The Face Shop

My new obsession is The Face Shop.

This can be viewed as is handy because these beauty shops keep popping up just about everywhere.

On the flip side kind of crappy because browsing through cute Asian products has become way to easy and it’s got me feeling rather spendy.

Whichever way you want to look into my predicament every product from my previous haul is amazing. If you haven’t read it do click here. So when I was told one of these stores was at my local mall well ladies I just had to go shopping.

Avocado Avocat Hand Cream

I mean how cute is this? I plan on keeping this on my desk for a quick touch of moisture to my hands. The cream inside is actually very hydrating and smells rather fresh. But lets be honest here what got this into my cart was the adorable packaging. You don’t get too much product in these but for $7.00 it was worth the excitement.

Special Care Hand Mask

I have never tried a hand mask before but for $2.00 a pop I thought it would be a nice way to pamper my hands.

Collagen Mask

I tried the hylauronic mask the other week and really liked it.

So why the anti aging one you ask? I want to see if there was a difference between the two. These masks are $4.00 but I could have sworn I paid less the other week.

Mango Seed Lip Scrub

This was $11.00 so it wasn’t crazy expensive but in comparison to my make shift DIY sugar lip scrub, lets just say this better work.

Water Proof Auto Liner

This is not a glamorous, witty or funny description. I just needed black eyeliner so the lady told me this one was the best. It seemed pretty creamy in store so I can’t wait to share my findings. The Auto Liner was $10.00

Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask

Now how cool does this sound? This product claims to help you achieve beautiful porcelain skin overnight. It also claims to tighten pores, build collagen, hydrate and replenish. Sounds amazing, right?

This Raspberry line has the cutest packaging.

Mango Seed Gift

This was such a surprise, but with a 30-dollar purchase you got a free gift. The gift comes with two very cute makeup bags, a Mango Butter “Special Kit”, Lavender Nail polish remover, Mascara and a top coat.

Calming Seed Set

Another gift but with there calming seed line!

I must say The Face Shop loads you up with samples and gifts. 

Well that is all for today I can’t wait to report back on how I liked all these products. 

Thank you all for reading and hope you have a great weekend.

May Favourites

Let cut out the small chat and dive right in shall we?

Dior Lip Glow

Yes, this was a favourite from last month but it’s been the one of the only two things I’ve been reaching for. While this feels identical to a lip balm it really adds a flattering pink tint to the lips. This is the perfect product for any makeup look and requires no mirror.

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Shock

I love Baby Lips and usually have one floating around my desk at work and at home. Pink Shock is especially nice because it packs on quite the punch of colour  This sheer fuchsia is very wearable, comfortable on the lips and smells like delicious raspberry candies. If you see this I highly suggest you pick it up it’s a very cute summery colour.

Sanctuary Spa

This was an old favourite of mine but after not seeing it stores for years I thought it was a thing of the past. I am so excited about this I can barely even communicate my love for these.

The scent itself transports me to my late teens/early twenties, going out with friends and hot summer nights.

Sanctuary Spa products smell absolutely mind-blowing awesome amazing. To this day the scent is still divine it’s kind of spicy kind of fresh but sort of floral.

Not only is the sent amazing but also product itself is really good. My little bottles are getting dry so hopefully I can track down more of these sets.

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel

I bought this not too long ago so technically I haven’t been using it all month. However it has blown my mind over the few weeks. This is one of those rare gel cleansers that doesn’t leave your face feeling stripped yet takes all of makeup off. I can quite confidently say this is my new favorite cleanser.

 If you want to see my whole review on this click here.

 NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

This is one of those products’ I’m on the fence about and always have been.

So why is this in my favourites you ask?

Well when this looks good it looks really really good. This somehow makes my skin have a healthy glow but without adding any shimmer or glitter.

The down side is if my skin is dry this really emphases those areas.

What have been your favourites leave me a comment!

Sun Warnings: Sun Spots

The feeling of burning flesh is what I feel when I step into the sun. On the beach I am the crazy lady wearing a floppy hat, covered by a towel and sitting under a big umbrella probably with a margarita. Sun exposure is such a controversial subject in the beauty industry. On one hand yes we do need sun, however prolonged sun exposure is the leading cause of all sorts of issues. Having worked in the cosmetic industry I thought I would do a multi-part post and share with you some tips, tricks and sun facts that I have learnt though my travels and experiences.

Sun Spots

Hyper pigmentation products have been taking over the market in the past 5 years. Brands like Lancôme to natural brands like Luminaze all offer dark spot treatments and skincare routines to get rid of those pesky dark spots. Some use harsh chemicals that literally strip pigment from cells while others use natural whiteners from nature. Which one you choose is entirely up to you!

