Holiday Want: White Musk Smoky Rose Spritz Duo Gift Set

Here is another great gift idea that costs under $30 with tax!
White Musk Smoky Rose Spritz Duo Gift Set from The Body Shop.

Lately I've been noticing that a lot of people HATE wrapping gifts.. which is crazy to me because I love it!

For example: My fiancé will not come near wrapping paper. His method is a gift bag and tissue paper on top. For individuals like him, these posts are for you. Nice and easy gift giving!

What is it:
White Musk Smoky Rose Spritz Duo Gift Set
Uniting a mix of notes including musk, black smoky rose and tobacco flower.

Price:
$25.00 CDN

What does it come with:
Cute reusable pink heart shaped metal case
White Musk Smoky Rose Eau de Toilette 60ml
White Musk Smoky Rose Body Mist 100ml

Why would I want it:

It's the irresistible scent of musk with the mix of smoky rose. Perfect evening scent for a night out.

Where can I get it:
The Body Shop online & in-store

Maybelline Volum’Express The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara (Guest Post)

Maybelline Volum’Express The Colossal Cat eyes claims, “Colossal lashes go fully feline in one stroke”. Lush collagen formula and claw brush fill out lashes up to 8x the volume with fabulous cat-like corners, instantly. It’s wild.

The mascara is available in a washable and waterproof formula and is available in one colour Glam Black.

I tried the washable formula and I have to say that it has some great staying power. I find certain mascaras will flake or transfer on my oily eyelids but this mascara didn’t do any of those things. The curved brush was something I wasn’t used to at first but after a few days of use I got the hang of it and it really does give the cat like effect that it claims.

This mascara logically should create a ton of volume, as it’s apart of the Volum’Express line. I will say it creates volume as for 8x the volume I’m not sure I buy that and while we are on the topic where do cosmetic companies come up with the whole amount of volume they claim? Just double the volume is enough. I guess I could some how measure my lashes before and then after but I think we all know I won’t be doing that.

I’ve tried the regular Colossal mascara before and I would say it gives more volume that the Cat Eyes edition. I will say that the Cat Eyes edition gives a bit of volume more so I found it to be a lengthening mascara.

I really enjoyed using the Maybelline Volum’Express The Colossal Cat Eyes mascara. If you happen to be a person who has unruly eyelashes that decided to go every which way and a normal mascara brush just cant accommodate how much your eyelashes are here to party (think about Elaine from Seinfeld dancing) I would say you are really going to enjoy this mascara the curve of the brush is going to hit every lash no matter which direction its pointing in.

Maybelline is pretty universal in where its sold so you should be able to get this mascara at a drugstore or the high street.

MaskerAIDE to the rescue!

One of the most relaxing things you can do after a stressful day is treat yourself to a beauty mask.
They infuse moisture and vitamins into your skin to keep it looking its best. 

If you're not one for messy homemade masks, try out a fun sheet mask like Maskeraide ($4.99)!

MaskerAide is a unique line of super hydrating facial sheet masks that 

compliment any skin care routine and the most fabulous of lifestyles.

Maskeraide is actually formulated in Canada! They contain great ingredients such as: 

• Natural Geranium Oil
• Seaweed
• Green Tea Leaf Extracts
• Argan Oil
• Aloe
• Heartleaf (a powerful detoxifier)
• Honey
• Cactus Extracts
• Ylang-Ylang Oil,
• Vitamin E
• Hydrolyzed Collagen
• Elastin

How-to:

1. To prepare face for your at home facial, start by cleansing and toning your skin.
2. Tear open packet. Gently unfold mask and place on face. Adjust over eyes, nose and mouth for a perfect fit. Rub any excess serum into neck and chest.
3. Relax for 10-20 minutes. Remove mask and discard. Gently pat moisture into skin or give a quick rinse and lightly pat dry.
4. Use once per week. Can be used daily.

I can't fit everything I want to say about MaskerAIDE into one post. So many great benefits in one little package!

Check out the Mary Kay skinvigorate Cleansing Brush

A new skin care gadget is on the market.

It's the Mary Kay® skinvigorate™($60.00 CDN).

I'm all for new skin care innovations which make my life easier. I think I've tried almost every single skin care device on the market but this is quite unique because of it's features.

Features:

• White & pink
• Small (perfect for travelling)
• Two-speed power brush
• Two brush heads in the package

I love it's small size but I think I'm more impressed with the two-speed options. I find that most skin care devices under $100 only come with one speed. That one speed is not suitable for every user. When my skin is overly sensitive using a device with one speed is the worst thing I can do. Now I can use my skinvigorate™on the lowest setting and not worry about anything.

Out of all of the brush heads I've tried, I have to say that these are one of the softest. 

I'd recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin. 

Mary Kay recommends four steps to get great skin this holiday season:

• Remove eye makeup
• Wet face/brush head and apply favourite Mary Kay® cleanser to face
• Turn on speed control to the speed you prefer
• Use gentle motions on cheeks, nose, chin and forehead (approximately 15 seconds per area); avoid eye area

Would you use a skincare device like this?

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!**