Wedding: Five questions to ask your florist before you book

Getting married is a serious task. Some brides do it all themselves while others call in help. There is no wrong way to plan a wedding. But there are a few questions that you have to ask yourself. Trust me... I wish I had asked some of these before.

Your Nails But Better: Zoya Naked Manicure Kit

Some girls hate wearing nail polish – I am not one of those girls. There’s always an “it” colour season after season that I lust over (remember the craze over Chanel’s Jade shade? I think I went to about 30 department stores to find it). 

My one pet peeve about bright polishes? The second you get a chip, you immediately look unkept. That is why the Zoya Naked Manicure Kit immediately caught my attention. As much as I love a pop of colour, there’s something alluring about a sheer, natural manicure.

The formula of this kit is great – it’ll improve the overall strength of your nails (bye bye breakage and hangnails) using a formula made of algae, proteins and Vitamins E and B5.

The instant benefits of the polish includes neutralized discoloration, refined nail plate surface, smoother nail ridges and a natural, healthy tone and finish.

The kit consists of four steps – the Naked Manicure Naked Base (refines nail surface, hydrates nail beds and treats damage), the Naked Manicure Pink Perfector (gives nails a healthy pink glow and brightens the tone of your nails), the Naked Manicure Tip Perfector (mimics a natural nail edge – eliminates yucky yellow fingernail edges) and the Naked Manicure Satin Seal (blurs imperfections, seals in the Pink and Tip Perfector).

Over time, the kit promises to support cellular renewal, improve oxygenation of your nails, enhance your nails’ flexibility and strength and increase hydration and resilience.

The kit retails for $30 and is available on NakedManicure.com. Zoya also sells additional Perfector shades in buff, lavender and mauve to achieve other desired nail effects, including deepening, brightening and colour correction.

Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blush

There’s nothing wrong with adding a little love into your beauty routine. The adorable Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blushes come in coquettish heart-shaped compacts, with even more saccharine love-themed shades. Keep reading below to see if this product is worth loving…

Packaging: Leave it to Too Faced to come up with the most adorable blush packaging. The blushes come in a sleek compact, with the packaging matching the shade of each blush. There is also a mirror included in the compact, perfect for travelling or touch-ups.

Colour Range: There are six shades in this range – with one neutral tone (“Baby Love”) and five brighter shades – ranging from pink to coral to plum. I can see these shades working for a multitude of skin tones as the shades are bright enough to make darker skin tones pop, without making lighter skin tones look as if they are wearing theatre makeup. Speaking as a pale gal, I’d advise those with lighter skin tones to use a light hand when applying these blushes – the colours are BRIGHT and if you swirl too much product on, your face will be hot pink before you know it.

Pigmentation: I’ve been using NARS blushes for years since I didn’t think I’d ever find anything better – but this product proved me wrong. While only six shades are available, the blush is so buttery and applies seamlessly – there’s no smudging product caking when you apply it. If you’re interested in a higher-end product, such as the Tom Ford Cheek Colour Blush or Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush, but don’t want to shell out $60 on a blush, you’ll actually find that this range has better colour payoff and a similar texture.

Staying Power: The formula is definitely smudge-proof; however, I'm not sure about the 16-hour wear time. I applied “Baby Love” prior to going to work, and by mid-afternoon, the majority of the colour was gone. I’d recommend carrying it in your purse with a travel-sized blush brush to re-apply if you’re planning some post-work fun.

SHOP:

Swatched from left: “Baby Love”, “Love Hangover”, “I Will Always Love You”.

The Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blush retails for $39.00 CAD
and is available at toofaced.com.

AOneBeauty.com Curl Care Box

I won't lie. I don't know many curl boxes ship to Canada or originate in Canada. So I was excited to check out AOnesbeauty curl care box. Not sure if many people know.. I'm natural. I've been natural for a LONG time. I usually straighten my hair to wear with weaves. But on my wash/in-between days I make sure my natural curls are moisturized and popping!

Now about the box. There is shipping to Canada & USA. 

The Canadian box is $30 (including shipping).
The USA box is $45 (including shipping).

