NEED: CoverGirl TruBlend Primer

I won't lie to you, I gave up on drugstore primers a few years ago. I can't even tell you the amount of brands that I've used and they have never compared to the ones that I get from Sephora. 
They have all left me super oily and really disappointed.

I was sent CoverGirl TruBlend Primer ($12.00 CAN) and literally I didn't pay that much attention to it. I was packing overnight bag a few weeks ago and then I realized that I couldn't find my usual primers. I was honestly freaking OUT! Since I knew where CoverGirl one was, I took it with me not really thinking that it was going to do much. 
I was surprised. 

My Sephora Beauty Insider Sale Top Five Picks!

It's that time again! 
My favourite beauty time of the season: The Sephora Beauty Insider Sale! I could live in Sephora! It's EVERYTHING! The range there is insane.. especially as a Woman of Colour. I'm able to find products there that I cannot find in the drugstore. On top of that, there are multiple individuals who can help me find my shade or to find a product that will work best skin concerns. 

Every time I go in for one thing.. I end up leaving with three. No joke! On social media, I'm always asked what are my top five products that I believe should be purchased from Sephora. It's super hard to choose exactly what you should get but here are five products that you cannot go wrong with.

TOP FIVE:






1

I'm obsessed with this product. I can't tell you how amazing it makes my skin look after using it.You get that famous Ole Glow. It's a easy three-step system that you can not mess up. It always saves me a trip to Esthetician when things are tight!

2

I've been using these daily since July. I actually don't use ANY other liners these are so amazing. Come in five different finishes: Diamond, matte, iridescent, metallic and satiny.

3

This is an awesome little device which I prefer more than the clarisonic. It delicate and super hygienic. Worth the investment.

4
SEPHORA COLLECTION Skincare Booster - Tired Skin ($14.00 CAN)

This product is perfection in a bottle! Main ingredient is magnesium.
Which can totally brighten your complexion.

5
NUDESTIX Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils ($28.00 CAN)

Super pigmented and long lasting matte pencils that come in a various colours.

What are you getting?

Beautylicious 2016

It's that time again! Time for the 8th annual Beautylicious event! This year, over 50 participating businesses in the Bloor-Yorkville area will allow you to try beauty services in four different price categories.

Packages range from $30, $50, $75, $125
http://www.bloor-yorkville.com/beautylicious/

From October 20nd to October 30th you can chose from packages that are available in three categories for both men & women:
  • Salon
  • Spa/Medi-Spa
  • Health and Wellness
This week, I had the opportunity to visit Deco De Mode- Beauty Bar for a Beautylicious promo.
It's such a lovely space on Scollard St.


I got the $50 Gel Toe Pedicure deal.
Ladies- Just because it's Fall that's doesn't mean that we have to neglect our feet. Plus it's gel so I know that it will last longer. I used OPI gel Red.


My first impression of Deco de Mode was that it was super clean and swanky!
I loved the comfortable pedicure chairs & decor. There are three main services that you can get here: Waxing/Threading, Nails & Lashes. I'm totally excited to go back and try their lashes service.




Other notables..
Trade Secrets
$75 Offering
Haircut + Treatment & Styling

STILLWATER SPA
I$50 Offering
Orange Spice Pumpkin & Polish Pedicure

Have you checked out Beautylicious before?

Cards based on your personality from Socialcirclecards

How many times have you gone out and forgotten your business cards. Or met someone influential totally by fluke and didn't have a card to give to them. What about this... Have you gone to an event- hit it off with the head of the company they asked for a card and you have nothing to give them. This has happened to me quite a few times.

Dermablend Professional is now in Canada!

As a makeup artist, one product which I would see in a lot of kits was Dermablend. I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive launch of Dermablend in Canada! Starting on October 8th, they are now sold exclusively in drugstores.


If you don't know anything about them please know that they're the #1 Dermatologist recommended camouflage brand in the US. Also known for their high pigment content and blendability.


