Wedding: Trends + Isabelle Armstrong 2016 collection

I know that I'm in the newlywed stage but the bride in me gets excited whenever I see a gorgeous luxury wedding dress. The Isabelle Armstrong 2016 collection did NOT disappoint!

Whenever I think of Isabelle Armstrong dresses three words comes to mind: Elegant, Classic & Posh.


New Glasses from Clearly.ca

I walked into my parents house and immediately I was asked where I got my glasses. I told my mom "off the internet"- she laughed and asked me if I got it from the mall. You can literally do everything/anything from the comfort of your computer. Now this includes finding a pair of glasses! 

I was contacted by cleary.ca and given the opportunity to try out a pair of glasses. I've been dreaming of owning a super cute pair of cat eyes but so far I haven't had any luck finding any.

That's when these babies popped up!
Love L773 Cranberry Punch

Maybe not an everyday pair for me. 
But the perfect accent to an outfit or a night out!

Overall the site has A LOT of glasses to choose from. If you're overwhelmed, there is a "TRY ON VIEW" section on each pair of glasses. Choose someone from a list of people who looks like you: Same face shape, skin tone or whatever. Or upload a photo of yourself!

It's super easy to get a pair of the site.
  1. If you know the frame name (eg. cat eye) or brand name type it in the search box.Top right side of the homepage.
  2. Once you get the result page- you can narrow down what you want. Then "Add Lenses"
  3. Pick your lens
  4. Add your prescription, pupillary distance, lens size & coatings
  5. Then add it to your cart and play with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex or PayPal.

Me rocking my new glasses
Cute!

Do you have a favourite glasses shape?

Getting Rid of Eye Bags at 25, 35, or 45

Bags under the eyes. Ugh. Even someone who carefully follows a daily skin care regimen to stave off the early signs of aging may wake up one day in their 20s and find the tell-tale puffiness under the eyes that can add years to a face.

Eye bags may be caused by a genetic curse, an active nightlife, or aging. Whatever the source, they prompt both women and men to spend quite a bit of cash seeking remedies. Depending on your age and the reason for the bags under your eyes, solutions do exist out there.

It's best to start by understanding specifically what causes eye bags. We all have fat under the eye socket. A thick membrane supports that fat, keeping it in place. But when that membrane begins weakening, the fat starts to slip down and bulge forward. As we age and lose volume in the cheeks, the bags become even more pronounced.

That's under the best of circumstances, for people who regularly apply sunscreen, don't smoke, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of water. Healthy skin retains its elasticity and helps prevent bags under the eyes from developing in most people.

So what's the best plan if you've already noticed the dreaded eye bags?


In Your 20s
This is when lifestyle choices tend to make more of a difference. Think late nights out drinking and a less-than-perfect skin care routine. Yes, getting a good night's sleep and avoiding too much alcohol helps prevent eye bags. It's also a good idea to use moisturizing eye creams with antioxidants that can help keep the sensitive skin around the eyes hydrated and prevent collagen damage.

If you notice that you have bags under your eyes early in the morning but they're generally gone by noon, it probably means they're being caused by fluid retention. The Mayo Clinic suggests that simply sleeping with your head elevated a bit more could remedy the condition.

In Your 30s
It's time to increase the firepower in your skin care arsenal for use around the eyes. Prescription Retin-A used under the eyes is fine, but it should be used sparingly because the skin there is very thin and sensitive. Start slow to avoid drying out the area and invest in good moisturizing eye creams and serums that contain peptides and antioxidants.

This is also a good time to check in with a medical spa run by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They can give you product recommendations and also suggest any in-office treatments that might benefit you. Many people begin getting regular facials at this point in their lives, as well as chemical peels and laser treatments, all of which help strengthen and rejuvenate facial skin. Some treatments are even tailored just for the delicate eye area.

