January 2016 - Month in Masks and Mask Empties (with mini reviews!)

As most of you know by now, my Skincare Routine is very important to me and masking is a huge part of that routine (it is probably my favorite part on my skincare routine to be honest!) I use this an empties post too as I don't feature my sheet masks on my monthly empties post! 

This post is a review of all the masks I use each month because it is a good way to get mini reviews out of all the masks I go through (because it is a lot!)

January 2
BioRepublic Skincare Pomegranate Crush Illuminating Mask ~ $7 (3 for $21). These antioxidant-packed fiber sheet masks will leave your skin brighter, smoother, and all-around happier—in less time than it takes to watch the latest episode of New Girl. Infused with pomegranate and green tea extract, the masks smooth and nourish your complexion for radiant, even skin. What’s more, the biodegradable sheets fit the contours of your face to avoid slipping and sliding—so you can sit back and relax while your mask does its work.

Skincare Sunday Product Review - Tony Moly Magic Food Banana Sleeping Pack

One of the main parts of my 10-step Skincare Routine in the evening is the night cream or sleep masks! Your skin rejuvenates overnight and needs lots of moisture! Sure your regular moisturizer works fine, but I think you should be using a night cream or sleep pack that it designed to give your skin extra moisture as it regenerates overnight! 

I actually have quite a few sleep packs that I rotate through, and here is one of my favorites:

TONYMOLY Magic Food Banana Sleeping Pack ~ $13.90. Containing Banana extract (Rich vitamins and dietary fibers): Skin nourishment. Containing Chamomile Flower Extract: Sleep induction and Deep Moisturizing. 5-No-Additives: paraben, triethanolamine, benzyl alcohol, BHT, triclosan. Delicious Banana Fragrance.

January 2016 Empties!

Time to look through my monthly beauty trash - I feel pretty good about how many products I went through this month! Let's dig in:

Ariul Spa Water 24 Hours Moisturizing Refreshing Mist ~ full size $18. Rich in minerals and amino acids - this works to give you instant replenishment any time during the day or you can use it as you first step after cleansing  to create a moister barrier and keep your skin hydrated all day!

Five on Friday - January 29, 2016

Hope everyone had a great week - this has actually been a really quiet for me, which I have been enjoying and relaxing! 

ONE
So, I haven't worn my FitBit in a long time, but this past weekend I cleaned it up and got it working again! It has definitely motivated me to get off my butt a little bit more and move around more! It feels good to be using it again! 

TWO

Ok you guys, have you read this book?! I can't believe it took me this long to read The Night Circus! This book was soooo good! How are you guys doing on your Reading Challenge? I'm feeling pretty good that this is Book 4 of this year already! Woo hoo! 

January 2016 Beauty Box Comparison - Ipsy vs. Topbox vs. Birchbox

Here is a quick look at the comparison chart for January's Ipsy, Topbox, and Birchbox Canada:

In terms of value this month, Ipsy and Topbox blew Birchbox Canada out of the water. Sometimes, that doesn't always mean they are the best so we will take a closer look! 

Wine + Mask Wednesday (Tantalus Rose Wine + illi Camellia Nourishing Mask)

*edit - Wed morning ~ I JUST realized that yesterday was Tuesday! Isn't that the worst feeling when you think it is closer to the end of the week and then realize the week isn't halfway over! Anyways, I'm usually just on time with these posts, so enjoy this one early! 

Yay - I finally have Wine for my Wine and Mask Wednesday! My theme for this week is PINK!! 

Here is a look at my Mask of the Week:

illi Camellia Nourishing Mask (Intensive Moisture) ~ $4.00. The Illi Camellia Nourishing Mask will make a believer out of anyone!  Camellia Oil - a super antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors and nasty free radicals, will leave your skin hydrated, soft and revitalized.  A winner in our books!

Manicure Monday - Formula X "Petal to the Metal" Polish

Happy Manicure Monday everyone! This week I am keeping things really simple, but using a beautiful metallic nail polish! 

Here is a look at my shiny nails of the week:

I know these are a lot simpler than I normally do - but this colour was so beautiful, it really didn't need any embellishments! 

January Ipsy Glambag - Review and Unboxing

Ipsy is one of the original inexpensive beauty bag sample subscriptions. You receive 4-5 deluxe sample size or full size products each month. The cost is $10 US (+ $4.95 shipping to Canada - you will have to factor in our crazy exchange rate right now!)

Ipsy is generally make-up products with a mix of skincare, nail polish, and hair products based on a beauty profile you complete. There is usually 12-18 products that are selected from each month! You can view your "glam room" online that tells you all the products you will receive each month. You also receive a make-up bag each month with your products.

Ipsy always ships out in it's signature pink mailer, and here is a look at what came inside! 

I can't decide if I love or hate this bag - the pattern is kind of cute, but I'm not thrilled with the colors! But I am sure I will find a use for it! This month's theme is "All Eyes On You" - so I'm guessing it will have lots of eye products which is awesome! 

Skincare Sunday Product Review - Bath Time Box "Rose Infused Facial Cream"

Wintertime is always all about moisturizers - I can never get enough of them! My skin is so dry and constantly in need of moisture! I have been really lucky this year and have found some amazing moisturizers -  this one came in my November Bath Time Box!

Silky Smooth Skin Cream - Rose Infused Facial Cream ~ $14.50. This ultra-silky cream helps rejuvinate the skin while it moisturizes. Evening Primrose and Rosehip oil are widely used to promote new cell regeneration while the AHA sloughs off dead skin cells, leaving the complexion brighter and more even while improving skin elasticity. The jumbo 1 oz size will last you for months!

Five on Friday - January 22, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!! Hope everyone had a great week! Mine has been pretty good - work was a little busier than normal because my partner was away on vacation (plus, isn't it hard to be a work when you know someone you work with is in Mexico!!!!) so I am happy the weekend is here! 

ONE 

Okay, so I don't like to spend a whole lot complaining here - I am mostly pretty positive, but I may have just ran in to some pretty terrible service for a subscription company and I am really mad about, so I figured I would share! 

January 2016 Topbox - Review and Unboxing

TopBox is a Canadian Beauty Box Subscription - for $12 CDN a month with free shipping, you will receive 4 deluxe sample size or full size products. You fill out a beauty profile and generally receive products based on what you have identified in the profile. Also, every month you have the option to wish for a "prive" box, which is a box that focuses on one brand or product for the whole box.

TopBox is a Canadian company and only ships to Canada. There is usually a month or two waitlist for this subscription. 

For this month, I requested a regular Topbox - here is a look:

From first glance, I'm not super thrilled with this box - but let's take a closer look! 

Mask Wednesday - Royal Skin The Animalian Mask "Fox"

Yes, you read that sad, sad title correct - I again have no wine for my Wine and Mask Wednesday! I'm telling you, these basement renos need to get done asap. I know it might sound stupid that I can't just go in the basement and grab a bottle of wine, but seriously they are stuck behind a mountain of storage currently. Also, I have been to lazy to go buy a bottle of wine, so instead I will complain a little here and just use a mask! I thought this week I would have some fun and use an animal mask! 

Here is my Mask of Week:

Royal Skin The Animalian Mask "Fox" ~ $3.47 (3000 won). Cute animal-character mask sheet for moist and vitalized skin.

Manicure Monday - Scratch Nail Wraps "Lips, Eyes, Trippy Lines, and Cacti"

Happy Mani Monday everyone - today I'm going to be using some Scratch wraps! I actually feel like I haven't used nail wraps in a long time; but, since my Mondays are a little rushed right now, I love how quick they are to use! 

Here is a look at my Manicure of the Week:

How cute are these little Cactus Wraps!? If you remember these wraps came in a set with cute lips and eyes, but I used those in a past mani and saved these at a different time! 

