New Spiced Beauty Contributor: Alyssa

I love switching it up and giving other beauty lovers a platform to share what they love. I approached Alyssa a while back to contribute to Spiced Beauty. She's a young- future MUA who definitely knows her stuff. Check out what she has to say about beauty!

Why did you want to contribute to Spiced Beauty?
About a year ago I was on twitter and I was searching for makeup artists in the Toronto area. I came across @JennMUA also known as the founder of spicedbeauty.com and started reading her blog often. I loved her positive reviews and the products she shared with her readers.
Months later, we started messaging each other and I told her I want to be a makeup artist and in the business field. She then offered me to be a guest contributor to her blog. I was honoured, and of course I had to take the offer. I knew this was a great opportunity for me to take, and I was praying for something like this to happen for a very long time. I definitely look forward to working with Spiced Beauty and providing her readers with reviews and swatches.

Favourite Canadian Beauty Brand?
I’d have to say Lise Watier and Annabelle.

Liquid, pencil or gel eye liners?
Liquid eyeliners for sure. No doubt about it.

Tip to get the perfect eyeliner?
Looking down into a mirror and resting your elbow on a flat surface can help keep your hand from shaking. You can also do the tape trick; just make sure to put the tape on the front of your hand so that it removes the majority of the stickiness because the skin around the eye is very sensitive.

Lipsticks or Gloss?
Lipsticks for sure. They last a lot longer, have more pigmentation and are not as sticky.

My ideal mascara is...
I like something that gives me volume and length, preferably in waterproof. My current favourite is the Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Mascara. For days when I want longer, eye-widening lashes; I use Lancome’s Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara.


My favourite make up remover ...
I use both solutions and wipes to remove my makeup. For days when I’m wearing a full face makeup, I like to use the MAC Cleanse Off Oil. It makes it a lot easier to break up mascara on my lashes. To my oily ladies out there; don’t be afraid of this product! The particles in oil are too big to clog your pores.
When I only have makeup on my eyes and lips, I use Neutrogena’s Hydrating Towelettes. It works great with my dry skin and it can even handle waterproof mascara! Both removers are tough on my makeup, but gentle on the skin and do not leave my face feeling oily or soapy.

My skin care routine ...
I have finally found a skin care routine that actually works for my dry skin. In the morning, I splash my face with cold water and cleanse my face with Purity by Philosophy. Then I apply a very small amount of my favourite product ever; coconut oil. It’s popular in the West Indian culture and my whole family uses it every day. It nourishes the skin, hydrates, and fades away dark spots. It’s amazing. I don’t like having that oily feeling to my skin when I put on my foundation, so I apply my favourite moisturizer which is currently the Cetaphil Ultra Hydrating Lotion.
In the nighttime I do the same routine, but I first remove my makeup with the same Neutrogena wipes I mentioned before, and I don’t put on the Cetaphil lotion. Once a week I use my St. Ives Apricot scrub to exfoliate my skin at night.

Curly or straight hair?
I prefer straight hair; however curly hair is really nice for those days when you want to feel more dolled up.

How many lip products do you have in your purse/makeup bag?
I have 4 in my makeup bag and I just found 1 more at the bottom of my purse. So 5 in total. They are: Vaseline Lip Therapy, Revlon lip butter in Pink Truffle, MAC Spirit lipstick & Whirl lipliner and a Buxom lipgloss in Mwah.

Try Something New- Purple Lips for Date Night

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

For date night, I always opt for a red lip. It's sleek and it's sexy.
 Sometimes it's good to go out of box.

I went to Shoppers Drug Mart to pick up some new things for my #collectivebias post. I was on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick and then I seen it. On sale for $9.99- Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless. A very pigmented violet balm that I know would look amazing on my skin tone!

It's really easy to find the beauty products I wanted at Shoppers Drug Mart. The aisles are long and always fully stocked. You can search by a brand and I personally loved that they always have great items on sale. I went on a really good week.
 Look at all those sale tags! 

Since I was going to go bold on the lips, I decided to make it a little easy on the eyes.

Here are the items I choose.

I used L'Oreal The Infallible Blackbuster 8HR Liquid Eyeliner since I wanted a thick cat eye. I love that it has an eight hour wear. 

