Montreal-Based Beauty and Lifestyle Blog


December 29, 2013

Most Loved Beauty Products of 2013

Most Loved Beauty Products of 2013!
This past year I got to try a bunch of new products, many of which have become holy grail status, but I have also stuck to products that I have been using for years and that I still love and use on an everyday basis. Here are the products that have made the cut and that I just simply adore!
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December 24, 2013

Beauty Wishlist for 2014

It's hard to believe that 2014 is just around the corner, I mean where did the year go? The beauty junkie in me is not surprisingly already thinking about all the new products I would like to try in the New Year! Here is a little break down of beauty items I am hoping to get my hands on in the near future:
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December 20, 2013

Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods Fine Fragrance Mist

I'm a big fan of Bath & Body Works, especially their body sprays. I tend to get headaches easily from overpowering scents, and what I like so much about the Twilight Woods Fine Fragrance Mist is that it isn't too strong. It is a mixture of fruity, floral and musky notes, including berry, mandarin, coconut, mimosa, honeysuckle, nectar, wood, musk, and vanilla. I know it sounds like way too many different scents to have in a single bottle, but the notes blend nicely together to give a lovely feminine fragrance. Although the staying power isn't the greatest, considering it is a mist I can look past that! :)


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December 17, 2013

Innisfree It's Real Grape Sheet Mask

I was having a very in-depth beauty conversation with my co-worker the other day, and after narrowing our topic down to skincare, we started talking about face masks. I mentioned to her that I had never tried a sheet mask and she looked at me in shock. She told me she had so many at home and the following day she gave me the Innisfree It's Real Grape Mask as a gift. This natural Korean mask is infused with grape and green complex that is supposed to add vitality and energy to the skin.

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December 14, 2013

Jollychic.com Apparel $100 Shopping Spree GIVEAWAY!

In need of new pieces to add to your wardrobe this holiday season? Jollychic.com is an online fashion store that has a great selection of trendy clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and even makeup brushes that are super affordable! They offer worldwide shipping, which is free when you spend over $99. It being the season of giving, I have partnered with Jollychic.com to bring you yet another fab $100 giveaway to spend on their website! :)


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December 10, 2013

MAKE UP FOR EVER Midnight Glow Gun Metal Glitter

MAKE UP FOR EVER has come out with great new products this holiday season! The Midnight Glow Holiday Collection includes stunning limited edition products such as the 8 eye shadow Midnight Glow Palette, the Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Color in Satin Soft Pink, Strass Jewels, and a lovely new Glitter in Gun Metal (shade N15)*. I was super excited to try this last product out as I have never done an eye look with loose glitters before.

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December 7, 2013

Sothys Cosmetics: Review and GIVEAWAY!

I have an amazing beauty brand to share with you all! I had personally never heard of it before, and I'm so glad that I got to try some of the products that I have to review for you today! Sothys is a professional personal care line with over 60 years of cosmetic research and innovation. They sell a variety of products including skin care, makeup, fragrances, and more. The brand was created in France, and today is represented by over 20,000 spas worldwide in over 115 different countries! Keep on reading to learn how you can win all of the products featured in this post! :)


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December 4, 2013

Save The Blow Dry Shower Cap

Shower caps are an important shower accessory for us ladies, but unfortunately all of the ones I have tried can never fit all of my long, thick hair. Not only that, but with the one I had currently been using, almost every time, an unruly piece of hair would fall out of the cap when in the shower because the elastic band wasn't tight enough - I am sure you can relate with my frustration! Not only do these cheap shower caps wet my hair, but they flatten it to the point where I come out of the shower and my hair has lost all of its volume and has turned frizzy all over again. Thankfully, Save The Blow Dry* has been invented, and has become the solution to all of my hair problems while in the shower!


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December 1, 2013

New Found Favourite: Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara

I'm always on the hunt for new mascaras to try, and this time I feel like I hit the mascara jackpot! The Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara has been getting a lot of attention in the beauty community lately, and naturally the makeup lover in me couldn't resist giving it a try!


