Great Read: The 8-Week Healthy Skin Diet

Summer is coming and skincare is at the top of my list. I recently had the opportunity to check out Karen Fisher's book: The 8-Week Healthy Skin Diet. 
KAREN FISCHER is a former model, award-winning author, and a nutritionist who believes that the skin’s appearance is one of the main indicators of overall health. For the last decade Karen has helped hundreds of patients gain beautiful skin, and has made it her goal to make nutrition and health interesting and accessible to everyone.
About the book:
What is your skin trying to tell you? The recipe for beautiful skin begins in the kitchen, with foods matched to your specific skin problem and type. 
The Healthy Skin Diet is not one-size-fits-all – it’s as unique as you! 
Whatever your skin type, whatever your skin condition, you’ll find all the help you need right here. And whether the health of your skin is just okay or out of control, you can be looking fantastic within eight weeks simply by following this holistic, natural approach.
I loved how the book was broken down into different sections. It also has a lot of variety such as interesting facts, questionnaires, case studies & recipes!
Everyone can gain health benefits from following the Healthy Skin Diet because it is a common-sense diet and lifestyle program designed to fit into your life. Because it’s so flexible and easy to follow, you have no excuse not to complete the eight-week diet. It’s an anti-inflammatory eating program that was originally developed for people with eczema and then was discovered to also be highly effective in treating the following skin conditions: psoriasis, rosacea, dandruff, acne, cellulite, hives, premature aging and wrinkles, dull/sallow complexion, bags under the eyes, pigmentation, dark circles under the eyes, hives and dermatitis/contact dermatitis.
It's really important for me to have a book with a variety of recipes. This book has 100 recipes, I am able to find something that works for me without worrying about breaking out. Some recipes are more complex than others. Here is one of the easier recipes:

Mango Ice
*Mangos are rich in vitamin C and make a great frozen desert*
Makes four servings 
2 Large ripe mangos, sliced
4 tsp ground flax seeds


  1. Divide the mango slices into four small containers and freeze. Before serving, sprinkle with flax seeds.
This book is definitely a good read if you deal with problems such as food intolerances or poor immunity to colds/flus.

You can purchase this book from any local bookstore or from any online retailer (ie: Indigo, Amazon, etc).


Vegan/Cruelty-Free Products: Kiss My Face

Target is finally in Canada! 

For beauty lovers like me, they bring a lot of products to Canada that we don't have access to.
They also carry cruelty-free brands such as Kiss my face!
Kiss My Face all-natural body care company is no newcomer to the recent explosion of green product marketers. The brainchild of two long-time vegetarians searching for healthy body care products, Kiss My Face was founded on a 200-acre organic farm in the early 1980's. The latest scientific research combined with the most effective ingredients nature has to offer leaves no room in Kiss My Face products for artificial colors, unnecessary chemical additives, animal ingredients or animal testing. From moisturizers to liquid soaps, shower gels to toothpastes, shaves to deodorants, Kiss My Face has products that are effective and cruelty-free!

I know that some of my readers live a vegan/cruelty-free lifestyle. So products from Kiss My Face would be perfect for you. If I were to describe the products in one word it would be Gentle.

From left to right:

So Refined (Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub) $15.00 CAN
Exfoliate and polish the skin's appearance with natural and organic ingredients. This non-drying, natural humectant gently exfoliates and purifies skin by removing dirt with organic jojoba beads and other natural and organic herbs and plant oils. Helps skin look visibly younger and refreshed.
I personally would call this product more of a cleanser than a scrub because the beads are really small. I prefer larger particles in my scrubs.


Eye Witness (Eye Repair Creme) $19.00 CAN
Reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness with potent natural and organic ingredients. Smooth the appearance of wrinkles and moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. Natural and organic oils and butters leave skin looking hydrated and rejuvenated.
The eye cream was pretty lightweight. Since I don't any issues with my under eye area, I don't reach for eye creams as much as I should. It's probably better to start now to prevent any problems later. 


Clean For A Day (Creamy Face Cleanser) $19.00 CAN
Cleanse, hydrate and remove makeup with our natural botanical cleanser. This soap-free, non-drying formula uses natural cleansing agents from sugar and corn to remove dirt and debris. Rich in natural and certified organic ingredients, the soothing scent of vanilla and tangerine will heighten your senses.
Out of the three products, my favourite would be the Creamy face cleanser. Since it's a soap free product, I found it quite hydrating. Plus it had a pleasant scent.

Their products are also:
  • Biodegradable
  • Gluten-Free
  • Paraben-Free
  • SLS-Free
  • Pthalate-Free
  • Vegan Friendly
  • No Animal testing
  • No Artificial fragrances 


Have you tried Kiss My Face products before?




YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Color 12 Forbidden Burgundy

This weather is really getting the best of me. I WAS getting better now I'm back to being sick. Thankfully it's not the flu this time. I have soo many products to showcase but I know my health comes first.

How do you all feel about high-end lipsticks?

Personally, I'm the type of person who really doesn't care about price. I can use a $2.00 lipstick or a $40.00 one. It doesn't matter to me as long as it does the job. I was really interested in trying the YSL ROUGE VOLUPTÉ line after seeing all the buzz on twitter. On one of my Murale trips, I swatched YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in “Color 12 Forbidden Burgundy”($34.00 CAN) and I had to take it home!

I love how creamy and pigmented the formula is!

Now, I want to go back and get more colours! 
Do you have a favourite YSL lipstick?

Current Obsession: Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volumizing Mousse

I remember when I got my first can of mousse in grade 7 after a friend raved how slick it made her ponytail without the stiffness of gel. My first experience was horrid. It was sticky and it did not gave me the desired look I wanted. I vowed never to use it again. Fast forward 10+ years to the Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volumizing Mousse ($10.99 CAN).
Extra whipped for extra volume! This ultra-light, airy Mousse lifts each strand for fuller, voluminous styles that move naturally. Whether wearing hair straight, wavy or curly it creates fuller, bouncier styles with extra hydration, shine and flexible hold.
I know I should be using it to voluminize or define my curls but I love using it to make slick ponytails. I personally think the biggest selling point is the formula. It does not leave a residue on your hair or hands. Plus the addition of Argan Oil and Keratin does amazing things for your hair. I should also mention it's sulfate free!

If you plan on using this product to increase volume. Try this:
Shake can well. Apply evenly to damp hair and style. Let dry naturally or blow dry with hair flipped upside down to build fullness. If desired, scrunch while drying hair to work up wave or curl.


If you this product in store, Pick it up asap!

Do you use mousse in your hair?



Real Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Testimonials

Remember the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy 7 Day Challenge. Back in February, I gave Spiced Beauty readers have the opportunity to try out clear scalp & hair therapy shampoo and condition for their feedback. 

I contacted a few readers back to get their input.
Check out what they had to say below!
User submitted photo from Esther

Just for reference, my hair is rather on the fine side, straight, and I dye it about 4 times a year.
The shampoo smells a little heavy (reminds me of Pantene), but I like it. The conditioner was a little too heavy for my fine hair. However, for the record I normally skip conditioner in my regular routine because of this issue, so I wasn’t too surprised that Clear would not be an exception to this. When I used the shampoo without the conditioner, I liked that I didn’t feel like it left a residue behind. -Esther  

I tried the Damage and Colour Repair shampoo and conditioner set. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a pleasant smell that lingers on the hair even when the hair dries. The shampoo lathers up nicely and I felt that I really got my scalp and hair clean. The conditioner is a nice consistency, not too thick and not too thin. Both shampoo and conditioner rinse easily from the hair. As my hair began to air dry I noticed how lightweight my hair felt. It was not weighed down like other products make my hair feel. My scalp felt nourished and perfectly moisturized. My sister actually commented on my hair saying how nice it looked and wondered if I had used a flat iron! I had just let my hair dry naturally but these products left my hair soft, smooth and sleek looking. Overall, I am very impressed with the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy products and will continue to use them. -Amy

I'm a little unsure how I feel about the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy. Let me start off by saying I have a courser hair type. I do think it kept my scalp clean but I don't think it would be a product I would use in the colder months. The products smell amazing but I think I would use the conditioner more than the shampoo. - Rina

I was recently lucky enough to have the opportunity to test out Clear Damage and Colour repair shampoo and conditioner. I have abused my hair for a long time with highlights every few months and using the straightening iron on it every day. Doing this damages my hair and also makes it very dry and brittle. Trying Clear was a godsend!!!! After using it for three weeks I have noticed a major difference in the quality of my hair. It looks healthier; feels stronger, is noticeably shinier and my recently coloured hair has not faded at all. I am totally loving this line of products and I am hooked. It is definitely going to be my shampoo and conditioner of choice from now on. Thank you Clear and Spiced Beauty for the chance to try it out. -Belina

For a while now I have dealing with dry scalp and lot of dandruff maybe because I have not been taking care of my scalp like i should. I took The Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy 7 Day Challenge and I love it . My scalp is a lot more moisturize now and the conditioner left my hair soft. Oh one more thing the products smell Yummy !!!! - Assa

Canadians: Shu Uemura new online store + Giveaway

As a Canadian, it's always a good feeling to be able to shop from the comfort of your own home.
Have you heard that Shu Uemura just launched their new online store in Canada?

Blending nature, science and art together with the founder’s pioneer spirit, the shu uemura and Shu Uemura Art of Hair brands encompass cutting-edge make-up, high-performing hairstyling and skin care products, and a range of elegant and effective professional quality tools. With their entire range now available online at www.shuuemura.ca, these brands, beloved by professionals and consumers alike, now provide all Canadians a portal to the world of the legendary Japanese make-up artist and beauty pioneer, and a gateway to revealing every woman’s unique beauty.


To celebrate one Spiced Beauty reader will win a $100 worth of their desired products from shuuemura. 

How to win:
Fill out the rafflecopter widget below and the URL of your
 favourite product from the Shu Uemura website in the comment section below.

Try your luck and enter to win a $500 gift card by creating your wish list on Shu Uemura website.

Can't wait to shop? Try my special promocode SHUBLOG which will give you a $10.00 gift
card on Shu Uemura website at checkout! (offer valid on purchase of $50 or more).

Ends April 30 at midnight.
*I am an ambassadors for this launch- I am being compensated with product for this post*

Limited-Edition Mary Kay® Lip Lacquer Pink Pagoda

I've been getting sick on and off lately- so I apologize for my lack of posts.
I'm currently shopping my makeup stash. You wouldn't believe how many products you can find just by looking through your traincases and drawers. It's insane.

I will be doing a new series on my blog where I highlight products I own in effort to use/fall in-love with them again. I hope these short posts will inspire you to go through your own stashes or find/use similar products that you own!

This week I was looking for spring colours to add to my beauty regime. During my search, I remembered I had this gorgeous Limited-Edition Mary Kay® Lip Lacquer called Pink Pagoda ( $18.00 CAN).


This lightweight formula glides on for a jelly finish that feels extremely moisturizing and smooth. The intense, stay-true colour has a superglossy finish that’s so on-trend.
I love how bright the pink is. The colour you see in the jar is literally the colour you get when applied to the lips. I have pigmented lips- so I like the fact that it shows up vividly. It also came with a retractable lip brush! 

Do you own a colour like this?