Gentle Skin Care for Sensitive Skin: Ecotools & Simple

I go through periods of time when my skin is very sensitive. 

 I'm always looking for options during that time to prevent my skin
from looking dull during those times.

I think I found a winning combination!

Ecotools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge- Sensitive skin ($11.99 CAN) and Simple Vitamin Foaming Cleanser($7.97 - $10.99 CAN).

I've been using the Simple Vitamin Foaming Cleanser for months but I find it much more effective a with facial sponge!

I had no experience with a facial sponge that looked like this before. To be honest, it look like a pumice stone. I avoided using it for a while because I thought it would scratch my skin. After doing some research on Google about Konjac sponges I decided to give it a try.

The new unique Pure Complexion Facial Sponge is handmade with 100 percent natural ingredients, including Konjac* vegetable fiber, for a better clean that reveals smooth, refreshed skin. It is dermatologist tested for use both morning and night to wash away dirt, oil and makeup, leaving skin glowing without over-drying or causing redness.

I was surprised how it fills up with water so quickly. Plus it's very soft and gentle skin. Definitely not the idea I got when I took it out of the package. Overall, I liked the "clean" I got when I used it with my foaming cleanser.

The only thing that I really thought was odd was when it dried. It didn't dry looking how it was when I received it. I know that's such a small minor detail(which may not bother others) but either way when you add water back to it, it "fluffs" back out.

For anyone who's interested in this Simple skin care vitamin cleanser- it's really good! You get the perfect amount via a pump every time. My skin never feels dry or tight after using it. Plus it's full of the good vitamins our skin needs! 

Our special blend of Simple cleansing and moisturising goodness containing Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Chamomile and Geranium, helps to keep your skin moisturised, refreshed and cleansed.

Have you tried these products?

Top five Spring/Summer must haves from Mary Kay!

It's so nice to use the words Spring/Summer in a sentence. Would you believe me if I said last week there was still ice in my yard. Now that we're pass that- I'm excited to share some of my new favourites from Mary Kay.

Mary Kay CC Cream Complexion Corrector Cream Sunscreen SPF 15 $22.00 CAN

Colours:

• Very Light
• Medium-to-Deep
• Light-to-Medium
• Deep

Delivers 8 skin benefits in 1 simple step. Mary Kay® CC Cream acts like makeup to instantly correct complexion imperfections while formulated like skin care to help nurture skin‘s beauty tomorrow.

This is one of the first CC creams which is suitable for a dark/deep skin tone. I'm really happy with the coverage. I should add that it's oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested and tested for skin irritancy and allergy.

Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner With Extendable Brush - Jet Black $19.00 CAN

The foolproof gel eyeliner defines eyes to create beautiful looks with precision and is perfect for women who like to mix up their look or those who are less experienced using liquid eyeliner. 

If you want a super quick cat eye, I'd suggest a gel liner. 

This formula is very creamy and easy to work with. 

Mary Kay At Play Jelly Lip Gloss $12.00 CAN

Colours

• Poppy Love
• Violet Vixen

Glide on slick, shiny colour with full-on glossy goodness in a fun jelly texture.

The colours apply sheer but you can build to get your desired look.

Limited-Edition Mary Kay Springy Eye Duo $18.00 CAN

Colours:

• Stonewashed
• Summer Sunset

With its springy feel, this lightweight, creamy formula glides on smoothly and resists creasing for lasting colour that leaves an even, cream-to-powder finish. 

The consistency is crazy. I've never felt a product like this. 

This is a true cream-to-powder hybrid that doesn't budge. 

Limited-Edition Mary Kay Nail Lacquer $10.00 CAN 

Colours:

• Carefree Coral
• Lemon Parfait

These nail lacquers are part of the limited-edition Hello, Sunshine! Collection – spring’s must-have makeup featuring sun-washed hues with a beachy, vintage twist.

Mary Kay has some of the best nail polishes on the market. 

They apply smoothly and have a nice finish.

Which one of these products would you try out?

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush Swatches

Make Up For Ever has come out with new High Definition blushes. 

A while ago, I had the opportunity to attend a Make Up For Ever event and I fell in love with these blushes immediately. They apply like second skin! I mean no streaking at all! They are made with oils, waxes and powders. Honestly when you put it on the feel like you have nothing on. 

It can be worn to sculpt your cheekbones or as a blush.

I'm going to be honest- swatches do not do these blushes justice. 

The pigmentation is amazing!

Apply them with your fingers and blend.

Top 3 Favourite Skin Primers Guest post by Alyssa

Whether you have oily, normal, dry or combination skin, a primer is a must! 

They can help even out the skin and make your foundation last all day.

Here are my 3 favourite skin primers of all time:
Annabelle Instant Perfecting Base
I was recently sent this primer from Annabelle and I’ve been loving it so far. It reduces redness and makes my skin feel so smooth! Sometimes I will wear this right over my moisturizer for the no-makeup days. It gives your skin a healthy glow and I will definitely be purchasing it in the future. Not to mention, this product has a pump which is not common in most primers, but can be very handy!

Maybelline Baby Skin
This is one of those products where you either grab it or pass on it. On my dry skin it glides on easily, gives a natural finish and doesn’t dry me out!

If you have oily skin, I recommend using a very small amount because your face can tend to get greasy throughout the day if you apply too much. You can find it for around $8 at the drugstore.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
This is my all-time favourite primer. If you really want to invest in a good one, go for this one. One little pea size can do your whole face! I got two sample sized ones weeks ago and I’m still on my first one.

It’s not greasy, and it smooth’s out your pores, fine lines, and blemishes. Your skin will feel as soft as butter! It feels great and it’s totally worth it.

Tell me what your favourite primers are in the comments! 

I would love to hear them!

WORLD MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK: David Dixon

Another fashion week has come and gone! 

This year decided to keep it short and only a attend backstage beauty/hair for one show. 

Of course, it had to be David Dixon!

He showed his bridal collection that was designed specifically for Kleinfeld-Hudson’s Bay.
That was a huge treat for me!
I love seeing the dresses flow down the runway.

Makeup:

David Dixon definitely knows how to do "pretty". 

“She’s fresh, feminine and romantic.”- Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline Canada

Check out the breakdown for Maybelline beauty:

Face:

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream 

Cheeks:

Baby Lips SPF 20 Lip Moisturizing Balm in Quenched

Face Studio Master Glaze in Just Pinched Pink.
Eyes:
Color Tattoo Inked in Pink
Color Tattoo Bold Gold 
Brown Kohl 

Lips:

SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Eternal Rose.

***********

Hair:

Very bridal appropriate!

Jorge Joao, Redken Canada Lead Stylist created a aggressive side part with low chignon.

He also took out small pieces to create moment on the runaway.

Products used:
Pillow proof blow dry express primer with heat protection
Heat Styling Satin Wear 02 Thermal Blow Dry Hair Lotion

Lady Speed Stick Nutra-Skin + Let's Talk Underarms

Don't let the lingering snow or flurries outside fool you.

Spring is here!

Are you ready?

As you prepare to dust off your favourite flats and take out your spring/summer wardrobe out of your drawers- have you thought about your underarms?

I know it's odd question ask but did you know that your underarm skin is a very sensitive. I was find it’s one of those body parts that hardly gets enough attention. It could be because 8 out of 12 months it's usually covered up under bulky sweaters and jackets.

I didn’t even know that factors such as perspiration, hair removal or event tight clothing can cause damage to your underarms. These are all factors that I know we partake in at least once a week!

I know this is a bit of TMI but as a bride to be the condition of my under arms is very important to me. They need to be in their best shape ever next year! Especially if they will be making appearences in pictures! Haha!

I’m getting a head start with the new Lady Speed Stick* Nutra-SkinTM/MC line ($2.99 CAN). I’m so happy to tell you that it’s available in stick (45 gram) and roll on (50 mL). For me, I gravitate towards the roll on when I’m wearing long sleeves and the stick when I’m wearing short/sleeveless.
It's moisturizing and has a pleasant scent. 

Each anti-perspirant has Vitamin E and skin conditioning moisturizers plus keeps you protected for 24 hours. Did you know Vitamin E is known to improve skin conditions over time.

Nourish your delicate underarm skin without sacrificing the
protection you need and expect from your anti-perspirant:
· Contains Vitamin E and skin conditioning emollients
· Formula contains over 30% skin conditioning agents
· Extra-effective wetness protection
· 24 hour efficacy in an invisible formula
· Fresh new scent

Want to try it for yourself? 

Here is a coupon.

How do you take care of your underarms?

*This is a sponsored post*

SEPHORA COLLECTION Have It All Travel Case

When travelling it's so important to have a sturdy case to pack your makeup in. I've heard so many horror stories of people getting their favourite products damaged while travelling. I think the worst I've had is an eye pencil break. Which was my fault because I didn't package it correctly.

Sephora has come out with a gorgeous lightweight hard-sided travel case to solve your travel issues. Plus it comes with high quality makeup brushes and a mesh makeup case!

Travel light without sacrificing style. This sleek, chic, hard-sided case comes with six premium makeup brushes, plus a smaller makeup bag for all your favorite cosmetics and makeup products. Carry it when you travel or whenever you need a portable makeup studio.

Brushes included:
- Powder brush
- Blush brush
- Medium eyeshadow
- Angled liner brush
- Crease brush

On the other side of the case- you can store more brushes.

Plus there is a removal mesh makeup case on the side.

Love this case!

When I'm travelling, I put it in my suitcase in-between my clothes.

No far I've had no issues at all.

