I’m a stila girl! Because I’m so obsessed with Stila Cosmetics I just had to dive deeper to show you close-ups of these beautiful holiday sets. And if they’re not already gone, I’d suggest you go NOW to get your hands on them.
Beautiful long lasting minis
Stila Holiday Gift Sets
Not only do these sets make great gift ideas, but they’re also a great way to try so many different colours without purchasing so many full sizes. I always like stocking up during the holidays on these minis because I get to try so many for pretty much the price of one. No commitment. Lots of options. Price is right.
You can also break the sets up and give a mini individually as a stocking stuffer or even place it in a customized gift.
Note Cosmetics is a global makeup line that can be found in 72 countries and now available at Rexall drug stores. I love the simple packaging with cosmetics. Note cosmetics is sleek and black. A very sophisticated look. The brand is also cruelty-free, paraben free, fragrance-free and vegan. You can find this brand in Toronto.
NOTE Cosmetics at Rexall is here in Canada
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the NOTE cosmetics products they have and why they’re different from other brands you may be using.
This blusher has argan oil in it and is free from parabens! Super soft to the touch and helps to boost moisture levels in the skin. This product has also been infused with botanicals.
NOTE Mattemoist Lipstick – Miss Kiss – $14.50
This matte lipstick isn’t as dry as some of the other brands I wear. This formula actually goes on creamy and it sets matte. The macadamia oil and vitamin E in the lipstick, protect and soothe lips.
NOTE Real Look Mascara – $17.95
I love mascaras that have thick and bushy wands! I always get the best look with those. This mascara curls, thickens and gives you voluminous lashes. It also has vitamin E which means it nourishes your lashes from the root to the tips of your lashes. Fragrance, Paraben, and cruelty-free!
Last night I had the pleasure of being Cat‘s guest to an amazing Bite Beauty #LIPLABxBITE experience! The Toronto Bite Beauty lab is located on Queen Street at 678 Queen St W. Bite Beauty was founded by Susanne Langmuir. She saw a void in the beauty industry and got busy with kitchen chemistry. Almost all of the coolest companies started off in their homes, right?
The store front on the main level is really clean and all about lips! Of course.
Bite Beauty #LIPLABxBITE Experience in Toronto
Some background information about Bite Beauty and why it’s different from other brands:
– Their tag line “natural, age-defying beauty for lips that is good enough to eat!”
–Lip products made solely from all-natural, food-grade ingredients.
– Lip labs where you can custom-make your own lipstick
– The first Lip Lab was in Manhattan
[Tweet “”You are what you eat. What you put on your lips, you eat” – Susanne Langmuir”]
In a nut shell, here’s how everything went down..
First:Austen who was an amazing host, brought us to the private area upstairs. Super cozy! Had a fireplace, a Bite Beauty lips backdrop, lots of couch space and then the area where all the magic happens to make your custom lipstick.
This is Austen creating my colour
Second: He asked what colours I had in mind. My vision and then we talked about tones. I showed him a picture of a favourite colour and he created exactly what I wanted! All in the first try. I also got to choose the flavour of the lipstick. I went with vanilla and mint. [Tweet “#DidYouKnow you can create a lipstick, select the finish and scent within half an hour at a @BiteBeauty Lip Lab? #LIPLABxBITE #Beauty”]
Third: The lipstick was then microwaved to a liquid, then poured into a lipstick mold and placed for 10 minutes on a surface that was -10 degrees! See my instagram stories below for all of the action:
When he swiped this colour I knew instantly I loved it!
Here I am wearing the custom colour. I call it Zoey:
And here’s what we went home with:
Agave Lip Mask, Lip Primer and a Wild Cherry Lip Balmrose gold lipstick
It’s that time of the year when to give is beautiful. This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a holiday event at Vaughan Mills shopping center as a Fragrance expert. I took people who attended (open to public) through a fragrance experience that peaked all of their senses! All fragrances I spoke about are available at Shoppers Drug Mart’s beauty boutiques. In case you missed this event, don’t worry! The next one is happening at the Eaton Center, Dec 2nd and 3rd from mall opening to close hours.