What you should know about each box:

• Has around $40 (or more) in products. 
• You could get beauty products, samples & curly hair specific products (+plus discount coupons). 
• Ship on the 25th of each month. 
• Limited quantities. 
• Ships to: Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories for $45

The December 2015 box was pretty good. I was extremely excited for the dye, detangler, gel & Jamaican castor oil. The two beauty products were cool too! Especially since they're in colours that I would use/flatter my skin tone. Lastly, samples are a blessing. If it works, I buy. If not, I throw them away. No love lost.

The only thing in the box which doesn't bother me but I could see some others having an issue with is the Profectiv No-Lye Relaxer Touch Up. I know natural girls who relax their edges or are texlaxed- so I can understand why it would be in the box. 

The total price of the contents in the box:

Would you try a curl care box?

Canadian Made: Therapie Silk and Bamboo Pillowcase

Growing up, I've always known the importance of silk pillows. But they were way to expensive for me to invest in. So cotton was the way to go. Honestly, it was wreaking havoc on my face silently. My sleeping masks weren't doing their jobs. My lash extensions were falling out prematurely. I won't even go on. That's when I found out about Cherise at Therapie. She has a line of  Silk and Bamboo Pillowcases, eyemasks, booties and mitts. I interviewed her to find out more about her line.

How did start your business?
I started Therapie to fill a need I saw in my skin rejuvenation and hair restoration business, Results Cosmetic & Wellness Therapies. My clients invest in high quality skin and hair care products and in expensive in office treatments for their face and hair. I want them to get the best possible results for their investment. Hopefully, they have their face/ hair pressed up against a pillowcase for 6 to 8 hours out of 24 hours. That pillowcase influences the beauty of skin, hair, and lashes. A pure silk pillowcase is the kindest to the face, hair and lashes. The pure bamboo panels keep that pillowcase in place so you actually sleep.

Why are silk pillow cases important?
A pure silk pillowcase is important because no other fabric has the slip, slide and glide of pure silk. It is the kindest fabric to the delicate skin of the face and to hair. It's the gentlest fabric on lash extensions. It's very breathable so it feels cooling to hot sleepers. This starts being very important for all women as they get older, even as early as in their mid 30s.

What are the benefits of silk pillow cases?
The problem with a traditional silk pillowcase is that you might not sleep well. Because of the great slip, slide and glide of pure silk, it makes your pillow move around under your head. And the case likes to work its way off the pillow. The 2 bamboo panels act like grip and eliminate this problem.

When should I wash my pillow cases?
If you wear makeup to bed, you'll need to wash your Therapie Silk and Bamboo Pillowcase more frequently. If there's a lot of styling products in your hair at the end of your day, you'll want to wash your pillowcase more frequently. With acne, wash your pillowcase more frequently. Otherwise, aim for every second week.

How to wash - hand washing best preserves the luster of silk. Turn inside out. Use a fine fabric wash. Soak in warm soapy water for at least 5 minutes. I let mine soak for about 20 minutes. Squeeze soapy water out, do not twist or wring out. Silk is its most fragile when it's wet. Soak in cold water for a minute or two, to rinse. Squeeze water out again, lay on dry clean towel and roll up the towel. Squeeze the heck out of the towel. Then place pillowcase over a towel bar of the back of a chair, to dry. If you need to machine wash, a mesh bag for delicates is a must. Turn inside out, put in mesh bag. Do a gently cycle, the smallest load possible, only like colors. Do not bleach. Do the shortest cycle possible. Dry the same way.

What is the best way to wash/dry them?
If pillowcase is still damp before bed, tumble dry, inside out, for 5 minutes by itself.

Bayview Village Pop-Up Shop- Dermalogica

Do you live near Bayview Village? 

If so, check out the Dermalogica Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Bayview Village. 

It's open until January 15!

At this space, shoppers can do three things.

Receive a Face Mapping® Skin Analysis:
It’s unique skin analysis provides insight into your skin’s past and present within 10 minutes. Your skin issues are divided into fourteen zones and at the end you get a skin prescription sheet.

Book MicroZone treatments
These are unique 20 minute treatments.