Get it now:
SEPHORA COLLECTION Have It All Travel Case
C$77.00
(C$123 value)

Trind Caring Color Polishes - SWATCHES

Have you heard of Trind Cosmetics?

Trind’s unique formulation strengthens the connection between the protein molecules, without altering the balance of the essential moisturizers. The nail becomes strong, flexible and supple because you have that perfect balance between strength and moisture. Activated by moisture, Trind’s formulation prevents further drying of the nail.

I've tried their nail care line in the past and really liked it.
 This time I had the opportunity to try out their polishes Caring Colors polishes.

The Trind Caring Color Line ($13.00 CAN) offers a fascinating palette of fashionable shades for fabulous nails. Color Lacquer that has specially been developed as a maintenance system.

Swatches

CC161

CC166 

These polishes have great colour pay-off.

As you can see above with these colours- two coats is all I needed to get a great finish.

Want to try out these polishes for yourself? 

Trind location finder

My L'Oreal Extraordinaire Gel-Lacquer 1-2-3 manicure experience

Gel polishes are on the rise.

Some people want the durability of Gel polishes without the crazy removal time.

I was recently sent L'Oreal's new Extraordinaire Gel-Lacquer 1-2-3 manicure set.

I had no idea what to expect.

It was a three-step process.

Shake gently. After applying Gel-Primer, apply 2 coats followed by Extraordinaire Gel-Glaze.

Let me start off by saying I love the consistency of the polish.

No bubbling or streaking during my application.

Get the kit here:

All I needed was one thick coat! 

I was extremely impressed with the dry time.

After 7 days

Pros:

• No MAJOR chipping.
• Colour stayed on pretty good for 7 days.
• No UV light needed.

Con:

• Shine was gone.
• Visible wear up close.

I will say that the gel-lacquer holds up better than regular polish for me. I just wish that it still had the shine like my regular gel manicures after a week. The removal was a breeze. I used regular nail polish remover. No issues/ damages to my nail beds.

What do you think about my 7 day wear?

Clinique Cheek Pop- SWATCHES

I feel like it's blush week here, over at Spiced Beauty. I'm a sucker for a well designed blush.
I swear sometimes I don't even want to swatch them! They're so pretty. 

That's how I felt with Clinique's new Cheek Pop ($24.00 CAN) blushes! 

How cute is the name?

Vibrant yet natural-looking cheek colour that looks virtually powderless. In a silky smooth, stay-true formula with shades for every skin tone. That just-pinched look, simply effortless.

These blushes are getting rave reviews.

The formula is very light, pigmented and long-lasting!

SWATCHES:

On my skin tone, I would gravitate towards Berry Pop. It would look great with a smokey eye or a nice monochromatic bronzed eye. I could also see myself wearing Ginger Pop with a nice cat eye and glossy lips. The options are endless.

Shop the blushes below:

Joe Fresh: Stripes for Summer

Joe Fresh has to be one of my favourite stores to shop. It doesn't matter if it's in-store or online, I always find one item to put on my must have list. In my city, my Joe Fresh location is in Loblaws. Food & clothes- what more can a girl want!

This summer, I was so excited to find out what's available!
Stripes are on the menu.

Each dress here is under $40.00 CAN.

Do you have a favourite?

How To Get The Perfect Brows (Guest Post)

Eyebrows are what frame our face and can completely transform a look. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect brow.

Step 1: First groom your eyebrows using a spoolie. I like to use an old mascara brush that I’ve cleaned and then bend the tip.

Step 2: Then you want to lightly outline the brow following its natural shape. If you want to extend it, do it slowly and try to keep your line consistent.
You want to make sure you stay 1-3 shades within your hair colour. So if you have black hair; go for a dark brown. And if you have blonde hair; go for a light brown.
I’m using the Wet N’ Wild brow & eye liner in dark brown. The great thing about this product is that you can get it for around $1, it’s highly pigmented, and lasts a long time.

Step 3: After outlining the eyebrow, very lightly feather in small strokes (using the same pencil) following the direction your natural hair grows. Bring out your spoolie again and blend to avoid harsh lines. The more often you blend; the better.

Step 4: Then I take a Real Techniques brow brush with the Revlon eyeshadow in Rich Sable and lightly feather in any gaps. If you want to fill in the beginning part of the eyebrow; use an even lighter colour.
If you’re using an eyeshadow, make sure that it’s matte and has no frost –unless you want some shimmery brows!

Step 5: This step is optional. Use a concealer that matches your skin tone (please no concealer that is lighter than you) and take a small synthetic brush and outline the outside of your brow. This covers up any excess hair and gives a very clean, sharp look. I recommend MAC's studio finish concealer because of its creaminess and longevity.
Make sure you blend in that concealer!

Step 6: Lastly, use a clear brow gel to set your brows. This step is also optional, but it allows your eyebrow to stay put throughout the day.