Beauty April 17, 2015

Coconut Favourites

There was a time when the younger me wasn’t a huge fan of coconuts. I just didn’t like the taste of it. Years later I tried it again and to my surprise, I loved it! You must have used or consumed coconut in one way or another. This multi-purpose ingredient has become a favourite for people all around the world. The coconut trend was strong last year and it seems like it’s here to stay. It can be used to hydrate your skin externally or coconut water is amazing for hydrating internally. Speaking of coconut water, my favourite juice company, Simply Orange is coming out with a new flavour with coconut water!

Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil

The first time I bought this, it was to substitute vegetable oil and be a healthier choice. I found so many other ways to incorporate coconut oil into my daily regime. For instance, making a homemade scrub with coconut oil and brown sugar, using it in your dry hair as a leave-in treatment or in wet hair as a hair mask. Most pregnant women swear by this as a life saver during pregnancy for their itchy dry skin. A 414ml bottle like this isn’t very expensive either. Around $10 at whole foods. (Don’t quote me on that)

RMS Beauty Lip Shine

This ~~lip balm~~ lip shine that has five colours to choose from, feels more like a treatment than a lip shine. I’ve tried the colour sacred and it reminds me of my Benetint by Benefit Cosmetics. Benetint is great for that flushed natural lips look, only this isn’t just a tint, it provides a lot of hydration. Results that you see right away! With organic oils such as coconut, moringa and castor seed; it’s no wonder my lips feel and look great after using this. Not sure why it’s called lip shine though. My lips don’t look shiny at all after using it.

Tip: Due to the texture, you can use this product in multiple ways. Use it on your cheeks as a blush.

Coconut Water Shampoo

I dye my hair a lot and because I do, it gets dry very fast. Doing a coconut oil treatment isn’t the best choice if you need to style your hair the same day or even the next. My hairstyle lasts a lot longer when it’s not oily. Most people will agree to that. Especially for volume. Instead of an oil, this coconut water shampoo does wonders for my dry locks. Not only is it sulfate free, but smells great too! I love that it comes in a semi small bottle, in case you change your mind and don’t want to be stuck with a huge bottle of unfinished shampoo.

Do you use coconut oil/water products? If so, what are your favourites?

Beauty March 13, 2015

Friday Faves : Travel

Travelling to new places and learning about the culture and history of different destinations is something my husband and I love to do. Some trips are planned well in advance and some last minute. Our last big trip was to South Korea and Japan. We also had booked a trip to China this week for two weeks that we cancelled due to the wonderful new addition to our family. Now we look forward to taking him with us on all of our trips. The first one being to a resort in Mexico this May.

When planning a trip, where do you look for information, inspiration or general tips?

Reading and collecting the lonely planet books has become a tradition. However, a lot of the unique suggestions and tips come from articles. Articles like the ones I read in the Global Style Advisor that released today. If you haven’t already, I’d go out and get this travel edition found in the Globe and Mail to keep as a reference for the many destinations mentioned or check out the digital version here. Love the resort fashion spread, that has left me inspired for our trip in May. Need to have that Hugo Boss dress!

If I were only allowed to take a ~~few~~ some items with me to any of the great escapes mentioned in this Globe Style Advisor edition, they would be the following:

Fave Fragrance

Try travelling with a light and fresh fragrance. Especially if you’re stuck on a long flight.

Fave Notebook

Everyone has that one notebook they travel with. Somewhere to keep all of their plans, schedules, tips etc.

Fave Cosmetics

All I need is Benefit’s new roller lash, blush and an awesome lip tint balm for the perfect amount of natural colour.

Fave Tag

Just in case you lose your luggage and just because it’s a cute accessory for your carry on. Plus, there really is no place like home. 🙂

Beauty March 13, 2015

Epic Blend Review & Giveaway

Epic Blend is a Canadian brand of premium lip balms that you may have seen or read about somewhere online or heard about them through one of my favourite magazines, Elle Canada.

There are so many unnecessary ingredients in cosmetics these days. Brands seem to be either coming up with innovative targeted ingredients or they are moving forward by keeping it simple and tapping into the market of au naturel.

[Tweet “RT if you have a lip balm in every purse #Beauty”]

You can never have enough lip balms. Especially during dry winters like the one we’re having. I’ve tried lots of different lip balms and my least favourite ones are the ones that go on greasy and promise to be moisturizing but aren’t. As soon as the greasiness wears off, you’re left with dry chapped lips again. I’ve found the solution with these Epic Blend balms that are not greasy and have lasting moisture results without harsh synthetics. There are so many flavours to choose from but my favourites are grape and citrus kick. YUM.

These natural flavours come in three categories:

Hemp

Made with organic hemp seed oil.
Advantage: quickly absorbs deep into the skin cells for lasting moisture results.

More Moisture

Has seven moisturizers to keep your lips moist.
Organic Shea Butter
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Sunflower Oil
Organic Castor Oil
Organic Beeswax
Non-GMO Vitamin E
TIP: Moist lips make for a great base when applying lipstick 😉
Advantage: The organic shea butter being one of the seven organic ingredients provides extra moisture and a boost of staying power.

Vegan

These balms are 100% plant-based and beeswax-free.
Advantage: The all-natural food grade Candelilla wax used gives these vegan balms a smooth texture.

If you’re in the market for an all natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, petroleum free and most importantly not tested on animals lip balm, then Epic Blend is what you’re looking for. Definitely keeping one in all my go to purses.

Have you tried Epic Blend before? If so, what’s your favourite flavour?
If you haven’t tried them yet then here’s your chance to win! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway