C Cosmetics is proud to announce the launch of a new and dynamic way to browse through our cult makeup must-haves, all without leaving your home. M·A·C Shop Together.

M∙A∙C Shop Together allows customers to share real-time, synchronized shopping sessions with friends all through the use of instant messaging. After simply creating a screen name, users have the power to chat with up to five friends, see the same products and shades all within the M∙A∙C e-commerce site, http://www.maccosmetics.com/.

My enablers! What do you think about this? Love it? Hate it?

Miracle product for smooth lips- Mary Kay Satin Lips® Lip Mask review

After a twitter talk about Mary Kay with Makeup by Kim Porter suggested that I try out Mary Kay Satin Lips® Lip Mask.   This my first non-diy lip mask, so I was skeptic.. my fear was that I would have a allergic reaction.Satin Lips® Lip Mask contains miniature buffing beads that gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells that cause lips to appear dull and lifeless.


 Lets start off with the appearance. The mask comes in a soft 3 oz tube. Having a product like this in a tube is beneficial for sanitary reasons.

You can:
A) squirt it on a metal plate and apply it with a lip brush or
B) use clean fingers to apply the product.

Product: 

White cream with mini buffing beads. I like the fact that didn't have a scent.

Directions:
Apply to lips for 1- 2 minutes, then remove.
I  know this is dumb but was surprised to see that the lip mask dried on my lips..lol.  I used a drop of water to exfoliate the using the mini beads.

Conclusion:
Ladies! I think we found a miracle product!! I didn't take a before picture because I was afraid someone would use it as blackmail LOL.. I can`t believe how quick and simple it was. With my DIY lip scrub, I made nothing but mess.

As you all can see from the picture below my lips are smooth and look moisturized. Without any gloss or balm.

This product would get a thumbs from me. I also thank Kim for the recommendation.

Price:
$15.00
Where can you find it:
Mary Kay

Spiced Beauty is now on facebook + Vote for Rai

After three years later I can scratch off making a Spiced Beauty facebook page off of my list. I personally like to use twitter to promote my blog but I'm cool with trying something new. Please like my page by clicking my icon below!

While you're on facebook please take the time to vote for my friend Rai who has entered a contest for the Target Beauty's Biggest Fans.

You can actually vote once per day!

  Voting Date: April 27th - May 17 11:59pm EDT

One of the prizes includes a Flip video camera, which she plans on giving away... I don't need a camera (one of my followers might :D)so if she stays in the top 20 its up for grabs.

Go here to vote: CLICK HERE

Shop my Clothing Stash: Fashion Deal- High-Waisted Skirt

I`m excited to start this new series. I noticed that my fashion post especially of outfits of the day receive a lot of comments. I wish I could keep up with the demands but I suck at full body shots..LOL.

I'm on a no buy...my current obsession is shopping my clothing stash..mixing..matching & falling in love with pieces that still have the tag on it!!

In this shop my clothing stash edition I want to highlight my high-wasited floral skirt I got from Stitches for $5.00.

This skirt is very casual but can easily be dressed up. In the summer I plan on wearing this with a white v-neck, no tights & brown gladiators.

For $5.00 this was a steal and I'm glad I bought it!

Is there any items you would like to see from my stash? 

I love the input and 9 times out of 10 I probably own it :D

April Empties- Burt`s Bees & The Body Shop

I have an announcement!! I haven't bought any make-up/beauty related product in almost a month. Yes.. yes.. I`m on a serious no buy.

If I could only show you the amount of products that I have not opened or used once.. you would all disown me.. LMAO. After reading several blog posts on empties..especially  Gaby's.  I decided it would be beneficial to start my own empties journey. I think ill start small and try to finish 4 or more products a month.

Here is some information on these products:

 The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Shower Gel (mini)

I love the different scents at The Body Shop! Never in a million years would I ever pick lemon.. but Sweet Lemon yes please.

Pros:
Soap free
Moisturizing
Lemon Oil & Vitamin C

Would I repurchase?
YES 

The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Scrub (mini)

This scrub came with the gel, along with a body butter and puff. I bought the gift pack just for the scrub! I like the scrub but I wish that it didn't crumble so easy. If I had to rate it out of 10,  i'd give it a 9. So basically it lost 1 point...no biggie.

Pros:
Lemon Peel & Organic Sugar

Soya Oil

Moisturizing 

Would I repurchase:

YES

Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Purifying Gel Cleanser

All my good conversations start on twitter :) After talking to a few ladies on there... they recommended the natural Burt's Bees line for my break outs. The Cleanser was gentle & non-abrasive.

Pro:
Natural
Willow Bark Extract
Non-comedogenic

Would I repurchase?
YES

Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Pore Refining Scrub 

I pretty much bought the whole line: Click here.

Pro:
Natural
Willow Bark Extract
Salicylic Acid

Con:
I felt a little oily than moisturized if I didn't use the cleanser above before.