To Give Is Beautiful – Shoppers Drug Mart – beautyBOUTIQUE
So here’s what went down: You’re greeted by some beautiful ladies, who go through a summary of the experience you’ll have. Then directed to the fragrance station. Here I asked people what fragrances they were most drawn too. Based on their answer that gave me an idea of which ones I should start off with showing. We discussed different scents, notes in the fragrance and before testing the fragrance some tips on how to best apply it. In a nut shell, beautyBOUTIQUE wants Canadians to step into the holidays with this year’s must-haves in fragrance from beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart.
Based on their fragrance choice there was a mocktail to match!
While enjoying their mocktails; they waited their turn to get a make-up application.
Once done with their make-up, everyone received a gift that had a make-up bag, a Christmas tree beauty blender and a 20x points + $10 gift card to be used at beauty boutiques.
There was also this super fun glitter wall that everyone took pictures in front. The lovely beautyBOUTIQUE ladies were taking polaroids of those who got their make-up done.
Those who made a purchase at the beauty boutique that day could bring it to the calligraphy station. To receive a tree ornament customized, 3 deluxe samples, $10 gift card – all beautiful wrapped in a silver box. Check out Mandy on Instagram who was doing beautiful calligraphy. Here.
So lock it in your calendars, the next event is happening at the Eaton Center, Dec 2nd and 3rd from mall opening to close hours. If you post your images or videos online, be sure to use the hashtag #ToGiveIsBeautiful.
This blog post was sponsored by beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart but the opinions are all my own.
The holidays are just around the corner and you know what that means? Time to go shopping and check that list, check it twice. Give gifts whether the person is naughty or nice! I believe as a beauty blogger it is my duty to update my fellow readers on what’s new in the beauty world and to make your shopping easier. Stay tuned for more posts on gift ideas for the holidays! Here are some great Quo holiday collection sets that you’ll go gaga over!
QUO 2017 Holiday Collection for Great Gift Ideas [BEAUTY]
All of these palettes are super affordable and priced at $22/each.
Illuminating Palette: All the colours you need to create your highlight game and the perfect touch of pink blush. Face Sculpting Palette: This palette has different contour shades that work with all skintones and perfect for different levels of intensity. All About Eyes Shadow Palette: I love that there are so many colours to play with and yet they’re your everyday colours. Day to night palette definitely.
How cute are these cosmetic crackers? Perfect for stocking stuffers!
This set of 6 is for $15 and is either a great stocking stuffer or you can place it by your dinner plates as a fun gift before or after your holiday dinner. See pinterest inspo image:
Choose from a Lip Gloss or Liquid Lipstick set of 8 beautiful colours! Gift it as is or break them up and use as stocking stuffers or taped to Christmas cards. Price: $20so many beautiful colours to choose from!
These luxury lipsticks, in a pack of 4 are $30!
You can find all Quo beauty products at a Shoppers Drug Mart near you!
It has been a busy summer! With all of the great beauty events I’ve gone to this summer, I have lots of October favourites that I’d love to share with you. If you’re out on the market looking for something new, take a look here to see which items you might want to add to your beauty routine. Almost all of the items below can be found at your local Shoppers Drug Mart. 😉
October Beauty Favourites
STILA
I’ve been using Stila cosmetics for a few years now and I haven’t come across a Stila product that I didn’t like. I’ve been obsessing over these Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks, Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer and the Stila Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner.
The liquid lipstick is true to colour and speaking of colour comes in so many different shades. It’s staying power after eating/drinking blows my mind. I never need to retouch my lipstick.
I love how the concealer is on top of the foundation for easy access. Excellent for travelling! The coverage is medium coverage and when I want more coverage I apply a pressed powder on top or in certain areas.