What is hyper pigmentation?

Without getting too sciencey hyper pigmentation is exactly what it sounds like, pigment that is darker than your skin. Sometimes these can be unavoidable like freckles, which are a genetic form of hyper pigmentation. Other times they might come from acne or scarring. The type I am going to talk about today is a sunspot! These suckers are avoidable and come from over exposure to sunlight.

So keep this in mind when trying to get rid of those spots:

Spots of summer’s Past

The spots you are seeing now could be summers past. They may have formed when you were 5 so the damage is done.

What does that mean for you now? Protect the skin you have.

The younger you start consistently using sun protection the less likely you are to develop sunspots later in life. The world of sun care has changed so you no longer have to slather oily Banana Boat on your skin every day. In fact there are a ton of moisturizers and foundations on the market that have high SPF’s but don’t feel thick and slimy.

I’m sure Banana Boat has changed their formulas but shout out to the ladies who know what I’m talking about. Coloured Zink and takers?

Remembers what?

These suckers are easy enough to remember because they keep on coming back. For some reason hyper pigmentation spots have memory. I don’t know why or how but they just have memory.

There are treatments that are able to ‘erase memory’; however I’m not sure if these really work. Erasing cellular memory seems high tech and quite abrasive for an at home department store treatment. What does work is being consistent with dark spot treatments and arming yourself with knowledge “they will come back”. While working in cosmetics I always recommend people keep up with the treatment of their choice even if it’s for one night a week.

Sunscreen

I am a sunscreen advocate and want to do a whole post highlighting different kinds. While in the cosmetic industry I was shocked about how many women bought the most expensive face creams and treatments but didn’t wear sunscreen on the regular.

You might as well throw it all out!

Many dark spot treatments and most anti-aging treatments make you sensitive to sunlight. So really it would be counterproductive to your skincare routine not to use sunscreen and quite frankly a waste of money. There are great sunscreens and every price point so if you want to avoid getting dark spots in the first place or want to get the full benefits of your skincare routine use one.

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel

I think the world of Clarins. This botanical based beauty brand boasts amazing skincare formulas and some pretty amazing beauty products too. The Clarins Energize line features great products for younger skin. While this line is very reasonably priced I have to be honest it never appealed to my sensitive dry skin.

Over the past few months I have been reading on good cleansers on the market. Yes, I love Philosophy Purity Cleanser.  However I have been using it for years and crave something new and yet comparable. My research and findings have leaded me to the Energizer Gel.

Holy Moly guys this stuff is freaken amazing. I find this has a really nice lather yet it doesn’t feel stripping at all. The scent is

also really nice, orangey but without being too zingy. This cleanser boasts moringa, which actually helps neutralizes hard water. Making it perfect for cottage trips over the summer.

Should you get this?

Absolutely it removes makeup astonishingly but doesn’t leave skin feeling too dry either.

Move over purity I think I’ve found my new favorite cleanser.

I got this for $16 at Shoppers Drugmart and Clarins recommends this for any skin type.

What’s In my Purse

I think I’ve said this before but if your new here I am going to say it again I love watching reading and yes even looking through my friend purses. With their permission of course!

About a month ago I bought a new purse. I am not one to buy purses on whim but I saw it and it captured my heart. The purse I am talking about it the Mackage Novaki bag. If you’ve never heard about this company before it’s okay because I didn’t at the time either. Right of the bat I loved the pebbled leather and was head over heels over the arrow enclosure. Feeling slightly spendy that day I dove right in and bought it. Impulsive yes but well worth the spontaneous spending.

So without any further rambling here is what I carry in my purse.

Dior Lip Glow

This is like the non-lipstick, lipstick. Which means it feels like a balm and but with a very natural pink tint. If you haven’t tried Lip Glow it’s a great looks good with every look and no mirror required lip product 

Vitamin Schtick- Energy (Tropical Citrus)

I got this balm at a gas station, free with a purchase of Vitamin Water. Glamorous, right?

This lip balm smells exactly like the Energy Vitamin Water it’s very yummy. As for the balm itself it reminds me of the EOS balm. Personally, I like something with a little more slip to the lips but this is hydrating nonetheless. I’m not sure if you can purchase these but if you happen to see them and you like Vitamin Water you might want to try them out.

Bio Beaute Repairing Lip Balm

This lip balm has to be one of my favorites for day-to-day use. It has a slight shine to it but still maintains a lightweight formula. It smells freaken phenomenal, if you love peaches you are going to love this.

Jack Space Card Holder

If you are using a small purse you are going to need a cardholder. I picked this one up from the Winners men’s department for $10.00.




Marc Jacobs Coin Purse

I have been carrying this around with me for 5 years. While this has seen better days I have yet to find a coin purse that is as good of a size.

Mole Skin Agenda

I am someone who forgets things all the time. So if I need to remember something it is critical for me to write it down. Over the past 3 or 4 years I have been using a Moleskin Planner. What I like about them over other brands is there size but most of all there durability. Moleskins are made to last by far the best I have come across. I have always gotten them in black maybe next year I will go with a color.

Hmmm decisions decisions…

L’Occitane Magnolia & Mure Body Milk

On a recent purchase to the O’occitane store I bought a set of 4 body milks. Oh what luxuries they are!

Magnolia & Mure smells like tart berries while an undertone of floral notes. The overall impression is something sweet, yet very contemporary and kind of mysterious in a way. Blackberry and Bay by Jo Malone is along the same line.

Rose Water Spray

Last but not least is my rose water spray. This is a new addition to my purse and a perfect way to freshen up especially now the warmer weather is among us. The liquid inside is actually Burt’s Bee’s Rose Toner just in a cute little spray bottle.

There we have it that is everything in my purse.

I wish you all a great weekend.

Thanks for reading,

Tanya

Korean Beauty Haul

Over the past weekend I did some unexpected shopping.

All these “unexpected hauls” have made me realize how much of an impulsive shopper I am. Self-reflections aside I went to Pacific Mall over the weekend for a little shopping. For non-Toronto locals this is an Asian mall located just outside of the City. If you are in the area do check it out it’s unlike any shopping mall I’ve ever been too. So what does a beauty junkie do in an Asian mall? Buy Asian Beauty products of course. In specifically products from The Face Shop!

I must warn you this isn’t a huge haul, but my excitement level is at a 10 nonetheless.

Mango Seed Cleansing Butter

I have wanted to try a cleansing balm for a while now (fact 1)

I want get on the double cleanse bandwagon (fact 2)

So with that in mind and my love for mango's (fact 3) I knew I had to get the Mango Seed Cleansing Butter. I have used this once and so far I can tell you it has the consistency of butter and smells amazing. This rich cleansing butter has a long list of hydrating ingredients like carrot, cacao, and mango extract and for $11 it seemed like a great buy.

Hyaluronic Acid Face Mask

This is my first experience with a sheet mask so besides looking horrifying I was overall really liked it. It wasn’t irritating, wasn’t greasy and left my skin looking notably better. This mask cost $2.50 and well worth the price in my humble opinion. 

Design My Brow

I am so excited about this brow pencil! Years ago I tried another slanted eye pencil that cost significantly more, I am hoping for a dupe here is what I am getting too.

Recently I have been quite lazy at filling in my brows; I am hoping this will be a one-stop shop for me. This eyebrow pencil set me back $4.00


Prices at The Face Shop were very reasonable in general.

Cotton Swabs

Here is something I never thought I would be talking about on here cotton buds.

The French cotton swabs on wooden sticks are a cult like must have.

But let’s keep things real here …I can’t justify spending 3.00 plus shipping on 100 French cotton swabs!

So when I saw The Face Shops at $1.00 for 300 I thought it was well worth the try.

Have you tried anything from The Face Shop let me know in the comments section!

Tip #3: 5 great uses for conditioner

This might be common knowledge but use it like a hair mask. I remember watching an interview with Paula Dorf who stated most high end leave in conditioning treatments have similar ingredients as value brand conditioners.  Since that day I have been using idea and ran with it. For best results I apply enough to saturate dry hair and let it simmer while watching a movie. 

Conditioner is a life altering shave cream. If you want soft, smooth, moisturized legs you must try this. I find really rich conditioners work best for this.

Humidity can make your hair go a little crazy to say the least. I like to add a little conditioner to the tips of my hair to tame fly always. Not only does this help fly but I personally find it very nourishing too. 

Hydrating bath treatment. Who knew that a squeeze of conditioner could transform your bath to something really special? This was a discovery I made by complete fluke, but it works like a charm if you want super soft skin.

Theirs is no denying it make up brushes can cost a small fortune. Conditioner as a makeup brush cleanser is ideal if you plan on keeping your tools. While I am I love using alcohol based brush cleansers there is no denying they make hair on brushes dry and brittle. Consequently I always deep cleanse my brushes with conditioner.

For tip 1 which is about glowy skin click here 

For tip 2 which is a very cheap (& cheeky) alternative to blotting paper click here 

Thanks for reading!

If you have a tip leave it in the comment section. 

Cottage Beauty Bag

The open lake, loons and Smores just give a sense of serenity. At the cottage I let my hair down, swim, and eat copious amounts of junk junk-food  So with the cottage season herer and the weather heating up I thought I would share with you my cottage must beauty must haves.

I

Insect Repellant

This isn’t really a beauty must have its more like mandatory thing. I hate mosquito bites come to think about it I’m not sure of the person who likes them. I have tried various kinds over the years including natural offerings, patches and the hyped up repellent bracelets. I always come back to OFF Deep Woods.

Am I really talking about mosquito repellent right now? I lead a very interesting life.

Sunscreen

I am a sunscreen advocate and with my pale skin I have to be.  To avoid burns, I use two sunscreens one for my face and one for my body. I have been using my La Vanilla Baby block for my face since last year summer so it’s on unfortunately this tube is last leg. The La Vanilla Baby Block is a light formula that isn’t too greasy or heavy. Having been formulated for babies the formula is ideal for people with very sensitive skin. I haven’t been able to find this since repurchasing so I am going to start using my old favorite Clarins SPF soon.

My body SPF go to is the Shiseido Ultra Sun protection. It says it’s for the face and body but I find it quite heavy to wear on the face. With that being said if I know I am going to spend a lot of time in the sun I will wear this on my face too. By far this is the best performing sunscreen I have come across to date.

Bio Derma

This is my go to makeup remover. While I don’t wear makeup at the cottage it’s nice to freshen up during the day, especially if you have bug spray or sunscreen on your face.

I was able to score a mini of Bio Derma as a gift with purchase at Shoppers Drug Mart. However I have seen these handy minis on sale at Shoppers too.

Purity Cleanser

Foil samples are worth their weight in gold when you travel. Not only do they hardly take up room but they don’t leak either. I am bringing my cherished Purity cleanser with me, which you can read my whole review here.

  

Avene Skin Recovery Cream Rich

This cream is a great go to for anyone with sensitive skin. I would describe this cream and nourishing yet balancing. On one hand this calms and intensely hydrates my eczema, on the other hand it doesn’t feel too thick to use on the rest of my face. This is seriously great stuff!

Makeup Essentials

I know what your thinking, makeup at the cottage? It just so happens the time where I don’t bring makeup, are all the times were I most need it. So to appear alive I bring the Bobbi Brown Corrector. It’s a must for me if I want to get rid of those dark circles. To look awake I am bringing a tube of mascara. I am bringing my Essence Crazy Volume Extreme, it happens to be my all time favourite  And for the lips I am brining Dior Lip Glow because it adds just a touch of color without looking like lipstick.  Sometimes I use these essentials and other times I don’t but it’s nice to have a touch of makeup on hand.

So ladies what beauty essentials do you take to the cottage?

The Pit Stop Haul

You’re on the highway enjoying the wind blowing through your hair, good conversation, and some classic Brittany, when suddenly hunger hits. The next thing you know you’re full on Taco Bell wandering around a Shoppers Drug mart.  So on our way to the drug store… I mean cottage this is what I bought.


L’Occitane

So on the way to the cottage we stopped at the mall for some dinner. This particular mall had an L’Occitane store so when in Rome, right? I have been using L’Occitane hand creams for years however I am not too familiar with the rest of the product lineup. On the pursuit to try different scents I bought the body lotion gift set and a soap gift set. The creams are smooth, light and hydrating. The soaps I have yet to try but I plan on putting them in the bathrooms of our new house.

Yes at the age of tender age of 26 I am already turning into that grandma!

The ladies who worked at the store were absolutely amazing. Not only did they give me a rough rundown of the various line but they also loaded me up with samples to try.

Shoppers Drugmart was our pit stop on the way home. I always make an effort to stop at this particular Shopper’s on my way back home. Not only do they have a great selection, amazing sales but the ladies are absolute amazing. They are always helpful, knowledgeable and most importantly very kind. If you are ever in the Kingston area the Bayridge shoppers is worth checking out.

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel

I was going to pick this up after I finished the cleansers I already have but at only $16.00 a pop it was the right price. I have been using this for only a couple of days and so far so good.

Clarins UV Plus Hp Day Screen

With my everyday LA Vanilla sunscreen on its last leg it was time to get something new. Not because I don’t like the La Vanilla Baby Black but because I have no idea where this is sold. The Clarins UV Plus has been a long-time favorite of mine so it’s nice to have it back in my collection.

Bioderma Photoderm

I’m still on the fence about after sun products some work while others I think are glorified body lotions. However this was priced at $5.99 and having great experiences with the Bioderma Cleansing Water I thought this was well worth the try.

