Nude Lipsticks and Glosses (+playlist)

Tahitian Treat: Monoi Tiki Tahiti Review

  I love to research new products, I mean LOVE to research them, and when I overheard a blogger mention the use of Monoi oil (moh-NOY is how it is pronounced) my Carmen Sandiego search commenced.
Let me provide some background on this product and why it sparked my interest!

  It is said that the beautiful ladies of Polynesia use monoi oil to moisturize and condition their beautiful long locks and skin for centuries and the unique blend of ingredients within the oil is what is said to be beneficial with keeping hair healthy, shiny, and beautiful.
I personally went through tons of articles, blogs, and information about the oil since I was quite unfamiliar with it.
Monoi oil's claim to fame is that it contains immense soothing and moisturizing properties, and have been used by Polynesian woman for centuries.
I will provide more detailed information as well as my personal thoughts on this product I adore.

Information on Monoi Tiki Tahiti Oil

• According to the website Monoi.com, monoi oil is a unique blend of cosmetic grade coconut oil, tiare flower (a Tahitian gardenia flower) and vitamin E
• There are no preservatives, or animal products added 
• The handpicked tiare flower is placed into the monoi oil to add a beautiful scent to the product (soaked in for 15 days)
• The tiare flower is said to slowly release their unique properties and legendary virtues into the coconut oil
• There are several scents of monoi oil sold: the original monoi tiki taire, ylang ylang, coco coconut, vanilla, santal sandalwood etc
• Monoi is commonly used among Polynesians as a skin and hair softener
• There are many monoi oils on the market however authentic monoi oils follow a very strict manufacturing code that supervises the entire process from handpicking the tiare flowers to storage and shipping of the final product. 
• There is an official Appellation d'Origine seal on every Monoi product
• Monoi oil retails for $14 CAD
• Contains 120ml of oil in each bottle
• Can be purchased at Monoi.com, at some natural health food stores, and Honeyfig (Toronto)

My Personal Thoughts:

• The smell of this product is absolutely divine and leaves a sweet smell in your hair for days (I have purchased the Vanilla scent)
• Even though it comes in a small bottle it lasts for a long time because very little product is actually needed to coat ends of hair
• The actual tiare flower is in the bottle floating around 
• After washing and conditioning hair I add monoi oil after my moisturizer has been applied to seal the ends of my hair
• I also will use the oil sparingly when my hair is dry and I am braiding/twisting it for the night
• I also will add it sparingly to my hair throughout the week
• I have used monoi oil not only in my hair (which it keeps moisturized) as well as on my skin in the winter months (does wonders to keep skin hydrated)
• I stick to the original brand of monoi because of the product ingredients (no preservatives)
• The coconut usually gets solid (in the packaging) in the winter/spring time so I let it sit in a bowl of warm water to melt down the product
• I have found it has helped reduce split ends when used consistently and adds shine and bounce to the hair when used moderately
• Coconut oil has always helped me throughout my hair journey and this is like a step up from regular coconut oil
• Too much of the monoi oil can weigh down hair and make it feel and look greasy so use moderately 
• I absolutely recommend this product to any woman that wants to improve the condition of their hair

November Hits and Misses (+playlist)

Top 12 Tips for Growing Longer Hair (+playlist)

LUSH HAUL (+playlist)

Honey I'm Home : Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Review

Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp 

When I first started my natural hair journey I became obsessed with finding products that would moisturize and help my hair grow!
I had big chopped my hair after being impatient and annoyed with two textures and was on a rampage to grow my hair as quickly as possible.
When I say obsessed I mean I would spend hours on YouTube, blogs, forums, etc getting ratings and peoples opinions on various products and watching video after video on hair regimen and routines and that is where I became familiar with Oyin handmade hair care line.
Oyin handmade is one of the standout hair product lines for me and I have dabbled with a couple of their products over the years.
Oyin honey hemp is by far one of the best leave in conditioners I have ever used, and due to me being a product junkie who always needs the "hit" of a new product in my arsenal I have strayed. However I am back and happy as before. I will go over some information on the product and my personal thoughts.

