Favourites of 2014 - Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of my favourites of 2014! If you haven't already checked out Part 1, it's full of my skin, hair and body care loves.
I love makeup, not in the same way that a makeup artist loves makeup, but just how it enhances what's already there...or covers what you wish wasn't! This year I stayed true to old faves and discovered some new ones. The reason I never do looks of the day, is because it's rare that I try something different. I'll usually just change up my lippy or blush. I'm a creature of habit, what else can I say?

Base: It`s really no surprise that Sappho`s Liquid Foundation in Leisha is here. It's a beautiful foundation that makes me feel like I'm not wearing any makeup at all, it covers well, and it has great ingredients. My only problem is that it oxidizes a bit. 
The next fave is the *Zuzu Luxe Dual Powder Foundation in D-10. I've only had this for a few months but I've reached for it every time that I've done my makeup. It offsets the oxidization of Leisha, provides a tad bit more coverage, and gives me a flawless complexion. I even love using it on its own when I just need to even out my skin. Full review to come.
Concealer: I haven't found one that works well for covering dark circles. I'm open to suggestions! I've heard Christopher Drummond is amazing, but (for some odd reason) I'm still on the fence about trying it.

Cheeks/Bronzer: I absolutely adore W3LL People's Universalist in #7. It's a super pigmented, deep cool toned pink cream blush that blends beautifully on the skin. 
Next up we have a hybrid, Physicians Formula Organic Wear bronzer/blush. This is my go to when I want a bronzed rosey cheek without the effort of contouring and blushing. It isn't all that pigmented so there's no way of applying too much. It works with any eye and lip combo. 
Lastly, we have Alima Pure Bronzer in Mauna Loa. I've had this bronzer for over two years now, it's insane how long this little jar has lasted. I love the warmth it gives, especially when I'm tanned and my foundation is a tad light, this evens it out. It can be built up or blended out for whatever intensity you're looking for. 

Eye Primer: Again, I haven't had this product for long but reach for it every time I do my makeup. The *Gabriel Eye Primer in Neutral is amazing! It evens out the lid, intensifies each shadow, and keeps shadows from creasing for several hours.

Eye Shadows: As you can see, I've made quite a dent in the two pictured shadows. They are my daily go tos and I literally cannot be without them. They are Pure Anada Pressed Shadows in *Whisper and Burlap. I use Whisper all over the lid, including the inner corner and brow bone, as well as on my face to highlight (seriously!). Burlap is a fantastic crease and transition colour, it's a matte light brown/taupe shade. Love!

Mascara: This was a tough one for me but, the standouts (not pictured) were Pure Anada and Earthlabs.

Brows: Sante Eye Brow Pencil in No. 2 is my holy grail brow pencil. It's the perfect dark brown without any warm (aka reddish) undertones. It fills in sparse brows like a dream and lasts for months. If you have lighter brows, I recommend Zuzu Luze Brow Pencil in Russet.

Lips: Yet another product that I haven't had for too long but have reached for more than any other lip product. This *Gabriel Color Lipliner in Berry is stunning on its own, under a gloss, or under a lipstick. It's creamy, pigmented, and lasts for hours without budging. It's a beautiful soft pink that would flatter any skin tone.

Brushes: Although many people like to use their hands, I prefer to apply makeup with brushes. That being said, these were the most used for 2014. From top to bottom we have Ecotools Shadow Brush, Alima Pure Crease/Blending Brush, Sigma Large Angled Contour Brush (used for blush), Sigma Large Powder Brush (used for bronzer), Real Techniques Multi Task Brush (used for powder), and the newest addition that I haven't been able to put down since getting it from Glam Goes Green is the *Real Techniques Powder Brush (used for powder).

Those are my makeup loves! Suggestions and your faves are always welcome, so leave them down below.

*PR SAMPLES. All opinions are my own

May 2014 Empties!

Oh boy have I finished up a good chunk of my stash this month. I apologize now for a couple of the dark pictures, I took them late at night in order to be able to toss this stuff out for garbage day. Anyway, let's get to it!

Alaffia Neem & Shea Butter Scalp Recovery Shampoo - This shampoo worked brilliantly in the colder months. I tend to have seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp, all year round, with dandruff on top of that in the winter. This helped clear up my scalp immediately and then stopped working. Will give it another go next winter.

Shoosha Baby Calm Baby Massage Oil - review here - This was a fantastic cleansing oil (for face) and moisturizing body oil, however, I hated that the bottle cap always leaked. Definitely not travel friendly and just plain annoying. Still, it was lovely and I would repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk - review here - Ignore the fact that the picture shows that this bottle is not completely empty, it is now. Loved and still love this cleanser so much. The scent was beautiful, it made my skin so soft and helped calm any redness that I had going on on my face. My only issue is that the pump stopped working (again!) at about the point displayed in the picture. Will 100% repurchase this cleanser, once I use up some of the others that I have in rotation.

Andalou Naturals Lavender Shea Hand Cream - I purchased this when the contact dermatitis on my hands, now confirmed ezcema, cleared up with hopes that it would keep my hands clear. Sadly, it irritated my eczema and so I ended up using it as a body lotion. It smells beautifully of lavender and moisturizes well but, I will likely not repurchase.

Aubrey Men's Stock Pine Deodorant - review here - Despite the spray apparatus constantly not functioning properly and the bottle randomly leaking, this worked great for me in the stink department. It is strongly fragranced and contains alcohol, however, it also contains calming ingredients like calendula and arnica. Would definitely repurchase.

Living Libations Neem Enamelizer Toothpaste - review here - Holy moly batman, this toothpaste made my teeth glow. Who knew teeth could glow? I guess anyone who's been using this toothpaste. The flavour isn't my favourite, neem *gags*, but it worked incredible well and I noticed a positive change in my teeth. I've picked up a different toothpaste in their range and see myself repurchasing this one again.

Living Libations Sea Buckthorn Shampoo - review here - Sea Buckthorn is one of my favourite oils, so naturally I had high hopes for this shampoo. It left my hair feeling oily and my scalp itchy. The scent was delicious and I enjoyed using it as a body wash though. Will not repurchase.

SBT Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil - review here - Speaking of sea buckthorn oil....This staining and oompa loompa orange oil was used diluted with other facial oils and in smoothies. As a supplement, it was great. As a skin care oil, it was also great but I much prefer the seed oil. Will not repurchase.

Osmia Spot Treatment - This worked as amazingly well as everyone said it would. I loved how little the bottle was, perfect for tossing in my bag, and smelled really nice. Will likely repurchase.

The Body Deli Blueberry Resurfacing Cleanser - review here - Ahh, this cleanser was a lovely weekly treatment for my face. It smelled incredible and worked well to chemically exfoliate my skin. The tiny bottle lasted me about 5 months, money well spent. Haven't decided whether I will repurchase or go for the scrub in the same family.

Tamanu Oil - review here - Love, love, love. Won't rave about it or say too much besides the fact that I will be repurchasing.

Batty's Bath Skin Support Serum - I didn't do a full review of this brand because I didn't find that it actually did anything for my skin. Couldn't think of what to say besides, "it didn't work". Recently, the owner told me that it takes several months for this serum to work because it treats internally instead of externally. Either way, I had hoped to see some sort of positive change. Won't be repurchasing.

*Blissoma Clay Renewal Treatment - review here - Oh sad, sad day. I heard my heart break when I finally scooped up the last bit of this amazing product. What can I say? It worked so well at fighting blackheads, acne, scars, and just keeping my skin suppppper soft. Shipping to Canada is a little high, so hopefully I can pick up another jar during a sale.

Batch Naturals Multipurpose Cream - review here - This cream was well loved by my elbows, knees, and especially feet. Towards the end it did start smelling weird, so I had to toss it. May repurchase once I use up all the other balms and creams that I have.

Province Apothecary Detoxifying + Clarifying Clay Mask (sample) - PA is a very lush Canadian brand with a beautiful collection of products, this mask being one. Aside from the smell of the Canadian Algae, which I couldn't stand, it worked really well at pulling impurities to the surface allowing me to extract them better. Yes, I squeeze my own face sometimes. Won't be purchasing the full size. 100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (sample) - While I'm not looking to stray from my beloved OM shampoo, I need a weekly clarifying treatment that doesn't involve me having to make it. Since it is a small sample, I haven't fully formed an opinion on it. I have a couple more to use, perhaps next empties I'll have more to say about it. Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Lovely (sample) - This shade is very similar to my well loved W3ll People Universalist #7 Creamy Peony, however, the texture is much smoother and leaves a gorgeous sheen on the skin. Now that I know that I love the formula, I may need to pick up Blossoming...or...all of them? W3ll People Universalist #1 Creamy Pink (sample) - This is a total dupe for Nars Orgasm, without the chunky glitter fall out, and is stunning! Not sure I love it enough to pick up the full size but I enjoyed using this sample up. The All Natural Face Diva Stix in Milk - Tossing this out because I never use it.  Phew, done. That's what I've used up this month. Let me know below what you've gone through in May.

Reveal My (Makeup) Stash #3: All About Eyes

I'm not adventurous with my eye shadows, I much prefer a neutral eye but still love a nice pop of colour on occasion. That being said, I rarely ever apply more than just mascara to my eyes because a eye primer doesn't exist in my collection. Creased shadow just annoys the heck out of me. Caitie has raved about the Faerie Organic Forty Winks Eye Primer and I keep meaning to pick it up. Perhaps it's about time that I do? Probably.

I'm going to list the shadows by row, starting at the top. To see swatches of Pure Anada shadows, click here. To see swatches of Sappho shadows, click here.

First Row: *Pure Anada Pearl (loose), and Cheeky Cosmetics Samples in Aubergine, Midnight, & Cocoa (loose).

Second Row: The All Natural Face Sample in Smolder (loose), Silk Naturals Custom & Satin (loose), and W3LL People Holiday (loose).

Third Row: The All Natural Face Diva Stix in Milk.

Fourth Row: *Sappho Turtle, *Pure Anada Whisper, Pure Anada Burlap, and *Sappho Craving Cocoa.

Fifth Row: *Sappho Norma, *Pure Anada Mirage, and *Sappho Chloe.

Sixth Row:  *Pure Anada Blackberry, *Sappho Beckitt, *Pure Anada Onyx, and *Sappho Raven

Youngblood Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad in Eternity is the only quad or palette that I own. It comes with me whenever and wherever I travel because they, to me, are the perfect colours for a subtle or smokey neutral eye.

Silk Naturals Satin & Custom, Pure Anada Burlap, Sappho Craving Cocoa, and W3LL People Holiday

Here are four shadows that I have yet to swatch and thought it would be a great time to do so, in case you're thinking of picking them up. Holiday I'm not too crazy about but, the other three are stunning! Also, Craving Cocoa is a bit more or a red brown, almost burnt orange or brick.

Left to right: W3LL People Holiday, Silk Naturals Satin, and Silk Naturals Custom

Left to right: Pure Anada Burlap and Sappho Craving Cocoa

Left to right:  W3LL People Holiday, Silk Naturals Satin, Silk Naturals Custom, Pure Anada Burlap, and Sappho Craving Cocoa

Bottom to top:  W3LL People Holiday, Silk Naturals Satin, Silk Naturals Custom, Pure Anada Burlap, and Sappho Craving Cocoa

Here we have Youngblood Eye Illuminator, Zuzu Brow Pencil in Russet, Physicians Formula Organic Wear in Black Woods, Benecos Kajal in Black, Pure Anada Mascara in Black, and Zuzu Liquid Liner in Raven (AH-MAZING). I've since added Sante Brow Pencil in No. 2 Brown to my collection. Stay tuned for my lippy collection! *PR SAMPLES. The two Silk Naturals shadows were sent to me by the lovely Cori from Well Beauty Blog.

Reveal My (Makeup) Stash #2: Blush, Bronzer, & Highlighter

My apologies for the delay in getting this up but, it's here! This is one step in my makeup routine that I'm not consistent with. Sometimes I just apply a base, mascara, fill in my brows, and throw on a little gloss before taking on the day. When I do decide to do this extra step, I like a little variety. I'm quite happy with my collection because it's more than I need without being overwhelming. All the swatches below are heavily done for your viewing pleasure.

Blush Collection:  *Pure+Simple Face Colour in Glow & Soleil, *Sappho Blush in Tutz, W3LL People Universalist in #7 Creamy Peony, Alima Pure Freja (sample), W3LL People Universalist #3 Berry Aubergine (sample), & W3LL People Universalist #1 Creamy Pink (sample).

I love them all, honestly. W3LL People #1 Creamy Pink is an amazing, natural, dupe for NARS Orgasm without all the fall out. The gold flecks stay on the creamy blush, so you don't have to worry about having glitter all over your face.

Left to right: W3LL People #1 Creamy Pink, W3LL People #3 Berry Aubergine, Alima Pure in Freija, W3LL People #7 Creamy Peony, Pure+Simple Soleil, & Pure+Simple Glow

Bottom to top: W3LL People #1 Creamy Pink, W3LL People #3 Berry Aubergine, Alima Pure in Freija, W3LL People #7 Creamy Peony, Pure+Simple Soleil, & Pure+Simple Glow

Bronzer Collection (could be considered blush as well): Physicians Formula Blush/Bronzer, *Pure Anada Cheek Colour in Bronzed Clove, & Alima Pure Bronzer in Mauna Loa.

Bottom to top: Sappho Blush in Tutz, Pure Anada Blush in Bronzed Clove, Alima Pure Bronzer in Mauna Loa, Physicians Formula Organic Wear bronzer side, blush side, and then swirled together. 

Bottom to top: Sappho Blush in Tutz, Pure Anada Blush in Bronzed Clove, Alima Pure Bronzer in Mauna Loa, Physicians Formula Organic Wear Bronzer, blush, swirled together. 

                            

Highlighter Collection: Ilia Polka Dots & Moonbeams (sample) & W3LL People Universalist #2 Moonstone Glow (sample).

Of the two, I much prefer the texture and colour of W3LL People. It's much creamier, making it easier to apply and just looks so natural. Ilia has a yellow/golden tone to it and is definitely not as creamy.

Left: W3LL People #2 Moonstone Glow
Right: Ilia Moon Beams & Polka Dots

Top: Ilia Moon Beams & Polka Dots
Bottom: W3LL People #2 Moonstone Glow, & 

Here's a look at how the sample shades actually look inside the pot :) *PR SAMPLES

February 2014 Empties!

Oh ya baby, I'm killing these empties posts! I have been making a big huge dent in my stash and am beyond excited about it.

Deep Steep Repairing Shampoo - review here - I really did enjoy this shampoo at first, but I noticed it starting to irritate my scalp with continued use. I began using it only once a week for a "deep clean" and must admit that most of it ended up spilling in my tub because of the water-like texture. Won't repurchase.

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap in Eucalyptus - review here - I love this soap for cleaning my bathroom. The eucalyptus scent is uplifting and one of my faves. Repurchased in peppermint (my other fave scent).

Batch Naturals Lemongrass & Sweet Basil Soap - review here - While the scent wasn't something that I'd normally go for, I REALLY enjoyed it. This soap contains clay, which worked wonderful for my bacne. The disappointing part is that it didn't last too long. With regular use, and me being the only one using it, it lasted about 3 weeks. Will likely not repurchase because of how quickly it gets used.

Pretty Goat Milk & Honey Soap - no review coming - This soap was not as awesome as I was hoping, seeing as it's from one of my fave brands. It's creamy and moisturizing, but I didn't feel like it really cleaned me. Not that it left me stinky, I just didn't feel clean. I think it would be amazing for someone with super dry skin or babies. Also, it contains palm oil. Won't repurchase.

On A Branch Soap in Monday Morning - review here - Great company and great soap. The coffee grinds were a little too sharp for my liking but I still enjoyed it, especially the cinnamon scent of Monday Morning. Will repurchase in another scent.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mask - review here - Hands down my favourite clay mask ever. I always come back to it, even though trying to DIY it would be much cheaper. It works at pulling out impurities and calming my skin all at the same time. Will repurchase at some point, but I'm currently debating on splurging on a La Bella Figura mask.

*Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque - review here - As my skin was freaking out this month (with acne) and not as sensitive as usual, I was able to use this mask more frequently. I really enjoyed how it left my skin soft  and helped to get rid of pimples quicker. May repurchase at some point.

*Therapi Honey Skincare Orange Blossom No. 3 Moisturizer - review here - This is a fab UK brand. They use honey (obviously) in their products, along with other great ingredients. I loved using this morning and night, the scent, and how it left my skin so soft. I do have to note that since running out of this moisturizer, probably about a week and a half ago, my skin hasn't been breaking out as much. So I'm not sure if this is what was causing my skin to freak out, along with hormones, but that's why I haven't written a review yet.

*Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Adzuki Bean Rice Bran Face Polish - review here - Even though this scrub smelled like grass, it worked really well at exfoliating my skin. I especially loved mixing it with honey and using it as a mask. I did end up using it this last month on my face, chest, shoulders, and back regularly. Since I'm not a big fan of physical/mechanical exfoliants, I will likely not repurchase this.

*Thayers Peach Witch Hazel Toner - I used to love Thayers and even got my boyfriend hooked on using it after shaving. This one smelled like fuzzy peaches, which I loveeeeeed, but it contained alcohol. I don't like to use anything too astringent on my sensitive facial skin, so I opted to use it on my chest, shoulders, and back. It did help dry out some of the acne spots I was getting. Won't be picking up the full size.

Pretty Roman Chamomile Floral Water - review here - This is my favourite floral water and I've raved about it enough. I've repurchased in rose.

*PurelyGreat Citrus Cream Deodorant - review here - Aside from the irritation this gave me, it worked amazingly well at keeping me stink free ALL day long. I started applying a water/apple cider vinegar mix to my underarms about 20 minutes before applying this deodorant and it kept the irritation (mostly) away. The most annoying part about this deodorant, was constantly having to mix it prior to use. Because of that, I will not be repurchasing.

*Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion Mini - This sample came with their Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream that I have already reviewed. The scent was light and fresh, same as the other products in the sea buckthorn range. I was really surprised by this product! It moisturized really well and absorbed nicely. I may pick up a full size once I use up some other body lotions.

Pai Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream - review here - Lovveeeed this hand cream! It was super hydrating and absorbed ridiculously well. The packaging is too big to carry around with me, which is one of the biggest downsides..along with the price..but I think I'm going to repurchase it soon.

S.W. Basics Cream - review here - I took this picture on Tuesday and have since finished off what was left in the jar. This was deeply moisturizing and an absolute pleasure to use. I loved applying it all over, especially on my knees, feet, and elbows. Will repurchase next Fall/Winter.

First Aid Beauty, Niora & Aromatherapy Associates were sent to me by Cori (Well Beauty Blog). The two unmarked jars in the middle were sent to me by Sabrina and Mayah (Call It Vanity)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (sample) - Not entirely natural but it did work well to moisturize my super dry hands.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (sample) - This mask didn't burn or tingle at all, and left my skin brighter and softer. Since it was a one time use, I'm can't tell if it's worth the splurge.

Raw Gaia MSM Beauty Scrub (sample) - I didn't understand this exfoliant because I didn't feel it exfoliating. It felt more like a cleansing balm.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (sample) - I loved the invigorating eucalyptus scent of this rich cream cleanser. It left my skin soft, cleansed, and more even toned. I see myself purchasing the full size at some point.

Niora Alpha Clear Cleanser (sample) - This cleanser is designed for adult acne, which is pretty cool. It cleansed my skin well (didn't remove makeup though) all while leaving it well hydrated. Not sure the sample was large enough to notice a different in my acne though.

Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Treatment Mask (sample) - I didn't find this mask to be anything special although I only had enough for one use. It did moisturize my skin, and calm the redness on my cheeks a bit. I also enjoyed the fact that it was scentless.

*SBT Soothing Salve for Stretch Marks/Scars (sample) - I got this in a sample pack back in October and have been using it for several months now. The smell is really nice, almost like a herbal apple, but might be a little much for some. Did I notice a change in the appearance of my stretch marks? No.

Benecos Natural Multi Effect Mascara - no review coming - This mascara was a major flop for me. I loved the large natural bristle brush but hated that it smudged and flaked within minutes of application. When I wore this to work, I'd have to constantly check the mirror to make sure that it didn't look like I went straight to work after a night of partying. On a positive note, it didn't irritate my eyes. Cheeky Cosmetics Eye Shadows in Pebble & Truffle (samples) - review here - I really love the Cheeky eye shadows. They are beautiful and so pigmented. These two taupes were stunning all over the lids, outer corners, and in the crease. I'm extremely tempted to pick up full sizes, however, I don't use eye shadow often enough to justify adding more to my already (kinda) large collection.
W3LL People Universalist Multi-Use Stick in #7 Creamy Peony (sample) - This cool toned vibrant pink is stunning, stunning, stunning! My boyfriend already purchased the full size for me.
Zuzu Luxe Brow Pencil in Russet - review here - The most perfect shade for my brows. I just wish there was a way to use ALL of the product. Already repurchased.
What have you finished up this month? *PR SAMPLES

#NoBuyJanuary Update + Faves Friday

Friday? So soon? Not that I'm complaining or anything but damn, where are the days going? This week has been an interesting one for two main reasons. 1. I ran out of tamanu oil, sad truth. 2. I discovered that The All Natural Face cream blushes are breaking me out. Well, with daily use they give me little bumps and the odd cystic pimple. I've suspected that since I got them, but recently did an actual experiment. I wore TANF for a week (got bumps and pimples), then nothing at all (cleared up), and W3LL People this week (no bumps or pimples). Could be a weird coincidence, so I'm going to do another experiment.    Anyway, #NoBuyJanuary has been alright. This week I picked up a brand new bottle of Alaffia Scalp Recovery Shampoo, which was featured in last week's faves. When I ran out of that sample, I used the Deep Steep shampoo and my scalp went insane. It's an amazing feeling to have a semi-normal scalp now. Temptation kicked in for items that aren't a necessity right now, like makeup, but I stayed strong! That's it.   Faves Friday time! This week I've been loving...  

W3LL People Multi-Use Colour Stick in #8 Matte Creamy Peony - I got this as a sample from a Fresh Faced order, months and months ago. It is such a gorgeous shade and pairs beautifully with my beloved Pure and Simple Blush in Glow. I'm totally picking up the full size as soon as #NoBuyJanuary is over.   *SBT Soothing Salve for Eczema/Dermatitis - review here - It's been very cold and I've been washing my hands like a champ. Whether I use cold, warm, or hot water with soap or no soap, the eczema on my fingers has been brutal. For the past couple of days, I've been using this salve. I kid you not, the eczema is almost gone. My problem is being consistent with applying it, especially when I'm at work and need to wash my hands in between clients. Either way, I love this stuff.   *SBT Seabuckthorn Seed Oil - review here and here - Since running out of tamanu oil (which had SBT seed and fruit oil mixed in), I've been using this as a spot treatment and mixed with other oils all over my face. I just love it. Definitely an oil I can't be without.    Have you tried any of these products? What have you been reaching for this week? *PR SAMPLES

#NoBuyJanuary + Top 10 Wish List for 2014

Well hello there #NoBuyJanuary! You seemed like a good idea at first, but now I'm even more tempted to buy stuff. I have problems don't I? Don't answer that. In case you haven't heard about #NoBuyJanuary, it's basically a spending ban where you shop your stash and use up things you have. Obviously if you run out of an essential, which I doubt most bloggers will, you can go ahead and replace it. You can read more about the details and see which bloggers are participating by going over to Naturally Paula, the mastermind (or one of, can't remember exactly) who came up with the idea. Anyone is welcome to join in!
I'm honestly not much of a hoarder (no really!) and my beauty cabinet is a little sad and sparse in comparison to most beauty bloggers, from pictures that I've seen. Of course I have a few more products than I actually need, but if you've seen any of my empties then you know I'm good at using things up. I like to use up products before buying or opening others, unless you're a toner. There's no such thing as too much toner in my world.
In honor of #NoBuyJanuary, it makes the most sense to kick it off with a wish list..right? Right. In no particular order, I wish for....

**S.W. Basics Toner - I've loved every one of their products that I have tried and think it's time to take this relationship to the next level by adding this toner to my routine! $26 CAN.

**La Bella Figura Modern Radiance Concentrate - It's no secret, La Bella Figura is a very luxurious brand with a price tag to match. My biggest fear with high end brands is that the product won't work for me. Sure I can pass it to my mom or a friend, but when I drop that kinda money on a product I'd like to be the one to enjoy it. Know what I mean? I was fortunate enough to meet Victoria not too long ago, who's beautiful and sweet, and she had recommended the Organic Barbary Fig Seed Oil or Daily Elements Defense Face oil for my skin. This serum just sounds so good though, I can already see my acne scars disappearing just by reading the description. $163 CAN.

Me & The Girls Moon Beauty Serum - I love facial oils. I love tamanu oil. I love facial oils that contain tamanu oil and not a drop of argan oil. Basically, this was made for me. $38 USD

CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture - After seeing this post by the beautiful Britanie, I knew I needed to get my hands on this moisturizer. I have sensitive skin with dry patches on my cheeks, nose and forehead, totally opposite from my oily teenage years. Must have been the abuse I put my skin through by using stripping products. Live and learn people. $49 USD.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser - Can't go wrong with a beautifully rich, probiotic cleanser! I'd love to compare it to the Andalou Probiotic Cleanser. £34.

Osmia Active Gel Toner - Calendula? Aloe? Hyaluronic Acid? Sign me up! $58 USD.

**Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Coverage - I got a sample of this baby from Fresh Faced and ended up really enjoying it! On lazy days I'd mix the medium shade with some moisturizer, add a little powder, and go on my merry way. It's so easy to wear and has SPF 30. $42 CAN.
**Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Lovely - I just want to sing, "Isn't she looveelllyyy, isn't she beauuuttiful" when I see the shade name. Anyone? Anyone? No. Okay. This brand has been raved about non-stop, I feel I should give in to the peer pressure and just try it already. $56 CAN or $30 CAN for the refill.
**W3LL People Universalist Multi-Use Color Stick in #7 Creamy Peony - I love cool toned pinks and I cannot lie. I have a sample of this that I'm still using up and I just love it so much. Once I use up a couple of blushes, this one will be mine! $34 CAN.
**Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale - It's about time this grown woman introduces a real red lip to her life, am I right ladies? This is a beautiful cool toned red, that's not quite as dark as swatched above. $24 CAN.
That's it ladies and gents, that's my wish list for 2014 and that's me narrowing it down to just 10 items. What are you lusting over this year?
**These items can be found online at Clementine Fields, Fresh Faced and/or Eco Diva. I'm sure there are other Canadian e/retailers, however, I'm too lazy to search for them all.   

Fresh Faced Sample Haul Review

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered some samples from Fresh Faced. I've pretty much finished most of the skin and hair ones, and figured it's about time that I give you my impressions on each of them. In no particular order....

One Love Organics Vitamin E Eye Balm: I was hoping that this balm would hydrate my dry under eyes, but instead I found it didn't do much. It felt as though it just sat on my skin, never sinking in. Won't be purchasing the full size.

One Love Organics Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover: I only had enough to use 2, maybe 3, times and fell in love. It smells like pineapple, first of all. Aside from the tropical scent, it removes makeup like a dream! I don't need to double cleanse or even use a wash cloth. My boyfriend bought me the full size for Christmas. Will do a full review in the new year.

S.W. Basics Cream: AH-mazing! I was worried it would clog my pores and break me out, but it hasn't. I only apply it on dry patches, like under my eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead, and it's worked wonders at eliminating them. I've already purchased the full size.

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo: This was a disappointing sample, I didn't even have enough for one wash. It smells nice, that's all I got for you.

MVO Everyday Coverage in Light (left) & Medium (right)

MVO Everyday Coverage in Light (left) & Medium (right)

MVO Everyday Coverage in Light & Medium: Another disappointing sample, mainly because the product leaked all over the inside of the lid making it very difficult to get enough product out to actually use. From what I have tried, it provides light coverage and evens the tone fairly well. With Mary's suggestion, I mixed whatever I could with my Sappho foundation and really loved the combo. Light seems to be a better match for me, however, I like the glow that medium gives. Once I use up the sunscreens that I currently have, I might pick up this one.

#8 Creamy Dusty Rose (top) & #3 Berry Aubergine (bottom)

W3LL People Universality Multi-Use Colour Stick in #3 Berry Aubergine (luminous) and #8 Creamy Dusty Rose (matte): I've already fallen in love with #7 Creamy Peony and the formula of this product, and wanted to try more. When I first saw the shades in person, I thought I would end up loving #8..I don't. It's a beautiful pink, on the melon side, but I just don't like how it looks on me. #3, on the other hand, is surprisingly beautiful on! It's definitely an aubergine shade that can be sheered out or built up. I even like using it on my lids, although it does crease. Both wear well, all day, on the cheeks. Will likely purchase the full size of #7 at some point.

L to R: Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale and Lip Conditioner in Crimson & Clover

Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale and Lip Conditioner in Crimson & Clover: I love Ilia and my all time fave is the lip conditioner in Arabian Knights. Femme Fatale is a beautiful true red that can be sheered out for daily wear or intensified if you're going out at night or feeling cheeky during the day. I won't lie, I wish I had picked it up instead of Bang Bang. Crimson & Clover is a super bright, pigmented orangey red. I think it's more on the red side than orange when compared to Wild Child, correct me if I'm wrong. It's absolutely beautiful, but it's not a shade I feel comfortable wearing often. It's definitely the most pigmented and long wearing lip conditioner, of Ilia's that I've tried, because it acts like a stain. Will pick up Femme Fatale once I use up Bang Bang.

There are more swatches below, should you want to take a look. I think it's great that Fresh Faced offers samples but, be cautious of which samples you choose because some of them are totally not worth it (for example shampoo).

L to R: Light, medium, #3, and #8

L to R: Light, medium, #3, and #8 

L to R: Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale and Lip Conditioner in Crimson & Clover