NEW Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale- Beauty Department


Have you had the time to take a visit to Hudson's Bay in Yorkdale?

They have done a revamp and it's now a beauty lovers paradise! 
I'm serious! It's absolutely gorgeous.


Back in October, I had the opportunity to get a very intimate and exclusive tour of the new space with some fellow Toronto Beauty Bloggers.  First thing, I noticed is how luxurious, inviting and interactive the counters are. Most of the counters you can go in there get assistance and swatch products. Can you believe the total square footage of the cosmetics floor at Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale is 23,300?! 

Here are a few images & highlights from the department.

Thierry Mugler 

MAC Cosmetics

Bobbi Brown

Illamaqua

Anna Sui

Shiseido

Gucci


I think Hudson's Bay did a great job on the revamp!
I would suggest you visit them at Yorkdale, when you start your holiday shopping.
You're in for a treat!

Hourglass Cosmetics: Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil & Femme Nude Lip Stylo

Hourglass Cosmetics state that they exist at the revolutionary intersection of science, beauty and luxury. They are a cruelty-free brand that for the most part produces products without parabens, gluten and animal-derived ingredients (I say for the most part as these three things do depend on the product you purchase BUT Hourglass does list their “free of” ingredients on their website).

I’ve tried a few hourglass products in the past but this post is going to be dedicated towards the Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil – Soft Brunette and the Femme Nude Lip Stylo – Nude No. 6.


Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil – Soft Brunette
Free of: sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, fragrance and vegan friendly.

I really enjoyed this brow pencil. It combines both powder and soft wax to create a natural fuller brow. This brow pencil is more of a flat triangle shape in an automatic casing, which means no need to sharpen, and it can be twisted down back into the casing for easy travel. There is also a concealed spoolie on the end of the pencil.
I happen to have very light brown eyebrows; I would almost call them taupe (the grayscale end of taupe at that). They require a light brown hue but one that casts a bit green. This is a very hard colour to find. Normally I just use a separate powder and wax or if I am lucky there is a Lise Watier brow pencil but it’s not always easy to find and chances are outside of Canada you wont find it. This is where Hourglass is amazing its accessible. It only comes in 3 shades (blonde, soft brunette and dark brunette), which is a bit of a let down as there are far more shades that could be utilized by consumers. That being said if you fall into the category of the 3 shades mentioned you should really try this product out. I can actually admit that this product has become my new Holy Grail eyebrow pencil!

Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo – Nude No. 6
Free of: Nothing was listed on their website for this product.

I have a love/hate relationship with nude lips. I so very much want to be able to wear a nude product but I happen to have very pigmented lips that are more mauve/berry in colour so I end up looking like I applied concealer to my lips or like I’m just wearing a pink lipstick. The nude lip style in #6 though being the darkest shade is actually the best shade for my lips.

The femme nude lip stylo is a full-coverage formula with a satin finish. It comes in 6 shades:
Nude No. 1 – a pale pink nude (lightest)
Nude No. 2 – a honey beige nude with a warm tint
Nude No. 3 – a medium rose nude, with a hint of pink
Nude No. 4 – a pink beige nude, with a touch of deep rose
Nude No. 5 – a golden peach nude with luminosity
Nude No. 6 – a mauve nude (deepest)

This lip stylo is creamy and soft but with minimal staying power. You are going to want to pack this in your purse cause you only get about an hour or 2 of wear. That’s perfectly fine though cause the packaging is so upper crust that you will want to take this out of your handbag and show it off a little.

The stylo is scentless and yet it reminds me of what lipstick used to smell like. Hear me out on this; do you remember being a child and how when your Mom gave you a kiss her lipstick had this certain fancy vintage lipstick smell? Well that’s what this lip stylo smells like. I really enjoy this product and I think others will too. I’ve even added this to my Christmas shopping list. Don’t tell her but I’m 100% certain My Mom is getting this in her stocking.

Head to your local Sephora and take a gander of these beautiful gems.


Canadians: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil Rosehip

Last month, while on vacation- I got a horrible scratch on my back. Which healed quickly but left a scar. I totally thought nothing about it until I started to look through wedding magazines  I seen some cute backless dresses but all I could think about was that damn scar.

Yes... I can add concealer and set it with powder and it won't budge but what about long term?

