Theorie Flat Irons come to Canada!

I've been on the flat-iron hunt for a while. I never have good luck with them. The latest one fell apart in my hands as I was straightening my hair...sad. I had to opportunity to try out a professional brand called Theorie who has just entered the Canadian market.

At Theorie, groundbreaking products are never inspired by imitation - they're inspired by relentless passion, creative vision and the pursuit of excellence. More than any other trait, innovation defines the heart of our brand. You'll see it in our products. You'll see it in our packaging. You'll see it in everything we do. 

When you think of the amount of money I've invested in to flat-irons over the years, I should have just put money towards on a good one. I was sent the Saga 1' flat iron ( SRP as low as $150 CDN) in purple. It comes in various other colours as well.

This is luxury and craftsmanship. It came with a very durable pouch, sleeve and a heat resistant cord! I've burnt a few cords in my time-so having a casing is amazing.

The case and sleeve are also great for traveling.

Features:

• The flat iron comes with 100% solid titanium plates and can be cleaned easily.

Do you know how nice it is to be able to straighten your hair and not have to worry about it getting caught in-between the plates! To clean- I just take a slightly damp cloth and wipe the plates after they cool down.

• Clear digital display with adjustable temperature 310°F – 450°F.

I'm so use to using dials on flat-irons but digital is really easy to read. I don't have to worry about what to do if my finger slipped and I burnt my hair... Don't laugh. It's possible. You can pick a temperature which works with your hair and lock it. Pretty smart idea.

• Non slip grip and sleek design.

Very important when heat protectant serums are involved. I usually get it all over the flat-iron but it didn't fall out of my hands...which has happened in the past.

Here is a picture of my hair which was flat ironed on a low setting not to burn my hair.

I also had clips-in which flat-ironed pretty smoothly as well.

Overall, I'm pretty embarrassed that it took me awhile to use a high quality flat-iron.

It's easier for me to put it at a lower temperature to get the look I want, than to use a cheap flat-iron and put it all the way up. So much healthier for my fair.

You can find Theorie flat-irons in Canada at West Coast Beauty, Passion Beauty Supply, 

Metro Beauty Supply, and Capilex Beauté.

IMATS Toronto 2013 (Image Heavy)

Another IMATS Toronto has come and gone. This year was a little different for me. Oddly, I feel that I have everything I needed. With the wedding coming up, I'm limiting my spending.

IMATS something that you must go to. Especially, when the event was at The Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Just a GO Train away! 

I usually go to IMATS see new products coming out, watch the seminars and see special FX makeup. My list was super small. I know.. all I wanted was  A solid soap for my brushes.. YUP! that's it.

Since my list was so small, I went a little later than usual. 

Check out images from that day:

Last shot was instagrammed after the art was done.

Doesn't it look amazing!

Did you go to IMATS?

Holiday Wants: Sephora Collection- Brush Sets + Glitter Clutch

You can never go wrong with giving/getting brushes as a Christmas gift! 

My brushes always go missing... so extras are always welcome. 

This year, Sephora has some great brush sets! 

What girl could say no to glitter & rainbow shimmer handles.

Eyes + Face

What is it:
Holiday Light Show Brush Set

Price:
$82.00 CDN
($192 CAN value)

What does it come with:

- Black acrylic stand
- Powder brush
- Foundation brush
- Face contour brush
- Crease brush
- Shadow brush
- Slanted eyeliner brush

Why would I want it:
I love the unique rainbow shimmer handles. If you have a problem finding brushes having a stand is very helpful. Once you use it, you put it right back. Pretty easy.

Where can I get it:
Sephora online & in-store

Eyes

What is it:
Starry-Eyed Brush Trio

Price:
$29.00 CDN

What does it come with:

- All over shadow brush
- Crease brush
- Angled liner brush

Why would I want it:
These are three essential brushes that every girl should have in her collection.
They are constructed well (especially the angled brush liner) and the glitter handles are fun.

Where can I get it:
Sephora online & in-store

Face

What is it:
Two Of A Kind Complexion Brush Duo

Price:
$29.00 CDN

What does it come with:

- Powder brush
- Tapered foundation brush

Why would I want it:
I'd just get the kit for the tapered foundation brush! It's so nice and soft.
This kit is the best of both world because you can use it with powder and liquid products.
Again the glitter handles are a fun bonus.

Since the two other kits don't come with a stand or case, 

why not store your brushes in the Arm Candy Clutch if you're on the go?

What is it:
Arm Candy Clutch - Glitter Confetti
Price:
$19.00 CDN

Why would I want it:

Glitter. Glitter & more glitter. I see the theme Sephora has going on. Love this clutch and might even wear it on a night out. Sooo fun! **I should add when you get it to rub your hands over it to get all the loose glitter off. Once you do that- you should have no issues!**

Blush for Dark/Deep skin tones?

I have noticed, getting some ladies who are dark/deep skin tones to wear blush is difficult. I will admit it, a lot of us have had a bad experience with blush (or know/seen someone who didn't do it right). What a lot of people don't know is that blush can be the missing piece to putting a look together.

Dark/Deeper skin toned girls, whenever your lost picking a blush just go for oranges and fuchsias. 

For Spring/Summer, opt for a powder blushes.
For Winter/Fall, opt for cream/gel blushes. I used E.l.f. Studio HD Blush in Encore and I'm very happy with the pay off. I bought this one at IMATS.

Do you have a favourite blush at the moment?

Wedding: The Guest List + Tips

Remember it's your day! Do what you want.

This is a motto that I need to get tattooed on my arm for the next 18 months.

I will admit. There hasn't been much of an update since my last post (wedding wise).

We know that gift we want to give our guests! Haha.

Speaking of guests... One thing that is haunting me is the list. Those final numbers are critical.

One of the first things we did, once we got engaged was start our guest list.

I have collected some good advice in the past few months. 

I thought it would be a good idea to share with someone who may have the same questions.

Kids or no Kids?
We chose to go with no kids.
My (future) sister-law had kids at her wedding a few cried the whole reception.
Which was heard on her wedding video during the speeches.
If you have extra money- rent another room just for the kids.
Don't forget entertainment for them as well.

John who???
I will not have this problem on my side but in-laws adding everyone YOU DON'T KNOW to your list.
Pass! That's more money coming from your pockets.

Single friends + 1
This is one that can be debated for hours.
Think about it.. Say you invited someone you met in one of your college courses and she doesn't know anyone at the wedding. I think she deserves a plus one.
What if five friends from high school are invited. Do you give them all a +1 or assure them that they're all at the same table. Hmmmm...

We haven't yet gotten into seating arrangements yet but those are some tips to help you get started.

REMEMBER: 

Remember it's your day! Do what you want.

Lush Holidays: Snow Fairy + Christmas Kisses

Lush is definitely a place to be when it's the holiday season.

So many different things to try! I never know where to start!

It's an amazing store for the environmentally conscious shopper.

The items are hand made, natural and they do not test on animals.

I also love how they put stickers with the faces of the person who made it.

Did you know that you can get some of your favourite holiday products boxed and 

wrapped ready for you to put under your tree?

Boyfriends, husbands, fiances, brothers, fathers and uncles!

Did you read that I just wrote?!

Here are two are my favourites this season.

SNOW FAIRY - BOX

$22.95 CAN

Contents:
Angels Delight 70g
A divinely fruity blend of tangerine and orange oils.
Snow Fairy Shower Gel 100ml
An enchanted blend of cotton candy fragrance and silver luster.
Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar 30g
Glitter bar for glowing skin.

Snow Fairy shower gel is one of those scents that you need to stock up on because it's only around the Christmas season. It smells like candy cotton! Along with Snow Fairy comes Angel's Delight soap! Also a Shimmy Shimmy glitter bar. 

CHRISTMAS KISSES

$22.95 CAN

Contents:
Chou Chou... I Love You Toothy Tab 12g
Chou Chou this new Toothy Tab for a sparkling smile.
Santa Baby Lip Tint 8g
Cola-flavored deep red lip tint.
Santa's Lip Scrub 25g
Our new cola-flavored lip scrub for soft, kissable Christmas lips.

It's very important to have soft, healthy lips. Especially, this Christmas! You never know when mistletoe is going to magically appear. Start off by brushing up with Chou Chou... I Love You Toothy Tabs. Then exfoliating cola flavoured Santa's Lip Scrub. Finish up with Santa Baby lip tint.

L’oreal Voluminous Power Collagen mascara

L’oreal claims its Voluminous Power Collagen mascara delivers Volume like never before, dramatic volume that lasts 24 hours. They also claim the volume-building formula delivers up to 15X lash impact.

I was pretty excited to try this mascara as I happen to really like L’oreal mascaras for the most part and volume is the name of the game with my lashes.

I need to be honest here. The first time I used this mascara, I wasn't sure what to think. There is something that makes this mascara thick and wet but not liquid in texture. It’s almost got an elastic quality to it. Which makes sense since the word collagen is in the name. I am all about really testing a product though so I put it through its paces and in the end it turns out I really do like this mascara.
On first swipe of this mascara you may not get a lot of volume, you will probably go back for a 2nd coat, heck maybe even a 3rd. (I always encourage the second mascara coat, actually if truth be told I encourage layering all kinds of mascaras) Once you have added another layer or two you will finally see the volume this mascara is talking about.

I tend to like L’oreal mascaras because they separate and add thickness and this mascara does both of those things. I cant speak to the 24 hour claim but I can say after a good 12 hours of wear incorporating staring at a computer, commuting and standing in front of a hot stove my mascara stayed in place. I also can speak to the 15X lash impact all I know is that my lashes looked way more voluminous after the application and that’s something I can get behind. All in all once I got used to the texture of this mascara I enjoyed it and will definitely keep using it.

You can buy it here:
Canada
USA