June 2015 Empties!

Another month, another pile of empties to share with you. I am so excited for July as it is my birthday month AND there are some exciting things happening at work.
Diving right in..

Kiss My Face Creamy Face Cleanser - Brianna, Iluvjesse444, raves about this cleanser, so I thought I would give it a go. It removed makeup well, but left me feeling a bit dry and the tacky texture wasn't my favourite. Worked fantastically as a shave cream though! Wouldn't repurchase.

HollyBeth Marigold Toner - I picked up this toner from The Truth Beauty Company when I was visiting my brother in Kitchener. What drew me to it was the use of calendula and lavender oils in a base of witch hazel. My thought process was that it would help with acne while soothing the skin. Unfortunately, it was too drying for me. Wouldn't repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner  - review here - Not much to say here, besides that I am already working my way through another bottle. It is my absolute favourite toner of life.

Saje Konjac Sponge with Yam Extract - I have reviewed konjac sponges before and they don't tend to work well for my skin with the exception of in the summer, as my skin isn't as easily irritated or sensitive. I picked this one up in January, used it a couple of times, it irritated my skin, and so it sat in my skin care drawer until April. In April, I busted it out and have been using it ever since. It gently exfoliates, removes any makeup that has been left behind from my first cleanse, and the yam extract apparently works to brighten the skin. Already repurchased.

*Pure Daily Essentials Revive Hydration Mist *Canadian Brand* - review here - This was an okay mist, it left my skin feeling soft and hydrated but I was not a fan of the scent. Wouldn't purchase the full size.

*Pure Daily Essentials Makeup Remover *Canadian Brand* - review here - Loved this makeup remover! It was so gentle and smelled faintly of lavender, removed all of my makeup and left my skin feeling so soft. Would consider purchasing the full size.

*Zaya Rosewood Eye Oil *Canadian Brand* - review here - As I am lazy and cannot be bothered to use a legit eye product, this was my eye makeup remover (a lush one at that). It was gentle, removed all of my eye makeup, nourished the delicate eye area, smelled gorgeous, and was an absolute treat to use. If you are looking for an eye oil, I would 100% recommend this one without hesitation. Since I only used it to remove makeup, it's not one I'd repurchase.

Honey & Glow Lip Scrub *Canadian Brand* - I found this lip scrub months back at Anise Apothecary and was so excited at the limited ingredients list; honey, brown sugar, and olive oil. That's it. It worked really well at first, despite needing to be massaged between my fingers to separate the sugar granules. Over time though, it became too hard (you know how brown sugar and honey get) to use, so I'm tossing it. Considering the large container and price point ($8), I would recommend if you can use it up quickly enough. I've found a lip scrub that I like better though, so I will not repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Beta Hydroxy Complex Recovery Cream -  This was a major fail product for me, so I am tossing it. I love Andalou products but this one just did not want to work for me. It left my skin red and irritated with continued use, and even broke me out despite it being targeted for acne prone skin. Wouldn't repurchse.

Deep Steep Body Wash - review here - The Deep Steep body washes have been a staple in my shower for over a year. They are moisturizing, lather well with a loofah, smell nice, and are generally affordable. The tangerine melon scent reminded me of an orange freezie, which was alright but definitely not my favourite. I have since discovered Sudsatorium shower gels, which are even more affordable and the brand is Canadian. Would repurchase Deep Steep, but won't for right now.

*Zaya Belly Oil *Canadian Brand* - review here - Another amazing oil by Zaya. This body oil was so beautiful, warm smelling, nourishing, and all over beautiful. It lasted me a good 5 months, making the $50 price tag worth it. I would definitely repurchase.

*Poppy Jane Candle Co. in Sleep Tight - review here - I am SO sad to have used up this candle. It was so beautifully fragranced, comforting, packaged, and filled my room with its beautiful scent. If you live in the states, you must try these. They are worth every penny! Sadly, shipping outside of the USA is insane. Last time I checked it was more than the candles themselves. If they were to become available at a shop in Canada or shipping was more reasonable, I would repurchase.