I'm going to start a regime using Palmer's new Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil, Rosehip.
Advanced multi-purpose skin perfection product that can be used all over the body and face. This preservative-free, phthalate free, lightweight formula contains an exclusive blend of key ingredients formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry, damaged skin, uneven skin tone, aging skin and fine lines and wrinkles. 
One of the key ingredients Rosehip oil- is an essential oil with 80% fatty acid and a high vitamin c content. Perfect for aging skin or scars.

Key reasons I am using it is:
  • It smells pleasant.
  • Very Light-weight (I can apply it. Then put on a shirt and it doesn't leave marks.)
  • Affordable at $9.99 CDN when I need to refill.
  • There is a pump! 
To see maximum results the bottle states that you have to "Gently massage it into affected area 3 times daily or as often as needed". I have a horrible memory when it comes to stuff like that. I wonder if I can handle- Morning-Once home from work-Before bed?

Quick & Easy Halloween Look

In my final year of college, I did a PSA. Since it was a individual project and I didn't have a makeup artist. I decided to do my own “special effects” makeup. Using my mama's red lipstick, broken black shadow,  I made do!

Here is a recreation of the look:

1. Blend out red lipstick on you face in the areas that you want to look "bruised". I used Annabelle Cosmetics retractable lipstick crayon in “Flirtini”.

2. Dab a matte black eyeshadow over the lipstick lightly.Avon “Wrapped in Velvet” eyeshadow palette has a great matte black.

3. OPTIONAL* We need blood! Get a deep plum gloss and apply to areas that need an extra ooph!  I used Burt Bee’s Lip Shine in “Smooth”

Is this a look that you would try?

Currently Obsessed- SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque

Is anyone as surprised how quick the weather changed in Canada?
It's insane! I haven't even had time to find my boots yet.

Sudden change in weather is always evident in your skin.
Right now, one product really impressed me.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque SRP $64.00
Inspired by the award-winning Hydrating B5 Gel, this highly concentrated masque infuses dehydrated and stressed skin with optimal amounts of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to replenish depleted moisture levels.
One of the key ingredients in it is of course vitamin B5. B5 is an essential vitamin for healthy skin. Definitely, one that you need to add to your diet!

I took a quarter sized amount and put in all over my face.
Waited 10-15 minutes then rubbed it into my skin.

Instant hydration

I should also add that this product has hyaluronic acid. This acid when used on you skin over time will make it appear smooth and youthful. Another bonus!

Have you tried any great masks lately?

WORLD MASTERCARD® FASHION WEEK- Backstage

Another Fashion Week has come and gone. Being that I don't live in the core of Toronto. I opted in for only one day of festivities. I attended the first day and had a lot of fun! My favourite part was spending time with blogger friends, meeting people, amazing PR peeps and checking out new products.

DAVID DIXON S/S14

Products needed:
Fashion Work 12 
Shine Flash 02 

How-to:
  1. Apply Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine through out the hair.
  2. Blow dry hair all the way back.
  3. Make a centre part- then gather hair for a log ponytail.
  4. Wrap ponytail with hair.


My first time seeing the Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational and NEW Maybelline Colossal Smokey Eyes Mascara in action! Add these products to your list ASAP!

Photo Credit: Jake Rosenberg, The Coveteur

BEAUTFILLE

“This look is all about that super cool girl with flawless skin and bold brows. She puts her makeup on in the morning and doesn’t fuss with it at all throughout the day and night.” - Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist, Maybelline New York Canada

Products used:
Maybelline New York EyeStudio Master Smoky LongWearing Shadow Pencil in Scorching Brown along the lash line and up into the crease.


Products needed:
Loose Endings 09
Control Addict 28
Shine Flash 02

How-to:
  1. Mist hair with water.
  2. Add quarter size amount of Loose Endings 09 through the hair- pushing it away from your face.
  3. Spray Control Addict 28 for hold, and Shine Flash 02 to give a shinier wet look.

Redken’s NEW Signature Look collection 

Guess What?!?

If you follow me on twitter or IG, you may already know but I'm engaged.

This whole process is totally new!

I'm blessed to have parents that have been married over 30 years!
But... I wasn't born when they got married.

Plus I don't have older brothers and sisters.

I'm starting literally from the bottom-
Canadian Wedding or Destination Wedding?!
I have NO idea!

I did skip the engagement party for a week long vacation in Jamaica. Totally worth it. Hahah!

I just wanted to let you all know that I may be sharing my some experience here on the blog.
Not the dress- because my fiancé reads my blog.

Probably stuff about venue scouting, bridemaid dresses, food and decoration.

If you have any tips or words of advice- please leave it below!