When I wash my face, the only thing left on my face is always my Stila stay all day liquid eye liner. The tip is fine, which is great for the corners of your eyes and perfect for drawing out a cat eye. Just use a waterproof eye make-up remover to get it off.
KIEHLS
It has been a long time since I last used Kiehls products. I was in dire need of a good scrub for the face and I was recommended this micro-dermabrasion one. I’ve used it about 5 times now and it’s so awesome! My skin feels so smooth after. I make sure to use it before going to bed so that I’m not wearing make-up immediately after. It’s not something that is recommended but just my own preference when getting rid of old skin cells, I like to keep my face clean and fresh for good cell rejuvenation process.
ORLY NAILS
I went to a couple of events last month where I had my nails done with Orly nail polish and I loved it! The selection of colours are awesome and the manicure lasted a lot longer than I had expected. Two weeks at one time and a week the second time. I’m guessing there’s a difference due to the busier week I had of house chores and not wearing gloves.
ELIZABETH ARDEN
I did an entire post on a new collection that came out in Arden that I was obsessed with. I highly recommend their lipsticks just for the fact that my lips felt great during the wear and even after.
This is a beautiful scent! I actually collect fragrance. Kept in a cool place, away from the sun to ensure I have them for as long as possible. It’s an odd thing to collect. The obsession began when I started working at Shoppers Drug Mart at 16. So back to the fragrance: the three notes in Gucci Bloom are, Rangoon Creeper, Jasmine Bud and Tuberose.
I had never heard of Rangoon Creeper before so I did a little research. I found that it’s a vine with flowers discovered in south India, and that it changes colour from white to pink, and finally to red when it blooms. That’s just so beautiful to me! So next time you’re at Shoppers Drug Mart, make sure you smell this.
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FRESH BATCH
I love these 100% Natural Bath Bombs! Minus the sparkle on top, the bath bomb itself is natural. Made in Canada too!
JUICY COUTURE
This beautiful fruity fresh scent is the perfect gift for anyone. The bottle is so pretty and I love the added fluff touch to the top! Super cute! Top Notes: Frozen Mandarin, Frosted Cassis Leaves, Pear Sorbet Mid Notes: Orange Blossom, Jasmine de Grasse, Jasmine Sambac Base Notes: Vanilla, Milky Sandalwood, Ambrox.
LANCOME MONSIEUR BIG MASCARA
I’m obsessed with this mascara! You’ve probably seen and heard me rave about this mascara enough times on Instagram stories. Its so perfect! It’s great for thickening and lengthening. No clumpy lashes and I swear they look as if I’m wearing falsies.
Velour Lashes is a Toronto based beauty brand that makes (in my opinion) the best luxury faux lashes! I had the pleasure of attending their very first pop up shop at the Eaton Center via Sephora. This pop up’s main goal was to “inspire lash confidence”. It did the trick for me, that’s for sure. A pro at applying falsies on others but terrible at doing my own. Finally a product I’m confident in applying to myself. Naturally I have long eyelashes and with mascara I can get them even longer and thicker. But the look I get with falsies doesn’t compare. You can see the difference in my pictures especially when I go full glam on my eyes.
Velour Lashes REVIEW + Live in Lashes EVENT [BEAUTY]
At the event, we were lucky to watch a make-up demo done by celebrity make-up artist Patrick Ta. He walked us through a live make up tutorial where he explained each step to create the look and the products used. As he did the make up tutorial, he took questions from the audience. Questions like how he likes working with celebrities like Jenner and Khloe Kardashian. As he applied the Velour Lashes to the model, he said:
“I love using these lashes on clients because it adds dimension to the eyes but is comfortable enough for everyday wear.”
– Patrick Ta, Makeup Artist
To be honest, he’s so absolutely right! Coming from someone who use to wear lashes once or twice a year, I’ve worn my Velour lashes already more than a handful of times, because they’re so easy to put on and feel super comfortable. The strip where you apply the glue is thin and flexible so it adheres to the skin as close as possible which I guess is why it feels so light.
I highly recommend getting the too easy lash applicator tool. I would be lost without it when applying lashes. The angled grip helps to get the lashes on perfectly. It retails for$27.00 CAD. Most of the lashes are in the $30 something price point and come in mink, silk or you can customize your own. Shop here.
At the lash make over station was where I had the pleasure of getting velour faux lashes put on me by Mable Lee. She is the founder of Velour and she is so awesome! She first tested a few different lashes against my last line to see which one would look best and to see if it needed to be cut and fixed. Not surprised, but the lash fit my eye ball and needed no adjustments. Which is one of the many reasons why I love these lashes.
One of the lashes I’ve been wearing on repeat is “dolled up”:
I talked to Mabel Lee about how she enjoys being a young entrepreneur, marriage, children and her favourite lashes. She is really down to earth and full of energy! Here’s here advice to women out there who are trying to become entrepreneurs:
If you take care of your lashes you can get up to 70x wear for a pair. Check out the below image for tips and don’t forget to save it on pinterest!
I’m obsessed with this Elizabeth Arden Gelato Crush Colour Collection! It’s like a treat without the calories.
The Plush Up Lip Gelato feels incredible on my lips! I’ve recently been wearing a lot of drier and matte formulations that don’t feel so good on the lips, so this was definitely a treat. My lips felt instantly cool and moisturized. The colour is perfect for a more olive skin tone.
The Lip Gelato packaging is also a little different from the traditional lipstick. You push up on the Arden logo for quick access. Easier for us mama’s who only have one hand free at times! Thank you Arden!
Colour: Bare Kiss
Price: $33.00 Comes in 18 shades. Key Ingredients: Peptides and Hyauronic Acid
Shea Butter
Vitamin A, E and Rosemary Extract
This Plump up Lip Liner is so creamy and goes on really smooth. It’s also perfect for filling in the lips if you don’t have your lipstick handy. You can even use the other ends silicone tip to blend and fill. See image below for how smooth my lips look. Normally I have a lot of lines on my lips and near the lip line.
Colour: Vintage Pink
Price: $27.00
Comes in 8 shades Key Ingredients:
Peptides – plumps and firms the appearance of lines
Let’s talk about this Cool Glow Cheek Tint…
It’s a water based gel formula that helps to sculpt and define your cheeks. The colour is perfect for a natural look. I love how the little pot has a net, less fall out (just in case) and allows you to get the right amount for application. Because we all know some of us get super make-up happy!
Colour: Berry Rush Price: $34.00
Comes in 4 shades Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, apple, watermelon and lentil extracts that will instantly hydrate and smooth out cheeks
Wu Zu plant: Boosts radiance
Ceramides, Vitamins C/D/E and Mushroom extract: Supports skin’s natural collagen for a firmer look
Water soluble pigments
Fucogel and liquid plolymers: adheres to skin better and helps lock in colour
There are lots of great ingredients in these products. I love when make-up has dual benefits. You can find this collection at Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson’s Bay or London Drugs.
Summer is coming to an end and now it’s time to prepare for Fall/Winter and even more exciting, the holidays! Here’s a sneak peek that you may have also seen via my Instagram stories, of the ACI Brands: Fall and Holiday Collections for 2017.
KORRES
ACI Brands: Fall and Holiday Collections
Greek Yoghurt Under Eye Priming Moisturiser is new in-stores this month. This is combining the best of make-up and best of skincare without any silicone. This lightweight priming moisturizer has 26% Greek Yoghurt proteins to plump and strengthen your skin for perfectly smooth makeup application and all-day wear. <Learn more>
BEAUTY HACK:After applying to the under eye you can take a little and add it to your dry lips. By the time you’re done your make-up, you’ll have smooth lips for an even lipstick application.