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November 28, 2013

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser

I cannot even tell you how many facial cleansers I have tried in the past since I have never been able to stick to only one. That would be because I have never found one that I noticed made a huge difference in the appearance of my skin. Having sensitive skin, it is very hard to find skin care products that won't irritate my skin and that won't break me out. I have slowly been looking into switching to all natural skin care products so you can imagine how excited I was when the Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser* came in the mail! For those of you who have never heard of the brand, Sibu Beauty is an all-natural supplement and personal care line that uses Sea Buckthorn Berry as one of its main ingredients; a little exotic berry that is native to the Tibetan Himalayas and that contains over 190 bioactive compounds, including the much sought-after omega-7 fatty acids. All of their products are paraben-free, sulfate-free and cruelty-free and contain 100% natural ingredients.

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser

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November 26, 2013

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder

Ever since I started wearing makeup, I just gravitated towards liquid foundations and never gave pressed powders much thought. This past summer, I finally decided to give the Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder a try (reviewed here), and I was hooked at first swipe! Unfortunately at the start of fall the color I had bought became too dark for my tan-fading complexion and I was on the hunt for an alternative. I came across a video by Youtuber iheartmakeup92 on the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder and the coverage it provided her was just amazing, so I decided to give it a try.


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November 24, 2013

Try Mario Badescu Skin Care Products for FREE!

I've been reading a lot of good reviews on the Mario Badescu Skin Care range, and while checking out their website I came across their Consulting page, where they ask you to complete a skin care analysis questionnaire and then recommend you a bunch of products suitable for your skin type that you can purchase right off their website. I didn't end up buying anything, but after a few hours they sent me a follow-up e-mail which had a link at the very bottom to try some free samples! At first I thought "this is too good to be true," but after doing some research I realized that it actually is true and really works! Apparently the brand has been offering these free samples online since 2007! It took me a while to receive them, I would say about 2 months, but I certainly didn't mind waiting considering I didn't have to pay for anything. I was expecting maybe 2-3 samples and was quite surprised when I received 7! I thought I would share this discovery with you, I mean who doesn't like to receive free products right? I believe this offer is international, since I live in Canada and the package was sent to me from the United States. Let me know in the comments below if this offer works for you as well! :)

 Here are all the samples I received!


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November 23, 2013

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara: Is it Worth the Hype?

I had been hearing so many rave reviews on the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara that I just had to give it a try! As the name implies, this mascara is designed to get those hard to coat lower lashes without creating a big mess. After giving it a try, I can see why this mascara is so hyped - it really makes applying mascara on the bottom lashes a breeze!


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November 19, 2013

Drugstore Makeup Haul ft. Essence, Maybelline and Covergirl

A few weeks ago my cousin who lives on the other side of the country came for a visit and although we only had an afternoon to spend together, we decided we wanted to squeeze in some time for shopping, and since we didn't have enough time to go to the mall, we of course decided to take a short walk to the drugstore! My cousin, my sister and I ended up hitting Pharmaprix a.k.a Shoppers Drug Mart and each bought a few *cough* products...gotta love impromptu girly shopping outings! :)


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November 17, 2013

E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder in St Lucia

I had heard that the E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder was a dupe for the NARS Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer duo, so I made sure to add it to my basket when buying a bunch of products off beautyjoint.com a couple of months back. At first swirl, I could already see how pigmented these powders were, and knew I had hit the blush and bronzer jackpot!


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November 15, 2013

Operation Christmas Child and The Power of Giving

I am so grateful for the life I have. I have a loving family, supportive friends, a roof over my head, I have an education, a job, and so much more that I am thankful for. There are many children and youths who aren't as fortunate, and who can only dream of having this life that we sometimes take for granted. With Christmas just around the corner, I knew I wanted to make a difference and bring hope and joy to a child in need this holiday season. After doing a bit of research, I came across Operation Christmas Child, a project run by Samaritan's Purse International Relief. What is great about this organization is that it is run in many countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, as well as Hong Kong, among other regions.

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November 13, 2013

MAKE UP FOR EVER #150 and #260 Artisan Brushes

I have an amazing release in the beauty world to share with you all! MAKE UP FOR EVER has recently come out with the Artisan Brush Collection, featuring 76 new, state-of-the-art professional makeup brushes, the most extensive luxury brush collection to have ever been designed! Creator and Artistic Director Dany Sanz has spent five years designing and perfecting each and everyone of these brushes. They range from everyday brush staples for women on the go, including powder, blush, and eye brushes, to brushes that can be used by makeup artists to create the most elaborate looks.

What makes this collection so unique is the synthetic fiber technology used in the design process. Depending on the brush, you will find either straight or wavy fibers. They each have a specific purpose: the straight fibers allow for a more precise application, with the product being more densely packed onto the skin, while the wavy fibers, being more feathered out, create a lighter finish, which are great for buffing and blending.

The brushes themselves are absolutely stunning. The handle of each brush is made of beech wood which becomes slanted at the tip, and along with a gunmetal barrel, gives this collection a very edgy appeal. The brushes are classified in 4 different categories, according to their use:

100s = complexion 
200s = eyes 
300s = lips 
400s = artistic specially designed for professionals

I have two brushes to review for you today, namely the 150 Precision Blush Brush* and the 260 Bent Eyeliner Brush*.

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November 12, 2013

$100 Sephora Gift Card GIVEAWAY!


Hi Beauties!

I am very excited to be part of this grand giveaway along with some other wonderful bloggers! The lovely Betzy from Betzy's Makeup is celebrating her 3rd year blog anniversary, and for this special occasion one very lucky reader will win an amazing prize - up for grabs, a $100 Sephora gift card! To enter, simply complete the entries via the rafflecopter box provided below. The more entries you complete, the higher your chances of winning. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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November 11, 2013

Fall Beauty Giveaway Winner!

Hi Beauties!


This is just a quick post to announce the winner of my Fall Beauty Giveaway! And the winner is *drumroll please*:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Congratulations Vasilica! I have just sent you an email, so keep an eye out for it and get back to me asap so I can get your prize shipped off to you! :)

If you didn't win, please don't be sad... another giveaway might just be around the corner *hint hint* ;)

Have a lovely day!
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November 9, 2013

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

When I heard that the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation provided full coverage and was long-lasting on oily skin, I knew I had to put it to the test. Having combination skin prone to acne and scarring, I had really high hopes that this drugstore product would help cover my imperfections... and let me tell you, I am really glad I jumped on the bandwagon and gave this little gem a chance!


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November 5, 2013

The Sunshine Award

The oh-so lovely Katy over at Skin Stuff by Katy has nominated me for the Sunshine Award! I am a big fan of her blog, so thank you so much Katy, you just brightened my day! :)
So what is the Sunshine Award? It's an award given to those who inspire us and bring sunshine into our lives. That's pretty cool!
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November 3, 2013

Dove Go Fresh Body Mist in Rebalance

I used to not be much of a fragrance person and could not be bothered with taking the extra time to spray some perfume or body spray on before heading out the door. Well let me tell you, now I cannot go anywhere without coating my body with some sort of scented spray. Maybe it has something to do with confidence - it's like I can conquer the world knowing that I smell good! :)


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October 31, 2013

October 2013 Empties

I wanted to do a quick round up of the products I finished this month. I don't have too many products this time, but I figured I would share my empties anyways since I enjoy writing these posts so much! :)


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October 30, 2013

Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara

I was recommended the Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara by a fellow blogger a few months back, and I have finally got around to trying it! As usual, I got mine in the darkest shade, marketed as "black". For those of you who are not familiar with Marcelle, it is a Canadian cosmetic brand that can be found at the drugstore.

