Double Happiness Botanical Skincare | Review

As a beauty enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for effective products that won't compromise my sensitive and blemish prone skin. While my skin is far from perfect, I notice how much 'happier' it is when I use high quality, plant-based products. Cue Double Happiness Skincare, a line created by two female entrepreneurs from Toronto, Sonja and Young. While their professional roots are in marketing, they also developed a passion for essential oils and elixir making, and after years of research and experimentation, have launched their line of detoxifying skincare. Each product has been thoughtfully blended to reveal nature's healing properties without disturbing the skin's pH balance, with the use of sustainably harvested extracts. The line is vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO and free of toxins such as parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.

Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Matte Lipsticks | Review, Try On + Swatches

Confession: I'm a liquid lipstick convert. I didn't really get the craze when this lip product hybrid started taking over the makeup world, but after trying a few brands out, I have been enlightened by their amazingness. One brand that has been killing the liquid lipstick game is Make Up For Ever. Earlier this year, they came out with a small selection of Artist Liquid Matte Lipsticks, and I tested out a handful of nude shades: 103 Warm Beige, 105 Rosewood and 107 Neutral Beige. They recently expanded the line and have added a bunch of colours, many of which I have to share with you today. While my first sampling was of more neutral shades, this time around I have bolder and more vibrant hues to show you.

Chatty Get Ready With Me | Fall Makeup: Brown Eyes + Berry Lips

I haven't posted a Chit Chat Get Ready With Me in a few months, so I figured it was about time I film one! I reached for some trusty old favourites as well as some new-to-me products that I have quickly grown to love. You can never go wrong with brown on the eyes; it is a shade that is flattering on all skin tones and all eye colours, and this is my take on an everyday wearable eye look with a statement berry lip for fall.

Cozying Up For Fall With Escents

While the leaves have not yet started changing colour, fall is just around the corner and it seems it's all everyone is talking about! Funny enough, summer has decided to stay a while longer around here, and despite having pulled out my blankets, thick socks and fluffy slippers just last week, I'm back to wearing shorts and keeping the fans running around the house (and I'm not complaining - summer baby here). To get me in the fall spirit, I recently received a thoughtful care package from Escents, a Canadian aromachology-focused brand based in Vancouver, and have been immersing myself in their wonderful aromatherapy products - along with their Ceramic Grace Aroma Diffuser* and Energizing Aroma Kit*, I also have been enjoying their Wellness Roll-On Kit* and Stress Relief Oolong Tea Blend*.

EPIC EMPTIES | Summer 2017 Edition

Well, my favourite time of the year is sadly coming to an end, and that can only mean one thing: it's time to do some cleaning up around here and get rid of products I've used up this past season! My summer empties stash isn't looking too shabby, from fragrances to skincare, body care, hair products and even a few random items worth sharing. As usual, I filmed a video in which I go into detail about the goods, so I invite you to catch my thoughts by watching below (and subscribe to my channel if you haven't already)!

Maison Jacynthe | Fluid Foundation, Soleil Pétillant Highlighter, Panarea Nail Polish & Vingt-Deux Perfume

I was first introduced to Maison Jacynthe a couple of years ago when I got to try out some of their skin care products and last year also tested out a handful of their makeup products, and I have been in love ever since! Created by Jacynthe René, a Québec-based health and natural wellness guru, actress and author, among many other talents, her natural line of toxin-free products is also vegan and cruelty-free. Now, I love supporting natural beauty brands, and the fact that Maison Jacynthe is local makes me even more of a fan. I recently got to try out a few of her more recent launches, namely her Fluid Foundation, Highlighter, Nail Polish and Perfume, and am here to report back on how I have been getting along with them.

Alberta Road Trip: Canadian Rockies, Glacial Lakes, BC Border and Edmonton

Western Canada has a special place in my heart. I first got to experience it back in 2011 when I visited Vancouver, and again in 2014 when I travelled to Alberta to visit my cousin and her husband who had recently moved to Edmonton from Ontario (catch a glimpse from that trip here). My sister and I wanted to visit them again this year, so we booked a week off in mid-August so that we could make our way out west again. I've been documenting my travels on the blog these past couples of years (Greece two years ago and Italy last September), so I thought it would be fun to put a post and video together for Alberta this year since I did not write a detailed post the first time around. In true tourist spirit, I lugged my DSLR and phone around everywhere we went to capture the beauty around me. We landed in Edmonton on Wednesday and spent the rest of the day at their country house that first night and had Indian food from Tandoori Fuzion in St Albert for dinner. I went for Chana Masala with rice and vegan naan bread and it was exquisite. I've only had Indian a handful of times but have yet to be disappointed!

First Impression | Charlotte Tilbury Makeup and Skin Care

I still remember quite vividly the whirlwind surrounding Charlotte Tilbury's beauty line launch back in 2013 - I myself had not been familiar with the makeup artist, but once news broke that she had released her own products, she had definitely piqued my interest. I later learned that she was a household name in the makeup industry and worked with a slew of celebrities including Emma Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, JK Rowling and Kate Moss. Since her brand's launch at Selfridges in London, her products are not only available in Britain but also in stores in the US, Canada and the Netherlands as well as online. Her products are on the pricier side and I always wondered if they are worth the price tag. I recently had the opportunity to try a handful of her beauty products, and I am happy to report back on how I have been getting along with them.

Yves Rocher Summer Collection + Makeup Look

There's no denying I am a creature of habit - once I find something I really enjoy, I will keep reaching for it on the daily. My comfort zone when it comes to makeup revolves around me sticking to neutral and warm tones, such as purples, browns and bronze shades. However, once summer hits, I am all for trying new colours and challenging myself to create something I have never done before. Yves Rocher has come out with an amazing summer collection (as they always do), and I have partnered with them to share some of my favourites from their recent launch. I also created a vibrant look that focuses on the eyes yet is still simple to achieve, requiring only a few products (using old favourites and new ones) in a few easy steps.