The Wild Rose Brightening Smoothie Priming Moisturiser will be in store this September! This beautiful smoothie moisturiser has turmeric! Heavily an anti-inflammatory and major antioxidant for anti-aging. Also amazing to work as a brightening agent. Great for scarring, dark spots etc. The white willow bark is great for tightening pores, clear the pores, refine texture and to get that congestion out of the skin. The vegetable powder in this sits on top of the skin and keeps make-up on all day and as your skin produces oils and sweat, it will absorb it! Matifying your skin. Excellent all day wear with the benefit of moisturizing.
Holiday Korres Gift Ideas
in-stores October 2017in-stores September 2017
STILA
There’s a colour for everyone in this foundation and concealer combo. Where’s the concealer? Pop the top! This is going to be awesome for traveling with. Two in one combinations are my favourite!
Holiday Stila Gift Ideas
I love these beautiful kits! You can choose from lip or eye combos. And some of these are small enough to work as stocking stuffers! Yes I know it’s just the end of the summer. But it’s always good to prepare ahead of time. Last minute shopping sucks.
Clean EDT
I love Clean fragrance for exactly what the name stands for. Beautiful clean scents that you can relate too. That everyone could relate to with a special memory. I always wanted someone to come up with a fragrance where they could bottle the after smell of rain fall. They did it! Below are all available in stores.
How cute is this holiday gift set by Paul & Joe? I love the cat lipstick, blush and that cat bag! Paul & Joe did a wonderful job once again, sneaking in their love for cats into their products.
Below is there first skincare product! How exciting! It’s a foundation primer + serum. Leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and has a little gold flecks in it. Honestly, reminds me of Guerlain’s d’or primer but this one smells a lot nicer!
in-stores November 2017NEW Hand Cream
Introducing the limited edition make-up collection:
NEW Sekkisei – Japanese 5 Step Program
I love Japanese skincare. Here’s a new line that I started using. I can’t wait to share the results with you all in a month or so. This will be in stores October 2017.
During my years as a beauty adviser at Shoppers Drug Mart, Boots No7 skincare was that one skincare brand that amazed me at the amount we sold, so quickly. A new brand to the store and it could barely stay on the shelves. It was the one product for months selling super fast. I wanted to try it so badly but at that time my young skin didn’t need it. I would try the tester on my hands to get a feel for the texture. Absorbed quickly, felt light and according to customer reviews: promised results that could be seen right away. Now fast forward to this month when I got invited to try the new advanced serums. Even better, now I’m at the age where I could use the products and see for myself the magic that awaits in these serums.
No7 RESTORE & RENEW – FACE AND NECK SERUM
The 30 ml face and neck serum is for $36.00 and available this September at Shoppers Drug Mart.
One of my concerns at the moment are the faint lines I’m starting to see on my neck. It’s only been a few weeks of using this product and I must say I am already seeing results. The first time I put it on there was instant radiance boost action going on in my neck area. I’m satisfied with the results so far. Looks like there will be a before and after for this one, since the results will be mind blowing.
#DidyouKnow that the 3rd greatest concern for women is the face and neck firmness and texture?
This serum has ‘building block technology. You’re wondering what kind of technology must this be. Let’s dive in!
There’s a protein strengthening ingredient known as Matrixyl 3000 plus complex. The new restore and renew serum has an extra complex. Calcium Amino Acids and ceramides. These ingredients target skin fragility and neck wrinkles.
Key Ingredients:
Matrixyl 3000+ Vitamin A Hibiscus Seed Extract Hyaluronic Acid Calcium Amino Acids and Ceramides Lightening technology: Sophora, Indian Gooseberry, Vitamin C and Gluconolactone
No7 PROTECT & PERFECT INTENSE – ADVANCED SERUM
It’s back and it’s even better! Didn’t think that was possible since it was already so awesome, but here it is!
No7’s super popular Protect & Perfect Intense technology has been re-engineered to deliver even better anti-aging results. This serum has Matrixyl 3000 Plus™, which is Matrixyl plus and a next generation peptide that works together to help restore more youthful skin.
