We all have a cute monster slumbering in us. What if we liberated it. Be free, and transform into whatever it is that helps you express yourself. Nina Ricci teams up with two Brazilian artists to create this innovative new scent and look to their classic apple bottle fragrance. I found this launch super nostalgic. I actually remember whenever Nina Ricci would launch a new apple bottle fragrance, I’d be so excited to smell it. Every single one she has created has been amazing! These two are by far the coolest. Very different from the usual route she takes with keeping everything dainty and sweet. Luna and Nina are playful fragrances, that I’m sure anyone at any age could relate too.
#FREETHEMONSTER – LES MONSTRES DE NINA RICCI
I had the pleasure of learning about these fragrances before they hit the market mid-April. You can find these little monsters at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques, The Hudson Bay and Sephora.ca.
There are two little monsters. Luna and the other is Nina. After smelling both fragrances, I can assure you I’m into Nina.
Nina has notes of sparkling pear, enrobed with candyfloss.
Luna has been transformed into a juicy pineapple and infused with lime.
Both are beautiful scents and honestly, have my mouth watering.
Holiday shopping is a huge task for those who feel like their list is never-ending. I love shopping for gifts but only if I have a game plan and know exactly what to get everyone. This year my gift guide is going to be easy to navigate through and I hope it helps cover everyone on your list! Happy holiday shopping!
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So many beautiful sets and the best part is that you can try all the mini versions of your favourite products. My favourite liquid shimmer eyeshadow in Stila is Kitten Karma and favourite lipstick gloss is Patina. But now with these sets, I was able to find other ones that I really love! Check them out at Shoppers Drug Mart:
CLICKimage or link below to view these gift sets close-up!
I love burts bees products because of all the lovely ingredients that are found in them. There are lots of gift set options for burts bees! You’ll see them all around Shoppers Drug Mart in sets for lip balms and skin care. For your bee lover friends or those who love to be au natural (unisex) check these out:
Price: Starting at $14
3. QUO ARTISAN BRUSH SET
I can see this set flying off the shelves! This brush set is trending with beauty product lovers everywhere! It’s amazing for blending and contouring and the finish you get with applying makeup with these brushes is professional. At shoppers drug mart. I’ll be doing a video of these brushes because they’re so cool! Keep an eye out for it.
These awesome nail polishes are breathable and don’t have any of those harmful ingredients that you can find in more nail polishes. I love the mini nail polish set! Perfect taster for the person you’re not sure what colours they’d like. A personal favourite is the lighter colours. There’s also an advent calendar!
Price: $16.00 – $40.00
5. QUO GIFT SETS
There are so many Quo gift sets to choose from. They have great eyeshadow palettes, lip gloss, and lipstick sets as well. The price is always right with Quo and the quality is perfect. For more details and close-ups of some sets, click the below link.
This gift set comes with an amazing cleanser, face scrub, and lip balm. All for someone with any skin type. Also for the artsy gal, pencil crayons to colour the box with. So cute! You can find all of these sets at Sephora.
FRESH LIP BALM SETS
$30 FOR 3 (VALUE OF $44)$30 FOR 3 (VALUE OF $44)
7. RODIAL
I love their skincare line. This is not only a great gift set to give as a gift, but if you’ve never tried the brand before, this is a great way to try a routine. Also, cheaper than buying the items separately.
FRAGRANCE
8. FOR HIM OR HER FRAGRANCE GIFT SET
These fragrance sets are perfect if you have no clue what fragrance to get! There are deluxe sample sizes of 7 fragrances in the box for you to try and a certificate to use toward a full-size fragrance, the one you liked out of the 7. That’s a pretty great deal and experience if you ask me. These sets are exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart.
Price: $99 (To redeem full size)
There’s also a Fragrance Sampler for $85 which includes 10 mini samples and the certificate to redeem full size. See below images:
STOCKING STUFFERS
9. AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER SPRAY
There are many different sizes of this multi-purpose spray and the smallest size that retails for around $7 is perfect as a stocking stuffer.
Price: Starting at $7
10. QUO HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS
You can buy a beauty blender or lip gloss ready to hang on your Christmas tree!
Price: $5-8
11. QUO COSMETIC CRACKERS
These are great stocking stuffers or perfect to place at your table setting for the ladies. Spoiler alert: each one has a mini gloss inside!
Price: $15
Gift Guide For Everyone
GIFTS FOR HIM
TECH
12. SONY BASS PORTABLE SPEAKER
I gave this to my husband and he loves it! Ever since seeing him use this so much, I knew instantly this should be a must-have in my gift guide. He’s been using it to listen to podcasts off his phone. Especially when he needs the extra volume with the kids playing nearby. I’ve had many portable speakers before and this is definitely the best one. You can find this at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Price: $50
SKINCARE
13. WILL
They have an amazing deodorantand awesome products any guy will love.
14. KIEHLS
I havenèt met anyone who has said they didn’t like Kiehls. Check out these skincare products for men and make him a gift basket!
GIFTS FOR CHILDREN
15. LULUJO BLANKETS
I love their blankets. They’re the light ones and then ones for taking milestone pictures. Check this one out: here
Price: $12 and up
16. FISHER PRICE
My kids love all of their fisher price toys! And now Shoppers Drug Mart has them too! You can find beat bo there. Popular dancing robot.
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These teethers are not only super cute but they really help with your teething baby. I have the little milk bottle.
18. CUDDLE+KIND
One of my favourite gift guide recommendations. A gift not only for the person you’re giving this too but it also feeds hungry children. 1 doll =10 meals.
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.
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.
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.
My hair has literally gone from thick to thin and thick again in the last 4 years. I am loving my hair right now! It’s been through so much but its finally at a place where I love it. Pregnancy and post pregnancy can really take a toll on the health of your hair. This month I was invited to Medulla & Co, a hair salon in Yorkville, to discuss KerMax hair products.
KerMax Hair Event
I had a chance to sit with Dr. Michael Carozza, a naturopathic doctor and the beautiful Grego Minot. She’s a Canadian TV personality, and many of you will recognize her from the show The Real Housewives of Toronto. She is even more sweeter and beautiful in person. For those of you who missed my instagram story for that day, she spoke about her hair experience after pregnancy. She also talked about how KerMax hair products are working for her. Giving her healthy and fuller hair. Especially after losing so much after having her baby.
After our talk about the product I was treated to an amazing blow out with the KerMax products. I love how light my hair felt with the product in it. Most of the time when I use hair products to do blow outs or to style my hair, I’m left with either sticky or heavy feeling hair. Happy to say, not with KerMax products.
One of the questions I asked Dr. Michael was about the sodium laureth sulfate in some of the products. Over the years I’ve been doing research on best practices to keep hair healthy and what kind of ingredients to stay away from. Some articles and research say that sulfates is something to avoid in your hair and parabens. However, some also say that it’s just a lathering agent and it has no harsh effects on the health of your hair. Dr. Michael made a good point that if I were to use this product and it had no lathering agent, would I have thought it was still cleaning my hair or would I be skeptical of it? So true! I definitely need my shampoo and conditioner to lather up.
I love that the KerMax products have no parabens and they have products you can use while styling your hair. The Volumizing Shampoo ($24.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart)has a combination of peptide amino acids and concentrated organic pea sprouts to help fine, thinning hair appear fuller and thicker. The Volumizing Conditioner won’t clog scalp or weigh hair down. It also improves detangling to prevent hair thinning caused by brushing.
The Styling Mousse ($24.99) adds body and strengthens damaged hair, while giving your hair an ultimate volume boost.
There are two treatment products in the KerMax hair line. The Essential Day Foam and the Thickening Hair Serum ($49.99 each). These products are formulated with KerGro 3X-a™. A biocomplex of fruit stem cells, peptide amino acids and botanical extracts. I’m going to start using these products and will report back on the results. Follow along on Instagram for updates!
Have you ever tried Life Brand products? You can find them at Shoppers Drug Mart in the beauty section of the store. Some of you may already know, but I first job at 16, was at Shoppers Drug Mart in cosmetics. I applied for a cashier role and my luck they were looking for someone in cosmetics and were ready to train me. Over the years I attended seminars, classes, did tests and learnt so much about the cosmetics industry. I am forever grateful to this day for that first job opportunity that got me where I am today. Thank you Frances.
Quick Spa Treatment at Home with Life Brand Skincare
I’ve seen Life Brand grow for over a decade in terms of the products they’ve come out with and the quality of it has always been amazing. It just gets better and better over the years. When you enter a Shoppers Drug Mart, look for the Life Brand masks section. It is usually at the end of an aisle and has all the sheet/no sheet masks. Rows of it! One for every skin type and need. I’ve used so many of them before, so the ones in the images I gave to my best friend to try. She just had a baby so I thought, I’ve brought stuff for the baby, but mama needs some loving too.
Multi-masking is a great way to cater to different problem areas. Dry cheeks, oily forehead and dull skin. Buy a packet for each of those areas, apply it and anything extra left over I usually put it a ziplock bag to use in a few days. These single use masks are affordable and a great opportunity to try different ones without breaking the bank. These masks vary in prices between $1.99-$4.99. (And this is why I’ve tried almost all of them!)
Whenever I go to my mom’s house, as soon as I get there I like to freshen up by washing my face and changing my clothes. Especially if I’ve come over from a long day of walking outdoors. She always keeps the Life Brand charcoal cleanser($6.99) in her guest washroom. I absolutely love it! Every time I use it I always tell myself I need to buy it for me to use at home and I always forget. Actually, I remembered one time and checked at a Shoppers Drug Mart and it was sold out.
Putting it on my to do list because it’s so awesome! Leaves your skin glowing, feeling clean and over time you’ll see less blackheads/whiteheads. I had never trip the nose and face strips before, because I can count how many blackheads I have. Like one or two. I tried this one and so much better than other brands I’ve tried before from magazine samplings etc. This one leaves that area brighter and you can actually see the stuff stripped out! A box of only nose strips is $8.99 and one with face strips as well is $13.99.
Spa Pedicure treatment at home:
This foot mask is incredible! Inside this packet there’s another packet that holds the magic liquid that will transform your feet into baby soft skin and two plastic bag like socks. You pour the liquid into each sock and you keep it on for 20 minutes. After washing my feet, I didn’t notice anything really. Then I read the packet and it said wait to see results between 3-7 days and to repeat after 2-3 weeks. So I waited. And OMG. On the 3rd day I had dead skin coming off my feet from places I never even knew that it was dead skin waiting to be shed. It transformed my feet into butter soft feet, better than any pedicure I’ve ever gotten. I actually went out and bought more packets. For my mom, mother in law, husband and more for myself. This is a MUST TRY! It’s only $4.99.
For years I struggled with acne and had the worse kind. I tried so many different products and formulations. The one ingredient that worked the best was benzoyl peroxide and Life Brand’s new Clear Action Active Anti-Acne Treatment Kit has it! It’s only $19.99 and has everything you need to get started on your new anti-acne routine.
Here’s your chance to WIN a treatment kit + a Life Brand charcoal pack on Twitter:
You may have seen the womens necktie at Zara(Which was first $20, then $10 and now on sale for $3.99), magazines and dare I say, the Kardashians. Aside from those places, I’m sure if you asked your mom, aunt and any working woman from the 70’s/80’s, she’ll tell you that the womens necktie is a spin off of the pussy bow blouse. So these ties we’re rocking in 2015/16, are really a tribute to the boss ladies of the 80’s. Nice.Check out the documentary – Makers: Women Who Make America, a three-hour documentary on the history of modern feminism that aired on PBS. Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett-Packard said:
“We used to dress in suits with a skirt and a jacket with button-down shirts and a little bow tie, because that was sort of our interpretation of the man’s tie…It was our attempt to be feminine but fit into what was then a male world.”
Now, here are 5 ways to wear a womens necktie:
Straight like a man
Under any button up collar shirt this looks exactly like a regular tie for men. Skinny tie actually.
2. Tie it in a bow Style it this way with pretty much anything!
3. Wear it like a choker
Wearing it like a choker is a statement look. It looks best with a dress that has less fabric at the top. Whether it’s strapless, sleeveless or boat neck. You can get fancy by tying it in a bow at the back. (This is my favourite!)
4. Keep it loose
5. To the side
Wear it to the side with a blouse or a dress.
The necktie worn above was made by my talented friend Sharadha Ramjit. You should check out her blog post where she rocks the necktie and some of her other beautiful creations! *GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT* I’ve teamed up with Sweet Shard to giveaway a necktie and I’m throwing in a Shoppers Drug Mart gift card for $50 so you can finish the look with new beauty products! Head over to my instagram and follow the instructions on how to enter to win. Good luck!
I was invited to a VIP dinner in October to celebrate the launch of Givenchys’ newest perfume: Live Irresistible! I love this scent and the bottle is simply gorgeous! 😍 I have some of the other Givenchy perfumes like hot couture. So the shape and size of the bottle I’m familiar with.
Held at the Arcadian Lofts downtown, our awesome host was Dave Lackie. I live tweeted the event, so those of you who follow me on Twitter or snapchat got to see exactly how beautiful the dinner was. This was also a great opportunity to meet other bloggers like Maria from best day blogger. She also vlogged about the event, watch here.
Appetizers and dinner was catered by O&B, so you can imagine the food was delicious! The fragrance is now available at The Bay or Shoppers Drug Mart.
Givenchy Live Irresistible
Spray too much perfume? Alcohol or witch hazel dabbed on the wrist will remove excess fragrance. — dave lackie (@davelackie) November 9, 2015
The Scent: Top notes: pineapple and rose petal Heart notes: roses and pepper Base notes: amber and musk A live Twitter feed was fitting for a dinner with so many social media influencers in one room! It was definitely challenging to network and then live tweet the event but I think I managed to find a balance. Patrick Reynolds from Cityline was at the dinner interviewing guests and in the above picture, Dave Lackie. Decor had touches of rose and pink!
These masks vary in prices between $1.99-$4.99. (And this is why I’ve tried almost all of them!)
Here’s your chance to WIN a treatment kit + a Life Brand charcoal pack on Twitter:
Decor had touches of rose and pink! 
