The mascara’s I lean towards are the ones that look as if I’m wearing false lashes. Here are my top 4 mascaras that I’ve been rotating lately. Different price ranges to fit whatever your budget is. Enjoy!
1.Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Primer and Velvet Noir Mascara:
What I love about this primer and mascara duo is that you get the ultimate false lashes look! The packaging is minimalist and this bold look does not flake throughout the day. Primer $33 and Noir $33 CAD. Found at Sephora.
2. Bad Gal Bang! Benefit Cosmetics:
$33.00 CAD
The brush isn’t traditionally what I go for but I love that the tip is skinnier. Great for building volume without clumping on those hard to reach lashes. You can find this at Shoppers Drug Mart.
TOP 4 Mascaras For Full Volume
3. NARS Explicit:
Obsessed with the thick brush and this buildable formula that won’t clump or smudge. The black mascara is one of the darkest black mascaras I’ve tried. You can find this at Sephora.
$30 CAD
4. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara:
When I’m looking for a mascara on a budget that will give me solid volume, I am always drawn to this drug store mascara. It’s inexpensive and often on sale. Only think I don’t like is the fall out I get by the end of the day. Found at Shoppers Drug Mart.
My current make-up routine has been Laura Mercier obsessed! I’ve been using so many of her products in my daily routine and one of them being the Colour Infusion Blush. I love the range of colours to choose from and they all look so good on my skin tone.
The Colour Infusion Blushes come in two finishes. Shimmer and matte. I’ve always been a matte blush wearer but recently tried the shimmer in this line and loved it! Most shimmer blushes I came across have too much shimmer and start to look like a colourful highlighter of some sort. No Bueno.
You can find this blush at Sephora for $38.00 CAD. The blush is buildable without looking cake-y and has 10 hours of wear. I love how natural the finish is no matter how much you build on. TIP: Build on this blush to get the intensity you’re looking for.
These blushes are infused with micro-fine powders and look natural on all skin tones. You can actually tone down the vivid colours with some Laura Mercier Translucent powder to get the softest tone. Because it’s a buildable blush you’re able to do this vs other vivid blush colour brands.
Laura Mercier Colour Infusion Blush is Buildable
My favourite colours that I’ve been using regularly are Grapefruit, Rose, Kir Royale and Chai. I love that the colour stays true on either liquid foundation or bare skin. Some brands I’ve used in the past change depending on what the surface is like.
Chai is the most perfect colour for everyday office/work make-up look. I wear Kir Royale in the evenings and Grapefruit is so playful! See below images from Instagram where I wore some of these colours.
Laura Mercier Blush – RoseLaura Mercier Blush – Chai
I’m also a huge fan of their primer, mascara and bunch of other products that I share on Instagram stories and posts. Click through the selfie pictures above to read more about my favourites.
It’s Day 11 and we have a prize pack valued at $500 for you! Here’s a quick summary of all the great products you’ll be winning:
** SCROLL DOWN TO ENTER TO WIN THE DAY 10 PRIZE **
REDKEN
Seen in many salons, this brand is one of the best for keeping your locks healthy! This prize pack includes the Redken Extreme line, which focuses on repairing and strengthening damaged hair. You will also win 4 popular styling products! This prize pack is valued at over $200!
Redken Extreme Shampoo 250 ml Redken Extreme Conditioner 250 ml Redken Extreme Mega Mask 200 ml Redken Extreme Anti-Snap 250 ml Redken Extreme Length Sealer 50 ml Redken Triple Take 32 Hairspray 300 ml Redken No Blow Dry Just Right Cream 150 ml Redken Quick Dry 18 Finishing Spray 400 ml Redken Guts 10 Volume Foam 300 ml
BRAAVA JET
I just started using this awesome robot and I can’t wait to put up my full review of it. It’s made my life a lot easier! Click here for more detailsabout this iRobot but also enter below to win one! The BraavaJet 240 has 3 cleaning modes (wet mop, damp sweep, dry sweep) and the robot can detect the type of clean automatically based on the pad you have chosen. It also seamlessly navigates to clean the floors thoroughly and is designed to clean hard floors. Additionally, it remembers obstacles in its path and slows down to gently clean along furniture, walls, and fixtures. While with Bluetooth connectivity, the iRobot HOME App allows you to access exclusive features, support, and robot updates. The Braava Jet is valued at $279! Makes for a great gift idea as well.
We’re coming close to the end of our 12 days of giveaways! It’s Day 10 and we have a prize pack valued at $230 for you! Here’s a quick summary of all the great products you’ll be winning:
** SCROLL DOWN TO ENTER TO WIN THE DAY 10 PRIZE **
BURT’S BEES
Burt’s Beesmanufactures their products with natural ingredients and use minimal processing to maintain the purity of those ingredients. In addition, every product has a “natural bar” which gives a percentage of natural ingredients in that product, often with detailed ingredient descriptions. The gift sets included in this prize pack are:
Naturally Soft Hands
Hive Favourites
Bees Wax Bounty Classic
Beeswax Bounty Fruit Mix
Mistle Toe Kiss
Kissable Color Cool Collection
Essential Travel Collection
Face Essentials
12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS
DAY 10 $230 VALUE BURT’S BEES & QUO COSMETICS PRIZES
QUO COSMETICS
You all know how much I rave about Quo brushes! The ones that come in sets are so good! I’ve used so many different ones and I’ve always been super impressed with the quality of these brushes. Here’s your chance to WIN a $130 VALUE gift set of Quo brushes and accessories.
No More Dry Lips with Fresh Beauty – Lip Treatment
Fresh Beauty has one of the very best lip balms for dry lips! I’ve been using their lip balms for years and the lip scrub. Recently they did a collaboration with an artist to come out with these limited edition lip balms that have zodiacs on them. I’ve shared these with people by matching their zodiac signs and they’ve been obsessed. I’m so happy to convert people to Fresh Beauty because I know it’s an amazing product! Any other balm I’ve used doesn’t compare to the results I get with these ones. The advanced lip therapy is legit therapy for the lips.
These limited edition lip balms are at Sephora:
Advanced lip therapy in limited edition zodiac signs are $32.00 at Sephora.
These lip balms have no:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
Also, come to winter your lips will need an extra boost of moisture. Pair your lip balm with the below products from
Fresh Beauty:
The Lip Wonder Drops is a gentle leave-on exfoliant that smooths dry lips with natural AHAs:
What makes it so great? Sugar and Fruit Extract Blend: Helps to retexturize the lips while leaving them soft and radiant. Hibiscus Flower Extract: Helps to gently refine the look of the lips’ surface through non-mechanical exfoliation. $32.00
Another one of my faves that I keep in my jacket pocket at all times throughout the winter is the coconut hydrating lip balm:
Research results*:
In-vivo test after 1 month:
Proven to lock in moisture and provide 24-hour hydration
100% of testers reported it immediately softened and soothed the lips
97% said it immediately protected, nourished, and comforted the lips
97% felt it smoothed the lip surface
96% felt it improved the appearance of dry lips
93% noticed their lips were immediately healthier-looking and suppler
87% said it prevented dryness and their lips felt strengthened
Have you tried any of the Fresh lip products mentioned?
Have you started shopping for presents yet? Every year I get a head start to avoid the rush. It’s so much better to take your time with gift giving so you can get the right gift. Give something they’ll use and get excited about! I had the pleasure of joining Shoppers Drug Mart at their media event where we learned about all their great gift ideas. They really do have something for everyone! They’ve even created categories for you to make it easier.
THE INSTA QUEEN
1. QUO 54 Eyeshadow Palette, 12 Eyeliners and an Eye Shadow Brush all in one great set. ($65)
2. Quo Luxe Rose Gold Brush Set.I love their seasonal brush sets! You can read my reviews on the blog about them. ($90.00)
3. Soap & Glory On the Double Gift Set ($9.50)
4. Boutique by Conair Marble Styling Kit ($99.99)
5. Joe Fresh Accessories (Prices Vary)
6. Homedics Glass Aroma Diffuser ($59.99)
BRING ON THE HOLIDAYS! x Shoppers Drug Mart Gift Ideas
As soon as the first leaf falls and there’s a chill in the air my beauty routine switches from Summer to Fall. Bring out the new beauty care. Makeup to moisturizers, everything my skin needs to be ready for Fall and for an easier transition later into the Winter. Jumping right into it, here are some of my Fall Beauty Favourites you’ll find either at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Sephora or Wal-Mart:
8 Fall Beauty MUST HAVEs
Fresh Beauty
Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essense – $85 I apply this to the face, no cotton pad, right after washing my face. Benefits include age-delay powered by kombucha. It protects your skin with antioxidants, enhances luminosity, softens the look of fine lines, and replenishes moisture.
Fresh Vitamin C Antioxidant Glow Face Mist – $54 I use this as a make-up setter or to just freshen up. This is an alcohol-free, multi-vitamin face mist, antioxidant protection and gives you an instant glow!
Urban Decay eyeshadow palette
3. Born to Run Eyeshadow Palette – $59
This palette features of-the-moment shades ranging from jewel tones and modern neutrals to colourful shades.
The pigment is amazing and a lot these tones are amazing for Fall.
Pixi
4. PIXIGLOW Cake – $28
Comes in 2 beautiful shades. Gildedbare Glow and PinkChampagne Glow. Looks natural with the perfect amount of glow.
I have been using this cleanser for a while now and I love it! It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight and dry. It’s perfect for this colder Fall/Winter weather. This cream cleanser is giving my skin life! *Wild Rose Foaming Cream Cleanser is a gentle cleanser for the face & eyes to remove impurities, make-up, mascara and environmental pollutants without dehydrating the skin. Enriched with Wild Rose Oil, a natural source of vitamin C, which absorbs 1,000% more than pure ascorbic acid, the cleanser refreshes the skin, maintaining its normal pH levels while leaving it silky, soft and supple. *shoppersdrugmart.ca
6. Wild Rose Foaming Cream Cleanser – $32
I love that this one pencil has different colours to use and a highlight pencil all in one retractable pen. The pencil itself is also really skinny, so the precision on it is perfect for making soft lines that mimic the look of actual hairs. I’ve been using this for over a month now and the quality of the pencil is a 10/10. It hasn’t broken off or dried out making it difficult for colour to transfer over. Both situations have happened to me before with competitor retractable pencils.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion is a rich, creamy lotion made from pure Cocoa Butter enriched with Vitamin E, this classic product is an advanced moisturizer that softens, smooths and relieves skin.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick This innovative product is the portable version of the “original solid formula” Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula and has all the benefits of pure Cocoa Butter enriched with Vitamin E; vital for smoothing dry or damaged skin. This pocket-size stick is ideal to help relieve rough, dry areas, marks and blemishes on the face and body. Also may be used to moisturize and soothe dry, cracked, chapped lips.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula JarThe original classic moisturizer; this unique “solid” formula contains the highest concentration of Cocoa Butter, making it the perfect choice to soften, smooth and relieve rough, dry skin. Containing pure Cocoa Butter enriched with Vitamin E, this cult classic is an excellent all-over-body moisturizer and after tanning butter. Smoothes and blends marks, scars and stretch marks, leaving your body feeling silky soft and smooth.
Laura Mercier and The Kit joined forces to bring you 30 days of make-up tips and looks that you can create at home!
Many years ago I had received my first print copy of The Kit. I fell in love, and when the website launched I signed up for their newsletter right away. When I started blogging, I would occasionally have a thought come to mind, while reading The Kit’s newsletter. How cool would it be, if I was on here? I would just think to myself, one day (InshaAllah – God Willing). I remember 3 years ago sending an email letter to their marketing department to ask whether they needed someone to write on their website, or if they worked with bloggers in any way. No reply but I continued to passionately follow The Kit. Thinking, one day.
In a way, I feel as if I manifested this. It wasn’t a specific goal, but it was in my mind. And at that time it seemed unachievable, a little ridiculous to assume I’d get there but I still stayed positive and thought “one day”. Believing in yourself and setting goals that are challenging can do wonders for your life. These goals will keep you on your toes and remind you of what you are capable of achieving. If you can think it, you can do it. Just need to keep working on how you will get there.
THE KIT X LAURA MERCIER – Make-Up Influencers
Whenever I saw video shoots with make-up influencers for brands, I would imagine getting an opportunity like that, I would need to be some kind of famous in the industry. I was beyond grateful and humbled when I was a part of this campaign. Especially alongside one of my favourite artists; Glamzilla and Michel Coulombe.
I had the pleasure of attending the TIFF 2018 Essentials Lounge. Where you guessed it; you could find all of the essentials needed to survive TIFF 2018! There were so many of my favourite brands represented here and even learnt something new about a brand’s history that blew me away. Here’s a quick recap of all the essentials for TIFF that I’ve tested during and since TIFF week and can vouch as must-haves.
credit: Ryan Emberley
GLAMGLOW
Credit: Ryan Emberley – Photographer
When you’re missing the usual beauty sleep and not drinking enough water, or just randomly in need of a face detox, this mask is a quick pick me up for your skin! I love that this mask is actually designed for both men and women. The packaging is also inviting for both. I am legitimately at this moment using the GlamGlow mask, and I love how it instantly makes your skin feel fresh! I’ve put my skin through a lot this week and I really needed to pull out all of that congestion. This super mud has activated X charcoal in it, along with an absorbent carbon to attract toxins and dirt from the deepest and toughest areas. I just washed my face, and right away I see my pores are less visible, skin is brighter and feels smoother. Ah! I love it! Retail: $75.00 (Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart)
credit: Ryan Emberley
For those long days with little to none moments to touch up or re-do your make-up, you need something long-lasting. This Smashbox foundation has a 15-hour stay and it’s hydrating so perfect for the colder months in Toronto when the wind sucks the hydration out of your skin. Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation is at Sephora for $46.00.
TIFF 2018 ESSENTIALS LOUNGE
credit: Ryan Emberley
KEDS FOR TIFF
I’ve been wearing my classic leather Keds non-stop! They’re so comfortable and this is the company I’ve been telling you all about and how blown away I am with their history. Okay, first of all, did you know that they actually go all out to make their shoes for women. They make sure that every shoe will be comfortable to wear and don’t use a “unisex template”. It’s only specific to women. I remember when I bought my first pair of Keds, that it hugged my feet like no other shoe. Also, had no idea they were founded in 1916! As you all know, I’m a fact nerd so I was amazed that they’re 102 years old. They also have A LOT of women in their upper management across all of their head offices.
I have the classic leather champion sneaker in white and I LOVE it. If there’s a shoe that will go with any of your outfits, it’s this way. It retails for about $70.00 and will honestly be your favourite go-to kicks.
credit: Ryan Emberley
DESIGN.ME HAIR
I’ve been using a lot of their products for a while now. One of my favourites is the puff me and the hairspray with the ability to control the spray from light to high. They have some awesome new products! A dry shampoo in a generous size. Not the usual skinny bottles.
QUICKIE.ME DRY SHAMPOO: The Quickie.ME Dry Shampoo Spray comes with two options; one forBlonde & Pastel tones and one for Brunette & Darker tones. In addition to the spray, Design.ME Hair is also launching the all-new Quickie.ME Dry Shampoo Foam, ideal for use as a hair refresher. Retails for $22.00.
If you haven’t noticed I am an avid user of Fresh Beauty products, and to be more specific; I am currently loving the Peony line by Fresh Beauty. After using both products for quite some time, I HAVE to share the details about the peony mask and the peony cleanser. (Both found at Sephora.)
Fresh: Peony Mask and Cleanser Review
Alright, the cleanser smells like peonies! It literally feels like I am washing my face with peonies. LOVE it! The only thing I don’t like is that it doesn’t remove make-up really well. My skin looked brighter in the morning, softer and I noticed because of the smoother brighter skin, my makeup looked really good! It retails for $56 CAD.
The peony brightening mask is very different from the usual masks that I’ve bought in the past. I tend to lean towards clay masks. This one literally feels like a yoghurt (depending on how thick you lay it). This is an overnight mask that you can wash off in the morning. So you apply a thin layer and then just sleep with it. It preserves hydration for 24 hours, which is why the next day my skin felt super supple and soft! It’s a little expensive for a mask ($99 CAD) but totally worth it! Especially since you don’t need a lot of it for each use, this will last you for months.
This mask is for all skin types and is paraben, sulfates free. According to the packaging, it brightens, diminishes the look of uneven skin tone, and preserves hydration for up to 24 hours.Which means it’s an excellent solution for those who have dull looking skin, dark spots, dryness, and uneven skin tone.
Would I buy these products again? I would definitely get the mask but not sure if I’d get the cleanser. Only because I do like a dual purpose cleanser for days when I feel lazy to remove makeup. Having said that, if you don’t wear make-up or a lot of it and have a great routine already set for removal, then you’ll love this cleanser.
You can also find this at
1. QUO 54 Eyeshadow Palette, 12 Eyeliners and an Eye Shadow Brush all in one great set. ($65)
1. Ariana Grande Cloud ($59.00 50mL)