January 2016 Birchbox Canada - Unboxing and Review

Birchbox is the original sample beauty box and started shipping to Canada last year. It is $10 a month + $4.95 shipping to Canada (you can save money by signing up for a year for $100 + shipping costs). Each month you receive 5 sample (or full size) products based on a beauty profile you complete.

Birchbox Canada describes itself as:

"Five personalized beauty samples delivered right to your door each month. It’s the best way to find the products you’ll love."

Recently, Birchbox Canada has made some changes - new products and new monthly features including curated boxes and sample choice. In addition, they started offering all the special boxes that American subscribers received.

Here is the January 2015 Birchbox Canada:

Birchbox always comes in a pretty box and each month has a new design! I usually use these to hold samples or extra products! 

Skincare Sunday Product Review - Fronaturals Luxurious Beauty Oils

These products were provided in exchange for my honest review - all opinions are my own! 

If you talked to me 2 years ago, oils were not a part of my skincare routine! They seemed like they wouldn't help my skin; but, face oils are absolutely amazing! 

Fronaturals is a Calgary based company that brings a collection of rare beauty oils and superfood products that promise to: Enhance ,Enrich and Enliven the quality of your life. Frönaturals uses ethically sourced products from small producers. 

Frönaturals provided me with 2 rare, luxurious beauty oils for me to try - 100% Marula Oil and 100% Baobab Oil.

I am always happy to find local companies - Frönaturals is right in my hometown, Calgary! I also love that they use ethically sourced products and delivers them at a reasonable price. They ship free on all order of $50 in Canada, and over $75 Internationally. 

Sephora Boxing Day Shopping Haul - Skincare and Makeup!

I know you won't be expecting a shopping haul during my no-buy month; but, I ordered these goodies from Sephora on Boxing Day so I did not break my no-buy!! 

Sephora released a couple of $15 sets that were only available for 1 day, and I actually needed to replace a couple of things so I placed an order! 

Here is a look at what I got:

Ole Henriksen Nuture Me Holiday Duo ~ $15.00. Includes Nurture Me soothing cream and makeup removing wipes. 

Five on Friday - January 15, 2016

Another busy week - I am glad it is Friday! Although, it is supposed to get super cold here this weekend so I am not looking forward to that! 

ONE

How cute is this shirt I got from StatGeekTees?! (Don't worry, I didn't break my no buy, I bought it in December!) I love it - I think it is so cute! 

Mask Wednesday ~ Ciracle Jeju Pore Tightening Mask

Alright, this whole basement renovation is really cramping my wine style - it is waaaay too messy to go down there and get wine right now! Sadly this means that no wine will be had for Wine and Mask Wednesday! 

I will still review a mask of course and this week's Mask of the Week is:

Ciracle Jeju Volcanic Pore-Tightening Mask ~ $4. The Jeju Volcanic Pore-tightening Mask is a sheet mask infused with purifying Jeju volcanic clay, clarifying binchotan charcoal powder, mineral-rich Jeju seawater, and Ciracle's own Pore Tightening Serum. This power combination of proprietary and hero ingredients work together in a rich formula concentrated directly on the skin to remove impurities while sealing up pores and imparting moisture to the skin. 

Too Faced Love Flush Blush "Love Hangover"

I received this beautiful Too Faced Love Flush Blush in a Christmas Gift exchange!

The packaging is gorgeous! Seriously, this heart is soooo cute!! The shade I received is "Love Hangover" and it is described as the perfect, warm pink! 

Manicure Monday - Rainbow Honey "Dirty Mintini"

This week's Manicure is going to feature Rainbow Honey's Dirty Mintini polish - I love this colour and have only used it once since getting it!! It is nice because it is a textured polish so it is pretty and quick! 

Here is a look at the products I used for this week's Manicure:

Skincare Sunday Product Review - Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

This week's review is on The True Cream - Aqua Bomb by Belif! (This little goodie made my favourites in September, and I'm still loving it!)

Belif The True Cream - Aqua Bomb ~ sample size 4,000 Won (approx. $3.43 USD). This aqua balm with Napiers aqua formula containing Lady's Mantle, often called "a woman's hydrating herb," is an invigorating gel type cream that supplies instant moisture to the skin while forming a protective layer that wraps the skin in comfort.

ColourPop - "Forever Freshman" Eyeshadow Set Review and Swatches

I have recently tried ColourPop eyeshadows and loved them! When Ipsy offered the ColourPop eyeshadow set "Forever Freshman" as a point award for 1500 points, I jumped all over it! 

Here is a look at the set:

"Forever Freshman" ~ $25.00 on sale (regular $30.00). 

Five on Friday - January 8, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!!! I am happy to see the weekend coming - it has been a little cold a miserable around here, so not a very nice week! Anyone else feel like this week has been especially weird?! Just hard to get back in to gear with work after the holidays and trying to get back to a routine! I haven't done many blog posts (apparently I can't find the time this week because I got spoiled the last 2 weeks with no work!) but I will get it sorted out again soon! 

ONE

Ahhh... another season of The Bachelor has begun! Do you think because Ben is fairly quiet they chose extra crazy girls this season!? Anways, it looks dramalicious as usual, which I love of course! Who are you rooting for? Right now I'm leaning towards Becca, Amanda (cute single mom), Lauren B (flight attendant) and Jami (fellow Albertan!) - this could all change of course! 

Wine + Mask Wednesday (St Hubertus Chasselas and Lovemore Rhodiola)

Wine and Mask Wednesday - this week's theme is going to be "floral"! Here is a look at my Mask of the Week:

Lovemore Rhodiola Antioxidant & Brightening Sheet Mask ~ $7.50US for 5 masks. 

Manicure Monday (Pantone Colour of the Year Nails - Rose Quartz and Serenity) + Monthly Pedicure (Julep Textured Toes)

I thought it would only be fair to start off 2016 featuring nails using the new Pantone Colours of the Year - Rose Quartz and Serenity!

Here is a look at the products I used for this week's Manicure:

Skincare Sunday - THEFACESHOP Mild Papaya Peeling Review

Time for another Skincare Sunday post - this week I am focusing on a peel from The Face Shop! I actually just tried a sample of this last month and really enjoyed it, and I happened to get a bigger sample from a friend for Christmas!

The Face Shop Mild Papaya Peeling ~ full size 150ml for $17.00. Get clear, flawless looking skin with this papaya scrub. Gentle on the skin, it efficiently removes impurities and dead skin cells that clog pores.

Reflections of 2015!

I have to say that 2015 was actually a really crazy year for me - lots of ups and downs, but it did end on a positive note!

I thought I would spend a little time looking back at my favorite moments before I'm ready to move on to 2016! 

I'm just going to highlight some awesome times over the year (in chronological order, not in order of my favorite!)

Bobsledding at Canada Olympic Park

This was such an awesome way to start the year! Mitch's sister and brother in law were in town from Sweden and we wanted to do something fun and different together! This was such a rush!!! So fun!

Five on Friday - January 1, 2016

Happy New Years everyone!!! Can you believe it is 2016 already?! Where did the time go?! So much has passed since I was her last for Five on Friday! Most importantly - Christmas!! I hope everyone had an amazing holiday, we had a really quiet Christmas and just did small presents and relaxed. We spent Christmas night visiting family out of town! 

Let's try and catch up on the last 2 weeks! 

ONE

New Years Makeup!!! For this look I used:

-Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette for a light Smoky Eye
-Lit Cosmetics gold glitter for a big cat eye 
-Benefit Rollerlash Mascara
-Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop for my highlight
-The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes on the lips! 

I love some glitter for New Years!!