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