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Deo - review here - This is THE best natural deodorant that I have ever used. I am a stinky person and this gets me through most of the day, a reapplication is required with most natural deos. It smells like oranges, doesn't irritate my pits, and one jar lasts me months. Would loooooveeee different scent options though, wink wink nudge nudge. I've already repurchased.

John Masters Vanilla Orange Body Wash (sample) - review here - Love the smell of this body wash and how it fragrances my skin. Picked this up just to travel with and would definitely pick up another travel size just to have around.

Living Libations Wild Child Healthy Gum Drops *Canadian Brand* - review here - These drops worked to keep sensitivity away and freshen breath. I liked using them in a salt water mouth rinse and directly on my gums. Will be repurchasing.

Alima Pure Mauna Loa Bronzer - review here - Two and a half years later and I have finally used up this bronzer! It was the perfect medium matte bronzer for my skin tone. I loved it to warm up my skin in the winter, as a foundation in the summer (or after a beach vacay), to contour, as a crease colour, etc. Love and will likely be repurchasing.

LoveFresh Eucalyptus Spearmint Deo *Canadian Brand* (sample) - Anise Apothecary gave me this on my last visit, as I was thinking of venturing away from MMT, just to try something new, but this deo left my pits feeling super wet upon application. It smells nice but I can't deal with wet feeling pits.

John Masters Lavender Avocado Conditioner (sample) - Glam Goes Green gave me a sample of this to try. Since my ends are bleached and I am trying to grow out my hair, I figured a conditioner would be handy. Love this stuff! So much so that my boyfriend picked me up a full sized bottle.

*Tata Harper Lip Treatment - I got this from an event that I attended about a year and a half ago. It's a really expensive lip product but it worked really well. I enjoyed the slight reddish tint, packaging, and how soft my lips felt. There are more affordable brands, so I wouldn't repurchase.

FitGlow Mascara *Canadian Brand* - review to come - This was a lovely mascara that didn't smudge, flake, or irritate my sensitive eyes. It was volumizing, lengthening, and the pigmentation was great. Would repurchase.

*Kari Gran Mineral Foundation (samples) - None of the foundation shades match my skin, so I used them all as bronzers which was really nice.

Celebration Herbals Turmeric Ginger Lemon Blend Tea - This tea deserves an honorable mention because it was so damn good! Turmeric has many health benefits, one being that it fights inflammation in the body. Since I don't eat it as often as I should, I thought incorporating a tea would be beneficial. Little did I know that it also contained ginger and lemon, great for detoxifying the system. This tea was warming, comforting, tasty, body loving, and I am absolutely in love with it. I have already repurchased two boxes, one to keep at work and one to keep at home. Highly recommend.
What have you used up this month? *PR SAMPLES

February 2015 Empties!

February was a busy month, mostly because of the fact that I started a new job at the end of January AND there have been several social events happening on the weekends. Still, life goes on and I managed to use up a bunch of products. 

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - A definite favourite of mine. It's the best and so affordable. Already repurchased.

Corpa Flora Beaute Divine Cleansing Oil - review here - Another favourite. This stuff smelled nice, lasted months, removed makeup like a dream, and didn't break me out. Will eventually repurchase, once I use up some other oils.

Kiss My Face Creamy Face Cleanser - I picked this up because Brianna, Iluvjesse444, raved about it. It had a very creamy, yet tacky, texture and smelled nice, but did absolutely nothing for my skin. I much prefer the Andalou Probiotic Cleanser and have repurchased that one instead.

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Deo - review here - Aaaaand another fave! This stuff smelled delicious and worked to keep my pits from stinking (and sweating) without irritating them. I do think there is a quality control issue with these though. Either way, it works and I've already repurchased.

*Joyous Health Minty Fresh Toothpaste - A review was supposed to happen on this gem, clearly it didn't. I enjoyed the simplistic ingredients, how big the jar was, and how fresh my mouth felt after using this but Living Libations seems to help with my teeth sensitivity better. I've repurchased Living Libations instead.

*North Hill Soap Company Earth Goddess Soap - review here - I enjoyed this soap because of how soft it left my skin feeling. Sadly, it didn't do much in the clarifying department. They have other bars that I prefer over this one, won't repurchase.

*Corpa Flora Corpa Nutritive Body Oil - review here - Fabulous body oil! The pump bottle was awesome, the oil was extremely moisturizing and glided on the skin with ease, it absorbed beautifully, and left my skin baby soft. Once I use up some other body oils, I'll likely repurchase this one.

*SBT After Sun Cream - Obviously I didn't use this for its intended purpose, as I haven't seen the sun in months, however it made a fantastic body cream. It was soothing and incredibly moisturizing. I actually enjoyed mixing it with a bit of the Corpa Flora body oil for that extra oomph that my skin desperately needed. The only downfall was the scent, it smelled like olive oil and sea buckthorn oil. which doesn't appeal to me. Although I enjoyed it, I wouldn't purchase the full size because of the scent alone.

Andalou Naturals Hand Cream in Clementine - My absolute favourite hand cream! It smelled incredible, really helped soothe and clear up the eczema on my hands, absorbed and moisturized well, and is fairly affordable. Already repurchased.

*Reese & Luke Baby Balm - review here - This stuff saved my incredibly dry winter skin. I applied it on dry patches (on my face) as well as all over my body as a moisturizer, to soothe severely dry skin and it worked like a charm! I enjoyed the tin that it came in and the lavender scent. Would repurchase in the future.

*SBT Salves for Sunburn and Eczema & Dermatitis - review here - Balms and salves aren't really my jam. I enjoy them in the winter months as an after shower and before bed body moisturizer, but otherwise I don't care for them. That being said, these were fantastic as a body moisturizer, foot balm, AND cleansing balm. Great multipurpose products and because they're so big, they're a great value. Took me months to use these up. The scents weren't my favourite though. Since it'll hopefully start warming up soon, and I don't use products like this in the warmer months, I won't be repurchasing until next winter.

*Pacifica Dreamlit Eye Brightener - I'm actually tossing this because it's way too pink, the texture sucks, and it doesn't even cover or brighten all that well.
*Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara - review here - I ended up really enjoying this mascara. It definitely didn't thicken, but it was great for lengthening, as a bottom lash mascara, and for layering. Likely wouldn't repurchase.
100% Pure Lip Glaze in Seduce - review here - I've mentioned several times my love/hate relationship with this product. I used the rest of it up as a lip balm because it's such a neutral-ish shade and was super creamy. Since I'm more into lip pencils and matte lips now, this isn't something I'd repurchase but would totally recommend.
CV Skinlabs Skin Balm - This was wonderful as an intense overnight lip treatment and I love the concept behind the brand, however, I still had about half left before it started to smell incredibly funky. Pretty sure that it's gone bad, that's why I'm tossing it. For $20+ for a tiny tube, I'm super disappointed that I didn't get to use it up and that it went bad so quickly. Won't be repurchasing.
Alima Pure Bronzer in Mauna Loa & Maracaibo (samples) - Mauna Loa is a personal favourite of mine, it's such a perfect bronzer for my skin. I'm actually almost done going through the full size. Maracaibo is slightly warmer than my natural skin tone, so I used it as a setting powder/foundation when I went out at night.
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream (sample) - For such a creamy product, I found it dried to a semi matte finish and didn't quite moistuize my skin as well as I had hoped. This would likely be a better product for my skin during the winter months and I plan on picking up another sample to test my theory (because it's pretty pricey).
May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon (sample) - This super swanky product was a let down for me, thankfully a spa customer gave me this sample to try. I found the scent overpowering and instead of calming my facial skin, it ended up breaking me out.
See any favourites? Have any recommendations? Let me know in the comments! I'd also love to know what you finished :) *PR SAMPLES

Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara

Alima Pure is a fantastic brand that I wish was more accessible in Canada. Sure I can order it online, but I'd love to be able to physically touch and swatch their products. I absolutely adore their bronzer, as well as their foundation, and when a reader offered to give me the Natural Definition Mascara to try, I couldn't say no. She had purchased one and received one for free, I believe, and wasn't keen on the brush or formula. 

