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Showing posts from August, 2017

Marc Anthony Giveaway!!! 48 Hours Only!

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I have been using Marc Anthony hair products for years, and today I am excited to be bringing to you an exclusive, 48 hour giveaway (and a product review. But I know you are here for the giveaway ;) ) I have been using Marc Anthony shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning packets since either high school or the early years of university (I am 3 years into the "real world" now). Over the years I have gravitated towards their Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, and Aloe and Jasmine collections. When I saw this new line hit the shelves this summer I knew I had to try it! Coconut Milk Volume Shampoo & Conditioner This line has a soft coconut scent and a creamy texture. I have very long, fine hair and I have found lately is in need of some extra volume. I like that this adds some volume without being too much. In particular I find it adds just a touch of lift to my roots. After using the shampoo and conditioner my hair still feels soft -- but when it is back in a pony tail it just feel

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzers

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When I think about Guerlain two thoughts come to mind: effortless bronze beauty, and one of my all time favourite scents, La Petite Robe Noire. This French perfume and cosmetics brand is among the oldest in the world. Today I am reviewing two of their summer 2017 releases: the Terracotta Sun Trio Bronzing Contour Palette and the Terracotta Bronzing Powder. I think we can all agree that summer in Toronto this year has been anything but sunny. That being said, these bronzers have me thinking back to wonderful afternoons last month in the French Riviera and strolling through Paris. They also have me day dreaming of my next vacation -- I would love to go to south Florida over the winter! Each of these powders comes in a pretty tortoise shell plastic compact. The compact feels slim in my hands-- not needlessly bulky in any way. Each compact includes a mirror. I was sent the Terracotta Bronzing Powder in shade "03 Naturel - Brunettes" from a shade range of 7 bronzers. This bronzer

EOS | More Than Just Lip Balm

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EOS (Evolution of Smooth) made a name for themselves with their popular lip balm spheres. Simply twist off the cap, apply the balm from the nub, and put the cap back on. I love how easy they are to find in my purse thanks to their unique shape -- and their affordable price point doesn't hurt. They even inspired a whole range of DIY products using their empty containers! However, you may not know that EOS actually makes some other pretty great personal care products. Body Lotion - Delicate Petals This pretty floral body lotion applies sheer and absorbs into the skin quickly. Key ingredients include shea butter, avocado oil, and vitamin E. Lately I have been loving using this after I get out of the shower. I find I don't like thick lotions. I love the way this one keeps my skin soft without applying heavily. This retails for about $5 CAD and is available in 2 sizes. Ultra Moisturising Shave Cream - Lavender Jasmine & Raspberry Pomegranate  This rich, non-foaming shave cream i

Masque Bar by Look Beauty | Sleeping Mask

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Lately I have found that the end caps at Shoppers Drug Mart are home to some pretty fantastic finds-- from the Nip & Fab collection, to Burts Bees, to this new(ish) addition: Masque Bar bu Look Beauty. Look Beauty seeks to find unique and effective beauty treats from around the world and to deliver them at an affordable price point. I was recently sent this lovely sleeping mask. This overnight sleeping mask is designed to be left on overnight while you sleep. It smells strongly of lavender, which I find so lovely for relaxing. Other key ingredients include aloe and witch hazel. After washing my face I like to apply this mask to clean, dry skin in little gentle circular motions. I find a thin layer is best-- enough to cover the face but not enough to slather your pillows. In the morning I just remove the excess with toner or warm water. I like to use this mask once a week or so as a part of my skin care routine. It is light, not sticky, and doesn't harden when it drys. It remain

Barcelona City Guide | Barcelona in 3 Days

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I recently got back from probably the best vacation I will ever get to go on in my life. I had the chance to visit so many cities that I had always dreamed of visiting, and one of those places was Barcelona! I've felt a desire to go there for the last few years. Something about tapas, the beach, and warm sunny weather just really pulled me in. I thought Barcelona in 3 days sounded better than Barcelona in 2-and-a-half-days, but 2-and-a-half-days would be more accurate. We landed in Barcelona from Malaga at about noon, and were in our hotel by 2:00 PM. We were exhausted and spend a few hours resting before venturing out to explore the city. I had actually wanted to take the train from Malaga to Barcelona, but we were travelling with friends and they had already booked the flight. We all thought it was easier since we only had one car if we were to all take the same flight. Before getting into the rough overview of what we did each day, I wanted to take a moment to frame with you the

I Got A Lash Lift!

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Every now and again I get an opportunity to do something unexpected through my blog. I actually really enjoy getting to try new beauty services that I wouldn't otherwise in the name of blogging science: waxes, medical facials, and today, lash lifts. In June I was asked if I wanted to come to Beauty Babe Lounge for a lash service of my choosing. My options were lash extensions or a lash lift. From prior research I know that lash extensions are not right for me: you basically can't wear eye makeup or use eye makeup remover while you have them. And once you have them, they fall out in little clumps so you have to keep getting them refilled. I know some women love lash extensions, but at this point in my life I don't think they're right for me. For one, I'm a beauty blogger so I need to be able to wear eye makeup. For two, I couldn't live without my winged liner. So that left me with the lash lift. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I did it so that way you woul

Caudalie Vine Activ Collection Review

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As a blogger there is absolutely nothing cooler than getting the chance to work with a brand that you loved before you are a blogger. Caudalie is one of my favourite skincare brands and this spring they launched a new serum, eye cream and moisturiser under the VINE [ACTIV] line.   I find that all of these products have a bit of a "green" or herbal smell to them. I can't quite place it, but it is pleasant. Vine Activ 3-In-1 Moisturizer | $53 CAD This daily moisturiser claims to "restore a youthful-looking glow, smooth the look of wrinkles and protect the skin from damaging pollutant particles". I found that within a few days of using this my skin was more even looking and had a nice glow to it. I find the formula to be light weight and easy to absorb into my skin.  Vine Activ Anti-Wrinkle Serum | $62 CAD This serum claims to fight the effects of pollution and promote a youthful looking glow and address damage caused by environmental aggressors. I found it to be h

A Beautiful Afternoon In Covent Garden | Sassoon & Charlotte Tilbury

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There are some neighbourhoods across the world that are so iconic that you just know  them. You just know that they are perfection. You just know that when you're in town you simply must stop by. SoHo in New York, Beverly Hills in LA, and  Covent  Garden in London. While I was somewhat aware of  Covent  Garden for a while, it became a must see spot when I learned that Charlotte Tilbury has has flagship store there. One of the biggest struggles I have while travelling is the blogger in me wanting to take glossy magazine quality photos in every single location I visit, and the reality of lugging curling irons, hair spray, multiple cute outfits across the ocean, plus my camera, and the reality of being exhausted and trying to explore as much as I can, and not just looking pretty. I want to enjoy where I go, not just take photos of me being there. Enter the most genius idea I have ever had while travelling: book a blow out and a makeover back to back, and then take some sweet photos. S

The Jay Hotel by Happy Culture | Nice, France

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My needs when it comes to a hotel are pretty basic. Clean, comfortable bed. Easy enough to check in and out of. Honestly I am in town to experience what the city has to offer, not to stay in my room. That being said... when the room is really comfortable, leaving it can be kind of hard. Keep reading to learn about my experience at the Hotel Jay in Nice, France. Upon arrival to Nice I sent a bunch of texts to friends and family that "Nice was very nice", or that I have having a "Nice time in Nice" -- and no, I won't apologize for the overuse of that pun. Once we arrived in our hotel we were greeted warmly and shown to our room. The whole hotel is inspired by the roaring twenties. With Art Deco homage paid just about everywhere, no detail was overlooked. The phone, the wall paper, the gold accents, all transported me to a time not so long ago. But don't worry, the hotel is only inspired   by the twenties. It has a working elevator, TVs in the rooms, and all th

HOURGLASS Girl Lip Stylo | Swatches & Story

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Last winter I was at IpsyOS's Creator Day at Gen Beauty LA when I first had the chance to check out these beautiful (in more way than one) lippies. In a wide arrange of shades (neutrals for everybody, bold shades, you name it!) with a creamy formula, keep reading for swatches & my review! Retailing for $40 CAD, and sold at Sephora, this permanent addition to the Hourglass collection is as beautiful as it is wearable. These jumbo twist-up lip crayons are availiable in 20 shades, with a fair number of neutrals included in the collection. Generally speaking, these lippies are not quite opaque, smooth, and light weight.  They build well and feel great on my lips. I was sent five shades to test and review: Influencer, Achiever, Activist, Leader and Innovator. If I am being honest, I requested these shades as much for the colour as I did the names. What makes this product unique isn't the idea of a large lip crayon or a silky formula. Its the names. Each of the GIRL lip stylos ha