They have been around for over 35 years changing lives by addressing all skin concerns:
  • redness
  • dark circles
  • uneven complexion
  • vitiligo
  • rosacea
  • tattoos
  • scars
  • acne

Even if you don't have any of these issues. This is for anyone who desires full coverage. Brides who have a problem with their makeup running would really benefit from using this product. The line features a good range of powders, foundations and concealers. FYI I'm in one of darkest shades in the line- Cinnamon.  Not sure if this is for you? Think about it this way.. It's dermatologist tested, allergy tested, sensitive skin tested, non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic and fragrance-free. 
In other words.. you need to get your hands on this ASAP!



Caryl Baker Visage ENCHANTED - FALL 2016

Have you seen Caryl Visage's Fall 2016 Enchanted Collection in stores?
If not, let me show you my top three favourite products.

About the Collection-
Envision a fairy tale: Colours- Amethyst, pink, lavender and garnet & peach.

Enchanted Eye Shadow ($18.00 CAN)
Three finishes frosted, iridescent and matte.
  • Pixie
  • Zephyr
  • Dreamy
  • Mist
  • Ambrosia
  • Raven
I was sent three colours:
ZEPHYR Shimmer Dusty rose
PIXIE Frosted cream
RAVEN Matte mauve/grey

SWATCH

Enchanted Matte Liquid Lipstick ($24.00 CAN)
Velvety matte finish that stays put.
  • Eternal
  • Ever After
  • Euphoria
Enchanted Lip Liner ($18.50 CAN)
Long-lasting/creamy formula.

  • Ravishing
  • Inspiration
  • Winery



Do you have a favourite?

NUDESTIX Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm LUXE & HAVEN

I love NUDESTIX! Their Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel is the ONLY product that I've been using straight for a YEAR! Or their Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils - which have become a staple in my makeup kit because they show up so beautifully on a camera. A lot of people are branching out pf their matte obsession and are trying out products that are more hydrating.  But I currently need products for my clients who prefer more of a natural lip look.

Welcome NUDESTIX Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm ($28.00 CAN).

What's the key word to describe these:
MOISTURIZING

Fall: Quo Brush Set

 Fall make up is EVERYTHING TO ME!!!! Absolutely one of my favourite times in the MUA world hands-down. Give me a vampy lips- eggplant smoky eye and a gold highlight and I'm good. 

I have actually been playing with a lot of Fall products from the beginning of summer. Perks of getting being a blogger and getting things sent a few items in advance. I had a few cute items from Quo show up on my doorstep but my favourite was the brush set. 

Quo Brush Set Brush Up! ($50.00 CAN)

Seven Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils in to your Life

The older I get, the more I appreciate things like having essential oils in my regimen. 
They're 100% pure/natural and the easiest way to restore your health naturally.


A while back, I was given a cute package with essential oils from Thursday Plantation. I've used Thursday plantation Tea Tree oil in the past and I was totally excited to work with them again. Their current theme is called "100 uses for Thursday Plantation". Did you know that essential oil's are not just used as in beauty regimens? They can be used for therapeutic purposes, first aid, to clean your home or healing.

Love Breakfast again with MIXIT.ca

I'm the queen of picky eating. I hate everything. If you seen my approved food list- you would laugh. The hardest meal of the day for me is breakfast. I never know what to eat. It's so easy to pick up a cereal chalked full of sugar but hard to find one that I really like. 

When I got the email to try Mixit.ca- I wasn't sure what to expect. 
I was able to make an awesome cereal blend that I'm a huge fan of!

Mixit.ca is unique because YOU choose your ingredients OR buy a pre-made mix.
  1. Start off with a cereal base
  2. Then add as many nuts, grains and dried fruits as you want. 
The nutrition facts are printed on the tube.
My mix: Spiced Beauty
BASE:Sunshine in the soul
Strawberry (freeze dry)
Fuji and Granny Smith Apple (freeze dry)
Organic Pineapple
Mango (freeze dry)
Blackberry (freeze dry)





Quick Facts:
  • Canadian Company-made in Montreal
  • 12-15 full bowls out of each order
  • Shelf life- 3 months-4 months 
  • Most ingredients are from Canadian suppliers
  • Price varies based on the mix 

Would you be interested in making your own mix or do you like the store bought cereals?



