Winter Skincare Arsenal | How I Protect and Nourish My Skin

Between heading out on dog walks, running errands around town, shovelling snow and scraping ice off the car, and generally breathing drier air from central heating (the joys of living in Canada, eh?), my skin always takes a beating this time of year. I protect my face and hands as best as I can from the cold and harsh wind with warm clothing (hello balaklavas, tuques, scarves, thick gloves and heat-holding socks), but I still cannot escape dealing with dry skin. With frigid weather settling in, I've brought my reparative skincare must-haves to the front of my vanity. These are products I have used for the past few years, and I can attest that they have made a difference in keeping my skin less irritated from the elements.

Treating My Keratosis Pilaris: My Exfoliating Body Routine

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition I have dealt with on and off over the last few years, and unfortunately, the time has come (yet) again. The good news is that I have narrowed down a routine that has been helping me clear it over the last few weeks. I wanted to share what I've been doing and using to help clear it up in hopes that it helps anyone looking for an effective solution to KP.

My Experience With Microneedling | Acne Scar Treatment ft. Banish

Over the years, I've had my ups and downs dealing with acne, which I've struggled with for over 15 years now. It crushed my confidence and self-esteem at a young age and has been an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least! Despite all the low points I've been through, I am so grateful that I am an acne sufferer - not something my younger self ever imagined I would say! It led me to where I am today in many aspects of my life, including the existence of this blog because acne is what got me into researching health and beauty products in the first place as well as helping me discover the plant-based lifestyle. While I don't break out nearly as much as I used to, I do get the occasional breakout (the proof is on my Youtube channel where you can also see how my skin has progressed and improved acne-wise over the last few years) and my skin is still very much prone to scarring and hyperpigmentation. I wanted to go more in-depth about microneedling, a treatment that has done wonders for my skin over the last couple of years and share a recent discovery in Banish* skincare products which I was so excited to finally test out after hearing great things about them over the years.

How To Treat Excessive Sweating with Dermadry | Review + Demo

We've all been there - sweating profusely during a presentation, following an intense workout or when enduring a heatwave. While sweating is a natural bodily function that helps regulate our body temperature, it can become problematic when excessive sweating is not solely caused by a fight-or-flight response, an intense workout or exposure to heat and becomes an embarrassing inconvenience. The reality is, approximately 20% of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis, the scientific term for excessive sweating, which can occur with no physical exertion or external triggers. In recent years, this is something I have been dealing with, and while I suffer from this on a mild to moderate level, I personally know someone for whom it is more severe and has become a daily struggle. Thankfully, you don't have to rely on strong antiperspirants or seek more invasive Botox injections or even a sympathectomy surgery, as there is an effective and safe way to treat hyperhidrosis from the comfort of your own home, and that is by using an iontophoresis device, a welcomed solution thanks to Dermadry*.

Pack With Me For Europe! | How To Pack Carry-On Only

Eeeek! I'm so pumped to be going back to Europe in just a few days! I will be visiting four countries I've yet to have had the chance to explore, all in the span of 17 days: England, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. I've taken on the challenge to take only a carry-on with me on this longer trip, and I figured I would show you just how and what I am packing. We will be staying in both AirBnbs and hotels, and since we will have access to washing machines, it only made sense to lessen our load (and wait time at the airports!) since we will be moving around so much.

My Detox Routine + 3 Super Easy Healthy Vegan Recipes

I view detoxing as all-encompassing: not only is it something that is good for my physical body but being able to detox my mind is also something I regard as highly beneficial for my well-being (and definitely a challenge)! I personally enjoy incorporating more eco-friendly products into my routine, eating plant-based meals and also meditating each day. What I put inside my body is just as important as what I apply to it - same goes for my personal thoughts and the external stimuli that consume my mind, and by the same token the knowledge and information I assimilate. I also think a detox is not something that can be quickly achieved with a magic pill but is instead an ongoing practice that you should dedicate time to each and every day. I am excited to be partnering with Yves Rocher* to show you a few of the ways I like to detox, ranging from their Antipollution line, my meditation practice and some of my current favourite healthy vegan recipes!

Spirulina Beauty Benefits + DIY Face Mask

This post was sponsored by iHerb and all opinions expressed are my own. Affiliate links provided.

I stumbled upon the greatness that is spirulina when I first transitioned to a plant-based diet over four years ago. I was reading a lot of books, articles and educating myself through videos and one supplement that kept popping up over and over again was this green superfood. You have probably already heard of it since it has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, but in case you did not know, let me fill you in! Spirulina is a nutrient-rich algae that is packed with chlorophyll (the pigment that gives leafy greens and blue-green algae their colour). This sea plant is made up of 60% protein and is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster, while also being high in vitamins and minerals. It contains essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine and valine, and is also rich in bioavailable iron and has been found to help treat anemia. Over the years, I have tried spirulina both in liquid and powder form, adding some to my smoothies, and recently I have been taking the Vital Proteins Spirulina* in capsule form as well, which I got from iHerb. If you've been around for a while, you would know how much I enjoy shopping from this online store!

My Culligan Water Experience | All-Around Beauty Benefits

This post was sponsored by Culligan Water as part of an Integrated Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

For the past few months, my beauty routine has drastically changed for the better. "How?" you ask? Well, we all know that water is a necessity of life, but little did I know how much the quality of the water that runs throughout my home can significantly improve not only my quality of life but also take my beauty routine to a whole new level. Since having a Culligan Water softening and filtration system installed in my house, not only have I been enjoying great-tasting water at the touch of a button, but I have also experienced softer skin, smoother hair, and an overall more enjoyable and effective beauty routine.

Water Softening and Filtering with Culligan Water | Changes in My Beauty Routine

This post was sponsored by Culligan Water as part of an Integrated Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

Water consumption is such an integral part of our daily lives that we oftentimes forget how much of a necessity it is, even when it comes to our beauty routine! Everything from reaching for a tall glass of water in the morning, to hopping in the shower, brushing your teeth, and cleansing your face (the list goes on), the amount of water and the various uses we have for it can be quite eye-opening to reflect on. While my family and I have always been conscientious about how much water we use in our household, it wasn't until a few years ago that we opted to use a pitcher to filter our drinking water to lower our carbon footprint, no longer having to resort to purchasing plastic water bottles on the regular. We haven't looked back since, however there are still cons to owning one, such as having to buy filter replacements every couple of months, which can really add up overtime. So when I was presented with the opportunity to have a Culligan Water Aqua-Cleer Water Filtration System with ClearLink Pro as well as a High Efficiency Water Softener installed in my house, I couldn't say no to providing the best for my people, and just had to see for myself how this change could improve our quality of life and take our beauty rituals to a new and improved level! 

How To Get Enhanced Lashes + Brows with RapidLash & RapidBrow

This post was sponsored by RapidLash as part of an Influence Central campaign and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Have you always dreamed of having naturally fluttery lashes and full brows? *raises hand* Back in my teenage years, I made the mistake of over-plucking my eyebrows (I still have photo evidence and it ain't pretty), and let's just say I've learned my lesson and have been taking it easy with my tweezers since then! The thing is, my eyebrows have always been sparse at both the head and tail, and my arch could use a little more definition. When it comes to my lashes, they are longer at the centre but shorter on the inner and outer corners and are also pin straight and on the lighter side, so unless I give them a curl and apply a coat of mascara, they look almost unnoticeable. And since on most days I don't wear makeup, I appreciate when I can find products that can give my hairs a boost and that don't require having to be removed at the end of the day. Over the years, I've tested a handful of products to make both my brows and lashes stand out, and hands down my top picks would have to be the RapidLash* and RapidBrow* serums.

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide For Her + Yves Rocher Giveaway!

Have you caught the festive bug? I sure have: I've already watched 12 Christmas movies since November (yes I'm counting) and have been listening to a ridiculous amount of Christmas music too - I blame you, Spotify. And with it being December comes the realization that there are only a few weeks left leading up to the Big Day, meaning your stress levels are getting higher as you try to find something to gift your loved ones. Are you still scratching your head as to what to gift the special ladies in your life? Well you've come to the right place - I have partnered with Yves Rocher this Holiday season to bring you a Gift Guide for Her! I know how much of a struggle it can be to think of something new to gift each year, and I hope these ideas give you some inspiration. I also have a pretty awesome giveaway that you don't want to miss, so keep reading until the end for all the details!

Brittle Nails No More | Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System

I've been on the lookout for a nail treatment to polish and hydrate my nails for a while now, and having dealt with brittle, peeling nails for many years, a truly effective one has been hard to come by. In the last year, my nail health has significantly improved, and I believe it might be because I cut back on painting my nails, doing so only very rarely for special occasions. I've recently also been using the Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System* to prime, polish and moisturize my nails and have been seeing great results after just a few weeks of use. The line was created by Dr. Dana Stern, a world-renowned dermatologist who is an expert in the treatment of nail disorders. All ingredients used are high quality and free of harmful chemicals to nourish and restore your nails without compromising your health, with all products being 5-free, vegan and cruelty-free.

Get Fuller-Looking Lashes and Brows with RapidLash & RapidBrow

This post was sponsored by RapidLash & RapidBrow as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I know I am not alone when I say that I fell victim to over-plucking in my teenage years. What first started as an innocent attempt to get rid of a few strays ended up with me regretting even starting in the first place! Thankfully since then my hair has mostly come back, but I've always had this hope that they would look fuller. My eyelashes on the other hand have always been on the short and thin side, which means they are barely visible without a good coat or two of mascara. So when I was asked if I would like to put RapidLash* and RapidBrow* to the test, I jumped at the opportunity because hey, maybe these were just what I needed to turn my dreams into reality! For the last nine weeks, I have been diligently coating my hairs with both of these products daily, and it's finally time to reveal my results!

How To Remove Facial Hair with Dermaflash | Review + Demo

Unwanted facial hair - if you don't have it, count yourself very lucky! Peach fuzz, chin hair, and a moustache are what I've been dealing with for years, but I was always afraid to tackle my insecurity so I just let the hair be (it helps that they become less visible during summer from lightening in the sun and makeup does wonders too). So when the opportunity arose to try the Dermaflash Facial Exfoliating Device*, I saw it as a sign that it was finally time... to shave my face! I thought it would be helpful to document my experience, so I walk you step by step through the shaving process, and it isn't as scary as you would think!

Seeing Periods In A New Light: Lunette Menstrual Cup | Review + Giveaway

Periods. Now that is a word I never thought I would be mentioning in a blog post, but yes ladies (and gents?), I am going there because today's post is all about periods, or should I say, how to make periods less of a hassle with the Lunette menstrual cup. I had never tried a menstrual cup up until giving this one a go just a few months ago, but it is something I had been considering for over a year now. I kept reading (and hearing) about how menstrual cups were revolutionizing the way us women cope with 'that time of the month', so I was super thankful when Lunette asked me if I would like to share my experience after using their menstrual cup as well as offer one of my readers the chance to win one for themselves, so keep on reading to find out how you can enter!

How to Celebrate Galentine's Day | Ideas For The Single Ladies

Still single and (not) ready to mingle this Valentine's Day? Well don't I have a concoction of fun ideas to make it a day to remember! Whether it's giving yourself a little TLC in the comfort of your own home or organizing a little Galentine's Day get together with your closest friends, here are just a few things that will make it that much better!

21 Ways To Use Essential Oils During Winter ft. Thursday Plantation

Is winter taking a toll on your body and spirit? Have no fear - essential oils are here! When this thoughtful care package arrived from Thursday Plantation*, I knew I would put these oils to good use. After educating myself on the power of mother nature years ago, I've been a fan of essentials oils in my skin care, but it isn't until recently that I've come to appreciate their many other uses.

How To Clean Makeup Brushes | 2 Super Cheap + Easy Methods

I remember the first time I came across a video about makeup brush cleaning and thinking to myself, "wait a minute, why didn't it cross my mind to wash mine sooner?" Yikes! Whether you stick to the minimum and own just a handful of brushes that easily fit in your makeup bag, or have a lot of them taking over your office space like I do, makeup brush cleaning should be a part of your weekly routine. There are many different ways to go about washing your makeup brushes, most of which I've tried and tested over the years, but I'll be sharing and demonstrating what in my opinion are the two most effective ways. Best part? These two methods are super budget-friendly, and will prolong the life of your brushes in the long run as they are super gentle and most importantly, antibacterial.

Last Minute Holiday 2016 Beauty Gift Ideas

Christmas is just a few days away, and you're still scrambling to pick out gifts for the ladies in your life? Don't worry, I've got you covered! I shared my Holiday Beauty Gift Guide the other day which is FULL of awesome gift ideas (if I do say so myself!), but I wanted to sneak one last post in and share some last minute gifting ideas in the form of beauty sets which I think are worth the mula.

Holiday Gift Guide For Your Bestie ft. Yves Rocher + GIVEAWAY!

With Christmas being just a few short weeks away (seriously, where has the time gone?), now comes the time to figure out what to gift the special people in your life. I personally enjoy gifting more than receiving, so this time of the year always gets me super excited to shop for my loved ones. Of course, you can go the good old (and easy) route of asking your friends and family what is on their Christmas wish list, but sometimes you have no other choice than to go the extra mile and come up with ideas yourself (because who doesn't love being surprised?). Well, I'm saving you the trouble this year as I have compiled a bunch of gift ideas for your bestie, but really many of these can be applied to the women in your life, whether for your mom, aunt, sister, grandmother, co-worker, and the list goes on! But wait - it gets better! I have partnered with Yves Rocher* to bring you a Holiday giveaway, so keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a fabulous prize!