To bring the cat eye together, I lined my lower water line with one of my favourite pencil eyeliners from Annabelle cosmetics in Jet Black.

Can't forget the eyebrows. I decided to go with an eyebrow pencil from Essence cosmetics. Shoppers Drug Mart is the exclusive retailer in Canada for Essence Cosmetics. Everything in the line is under five dollars.

For the night out why not little glow a little. I went with a highlighter from Essence cosmetics which is perfect for every skin tone. 

To finished off the eyes, I used the new Cover Girl Bombshell volume by LashBlast Mascara.  

I topped off the look with Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless.

I was able to walk in and out of Shopper's Drug Mart with everything I wanted and had no issues. 

Is this a look that you put rock for date night?

Fashion: Tribal Batwing Sweater

Have you ever seen an article of clothing on somebody else and really wanted it. I remember seeing a girl shopping in this amazing tribal print open front sweater. She paired it with a tank, leggings and thigh high boots. It was so cute!

I was contacted by Rosewholesale, while searching the site- I seen a similar sweater in cream! I had to have it.

If you're not familiar with the site they are:

A leading international online fashion clothing store. Focusing on the very latest in affordable fashion style, both attire and accessories, we provide thousands of the latest in chic product lines, to give maximum choice to our discerning clientele. We aim to provide an extensive range of high quality, trendy fashion clothing – not only at the lowest prices, but also with a professional dedicated service to our valued customers from all over the world.

Since it's cold outside, I focused on sweaters (they have over 700 styles!). 

Plus they have a lot of cute tops and dresses that I would definitely add to my wardrobe.

The sweater I chose:

• Oversized (can be worn with a belt)
• Thick & Warm
• Over universal size

I just have to remember to hand wash it..or it will shrink in the dryer.

There is a lot to view on the site. It totally easy to get overwhelmed and want to buy everything.

My tip would be sort by price, read the reviews and be aware of shipping costs from your country!

Three products to add to your beauty list- SKIN

I'm always looking for new skincare items to add to my list. In 2013, I was able to finish some of my favorites. Then I was faced with a dilemma – do I go and buy my favourites or try something new. You can never go wrong with trying something new. 

Here are three products which I would suggest you add to your beauty list:

Let's start off with Philosophy's Miracle Worker. One thing to know about me is if a product has the words anti-aging on it. I do not touch it. I know.. I know.. I'm getting older but I've been blessed with a baby face but I do know that all good things to come to an end. This anti-aging lactic acid product is a cleanser & mask. When I ran out of my favourite face cleanser, I decide to try it out. It is amazing! My first bottle is almost done and I already have two backups. Keeps your skin baby soft and radiant.

Have you seen Givenchy Mister Smooth Primer in stores? I do not wear foundation but if I'm going to an event- I will wear concealer under the eyes.  This product looks/applies like a cream and doesn't leave residue. As a woman with a darker skin tone, it's perfect for me! There is nothing worse than seeing someone's primer on their skin and it has a white cast.

Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate is another anti-aging product that I was skeptic about. After seeing a few positive blogger reviews. I knew I had to give it a try. Since it's very cold outside after I put on my light moisturizer, I apply it and go about my day. It's very light weight!

Have you tried any of these products? 

Canadians! What is your fave celeb hairstyle + Matrix Shampoo and Conditioner giveaway

Have you thought about your Valentine's Day hairstyle? 

If someone told me I could pick any hairstyle I wanted... 

I will probably pick Lana Del Ray's side swept curls with a flower crown. 

I know it's a little bit extravagant but it's so pretty. 

Since I would probably be using a lot of heat to keep the curls, It's good to use a heat protectant. 

I would start with Matrix Total Results Heat Resist line: Shampoo & Conditioner.

This year for Valentine's Day Matrix has five different Total Results together forever sets which include a shampoo and conditioner. Just in time for you to get ready for your big night out! Each set is sold for $16.00 CAN and can be found at select salons.

Do you want one for yourself?

Need volume? Have damage? Frizz getting you down?

Matrix is gifting two Canadian readers the appropriate together forever set for their hair.

ENTER BELOW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post: Avon Single Shadows + Swatches

Can we all put our hands together and slow clap for Avon? 

I know that seems like a weird request but I had the opportunity to try the Avon True Color single eye shadows and they are amazing.

Avon’s description of the product is as follows “ Sometimes a rainbow of color is just to much, and you want something stunning, but simple. With all the beautiful options, it’s easy for you to find your signature color. The one that does something to the glow in your eyes that you can’t quite figure out. The one that gives you the look.” The single eye shadows come in a sleek compact black case with a small sponge applicator. The shades I tried were Champagne, Turquoise Glow and Green Dazzler.

All three of these shades are in the Shimmer/Pearlized/Frost category. The textures of these eyeshadows are soft and easy to blend.

Champagne is a soft neutral metallic shimmer shadow, many times Champagne colours can lean pink or yellow but in this case it seems to lean more to the beige side of things keeping it very neutral and making it a must have for anyone’s collection.

Turquoise Glow is a shimmery green blue that almost has a yellow glitter undertone.

Green Dazzler is actually just that, it is a deep forest green with dazzling glitter.

There are a great amount of basic and beautiful colours and if you are looking for a soft, buttery eye shadow that doesn’t break the bank I suggest at least taking Champagne for a test drive. I happen to have my eye on Satin Taupe, Mauved and Beige.

These eye shadows are available from your local Avon representative or online and are just $5 CDN (you can sometimes find them on sale for $3.99 CDN). So Ladies If I were you I’d hurry and scoop some of these eye shadows up.

Canadians! DenTek wants to spoil you this Valentine's Day! GIVEAWAY

Are you excited for Valentine's Day this year?
DenTek want to make sure that you are ready! They carry oral care products such floss picks, interdental brushes and disposable picks.

They recently did a really cool survey which concluded that most Canadians would turn down a date with Brad Pitt or Jennifer Anderson... if they had bad breath.

Yes.. you heard me! 

If they had bad breath!

Oh it gets better. According to DenTek’s “Look Who’s Flossing” Survey, Toronto placed eighth with only 18% of Torontonians stating that they make flossing part of their daily routine.

Canada’s Best Cities for Flossing 

1. Vancouver

2. Ottawa 

3. Montreal

4. Edmonton

5. Winnipeg

Canada’s Worst Cities for Flossing

6. Calgary 

7. Halifax  

8. Toronto 

9. St. John’s 

We have to do better!

DenTek is spoiling three Spiced Beauty readers.

You can win:

XOXO Sequin pouch
Compact Mirror with Hearts
DenTek Floss Picks
Pocket Strips
Heart shaped chocolates

ENTER BELOW TO WIN:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil + Swatches

Since I'm West Indian, I'm so happy to see oils being celebrated and now on the market. 

They have various purposes and a lot of benefits. 

This is definitely the year of the cleansing oils. 

Almost every brand has one out or coming out with one right now.

For anyone new to Cleansing oils they're pretty awesome. 

Apply them to dry hands- massage it into your makeup and rinse off. Super easy!

One cleansing oil getting a lot of buzz is L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil ($11.99 CAN). One of the most smooth oils that I've tried in a while. When I say smooth I'm referring to the viscosity. Not too thick- Not too thin- Just right.

L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil, high performance cleansing for all skin types. Instantly dissolves even waterproof make-up, skin feels perfectly clean with a non-greasy finish. The oil formula helps to re-balance skin's natural oil production for healthy-looking skin.

I applied waterproof eyeshadow to my arm and set it.

Then applied 2-3 drops to dry hands and massaged it over the eye shadow.

It immediately started to "break up".

Then it washed off clean. No shimmer left over.

LOVE!

Have you tried a cleansing oil before?

Battle Winter: Face, Hands and Feet + Huge Giveaway USA & Canada

In the winter, I often find that people forget to take care of their hands and feet. It's always important to make sure that my hands and feet are always ready!

You never know when impromptu vacation happens.

I was contacted by Skinall Distributions awhile back. I was given two things to try: Kocostar 5 Finger Nail Pack($17.95 CAN for 5 packs) and the Foot Peeling Pack ($9.95 CAN). My first time trying it, I did a girls night. 

I had no idea what to expect!

The Kocostar 5 Finger Nail Pack was amazing because in the winter I find that I get a lot of hang nails. It's very annoying and hate when they rip down into your skin. I easily slipped on my fingers into each pocket with no mess. I was able to type while they were on without them falling off. After the 30 mins, I felt like my cuticles were softer and my nails looked hydrated.

For me, the Kocostar Foot Peeling Pack was a little tricky for the first time. You had to keep it on for 90 minutes to get the full effect. I'm the type of person who likes to move around A LOT!  If you decide to try them, put them on before a home movie night. 90 minutes will go by and you won't even know.

On the packaging, it states it takes 3 to 4 days for your feet "your dead skin and callus will start to peel off". Guess what?..  Mine took around 9 to 10 days to fully come off. The after was extremely soft feet. Smoother than a trip to the nail salon.

I also received a really cute pink pore brush as an extra. I usually go for the motorized version but it's good to have something with you in case you run out of batteries/your devices run out of power. I like using it with my favourite foaming cleanser- in circular motions. 

Nicole by OPI: Carrie Underwood collection Swatches

I've been eyeing these polishes since I posted the announcement back in early December: 

Nicole by OPI: Carrie Underwood collection- January 2014

Nicole by OPI never disappoints.

Creamy finishes and glitter with great coverage!

What more can a girl ask for.

Shop the Nicole by OPI- Carrie Underwood collection:

SWATCHES:

Lips are Dripping Honey

This multi-gold glitter is sweet on you.

Sweet Daisy

A bouquet of southern peach blossoms.

Party Bus

Celebrate on-the-go with this party-perfect confetti glitter.

Which Carrie Underwood collection swatch is your favourite?

Does Benefit Cosmetics lollitint work on brown skin? Pictures + Swatches

Tints are the perfect product to use for every season. 

It's long lasting and requires low maintenance.
I recently received Benefit Cosmetics lollitint ($36.00 CAN) in the mail and decided to give it a try. 

Our candy-orchid tint treats lips & cheeks to a “pop” of dreamy sweetness. It’s the flirtiest flush you can get from a bottle…and its smudge-proof, smooch-proof color lasts from A.M. to P.M. Talk about stain power.

"Sometimes you need to try something before you knock it."
This is my advice for 2014. Not just with makeup. It applies to food and overall life.
I seen this colour and never expected it to show up on my skin tone. It was milky and orchid.
Not I took usual colour I would gravitate towards.
Guess what?!?
I Tried it and loved it!

How to Apply:

Brush three strokes on the apple of your cheek and blend quickly with fingertips. Repeat on other side. Dab on lips & blend. For extra delicious color, repeat!

As a bride to be, this is the perfect product you have with you throughout your journey. 

Especially when you want to take your look can go to the next level!

Valentine's Day Red Lips -Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr lipstick

Every year, I try to do a v-day lip series. 

For 2014, I will feature mostly red lipsticks because I see hear/see a lot of WOC 

saying that they can't wear red. WHICH IS A HUGE LIE! 

Looking for something that wont rub off all night??

Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr 

lipstick is one of my top picks!

Check out the Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr lipstick colours:

I'm wearing Wine and Forever. 

Constancy:
Creamy (Almost a satin finish)
Price:
Range $10.00 CDN to $13.00 CDN
Availability:
Drugstore or online
Staying power:
It does not budge! My favourite type of lipstick!

Would you wear this colour? 
Why or why not?

Extensions that work with Natural Hair

It's important to try different textures when trying out extensions. Now that I have fully transitioned to natural, bone straight hair just doesn't work for me anymore. I was contacted by a Canadian on-line hair store in BC called Go Hair Shop to try out some clip-ins/bundles.

At first glance, I was going to decline because I only saw bone straight textures- which I detailed earlier- not my thing anymore. After doing some research with the owner (Jenia), she suggested I tried the Bohyme Brazilian Wave.

Let me say when buying hair online, it's important to get in contact with the seller to find out what they fully offer. The Go Hair Shop offers consultation on hair type to choose, colour or application method. They have everything from wefts to I Tip fusions to clip-ins.

Back to the Bohyme Brazilian Wave, If you're natural and looking for extra length it may be an great option because the hair has a lot of texture.

Bohyme is the name trusted by top salon professional worldwide. It is the first 100% remi human hair available in the market...each strand of hair is hand selected to ensure the cuticle layers are all aligned in the same direction so no tangle occurs.

The hair shop gives free samples with all orders. In my package, I received a small sample of Jamaican Castor Oil (my favourite).

First impressions out of the pack: 

• Looks like blown out natural hair.
• Matches my hair
• Soft & easily manageable.

It should be noted that once you wash the hair the texture COMPLETELY changes. It's turns into a tight wave. Still very pretty but getting it back to the original state was tricky. This is when products like dry oil becomes your best friend.

Cons:

• Tangling at root & ends
  This hair is high maintenance. I tried my best not to add product other than Aloe vera gel or water but it still tangled.
• Matting
  This hair can't be worn the same style for more than three days. Whether it be a twist out or curls- you need to add water product to the hair comb it out and start again.

Pros:

• Texture was really nice.
  When I did my twist outs with Bohyme- No one knew I had pieces in. My hair matched perfectly.
• Volume
  Two packs to either make clips ins or sew in is more than enough.

Overall if your natural like me and want to wear natural with a bit of help. I'd recommend the hair but remember it needs a lot of maintenance.

My first Bridal Show experience: The Wedluxe Wedding Show

I survived my first wedding show. 

Let me rephrase that... my fiancé and I survived our first wedding show. 

We attended the luxurious Wedluxe show in Toronto!

Over 120 exhibitors to see and meet.

There were various vendors there such as florist, event planners, cake designers, 

make up artists, venues and much more.

As you entered the venue, you were given a tote bag to put all the 

goodies and pamphlets in that you got from the show.

If you were looking for hair inspiration, Moroccanoil had this great set up which allowed you to get your hair done by Moroccanoil stylist. You also had the opportunity to check out their new bath products.

I should also add there was a complementary shopping area. The line was so long. 

Free shopping, yes please!

One of the biggest things I took from the show was inspiration. I seen some of the most gorgeous floral arrangements I've ever seen in my life, stunning wedding invites and unique shots from a few photographers.

My one tip for someone who is looking to land a vendor from the event:

Create a list and divide it into what you're looking for.

I received a lot of cards and saw a lot of people but honestly I can't remember who is who.

If you get a card make a little note about something you liked at their booth. 

Trust me it will help you with uour memory.

New from Kiss Nail Products: Gel Fantasy Nails & Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit

There are so many nail options out there. Honestly, there is no reason for my nails to bare.
If you see me with bare nails, please scream at me!

These new releases from Kiss products fit right in to my 2014 beauty resolution.

Let's start with the Gel Fantasy Nails kits which I have featured below.

Yes ladies! I'm wearing gel press on nails.

I'm wearing painted veil

Back in Early December, I had the opportunity to meet Gina Edwards. She's a celebrity manicurist who came to Canada to debut Kiss's new nail products for a few select beauty media. Gina complimented me on my nail beds and picked out this oval fantasy gel set for me (seen above).

Shop Kiss Nail Products:

Why gel fantasy nails?

You can sport a sparkling glitter manicure that stays shiny and bright with an ultra-smooth finish, without the hassle of glitter removal! 

Gel removal can be a long process, if you do not know what you're doing. Gel Fantasy gives you the opportunity to get the look you want in less than 10 minutes or less. You can chose to apply them with the mega-adhesive tabs or glue them on. Your preference!

 Each set comes with:

• 24 Nails 
• 24 Mega-Adhesive Tabs 
• Pink Gel Glue (2g) 
• Mini File Manicure Stick

Check out the eight styles below:

A manicurist from Tips Nail bar which applied the nails and added some extra nail art to jazz them up. The glitters that she used is also from kiss! It's their Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit. 

Create nail designs just like the professionals with this all-encompassing collection of tools and nail art straight from the salon.

It also comes with a Pro Design Guide that gives you nail inspiration from top nail experts!

Each kit comes with:

• Pre-Cut Nail Art 
• 6 Glitter Pouches 
• Design Decals 
• Faux Rhinestones Charms 
• Foil Tape 
• Dotting Tool 
• 3 Nail Art Brushes
•  Nail Art Sealer (3.3mL) 
• Pro Design Guide

Easy nail art at your finger tips!
Are there any styles that you want to see me try? Let me know below.

Have you seen these in stores yet?