Sunday, September 30, 2012

Sukin Botanical Protein Treatment Review

After trying out the shampoo and conditioner in the Sukin Gorgeous Getaway sample set, I was ready to buy the full size of the conditioner.  As I roamed the hair care section of Natures Emporium, I found this treatment by Sukin.  I actually prefer using a tiny amount of deep conditioner than a regular conditioner, does that make sense? I just find that a little goes a longer way, it's more hydrating and I get quicker and better results.

Description: A deep conditioning protein treatment to nourish and strengthen hair. Rich in aloe vera, calendula and chamomile to soothe tired, dry hair, hydrolysed wheat protein to fortify and sesame to deliver long lasting nourishment.

I love this stuff! I have only used it about 3 times but it's wonderful.  I use a nickel sized amount, or maybe a tiny bit more, and just rub it on my ends.  Whatever little excess is left, I run through the upper part of my hair (I don't massage into my roots or scalp).  It hydrates so well and leaves my hair smooth and tangle free.  I like that the container is small and plastic because this would be a great product to take with you when you travel, especially somewhere hot.  After spending the day in the sun and pool/ocean, your hair would soak up the goodness.  It smells really nice, like the rest of their products.  It's a faint vanilla and citrus type scent.  Sadly, the beautiful smell doesn't linger.  I would definitely repurchase this product.

I purchased this for $7.99 CAN but think it's usually around $11 or $12 CAN.  Check out Sukin Organics for more info.

What's your favourite in shower conditioner?



Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearylamidopropyl dimethylamine, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Monostearate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, Chamomilla Recutita Extract (Chamomile), Calendula Officinalis Extract (Marigold), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citric Acid, Linalool,* Limonene.*

* Natural component of essential oils.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

September 2012 Favourites!

My first favourites post, woohoo!  I have been loving a few things and just had to share.  Favourites are always a good way to update your previous reviews without actually making changes to them I think.

Skin care is up first:

Ginseng Facial Scrub Cream - review here - I love this stuff so much and haven't felt compelled to try any other scrub. I mix in a little with my cleanser in the AM and it leaves my skin feeling gorgeous!

Pure+Simple Calming Cucumber Mask - review here - this has been my go-to for calming and hydrating my skin. I actually didn't think it was, or going to become, an essential part of my routine but I need this product in my life. It is so awesome and I will be purchasing once I run out.

Pure+Simple Lactic Acid Plus - review here - I am still obsessed with this product. I apply it almost every night to help clear up or prevent break outs, smooth my skin, lighten scars, you name it this does it. It's a HG item for me without a doubt.

Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate - review here - Wonderful, what else can I say?  I love how hydrating it is and how it makes my skin look and feel when I apply it and when I wake up. 

As listed above


Makeup - Lip Products:

Alima Pure Lip Balm (swatches below) - review here - I still think there is a hint of stale peanut in terms of taste BUT I have fallen in love with these balms.  They are hydrating and add a nice hint of colour to your lips when you want a little but don't want to apply lip stick or a stain.  I have been reaching for both colours.

MariaNatie Lip Gloss - review here - I really enjoyed these glosses when I first tried them and I still really enjoy them.  While the lack of colour is disappointing, I love putting them on top of the Alima balms.  It adds a beautiful glossy layer and tastes delicious!


Top to Bottom: Rhubarb and Mango

Makeup - Face Products :

Pure+Simple Blush - review here - While I didn't actually review the colour below (Glow), I did declare my love for Pure+Simple blushes.  I have been reaching for this colour every single day since purchasing it and continue to do so.  I feel this is going to be my favourite every month until I use it up.

Sante Face Powder -review here - I wish there was a bit more coverage in this product but am enjoying it.  It's great for setting makeup as well as for wearing on it's own when I'm way too lazy to do my entire face.  It offers a semi matte finish and just slightly evens out my skin tone.

Tarte Cream Shadow - review here - I love using this on my lid but have been using it all month long as a highlighter! Don't you just love discovering a new use for a current product? I do!  This is great on my cheek bones, just under my brows, down my nose, inner corners of eyes and cupids bow.  Love, love, love this thing.

Pure+Simple Blush and Sante Face Powder

Tarte Cream Shadow

What have you been loving for September?

September 2012 Empties

Wow, September has come and gone so quickly.  There's a few days left but I know I won't finish anything else this month so I thought I'd put this up now.

First off, hair care:



Andalou Lavender Shampoo - review here - I won't repurchase this right now as I'm really enjoying my Carina shampoo and think my hair and scalp need the extra moisture with the colder months coming.  This was great for summer though.

John Masters Lavender Rosemary Shampoo - review here - this lasted me ages!  I actually want to try out other John Masters shampoos, once I finish my Carina one.  My boyfriend is trying out the Zinc and Sage from JM and I'll have a review on that in a few weeks.  A man's perspective might be good.


Face care and makeup:


Avene Thermal Water -no review - someone gave this to me and I really enjoyed it.  I didn't do a review because it's just thermal water.  I don't think I'd purchase it on my own because  I'm really getting into floral waters to soothe and refresh which is what thermal water does anyway.

100% Pure Pineapple Facial Scrub -review here - I enjoyed this scrub and I had it since May! Maybe even before that actually.  I haven't repurchased but would love to try other 100% Pure scrubs. Sadly, due to availability issues, it's hard to find their stuff.  For now, I'm obsessed with the Ginseng Facial Scrub Cream by Mary Ginseng House.

Pangea Cleanser - review here - I have repurchased this cleanser, I just love it.  It leaves my skin so soft and smooth.  It's my HG cleanser.

100% Pure Primer - review here - While I really liked this, I found it would enhance dry spots.  I loved it at first but the more I used it, the more I felt it wasn't all THAT amazing.  I won't repurchase and am currently on the hunt for a new primer.

Origins Quick, Hide Concealer - review here - this is the perfect under eye concealer.  It's a great pink colour, which works great for concealing the blue under my eyes and doesn't crease at all.  Sadly, I found out that they test (rather Estee Lauder does, which owns Origins) and so I won't repurchase.  I'm looking for a new one to try and would love some suggestions!

Lastly, oral care:


Jason Power Smile - no review - I love this stuff.  This is my second bottle and I will likely continue repurchasing.  It is so minty and refreshing. The bottle is kinda small for the price but it lasts a little while.  I try to buy it when it's on sale.

Kiss My Face Triple Action Toothpaste -review here - Great toothpaste that I keep coming back to.  So refreshing and leaves my mouth so clean.

What did you finish this month?

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Love Your Pearly Whites with Kiss My Face Toothpaste

Natural toothpaste is ridiculously expensive, not gonna lie, but I absolutely love this toothpaste. 

Claim: Brushing with great tasting natural aloe gel helps prevent plaque and tartar build-up that can cause gum disease, bad breath, discoloration, and cavities. Natural formula features cool Mint freshness, natural whitening, Co-Q10, Tea Tree, Herbal Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Organic Aloe Vera and is free from Fluoride and SLS.

The Good:
  • It's a gel based toothpaste, I hate cream ones because the texture is just gross
  • Foams up without creating too much that you feel like you're chocking on foam
  • So refreshing and minty!
  • Whitens my teeth, seriously it does.
  • Doesn't irritate my mouth because there's no SLS
  • No complaints from my dentist on my oral health!
The Bad:
  • Expensive, it's between $6 - $7 depending where you get it and if it's on sale
  • Only 96 g/ml of product, which I think might actually be less
  • Seems like there's more air in the tube than product, maybe I'm crazy but I feel like I run out of this quicker than any other toothpaste (natural or not) that I've ever used
All that being said, I can't find a toothpaste that I like better.  I have gone through so many and this is my absolute favourite when it comes to texture, taste and performance.  I will continue to try others but feel I will always come back to this one.

Can be purchased from www.well.ca and any health food market.

What's your favourite natural toothpaste?



 
Ingredients: Sorbitol, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Water, Xylitol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Melaleuca Alternafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ubiquinone (Co-Q10), Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Flavor, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice), Xanthan Gum, Menthol, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Chlorophyllin- Copper Complex, Potassium Sorbate.

* Organic


Life Update

There's been many things happening in my life lately, mostly positive, thought I'd share with you all.

I recently lost my job, which was an absolute blessing.  I got what I wanted and can now move on with life.  I was completely miserable in the corporate world (or maybe just doing what I was doing) and wanted out.  When you go to work daily and are on the verge of tears, that's a sign you need to pursue something else.

I have signed up to receive my full medical aesthetics diploma which includes the aesthetics portion of it.  I did complete certificates in skin care, laser, micro, and chemical peels earlier this year but now have to do a bunch of other things like mani/pedi, makeup, etc.  I am beyond excited because it's what I want to do.  I'd rather make less money and enjoy what I do than make loads of money and hate life. I am thankful that I'm able to do this and look forward to a positive career change.

I started reading 'The Secret' and it's a great book.  It's about how positive thinking brings about positive outcomes.  Some will think it's total crap and I am definitely skeptical but am going to try it out.  I guess it worked with my job situation lol.  Whether it works or not, positive thinking is always better than negative.  Easier said than done, I know.

Lastly, Lola is doing better!!  I took her to the vet this week and he gave me the thumbs up on her pneumonia being practically gone.  She can now go out on walks and play again.  I was so thrilled with the news because it's been hard seeing her so sad.  It was also great to know she didn't have to be on antibiotics anymore.

My little Lola :)

Monday, September 24, 2012

Fresh Faced Samples!

I've made a couple of purchases, maybe 3, from Fresh Faced and received some pretty wonderful samples with my orders.  I just wanted to do a little post on what I received and my first impressions.  The samples are pretty small, so it's hard to make a decision on whether or not I'd purchase but here goes....
 
From left to right:
 
 
Kahina Facial Lotion - It's a light textured lotion that hydrates well but it's not enough for me for the colder months.  It doesn't smell like anything, great for those sensitive to scents.  I only had enough to use it twice so I'm not sure if I would purchase the full size.
 
Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream - This was disappointing for me because it made me break out.  A little goes a very long way, it feels like butter.  It's greasy and just feels oily on your skin.  I love chamomile and rosehip and thought this would be a definite winner. Light scent that doesn't linger.  I won't purchase the full size. 
 
One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser - I didn't find that this cleanser foamed up very much, didn't remove ALL of my makeup but I was impressed because I expected it to remove nothing with how watery feeling it is.  It doesn't smell like much.  Definitely doesn't compare to my Pangea cleanser which I'm sticking with!
 
 
 
One Love Organics Love Springs Eternal Youth Preservation Serum - I haven't tried this yet but will tomorrow morning!
 
Pai Macadamia & Rose BioRejuvenate Cream for Dry Skin - This was a surprise! I thought this was going to be way too thick and greasy.  It is thick and a tad greasy but it moisturizes so well and soaks right into my skin without breaking me out.  I am still working through the sample but am considering purchasing the full size.
 
Kahina Argan Oil - I used this on my hair and really liked it!  Will I purchase it?  I don't know yet.  
 

 
 
One Love Organics Brand New Day Microderma Scrub & Mask - Haven't tried this yet either but will at some point lol.
 

That's all folks!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Stage a Dry-Hair Intervention with FreshFaced.ca

With Summer gone *sad face*, we need to get our hair back in tip top shape.  UV rays, salt water, chlorine, and long days spent at the beach damage hair follicles and can leave your locks looking less than lustrous. Get out of the heat and stage a dry-hair intervention with these natural hair healers to starve off a summer hair hangover. (All products are available at www.FreshFaced.ca)




Yarok Feed Your Shine Hair Serum is made with organic and all-natural vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and essential oils. Feed Your Shine absorbs quickly to condition and protect without feeling greasy.

Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil is certified organic, certified fair-trade, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants and minimally processed to restore shine and relive frizz.
*I received a sample of this product and very much enjoyed it!*

John Masters Organics 100% Argan Oil tames frizzies and mends split ends while adding sparkle and shine.

John Masters Organics Shine On uses organic kelp to smooth the hair shaft leaving hair silky and soft. This natural leave-in treatment uses six certified organic plant extracts help condition the hair.

Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner nourishes your tresses with this nutritious leave-in
conditioner spray. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential oils, this conditioner will also nourish hair prior to blow-drying or heat styling.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Sukin Natural Skin Care - Gorgeous Getaway Sample Set

While at Nature's Emporium, aside from checking out their makeup section, I also had (yes I was forced by my own self) to check out what brands of body and skin care they carried.  I have heard about Sukin before but never really looked into them since they're not in any of my local shops and I'm very selective on who I order from online. Sukin products were all on sale so I happily popped their conditioner and facial moisturizer in my cart.  As I continued walking around, I spotted their Gorgeous Getaways kit.  After deep thought and deliberation, I decided to just get the kit and try everything from their line prior to picking up full sizes.

Description: Five everyday skin and hair care essentials to help hydrate and keep your skin looking fresh.

Contains:
Facial Moisturiser 50ml
Cream Cleanser 50ml
Hydrating Mist Toner 50ml
Purifying Shampoo 50ml
Nourishing Conditioner 50ml

What a great set!  I haven't tried out the cream cleanser yet, but am really enjoying the other products.  The facial moisturizer is hydrating without feeling heavy and leaves my skin silky smooth.  The toner is great for setting makeup, that's the only way I've been using it right now.  The shampoo is alright, nothing special.  The conditioner is great!  I was debating on trying the John Masters Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner but the steep price tag turned me off for now.  I'm glad I got to try this one out, it's very hydrating.  I've only used it a couple of times, so we'll see how much I like it by the time I run out.  All of the products smell really nice, light vanilla and citrus scent.  I love the mini versions for the obvious reason, it's easy to travel with, but I also enjoy them because I can reuse the bottles. I am thrilled with this set and this brand, I highly recommend trying out this kit if you can get your hands on it.

Retails for approx. $25 CAN but I purchased mine for $18.  Check out www.sukinorganics.com for more info.

Do you have a favourite Sukin product?







Cream Cleanser Indredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.

Hydrating Mist Toner Ingredients: Aqua, Rosa Damascena Flower Water (Rose), Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Extract (Chamomile), Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid.

Facial Moisturizer Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citrus Paradisi Extract, (Grapefruit Seed), Linalool, * Limonene. * * Natural component of essential oils.

Purifying Shampoo Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citric Acid, Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.

Nourishing Conditioner Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citrus Paradisi Extract (Grapefruit Seed), Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.

RMS Beauty "Un" Cover up Concealer Review

I am way too excited and just sat here for like 10 minutes trying to figure out how to calm myself down and begin typing.  I started remembering my very first visit to Nature's Emporium last weekend and I felt like a kid in a candy store again.  I went to there to check out the RMS Beauty products.  I like to actually see and touch makeup before buying it, especially when it's foundation or concealer.  I ended up trying the Living Luminizer and Un Cover up Concealer in store and purchasing number 11 of the concealer.

Description: Unlike other concealers that are too heavy, too dry, or don't stay put, "un" cover-up is formulated to reveal and enhance healthy skin all day long.  100% natural, and packed with organic ingredients, "un" cover-up can be used as a light foundation in addition to providing flawless coverage for blemishes and brightening the under eye area. Use "un" cover-up where needed to give subtle, flawless, even coverage. It will make your skin look more youthful, healthy, and radiant, while working to help heal the skin at the same time. It also makes for a luminous, healthy light foundation, one that feels wonderful on the skin and leaves skin looking and feeling soft and beautiful even after you wash it off.   “Un”Cover-Up melts into the skin so the colors adjust themselves to your skin tone. For a matte look, set with powder.

These products didn't love me *sad face*.  After a few hours of wearing the products that I tried in store, I started getting little bumps on my face.  I decided to try the concealer anyway for a couple of days and the bumps just continued coming.  I didn't get any acne, just irritated bumps. My skin isn't flawless but it's pretty clear right now, I do have acne scarring and some redness on my cheeks but didn't find the coverage that good. I have a sample of Origins VitaZing which I have been using just to use and I feel that it does a better job of evening out my skin tone than RMS did.  It applied very nicely and kept my skin dewy and soft even when I set it with a powder.  I love the packaging, it's very classy and comes in little (strong) glass container.  Although glass, it's not that heavy and would be great to travel with.  With coconut oil being the main ingredients, I thought for sure it would work wonderfully for my skin. I mean, I apply coconut oil directly on my skin regularly as is.  All that said, I will be returning the concealer.  I highly recommend trying RMS Beauty products prior to purchasing.  I've heard nothing but rave reviews and am disappointed it didn't work for me.

Retail price varies.  Check out www.rmsbeauty.com for more info.

Have you been dying to try out RMS Beauty or have you already tried it?  Favourite products?






Ingredients: *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (non-GMO), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499]

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Andalou Naturals Mandarin Vanilla Body Lotion Review

 I have an Andalou addiction!!  How could I resist the sweet scent of mandarin vanilla for the low price of $5 CAN at Winners?  I couldn't!  Been looking for a new moisturizer, that actually smells nice, and came across this one.  I've been using it since the beginning of August and am about half way through it now. 

Description: Harmonizing mandarin vanilla, organic aloe vera, apricot and sunflower oils effectively hydrate and replenish to nourish, soothe and soften dry skin.

Sadly, I don't love this product.  It smells absolutely scrumptious and that's what I was looking for, but I feel like it just sits on the top of my skin and takes a little while to fully absorb.  It feels nice when I'm applying it but then it just sits there.  I dunno, maybe I don't know how to use it? lol.  Is that even possible? Who knows.  With Fall and Winter coming, I'll need something more hydrating and something that absorbs well and this just isn't it.  Ouch, my heart hurts because I love Andalou and had such high hopes *shakes head*. Oh well, my search continues for a wonderfully natural moisturizer.  I'll likely try using coconut oil but am open to suggestions :)

Check out www.andalou.com for more info. 

What's your favourite body moisturizer?


taken before using

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Vegetable Glycerin, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Reticulate (Mandarin) and Vanilla Planifolia Extracts*, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil*, Sodium Alginate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*†, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter*, Malus Domestica (Apple), Solar Vitis (Grape) and Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Stem Cell Cultures and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Extract*†, Allanotin, Soy Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil*
*Organic
† Fair Trade
Made naturally without GMO’s, gluten, paraben preservatives, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic colors, dyes and fragrances. Verified Gluten-Free 100% Eco-friendly, Vegetarian & Cruelty Free

Lip Heaven - Sephora Give Me Some Lip Set!

STOP! Go and buy this set right now, this very second! This set is not the most natural or organic, I know, but it's a great set not even gonna lie.  I bought this because I had a gift card and really wanted the Tarte Matte Lip Tint thing.  That alone is like $31 CAN and the set is only $30 CAN.  Hello? Bargain? Is that you?  Yes, yes it is me.

Description: A set of six perfect pink and nude lip products from glosses, treatments, tints, and shines. This essential kit has all you need for luscious lips (including two full-size products). A multi branded lip kit featuring the best lip gloss from Bite, Fresh, Hourglass, Laura Mercier, Sephora Collection, and Tarte, Give Me Some Lip is valued at more than $79. It’s the perfect gift or treat for yourself!

This set contains:- 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosé’ Tinted Lip Treatment (sheer berry rose)
- 0.12 oz Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Child (sheer nude)
- 0.1 oz Bite Beauty Lip Shine in Vintage (sheer mauve)
- 0.1 oz Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Baby Doll (soft pink shimmer)
- 0.1 oz Tarte LipSurgence™ Natural Matte Lip Tint in Hope (warm rose)
- 0.5 oz Sephora Collection Glossy Gloss in Precious Pink (very sheer pink with iridescent shimmer)

I have tried all of the glosses in this set except the Sephora one, only opened it to swatch. They all look, feel and smell wonderful.  I love glosses and balms, definitely prefer them over lipstick.  The reason I wanted the Tarte tint is because I heard it's long wearing and figured I wouldn't need to reapply as often. It doesn't last all day but even as it wears off and isn't as intense as when first applied, it still leaves a nice pinkish/red berry stain on my lips. My favourites so far are the Tarte Lip Tint and Bite Beauty Lip Shine because they are perfect for fall and look gorgeous layered together.  I don't know if I'll be doing a review of each item, if anyone is interested then I will.  Let me know.

Retails for $30 CAN.  Check out www.sephora.ca/com for more info.

Will you be picking up this set?
  

Left to right: Tarte, Laura Mercier, Sugar, Hourglass, Bite, Sephora

Top to bottom: Tarte, Laura Mercier, Sugar, Hourglass

Top to Bottom: Hourglass (again), Bite, Sephora

Top to bottom: same order as above

Monday, September 10, 2012

Blum Naturals Makeup Removing Towelettes Review

I'm not a towelette user and haven't been for like 10+ years. Wow, good job Nicole on making
yourself sound super old.  I used to LOVE them and it was the only thing that I would use when I was in high school (I think) or even before that, can't remember now, old age does that to ya!  Anyway, decided to pick these up because I wanted something to carry around with me to quickly remove my makeup if I was staying out late or traveling.  I bought the ones for sensitive/dry skin because I figured they'd be the least scented and most gentle.

Description: Our Dry/Sensitive Towelettes are infused with natural and organic botanicals that gently remove eye & face make-up. These soft towelettes gently cleanse and rehydrate for healthy looking skin.

I was really hoping for there not to be a scent, but there is.  It's not overwhelming but it's definitely there and I don't love it.  As for how it removes my makeup, does a pretty good job!  I don't wear much to begin with on a daily basis so I can't promise that it'll remove a caked on face.  It does remove my waterproof brow pencil and Tarte cream shadow, however, it leaves a little mascara behind (which isn't waterproof).  If it gets into my eyes accidentally, it burns, just an fyi.  I enjoy how thick the towelettes are and how compact the packaging is, perfect to travel with.  For the price, I would repurchase but only to travel with.  I'd rather just wash my face with regular cleanser or coconut oil when at home.  If you like towelettes for removing makeup or cleansing your skin, I recommend giving these a shot.

Retails for $5.99 CAN (at least that's how much I paid at Winners).  Check out www.blumnaturals.com for more info.

Do you like makeup removing wipes?



clean

dirty (duh)


Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Decyl Glucoside**, Organic Chamomile Extract*, Organic Aloe Vera Extract*, Lavender Oil*, Vanilla Oil*, Patchouli Oil*, Gluconolactone***, Sodium Benzoate***, Glycerin*.
*Plant Derived **Sugar Derived ***Naturally Derived

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Mary Ginseng House Samples & Review

After purchasing and loving the Facial Scrub Cream so much, I contacted Mary Ginseng House who sent me a wonderful little sample kit.  Sadly, I have a lost a couple of the samples while traveling and wasn't able to get the full feel for them.  Believe me, I was pretty mad at myself!

Here is what I received and my thoughts:

Facial Scrub Cream - Already reviewed and am still loving this.  I have actually started adding a pea size amount to my cleanser in the morning to gently exfoliate for better application of makeup.  I don't know if I'll be able to continue doing this when the weather gets colder, but right now, I'm enjoying the combo.

Face Cream -  This was a pretty large sample and I got through about half before losing it. I'm not really sure how I feel about this face cream.  It felt really nice on my skin and smoothed out any dryness, bumps and covered my pores (like silicone would) for a flawless makeup application but I don't know how I feel about wax on my skin.  I don't know a whole bunch about lanette wax but I will do some research and revisit this cream at a later point.  It didn't feel greasy or break me out so that's a plus.
Ingredients: Lanette Wax, Ginseng gel, Ginseng powder, Ginseng hydrosols, Ginseng essential oil, Olive oil, Aloe Vera gel, Jojoba ester, Grapefruit Seed extracts, and Vitamin E.

Intensive Renewal Treatment (I.R.T.) Serum: I loved this serum.  I used it in the morning, under my moisturizer and loved how hydrating it was without feeling or looking greasy.  It absorbed really well and definitely helped reduce the redness and active break outs on my chin.  I will be purchasing this for sure as soon as I get a chance to.
Ingredients: High concentration of ginseng essential oil, blended with pure jojoba ester.