Sample of Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp 

About Honey Hemp:

• Honey hemp is a multifunctional conditioner 
• It can be used as a pre poo treatment,  in the shower as a conditioner, used as a leave in conditioner or applied as a deep treatment
• Contains aloe vera gel, hemp oil, honey, silk proteins, coconut oil, hydrolized silk, and fragrance
• This product is paraben free
• Best to be used within 3-6 months after opening but can be used up to one year
• Can be purchased in three sizes: 8.4 oz, 16.9 oz, and 33 oz (with a pump)
• I purchased the 8oz bottle for 20 CAD at Honey Fig (Toronto)
• Can be purchased directly on Oyin handmade's website or in other natural hair stores

Wash and go with Honey Hemp as the Leave in Conditioner 

My Personal thoughts on Honey Hemp

• I personally use honey hemp as a leave in conditioner and love the softness, sheen, and smell it leaves in my hair
• I have used it as a wash out conditioner in the past and it really aids with detangling
• To use Honey hemp as a pre poo or deep conditioner you can add olive oil,  coconut oil, castor oil etc
• The ingredient list is incredible and really makes my hair feel very soft 
• I have used this product up to a year with no problems, it just needs to be kept in a cool place such as a cupboard or closet
• I have personally seen some of my best results in terms of moisture and growth with this conditioner
• This leave in conditioner mixes well with a lot of different products I have tried in the past
• The honey acts as a natural humectant in the hair so is perfect for the spring and summer months, however I still use it in the winter without any issues (humectants used in low humidity (cold dry winter air) can sometimes cause moisture to be removed from the cortex of the hair shaft creating really dry hair) however I have never had an issue with this product
• Defines my curls very lovely and leaves a nice sheen in the hair 
• I love the smell of the product is has a nice fruity light scent and it lingers in the hair for days
• The packaging is decent because it come in a squeeze bottle that allows you to disperse the right amount of product 
• It is a bit on the pricey side but works so well (is worth every penny to me)
• I am fortunate to be able to pick it up/or order directly from Honey Fig in Canada 

First at home Blow out 

Overall I really love this product and glad I have returned to it after my hiatus! So far I have been applying it to my hair after washing as my leave in conditioner strictly and adding some more to my dry tresses every few days as needed. 

If you are looking for a vegan hair product line this is a great brand to try out! 

Product Fails: Elf, Shea Moisture, Hourglass, YSL, ETC (+playlist)

Fab Reds: Fave Red Lipstick, Nailpolish, & Blush

Bling Bling!! Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel (Sheer Illuminating Fluid) in Sunkissed Review

Lately there have not been many makeup products that have been wowing me or have made me excited.
However due to me always watching reviews, makeup collections, and reading blogs I always find out about products I have no idea are right under my nose.
Illuminating, highlighting, or bronzing products are my weakness and I feel like I can never have enough (strange addictions maybe?)
When I first heard of Chanel's sheer illuminating product I just couldn't find that much information on it pertaining to how it looked on darker skin tones. However I searched and searched and dug a little information up and went to my local Chanel counter (The Bay) and tried it and fell in LOVE.
I will provide some information about this illuminator.

Some Information about Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel:

• This illuminator is described as a sheer weightless liquid that brightens the skin
• It contains light reflecting pigments that illuminate the skin and provide a natural sun-kissed glow
• This illuminator contains botanicals that are suppose to moisturize and soften the skin
• Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel is oil and fragrance free (so good for sensitive skin as well)
• This illuminator can be purchased at any Chanel counter worldwide
• Chanel soleil tan de Chanel retails for $51 CAD (purchased at The Bay)
• Suits many different skin tones light, tan, and dark skin

My personal Thoughts on Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel:

• This illuminator is truly sheer and weightless on the skin
• Very little product is actually needed to achieve a glowy look (that appears natural)
• The packaging is sleek and you just need to shake the bottle and place your finger on the opening and enough product comes out allowing you to tap it on your skin or mix it into your foundation
• I love the fact that there is absolutely no glitter in the formulation, it just appears as liquid gold 
• This illuminator makes the skin appear to have a natural glow exuding from the inside out
• On my dark skin (NW 45 in MAC cosmetics for reference) I am able to see the highlight and it looks very natural
• This product can be layered for more brighter highlights
• The illuminator can be mixed in foundation to achieve a radiant look 
• Also can be used as a base on cheekbones and powdered bronzer applied
• Can be applied on the temples, bridge of nose, etc (without looking greasy)
• I tend to apply the product with my fingers, or my Real Techniques contour brush, or buff it into the skin with a flat top kabuki brush
• Shows up nice in photography (however don't use too much or you will look insane)
• I wish the bottle came with a pump because I can see getting the last drops out of this product will be a headache
• The frosted glass bottle also will make it difficult to see when it needs to be replaced in the future
• Absolutely in love with this illuminator and would repurchase over and over again

Purple Haze: Fave purple Lipsticks, Nail polish, and Eyeshadows

Sugar, Sugar! Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub Review

I never have been one to jump on a bandwagon, however since I have started reading and contributing to blogs, and watching youtube and creating my own I have become TOO aware of various brands and products people rave about and love.
I feel like I have become "About that Life" of needing to find the BEST of THE BEST and it can make your pockets extra weak and empty lol.
Anyhow another brand and hype that has caught my attention is Soap and Glory!
It is now finally available in Canada and I have tried a few of their products out and will be honest thus far I have been disappointed.
I am thee exfoliation queen because I have been "blessed" with dry, non smooth skin so I searched high and low for Soap and Glory's sugar crush body scrub. I have heard nothing but positive comments about this product and only some Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies sell it.
I was hoping and praying that it would replace my Lush Ocean Salt scrub because it cost $35 CAD and I use it a couple times a week and shelling out the $40 was getting tiring and painful.
It looks like I will be on that Lush diet forever! :(
I will go over some information about Sugar Crush and my thoughts.

Some information about Sugar Crush Body Scrub:

• Sugar crush is a scrub that can be used to scrub dead skin off the body
• Sugar crush can be used 1-3 time a week in the shower
• This product is infused with lime, sparkling lemons, vanilla musk, almond oil, macadamia oil, sea salts, crushed brown sugar, and glycerin (EXCELLENT)
• It is said to leave dry skin feeling smooth and subtle
• It is also suppose to work great on dry patches on elbows, feet, and knees
• Can be purchased on Amazon.com, Sephora (US website), Boots (UK), and Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada), etc
• Retails for $20 CAD

My personal thoughts on Soap and Glory's Sugar Crush Body Scrub:

• Sugar crush has a beautiful sweet lime smell that lasts for hours after you come out the shower
• The scrub comes in a reasonable size tub of 500 ml
• I like the fact that it is sold in my local pharmacy/drug store, so easy to attain
• The ingredient list is absolutely marvellous 
• Personally I am not in love with the actual consistency of the product, it is a paste I find challenging to use
• I tend to lean to scrubs that are very gritty because I have a lot of rough dry patches on my skin
• As winter approaches and my skin gets drier I already know this formulation will not be strong enough
• This formulation may be great for people with sensitive skin, or people who do not like very gritty scrubs
• I also find that the paste/product gets all over the tub and leaves salt everywhere
• Aside from the beautiful smell I really don't feel a difference on my skin after each use
• I will not be repurchasing this product and am disappointed 

Mini Collective Haul!- Sephora VIB, Chanel, Lush, ETC (+playlist)

Winter Hair Care Regimen- Combating Dry Hair

Cracked and Dry Hands to Go: Soap and Glory Hand Food Review

There is always a time of the month I become obsessed with a product line, and go hunting and researching it down to the core!
Soap and Glory was that product line and I was excited that Shoppers Drug Mart
(Canadian Drugstore) started carrying the line and had some points I could redeem and save on items in store.
I have heard so much hype on Soap and Glory's Hand food lotion and decided to buy the small version for my purse to keep my ashy hands at bay.
My skin has been so dry as winter is approaching with quickness and was excited to try this lotion out.

Some information about Hand Food:

• Soap and Glory's hand food is said to be a non greasy hydrating hand cream
• Contains Shea butter, macadamia oil, and marshmallow
• Is sold in two different sizes 50 ml and 125 ml ( I purchased the 50ml)
• Can be purchased at Shoppers Drug mart for $5 CAD (50ml) $10 CAD (125ml)

My Personal Thoughts on Soap and Glory's Hand Food lotion:

• The cream has very good ingredients that I enjoy and are known to be nourishing to the skin
• The smell is absolutely beautiful and is long lasting
• I do not like the consistency of the lotion it appears thick from the tube but feels watery and does not nourish my dry hands
• The product is not greasy at all so might be better used for summer when I do not need as much moisture
• The small size packaging is very useful to tuck in my purse
• Overall I will not be purchasing this lotion, I need something more nourishing with a thicker consistency

Toronto IMATS: Mini Haul + Pictures

Vampy Lipsticks: Revlon, Mac, OCC, Rimmel, Lime Crime, ETC

Foundations, Powders, and Tinted Moisturizers: MAC, YSL, Bobbi Brown, La...

Makeup Be Gone: Bioderma Sensibio H20 Makeup Remover Review

I love to do various eye looks such as a smokey eye, or deep colors in my crease, cat eyes, etc, but notice a lot of black residue left on my eyes no matter how much I wash my face, or use makeup remover and it was driving me crazy.
I stumbled across Bioderma makeup remover in my local Shoppers Drug Mart (A Canadian drug store) and saw that it  had a sticker on the bottle stating it was on the top of Chatelaine magazine's 100 beauty winner. The sticker sparked my interest so I went home to look up reviews. (Yes I can't buy without reviewing these days lol)
All reviews raved about the product so I picked it up and gave it a whirl and I must say it is pretty good.  I will outline my thoughts on the product below.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Makeup Remover 250 ML

Details about Bioderma Sensibio H20:

• This makeup remover is specially formulated for sensitive, normal and dry skin 
• Is suppose to gently cleanse face and eyes
• Can be used for waterproof mascara/ makeup 
• Contains soothing ingredients that prevent irritation on the skin
• Sensibio doesn't need to be washed off the face  
• This product can be used daily
• Sensibio is fragrance and alcohol free 
• Bioderma retails for $20 CAD and can be purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada), Amazon.com, EBay, and stores within Europe (just google) 

My personal thoughts on Bioderma Sensibio:

• This remover is really gentle on the skin and eyes and doesn't cause any irritation or burning on my eyes (rare all other ones I have tried always burn or make my eyes blurry)
• Removes makeup around the eyes very thoroughly and only takes 2 cotton pads for all traces to vanish
• Leaves face feeling smooth and hydrated
• Has a nice light fresh scent
• Although can be used without washing face I always wash my face and continue with my routine
• I will admit this remover is a bit on the pricey end for a remover ($20 CAD) but it is worth it considering I don't use it daily
• Only 250 ml of product so very small (again luckily I don't use eye makeup remover daily) 
• Packaging is small and compact so can easily be taken on vacation or packed into a makeup bag for travel
• Can be purchased easily at my local drug store
• Very little product needed with each use
• Overall very good product and would repurchase
• There is another formulation in store for regular skin types (stronger formulation) 

Silky Smooth Skin: Favourite Exfoliation Products: Lush, Soap & Glory, B...

Late to the Party: Real Technique Core Brush Review

Living in Toronto and being a beauty addict sometimes can be difficult.

We have all the beauty shops you can imagine, big department stores that cater to the masses, and can order what we want online to stay in the loop with our friends over the boarder, however sometimes I wish I could walk in a store and see all items for myself (sure every woman in every country wishes this).
As a YouTube junkie I constantly get bombarded with hot product on the market and sometimes have a hard time getting my paws on them easily.
I adore the Pixiwoo sisters on YouTube and have been watching their videos for years. The Pixiwoo sisters do makeup tutorials and talk about fave products and are real down to earth ladies from the UK.
Samantha Chapman (the eldest sister) released affordable makeup brushes called Real Techniques and finally Wal-mart Canada brought them in store (tears).

Some Basic Info on the Brushes:

• These brushes can be purchases in Wal-mart (Canada & US), Amazon.com,  Real Techniques.com,  Ulta, Target (US), Kohl's, Wegmans, Boots, Priceline, Fedco, etc (The Real Techniques website details the stores they can be purchased in) 
• This core collection retails for $18 CAD at Wal-mart Canada
• The collection comes with 4 full size brushes and a case that can be neatly folded and carried
• Within the kit there is a detailer brush, a pointed foundation brush, buffing brush, and a contour brush
• The brushes are synthetic and cruelty free

Left to Right: Contour Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Detailer Brush, and Buffing Brush

My thoughts on the Brushes:

• The brushes are worth every dime plus more to me personally
• They are very sturdy, the brushes are extremely soft (similar to brushes made with animal hair)
• Each brush is lightweight and sturdy with a unique long aluminum pharaoh 
• The detailer brush can be used to apply concealer in small spots or under eyes, as well as can double as a brush to apply lipstick, or detailed work on the lids of your eyes
• The pointed foundation brush I personally find too small to apply foundation but I use it to apply concealer to my under eye area or spots on the face
• The contour brush is excellent to apply a light natural looking contour to the hallows of the cheeks as well as apply highlight to the cheekbones
• The buffing blush is excellent and works well with liquid foundation to provide a airbrush application to the face and buff in product effortlessly! Hands down my fave in the collection
• For such a great price I will be purchasing another set for my freelancing kit in the future
• I am glad I finally gave into the hype and purchased these brushes because they are very nice for the price and are worth more then their selling price
• The brushes wash very well with mild soap/cleaner and dry very quickly
• I have washed them 3x's and found no shedding or mis-shaped brushes (whoop whoop!)
• I am hoping that Wal-Mart Canada gets some more of the line because there are many that are sold in singles that get rave reviews
• PS. I have slowly seen them in Marhsall's and Winners as well!!!! (Same price though) 
• Overall a great buy and great brushes