Mandatory Masks

I love skincare, but there is no denying that seeing results from your skincare routine might take weeks. On the other hand, masks offer almost instant results and to just about any skincare concern you could imagine.  Don’t get me wrong I’m not avoiding my skincare routine. However what I am saying is masks can be the helpful, instant gratification kind of product your skin sometimes needs. Which leads me to this very post… here are some of my favourite (and pretty amazing) masks for every skincare concern you could think of!   

Hormonal or Oily Skin- GlamGlow Super Mud

My skin is typically on the dry, sensitive side of things. However like most women I am prone to hormonal break outs. It is for those very annoying, acne-prone times that I reserve this very mask. Within just one application spots look drastically reduced. I am even talking about those pesky “underground” spots ladies! If you have oily skin, feel free to use this on your entire face it’s equally deep cleaning, yet gentle. Personally, I reserve this as a pimple-only kind of mask. Yes this mask is not cheap, but because I use to little and because it works makes it a worthy investment.

To see my whole review go here!

Dry, Irritated or Sunburnt Skin - Avene Soothing Moisture Mask 

For me winter weather means snowstorms, poor driving conditions and dry, irritated skin. My old faithful for these times is the Soothing Moisture Mask. Yes this mask packs an ample punch of hydration, but it also calms red, burning, angry skin instantly. It also happens to work like a charm on soothing sunburns as well! So if your looking that instant relief from really irritated skin this is a mask worth having in your collection. 

Dull Lack-luster Skin- Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask 

For some reason I end up scoring a sample of this mask every time I go to purchase it... good luck? Absolutely! No other mask I've ever tried has made my skin look so luminous and evenly toned in just one application. Its the kind of mask that after you remove it your have a "damn my skin looks good" moment with. Although this mask is not recommend for sensitive skin types I have whole hearted never had a problem with this. 

Dehydrated Skin- The Face Shop Hyaluronic Acid Mask

I love Hylauronic Acid and there are many expensive masks that deliver. However this $2.00 gem is a note worthy competitor to many high end skincare lines. Sure sheet masks might look terrifying, but the results of this are firm, hydrated, dewy looking skin. Basically for $2.00 a pop I don't think there is anything better you can do for your skin. 

Don't worry people I'm not skimping out on regular skin care, but there is no denying masks are a excellent quick fix to many skincare problems. What are some of your favourite masks? Leave me a comment! 

The Weekend Catch Up

So I got my wisdom teeth removed this friday. While I went to bed friday night with minor swelling I woke up saturday morning looking like a chipmunk. On the bright side my diet has consisted of ice cream, popcicles, frozen yogurt and smoothes...  I won't lie ice cream for breakfast is certainly something I could get use to. So while I have had a pretty restful, uneventful weekend I thought I would share some of my favourite beauty discoveries and  must haves. 

Dior Lip Maximizer

I haven't used many lip products over the weekend. However, I wanted to make a point that I dreaded finishing my lip glow. It has a refreshing minty tingle, it’s not tacky in the slightest and it vanilla mint scented (yum). Plus I can’t be too sure but I think it really does make my lips look bigger. This isn’t an empties post but I just wanted to give this one last shout out before it’s officially done.

L’Occitane Vanilla & Narcisse

Just because I’ve been in bed living on pudding cups does not mean I will sacrifice smelling good! A bedside treat I have been using this weekend is L’Occitane’s Vanilla & Narcisse body milk. With slight floral notes combined with a spicy vanilla base this body lotion is a stunner. If your into vanilla scents, but crave something slightly refined I highly suggest checking out lotion.

MAC 286 brush 

In all honesty I thought I lost this brush for good, which was a shame because it's a really good brush. To my surprise I stumbled into this emptying out a box of magazines. No idea how it got there, but I am glad to have this duo fibre brush back into my life. From what I can remember this little blending brush works as a dream buffing in concealer or cream eye shadows. 

Butter London Billy No Mates 

Just because I have chipmunk cheeks doesn't mean my hands have to suffer, right? While I almost opted for a minty green nail polish, I ended up with Billy No Mates. This might look a little boring in the bottle but this blueish-grey, yet sort of white polish is sure is interesting. If you into subtle nail colours but crave something different check out Billow No Mates.

Yup that had been what going on with me over the past weekend. 

Leave me a comment and let me know what some of your must haves, have been! 

10 Easy Ways to Avoid Pimples

Pimples, zits, spots or whatever you call them are a real pain in the ass. Not only can they be annoying but they can be painful as well. Plus is it just me or does anyone else get a bump before every important life event too?  The good news about pimples is just about everyone gets them, and for the most part they can be easily avoided. So I thought I would take the time and give you my tops 10 ways to avoid spots. 

1. Don’t touch your face.

Your hands are riddled with bacteria that cause your face to break out. As a teenager I was notorious for leaning my head on my hand, which resulted in pimples around my jawline. The moment I stopped was the moment my pimples started to disappear. If you find this difficult the sleeve of your sweater instead!

2.       Don’t pick your face.

Again your hands boast bacteria that you don’t want on your skin, so avoid picking. Even if your hands are clean more times than not picking will only make matters worse.

3.       Change to a fabric softener for sensitive skin

If you notice yourself randomly breaking out consider it might be sensitivity to a laundry detergent or fabric softener. There are many different laundry products formulated for sensitive skin, so to avoid spots I highly recommend switching to something mild.

4.       Change your pillow case often

Just like our hands, our pillow cases can be riddled with bacteria too. Spots can be easily avoided by just changing your pillow case more often. Personally, I change mine twice a week and have noticed in a big difference in the clarity of my skin.

5.       Take off your makeup consistently

If I fall asleep with makeup on I will 100% wake up with a pimple… it’s just a fact. To avoid this I make sure to wash my face every day no if’s, and’s or but’s. While I always recommend the cleanser and water combination, Bioderma on a cotton pad does the trick when your in a pinch.

6.       Drink More Water

Drinking more water seems to be the answer to all of life’s ailments and pimples are no exception to this miracle treatment. While the science behind this method is still very much on the fence, my philosophy has always been it can’t hurt. Plus, your skin will thank you for substituting water for sugary drinks too. 

7.       Wash your makeup brushes

Another bacterial breeding site is actually on your makeup brushes. You don’t have to wash your makeup brushes every day, but I highly suggest giving them a good clean at least once a day.

8.       Avoid stress

Okay this tip is easier in theory, rather than in practice. HOWEVER cutting some stress is an excellent way to avoid future spots. Investing time in distressing activities like a bubble bath, exercise, reading or crafting can dramatically eliminate the chance of pimple occurring.

9.        Avoid pore clogging oils

There are many different kinds of oils, some good and some pore clogging bad. Personally if a product is less than $5.00 and the first ingredient is mineral oil I know I’m asking for a pimple. With that being said there are also great products at affordable prices, that contain mineral oil… which brings me to my next point

10.   Research Research Research

There are millions of different reviews, about millions of different products, written by people with different skin types. You can go to websites like www.makeupalley.com or simply just google search it you will be overloaded with amazing reviews.

There you have it have my top 10 really easy ways to avoid spots, with that being said remember spots happen, we all get them and they are completely normal. What are some of your tips to avoid spots? Leave me a comment!

Physicians Formula Argan Oil

Beauty oils are blowing up and as we all know I am 100% on board with this new trend. The best part about beauty trends is drugstore brands are jumping on board and offering similar products at affordable prices. New to the affordable list of oils is Physicians Formula's Argan oil. With its pure formula and cute packaging here are my thoughts on this new budget find.

Physicians Formula Argan Oil is 100% pure Argan oil. Yes, you heard me right there are no fillers or unnecessary preservatives in this formula.  Instead you have a lush paraben free, fragrance free, hypoallergenic formula that is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. If you were looking for a drugstore alternative to the Josie Maran this might be a great option for you.

While I am a junkie for beauty oils, I must admit this is my first experience with Argan Oil. Yes, I know I am way late for the Argan party, but its better late than to never show up at all right? Argan oil is one of those miracle products that hydrates, brightens, tones and gives the skin a beautiful radiant glow.  Moreover every skin type, even oily can seek benefit from this oil .  Along with being used on the face, you can also use Argan oil on the body and in the hair.

In my experience Physicians Formula Argan oil hydrates my skin, leaves it super soft and gives my skin a beautiful healthy glow. While this product is an oil, it’s definitely thicker than most oils I’ve tried, yet absorbs into the skin almost instantly. Yes this works well in the hair, mixed with your favorite body cream, as a cuticle oil and facial oil, but a surprising use has been that of a foundation primer. 4 drops of this smoothed into the face makes the perfect silicone free makeup base one could wish for. Plus, it has all the added skincare benefits too!

From speaking to friends and family, to reading your comments I know a lot of you have interests in beauty oils. If you wanted to jump on the oil bandwagon, but without spending too much money the Physicians Formula Argan oil is affordable muti-tasking, power house.  

3 Products For a Soothing Sleep

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say this but, sunday night is my unofficial relaxing time. And this particular Sunday is no exception to the rule. In search of some relaxation I headed right for my beauty stash and selected some of my favourite sleep inducing, relaxing products. So before I doze of to dream-ville here are my top 3 relaxing products for a sunday evening. 

Bath and Body Works Sleep Vanilla Lavender Pillow Mist 

For years the Sleep Vanilla Lavender Body lotion has been my bedside must have. Surprisingly, even though I've repurchased the body lotion, I can wholeheartedly say I never noticed the pillow spray. Come to think about it maybe I thought it was a body spray! 

I am getting way off topic here, but what I am getting to is this pillow spray was an unexpected discovery. With the warm scent of vanilla and the calming scent of lavender, in seconds this transforms your bed into a relaxing, sleep inducing retreat. 

Sanctuary Sleep Restoring Body Elixir 

I adore beauty oils and I also happen to love sleeping, which kind of makes this perfect combination. With notes of patchouli, frankincense and ylang ylang this earthy product is a stunning night time must have. If your not into the typical night time lavender scents Sanctuary's Sleep range might just be what your looking for. 

FAB Ultra Repair Hydra- Firm Sleeping Cream 

A gentle, firming, moisturizing night cream is the perfect way to finish any evening beauty routine. Plus there is also something very graifiying about slathering yourself with a thick cream and waking up with super soft skin.  I have been going on about this cream for over a month now and even have a full in-depth review here. 

A quick, easy, sleep ready beauty routine is what I am all about tonight. Before I sleep off to dream world I would love to know what some of your favourite relaxing, sleepy beauty products are! 

Things I Must Use

Spring is here and with the warmer weather, budding flowers and brighter days comes the joyous pleasure of spring cleaning. I mean that with the utmost amount sarcasm of course. My cleaning rampage took me from the kitchen right to the linen closest and then to my makeup collection. Truthfully I like organizing my makeup and skincare. Not only does it insure I rotate between products, but it also gives me inspiration for my posts. Which brings me to the inspiration of this post …  things that I found that I need to use.

THEFACESHOP Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask

If you are on the no paraben kick avoid this product, because it’s riddled with not so great ingredients.

With that being said, I can’t escape the fact that this mask makes my face feel super smooth and look radiant the next day. If you’re on the market for a cheap mask, this refreshing gel mask actually works and comes highly recommended.

THEFACESHOP Floral Mist Water

I love facial mists in the spring and summer, there are refreshing and many contain great skincare benefits too. THEFACESHOP’s Floral Mist is a light mist, perfect to for setting makeup but also great for a quick refresh. It also contains an SPF of 8 which makes it great for subtle sun protection.

Sanctuary Spa Hand Cream

I love the scent of Sanctuary Spa products, but over the years there products have become harder and harder to find across Canada. The last thing I have remaining from a gift set is this very hand cream and I can ensure you I will love every last drop.

MAC Margin

In my seasonal makeup switcha-roo I encountered my old favorite MAC Margin. Margin is a golden peach with some bronze undertones. On my fair cheeks this gives a summery glow, but without the obvious look of a bronzer. It’s a shame this sat in my collection for so long, because it’s truly a stunning yet original shade.

What have you found recently that made a vow to finish, answer below!

Physicians Formula Argan Wear Blush

Perhaps I’m feeling overly candid today, but Physicians Formula has never been a brand that interested me. On one hand there products are on the expensive side of drugstore spectrum, which makes me think for a couple of bucks more I can get luxury brand product. On the other hand there products seem a little too gimmicky for my liking. However, it’s true when I say I am a blush junkie. It’s also true that one look at this blush stopped me in my tracks at the drugstore. With its beautiful mosaic pattern and gold shimmer I thought this would the perfect affordable blush for the summer time.

When I first saw this blush it was sprayed with a beautiful gold overlay. Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else find overlays completely misleading and totally unnecessary? Actually I would think more women would find this appealing without the added glitter (it still looks equally as pretty). Second thing, Argan oil infused blush, I’m all into skincare benefits in makeup, but I would never choose this over any Argan Oil. And finally my third knock would be the heavy scent to this product. Personally, I like its nostalgic grandma scent, but I can see many classifying this as smelling “old lady”.

After you take away the scent, glitter and the skincare claims you are actually left with one heck of a good blush. Yes, you heard me this is a actually an amazing blush! In terms of colour payoff it's got it and it happens to boast a blendable, long-lasting formula too! However, my favourite quality of this blush is the amazing natural shine it gives. It's the same sort of non-sparkly glow you would find in high end products like Dior or Chanel. Come to think about it, it terms of finish it reminds me a lot like the Dior Rosey Glow blush, matte yet radiant all at the same time. 

Do I recommend it?  I'm still pretty bitter about finding random gold sparkles on my cheeks, but overall I would recommend this blush. In terms of quality, finish and longevity its probably one of the best drugstore blushes I've encountered. If you are sensitive to scents I would make sure to smell prior to purchasing. 

I have the colour Rose. I used the coupon attached to this package and scored this blush for for under $5.00

The Best Concealer Ever

 Hyper pigmentation to pimples  we all have things we wish we could cover. For me my problem area is and always had been my dark circles. After years of using the wrong products I finally found my dream team, which was the Bobbi Brown Corrector and the Clinique Air Brush concealer. Totally a great team, but as of late I have been craving a one step kind of concealer. So ladies (and gents) I bring you the Clarins Instant Concealer. 

Let me first start off and say this concealer is so freaking-you-need-to-buy-this-now good. Yes, we have another rave review, where I am so excited about this product it might be considered embarrasing. On one hand the Instant Concealer is pigmented and offers a long lasting high coverage finish. On the other hand despite the coverage the formula itself is non cakey and light. Most importantly (and my favourite thing) this looks like natural, radiant skin underneath the eye. 

If you see the Instant Concealer, swatch it or ask for a sample... you will love it. As for me I can wholehearted say I don't miss my old duo. Not only was my old duo a process to apply but forking over $56.00 seemed a little too spendy. Currently, my concealer takes me seconds to apply and gives me all the coverage I could ever ask for. I think I've found the best concealer ever! 

What are some of your favourite concealers, leave me a comment! 

An Ode to Dior Lip Products

One of my fondest memories with makeup was my very first luxury lipstick. I’m not sure what the occasion was, but I remember picking out a Dior Lipstick in a not so flattering bubble gum pink color. While I have left Pepto Bismol inspired shades in the past, the feeling of luxury within each and every Dior lip product has remained true over the years. Which brings me to this post… I love Dior Lip products so I thought I would share some of my all-time favourites.

Dior Lip Maximizer

I have tried some downright violent lip plumpers in the past and I am happy to report Dior’s is not one of them. This loveable lip gloss features two of my favorite things, hyaluronic acid and a cooling tingly texture. Well maybe three things… I love the minty vanilla scent too!

If you’re a fan of minty lip balms and enjoy that cool tingle Dior’s Lip Maximizer would be right up your alley.

Dior Lip Glow

Lip glow has all the benefits of an amazing balm, while adding a touch of color too and contains SPF too! For years I lumped this “color enhancing lip” balm as some sort of gimmicky trick. But there is no trick to it Dior Lip Glow actually changes your lips to a perfect natural pink shade. Making it perfect for weekends, vacations, work… oh who am I kidding? It’s is good for just about every situation. It’s the kind of product have to limit my usage of, because I swear I could go through a tube of Dior’s Lip glow every two weeks.

Dior Addict Lipsticks

Without doubt Dior Addict lipsticks have to be one of my all-time favorite formulas ever.  Currently I own two of these Dior Kiss (sheer bright pink) and Fashion Week (sparkly plum). Both shades are very different in texture and color, yet both feel as equally hydrating and smooth on the lips. If you were a fan of the Revlon Lip Butters these are the better, more luxurious version.

Do you love Dior Lip products as much as I do, leave me a comment!

Bases Overview

Spring is the time of the year where I go through my makeup collection and revaluate the good, the bad and the old. Today my spring cleaning brings me to my foundation/bases section of my collection.  With a handful of old products out, I thought I would share with you my current base collection.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

You know you love a product when you can’t communicate in full sentences how much you adore it. This is what Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum does to me … it makes me school girl giddy. With its hydrating qualities, luminous finish, light to medium coverage and perfect colour match, this is what my dreams are made of. For those of you reading this not obsessed with makeup I understand this might sound crazy. With that being said I am hoping most of you are makeup obsessed, because this foundation is my makeup soul mate.

NARS Sheer Glow

Some days I love the finish of this foundation, but most of the time I find the formula too drying. I don’t find Sheer Glow in particularly sheer or luminous. Tons of people love this foundation, but to put it simply this did not work for me. Having already invested in the bottle and the pump I feel like I need to finish this before tossing it. Will I buy this again... absolutely not. 

 Estee Lauder Double Wear Light

Light weight texture, buildable coverage, vibrant skin, and smudge proof formula all seem like fantastic qualities. What I failed to notice was the oil control properties this foundation has and I must say that does nothing for my dry skin. My fault entirely, but a bad foundation? Absolutely not, normal to combination skin types might really seek benefit from this.

Chanel Le Beige

Le Beige is a fantastic powder for those who suffer from dry or aging skin. Yes, this will set your makeup, but no this will not give you that powdery, dry, cakey finish. Actually, this is the only powder I've ever tried that makes my skin look naturally luminous. 

Bourjois Silk Edition Powder 

This is the newest edition to my bases collection. I originally bought this thinking it would be a dupe for the Chanel, it's not. This powder boasts more coverage and mattify's more then the Le Beige. Does it mean its bad? No, just not what I was expecting. With that being said I have only worn this a couple of times so I don't really have a complete list of thoughts yet. 

There we have it my entire bases collection. Leave me a comment and let me know what some of your favourite bases are. 

3 Pastel Polishes to Try Right Now

Years ago I was a nail polish nut and my weakness was pastels. On one particular Easter I even took inspiration from Easter eggs and did a whole pastel-nail art theme. What the heck was I thinking? These days I barely reach for colourful polish. With that being said I do still have a soft spot for some pastels, but generally I reach for more muted neutral colours. Is this what growing up is about? Let not go there, instead let’s go with the 3 colours you need to have on your nails now.

Illamasqua Fragile

Yes, this cliché hard to remove polish is a guilty pleasure. With that being said nothing screams Easter to louder than this Robin’s egg blue polish. I have been wearing this polish around Eater season for the past 4 years and there is no stopping me this year.

Sheer Pink

Pink polish doesn’t look right on my colouring. Sheer pink polish is a whole different ball game, because they make the hands looks tidy and your nails look amazing. Currently I am loving Deborah Lippmans  Le Vie En Rose but OPI’s Bubble bath is a tried and true favourite too!

Nude

Back in my pastel days I swore off nude polishes, but these days I can’t get enough of them. Why you ask? It comes down it there easy. If you really think about it  nude polish goes with every outfit, season, occasion you can think of. Actually, I can thoroughly say my nude is my new default colour. Some of my favourites include Essie’s Cocktails and Coconuts and Sand Tropez.

I hope everyone is enjoying there day off! Let me know what your favourite spring/Easter nail polish you are loving this long weekend.

March Favorites

The weather is warmer and the tulips are out… spring is here people. I’m not sure if it’s due to the longer days or the change of temperature, but there is a certain energy that arises when spring comes. My newly found liveliness comes with some amazing favorites this month, so without further ado let’s get started.

First Aid Beauty Sleeping Cream 

Winter makes my skin dry, but it’s that in-between seasons that makes my skin sensitive. Not sure if anyone else has this problem? This night cream is hydrating, anti-aging and has soothing properties to it too. In a nutshell that is pretty much everything my skin needs right now. Again I did a complete review here if you interested in hearing more about this night cream.

Marc Jacobs Sculpting Foundation Brush

Really good foundation brushes are expensive, but after going through many inexpensive brushes it was time for the investment. I went back and forth on a few different brushes, but eventually settled on the Marc Jacobs Sculpting Brush…. Holy damn people! With its slanted tip, this brush is very different then the buffing brushes I had been using.  With that being said, it blends in foundation like a dream, the bristles are baby soft, but more importantly downright pleasure to use.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

This mascara makes my lashes longer and curlier than any other mascara I’ve ever tried. I am also happy to report that even after a month I still continue to look forward to using this each day. To see my full review and pictures click here.

Dior Lip Maximizer

About three weeks ago I took a huge sip of boiling hot tea… my lips haven’t been the same since. Now into the peeling stage (over-share, I know) I have craved something hydrating, but has that cooling tingle, and a glossy finish… and so we have Dior’s Lip Maximizer!

The problem with some lip balms is while the hydrate they can actually make your lips look drier than they were previously. On the other hand glossy finishes tend to mask really chapped lips and complications that come with it.

Dry Shampoo

I turned a new page to my hair care routine this month and finally decided to comment to washing my hair less. The secret to washing your hair less is dry shampoo and I have two favorites this month. First and my ultimate favorite is the Klorane Dry Shampoo. I consider the Klorane my “fancy” dry shampoo, I mainly reserve for week days. My second favorite is the wallet friendly Dove Dry Shampoo, which is my weekend hair pick me up. Both are good, I happen to like the finish of the Klorane slightly better than the Dove.

What products have you been loving this March?  leave me a comment!