Get ready for Fall with Live Clean Body Washes!

I love beauty products but I'm obsessed with body care items.
I was EXTREMELY excited when a few Live Clean products ($4.99- $6.99 CAN) 
showed up at my door.

I won't lie - I've never used the Live Clean body washes before. So it was a delight to try them out.
I received: Coconut Milk Moisturizing Body Wash, Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Replenishing Body Wash and Fresh Water Moisturizing Body Wash.

Currently Obsessed: Mary Kay® Perfecting Concealer™

Its been a while, since I have completely fallen in love with a new concealer. I have a few products that have run out and I have not replenished yet. Before I stumbled on this one, I was actually using foundation (which is a waste) as a concealer. I received a Mary Kay package and seen the first 5 shades and was bummed out... but then I realized that one had dropped one: Deep Bronze.
Literally, it is the perfect colour for me.


Im extremely proud of Mary Kay! 
This product is very comparable to a something that I tried at Sephora for over $30. 
The Mary Kay® Perfecting Concealer™ is only $17.50 CAN.

Four must have Ole Henriksen products from Sephora

I'm late on the Ole Henriksen train. I'd always see the brand in Sephora but I wasn't sure if it was for me. After having my first Ole Henriksen facial, seeing the Ole glow and meeting Ole in-person: I'm a believer. He told me I was cute and had great skin. He also give me a few personal skin recommendations plus talked about our love of Naomi Campbell!  I've pretty much tried the whole line. I picked four items that are a MUST haves.... If was trapped on a island these products would HAVE to come with me.


Yellow tail Moscato and Nails Inc collaboration is back at the LCBO

Back in June, I had the opportunity to go to a launch of the brand partnership between [yellow tail] Moscato and Nails Inc. With Summer coming to an end, it's time to let loose and soak of the last bit of fun.


In select LCBO stores across Canada select [yellow tail] Moscato bottles ($10.90 CAN) will come with one of five complimentary nail polish shades by Nails Inc.

I've always been a fan of Nails Inc! Their vivid nail colours and formula are amazing. What could be better than enjoying a bottle of wine and giving yourself a mani and pedi.


If you don't know, I'm obsessed with Moscato. I can tell you that [yellow tail] Moscato does not disappoint! Don't believe me?

Get your self a bottle now available from August 14 to September 10.
Let me know what you think!


Three Gentle Back to School Products for your Skin: Cerave

I'm not 16 anymore- so my skin care routine is even more important.

I told you all my story many times. How when I was younger, I used to be blemish free... then I turned about 25 or so I started to see pimples. It was really disheartening. I go through times where I find products that work amazing for me and other times where my skin was a MESS. I'm really liking CERAVE. This brand was formulated with dermatologist to help repair your skin. It is also non-comedogenic, fragrance free and leaves and no irritation. Everything in the line is so mild( that I've tried).  Right now I have a good regimen going on which I think I'm going to stick to until the winter.

If you're going back to school and need some skin care advice. Definitely check out these products.

Add Palmers Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil to your daily routine

These liquid lip colours have crazy staying power now a days.
The removal can be crazy: Super long and annoying!
(If you don't have the right products) 

Right now, My favourite thing to use for removal is Palmers Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil- Face ($7.99 CAN).

4 Mistakes To Avoid When Applying Contact Lenses And Makeup

There’s a whole host of do's and don'ts out there when it comes to contact lenses and make-up: nifty reviews on what are the “safest" contact lenses and how to care for your lenses, amongst other things. Before we delve into this, what most people don't know is that a lot of contact lens wearers are practicing not so healthy habits which can be easily resolved leaving your makeup looking flawless and your eyes healthy.

Here are 4 common mistakes, which may sound like no-brainers, but, are commonly practiced by contact lens wearers all around the globe.

APPLYING LENSES AFTER MAKE-UP
Sounds pretty simple doesn’t it - but it's not! This is actually top on the list of the most frequently asked questions by a first-time contact lens wearer. Why shouldn't you put in your contact lenses after you applied your make-up? First of all, there may be residues of moisturizer, foundation, eye shadow or mascara on your fingers which can easily stick to the contact lens disrupting the cleanness and clarity of the lenses. Secondly there is a high chance your eyeliner will run leaving you having wasted 15 minutes of a perfectly applied smoky eye.



CHOOSING THE WRONG MASCARA OR EYELINER
With such a vast range of products on the market today, it's all too easy to get carried away and be tempted to try every single product on the shelf. However when you’re part of the contact lens squad, you need to make smart decisions when choosing your mascara.

Mascaras that contain extra fibers to enhance the length of your lashes are great, if you have 20/20 vision or wear glasses. However for contact lens wearers the results are less than positive. Lash building mascaras contain fibers which can potentially flake into your eyes and these can become trapped under your lenses, increasing the risk of infection.

One solution to prevent flaking is to avoid touching your eyes or lashes but, an even better way is to invest in products which won’t flake. Eyeliners and mascaras which are designed for extended wear are the best solution and are particularly great if you have eyes that are prone to watering due to allergies.

UNDER ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF CARING FOR YOUR MAKEUP
How you treat your makeup products is one of the most overlooked aspects of wearing contact lenses. Let’s best honest how many people follow the professional advice to throw and replace your mascara after 3 months? Mascara tubes in particular, are infamous for being the perfect 'moist' environment for bacteria and germs to build up. Plus, if you've been using a mascara for a little too long, they may get dry and cakey, which in turn creates clumps, flakes and the not so desirable risk of infection.

A simple adjustment such as making sure you keep all containers firmly closed after use, using high quality makeup brushes, and frequently washing your brushes and sponges can improve your contact lenses experience dramatically.

PRACTICING UNHEALTHY EYE CARE HABITS
When you put on eye make-up, no matter how careful you are with your application technique or handling your products, there is still a high chance that there are some residues of your make-up product that have got onto your contact lenses. So with this in mind we highly recommend you to be disciplined about replacing or cleaning them properly. Rubbing your lenses in solution for a few minutes before storing them, even if you are using a ‘all-in-one’ solution, is vital when you have been wearing makeup. Also to avoid unnecessarily putting your eyes at risk of infection and if you feel daily washing wouldn’t fit into your lifestyle daily disposable lenses are a great investment. By using a fresh, new pair of lenses every day, you’ll avoid the buildup of protein (from your eyes) or pollen, makeup and other agents which may cause irritation.


Check out SmartBuyGlasses’ collection which offers a vast range of purse friendly contact lenses suitable for all lifestyles. For more information on contact lens care, head over there .


** Sponsored post**

My simple everyday look with Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Waterproof Eyeliners + Swatches

Eyeliner has been a part of my daily routine for the past 15+ years. It's one product that I am always trying. I have tried so many brands. A good 50% of them end up smudged on my lower lid halfway through my day.It's so annoying. For me, I need products that don't budge. I don't have time to touch up throughout the day so I need one application to last hours. 

I look for liners that I can literally they check off my "everything I'm looking for" a list.
It sounds dramatic but hear me out.
  • Long lasting
  • Ultra pigmented 
  • Easy application that does not drag your eyes 
  • Creamy 
  • Safe for your waterline
  • Water resistant

Cover Girl: Katy Kat Matte Lipstick Swatches

I have always been a fan of Katy Perry style. She's unapologetic and not afraid to step outside of the box. I was really excited when Cover Girl tweeted that they would be doing a one-of-a-kind make up line with her: Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks ($11 CDN). I was even more excited when the whole collection showed up at my door.

Currently Obsessed: Mary Kay Beauty Blotters® Oil-Absorbing Tissues

I'm the queen of looking like an oil slick during summer. It's annoying but that's what happens to me when I wear spf on my face. There is one product that I literally can't live without during these times: Oil blotters!

Right now, my go to's are the Mary Kay Beauty Blotters® Oil-Absorbing Tissues ($8.50 CAN).