Bioderma SPF 40

Again this was on sale for $6.99 for the price you can’t beat it. I look forward to using spray sunscreens especially when on the go.

Klorane Gentle Shampoo with Oat Milk

This was another great deal this jumbo sized bottle was the same price as a regular.

I have come to the conclusion that I am Klorane obsessed at the moment. The ingredients, the benefits and the price point you  can’t go wrong with Klorane.

As for this shampoo I have had a sample in the past it’s very gentle and perfect for everyday use. Yes, I am guilty of washing my hair everyday.

Klorane Leave in Cream with Date

When I went to the Klorane event the other week I was introduced to this product, it smells like chai late, and nourishes your hair and yet doesn’t leave it greasy.  

It smells so so good! So good!

Overall I met some really great ladies this weekend and experienced amazing customer service.

Expect some sun related posts soon!

Orange you glad you said orange?

I had a moment in the shower the other day when I looked down and realized everything had orange in it. Crazy, you ask? Slightly. However, while applying my makeup I was encountered with the same orange recognition. So why orange you ask? Makeup wise orange is a fun summer color. With that being said staying true to my low-key style I prefer a sheer wash of color then the oblivious bright orange.

Body and bath care wise, none of this smells like orange… it was just luck that everything had orange packaging.

So in the spirit of the warming weather and the orange makeup trend here are quick little reviews of what I have floating in my shower and makeup bag. 

K-Pak Smooth Control

 I like smoothing out my tangley hair but this is a whole other level. Bottom line is these two make my hair greasy. With that being said they smell good, but way too heavy for me.

Sanctuary Spa Goodies

I have loved my Sanctuary Spa goodies. The sent is beautiful and reminds me of my college years. I have a mini shower gel, body butter and scrub on the go. I am happy to report all three are great. They body butter nice and light I think it would be perfect for summer. I still have so many questions about this line thou, is the whole line going to be sold at shoppers? Is the body oil coming back? So many questions and yet such tiny bottles!

Kalinka Blush in East Side Story

Go to your drugstore and search online because this blush is amazing! This pigmented peach with a slight shimmer is a knock out. This has to be one of the most pigmented yet bendable blushes I’ve ever tried. The packaging is a little young but for 3.99 I have come to terms and let my inner schoolgirl show. If you can still get a hold of this pick it up its fantastic! 


It’s like NARS blush quality good. 

Really really good stuff.

Rimmel Wake Me up Concealer

Tons of people swear by this concealer. I am undetermined yes it is a great price, fairly opaque and doesn’t cake up but I always have to pair this with my Bobbi Brown Corrector.

Mind you there isn’t a concealer I’ve tried that I didn’t need some Bobbi Brown love.

Would I buy again yes, but am I still on the hunt for my perfect concealer yes.

Chanel Coco Shine in Flirt

I love coral and bright tangerine lipsticks but honestly it’s not something reach for often. A perfect tint of coral is Chanel Flirt because while it looks coral in the tube transferred to my lips it gives that subtitle coral orangey tint. Like the rest of the Coco Shines I’ve tried the formula is a moisturizing and lightweight. If you’re a lip balm kind of girl and you want to get into lipsticks you will love these.

Mother’s Day

Some people do brunch and others bring their mothers flowers. However, for shopaholics like my mom and I a shopping adventure to celebrate Mother’s Day has always been our unwritten tradition.

So I thought I would do a day in the life post and show you what we got up to last weekend.

So I started off by giving my mom her little “gift” the first thing in the morning. It was a tumbler so I thought why not give it to her so she can use is right away? I got these at Chapters they are so adorable I had to resist the temptation to buy one for myself.

So with coffees in our thermos’s we headed to do some shopping.

Our first shop was the Klorane Pop-Up counter. After been turned into a Klorane hair care nutso we wanted to check out the pop-up counter and take advantage of the perks. The ladies were absolutely adorable who worked there and have converted both my mom and I into Date Leave- In Hair Cream enthusiasts. The scent of this is like a Chai Tea late it is absolutely amazing.

From there we shopped until we started getting hangery.

Which I’m sure everyone knows is angry-hungry, so food was needed asap. We went out for some Ramen and Sushi in which I had every intention to take a picture of except I was so hungry I forgot. I did however take a picture of half full Fraps. Again my mind does not think pictures when it comes to food or drink. 

There you have it that was my Mother’s day celebration. I would like to thank my Mother for splitting her Dumplings with me, not killing me in her hangry fits of rage (kidding), making sure my camera always has its lens protector on, but sincerely just for an amazing day. For any mothers reading this I wish you the happiest of mother’s days.