Sephora Collection Holiday Gift Guide 2012

We all know that Sephora is the go-to place for beauty, skin care, hair.. etc. Sometimes I walk in and I don't even know where to start! Well I'm going to point you in the right direction.  I've always been a fan of Sephora brand products. They are like the hidden gems of Sephora.

Check out my top 6 picks for Christmas.

Number One:

Glided Trio Brush Set $10.00

• Small powder brush 
• Shadow brush 
• Liner brush.

Add a splash of gleaming gold to your makeup collection with this set of travel-friendly brushes. The dazzling gold handles are easy to hold and the crackle case promises to protect the set while you travel.

Number Two:

Houndstooth Mirror $12.00

A compact mirror adorned with a soft and shimmery houndstooth pattern.

Number Three:
Houndstooth Manicure Set $24.00

Sweet and sassy, this gold manicure kit features a vibrant gold textured case and
contains all the tools you need for flawless nails all season long.

Number Four:
Brush Wand $14.00

• Crease brush 
• Smudge brush
• Eyeliner brush 

This stackable brush set is the perfect all-in-one solution for women on the go. The sleek, stylish component holds four interchangeable brush tips that magnetically snap into the handle for easy,

precise application. Leave your full brush set at home.

Number Five:
Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear Waterproof Set $36.00

• Taupe
• Khaki
• Black
• Purple Glitter
• White Glitter

Use these ultra-pigmented jumbo eye pencils as eyeliner or blend out color in place of eye shadow for a stunning finish. The beautiful, high-payoff shades promise long wear for all-night glamour.

Number Six:
3D Palette $29.00

This limited edition palette features eight highly pigmented eyeshadows in the must- have shades that take you from day to night, all housed in a fashion forward gift box. Use the double-ended brush for precise application and create endless beauty looks. 

Everything here gets the Spiced Beauty seal of approval!

Which item is your favourite?

My Favourites products for Moisturized Skin

I know it's almost the beginning of winter but how is your skin?

Hydrated? Dry? Dull?

Currently my skin is extremely hydrated and ready to tackle the winter season.

Here are the three moisturizers that I can't live without at the moment:

• Vichy Aqualia Thermal 
• Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
• Skinauthority VitaD Fortified Topical Elixir

Day: Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream

Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream locks in moisture and blocks out dryness using a formula with a unique combination of a pure antioxidant fruit water extract and skin conditioning vitamins. Its luxurious, ultra-light texture is a breakthrough in hydration. For 24 hours of refreshing hydration.

I have included pictures of the packaging, content & application for reference. 

I'm obsessed with this product. 

If you're looking for something lightweight that locks in moisture this is it!

Plus it's packed with vitamins and extracts to keep your skin looking it's best.

I've been using this for over two months and would definitely recommend it.

Night: Skinauthority VitaD Fortified Topical Elixir

Multi action, lightweight formula provides a topical dose of Vitamin D and essential nutrients to nourish the skin for firm, bright luminosity.

It's important to keep your skin hydrated even at night time. Did you know that's when all your essential oils in your face is usually sucked out by your cotton sheets/ pillow cases. This elixir is everything you need for your slumer because it has skin nutrients including vitamin D2, D3, A, E, and K. I don't know what vitamin K is but if it's going to continue to make my skin look amazing- I'll take it!

Day: Aqualia Thermal Cream Fortifying & Soothing 24Hr Hydrating Care

Rich Cream for 24 hours of continuous hydration. With Vichy Thermal Water to fortify the skin and Activ Hyaluronine™ to intensely hydrate and leave skin replenished with water.

This is the thickest cream out of the bunch. I use it on the really cold days. I'm lucky that I have a car to get me to and from work weekly. There still is times when I do have to bare the cold and this product is the best to use. It melts into your skin and doesn't leave a greasy residue.


I hope this in depth post helped you choose what to moisturize with this season!

Canadian Pre-Holiday Prep!

I can't believe the holiday's are already here! It seems like yesterday, I was in June and I was celebrating my birthday in Dominican Republic. I really need a vacation *sigh*.. Is it just me or do you feel like in the summer everything is perfect. Perfect skin, hair, body.. my list can go on and on. Now I have to work a little harder to make sure that everything is perfect. As a Canadian Beauty Blogger, I compiled a little list of awesome Canadian products which may help you get prepped for the holidays.

Lise Watier - Beauty in a Flash Kit

This must-have of the holiday season is inspired by the concept of the Advent calendar, where you can find behind each door a "beauty in a flash" solution to get an express beauty makeover. ($42.00)

  BIO LIFT EYE PATCH moisturize and reduce visible signs of fatigue around the eyes.

FLASH LIFT RADIANCE VIALS Quickly erase signs of fatigue, visibly smooth lines and wrinkles, while brightening your complexion. For instant lift and radiance, apply under or over makeup.

VENT DU SUD Blending the sensual, feminine notes of passion flower, jasmine and rose with the warmth of an exotic fruit cocktail and the sweet, hot traces of amber, vanilla and wood-scented musk, Vent du Sud Eau de Toilette is your passport to the exotic.

Elizabeth Grant - Moisturizing Socks

Help soften and hydrate cracked dry heels. These non-slip socks help to keep feet looking soft and moisturized to help repair chapped heels and toes ($29.99).

