Empties #7

It feels like forever ago since my last empties and darn do I have a lot to share with you. In all honesty I didn't realize I had so many empties... but once I noticed my empties drawer wouldn't shut I knew now was the time. So without further rambling here are my empties!

nspa Hot Cloth Polish 

I loved this stuff... its cheap, creamy and the perfect way to start your double cleanse routine. With neroli essential oil and coco butter you can bet this is both nourishing and smells amazing. In my humble opinion this Hot Cloth Polish is so luxurious it gives more expensive brands a run for there money. In Canada you can find this at Walmart for under $15.00. 

I will buy this again...

Annick Goutal Petite Cherie Shower Gel 

Petite Cherie is one of my all time favorite perfumes. I'm not sure what it is, but notes of pear, peach and fresh grass there is something about this perfume that just captures my youth.  Although this perfume and it's entire range of products is very expensive, I snagged this shower gel for only $8.00. Yes this smelt divine, but the formula itself was that of a cheap drugstore shower gel. Retailing for $58.00 you can bet I will not be buying this again. 

Dior Lip Maximizer 

This might be my all time favourite lip glosses ever. Personally I adore this because of its slight refreshing tingle. I also love this because it's one of the very few lip plumping products that actually work. I will buy this again, however I would like to finish some more lip products first.

Bioderma Sensibio

Feels like water on the skin yet removes makeup like a breeze... I have already repurchased this and will time and time again. 

Avene Micellar Lotion 

This removes makeup way better then Bioderma. However, this also can be a little too aggressive for my sensitive skin. Not a bad product, just not one for me. You can see my whole review here. 

Dove Dry Shampoo
Repeat offender here... I'm not crazy about the scent of this product, but I do love how effective this works. For it's price, this is my cheap dry shampoo go to reserved for casual pick me ups. I have already repurchased this and continue to use it.

Klorane Dry Shampoo Orignal & Natural Tint Version
The Klorane is my "fancy" dry shampoo, that I reserve for work or nights out. In comparison to the Dove the Klorane gives more volume and texture with less residue. I used both the tinted and original formula over the past few months and to be honest I don't have a preference.  Have bought these again, there are an absolutely must for a good hair day (even in clean hair).

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil
This smells so good I've often thought about drinking this... I wish that was a joke.This super moisturizing shower gel makes skin feel, hydrated and smooth. Also, it works wonders used for shaving. I have a few shower gels to finish, but I will repurchase this again. 

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel
This is a classic Tanya product! Find this particular agrees with my skin more then any other cleanser I've tried. It's affordable, effective and jam packed with some amazing ingredients. For a more detailed review you can go here. Will I be buying this again? Let's put it this way I would never go without this product.

Avene Hydrance Optimale
Hydrance Optimale is an amazing light weight, hydrating serum. A lot of skincare I use is emollient due to the fact that I have dry, dehydrated skin. With that being said, all though this is a "hydrating" product the light weight consistency would be great for oily dehydrated skin types too. I have a whole in depth review of this product here.
I would totally buy this again, I just have some other serums to finish first.

The Body Shop Vanilla Brûlée Body Butter
Why must everything good be limited edition. Vanilla Brûlée had all the hydrating benefits one could ask for in combination with with a yummy vanilla scent. If this comes out next your I will not only repurchase but buy a back up... I love this scent that much!

Is anyone still reading? Because that was one long-ass empties post!
Have any thoughts on the product's listed above, leave me a comment below!

April Favourites

March was the month I went a little beauty crazy. I don’t know what got into me, but I was buying a lot of makeup and wearing a whole lot too. April on the other hand has been different… very different. Not only have I not purchased a single beauty item, but in general I have been using a lot less beauty products too.  So while some months feature new trendy items, this month has been a true testament to excellent every day essentials.

Clarins Instant Concealer

Dark circles have always been a problem for me and like many I’ve always struggled finding the right concealer. Many full coverage concealers get cakey under the eye, while light natural looking concealers just don’t pack enough of a punch. Then I found the Clarins Instant Concealer and darn it is by far the best concealer I’ve ever tried. If you were looking for natural, high coverage, long lasting concealer this product might be the answer to what you’ve always been looking for.
I have a whole review in depth review here.

 L'occitane Vanille Narcisse Body Milk

With a warm vanilla base and subtle floral notes Venilla Narcisse is a perfect example of vanilla meets modern sophistication. Maybe I’m slightly jaded but usually when perfumes come out with body care ranges, they lack quality and decent formulas. I can talk about bad experiences all day, but we are here to talk about Vanille Narcisse. The actual body milk formula is hydrating and light weight making it a great option for warmer months. Now with my tiny bottle almost empty, it’s time to invest in the full size.

Urban Decay Streak
This blush, bronzer and highlight compact is an excellent choice for busy mornings. All three products are bendable, pigmented and long lasting. Lately I have been wearing the highlight as an eye shadow. With its soft sheen it makes you look awake but because it’s sheer you can apply it with you finger. Yes, this month I resorted to applying eye shadows a finger… told you it’s been a lazy makeup month.

Bourjois Silk Edition Powder
Silk edition power ... I should have known by the name but this sure is silky. This light powder leaves a sheer vail of coverage on the skin. While this effectivly sets your foundation it also doesn't cling to dry patches. If you were craving a sheer setting powder, with a luxuriously silky finish, semi- matte finish and all at an affordable price check this one out!

I don't know some months favourites are filled with the new and the excited. This month however I can't shake the feeling that these are some amazing staples, that I will love forever.
What are some of your favourites this month, leave me a comment!

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!