SEPHORA COLLECTION Pro Brushes

It was immediate love when these showed up at my door. 

Where do I start? 

The construction of the brushes, size and bristles are extremely high quality. 

One of the biggest selling features for me is the plastic encasing that it comes with. 

Yes... you can buy something like that separately but it's always so hard to get the perfect fit. 

Overall, I'm extremely impressed. 

Check out the specs on both brushes: 

SEPHORA COLLECTION Pro Airbrush Blender #78
$48.00 CAN

• Pointed head shape.
• Fine synthetic fibers.
• Perfect for high definition coverage.
• Areas like your eyes and nose get blended easily.
• Amazing with liquid foundations but still suitable for powder.

-RO tip: For targeted use, buff in product and then pat and roll product onto the desired area. For full coverage, massage product into skin in a circular buffing motion.

SHOP

SEPHORA COLLECTION Pro Contour Blender #77
$43.00 CAN

• Contour angled shape.
• Fine synthetic fibers.
• Makes contouring easy.
• Works with liquid, powder & cream.

Pro Tip: After makeup application, sweep this brush along the T-zone, jaw, and forehead to create a smooth and blended look.

Have you seen these in Sephora yet?

Maybelline: Jourdan Dunn- Met Ball 2015

I really like Jourdan Dunn! 

Why? 

She went from being spotted in Primark 9 years ago to being the first black British model on the Forbes list! ICONIC!!! Plus she comes from a West Indian background like me. She was at the MET ball and her makeup was done with Maybelline products- I have the scoop!

“Jourdan's makeup look was created to reflect the gold and mauve tones of her
graphic cut-out and geometric shaped dress.”

Breakdown:
Face-
Maybelline New York Master Prime in "Blur + Illuminate"
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation in Coconut #355
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder and Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer
Cheeks-
Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Glaze in Plums Up
Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Hi-Light in Mauve
Eyes-
Maybelline New York The Blushed Nudes Palette (June 2015),
-Mauve toned shades on her lid and crease. 
Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel in "Bad to the Bronze" + "Pomegranate Punk".
Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in "Blackest Black"
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Black Pearl Waterproof Mascara.
Brows-
Maybelline New York Brow Drama
Lips-
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Mattes in Daringly Nude
Nails-
Maybelline New York Color Show in Onyx Rush

I love it!

I'm need that palette ASAP!

Shop

Currently Obsessed: Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel

When it comes to hair, I think that everyone should have the opportunity to have fun.

Wear protective styles! Play with your texture!

Overall DO you!

Since I've been doing me for the past two months, I decided to try out more natural styles.
A Canada based beauty store named Aonebeauty.com allowed me to try out some brands that they sell. I have a beauty supply store near me but it's so popular that everything is always sold out!

Shopping online gives me..
A) More selection.
B) The opportunity to try lot of the products that my fave USA bloggers are talking about :)
C) Deals and allows me to save money!!!

Let me point out that I'm not being paid to promote anything. 

I'm just a bride-to-be/new home owner who now pays bills and can't depend on mommy and daddy anymore.. LOL!

Moving on.... I have a very TIGHT and defined curl pattern. Shrinkage is NOT my friend. I've always heard really good things about elongating curling gels. I decided to give Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel ($8.99 CAN) a try. 

Now I'm currently obsessed!!!

Main ingredients:

• Moisturizing conditioners
• Flaxseed
• Shea Butter 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Omega-3 fatty acids

I didn't know that flaxseed is a natural remedy for scalp health! 

It's anti-thinning and promotes hair growth.

It's best to use it on clean hair. Like fresh out the shower hair! 

When it's slightly damp, I take a nice quarter sized amount in my hands and apply it from root to ends. I tried it on hair with product and it didn't go so well when I wanted curls but worked well with twist outs. Just something to think about.

Have you tried a curl elongating curling gel before?