• Brightening Treatment
• Eye Relief Treatment
• Hydrating & Soothing Treatment
• Clearing Treatment

Lastly, purchase their favourite Dermalogica products.

Check it out!

LANEIGE comes to Canada

Laneige is a Korean skincare brand which recently launched at Sephora. It's inspired by purity and the gift of life. With two decades of research under their belt, they discovered the advantages of skin-perfecting mineral water.

Laneige is meant to do three main things to your skin: hydrate, protect and revitalize!

I fell in love with the line. So many innovative products to try out for the new year! The biggest pros for me is that the line is dermatologist tested, does not test on animals or has any animal-derived ingredients in the skincare.

These three products are most haves for the new year!

Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel ($29.00 CAN)
Gentle exfoliator for smooth skin.
Use it once or twice a week. The coolest part is that it actually contains yogurt: Sogurty™. It's a fermented yogurt that offers your skin anti-inflammatory advances and soothes/calms skin while making collagen production.

More note worthy ingredients:

• For skin polishing there is natural Konjac beads and chestnut extract to remove dead skin
• Extracts of raspberry, blueberry, wolfberry, cranberry and strawberry.
• Multiberry Complex which contains nutrients & antioxidants to protect skin.

How to:

• Wet face
• Massage product all over face
• Rinse off with warm water

Deep Pore Cleansing Foam ($29.00 CAN)
Perfect for deep cleaning! My girls with oil-prone complexions will really benefit from this one. Cleanses your skin without striping it of moisture. It's infused with Melia Azadirachta Extract Water. Which is really good for clogged pores.

More note worthy ingredients:

• Natural Moroccan Clay to absorb oil
• Salicylic Acid as an anti-inflammatory 
• Keratinase is a natural exfoliating enzyme

How-to:

• Dispense it in your hands
• Add water
• Make it lather
• Massage all over face- including problematic areas
• Rinse off with warm water

Brightening Sparkling Water Foam Cleanser ($30.00 CAN)
This product is everything- probably my favourite from all the products I tried! I sound crazy but this product makes washing your face fun. The consistency is a thick foam infused with sparkling water. Optimal for deep cleansing. It's really light and helps clogged pores. Contains five multi-fruit AHA’s that do four things: exfoliate, brighten, detoxify, and purify.

How-to:

• Shake it well
• Dispense the foam in your hands to dry face
• Apply in a circular motion
• Rinse off with warm water

SHOP:

The MICRO Pedi is your emergency fix

Okay so your friends tell you that they have tickets to the hottest New Year's Eve party. It's 3pm and you know all the nail salons are closed in 2 hours. They're is NO way that you can get an appointment- sooooooo last minute. 

What do you do? 

You head to your local Shopper's Drug Mart for the most painless alternative to salon fresh feet:

 The MICRO Pedi ($49.99 CAN).

Kat Von D Lolita + Lolita II Swatches on Dark Skin

Matte lipsticks are my life!
You have to get your hands on at least one of Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks ($24 CAN). 

The set actually might not be available but you can definitely buy the shades individually.

Check out Lolita & Lolita II! 

We all know the beautiful Lolita <3 

The iconic liquid lipstick that I seen plastered all over instagram.
I've seen on EVERY skin tone!

Too Faced Little Black Book of Bronzers

Bronzer is a product I always forget about. After years of searching for the right shade and failing miserably (they’re generally too dark, too chalky, too sparkly for me), I gave up on using a bronzer in my makeup routine. That is, until I discovered the Too Faced Little Black Book of Bronzers – which allowed me to try out a multitude of formulas.

Quo 2015 Holiday Collection: Get the Naked Look for Less

The nude makeup craze is everywhere – from eye shadows to lipsticks to the new contour craze. The good news is that you don’t need to fork out over $50.00 for the newest Naked Palette (okay, they’re still quite dreamy) – Quo has lots of great nude-themed products for less in their 2015 holiday collection!

Holiday: Quo Cosmetic cracker set

It's no secret that the biggest beauty trend this year is sharable gifts.

I'm a really big believer in the one for me/one for you mentality.

Why not share the beauty worth!