This mascara is as described, a "natural definition mascara". It adds length and separates the lashes, but certainly doesn't thicken or provide any volume. The brush is synthetic and I find it pokes (and hurts) when trying to get close to the lash line. Anyone else have that problem with synthetic brushes? A natural bristle brush would have been much preferred. The formula is on the wet side and can be layered without clumping, and actually makes an awesome bottom lash mascara because of that. I really enjoy layering it with Zuzu for a falsies effect. One lengthens (Alima), the other thickens (Zuzu). Surprisingly, this mascara doesn't transfer, smudge, flake, or irritate my eyes at all. If you're looking for a quick, easy to apply, lengthening mascara that looks incredibly natural, this is the one for you. If you prefer volume and fullness, I'd say skip it.

Retails for $22 USD/$26 CAD for 8g. Available in Black and Brown.

Find it here: Alima Pure, Eco Diva Beauty, and any of these retailers. 

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Hydrolyzed Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Esters, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Sodium Carboxyethylsilanetriol, Stearic Acid (Plant derived), Cera Alba (Beeswax), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candililla) Wax, Zea Mays (Corn) Propanediol, Acrylates/Octylacrymide Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide (mineral derived), Cetyl Alcohol (plant derived), Lanolin Oil, Glycerin (plant derived), DL Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Ozokerite Wax (mineral derived), Glyceryl Caprylate (plant derived), Glyceryl Undecylenate (plant derived), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnuaba) Wax. [+/-: (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].

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

June 2014 Empties!

This post should have been up last week but, it's never too late to talk about trash. Right? I haven't really been buying new products or accepting PR samples, I'm just working on my stash in hopes of simplifying my entire routine.

Lulu Organics Hair Powder in  Lavender + Clary Sage (sample) - I really enjoyed the scent of this hair powder and it worked nicely at refreshing my greasy hair, however, straight up arrowroot powder works even better for me.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (sample) - This cleanser didn't wow me like I had expected it to. It had exfoliating bits and left my skin soft but, it also left it really red.

100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (sample) - There's something about the 100% Pure hair care range that just doesn't work for me. This left my hair clean but my scalp irritated.

*SBT Seabuckthorn Juice Bar - I used this as a hand soap and while it was nice, I prefer something with a scent (like lavender). I also didn't like that it contained canola oil.

Province Apothecary Regenerating + Stimulating Exfoliator (sample) - This stuff was seriously exfoliating! It didn't irritate my skin at all, just left it super soft and bright. I may need to pick up the full size at some point.

*Mont Echo Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Cream - review here - I forgot how much I liked this cleanser. It left my skin so clean, soft, bright, and even toned. Mont Echo actually sent me this bottle because they've changed their packaging! It went from a jar, to this lovely airless pump. If you do try this cleanser, note that you need to pump it a million times before any product comes out. I actually thought it was broken at first. Will repurchase at some point.

*Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen - review here - So sad to have finished this bottle :(. It really is the perfect sunscreen. It left absolutely no white cast and created the perfect base for makeup. I find it works best for my skin in the warmer months though, is that weird? I do have a couple of sunscreens to use up but this one will be on my repurchase list!

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - I've talked about my love for this toner many, many times. I've already repurchased.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Mud Mask - review here - This is another long time favourite and staple in my routine, I've already repurchased.

Weleda Calendula Face Cream - review here - Yes another favourite and staple in my routine. I love this for the ezcema/dermatitis on my hands, as well as my face. I'm currently trying out some other hand and face creams, however, it's very likely that I will be repurchasing in the near future.

OM Organic Matter Shampoo (Damage Level 1) - review here - I can't be without this shampoo! It works so well for my hair and scalp. Already repurchased.

On a Branch Soaps in Tea Girl - review here - I love the On a Branch Soap soap range and while this one was lovely to use, I had mixed feelings on the scent. Sometimes I smelled the lavender, other times it smelled a little weird. I won't be repurchasing this particular scent.

*nyl Whipped Hand & Body Lotion - review here - Another sad empty. This lotion was super hydrating and left my skin incredibly soft. Will be repurchasing at some point.

*Dr. Sponge Original Body Sponge - review here - Sorry, I can't get into these sponges.

Origins Planscriptions Concealer - This concealer has been sitting around for a long time and I almost never reach for it. It's not the worst, in terms of ingredients, but it's also not the best. Tossing it out and will not be repurchasing. Pure Anada Mascara in Black - review here - I believe this was my third tube of Pure Anada mascara and I can now officially say that it really irritated my eyes. I stand by my initial review of how well it holds up in heat, doesn't smudge, budge, smear, melt, flake, etc. If it didn't burn my eyes, it would be my holy grail forever. Sadly, I've had to move on. Alima Pure Blush in Freja (sample) - Loved this beautiful blush! It was a gorgeous shimmery (not glittery) pink blush that I think would suit most skin tones. May purchase the full size. That's it! Hope you enjoyed my trash :). *PR SAMPLES

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

October and November 2013 Favourites!

I totally forgot to do an October favourites. Luckily, I've been loving the same things for the last 2 months. 

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask - review here - This mask has been a staple with the weather getting so cold. I've been using it twice a week to remove any dead skin and find it revives my skin. It's really helped brighten my complexion and reduce breakouts. Love!

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - mmm, smells soooo good. Aside from the scent, it works great as a toner, cleanser on no makeup days, makeup setter, and skin refresher. It doesn't irritate or dry out my skin. Both my mom and I love it!

Corpa Flora Éclat Citrouille Antioxidant Night Cocktail - review here - This oil is magical. It transforms my skin over night. I wake up with brighter, softer, more even toned and radiant skin. I even find it calms any redness or irritation that I may have. I haven't been this excited about an oil since I discovered tamanu and sea buckthorn.

*Sappho Liquid Foundation + BeautyBlender - review here - The combo here is a match made in beauty heaven. The foundation is great but, it's even better (for my skin) when applied with the beautyblender. Provides the perfect amount of coverage while giving a luminous and very natural finish. Anytime I wear makeup, this is my go to.

Alima Pure Mauna Loa Bronzer (not pictured) - review here - Bronzer has been a staple since my vacation in October. It has helped darken my foundation to match my body. Even though I've lost most of my tan, I love how it warms up my face without looking like I rubbed dirt all over. Hands down my favourite bronzer.

Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey - no review - Manuka honey is so delicious and I'm not sure how I've lived so long without it. In the last couple of weeks, I've also used it as a mask and what a difference it's made!! This just might be a new staple in my skin care routine. DIY Body Butter - no review/not pictured - The beautiful Shauna, from Natural Beauty Junkie, actually made this body butter and I've been wanting to try it since. I've already made it twice, exactly as the recipe says, and am going to make it again because I just ran out. It smells like chocolate and moisturizes like no other! I've actually seen it lighten the stretch marks behind my knees as well. Kale Pesto - no review/not pictured - SO good! I add more lemon than the recipe calls and sometimes add a little parm to make it taste more like pesto.  Banana Protein Bake - no review/not pictured - This is my new favourite breakfast food. I make it Sunday night and it lasts all week. It keeps me full for several hours and, if I'm super lazy, I'll eat it for lunch or dinner because it's packed with goodness. I have made some substitutions to the recipe though; 4 mashed bananas in place of maple syrup and eggs, quinoa instead of rice, and chopped walnuts instead of almond flour. The mashed bananas keep the bake moist and it also masks the awful taste of the vanilla rice protein that I use. I top it with plain greek yogurt, berries, a drizzle of manuka honey and I'm good to go! Bam! *PR sample.

July 2013 Favourites!

I've been fairly adventurous lately with trying new products and July was a month filled with them. Many of them were used for only half the month, and no reviews have been written yet, but I'm including them anyway! Sue me (don't actually).

Jojoba Oil - Since running out of my DIY Oil Cleanser, I decided to use up this bottle that has been hanging around to remove my makeup. It's so lovely! It works very well to remove my makeup, is a light and almost water-like textured oil that never feels heavy, and it hasn't broken me out (A+ for that).

DIY Toner (in Pangea bottle) - I have been playing around with different toner ingredients to find something that is affordable and works well. This is basically a mixture of aloe and apple cider vinegar. My previous bottle was the same with the addition of essential oils. My next bottle with likely include green tea. When I get a bottle/batch that I'm beyond in love with, I'll do a post. For now, know I'm enjoying the current mixture and plan on making it better.

Sephora Silicone Cleansing/Exfoliating Pad - I've had this pad for ages, like well over a year. I use it, stop, use it, stop, and have finally decided to just incorporate it into my skin care regime daily. It's extremely gentle, easy to clean and affordable. Love it to bits, so much that I have a backup..what? Judge free zone, remember that.

SBT Seabuckthorn Tea Cream - This is a lovely light moisturizer that's been working well to keep my dehydrated skin hydrated. It has virtually no scent and is chock full of my beloved sea buckthorn oil. Review to come.

Pure Anada African Gold - This gem is pure, unrefined shea butter infused with African Marula Oil. It's worked wonders on my dry patches (face and body) and I swear it's lessened the appearance of my frown line. Review to come.

Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen + Alima Pure Foundation - For the first half of the month, I was mixing the sunscreen with the foundation to create a beautiful light to medium coverage tinted moisturizer. The combo worked really well, even though the colour was slightly off, and it just gave my skin a really nice glow while offering a sufficient amount of coverage..but...then..the next item came along.

Pure Anada Pressed Foundation - I have two shades, Very Fair and Light, both of which work for me. I played with both shades and Light seems to be a good match for me with my tan. It's amazing! It creates a flawless finish, wears beautifully all day, and doesn't cling (too much) to dry/dehydrated patches. Review to come.  Side note: I have a swatch on my hand below, of my next two favourites, which allows you to see my skin tone shade right now and might help you put Very Fair and Light in perspective.

The All Natural Face Touch of Rose Cream Blush + Alima Pure Freja Luminous Shimmer Blush (swatch below) - most beautiful combo ever. Touch of Rose just gives the cheeks a beautiful glow on it's own, then you add Freja to give it that gorgeous pink pop. It's so natural and so beautiful. I can definitely see myself picking up a full size of Freja when my sample runs out.

Top to bottom: Touch of Rose, Freja

Dr. Mist Deodorant - This stuff is fantastic for summer. It's unscented, keeps me fairly dry and stink-free for most of the day. I added some peppermint oil for a little spunk and to keep it fresh and cool when applying to my underarms. LOVE!

What did you love in July?

Face of the Day/Eye Shadow of the Day featuring MarieNatie

I recently posted a couple of pictures on Twitter showing a shadow of the day and the entire look of the day, I guess it should be face of the day since I only showed my face right? Just started playing more with makeup and I'm still working on finding good lighting in my house to take pictures. A million windows and I still struggle. Anyway, thought I'd put up a more in-depth post with better pictures for those of you who aren't on Twitter. A little disclaimer before you continue reading. I am not a makeup artist and until late last year, never really played much with makeup beyond the basics. My brows desperately need to get done and I fully realize that one is darker than the other, luckily, they're getting done today lol. You may now proceed...

Here are the products that I used, you can pretty much guess where I used each one :P/

L to R: 100% Pure Lip Glaze in Seduce, MarieNatie gloss in Nearly Wild, Zuzu Luxe mascara in Onyx, Alima Pure foundation in Warm 2, MarieNatie pigment in Emerald, MarieNatie pressed shadow in C'est bon, All Natural Face cream blush in Cotton Candy & Physicians Formula Organic Wear liner in Black Woods

MarieNatie was kind enough to send me these shadows to try out. This is the very first time that I'm wearing them and must say that I'm impressed. I will do a full review of them at some point. I used C'est bon all over the lid and in the crease, then used Emerald as a liner on the top and bottom lash line. I don't often wear liner but I added Physicians Formula dark brown liner to the bottom lash line, which seems to have come off in the pictures already, then coated my lashes with some mascara. The whole look, especially Emerald, really makes my eyes pop!

sassy! Fun makeup = fun/stupid faces? 

TA-DA, the complete look!

Hope you guys enjoyed, let me know if you'd like me to do more of these posts. Maybe the more I do the better I'll get!

xo!

*MarieNatie sent me the gloss & shadows. I am in no way being compensated for using or reviewing  them. All opinions are my own.