Bio-Collagen Night Treatment: I lost this before even being able to try it.  I'm super sad about it because it looked promising.  I'm not a fan of putting heavy products on my face before bed, but I would have liked to at least try it for a couple of nights.  I'm le sad, but what's a gal to do?
Ingredients: Bees Wax, Ginseng, Jojoba ester, Biodynes EMPP, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Jasmine Absolutes, Rose Absolutes, bergamot, grapefruit seed extract, and Vitamin E.

Lip Balm: We all know my obsession with lip balms so of course I died a little when I saw a lip balm in my box!  This balm is great.  It's creamy, smells nice, feels nice and tastes nice.  I keep this at work as I like to moisturize my lips every hour.  I drink lots of water so my lip balm can wear off rather quickly. 
Ingredients: top-grade beeswax, jojoba oil, and essential oils of ginseng, lime, tea tree, vitamin E, and carrot oil

Pain Relieving Cream: This is not pictured below because I am still playing with it.  I have used it a few times but not regularly enough to notice a difference.  I will be using it every single night for the next week on my knee and report back.
Ingredients: Ginseng Hydrosols, Grapeseed Oil, Lanette Wax, Ginseng Gel, Essential Oils of Eucalyptus, Camphor, Winter Green, Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Grapefruit seed extract, and Vitamin E.

All of these products smelled really nice, nothing was strong or overpowering at all.  The lipbalm smells like lime and the other products smell like ginseng.  I absolutely love most of what I have tried (whether sent or purchased) and look forward to purchasing a couple more of their products.

Click here to get more information and to purchase any of their products.

Have you ever tried Mary Ginseng House products?  What was your favourite or which would you like to try?



taken before using

taken after using a couple of times

taken before using (ever)

taken after using several times

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Sigma Mrs. Bunny Travel Set Review

I never really understood the value in having good quality makeup brushes, let alone having multiple sets and single brushes until now.  Since getting this travel set from Sigma, I have been playing more with my eye makeup than ever before. I truly love them.

Description: The Mrs. Bunny Travel Kit was specially designed to deliver the perfect makeup application. This collection utilizes Sigmax HD fibers, to guarantee perfect product placement without absorption into the bristles. This kit contains all the essential brushes you need for a flawless look on-the-go. The brushes come in an innovative and functional container that turns into two brush holders! If you prefer vegan brushes, the Bunny Collection is perfect for you!

It's such a cute set, I love the blue and pink together.  It's funky but still chic.  The container is great because I put my eye brushes on one side and face on the other.  They're so soft and apply makeup really well.  I wash them once a week or as needed and find they dry really quickly. See below for individual pictures of the brushes and descriptions.  I highly recommend this set to anyone, especially those starting out with makeup because you have all of the essential brushes needed to create your daily look.

My absolute favourites are the F40 large angled contour brush which is great for contouring (obviously!) and applying blush, and E40 tapered blending brush which I have been using every single day to blend my crease colour.

This set retails for $59.00 USD and can only be purchased through www.sigmabeauty.com.

What's the one (or two) Sigma brush(es) you can't live without?



F30 - Large Powder: Even powder application. Uniform blending of powder products onto the face and body.

F60 - Foundation: Smooth foundation application. Apply liquid or cream products such as foundation and primer.

F40 - Large Angled Contour: Subtle cheek application. Use the angle to softly contour the cheekbone. Can also be used to apply blush.

E65 - Small Angle: Create precise lining. Moves fluidly and easily across the upper and lower lash lines. Use with gel, cream or powder liners.

E30 - Pencil: Soften and smoke out lines. Soften pencil liners along the top and bottom lash lines, add shadow to line the eyes, or use to highlight inner corner of eyes.

E55 - Eye Shading: Even application of color. Place color across the whole lid for an even and strong application of product.

E40 - Tapered Blending: Soft blended crease. Using just the tips to apply color, sweep back and forth through the crease for a diffused and blended finish.



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