In Your 40s (and Beyond)
At this point in your life, it may be time to invest in slightly stronger treatments to target your under-eye bags. Dermal fillers and eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) are great solutions, according to Dr. Derek T. Ford in the Toronto and Oshawa area. His website says he often recommends a treatment with an injectable hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane®:
"This product can fill in the tear trough, which is the depressed groove between the puffy lower eyelid and cheek. Although this option doesn't replace the results that can be achieved with formal blepharoplasty surgery, it does offer an in-office, non-surgical alternative that reduces the appearance of lower eyelid aging."

Of course, eyelid surgery is the most effective option if you're willing to make the investment. During surgery, a plastic surgeon physically adjusts or removes part of the bulging fat for lasting results. Most people are surprised how simple the recovery process is — typically about a week of downtime and only mild discomfort — but it is the most invasive route and so it's not for everyone.

Remember that fillers, creams, serums, even eyelid surgery ultimately are temporary fixes. Aging is an inevitable process that changes our appearances. But taking care of your skin, using professional-grade products, and checking in with cosmetic medical providers regularly can help turn back the clock.

*sponsored post*

Affordable: Live Clean Shampoo and Conditioners

I tend to be just the type to purchase the $40 shampoo or conditioner my stylist recommends at the salon out of sheer guilt. A few months ago, I remember spending about $100 on a certain fancy French brand’s shampoo and conditioner – and they did NOTHING for me.

I’ve been using Live Clean on-and-off for about two years, and I am kicking myself for abandoning an amazing, affordable line. Here are two of the lines that I consider my cult favourites:


Apple Cider Vinegar – Clarifying Shampoo and Finishing Rinse
Suffer from an oily, greasy scalp that leaves your blowout looking less than desirable? This is the line for you. I am a devout dry shampoo user – my hair tends to look like I haven’t showered in a week after two days, and it’s the only way to keep my blowout looking fresh. Once a week, I use this line to remove buildup from oil and hair products which can dull your colour and add shine to my hair. Plus, the apple cider scent is divine. I’ve caught my boyfriend stealing it on more than one occasion.


Exotic Silk – Keratin Oil Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner
Not only do I suffer from an oily scalp, I also have dry, frizzy, curly hair (my hair is my worst enemy sometimes). If I am in need of something really hydrating, this line is my go-to. It’s perfect for restoring moisture to your hair, straightening unruly hair and strengthening split ends. Again, like all Live Clean products, it smells amazing – it’s formulated with Brazilian Buriti Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil and Wild Flower Honey.

Live Clean products are available at leading Canadian retailers, including Walmart, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Loblaws and the Real Canadian Superstore. Most shampoos and conditioners retail for $4.98 (what a steal!).


Spiced Beauty: Best of Beauty 2015

In 2015, I found some holy grail products. I literally don't leave the house without any of them... and because of that- I'm going to celebrate them! I hope you fall in love with them too.

NUDESTIX Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel ($28.00 CAN)
My brows have never looked better. I'm serious!
The brown/black pencil is the perfect colour for my brows.
Not too dark or ashy. The gel has great staying power.
This is a 5 start product.



Buy it here: NUDESTIX Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel

******

Hands down the BEST foundation I've ever used in life!
My colour: COLOR 178 = Y535 - Chestnut
No streaking! 40 shades to choose from.
Not 3 shades! 40 shades with different undertones to suit you!



******

This is the first skincare product that I actually finished in years.
It didn't irritate my skin or leave any spots.
It hydrated my skin. I'd totally recommend it!



Indeed Labs Fillume Volumising Moisturiser can be found at Shopper's Drug Mart.

This was the first year that I really embraced my curls.
Now that I've tried this product I'm not sure how I would try anything else.
It's not sticky and a little bit goes a LONG way.

Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel can be found at aonebeauty.com.

Three words: Creamy Matte Goodness
Plus extremely long lasting!
Probably one the best liquid lipsticks on the market right now.




Have you tried any of these brands?