That's why I fell in love with the Quo Cosmetic Cracker set ($20.00 CAN) instantly.

*Sold exclusively at Shopper's Drug Mart.

Sephora Collection: Must haves 2015

One of the hidden gems in Sephora is their own Sephora Collection line.

So much to choose from at really reasonable prices.

During the holiday's they have amazing sets that available to purchase online and in-store.

Check out these cute and totally shareable sets that you must have this season.

Worth the Splurge? Rodial Bee Venom Serum

I love serums - I think they are the unsung hero of beauty. My advice: Never splurge on a moisturizer or a cleanser, but do your research and invest in a quality serum that will treat all of your skin concerns.

I was excited to have the opportunity to try the super luxe Rodial Bee Venom Serum. This serum promises to minimize signs of aging, even your skin tone and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The plumping formula is composed of real bee venom serum (side note: if you are allergic to bees, this is likely not the serum for you), plant stem cells and Cyclopeptide-5. Rodial's trademarked MariMoist complex provides hydration for a radiant complexion.

This serum applies like liquid velvet - it is so supple and hydrating, without feeling heavy. It melts into the skin and you can apply moisturizer quickly after to seal in the serum. Since I started using this a few weeks ago, I've received so many compliments on how glowing my skin looked! You can really see results with this particular serum.

SLEEK MAKEUP The Gold Standard i-Lust Eyeshadow Palette eye look

It's been months since I have actually done a makeup look. I had a challenge with Fashion Magazine's Beauty Panel to create a holiday party look. I knew the eyes was an important piece to set the mood.. so I decided to try out the Sleek The Gold Stand I-Lust eyeshadow palette ($11.49 USA).

Let me start off by saying this is a BEAUTY. A true gem from their Limited Edition 24 Karat Gold Collection. This is totally the palette to have in your possession, if you're trying to get noticed this season. The Glitz and glamour of this six shade palette comes with four silky shimmer powders and two pigmented cream formulas.

Sephora Collection Gel Gloss Ultra Brilliant Ultra Shine Holographic Lip Gels

What better way is there to doll up for the holidays than with some serious shimmer?

These Sephora lip gels truly do have a 3D, holographic effect, and are the perfect gloss to complete your holiday party look.

They are bold enough to be worn on their own or could be layered over a lipstick (pink or red would look amazing with this) for a glam look. Best of all? They apply well (it has an amazing doe foot application) and they are not sticky. They're also limited edition - so grab them while you can!

My Philosophy Holiday 2015 Picks

I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to attend Philosophy's Holiday preview back in October. Honestly, Philosophy has some great products that you need to get your hands on this holiday. I picked the three items that would make anyone feel gracious to have this season.

Philosophy has amazing shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath combos ($21.00 CAN).
The scents are rich, lather well and long-lasting. These are great picks but I would buy gallons of Christmas Cookie. Plus there is an awesome recipe on the bottle.

Holiday Beauty: Under the Tree

I love this idea!

It's so fun and inexpensive.

I wish my husband would allow me to fill the whole tree with makeup.

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Extreme! set

As a beauty addict, I have a confession: I am absolutely rubbish at applying false lashes. I can never get the line of glue where I want it to be, and I can never get the falsies close enough to my lash line. I’ve tried a full set, individuals, you name it – I can’t do it.

This set promises lashes that will look just like falsies, without the glue. It comes with two products – a Prime & Seal mascara that primes your lashes and seals in the “falsies” effect (you use this as steps one and three) and Flexistretch Nylon Fibers that offer the “extension” effect (you use this as step one). How does it work? The Flexistretch Nylon Fibers cling to the tips of your eyelashes, providing a lengthening effect. When you reapply the Prime & Seal mascara, the mascara will cover the fibers, making it appear as if your eyelashes are insanely long.

Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick - Aria & Amore

I was able to get Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipsticks in Aria & Amore ($29.00 CDN) through my Scarlet & Julia order last month. I literally wear them every single day. I'm obsessed with liquid Lipsticks.

It's really hard to find a good matte, long lasting brand but Stila has it all!

I've heard three really good things about Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipsticks.