Gold Digger: MAC Strobe Cream Golden Elixer

My obsession with being bronzed and glowy is still in full effect and I was excited when I heard that Mac was releasing a new strobe cream that has a golden shimmer to it in there Temperature Rising summer collection. 

Mac does have a permanent strobe cream that is available but it has a pink/pearl shimmer to it that tends to look ashy on tanned or darker skin, and also has a thick lotion like consistency that makes it a little harder to blend. This new strobe elixir has a thinner watery consistency and is more suitable for people that have tanned or darker skin tones because it plays up on the golden attributes of the skin. This elixir may appear a little scary looking at it in the bottle but when applied to the skin it is easily blend-able and  leaves skin with a natural radiance that makes skin look like it has been sun kissed. 

The formula for this strobe cream is light weigh on the skin and a golden- brown warm natural shimmer on the skin. 

I purchased this product at the MAC store and was lucky I got it all together because they have been selling out like hotcakes. The price is bit steep at $40 CAD but contains 40 ml of product so that will last for a very long time since you only need one or two pumps maximum. This product is a great product that can be used in several different ways. 

I participated in the Temperature rising application in store and the artist placed it on my skin and it looked great and lasted for the evening.

It can be mixed into moisturizer, foundation, or can be dabbed directly on the cheekbones. 

When mixed into foundation it is important to powder your t-zone if you have combination or oily skin because it can look greasy potentially.

I like that this bottle has a pump that locks for easy application and allows for mess free application. 

If your interested in this product I say act fast because they are limited edition. This strobe lotion can be purchased at all MAC counters and on MAC's website. 

Exfoliating Queen: Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub Review

So the summer time is in full swing and I find I have cut back on my makeup purchasing and have focused more and more on skin care. With arms and legs out they must be ready to be exposed! I tend to have some rough patches on the skin and suffer from keratosis pilaris.
Keratosis pilaris are those pesky annoying chicken looking bumps that a lot of people have behind the arms, legs, and even booty. They have a grater like- rough texture and just really bug the hell out of me in honesty.
One of the ways I combat this is with the use of body scrubs to smooth down the skin and remove any dead cells and patches.
For the last few months I had been eyeing and doing some research on Lush's Ocean salt and debating up and down about purchasing the item.
I read such great reviews about it and considered buying the smaller size (120 grams for $21.95 which is small as hell) or purchasing the larger tub (250 grams for $35.95 which is big but pricey as hell). I went back and forth but decided to bite the bullet and purchase the larger tub so I could get a very good use out of it and was told in store about the excellent return policy they have in place.

Lush's Ocean Salt is a scrub that can be used all over the body as well as the face. The ingredients are the true culprit of my decision to go with this product. It is packed with fine sea salt, coarse sea salt, fresh lime juice, avocado butter, coconut fat, lime oil, seaweed absolute, violet leaf, grapefruit infusion, and vodka (yes VODKA).
All these great ingredients are said to soften skin, remove dead skin and dirt, and hydrate.
The lime and vodka are said to have antibacterial effects which are good for blemishes, blocked pores, and blackheads as it states on the lush website.
This product is said to be good for all skin types but if you have sensitive skin I would suggest getting a sample to see if it works well for you.
I really love this product! In truth I felt like it was over hyped but now that I have been using it several times I have noticed the difference in the feel of my legs and arms. I don't use it on my face because I already have a scrub for my face and feel it may be too harsh. The smell is so beautiful and leaves you feeling like you are on vacation in a tropical heaven. I see people claiming a little goes a long way but I guess I may be heavy handed and in love because I am already at the half way mark and imagine I will have to re-up on this item very soon.

I use this scrub by applying it to my body after I have cleansed my skin. I rub it all over my body counter clock wise and concentrate heavily on the rougher areas. I try and let it sit on my skin for a few moments and massage it off the skin and wash it off. So far I use it 2-3 times a week. After my shower I pat my body dry and apply a moisturizing cream and go!
I have been using this product for about a month and really am in awe of how much I see and feel a difference in my skin.  This product is fabulous.
Overall I think this is a holy grail item and I am very glad I bit the bullet on this one. This product is pricey but works very well and has left me as a satisfied customer.
This scrub can be purchased at any Lush store or ordered on the Lush website.

The Key to the Perfect Lip: Lip Liner

If you have been following my blog for a bit you will know that I am a hugeeee lipstick fan and really don't go a day without wearing it. I feel it just adds a pop to the face and some sass to any look.
I am a die hard lipstick fan and with that comes my one tool to achieving a kissable lip look and that my friends is lip liner.
Lip liner is a lip pencil that fills in uneven areas of the lips, defines the lips, and gives lips shape prior to adding lipstick to the lips. It keeps lipstick inside the lip area, prevents lipstick from bleeding outside of the mouth, and provides longevity to lipstick once applied.
There are many different brands of lip liners and different types of lip liners on the market.
Lip liners can be purchased in drug stores, cosmetics stores and department stores. (Yes history class is over)
The reason that lip liners are so crucial for me aside from general uses I have listed is because I have uneven lip colours.
Many woman especially woman of color have this issue and this is the way to combat that issue so that lipsticks blend seamlessly on the skin and look even and pretty.
I try and stick to some colours that go with most lipsticks in my stash. Purple, dark brown, red, dark wine colours  magenta, and fuchsia to name a few. These shades are the ones I keep handy no matter what because they go with everything and either can lighten or darken my lipsticks and make them appear uniform.
I am a die hard fan of Mac lip liners and will review my holy grail liners from them, but they are pretty pricey ($18 CAD a pop) and I needed to find some other liners I could use as well that are much more affordable.
NYX, LA colours, and LA Girl are my go to inexpensive lip liners. They can be purchased at drug stores, online, as well as discount beauty stores globally. They have a great range of colours and actually are pretty good quality. The problem I had with other drug store lip liners where that they where very dry and seemed to just fade right after application.
These brands I find are long lasting (3-6 hours) and don't hurt the wallet at all (ranging from $2-$5 CAD each)
These brands come in a whole array of colours and are worth checking out. Other mentionable brands are Milani, Covergirl, and Jordanna. Keep a look out for these brands in your local drug stores.
Any other brands you think I should check out? Any brands you love?

Multi Purpose Gals: Pigments

I have always been a fan of make up that can be used in several ways and can lessen the bulk of makeup you have in your stash (although that hasn't stopped me from buying more).
Pigments are one of those dual purpose makeup products that I believe is a product that every girl should have in their stash. If you are starting out get one or two colours you know can function in a few ways (Example gold, bronze, purple)
There are several ways that pigments can be used:

Left to Right:  Makeup Forever #954, Makeup Forever Pure Pigment #16,  Mac Pigment Old Gold, Mac Pigment Melon, Makeup Forever #942

• They can be used as eyeshadow. Applied wet will be more dramatic and vivid on the eyes. A very little goes a long long way, I have yet to finish any (dropping them on the floor as been as close as I have got)
• As highlighter or bronzer on the face. Provides a beautiful iridescent look on your face and makes skin appear bronzed and glowy. Apply with stippling brush or blush brush to buff into skin
• Add/mix pigment into lip gloss to create a different color lip gloss or sparkle 
• Mix pigments into nail polish to create different nail-polishes and designs
• Mix into lotions or moisturizers to create a shimmery look on legs, shoulders, face and chest
• Mix pigments together to create your own custom made colours
• Can use pigments to create eyeliner using mixing medium (mac cosmetics sells mixing mediums that can be used as well)

Mac Matte Mixing Medium

Mac Mixing Medium Eye Liner 

Soft Feet and Toes: Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Cracked Heel Treatment

For the last few months I have had an obsession with Bath and Body works and have  been buying products like crazy. As most of my obsessions take there course and wear of this one has done the same. 
I have reviewed a few other products from some of my purchases and picked up Cracked Heel Treatment but did not really try it out and sort of forgot I even purchased it (crazy I know). 
Officially summer time weather is here in Toronto so that means sandal time baby!
 I have been prepping my feet like they are going to the feet Olympics but still noticed the harsh winter and neglect they faced in winter still left a little ashy part of the feet that just will not go away no matter how much I scrub and exfoliate. 
I am a nerdy woman I will admit because even after I buy something (maybe the beauty product hoarder remorse in me) I will see what reviews say about an item and see how people are using the product. I have read about this product on a few different review sites and have read nothing but stellar comments. 
A few weeks ago I dug in my big paper Bath and Body works bag and found it and started using it and put it on before bed time with some tube socks. When I woke up in the morning I thought WOW this product is a little miracle  It is a little lotion looking cream but it really makes feet so soft and so smooth! This is a holy grail point blank and period. 
This cream contains glycolic acid to erase dry patches of skin and also has Shea Butter to hydrate and smooth. The thing I love about this product is that on top of it having a very pretty scent, it can be used on knees and elbows the nourish them and provide moisture! This does all that minus the sticky, oily mess. 
The tub the treatment comes in is very small and this was on of the reasons I was very hesitant to purchase the $15 CAD item but it is worth every penny and more! You don't have to use much to get results either so I know this will last a while. 
Overall ladies please don't get caught slipping this summer with ashy elbows and knee caps. This is a product that you should give a try or get samples of in store. 