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October 25, 2013

Dove Style + Care Frizz-Proof Cream-Serum

Having naturally wavy hair, it sometimes becomes very unruly and frizzy. On those bad hair days, I've been reaching for the Dove Style + Care Frizz-Proof Cream-Serum. This product is said to tame frizz and add shine, and all I can say is that it has really helped my hair look sleek and effortlessly styled!


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October 23, 2013

Vote For Me: MiB Awards 2013 Best Canadian Blog!

Hi Beauties!

I am one of the candidates in the MiB Awards 2013 for Best Canadian Blog in the Beauty category! Now how awesome would it be to win the coveted Blogger of the Year award? I would be so thankful if you could vote for me! All you need to do is visit this website and click on vote! :)

Thanks for supporting my blog, I truly cannot thank you enough!
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October 20, 2013

E.L.F. Studio Blush in Pink Passion

For some odd reason I have really been into bright pink makeup lately, and had been wanting to try this particular blush by Eyes Lips Face called Pink Passion for years, so when I indulged myself in an online shopping spree, I made sure to add this new found favorite to my basket!


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October 17, 2013

NYX Black Label Lipstick in India

As you may have read in my most recent haul, I was very excited to try out NYX Cosmetics as I've read such rave reviews on a ton of their products from fellow bloggers. One item I was particularly excited to try is the Black Label Lipstick in the shade "India". Shaaanxo, one of my favorite beauty gurus on Youtube, often mentions this lipstick as being among her top favorites, so I knew I had to try it!


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October 14, 2013

Real Techniques Haul | Round 3 - The Expert Face and Setting Brushes

I have done it yet again. I got more makeup brushes (like I need any more right?). The thing is, I just can't resist! Ever since I got my first set of Real Techniques Brushes, I just knew I would eventually end up getting the whole line. Lo and behold, slowly but surely my brush collection is expanding. The most recent additions to my Real Techniques collection are the Expert Face Brush and the Setting Brush. Not surprisingly, I have already grown fond of them as they have quickly been incorporated into my daily makeup routine.


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October 11, 2013

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in "Peach Of Cake"

A new nail polish find that I have been loving as of late is the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in the shade "Peach Of Cake". Apart from having a cute name, this stunning peach pastel nail is also perfect for day to day wear. It isn't too bright, so it can still be pulled off after summer in my opinion.The brush is easy to work with as it is rounded at the edges making for little nail polish over spill around the nail bed. The formulation also gets my mark of approval: it isn't too runny nor too thick. With only 2 coats, I get full opacity, and I add a layer of top coat to seal in my manicure.

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October 6, 2013

City Color Cosmetics Collection 4 All Occasion Eye Shadow Palette

This was my first time trying the City Color Cosmetics brand and I have to say I am very impressed! The Collection 4 All Occasion Eye Shadow Palette features 12 vibrant shades that are great to play around with to create more colorful eye looks.

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October 2, 2013

Hit or Miss? Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

I'd had my eye out for the Hoola Bronzer by Benefit Cosmetics for quite some time now, and so I finally decided to take the plunge and purchase it. This stuff ain't cheap, priced at C$36.00, but I kept on hearing over and over again just how amazing this bronzer is, so I told myself that my purchase would be justified in the end.

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September 30, 2013

September 2013 Empties

I have yet another empties post to share with you all! Since I haven't done one of these in a couple of months, I have accumulated quite the assortment of used-up stuff.


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September 26, 2013

Fall Beauty GIVEAWAY! (International)

Fall is not only a great season to update your wardrobe, but it is also the perfect time to change up your beauty regime! In honor of the start of autumn, I have decided to host a giveaway! I will be giving away seven beauty products from three newly discovered brands that I have been loving as of late, namely Bioderma, City Color Cosmetics and Burt's Bees. Pictured below are the prizes you could win!

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September 23, 2013

Vote For Me, Please? ❤

Hi loves! :) I am taking part in a contest to be the next face of Garage, my all-time favorite clothing store! They are currently having a model search and I thought to myself that is way too cool of an opportunity to pass up, and so - I submitted my entry! It would mean the world to me if you took the time to vote for me! All you need to do is go to the following link and click on "Vote"! You can vote daily until October 6th! Thanks so much to anyone who takes the time to vote for me, I really appreciate it! :D
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September 22, 2013

Shiny Face No More: The Body Shop Mineral Powder Blotting Tissues

I used to think I had no choice but to carry around my setting powder along with my big fluffy brush in my bag for those quick face touch ups throughout the day. I can gladly say that The Body Shop's Mineral Powder Blotting Tissues have come to the rescue and have made the blotting process so much easier! Not only do they save me on space in my purse, but they are quick and hassle-free.


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September 19, 2013

Currently Loving: NYX Powder Blush in Terra Cotta

I was just recently introduced to NYX when I ordered some of their products from BeautyJoint.com (see my haul here). It didn't take me too long to fall in love with their products, and the first one I wanted to review is the NYX Powder Blush in the shade Terra Cotta. With fall fast approaching, I will definitely be getting a ton of use out of this little gem!

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September 15, 2013

My Go-To Fall Lip Shades: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters in Cherry Tart and Raspberry Pie

As we are transitioning into autumn, one thing that I have been excited to change up is my lip products. I always go back to my Revlon Lip Butters in Cherry Tart and Raspberry Pie this time of the year. They are not only the perfect red and plum shades that provide a stunning pop of colour, but they are also super hydrating and long-lasting. I used to only wear lipsticks that are very close to my natural lip colour, but I eventually got tired of the "my lips but better" look and decided to step out of my comfort zone and go for something a little bolder, but that I can still pull off on a day-to-day basis.

My Go-To Fall Lip Shades Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters in Cherry Tart Raspberry Pie

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September 11, 2013

Giveaway Alert: Win a Marc Jacobs Collection Eye Shadow Trio!

Blogger Tiffany from Everyday Beautiful is hosting an amazing giveaway and I wanted to share it with you all! It's international, so anyone can enter! Simply fill out the handy Rafflecopter provided below. Good luck! :)

Hey Beauties!

I have fallen in love with the new Marc Jacobs Collection at Sephora & I think it says Fall all over it! I love the colors they incorporated & I can't wait to see what else they come out with! I knew when I laid eyes on this trio it would be perfect to giveaway right before the holiday seasons start! Perfect for a day time light eye & even more perfect for that perfect smokey eye look that brings us into the night flawlessly. Long lasting & highly pigmented, this is a winner!

You could be a winner to! Enter below for your chance to win this trio from the Marc Jacobs Collection!
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September 7, 2013

BeautyJoint Haul: NYX, E.L.F and Jordana

I went on a little *cough* online shopping spree last week and just got my order in the mail! I couldn't contain my excitement, and lo and behold, a haul has ensued! BeautyJoint.com sells a variety of makeup tools and products from brands that are hard to find outside of the US, such as Wet n Wild, NYX, E.L.F., Jordana and many more! I had quite a few products on my wish list and BeautyJoint carried so many of them, so of course I splurged! The products are not only insanely cheap, but shipping is super affordable as well. I highly recommend this service for anyone looking for a good deal on good quality makeup! :)


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September 4, 2013

Dove Style + Care Nourishing Curls Mousse

I am not one to use a lot of hair styling products. That is because they almost always weigh my hair down, and my strands end up looking like a hot mess, which is not a look I am usually going for! I have tried a few curling mousses in the past but haven't had much luck with the results. They would either make my hair feel super sticky or look permanently wet. Well drenched-looking hair no more! I recently came across Dove's Nourishing Curls Mousse from their Style + Care line, and haven't had any of these issues with it! We have a winner!

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August 31, 2013

PINK Wild At Heart Body Mist by Victoria's Secret

As of late I have been loving trying out different fragrances and perfumes. During the summer, I especially like wearing body mists since they are light and the scent isn't too overpowering. A recent favorite of mine is by Victoria's Secret and it is called the PINK Wild At Heart Body Mist. I own one of their perfumes as well and it is my absolute favorite, but sadly it is discontinued and I'm almost out of it so I was on the hunt for a different scent by the brand and came across this one and thought it would be perfect in the summertime!


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August 29, 2013

New At The Drugstore: NYC Smooth Skin Liquid Concealer and Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies


Just wanted to share a couple of new makeup releases I discovered at the drugstore! NYC has come out with their new Smooth Skin Liquid Concealer, containing antioxidants and Vitamins A, C, & E. I got mine in the shade 786 Light. It comes with a doe foot applicator, and although it is a liquid concealer, it is nice and creamy and blends nicely into the skin. I got mine for just under $5, a great bargain!
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August 27, 2013

21 Tips for Growing Long, Luscious Hair FAST!

I have finally found the recipe to having long and healthy hair, and I am ready to share! Here are my tried and tested tips for growing out your hair. In no time, you will be admiring those long locks you have always dreamed of - the results are definitely worth the extra care!


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August 24, 2013

Review: Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder SPF 15

I was on the lookout for a mineral powder since the summer heat has really been getting to my skin lately. I had heard that mineral powders are great during the hot summer months since they are lightweight and allow your pores to breathe better than liquid foundation, which can feel quite heavy on the skin. I was recommended the Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder SPF 15 by my cousin who has been using it throughout the summer and let me in on its awesome staying power, and no surprise, I decided to pick one up for myself! :)


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August 20, 2013

Dry Body Brushing: Technique and Benefits for the Skin

You may be wondering what "dry body brushing" is all about, as I myself had no idea until I read about it on Annie Jaffrey's blog a couple of months ago. What is wonderful about this technique is that you only need one thing, and that is a dry body brush. I snatched mine up from The Body Shop, called the Round Bath Brush, for $12. A well-invested $12, I must add!


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August 18, 2013

Shellac Manicure: My Experience

Once in a while, a girl needs to treat herself to a manicure. There is no denying it, getting pampered at the nail salon will turn any bad day for the better! I myself am not a usual "manicure getter", but more of a "do-it-yourself-er". In fact, I believe I have only gotten my nails done once in my life, as a little girl at a very girly birthday party. We had all been treated to an airbrush design on our tiny nails. Oh how excited we all were to actually say we had gotten a professional manicure!

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August 14, 2013

Sephora Makeup Haul

While on vacation in the States last week, I decided to pick up a few items at Sephora that I had been lusting over in the last few months. I'm telling you, every time I go in there, I just want to purchase everything... makeup junkie problems, I know! I did however limit myself to these 4 products, one of which I got for free: oh yeah!


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August 1, 2013

July Empties!

This month, I was able to finish quite a few makeup products! In the last few months I have been using up a lot of skin care products, so it feels quite odd that this month I have none to share with you... haha.

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July 24, 2013

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: A Review

The Urban Decay Naked Basics palette has definitely become a staple in my makeup stash. It features six beautiful shadows - five mattes (Foxy, Walk of Shame, Naked 2, Faint, and Crave) and one satin finish (Venus). If you are like me and wear mostly neutral eye looks, you will love these shadows! They have a super smooth texture and apply like a dream, and blending them is hassle-free. I can also skip on using an eye primer because these shades literally do not budge or fade throughout the day. Added bonus right there! ;)

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July 17, 2013

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment

I am always on the lookout for a good zit zapper and I had heard some pretty good reviews on the Advantage Acne Spot Treatment from Clean & Clear. I decided to pick it up and give it a go since it sounded promising.


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