My Stash:Illamasqua Howl Red Lipstick

Thank you all for the great feedback on my past shop my stash post. I decided that it may beneficial to do them as a bi-weekly thing.

It will allow me rotate my lipsticks in make up bag and  inspire you all out there to start playing with your past favourites.

Unfortunately, we don't have access to the Illamasqua line in Canada. Actually, we don't have access to A LOT of brands here but that's a whole other blog post.

I was gifted this gorgeous red in a swap from a lovely girl named Stephanie. Being that I've never seen this color in person, I feel in love with it online. Thankfully, I have a good eye and picked a shade which totally compliments my skin tone.

I would describe the texture as satin. Odd choice of words but it looks matte with a hint of creme.

 This is another one of those colors which would look good on anyone! 

It would also make a good starter red for anyone out there that would love to start wearing red lipstick.

What do you think ladies? 

Would you rock this?

My Essie Good as Gold manicure

Have you had the time to check out Essie's mirror metallic collection?

Good as Gold

I have! 

I took a break from the neons and went right to the metallics. 

I love the way Good as Gold refreshed my old gel manicure. 

I got this professional done.... I'm not that awesome..lol
I went for the half moon/accent nail combo!

Are you feeling my Metallic nails?

Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Conditioning Lotion in Cocoa Butter

After that heat wave last week, my skin ended up being dry and itchy. I honestly felt like the sun literally sucked the moisture out of it.

Thankfully, I decided to put my Garnier Intensive 7 Days Conditioning Lotion with Cocoa Butter for Dry, Rough Skin to the test.

Introducing Garnier Body Intensive 7days, daily moisturiser. The L’Bifidus enriched formula works like a shield and helps lock in moisture. Use daily for hydration that goes on and on.

Let me start of by saying I love Cocoa Butter. I've used it since I was a child and it has never failed me. This formula is exactly what I needed because my skin was in dire need!

This lotion is right for you if you moisturise your body's skin everyday, but feel that it becomes quickly dehydrated throughout the course of the day, making skin feel dry, rough and uneven in tone.

I have never heard of L-Bifidus before but I found out that it's  inspired by probiotics found in yogurt. It acts as an effective moisture shield. I found the best way to use this lotion was right after my shower. The dampness of my skin really allowed the lotion to absorb nicely. Even though the cream is kinda thick, the formula applied very light.

  It literally melted into my skin. It wasn't "greasy" like pure cocoa but a little bit goes a long way!

Doesn't my skin look completely hydrated?

Annabelle Cosmetics TWISTUP Retractable Lipstick Crayons in Royale

Back in June, I attended a Annabelle/ Marcelle Cosmetics launch. They're one of my favourite Canadian Beauty brands which I think is pigmented and has a vast amount of products to choose from.

Thank you to Rasilla who took this picture. Look at me pointing and drooling over their new setup.

Above everything, I fell in love with their new TWISTUP Retractable Lipstick Crayons. I adore lip crayons but I hate the fact that once they get dull you have to go on a wild goose hunt to find a sharpener to sharpen them. 

Thankfully, Annabelle has eliminated this issue with their new TWISTUPS.  Royale was the color which I fell in love with immediately! Has anyone noticed that I've been gravitating to fuchsia purples lately?!

This Lipstick is creamy and moisturizing.
I really want to try out the 11 other shades!

Would you wear this color?

July Favorites: Garnier, Mary Kay, Marcelle,Redken and more!

1. Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil
   I'm currently obsessed with Argan oil. It's light oil can can be used on extensions, natural or relaxed hair. I use it on my ends to keep them moisturized.
   
   
2. philosophy
   purity made simple
   foaming 3-in-1 cleansing gel for face and eyesI've never used a cleansing gel for my face & eyes before. Using a universal product like this was a nice change. I may purchase this product after I finish my sample.
   
   
3. Mary Kay lash love waterproof mascara in Black
   Waterproof mascara is a blessing because its extremely hot in Canada. I would recommend that you have a good waterproof makeup remover so you don't destroy your lashes.
   
   
4. Marcelle Climatik Outdoor Lip Balm SPF 30
   Every girl needs lip balm with SPF. Perfect for days when you don't feel like wearing anything.
   
   
5. Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Smoothing Cream
   This is a must have for anyone who has frizzy hair. I almost used the whole tube on my vacation. It definitely defined my curls.After you wash your hair put a dime sized amount in and work it throughout your hair.
   
   
6. Clear Hair & Scalp Therapy Total Care Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner
   I should have named these as 6. Not 6 & 7. Sorry! I used this product straight for 7 days on vacation and loved it. I couldn't stop smelling my hair. My favorite part was the fact that my hair felt very moisturized after. 
   

Have you tried any of these products?

Stiletto Nails- Hot or Not?

Have you seen them on your favourite celebrities such as Rihanna, Adele, Lady Gaga or Beyonce?

Rihanna Source: Google

I have a love/hate relationship with them.

They're very unique but kinda scary. Definitely not corporate office friendly (in my opinion).
Imagine the stares I would get if I was conducting a presentation with those bad boys. Oh man!

Since I'm about to cut my nails off, so I decided to play around with the trend a bit.

I should have taken pictures of my process but it was sooooo basic.
All I did was take a nail file and file the edges of my nails until they came to a point.
I know I didn't get the claw look but you get the point(pun intended).

Are Stiletto Nails- Hot or Not?

Canadian Giveaway: Go Cruelty-Free with Lily Cole and The Body Shop

This summer, go cruelty-free with Lily Cole and The Body Shop! Spiced Beauty and The Body Shop are offering you the chance to win an amazing gift basket valued at more than $100, filled with the new, limited edition make-up range: Cruelty Free Make-Up, launched in collaboration with Lily Cole. Celebrating The Body Shop Against Animal Testing ethos, Cruelty Free Make-Up contains no animal products and hasn’t ever been tested on animals. With ultra-expressive colours, shimmering looks and super soft giant puffs for perfect application every time, being cruelty-free has never been so glamorous! For more information, please visit: www.thebodyshop.ca

The Giveaway Package will include:

· Pearl Radiance Primer

· Liquid Eyeliner

· Puff on Radiance

· Shimmer Cubes

· 1 Lip & Cheek Dome

· 2 Mini Hi-Shine lip glosses

Must be a Canadian resident & a Spiced Beauty GFC follower to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My 1BodyBar Experience

Sometimes a girl has to get away and just pamper her self. A few weeks ago I did just that. I visited Toronto's only health conscious body bar 1Bodybar for a  facial & manicure.

Lately, I have started to treat myself to getting my nails done every three weeks. I have been to quite a few salons/spa's in my city but overall I have not been impressed. It's not just about quality but the atmosphere plays a big role too. You should go back because you love it not because it's the only decent place in your area.

I would totally go back to 1Bodybar because I generally loved the atmosphere. The people there were totally friendly. The lady doing my manicure and I had an awesome conversation about her Channing Tatum encounter. Hahaha!

 Most of the time when I get a manicure I'm never asked how I would like my nails or given suggestions what would work for me. At 1BodyBar we talked out what shape would go with my nail bed and how to maintain it.

I enjoyed the fact that after my manicure I got to keep my nail file and the hand cream she used on me. Although it's a small gesture, it was great to know that everything used was brand new.

 My "Island" inspired nails for the Summer!

The lady doing my facial was very knowledgeable. I should add the facial was done with all dermalogica products. This is a brand I know and use at home.  The best part was the steaming, massage and blackhead extraction. I will admit the room which I got my facial in was small. I'm adding this a warning, in case small places make you uncomfortable. You can see a picture of the room below.

I would go back to 1BodyBar again if I am in Toronto!

1BodyBar waiting area

Manicure area + Nubar polishes

Are you currently in love with your salon or are you looking for a new one?

Social Butterfly ManeTeeze by T&M Review

Don't you hate the fact that your hair "soaks" up smells like a sponge! Nothing is worse that leaving the house and fearing that everyone smells that curry chicken that your mother just cooked. Haha- I know I can't be the only one who thinks that everyone can smell it.

Now that I'm older, I appreciate a product like Mane teeze.

Mane Teeze by T&M Hair Perfumes aim to freshen your hair, invigorate your spirit and unlock your inner diva at any hour of the day. Delicious scents with a higher concentrate than average perfumes adds a long lasting fresh flavour to your hair for up to 12 hours.

Social Butterfly gives off a sweet vanilla scent. I like the fact that the scent is not over powering. If you don't like vanilla scented products there are two other options: Black Widow & Haut Mess. Haut Mess is actually my favorite because it's chocolate and caramel scented.

In a fashionable 50ml glass bottle, Mane Teeze by T&M Hair Perfumes can conveniently be toted around in your gym bag, purse or clutch.

I like the bottle but I wish that they had a travel- sized option. Recently, I went to a BBQ and got the unfortunate seat beside the BBQ. My hair smelled like hamburgers & chicken! Before I left to go to another venue I lightly misted my hair. Since I had a huge bag, sticking it in there was no problem.

If I had my mini over the shoulder bag, I wouldn't have been able to fit it in there. I could probably transfer some to my mini atomizer.

You have two options to purchase ManeTeeze: Online or at a Blo Blow Dry Bar.


How do you deal with hair "odors" other than washing your hair?

Check out GlossyBox Canada!