Would I repurchase?
Maybe

Help! What is your favorite nail polish top coat?

I'm tired of my nails chipping!! Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Giveaway: Free session of crystal microdermabrasion and cold laser light therapy from fresh.beautiful: the skin studio

fresh.beautiful: the skin studio has given me the opportunity to give away (one) free 30-minute session of crystal microdermabrasion and cold laser light therapy at there Ajax location.

fresh.beautiful: the skin studio is about providing a natural and non-invasive approach to cleaner, healthier and brighter skin. We focus on understanding your personal skin issues and determining its needs. Our end goal is to develop a special skin therapy tailor-made just for you.

If you need more information check out my latest experience with fresh.beautiful HERE.  I would also recommend you do your research to get familiar with the procedure, so you won't have any surprises.

Rules:

Must be over 18 years old

How to enter:
Must be a Spicedbeauty.com follower
Must follow fresh.beautiful on twitter (if you don't have an account that's okay..just let me know below)

Once that is complete just reply below in the comments section with
Enter me

Giveaway ends:

May 5 at midnight

Summer/Spring Nail Polish inspiration!

Hey Ladies,

I was asked if I can do a nail inspiration post for Spring/Summer. Currently I'm on a no buy, so I definitely have to use whatever I have in my stash. I really want some pastels but that will have to wait.. or maybe I'll create my own..hmmm *ideas are brewing*.

These are my four picks: 

1.  Barry M  Bright Pink (279)
2. L.A Colors Matte 
3. Funky Fingers Pucci-licious
4. Funky Fingers Mrs. Robinson 

 Which one is your favorite?

How much would you spend on nail polish?

Personally I would spend up to $12.00 with tax. Not too high/too low.

Why?

Nail polishes are lovely but just like eyeshadow the can easily be duped!

One of my favorite brands is Sally Hansen Xtreme nails which can cost as low as $2.00 - $3.50 a bottle!


How much would you spend?

BarryM Giveaway Winner!!

I used Random.org to pick the giveaway winner. I`m so happy that there was 77 entries!! Wooo :D

and the winner is Saimese..

Please email me jenn (at) spicedbeauty (dot) com within 48 hours with your home address!

Hot for Hope: Spa & Shop in Support of Japan!

Sweat and socialites donʼt mix, but this wonʼt be the case on Saturday, April 30th.

Shop Socials is calling Torontoʼs everyday socialites to get Hot for Hope at Iyashi Bedrock Spa located at 2662 Yonge Street, north of Eglinton, with a spa and shop for the cause fundraiser in support of the Canadian Red Cross.

 With a $30 registration fee, guests will enjoy 30 minutes of Ganbanyoku, traditional Japanese hot rock bathing therapy, complimentary refreshments, skincare treatments and makeup touch-ups with each socialite taking home a hefty bag of goodies as thanks.

Along with the pampering, guests will have the opportunity to take a final bid on a myriad of stylish silent auction items donated from local designers and businesses, and the chance to shop after hours at neighbouring boutiques, I Heart Accessories and Cʼest Une Beaute, where gift cards will make splurge guilt-free.

 Space is limited to just 60 females guests only.

>>Buy Yours Now: http://ow.ly/4qdFI

Hello Kitty Blackberry Case!

My lovely BF took me to Pacific mall to hook my BB up. He picked everything from the sticker to the 3D rose :D

I'm in love with it!

Coverfx: Drench the Skin You're In event!

Last month I was invited to Cover FX Hydrating Clinic located in the The Bay Queen Street. To my surprised I went there and found out that these were personal one-one sessions with the amazing Derek Selby.

Before any makeup was applied he took my hand and determined my hydration. OMG! I was so embarrassed because I had been filming and traveling all day.... I totally neglected my arms. I find that in the winter I don't hydrate all areas as much as I should. The result is DEHYDRATED SKIN! After talking with Derek I realized this is the reason why we experience a dull complexions, redness, blotches and skin tightness. Also dehydrated skin can cause wrinkles & fine lines to be more apparent.

These pictures are from Urban Native Girl's session:

1. Measuring her moisture level.(low reading) 







2. He applied Natural FX to a small portion of her arm.









3. Tested her moisture level again. (higher reading)






4. He used Clean Fx makeup cleansing mousse to remove the foundation.

Lastly he took her reading again and it was perfect!

After the reading Derek gave us some great tips on how to hydrate your skin, while dealing with your own skin issues. For example I have an oily T-zone but I find that areas like around my mouth is always dry.

OMG I loved the set up. products galore

The foundation he used was on me was a mixture of Skin Tint & Skin prep primer.

How amazing is this picture!!! I have to thank Melissa from CoverFX for this one :)

I had a great time and I have a bunch of goodies to show and review to you all in the next couple of week :)

Check out COVERFX!