++ I received this product free from Aonebeauty++

Currently Obsessed: VICHY Ideal Body Serum - Milk

Sooo the groundhog was right. WINTER is still here!
By now I thought I would at least be able to rock my maxi dress but no.. I'm here pulling out my parka and boots. Hydration is key right now. 

My new BFF is VICHY Ideal Body Serum - Milk ($24.00 CAN).

What is Serum-Milk?

Serum-milk: Emulsion gel enriched with mother-of-pearl particles to enhance the skin. As a milk, it delivers hydration and comfort, as a serum, it has a very fresh, fluid and melt-in texture that is instantly absorbed. It is possible to dress immediately.

There are two key active ingredients usually used in face care in this product:

Hyaluronic Acid and LHA 

 

In combination, these result in radiant, smooth, hydrated and firmer skin. Since I have sensitive skin it's good to know that it's suitable for all skin types and infused with Vichy Thermal Spa Water. Plus paraben-free and hypoallergenic!

By combining 10 fundamental oils:

1. Apricot kernel,
2. Passionflower
3. Corn
4. Rice Bran
5. Sunflower
6. Blackcurrant Pips
7. Rosehip
8. Coriander
9. Macadamia
10. Jojoba

Best way to maximize the benefits:

Apply it to your skin when it's still slightly damp.

It will boost your hydration!

Curls or no Curls?

As you all know the big day is drawing near.

The number one question I get asked is "Are you nervous?"

My answer is "No...."

I know exactly what I'm doing and I wouldn't do it if it wasn't for me.

I have my dress..

But now I need to pick a final hairstyle.

Here are my three choices.
Curls or no Curls?

Of course, all Kim Kardashian looks.

Which is your favourite?

To make this style work for me.. I need A LOT of volume and length.

I'm happy to say that Bella Dream Hair is going to help me achieve that!

I had the opportunity to choose from four types of hair.

-Brazilian Straight

-Brazilian Wavy

- Brazilian Curly
-Brazilian Natural Wave

Brazilian Natural Wave is the best hair to get the look I want!
It can also be straightened.

I had the opportunity to choose lengths from 8" to 36".
YES 36" *screams*

I'm thinking about making them into clip-ins so I can change my hairstyle for the honeymoon.
Not sure yet...

I'll be sure to post the final look.

Hard Candy Spring Collection + Swatches

All these spring launches are getting me excited.

I had the opportunity to go to a Spring 2015 Hard Candy party and I was really impressed.

I saw a lot of great products to add to my spring makeup regime.

New eye primers!

Price: $4.98 CAN
Colours: (from left to right)

• long wear
• shimmer 
• smokey

I'm really excited for the smokey primer. 

I've never seen ANYTHING like it.

Plumping Serum Lip Gloss + Fiberized Brow Gel & Brow Highlighter Duo

Plumping serum lip gloss

Price: 4.98 CAN

Colours:

• pinky swear
• magic muave
• string bikini
• show stopper
• it girl
• swan lake
• nude beach
• lion tamer
• girl next door
• crush on you
• gallery girl

The plumping serum has improved it's formula.

Fiberized Brow Gel & Brow Highlighter Duo

Price: $5.98 CAN
Colours:

• Light medium
• Medium dark

I've never seen a fiberized brow gel before so I'm extremely excited to wear a product like this in the summer time. When it's hot and I know it's a struggle to keep your brows on. 

Eye shadows + Fierce lip gloss effects

Fierce lip gloss effects
Price: $5.98 CAN

Colours: 

• just glow 
• candy baby 
• contraband 
• black rose 
• nude plunge 
• make blush 
• pink attitude 
• knockout punch 
• daredevil 
• skyfall 
• adrenaline 
• plum diva 

Eye Shadow Collection 
Price: $5.98 CAN

• guilty pleasure
• aphrodisiac
• rated - x
• birthday suit
• raining men

Skin Luminizers

Price: $7.98 CAN
Colours:

• in the buff
• blushing babe

Plumping Serum Gel Stick

Price: $4.98 CAN
Colours:  

• anonymous 
• admired
• popular 
• desired
• beloved 
• infamous
• victorious 
• wanted

It's a very unique lipstick because has lightweight mango butter 

which helps with hydrating your lips.

Wedding - Quick and Easy Seating Plans- Top Table Planner

So I'm in the process of finalizing my guest list.

This has been the MOST nerve wrecking process ever.

Who to invite, who not to invite...

One of the biggest things to consider is personalities.

Especially when creating your seating plans.

You need an easy, clear and concise way to do it.

I found the perfect online software to help!

It's called Top Table Planner.

NewYorkColor: April Challenge #NYCBeautyPro

It's been a while since I have done a #NYCBeautyPro challenge! 

I had to do challenge this month due to it's contents.

I know it's early to say this but I swear New York Color Smooch Proof Liquid Lip Stains ($2.99) are the best products of 2015.

Back to the challenge....

This month we had the opportunity to do a look inspired by like our favourite fictional character.

I picked Tiana from The Princess and the Frog!

I felt like her bold lips would be perfect to emulate with these lip stains!

I shared these on instagram and you all went crazy!

They're pigmented and EXTREMELY long lasting.

Okay so I found a new product that I'm in love with! It's @newyorkcolorcan smooch proof liquid lip stain! Have you seen these in stores yet?

A photo posted by Spiced Beauty (@spicedbeautyblog) on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:40am PDT

PLUS UNDER $3.00! INSANE!

I swear Tiana would have these in her makeup stash.

Main products used:

• New York Color Smooch Proof Liquid Lip Stain ($2.99)
• New York Color City Proof 24 hr waterproof eyeshadow ($4.99)

Have you seen these in-stores yet?

Weddingbells Celebrates 30 Years!

I had the opportunity to attend the Weddingbells 30 years anniversary event. I love Weddingbells! They were one of the first magazines to get in contact with me, when I got engaged. They are the "go-to source" for Canadian brides. The lovely event was at the Design Exchange in Toronto. 

Alison McGill, Editor-in-Chief of Weddingbells stated that the anniversary would be eventful-

"From live performances and innovative décor concepts, to an on-trend party menu of cocktail foods, an epic candy table and a very special wedding cake; this will definitely be a celebration to remember.”

Essie Loves Tattify

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Fashion week at David Pecaut Square.
One of my highlights was visiting Essie's media-exclusive backstage lounge to get some #essielove.
My nails were done using one of the newest spring 2015 collections!

I choose "picked perfect" as a base with an accent of "garden variety" from the flowerista collection! This collection marks the first collaboration with designer Rebecca Minkoff. 
She's essie's global color designer.

To jazz up my manicure we used Tattify!
Tattify sells temporary tattoos and nail art wraps.
Definitely a trend that we will see everywhere in the upcoming months.

After all of that was done, I went into the mani cam for my close up!

Do you like my nails?

Make Up For Ever Spring 2015

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend a Make Up For Ever Spring 2015 event.

There were quite a few products I know you all would be excited to try out!

The star of the show were the Step 1 Skin Equalizers!

These are primers that not only transform skin’s texture but also creates the ultimate canvas.

What you should know:

• 10 Formulas to address dullness, shine, dryness, shine & dehydration.
• The formulas can be layered.
• Perfect for ALL skin tones.

As a mascara fiend, I'm ready for the SMOKY STRETCH Lengthening & Defining Mascara.

This is a mascara that doesn't need to be layered. It has a Flex Control complex which will glide on your lashes to built definition and length. 

Last but not least, there is a new Pro Sculpting Duo. 

This product is a gel powder formula which blends flawlessly. 

Two duos available.  

Check out the photos below:

Available NOW at Sephora, sephora.ca and in MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques.

CANADIAN GIVEAWAY: Skintimate Skin Therapy Silky Skin Shave Gel with Moroccan Oil

Wedding season is here. I can't believe my shower is so close! 