My Glossybox Canada Ambassador Kit

Beauty boxes are taking over! The most recent box to enter Canada is GlossyBox. I remember drooling over the UK boxes and awaiting their arrival here.

GlossyBox is similar to other boxes:

• Stay up to date with current trends/discover new brands.
• Free delivery.
• Five exciting product samples each month.

It differs with:

• $15 a month price tag.

Overall, I noticed that this box is the highest priced out there (in Canada) but after looking at what you can get in the box I totally know why.

For example: Full-sized items such as WELLA Ocean Spritz in the June box retails for $16.99 and Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 is $15.99. One item basically covers the price of the box. Consider the other four items a bonus!

The idea of a 6th surprise item in your box is a great deal as well.

If you love trying out new products and you're on a budget, I would recommend this box. I also want to add that you can cancel your GLOSSYBOX subscription at any time within 14 days prior to delivery. I hate putting stuff like that out there but I have had a bad experience with an American box and  it's good to know your opinions. Whether or not you use it..

If you're interested in trying out GLOSSYBOX use my promo code: Glossy29 for 10% off!

Shop Your Stash: MAC Quick Sizzle Lipstick

My makeup Stash is growing rapidly. With the addition of new goodies, it's important not to forget about your older products. I'm going to start highlighting more of my favorite/unique products.

Quick Sizzle hasn't been in my stash for that long but it's the perfect summer color!

I personally gravitate to blue based colors like this cause they look best on my skin tone.

This is my first time trying a fuchsia which is matte. 

I was really nervous at first but it has a slight "creamy" consistency.

Would you wear this color?

Discover The Shopping Channel's Summer Beauty + ebeauty bag!

 It's that time again! The Shopping Channel's Summer Beauty event.  

 Prices have been slashed and it's the perfect time to try something new!

Here are my top three picks:

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner
This luxurious Repairing Conditioner helps undo and prevent breakage.

Now $17.50 from $22.00

Rio Nail UV Gel Nail System
The Rio UV Gel Nail System uses technology normally only available in a salon, to help protect your nail polish for up to 14 days.
Now $49.95 from $99.95

Ojon Damage Reverse Deluxe Shampoo & Conditioner

The Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner Set is ideal for very dry, damaged hair.

Now $97.96 from $122.00

***********************

The Basics: A gorgeous orange cosmetics bag embossed with the eBeauty logo and packed with all the goodies you'll need for fun in the sun. You'll be getting over $150 worth of products for ONLY $30!!


The FAQs:
Boscia Vanilla Blotting Linens: Finely woven blotting linens that help absorb excess oil and control shine without disturbing your makeup application.

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine: A zesty, energizing fragrance that plays sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and sensual geranium.

Lippy Girl Cosmetics Organic Mineral Blush: An all-natural, organic blush that brightens your complexion with a natural-looking flush of colour.

Mèreadesso Tinted Lip Treats: A highly soothing lip balm that serves as a primer and nourishing lip treatment.

NYX Cosmetics Xtreme Lip Gloss: A high-shine, high-impact gloss that conditions lips and moisturizes them with a gorgeous glossy finish.

Nail Tek Mini Swarovski Crystal File: The prettiest nail file you'll ever find, it works to seal and protect edges of nails as you file and shape.

Cargo Lash Activator Mini Mascara: An exceptional mascara that promotes lash vitality and reduces the loss of lashes while giving you big, beautiful lashes.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Airbrushed Bronzer: An oil-absorbing bronzer that leaves skin with an air-brushed effect and a golden, sun-kissed glow.

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer: A lightweight moisturizer that works to hydrate, nourish and firm skin's appearance to give it a healthy, youthful-looking glow.

I'm loving: Batiste Dry shampoo Dark and Deep Brown

I have a love/hate relationship with washing my hair. I love the feeling of clean hair but hate the amount of work that goes into washing it. I know that a lot of people out there can sympathize with me on that.

I gave up going to the salon in January. I love my hairdresser but I think that I want to nurse my hair back to being healthy on my own. Maybe when I get to where I want... hair wise, I will go back.

With that being said, I need to look into alternate ways of making it look its best.

Currently, I am dabbing in dry shampoos. Batiste is one of the most recognized brands:

• Quick & convenient way to get soft, clean and fresh smelling hair
• Adds texture & body for that easy style solution, without water
• Spray directly into dry hair, leave for a few minutes & brush out

I've tried original and it left a slight matte look that I personally wasn't going for. I would recommend it for someone who is blonde or has lighter hair.

Thankfully I did not give up on the brand because they have a dark & deep brown option!

It does everything I want without leaving that matte "cast". I love the fact that it smells great and it's lightweight on my hair.

Lastly, it leaves no residue on dark hair!

I know that this is not an alternative to washing your hair! Don't worry, I'll always go back to good shampoo and water but it's good to know that we have options!