Look inside these socks!!

Whenever I take them off, my feet are always super soft.
I'll share what product I use with them in another post soon.

Love Fresh -  Body Butter in Pomegranate

This thick, rich formula is packed with Aloe Vera, Chamomile, White Willow bark and Calendula extracts($24.99).

A little bit goes a love way and it smells so good!

******
I should also add this for anyone who is looking for holiday gifts.
The Shopping Channel has several Holiday Specials which is definitely worth checking out.

They also have a payment plan which works on EVERY item.

 What have you been using to prep yourself
for the holidays?

Purolator Shipping Tips for Makeup!

I'm always shipping makeup to other countries. Whether it's for a giveaway or a swap, I want the items to arrive safe and in one piece. I usually ship regular mail but now I'm looking for other shipping options. I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Laurie Weston, National Retail Manager, Purolator Inc about the best way to ship makeup and much more. She gave me a lot of helpful insight that I want to share with you all!

Jenn:
How should I pack my makeup? (box.. parcel..etc)

Laurie:
The best way to package make-up and most women’s all-time favourite - the lipstick - is to ensure it is placed in a small sturdy box with some padding or protective package to minimize movement during delivery.

Here are some other tips you may find useful:

• Avoid using previously used boxes as these can lose their strength over time.
  
• For fragile items, the padding or protective package used should be at least three inches thick.
  
• If you are shipping several items together, wrap and cushion each one separately.
  
• Avoid using wrapping paper to ship a gift as it can get damaged during the delivery cycle. Instead, try durable shipping paper and boxes available at your local Purolator Shipping Centre.
  
• Affix appropriate labels when required: heavy weight, glass and liquid.
  
• A strong seal is essential; always use tape that is designed for shipping such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon or glass reinforced tape. Never use string or elastic bands on the outside of your parcel as it can get caught in our sorting machinery. Seal all box seams with tape and be sure not to leave any open areas which can snag on machinery.

Depending on the amount of make-up you are shipping, I suggest you stop by one of our Purolator Shipping Centres to help you pack it so it’s done right.

Jenn:
What are makeup products that I should not ship?


Laurie:
When it comes to making sure the person on the other end looks and feels glamorous, there are no limits as to what you can ship. As long as it’s packaged properly even the most delicate make-up essentials can travel safely in our system. We’re committed to making sure everyone has the chance to look beautiful!

Jenn:
How to get the best out of my shipping?

Laurie:

Stopping by one our Purolator Shipping Centres is the best solution to getting the personalized service you need; selecting the proper packaging, getting all your questions answered and providing the best solution to your shipping needs is what we do best. Our Shipping Experts are friendly, knowledgeable and ready to assist with even the most unique shipping requirements. Many of our locations are open seven days a week.

Jenn:
How do I ensure that the individual receives my package?

Laurie:
You would want to make sure the shipment is clearly labeled and packaged properly. Retain your Package Identification Number (PIN) for easy tracking of your package. Our shipping system has the ability to email you and the receiver notifications of when the package was shipped and the date and time of delivery. Having peace of mind knowing your shipment is in good hands will leave you with time to focus on the other things on your to-do list that need to get done this holiday season.

Jenn:
Why should I ship with Purolator vs. any other shipping company?

Laurie:
We are committed to making sure all our customers are taken care of and we are committed to getting your packages delivered on time. We believe that customer experience is not just what you say but what you do, and our goal is to get it right the first time. Your package is as important to us as it is to you, we’ll make sure you don’t have to worry once you hand it over. If you have any questions or need assistance, be sure to stop by one of our shipping centres or give us a call at 1-888-SHIP-123. We’re here to help.

Nicole by OPI Modern Family Collection- Bottle Photos

Have you heard that Nicole by OPI is doing a Modern Family Collection?
I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak of the collection at the Toronto Glossy Box Party!

Nicole by OPI, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, launches 14 new nail lacquers inspired by ABC’s award-winning comedy, Modern Family. The nail line features shades created to capture the show’s colorful personalities, from a classic taupe named after family patriarch Jay, to a sparkly pink hue fitting for toddler Lily.

Names of the polishes in the collection:
Am I Making Myself Claire? Make no mistake…I’m liking this lilac.
     I Do De-Claire ! Let me just say how frosty cool this soft rose is!
     She’s Lily Something Pink, sparkly stars…So Daddies’ Little Girl-y!
     A Like-Haley Story… Typical teenagers (and their moms!) will love this not-so-typical fuchsia.
     My Jay or the Highway! This trendy taupe is inflexibly cool. Period.
     Stand by Your Manny Be loyal to this periwinkle blue.
     Alex by the Books Look Smart in this seafoam green.
     Haley Good Lookin’… She’s cookin’ up plans for this pink super-glitter.
     Basking in Gloria This red-violet is the color of passion.
     Luke of the Draw Chances Are you’ll love this gunmetal glitter.
     A Phil’s Paradise No fooling…This pewter is the real deal.
     Candid Cameron Call this teal just like you see it…gorgeous!
     Back in My Gloria Days… This voluptuous violet has still got it goin’ on!
     What’s the Mitch-uation? This cobalt blue demands an update.

I took close up pictures of three of my favourite colors:

Which color is your favourite?

Do you want to see sneak peaks of other 2013 collections?

This collection is available January 2013.