I planned this really cute outfit which requires me to share an area which has been hidden from mother nature for a while. 

My legs! 

I was trying to decide which method did I want to use to bring myself back to civilization. That's when I got an email to try out Skintimate Skin Therapy Silky Skin Shave Gel with Moroccan Oil. I had no idea what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised. The formula was something I've never seen in my life. I swear I wanted to eat it.. don't ask but it reminded me of some yummy pink icing!

To get started, I wet my legs and dispensed the products onto my fingers and gently rubbed in.
That's when it started to produce a nice rich lather! Overall shaving was easy and here was no irritation after. I was extremely happy!

Canadians: I would like you guys to try out the product as well!

I'm picking 15 SPICED BEAUTY readers to receive  Skintimate Skin Therapy Silky Skin Shave Gel with Moroccan Oil samples. Once you get the sample I want to hear from you!

 In exchange for your review of the sample, I'm offering you a $100 Visa gift card!

Enter now:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Pure Perfume Oil

Sexy or Sweet?

As a bride-to-be, this what I've been asking myself.

I think I've answered that question with my fragrance choice.
SEXY!

Thank you Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen!

THEFACESHOP Mango Seed Line

Who knew the key to hydrated skin was something you would find on the beach! When
 THEFACESHOP came out with their mango seed line I had to try it. In the island, mango seeds are commonly discarded after eating. Did you know that mango seeds can survive 300 years in harsh environments? Now "one of nature’s best-kept secret" can help you revive your skin.

One of my current favourites is the Mango seed oil to foam cleanser. 

You get the benefits of a cleansing oil (the new it product) and a foam ($15.00 CAN). Start off by wetting your face, squirt some oil in your hands and once you start to massage it into your face- it turns into a rich foam. After super soft skin is yours!

Last week, when it was colder, I was rocking the Mango seed date-prep butter ($32.00 CAN). 

I didn't have a date everyday but I did have extreme moisture. It's nice and thick, definitely what I needed to hydrate. It contains Fair Trade ingredients from Sudan, Africa.

This week is the perfect time to use the Mango seed silk moisturizing lotion ($26.00 CAN).

 Made with 100% mango seed butter it's a silky and doesn't have a heavy texture/formula.

Is there a product here that you would like to try?

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirants

His and Hers?

I know everyone has an interesting antiperspirant story. 

I'm so over messy and wet formulations. 

It's time that something new came along.

Hello Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirants ($5.99 CAN)!

Dove offers the option for men+care as well.

NEW Mary Kay Eyeliner Swatches

I love when brands revamp old favourites.
Mary Kay® has reworked their eyeliners and I'm a fan! 

The new Mary Kay® Eyeliners ($16.00 CAN) are more long lasting and pigmented.

The Specs:

• Retractable pencil tip + built-in shaper.
• Soft tip with extra glide.
• Long lasting colour.

Swatches

Do you have a favourite colour?

Beauty News: Live Clean + Venus Swirl

Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing 
Shampoo & Conditioner

I was very excited to try Live Clean coconut milk moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. As an island girl, I grew up with coconut at the stable. This is because it was a staple in my parents upbringing. It's one of those super fruits that can be used to eat and use topical. Love it in my hair! It wasn't heavy but it hydrated my hair. Overall my hair was very soft. Both products are free of- petroleum, paraben, silicone, phthalate and phosphate.

Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner  ($6.99 CAN)

• Has Vitamins C, E and Provitamin B5
• Rich in milk and rice protein
• Plant derived
• Coconut oil add hydration

Venus Swirl

Once you're ready to shed that extra winter "fur"... You should really try the Venus Swirl. The new Venus Swirl™ razor ($12.99 US) has FLEXIBALL™ technology. Which allows the razor to navigate your imitate areas with no issues.

I found that it has taken longer for my hair to grow back because of the microfine comb that guides your hair to blades. No hair is left behind. Plus the five contour™ blades have thinner, finer edges – the thinnest in Gillette’s history.