Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot

When you go on vacation you can only bring a selected amount of items in your suitcase. I only had 45 pound allowance. One thing I left out was most of my skin care. I made sure to bring makeup wipes, cleanser plus a high spf moisturizer. Although I was only gone for seven days when I came back one side of my face was a mess. It was the perfect time to use my Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot treatment ($21.00 CDN).

Its advanced formula with hyaluronic acid creates an invisible "bandage effect" on the surface to protect against external agents. Salicylic acid and LHA, recognised dermatological ingredients, act at the source of the imperfections.

The consistency is a gel. I have been using it consistently on and off for two weeks and I really like the quick results. It's non-comedogenic and it does not irritate my sensitive skin.
When my blemishes dries up there is no dark marks after.

Apply directly on the imperfections in the morning and at night on cleansed skin or on top of your moisturizer. If you want to apply makeup on top, wait a few minutes until the skin surface is dry.

Products for good: Clinque, Avon + The Body Shop

Here are some possible holiday gifts that give back!

Clinque

Happy Hearts Fund is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope in the lives of children after natural disasters.

The HHF was founded by model and philanthropist Petra Nemcova in 2006.

The Facts:

• HHF has worked in 14 countries.
• Rebuilt over 70 schools. 
• Benefited more than 40,000 children and 337,000 community members.

So far Clinique has donated $250,000.

Happy Heart Fragrance $42.00 CAN
$10 from sale goes to HHF
Nail Enamel in Happy <3 $14.00 CAN
$3 from all sales goes to HHF

Avon

Start Something Rhinestone Bracelet $20.00 CAN

The Start SomethingTM USB Key Bracelet helps to being awareness and empower young women to speak out against bullying and domestic violence.

• 1 GB USB key
• Rhinestone casing on a silicone strap with a buckle closure.

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of each bracelet will benefit equally the Canadian Women's Foundation and Big Sisters mentoring programs across Canada.

The Body Shop

THE JOYFUL GINGERBREAD HOUSE

$20.00 CAN

Give joy with a selection of festive favorites in a delightful gingerbread schoolhouse box. By buying this or any other gift, youre supporting our project to give children around the world better access to an education for a brighter, happier future.

Inside:
Cranberry Shower Gel 60ml
Gingerbread Shower Gel 60ml
Cranberry Body Butter 50ml
Gingerbread Body Butter 50ml
Mini Crinkle Lily – Cream

Did CND Vinylux polishes live up to the hype?

I have seen some of my fellow beauty bloggers trying out the CND Vinylux polishes recently and I was excited to get my hands on the line.

I'm a huge fan of CND shellac polishes. We all know how popular they are in the nail salons. 

I expected the same thing out of the Vinylux line. 

My biggest attraction to the polishes is the fact that they come off like regular polish.

I got the 7 piece The Forbidden mini collection from nailpolishcanada.

Colours:
Blue Rapture, Night Glimmer, Burnt Romance, Steel Gaze, Dark Dahlia and Tinted Love.

When applied with CND Vinylux Topcoat, Vinylux shades lasts for a week on the nails. Vinylux is a simple two step process that requires no base coat and is applied like regular polish. First, apply 2 layers of colour then apply Vinylux Topcoat. With natural light exposure the Vinylux Topcoat gets more durable resulting in a week long manicure.

Formula/consistency.
It's beautiful! So creamy and vibrant.
If I had to score it on just formula, It would get a 10!

Wear
This is where I get baffled. I did everything the bottle said.
Some nails would stay almost chip-free and others would look horrid after day 3.
I have no idea what happened.

I'm still on the fence about this product. 

Has anyone else had the same issue with the CND Vinylux polishes?

Is there a technique that I should be using?

Destination Wedding or Not?

Most people who get engaged in 2013, are probably going to get married in 2014. Not me! I'm one of the few who is going to opt for some time in the middle of 2015. Why? I just want some time to get dress ready and take some courses to further my career. My fiancé is totally okay with that.

My favourite shot from Jamaica.

Question on my mind is destination wedding 

or not?

On my wedding day, I personally don't see myself on a beach. 

After looking at the costs of getting married locally it's definitely a SLIGHT possibility.

Let me lay out the pros/cons:

Pros of destination

• When you book a week at the resort the ceremony is usually free
• People who decide to come- get a group rate which is much cheaper
• Combo of a wedding/honeymoon in one
• Wedding will be small and intimate
• You save a lot of money

Cons

• A lot of people won't come
• I feel like I'll sweat too much ( I know.. don't ask)
• What if I forget something really important!! You can't get someone to get it when you're on a Island!!
• What if I get sick?
• I'm a control freak- I can't control the planning when everything is going on so far away. 

All of these are valid points. 

I have no idea what to decide but I hopefully will have an answer by the end of December.

What do you guys think? 

Destination Wedding or Not?

The Body Shop: Ginger is Back for the Holidays

I love going in The Body Shop and seeing the transformation of the store into Holiday mode. It's so fun, inviting and smells amazing!

Once of my favourite Christmas scents will always be ginger. The Body Shop has a new scent for you to Fall in love with called Ginger Sparkle.

This is a limited edition scent created just for the holidays.

If you're a ginger fiend like me there are 11 items that you can get from The Body Shop. Prices range from as low as $4.00 to $15.00 CAN:

• Ginger Sparkle Body Butter
• Ginger Sparkle Body Polish
• Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream
• Ginger Sparkle Hand Lotion
• Ginger Sparkle Hand Wash
• Ginger Sparkle Heart Soap
• Ginger Sparkle Home Fragrance Oil
• Ginger Sparkle Lip Butter
• Ginger Sparkle Reed Diffuser
• Ginger Sparkle Shimmer Lotion
• Ginger Sparkle Shower Gel

Will you be adding this to your Christmas list?

Favourite Fall Nail Colour?

Fall nails can range from neutrals to the deepest plums/blacks.

With that being said, I personally find that deeper tones look really nice on my skin tone.

Currently, I've been trying out CND Vinylux Weekly Polish. 

Not sure how I feel about the line yet but this deep blacken plum is gorgeous!

What is your favourite Fall nail colour?

Thierry Mugler Angel Enchanting Bear for Sick Kids

From November and during the Holidays, $2 from each teddy bear sold at the Thierry Mugler Perfumes counter at Hudson’s Bay stores will be donated to the HBC Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians through programs that reflect distinct Canadian values. The Funds raised through this program will benefit a Canadian children’s charity.

Angel Bears for SickKids Foundation
Thierry Mugler will also give Angel Enchanting Bears to SickKids Foundation for two activities. The teddy bears will first be given to the hospital nurses during “Perioperative Nurse’s Week” to acknowledge their work with the children. During the month of December, SickKids will be handing out holiday gift bags with Angel Bear included to families with sick children in the hospital over the holidays.

An Angel Perfume Refill with a $25 Teddy Bear Purchase
In addition to the $2 donation to the HBC Foundation, the purchase includes a complimentary Angel EDP 5ml refill at the Thierry Mugler counter - a value of $15. Angel bears will be sold exclusively at Hudson’s Bay for $25, with a purchase of $50 or more on anything in the store.