The Perfect Brows: Products I use to shape my Eye Brows

Top To Bottom: Mac Eye Brow Pencil: Spiked, Mac Eyebrow Wax, Mac Veluxe brow Liner: Deep Dark Brunette

I have been looking at pictures from my high school days and have been horrified at how bad, thin, and nearly non existent my eye brows where.
What exactly was I thinking when I would pluck my eyebrows down to nothing and try to draw them back on with a pencil.
Now fast forward to 2013 and I'm just happy they grew back and barley touch them due to fear of over plucking them and returning to my teen eyebrow days.
I have now been fascinated with eyebrow products and have finally invested in a few brow products that will fill in my eyebrows and provide the illusion of the perfect shape that I desire.
I have purchased Mac's eyebrow pencil in Spiked, Mac's Brow Finisher and Mac's Veluxe brow liner in Deep Dark brunette. I use each product daily and each one serves a purpose and is helping me achieve the look I want.

Left to Right: Mac Veluxe Brow Liner: Deep Dark Brunette, Mac's eyebrow pencil: Spiked

Mac's eyebrow pencil- Spiked: is a brow pencil that comes in a tube that propels the product up and requires no sharpening and waste of product. Adds shape to eye brows, defines the eye brow, and naturally fills in any sparse area in the brow without appearing harsh. This product is easy to use, the pencil is buttery soft and easy to work with.
Can be purchased online on Mac's website or in store for $19 CAD

Mac's Brow Finisher: Is a slimline wax that holds down unruly long eyebrows into place. The wax is non sticky and does not leave a hard film on the eyebrow that looks unnatural. When applied to the brow the wax provides a nice polished look on the brow. I tend to apply dark brown eye shadow after I have used this to seal and lock in the look.

 Mac's Veluxe brow liner in Deep Dark brunette: is a rich powdery formula that is used on the eyebrow to define, fill, and shape the eye brow. Due to the fact this product tends to look a little powdery it makes eye brows appear more natural. The bonus with this pencil is that it comes with a spooly on the back that is useful to combing product through the eyebrows for a natural finish. I enjoy the consistency of the product as well as how it appears but do wish it was a tiny bit darker.

Chart that shows where the beginning of your eyebrow should be, the arch and the tail

After I have finished my Eyebrow pencil I do have my eye on Anastasia Eye whiz but the price is what has held me back from purchasing it even though I have heard rave reviews. Also on my wish list will be the Mac fluid line brow gel cream now that I have improved my technique.
Let me know if you are aware of any good products for eyebrows or use any other methods to fill/shape your brows.

Bare it All: Phillips Bikini Perfect Hair Electronic Precision Trimmer

Alright ladies lets face it hair anywhere aside from our head and brows are quite annoying and we as woman go through so much hardships removing hair. Whether it be shaving, waxing,  or using Nair the goal is to remove it and have smooth buttery skin that is touchable.
I will admit I am very hairy! Like hairrryyy! I need to shave all the time, I pluck all the time, and Nair bottles used to just seem like they disappeared into thin air and I despised the smell!
My skin also always gets ingrown hair and shaving bumps that are annoying as hell when I shave, and I'm a big chicken to go and let any woman wax my cricks and crannies so have had to create my own method of easy home hair removal.
Now that I'm older the inhalation of Nair, and hour shower sessions to remove hair are tired and I have yet again invested in my now third electronic hair remover.
I always seem to find one I like and within less then a year they die from being over worked.
This time I did a little homework and went into Target and purchased the Phillips Bikini Perfect Hair Electronic Precision trimmer and so far so good!

Specifications:

• has a gentle trimmer that is precise and removes hair gently and painless from the bikini area and privates
• has a plastic comb that is hygienic and easy to clean
• can be used wet or dry (in and out of the shower)
• is cordless and comes with a charger (charge lasts for up to 60 mins)
• can adjust hygienic combs for it to trim at different lengths
• easy to clean by using warm water and a soft wash cloth 
• plastic comb can be easily removed for closer shaving
• small and light weight so easy to bring on vacation/ over night stays

So far I have used to it trim my bikini line and shave under my arms and I have been impressed.
I was sceptical of the blades getting the job done with the plastic combs but it actually shaves quickly and painlessly.  
Also It left my skin feeling smooth and soft and didn't cause any irritation to my skin, which usually happens when I shave. 

Few Tips when using a Electronic Trimmer:

• It is a good idea to exfoliate the skin a a little prior to shaving so that the skin has a smooth base to work with and that generally causes little to no irritation on the skin.
• Using soap or a light body wash in the under arm region as well as the bikini line is the most helpful. 
• Reviewing shavers on accredited websites and beauty blogs is the best idea when deciding what to choose. 

Dazzling Eyes: My Essential Eye Brushes

The day I stepped into college and took a cosmetic course is the day I became obsessed with make up brushes.
 I have many obsessions but this one is the obsession I add too sporadically and realize this is the tool in your makeup kit that is the  most crucial.
I now try to purchase only brushes that have multi uses and help me anytime I am in a jam to get perfection on my face. 
I own many brushes and although I have many that serve purposes unknown to even myself the owner I realize in my years that I mainly rely solely on seven brushes. 
If I had to rid of all my brushes that I use on my eyes and pick few to live with these would be my ride or dies, my holy grails, my down for whatever brushes (I know I'm extreme). 

Left to Right: Eye Liner Brush, Eye shader Brush, Blending Brush,  Fluff Brush,  Angled Brush, Crease Blush,  Medium Shadow Blender Brush

These brushes create the looks that I want and are very helpful with my day to day eye looks:

• Eye Liner Brush: Is a synthetic fine tipped eyeliner brush that allows for precise application. Great for applying liquid or gel eyeliners. If you have a steady hand or are a beginner due to the brush being stiff you have more control over application, and it allows for the great winged eye/cat eye effect (Mac 209 brush $22.50 CAD)
• Eye Shader Brush: A tapered rounded brush that allows for intense color to the eyelid. Great for packing on product and applying eyeshadow to the eye. Also good to shade or blend eye shadows. I love this brush because it packs on color with little effort. (Mac 239 $30.00 CAD)
• Blending Brush: Great for shading, blending, adding shadows to the crease. Helps to seamlessly blend eye shadows together and create seamless looks. Fluffy and domed shaped blending brushes are the way to go! This is my favourite eye brush of all time because it really is the magic maker. (Mac 217 $27.50 CAD)
• Fluff Brush: This brush is also great for packing on eyeshadow to the lids. I tend to use this to add highlighter to my tear ducks because it fits into small crevices  Great for woman with smaller eyes. (Mac 213 $27.50 on website, mine was in a holiday tin)
• Angled brush: Great for applying liner on the top or bottom lid effortlessly. Also great for adding eyeshadow to the eyebrows for shape. Densely packed hair allows for picking up a lot of product and disrupting  I mainly use for eyebrows and find it really helps with filling them in. (Crown Brush: $3.50 CAD)
• Crease Brush: Tapered crease brush that adds color to the crease to sculpt out the shape of the eye and provide depth on the eyelid. Also blends away any harsh lines. (Crown Brush: 2.50 CAD)
• Medium Shadow Blender: Is a large fluffy brush used to pack on eyeshadow on the lid as well as blend colours out. I primarily use this to apply shadow to my large eyelids and it picks up a lot of color well. (I have had this for ages so can not remember what store it came from but all brush companies carry similar brushes)

These are my favourite brushes used for my eyeshadow application and  I am sure I will eventually add a few more to my collection. 

When deciding on what eyeshadow brushes to buy think of the products that you currently use a lot (pigments, eye shadows, gel, liquids etc) and decide what will work best for you. For example synthetic brushes are great for liquid and cream products, whereas brushes made from animal hair are great for powder and pigment products. 

Think of your eye size and shape and purchase brushes that will fit your eye well and allow for you to create the looks you are looking for.

Quality is king in my books and investing in decent brushes that will last you for years is really the best way to go. There is no point in purchasing cheap brushes that will fall apart and allow for poor application if you are trying to build your collection. All brushes do not have to be "high end brands" but getting the best you can afford should be the goal and upgrading when you get the opportunity is the best.

There are many different brush brands that I have used in the past and would personally recommend if you are starting to purchase brushes, or are interested in upgrading your current stash :

• MAC
• Crown Brushes
• Sigma
• Bdellium
• Hakuhodo
• Quo
• Sephora
• Sonia Kashuck
• Sedona Lace 

Soft like Butter: Korres Milk Protein Foaming Cream Cleanser Rave

My beloved Olay face wash had run out a few weeks ago and I have been instantly on the hunt for "a better face wash". The thing that makes this funny is because I never had an issue with the Olay wash, (it retails for $8 CAD in drug stores) but decided that I must advance that one and find something that does even more, contains less harsh detergents and quite frankly is better for my skin in the long run. 
With that said the research, reviews, and reading began and I searched for organic skin care lines.
 I found a few but one that caught my eye was Korres milk protein foaming cream cleaner. 
This facial wash received rave reviews on Makeupalley.com (92% from 25 people), I saw a couple You Tubers saying its lovely, and the ingredients listing really was exactly what I need in my new face regiment. 
This facial cleanser is a creamy cleanser that foams upon application, removes dirt and makeup from the face, and is soap free (aka non drying).
 Due to it being rich with milk proteins and amino acids it leaves the face feeling hydrated and moisturized after use. 



On the website they listed some benefits on this cleanser:

• There is 86.4% natural content in the product
• There are no mineral oils
• There are no silicone's
• No parabens
• No synthetic dyes 
• No alcohol 
• No animal testing

That list sold me as something to give a try and I'm glad I did. 

Highlights of Korres Cleanser:

• This formula is rich and creamy so upon application on the face you need a dime size. (Little goes a long way) I apply it on my Clarisonic brush and it instantly foams on the face and rids of dirt. 
• It feels so moisturizing on the skin and doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped and in instant needs of moisturizer.
• The smell of the product is light and refreshing but not overbearing.
• The tube comes with 150ml of product (the average size for a face wash so will last awhile)
• This product would be good for all skin types including sensitive skin since it is formulated without many agents that irritate blemishes and good for the consumer that is looking for a more natural approach. 

I will admit this cleanser is PRICEY! It retails for $21 CAD in Sephora and can be purchased online on  the Korres website as well. I do feel it is worth the pricing since it preforms very well. I recommend going into a Sephora or department store that sells this and request a sample to give it a whirl. I am really in love with this cleanser and although a little pricey feel like this will be permanently added to my new skincare regiment. 

Take a look at my video below! I go over my skin care routine and talk about Korress cleanser! 

MAC Studio Moisture Tint: Review Fail!

The first time I was in the market for a tinted moisturizer I went to my beloved MAC and purchased one. I felt like I wanted a product that had a nice amount of coverage but still wasn't as thick and heavy as a foundation. In truth I hardly wore foundation so I didn't need anything covered I just wanted to look alive, and have my face one solid color.
In truth I have had a love hate relationship with this product. Here are a few findings I have had with this moisture tint:

• The tinted moisturizer is a creamy thick texture that applies smoothly to the face with the use of fingers or a foundation/buffing brush.
• Provides a slightly dewy finish upon application
• I found although it says to be a light coverage it felt a little heavier on my face then I would like
• I also noted that it would break me out in spots on my cheeks and forehead
• It is great because you don't need to moisturize face prior to usage (Saves time)
• Provides natural look on the face
• Has a strange scent (Rubbery and odd)
• Has limited color range (Only 7 shades)
• Wears for hours without reapplication on the face
• Transfers onto collars and clothing (Dammit)
• Retails for $40 CAD and can be purchased on Mac's website or in store

I have had this product for awhile and just have retired it to my kit because it just doesn't work with my skin. I wanted it to work because there are more pros's then con's with this moisturizer but because it makes me break out I just have to move on from it. When I use it on clients/friends it looks so good and suits several different skin tones without looking ashy or obvious. 
I personally believe it is a good product just not for me and for that I have to give my love hate moisturizer a fail. 
I still suggest if you are looking for a tinted moisturizer to get a sample from Mac and test it out to see how it works out for you and if your like the product before you invest in it. 
In its place I have been using my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and really enjoy it. I had a blog post for that so check it out! http://nopainnobeauty.blogspot.ca/2013/03/tined-moisturizer-laura-mercier.html

Rimmed and Lined: L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eye Liner - Carbon Black Review

Since my last post on liquid eyeliner I have got over my fear and have been getting my feet "more wet" and purchasing different drug store liners.
In truth I find the application easier and more forgiving if you keep your hand steady and allow the brush to do the work.
While in my local grocery store The Super store I saw that L'Oreal had a sale on a lot of their cosmetics and I have had my eye on this particular eyeliner because I have been very impressed by L'Oreal's mascaras in the past and love the carbon blackness they promise. I am glad I decided to go for it because I really enjoy it and have actually got comments on how nice the liner looks.

Pros

• Applies on lid smoothly and lasts all day
• Comes with thin brush tip applicator 
• Easy to apply winged liner or cat eyes
• Can apply a thin line or build easily to get a thicker line
• Is very black and is very bold
•  Is long lasting on the eyes no cracks, no smudging
• Can be purchased at any drug store internationally
• Great price retails for $7.99 CAD
• Packaging is a simple black tube with a gold lid (small to carry in your purse or makeup bag)

Cons

• The liner is wet so you will need to let it dry on the eye for a few seconds
  
• Since it takes a few moments to dry slows down make up application

All in all I am enjoying this and I will try other liners from this line as well. 

Deep Conditioner: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Purification Hair Masque

Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap- Purification Masque

When I cut my hair off and went natural I read endless blog posts and watched many YouTube videos about deep conditioning. I remember as a little girl my mother deep conditioning my hair from time to time and I hated it and didn't see the big deal and how it was helpful. 

Then when I wanted my hair to grow as fast as possible I started deep conditioning on a weekly basis and really saw a lot of improvements in the texture of my hair, the moisture, as well as the strength. 

As my hair got to the length I was content with I got lazy and stopped deep conditioning  every week. That made for more tangles and more dryness and now I am jumping back on the bandwagon. I intend to deep condition at least 2 x a month but ideally weekly would be best. I then went on the hunt for a new deep conditioner.

I purchased Shea Moisture's African black soap purification hair masque and really enjoy it.

This product contains:

• Deionized Water
• Coconut
• Shea Butter
• Mango
• Avocado
• African Black Soap Extract
• Sea Salt
• Kaolin Clay
• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba
• Willow
• Neem
• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice 
• Tea Tree
• Vitamin E
• Rosemary Extract
• Sage
• Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle
• Silicone free
• Sulfate free
• Paraben free
• Protein free
• Glycerin free

As you see this is loaded with great ingredients and is completely organic. I was hesitant to purchase it initially because I saw the words "purification" and "clay" together and figured it wouldn't replenish the moisture I was looking for. 

I was wrong in fact I put it on my hair before bed time, put on a plastic bag on my hair and slept with it over night (use your discretion my hair is very thick and strong) and woke up with very soft and moisturized hair. So far I have been really enjoying this product and glad I gave it a try. This is going to be added to my staple products because I was that impressed by my first few uses. 

The texture is quite thick on the product and saturated my hair very well so I can see I will be able to get quite a few uses out of this product. 

The smell of this conditioner is very nature-like but it is very bearable and does not linger in your hair.

My hair was so soft that I was able to de-tangle with the deep conditioner on and it cut my time and agony in half!

It says that it is good for itchy dry scalp but I don't suffer from any of those issues to comment.

I purchased this deep conditioner at my local beauty supply for $10.00 CAD now this was a mis-marked item (the cashier looked sad) :) but I see that the other ones retail for $16.00 CAD. This can be purchased at Clore (if you are in the Toronto area), Honey Fig (Toronto), Target (in the states) and online as well. 

Naturally Flushed: My Favourite Cream Blushes

Hot, humid and sticky weather is almost upon us (and for some that's all you have in terms of climate) and the urge to wear less makeup and let the skin breath and glow will be coming on stronger. In cases like this I love to wear cream blushes because they give a light flushed look to the cheek and apply just the right amount of pigmentation to your face. 
Cream blushers also give you a natural looking radiance that looks like its exuding from within. 
Also if you are daring and want to have added drama on the cheek applying cream blush and a powder blush on top of it applies more pigmentation to the face and makes blushes last a lot longer too! 
If you have oily skin have no fear, just make sure you powder you face in the t-zone to avoid looking like a coloured grease ball. 
I know some ladies are afraid of cream blush because it appears to be a pain to put on and some question the pigmentation of them (especially if you have tanned to dark skin) but the facts are cream blushes tend to be the most pigmented out of all blushes on the market and can be layered to achieve the desired look easily. 

Top Row: Mac's Laid Back, Illamasqua's Brazen, Mac's Florida
Bottom Row: Mac's Madly Magenta, Mac's Virgin Isle 

In terms of applying cream blushes to the face there are a few easy tips:

• Take a small amount of product out of the compact using either a finger or a stippling brush (remember a little goes a tremendous way with these suckers)
• The warmth of your fingers allows for the cream to spread naturally on your cheeks and allows for it to be easily blended 
• Start off with a small amount and carefully layer product to get desired look (remember don't put a whole blob on your face because adding product is much easier then taking away)
• If you wear cream/liquid foundation put the cream blush on after application and set your makeup
• If you wear powdered/mineral foundation apply cream blusher last
• Apply the cream to your cheekbone and towards your hairline and BLEND BLEND BLEND
• Add a high lighter and top and enjoy the glowy divaness! 
  

  

  Left to Right: Mac's Florida, Mac's Virgin Isle, Mac's Madly Magenta, Illamasqua Brazen,  Mac's Laid Back

I'm going to show you my favourite cream blushes I have purchased over the years.

• MAC's-Florida: A cream blend blush that is is a light fuchsia pink. It has blue undertones so would look perfect on tanned to dark skin tones. The pigmentation on this blush is extreme so be careful with application.
• MAC's-Virgin isle: Is a coral orange and is very pigmented. It may look scary in the pan but placed on cheeks it provides a gorgeous glow especially on darker skin. Again careful application is needed and best with fingers.
• MAC's- Madly Magenta: Is a beautiful fuchsia/Magenta purple that stunning on the cheeks. It is pigmented as well so a little goes a long way.
•  Illamasqua- Brazen: Is a bright blood red blusher that is super pigmented. A very little goes a long way. Don't be afraid of the color! On lighter skin tones it gives a nice flush when used moderately and on darker skin provides a beautiful color to cheeks.
• MAC's- Laid Back: Is a deep brick red. It is my favourite out of the bunch because on my skin tone looks very natural and gives a natural dewy appearance. 

Mac had discontinued some of their cream blushes and re-release in collections but a few that I would like to check out are NYX (heard nothing but good things about them), more Illamasqua, Make up Forever, and NARS. 

Smooth & Silky: Bath and Body Works: Foot Care Items Review

For the last month I have renewed my Bath and Body works obsession and have been trying to get my feet in sandal ready mode. 
Since they keep on sending me coupons and promotions I have given into the gimmicks and been lured back in the store and have been scoping out new items.
Wintery Canadian weather keeps my feet looking not so cute, so I have been battling to get them just how I want then in time for the feet showing months. 
I had marked down a few items on my to get list and finally after eyeing them for awhile and getting reviews on them I decided to give it a whirl.
I purchased True Blue Spa Malibu Beach Pedicure Foot Cream in Avocado Butter, True Blue Spa Strength Callus Treatment - Tough Love, and True Blue Spa Smoothing Foot Scrub - Toe the Line.
I was happy because I got to take part in the promotion where I buy 2 get 1 free! I also got to use a coupon that allowed for $10 off the purchase. So far I have used them and enjoy them and am quickly seeing improvements in the feel and appearance of my feet. I will go through what each product is suppose to do and how they are suppose to be used. 

From Left to Right: True Blue Spa Malibu Beach Pedicure Foot Cream in Avocado Butter,  

True Blue Spa Strength Callus Treatment - Tough Love, True Blue Spa Smoothing Foot Scrub - Toe the Line.

• True Blue Spa Malibu Beach Pedicure Foot Cream in Avocado Butter : is a thick creamy lotion that you can apply to your feet for every day use to moisturize them prior to putting on sandals or shoes. I have found this product great to use because it has a thick consistency that sinks into the skin. Also it isn't greasy as some creams tend to be so allow for immediate wearing of shoes or sandals  The smell is very pretty with a slight avocado smell to it. You only need a pea size for each foot and very little goes a long way with this product. I scored this one for only $5.00 CAD at the cash so was very excited.
• True Blue Spa-Strength Callus Treatment - Tough Love: This callus treatment is cream that you apply to your feet after you have scrubbed your feet with an exfoliator or soaked your feet in warm water. It works by rubbing the product on your heels or callused areas and smooths them out. This product contains Glycolic acid and helps to remove any dead skin cells on the feet. This cream also contains Eucalyptus Oil which provides a refreshing feel to your skin and Glycerin helps skin retain moisture. It works really well I have only used it for a little over a week and I can already feel a difference. I can already tell this is a product that you will have to work with over time to see results in the long run. The product is very watery and I wish they could change the packaging to a pump because the product tends to ooze out the tube. The smell of the product is a little odd but very bearable. I put it on in the night with some socks because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the smell in the day. This is worth every penny because it does what it says it is going to do. Retails for $15.00 CAD
• True Blue Spa Smoothing Foot Scrub - Toe the Line is a exfoliator for the feet that removes dead skin cells and rough patches from the feet. This scrub is infused with Walnut shells to remove thick dry patches from the bottom of the feet. It also contains peppermint oil to provide a soothing feeling to the feet. You apply the product to your feet in the shower and rub it all over your wet feet to get them soft and silky. I dab a bit of the product on a pumice stone and apply it to my feet to smooth them out and it works like a charm. This is one of my favourite product out of the three that I have purchased and I would definitely repurchase it again. Retails for $15.00 CAD

All in all these are good products to check out if your are trying to have your feet silky and avoid ashy feet for the summer months. You can purchase these products in store at Bath and Body works or online. Bath and Body Works constantly have promotions on products so sign up for their mailing list or check out their website to take advantage of the sales. I now have my eye on True Blue Spa Cracked Heel Treatment - Heel of Approval because I have heard rave reviews about it. 

Lush Toner: Eau Roma Water: Product Fail

In my previous blog about Toner The Body Shops Seaweed Clarifying Toner I went on to talk about

Lush Toner: Eau Roma Water

how I was happy to find a Toner that makes my face feel refreshed and more clean and balanced after washing with drying soap.
Prior to that I went to Lush to find a toner that was natural, soothing and something I could use daily. I was starting to break out from a foundation I had been trying out and wanted to switch my face products I had been using.
I did my research on Lush toners and decided that I wanted to get the Tea Tree toner since I had a lot of success with my pimple zapping product that contains tea tree as its base ingredient Lush's Grease Lightening Tea Tree Cleanser.
I walked into the downtown Toronto Lush store and was searching for the product and was notified by a young worker that they where out of stock. She suggested that I try out Eau Roma Water since I have combination skin and its ingredients are good for combating oil. I reluctantly purchased the toner figuring she probably knew that product line better then me, but when I used it I truly felt nothing. I tried it for a few weeks but didn't feel as though it removed any excess makeup that I was unable to get off my face, nor make me feel refreshed. I felt like I was spraying sweet smelling water onto my skin. Personally I think this toner would be nice as a refresher or even to mist the face to prep it for makeup application. Even refreshing the face through out the day when the air is dry weather is warm would be good. However I just didn't feel like it was doing it's job and I felt like it was a waste of money. I still recommend getting a small sample of the product or giving it a try in the store because I have seen many reviews on it and people like it so many it is just me?
On Lush's website they describe this toner as being good for dry, sensitive  or mature skin that needs a gentle touch. This toner is suppose to be the most moisturizing out of all of the toners they sell and are infused with rose water and lavender essential oils. These oils are known to be good for redness, irritation and dryness. I purchased the 100ml bottle for $9.99 CAD from Lush and it can be purchased
on their website as well.

Getting your Hair clean: Shampooing your hair

Cleansing the hair is another important part of building your regiment. Washing your hair removes dirt, build up, dust and product from you hair and is a big step when deciding on what direction your regiment needs to go in. 
The first thing you will have to decide when picking your shampoo of choice is what are you personally looking for in your shampoo? 
Do you have dry brittle hair? Do you have itchy dry scalp? Do you have hair that tends to be oily? You must ask yourself these questions to determine the best suited shampoo for your own personal use. 
If you have dry and brittle hair you likely will need a shampoo that is moisturizing. 
If you have itchy and dry scalp you may need a shampoo that combats that and has tea tree oil. 
If your hair tends to be oily and greasy you will need to find a shampoo infused with aloe, fruit extracts and olive oil.
It is also a good idea to purchase a clarifying shampoo treatment that can be used once a month to rid of the excess oils and build up that regular gentle shampoos won't remove. 
This is something you will need to research, trial and error is really the only way to do that. 
Now you have decided what type of shampoo you will be looking for another decision you have to make is do you want one that is sulfate free? Or is that important to you? Now I am sure you have gone in the stores and noticed some brands boasting that they are sulfate free. What is a sulfate you ask? 
I will provide you a little background as to what a sulfate is and why a lot of people are opting to go sulfate free with their shampoo.

• Sulfates which are usually written out as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), dium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is a chemical used to provide foam and lather to many household items. Now I'm sure you are thinking that exactly what I want?! However this is an chemical that has been in the spotlight for causing issues with users
• Sulfates tend to cause a lot of irritations to the skin, and scalp and a lot of people who have stopped using products containing sulfates have seen a lot of improvements 
• Sulfates tend  to be very drying on the scalp and removes a lot of the natural oils your scalp produces and dryness of the scalp can also lead to dandruff, itching,  and boils on the scalp
• Sulfates are also blamed for causing a lot of frizz in hair and users who stop using sulfate infused shampoos tend to notice hair is much softer and frizz free
• Sulfates on color treated hair is a bad mix because color treated hair tends to be much more dryer and the detergent that are in sulfates tends to suck out any remaining moisture from the hair shaft

For me personally I aim to steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates because I have noticed a difference when I use ones that are without. However if you opt to use shampoos that contain sulfates try to take a peak at the ingredient list and go for the shampoo that has it towards the end of the list because that means that it contains a much less concentration of it. 

So now you have chosen the shampoo you want to use and are going to cleanse your hair. Pre pooing is very helpful because it puts moisture in your hair and allows for more moisture to remain even after you have shampooed your hair. 

During washing there are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Wash your hair with shampoo once versus twice because this can combat the dryness of using shampoo. Remember washing with shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils and you do not need your hair to be squeaky clean. Take your time on your first wash to concentrate on the scalp and roots of your hair then wash out.
• Gently massage your scalp and let the shampoo do the cleaning. Do not bunch your hair up like you are in a Herbal Essence commercial it really is unnecessary and tangles hair and makes for a mean de-tangling session in the end.
• Try to concentrate shampoo on scalp only and try not to apply shampoo directly on the ends of your hair. The ends of your hair are the oldest hair on your head and generally need a lot of moisture. Do not suck all the moisture away from it, allow the water to gently have the shampoo flow to your ends. 
• If you have long, or thick hair try washing your hair in sections to reduce the amount of tangles. If you need to bring claw clips into the shower to separate your hair don't be scared! Do what you must. 
• Try to limit the use of shampoo to no more then once a week
• If you need to wash your hair a few times a week try using conditioner to wash your hair (co washing) to cleanse your scalp to combat drying
• Immediately select your conditioner you will use after shampooing and apply it

Overall selecting a good product will aid in making wash day easy. 

For myself I use Creme of Nature that is infused with Argan oil and can be purchased at most beauty supply store or drug stores. 

I few other brands I have used and really liked are:

• Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo (can be purchased at Honey Fig, Target, Beauty supply stores and Amazon)
• Kinky Curly Come Clean (can be purchased at Honey Fig, Target, Beauty supply stores and Amazon)
• Dr. Bronner Peppermint Liquid Soap (can be purchased at Honey Fig, Target, Grocery stores, American Apparel, Whole Foods and Amazon)

Next on my list to try are:

• Sunny Isle YlangYlang Jamaican Black Castor Oil Moisturizing Shampoo (can be purchased at Honey Fig and Amazon)
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil Moisturizing Shampoo with Shea Butter (can be purchased at Honey Fig and Amazon)
• Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo (can be purchased at Honey Fig and Amazon)
• DermOrganic Conditioning Shampoo (can be purchased at Winners, Marshall's, Trade Secrets, and Amazon)