New Year's Resolutions

Everyone makes them, but do we actually stick to them?  That is the question...

Here is a list of my New Year's Resolutions!

1. Make more time for ME!  I am so busy with school and work that I find it challenging to do anything "for fun" without feeling guilty.  So this semester I am only taking 3 courses instead of 5, this way I will have more time to do the things I want to do :)
2. Get back to the gym!  I was going every other day for 1-2 hours and it was incredible!  Then school got in the way and I only went once a week ... BAD!!!
3. Start a youtube channel; well I have the account started already, but I would like to start making videos!
4. Save up enough money to buy a car!  I have a feeling that 2011 is the year for me to actually go buy my own car hehehe
5. Do more research on LASIK eye surgery
6. Vow to drink more water daily!
7. Stop and smell the roses more often... I find that sometimes I wake up wondering where the last week has gone!  I dont want to miss anything in life, so I want to slow down a bit and really absorb what is happening around me
8. Work with a few more charities in the Region and make a difference in 2011. 
9. Cut out coffee entirely
10. Take a photography course once school is done

There we have it... those are 10 of the many things I want to accomplish in 2011!  I hope you all have a safe and fun New Year's Eve wherever you are in the world :)

Cheers!

Synergy Esthetics

Hey everyone!

Here we go!  I have finally gotten a chance to do a post about Synergy!  I have gone to Synergy a few times now to get my nails done and I have been quite happy with the results!  I have done the gel nails (biosculpture) which allow my nails to grow and get stronger as well as look fabulous for two weeks, no chips! 

The first few times I had them done I had them add length to my nails, but the last two times I just had Cindy add the gel over my own nails, no added length.  The gel nails just soak off, no need for those electric buffers.  Just your normal manicure tools! 

The last time I went in I got a french manicure done on my nails and I was very happy with the look!  Sadly, they did chip :(  It started with my right index finger and then the right ring finger and now its the right middle finger!  So I have three chipped nails...  I think 2 of them chipped within the "2 Week" period, so I guess one of the chips which happened after, is acceptable ha ha ha.  I have a feeling that it only chipped because it was the french manicure... I think because the white at the bottom is slightly thicker than the rest of the nail it can get caught on things a little easier... Again, this is just my idea! 

I really enjoy these nails as I am able to do what I need without worrying about my polish chipping for about two weeks.  They look great and are rather affordable! 

Check out their website for more information or to book an appointment!

Synergy Esthetics

Deeva Hair

Hey everyone!

I thought I would do a post about the place I go to get my hair done!

Deeva Hair in Kitchener

Their Vision: "We are led by award-winning stylist, Dee Fortier; we strive to set new standards of excellence to bring you the latest techniques and offer you the ultimate experience in the services we provide. We believe that if you look good, you will feel good. We're here to make that happen"

Their Mission: "To integrate the highest level of technical and social skills and to exceed every expectation in providing our guests with unparalleled service and the ultimate in beauty and balance"

About Deeva Hair: "Deeva was established by Dee Fortier in 1995 after working for fifteen years as a stylist and salon trainer in Kitchener, Ontario. Dee's vision is to make Deeva a destination salon where clients expect, and get, superior technical hair design and outstanding personal attention.

Dee has accomplished that vision. Yet, as someone who never stands still, she is constantly in search of fresh ideas and ways to improve the skills and care she brings to clients.

"Learning is not a destination but a never ending process," has become her driving motto. Dee has hand picked a group of people who aspire to a similar level of professional excellence and creativity to create the Deeva Hair team"


Dee cuts my hair and Shereen does my colour/highlights.  I don't know where I would be without these two ladies!  They keep me beautiful!  It is a very professional atmosphere but certainly not a snobby place.  You are made to feel like family and you can trust that you are in good hands!  The air is filled with laughter and creativity!  They are award winning for a reason!  So if you are looking for a place to get your hair done and you are from the Kitchener-Waterloo-cambridge area, you need to give this place a try! :)


Check out their website!

Here is their contact information too:

Address:
Deeva Hair
83 Weber Street East
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
N2H 1C6

Phone: 519-744-7046

NARS HAUL!

Here it is my friends!

NARS Albatross: (left swatch on my hand)

Amazing highlight!  I absolutely adore this stuff.  It is a gorgeous shimmery ivory gold highlight.  The shimmer is very fine so there are no chunky glittery bits, just a gorgeous glow!  When applied it seems to just blend into the skin; it won’t leave you looking like you just applied highlight.  It is great for a brow highlight, cheeks, collar bones etc.  Great stuff!

NARS Strada Shadow: (right swatch on my hand)

This colour is beautiful!  It is a velvety purple with gold shimmer in it.  The shimmer, like in the Albatross, is finely milled so it isn’t like “WOW THAT’S GLITTERY” ... it’s more of a “catch your eye in the sunlight” gorgeousness!  It is highly pigmented and a little tricky to work with; I don’t recommend this as your first purple shadow if you haven’t played around with colour before.  It takes a little work to get it right!  Don’t be afraid of it though, you just have to practice!  I also wouldn’t use this colour with a bunch of colours... It is gorgeous on its own with a highlight.  It is a little on the pricey side, but hey, it’s NARS and the payoff is incredible AND there is a ton in the pan so you will be able to use it looooooooong time!

NARS Little Darling Lipstick: (right swatch on my hand)

I love a nude mouth and have been on the search for a nude lipstick that looked GOOD and didn’t make me look like I just put foundation on my lips.  This is it!  The colour is a nude beige and it’s buttery and beautiful!  It is sheer enough to allow some of your natural lip colour through but is easily darkened up a bit by applying a second coat!  I also like to put ORGASM lip gloss on over top!

NARS Orgasm Lip Gloss: (left swatch on my hand)

Love at first sight... it is just as incredible as the blush!  Pinky, peachy, gold!  I love it!  It is glossy but not sticky.  It is dreamy :)  Every girl needs to go buy one now!  I find because of the mix of pinks and golds and peaches it works well with a variety of skin tones.  Love love love!

Picture of everything:

Christmas Cupcakes!

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to share a picture with you of the cupcakes I made and decorated this evening! 

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate!

Cupcakes and Bailey's,
Kayla

NARS HAULLLLLLLL

Hey everyone!

I am off to go get my hair done today but when I get home I will be baking and writing my post about my big NARS haul!

Stay tuned :)

Tinted Moisturizer

Hey everyone!

I had someone ask about tinted moisturizers and I was thinking about it and realized that purchasing a tinted moisturizer is not necessary if you already have a good moisturizer and a foundation that you like!  This morning I mixed a tiny bit of moisturizer and foundation together and the results were fantastic!  This way I was able to control how much coverage/sheerness I wanted! 

I will still look for a few tinted moisturizers for you but I just thought I would let you know about my preference! :)

Contest Cancelled

Sadly I did not receive any responses to my contest :(  Only 10 views!  We'll try again another time.

Perfection Does Not Exist

This blog post was inspired by Kandee Johnson's post about perfection...

Every day we are blasted with perfectly airbrushed and photo shopped models covering the front pages of magazines and plastered on the sides of city buses.  We are part of a society that places so much value on perfection and I just wanted to say that perfection is over rated and unattainable!  If we look at those models in the magazines, they are all terribly thin and the unsuspecting teenage girl or boy (or even adults for that matter) will be fooled into thinking that is what the model ACTUALLY looks like.  Here are a few statistics to show just how much weight and image issues affect our youth:

According to a 2002 survey, 28% of girls in grade nine and 29% in grade ten engaged in weight-loss behaviours.
Boyce, W. F. (2004). Young people in Canada: their health and well-being. Ottawa, Ontario: Health Canada

Thirty-seven percent of girls in grade nine and 40% in grade ten perceived themselves as too fat. Even among students of normal-weight (based on BMI), 19% believed that they were too fat, and 12% of students reported attempting to lose weight.
Boyce, W. F., King, M. A. & Roche, J. (2008). Healthy Living and Healthy Weight. In Healthy Settings for Young People in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/yjc/pdf/youth-jeunes-eng.pdf.

In a survey of adolescents in grades 7-12, 30% of girls and 25% of boys reported teasing by peers about their weight. Such teasing has been found to persist in the home as well - 29% of girls and 16% of boys reported having been teased by a family member about their weight.
Eisenberg, M. E. & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2003). Associations of Weight-Based Teasing and Emotional Well-Being Among Adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 157(6), 733-738.

These statistics show that we need to place more emphasis on attainable things in life... Not looking like the models on the covers of magazines... because let’s face it; those models do not even look like that in real life!  They have cellulite and stretch marks and all of the same imperfections we all have.  I hope that one day we can move past this fascination with “PERFECTION” and realize that it is our differences and unique qualities that make each and every one of us special and important.  Wouldn’t it be boring if we all looked the same? 

The next time you think about telling somebody that they look nice or their hair is pretty, stop yourself and think about how you can compliment something more important... Compliment their kindness, their awesome goal during last Saturday’s hockey game, or their dedication to a goal they are trying to achieve :)

Coach!

Hey everyone!

I did a little shopping for myself at Coach!  I thought I would share the things I bought, with you!

Poppy Enamel Bow Ring (in white and navy)
~ This is a gorgeous little ring!  I love it!  It is so cute :)

POPPY SEQUINS DISCO BAG (in red)
~ I adore this swingpack!  It is sparkly and fun!  Also the red is festive! :)

Yay Christmas :)
xoxo
Kayla

Makeup Primers!

Hello everyone! 

Makeup primers are very important as they prep your skin before you apply foundation!  It is just like painting a wall, you prime it first, right? :)  I thought would give you a list of a few I have tried as well as my thoughts on each!

A note to begin with...

If you feel like your skin is suffocating under your primer, you are probably using a silicone-based primer... Smashbox and Sephora both carry silicone-based primers that are great but they can feel heavy and greasy.  Therefore, if that sounds like what you are dealing with, you might want to try a different kind!

1)     NARS:

“Soothes and prepares skin with natural botanicals and vitamins while creating a protective base for longer-lasting, natural looking foundation application and wear. The airy, lightweight oil-free gel cream formulation helps reduce redness and inflammation while increasing hydration. Worn under foundation, powder or alone, the result is translucent, healthy looking skin.

·         Includes Echinacea, Grape Extract, Green Tree Extract, Kiwi Extract & Lavender Extract

·         No silicone, no oil, no synthetic fragrance

·         Makeup won’t breakup and separate"

My personal opinion is that this is a fantastic lightweight primer!  It does the job and feels great on my skin.  It is moisturizing and smells great!  The fact that it is OIL FREE is amazing!  That means it will not clog your delicate pores!

2)     STILA - One Step Correct:

“Swirl your way to perfect skin in one step! This innovative, triple-swirled helix serum instantly color corrects, brightens and covers skin imperfections for a flawless face with no fuss.

This primer, color corrector, brightener and anti-aging skincare serum does it all with the help of Stila's Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex™:
Magician
Instantly makes imperfections disappear
Multitasker
Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, pores and pigmentation
Miracle Worker
Hydrates, controls oil and improves skin texture

The revolutionary new product contains 3 color-correcting brighteners:

• Green tone instantly neutralizes redness and conceals blemishes
• Lavender tone counteracts sallow undertones for a vibrant, energized look
• Peach tone brightens, illuminates and helps diminish the appearance of sun spots

The weightless, creamy formula blends imperceptibly into skin and will not clog pores or settle into fine lines … so all anyone will notice is your perfectly flawless skin!”

I just started using this one, I was given a sample to test it out, so I do not have a whole to say about it yet as I have only used it twice.  I do, however, like the fact that it has the three different tones to help correct different colours on your skin!  It also feels great, looks ugly when you squirt it out of the bottle, but feels great J

3)     MAC – Prep + Prime Skin:

“An ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil, and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder.”

I am not a huge fan of this one... It has a sparkly effect to it so I find it a little inappropriate sometimes.  In addition, it is silicone based so it is a little heavier.  This was the first primer I had ever worked with so it did the job well until I discovered others that I enjoyed more :)

Let me know if you want a few more options and I can review them for you!

~ Kayla

Dec 11-21

Hey everyone!

Dec 11-21 is my exam schedule so I will be busy studying and writing exams... So forgive me for the lack of posts during this time!  I am sure you are all dealing with the same thing or doing Christmas stuff anyway!

Things to look forward to:

- A post about my biosculpture gel coloured nails
- Pedicures for both Nancy and I at Syngery Esthetics... Cindy Fraser is such a kind woman who offered to give Nancy and I pedicures to make up for the ones we thought we were going to receive with the Mary Kay experience!  How sweet?!  It is people like her who make this world a beautiful place :)
- More about Synergy Esthetics and all that they offer! 

Here is a link to their website!

Click here: Synergy Esthetics

If you are also writing exams during the next few weeks I wish you good luck :)

Ciao for now!

All Around the World

Hello everyone!

This month we have had a huge increase in viewers and from all over the world!  I just wanted to say a big hello and thank you to my viewers in:

CANADA

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

INDIA

DENMARK

FRANCE

SINGAPORE

GERMANY

SPAIN

CROATIA

Hello to all of you and thank you so much for checking out my blog! 

Please don’t forget to follow my blog and follow me on twitter!!

Lots of love and appreciation,

Kayla

Chanel and Sephora Haul!

Chanel Mat Lumiere

Amazing foundation!  I absolutely adore this stuff.  It is mattifying but also leaves you with a healthy glow!  It goes on beautifully and lasts all day!  I prefer to use it with primer and powder to make sure it sets well and lasts until I want to take it off.  I use #05 – Faience

Chanel Les 4 Ombres in #08 – Vanites

Love this eye shadow quad!  The colours are fantastic and rather pigmented for Chanel shadows (sometimes they can be hard to get a good pay off).  The colours are very versatile; you can smoke it up for evening!  Love it!

Make Up For Ever – HD Blush

I like this blush... I don’t love it but it’s nice.  I wouldn’t purchase the full sized product though.  It is just a little complicated to work with at times. 

NARS Orgasm Illuminator

Ugh... this was such a letdown!  I love the NARS Orgasm Blush and I am obsessed!  It is my fave blush!  So I had high hopes for this product but I have shoved it to the back of my makeup shelf...  It just doesn’t do anything for my skin unless I use it on bare skin and go without make up... So I guess I like it for going grocery shopping!

Urban Decay Lash Primer

AMAZING!  It has tiny fibres that thicken your lashes and your mascara really sticks to it!  Not to mention, it also helps hold the curl in your lashes if you curl them!  Love it!

MAC Sale!

My MAC Adventure!

Hello everyone! 

Today my friend Nancy and I got up super early (like 5am lol) and got ourselves some Tim Hortons and hit the road!  We were heading to the Markham Fairgrounds to attend the MAC Makeup Sale!  We were both very excited :)  The line up was insane but thankfully, because we were there so early, we were able to move inside quickly and wait in there!  There was drama and yelling and a little hair pulling lol but we managed to get through in unscathed!  Once they let us into the 3 sale rooms we just went for it!  Imagine hundreds of women flocking toward $12 compacts and $10 eye shadows lol!  Friday was the first day of the sale and they certainly made a dent in the stock.  There were specific eye shadows and lip glosses I wanted to pick up but they were nowhere to be found!  I did have a lot of time so I was able to shop around, with my elbows up :), and find some great stuff!  So, here is a list of the items I purchased today!

A Tartan Tale Eye Shadow in “Golden Crown”

Retail: $23.50

Sale: Included in the Breast Cancer Awareness Loot Bag for $10!

Mineralize Skin Finish in “Redhead”

Retail: $33.50

Sale: $15

Eye Shadow X4 in “Photo Realism”

Retail: $36

Sale: $25

Mineralize Blush in “Daft Pink”

Retail: $25

Sale: $12

Paint Pot in “Cash Flow”

Retail: $20

Sale: $12

Lipglass in “Corsette”

Retail: $ 17.50

Sale: Included in the Breast Cancer Awareness Loot Bag for $10!

Eye Shadow in “Hypnotizing”

Retail: $17.50

Sale: $10

Lustre Lipglass in “Surprise Me”

Retail: $17.50

Sale: Included in the Breast Cancer Awareness Loot Bag for $10!

Glitter in “White Gold”

Retail: $23.50

Sale: Included in the Breast Cancer Awareness Loot Bag for $10!

Beauty Powder Blush in “Eversun”

Retail: $22.50

Sale: Included in the Breast Cancer Awareness Loot Bag for $10!

Impeccable Brow Pencil in “Taupe”

Retail: $18

Sale: Included in the Breast Cancer Awareness Loot Bag for $10!

I love everything I picked up!  I can't wait to use them!

HAUL, HAUL, HAUL!

Hey everyone! 

I will be attending the MAC Warehouse Sale in Markham this Saturday so you can expect a big huge massive haul blog!  Maybe even a video!  I figured that since I will be doing a haul anyway, I will combine my Sephora & Chanel haul with my big MAC one :)  I am so excited!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and check back soon for my big haul!

xoxox

Mary Kay Cosmetics: REVIEW

Hey guys!

So last night I went to a MKC Consultants home for a foot spa experience and here are my thoughts on the products and the experience.

I will be completely honest with my review... I will always promise you that!

I was not impressed.  I was expecting a spa like experience and what I received was far from that.  When setting up this appointment I was under the impression I was getting more of a pedicure experience but when we arrived at the house we were told she wouldn't be touching our feet as it wasn't her thing.  So we used the scrubs and creams on our own.  This would have been acceptable if that is how it was marketed to me.  I can rub cream on my feet at home with my own products; nothing 'spa like' about that.

The products smelled nice while applying them and seemed to moisturize well but after 30 minutes my hands felt dry and itchy.  Maybe too many additives?

I have pictures of products and can do a full review on them if anyone is interested but I really wasnt impressed with anything so unless anyone wants more information on Mary Kay, I think I will just move on :)

I would like to thank Gloria for her time and opening up her home to us. 

Please remember that I am just giving my personal opinion... You might absolutely LOVE MKC and don't understand what I am talking about here.  That is just fine :) I am quite loyal to my Clinique and Chanel face products and Bath & Body Works body lotions so I will just stick with those!

Have a great day everyone and do let me know if you want to see more about these products!

Magnetic palettes!

Hey guys!

I was looking around for some empty magnetic palettes and remembered Kandee Johnson talking about Z Palettes so I went to their website and was disappointed by their S&H fees!  It was $12 for the cheapest option which did not include any insurance or even a tracking number... That just didnt work for me!  So I have decided to make some palettes on my own! 

Let me know if you are interested in seeing a tutorial on how to make your own magnetic empty palette!  If you are interested in seeing this please leave a comment on this blog post :)

If there is enough interest I might consider making them and selling them to you guys!

I also smell a contest coming soon :) Who would want to win a palette?!

Let me know if you guys are interested!

xoxox

TAG: What's in my purse?

Hey guys!  I thought I would do this TAG and show you what I carry in my purse daily!

(My Coach Purse)

* Coach Wallet

* Hello Kitty Bandaid

* Chanel #58 lipgloss, NARS Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, NARS Pillow Talk lipgloss, and MAC lipglass in Viva Glam VI

* Lush Snow Fairy Lip tint

* Visine for dry eyes - Contact Lens

* Couture Couture by Juicy Couture

* MAC Fix +

* Tic Tacs, gum, and Starbucks mints

* Compact mirror



So, what's in your purse?

I have been a busy bee!

Hey guys!

I just wanted to write a quick message to you all and apologize for slacking off on the blogging!  I have been so busy with school and work stuff that I just havent had a moments peace!

I have managed to do some serious shopping though :) I was in Toronto Wednesday and  then did some local shopping too so I will have a big Sephora/Shoppers Boutique haul for you guys!! <3

At this point I am still just shownig things that I enjoy or think about but if you guys can send me any questions or things you want to know more about that would make it a lot easier for me to come up with more blog posts!  Also, don't forget to share the love and tell your friends about my blog... The more people who comment or give suggestions, the better!!

So stay tuned for my haul and all that good stuff!  I would like to do a contest but I need more subscribers before I can do one...

xoxox

Bath & Body Works CANDLES!

I love love love candles and I just picked up two amazing ones!  The first is "Homemade Cookies" and it smells exactly like that!  I have been burning this candle for a few hours now and it smells fantastic :) It is making me hungry!  The scent is inviting, not too strong or overpowering.  The candle also burns evenly as it has 3 wicks!  5/5 :)  Go pick one up today! 

The second candle is called mint chocolate... it smells like an After Eight chocolate!  I  haven't burned that one yet but I can't wait to try it out!  Just from the smell alone I am going to give it a 5/5 too!  I know it will burn the same as the first one because it is the same kind of candle... Just a different scent!

Some info from their site about these candles...

Highly fragranced candle exclusively developed and tested by our team of Home Fragrance experts, including the world's best master perfumers

Made using the highest concentration of fragrance oils, an exclusive blend of vegetable wax and lead-free wicks for optimal performance

Three-wick candle burns 40 to 65 hours

4" wide x 3 1/2" tall

Yay for Bath & Body Works!

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Hey everyone! 

I wanted to let you know what to expect in the next week or so!  I met with a lady, Gloria Phillips, from Mary Kay Cosmetics and she has very kindly offered to do a complimentary spa session for myself and a friend!  I told her about my blog and said that in return for her spa session services I would blog about Mary Kay products and post some links to her site for you guys to look at!  Isn't that awesome?!

My appointment with her is on Wed Nov 24 and I will be taking pictures and notes of all the things I test out!

So until then, here is her information if you want to check anything out! 

xoxo

Gloria's Website:
http://www.marykay.ca/gphillips/default.aspx

Remembrance Day

Today we give thanks and remember all of the men and women who fought for our country and gave their lives to protect and fight for our freedom.  It is to those men and women that we dedicate this special day.  Please make sure you take a moment to give thanks and remember those people.  It is also important to give thanks to those who are still fighting the war today.  It is hard to believe that we are still in the midst of a war; but we are.  Men and women are risking their lives every day and night fighting to protect this great country of ours.  To each and every one of them I am eternally grateful!

God bless the fallen and those still fighting...
When the sun sets tonight, please keep remembering...

LUSH LUSH BABY!

Hello beauties!

I received my LUSH products today and I cannot wait to jump in the shower and try out my ROCK STAR soap and the BIG shampoo! :)

I tried the bubblegum lip sugar scrub and omg it is amazing!!!  Smells delicious and feels so great!  I will try out the lip tint tomorrow and let you know how I like it!

I just couldn't wait to tell you about the things I got :)  I will post an update to this review with my thoughts and ratings on each of the products.

~ UPDATE ~

BIG shampoo rocks my friggin socks!!  It felt so amazing in my hair and creates a lot of lather!  this morning when I woke up my hair felt like marshmallows... it was so soft and full of body!  RIGHT AFTER I WOKE UP!  Once I straightened it and all that jazz it was still full and super soft.  I love this stuff! 5/5 for sure!

Snow Fairy lip tint is FANTASTIC!  I didnt like the smell very much, to be honest, it is kind of "fake" smelling but it looks amazing on.  It is this soft delicate pink colour.  It gives my lips colour without looking like I have anything on.  Love it!  I don't like that I have to stick my finger in the pot to get some out; a stick would have been better for me, but I will just sanitize my hands before every use! Despite the minor issues I have with it I still give it a 4/5 :)

The ROCKSTAR soap is a big dissappointment... whomp whomp whompppppppppp.  It smells so fake and plastic-y.  I am not impressed at all :( My skin was funny smelling after my shower!  I wanted to re-shower! I give this product a 1/5 and a thumbs down.

The lip scrub, as I mentioned above, is the best thing EVER!  It smells and tastes delicious and works really well!  My lips looked soft and plump.  5/5 for sure!!!!



Lots of love and big smiles,
Kayla

LUSH!

Hey everyone! 

I hope you are all doing well :)  I have something exciting on its way... LUSH products!  I ordered a few things online and just got the confirmation today that it has shipped out!  As soon as I get it I will be doing a review and showing you all of the goodies that I got!

Stay tuned :)

Ouch!

Hey guys!

Hope you are all doing well :) I, however, am hurting!  I went for accupuncture just over a month ago and since then I have been experiencing some pretty intense pain in my lower back/left hip area.  I tried to shake it off but last week I was in a ton of pain and tried to get it massaged out... well that didnt work!  Today after my appointment at the gym I was out and about and then it hit me... BAM!  Like a ton of bricks...  I can barely walk without wincing in pain :( I am going to try getting in to see the doctor tomorrow and figure something out.  I am a busy girl with too many things to do!  Can't be sitting around all day hoping that this ache goes away!

I will hopefully have some good news tomorrow :)

xoxo

Paint Pots and Brushes

Hey guys!

Just thought I would tell you about a few items that I love and think you would too!  First off, MAC Paint Pots... they are just fantastic!  I have Rubenesque and Painterly and they both do similar yet different things.  Rubenesque is a great Golden peach w/gold pearl (Frost) and Painterly is a Nude beige (Cream) and is GREAT at covering the lid and hiding any veins or redness or purple-ness!  They are both great for wearing alone of under shadows; they help shadows stick to your lid and STAY there!

The MAC 217 brush is a MUST HAVE for any make up lover... It is the brush you would use to blend out or apply colour in the crease.  It is a soft yet firm fluffy dome shaped brush... you have to have it!

Tip: Rubenesque goes really well with Expensive Pink from MAC :)

Here are some pictures!

Painterly:

 Rubenesque:

217 Blending Brush:

The Girl Effect

Hey everyone!!! 

I hope you are all doing well and getting excited for halloween!  I just thought of something that I want to share with you all... it is a video on youtube that one of the English profs showed me in class.  It is called "The Girl Effect".  It is so powerful and moving and I believe everyone should see it :)

Please go check it out and feel free to leave me a comment about it if you like!

xoxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIvmE4_KMNw

Squeeky clean skin :)

Hey guys! 

I learned this tip from an amazing make up artist Kandee Johnson...  Take a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice (or cut a lemon in half and squish it around a bit to loosen up the juices) and sprinkle some sugar (organic preferably!) and then get your face wet with some warm water to open up your pores and then use the cotton ball or half lemon to exfoliate your face!  The lemon will naturally kill bacteria and the sugar will scrub off all the dead skin cells and the oils and dirt that accumulates from day to day life!  I live in the city and some days I feel like my face has just hit a wall of pollution... So it is amazingly refreshing to do this lemon and sugar scrub!  (PS... It is also a great way to get rid of a lingering fake tan!!!)

I did mention that you want to use organic sugar and lemons if possible... The reasoning behind that is your skin will absorb the sugars and lemon juice and you only want the very best things to go into your body, right?  so if you can help it, why not?!  There have been many times that I havent used organic lemons or sugar; so it won't make or break the experience but its just nice to use if you can :)  Also, the type of sugar is up to you... you can use larger grains of sugar or the regular old granulated sugar.  I find the normal granulated sugar works well for me... it feels great; not too scratchy!

Let me know how you like it!

xoxo

My Viewers!

Hey guys!  So I just checked where my viewers are from and it shows me that I have viewers from the following countries...

Russia, Spain, Singapore, India, France, UK, USA, and Canada!

That is so awesome!  Thank you to everyone who stops by and reads my blog :)  Now if I can only get more of you to click that "Follow" button ;) ha ha ha

Remember, if you have any requests please just comment and let me know!  I will do my best to give you advice or reviews about things! :)

xoxo

Too Rich for You

This nail polish by Nicole by OPI is fantastic!  It is a deep blue/green with dark flecks and it catches the light beautifully!  Im not usually one for dark polishes but I am obsesssssssssssed with this one :)

Totally a 5/5!

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder

Hey guys!  This stuff is AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!  It is a yellow powder that I put on my face after I have moisturized with the cream from this same line.  It really helps reduce redness and as a result I use less make up!  I have an oily T-Zone and drier cheeks.  My cheekbones are always pink with a few broken capillaries so I tend to use way too much make up trying to cover that stuff up.  Well NO MORE!! :)  If any of you have questions about how to reduce redness just post a question in the comment section and Iw ill do my best to answer :)

Definitely  a 5/5 :)

LashStash ~ Mascara Deluxe Sampler

I purchased this sampler as part of my Sephora haul and I am not sure what to think of it yet... Here are the mascaras you get in the sampler:

- Hourglass: Superficial Lash - Carbon
- Laura Mercier: Thickening and Building Mascara - Black
- Urban Decay: Skyscraper Multi-Benefit - Black
- Fresh: Supernova - black
- Korres: Abyssinia Oil volumizing and Strengthening - Black
- Sephora: Lash Stretcher - Black
- Benefit: A Little Bit BADGal - Black
- Tarte: 4 Day Lash Stain - Black
- Smashbox: Lash DNA - Jet Black
- Cargo: LashActivator - Black

I havent tried tham all out yet, but I opened a few and they seem pretty dried out so I will have to see about these guys... I will update you on them :)

beautyblender

This make up sponge is incredible!  It was designed to leave you with the most natural looking finish; and it does!  So let me tell you about the product:

- you should wet the sponge first, squeeze out all the water, squeeze it again between a clean towel
- dip into your foundation and stipple it onto your skin (dab/stipple/bounce/blend ... you get the point lol)
- the cool egg shape was designed to help apply your foundation evenly across your face
- MUST wash after EVERY use!  It sounds tedious but you really should be washing your brushes and applicators frequently anyway so this is just one product that you have to wash even more frequently!
- There is a cleanser that comes along with it and you only need a TINY bit or you will be trying to rinse soap out of the sponge for hours lol

I loved this sponge, it really gave a nice finish to my skin and I didnt end up using as much make up!

I give this product 4/5 :) I loved it but I know that the "clean after every use" is a bit of a pain so thats the only reason I didnt give it a perfect score!

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

Hey everyone!

I absolutely LOVE this stuff!  I put it on my face and neck last night and woke up to a gorgeous tan!  Let me tell you about the product...

- Pump style bottle
- 120 ml or 4 fl oz
- Great smelling mousse
- work quickly with it so it doesnt lose all its fluffy mousse-ness (ha ha ha)
- blends AMAZINGLY
- no streaks
- tan NOT orange!
- looks a little weird when you pump it out... Kind of this weird green/sea foam colour
- wash off of your hands ASAP as it works quickly hehehe
- requires you to avoid sweating after application so it is best to put it on before bed and then shower in the morning to wash it off and only leave the tan behind!
- dont forget to exfoliate before applying the mousse!  You want to get rid of any dead skin so you have a nice smooth surface to work with :)

UPDATE: (Mon Oct 25) Holy smokes!  So I JUST used this stuff on my face and upper body and then looked down at my hands and they are like an eggplant colour LOL This stuff really stains the hands so I suggest you wash your hands frequently and/or make sure you have a scrubby thing to scrub your hands with when you are all done.  It make off nicely (not perfectly but so much better) so I still like the product but I just thought I should update you guys! :)
I have tried so many self tanning products as I refuse to bake in the sun... (Like really who wants to help give themselves cancer?!  Sunscreen will be your best friend!  When you are 80 and have gorgeous skin all the other ladies who were sun worshippers will be kicking themselves!) ... and this is by far the best!  It isnt stinky, streaky, sticky or FAKE looking... it is really natural!!!  Loveeeeeee it

I give this product 5/5 :)

Things to expect...

Hey everyone!!  Just wanted to give you a heads up on what to expect these next few days!  I bought this AMAZING polish from Nicole by OPI called "Too Rich for You" OMG I love it!  So you can expect a full review and pictures on that soon.  Also, my Sephora haul should be arriving in the mail any day now so once I try out my new things I will do a review on that too!  Super exciting :)

Stay tuned!

XOXO

bareMinerals Customizable Get Started Kit

I was asked to give my thoughts on the "bareMinerals Customizable Get Started Kit" so here we go!

The kit includes:

- 0.05 All-Over Face Color in Warmth
- 0.07 oz Original Mineral Veil
- Full Flawless Face Brush
- Flawless Application Face Brush
- Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush
- Get Started DVD
- BONUS - Exclusively for SEPHORA : 0.5 oz Prime Time Foundation Primer

I like the fact that they offer a DVD so you can watch a tutorial while/before applying your make up.  It is always nice to get insider tips!  It is also really nice that it includes a primer... Primer is SO important!!!  It is a nice starter kit for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of time or money on make-up.  I think it will offer a nice "looks like I am not wearing make-up but I really am" look.  That is what we all want, right?!  Also, it is only 3 steps.  Fast and easy is really nice for everyday looks or when you only have a few minutes before you have to run out the door!  I have done a little research and some of the positives are that it is GREAT for sensitive skin and won't clog pores.  You ALWAYS want to make sure your make-up is NON-COMEDOGENIC meaning that it will not clog your pores.  Make-up should enhance your beauty; not irritate your skin or give you pimples :)  Sephora has also given it their "Natural Seal" which is great!  For more information on that please go to http://www.sephora.com/browse/templates/popNatural.jhtml

So, I say go for it!  It sounds like a great starter kit and you can always add to your collection if you find that bareMinerals is the line for you.  If it doesn't work out for whatever reason just remember that it was only $49 and you still gained some knowledge from the experience :)  Just to give a comparison; I spend that much on my foundation alone so spending $49 on a whole kit is a great price!