Wednesday, November 30, 2016

November 2016 Boxycharm - Review and Unboxing

Boxycharm is a beauty subscription box for $21.00 a month + $5.00 shipping to Canada (shipping is free to the U.S.) Boxycharm sends 4 to 5 full size and luxury size beauty items. (This is only the 5th month they have been shipping to Canada and I was so excited when they started shipping to Canada!)

This subscription focuses heavily on make-up items - so that is something to keep in mind! (I personally love all the makeup though and they have sent full size palettes in the past!) While it is a little pricier than the inexpensive beauty boxes, the majority of the products are full size! 


Every subscriber generally receives the same products, but their is usually 1 or 2 items that have a few variations, so our boxes may not be identical! 

Here is a look at November's Boxycharm:

November 2016 Boxycharm - Review and Unboxing

This month's theme is "Groovy Town" - Boxycharm always includes a detailed product card explaining the items that were included in each month's subscription. 

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Manicure Tuesday - Best of My Winter and Seasonal Nail Art!

Happy Manicure Tuesday! This week I'm sharing my best and most favourite Winter and Christmas nail art! 

Last year for 2015, I did some of my BEST nail art in December!



This Snowman and Snowflake nail art is one of my favorite nail looks! I did a how-to on this look - you can check it out here

Monday, November 28, 2016

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette - Swatches, Makeup Looks, and Review!

I have been loving the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette for quite a while - it is the perfect palette for Fall and Winter! It offers a good mix of neutral and berry shades!


Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette - Swatches, Makeup Looks, and Review!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette ~ $55.00. A present-day take on Renaissance colors, this eye palette features 14 shades that let you create stylish, day to night looks. From the earthy yellow and ultra-matte finish of Golden Ochre to Primavera’s shimmer gold with a metallic finish, this palette’s high-pigment shadows are crease and fade-resistant and are sure to bring modern elegance to your eye looks. 

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Skincare Sunday - Cosrx Holy Moly Snail Mask Review

Happy Skincare Sunday everyone! I'm sharing a newer mask with you tonight (hopefully this will help make up for me forgetting about Mask Wednesday this week!)


Skincare Sunday - Cosrx Holy Moly Snail Mask Review

Cosrx Holy Moly Snail Mask ~ $3.00. Calling all snail lovers! This mask boasts a nourishing formula to restore moisture deep into the skin. The anti-oxidant properties of Red Ginseng and the reparative properties of Snail mucin makes this mask a perfect choice for bringing out the natural glow of your skin! Suitable for all skin-types. Made with 100% rayon fibers.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Five on Friday - November 25, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! It has felt like a really long week, but I am looking forward to this weekend! We are going to get our Christmas tree and decorate for the holidays, and I am so excited! I absolutely love Christmas time! 

ONE
Happy Black Friday everyone!!! And happy Thanksgiving to those U.S.A. readers - us Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving ages ago, so I use this occasion to celebrate good shopping deals! 

5 years ago, my friend Kayla and I did a Black Friday Midnight Madness shopping trip at the Palm Springs outlet malls - it was amazing!! We shopped from 5 pm to 4:30 am - also, the Canadian dollar was on par at the time which was helpful! (Also, [lease ignore my 5 year ago eye brows in these pictures!)



This was before and after our shopping trip and my haul! I don't plan on buying that much today, but would like to get some clothes and Christmas presents! 

Thursday, November 24, 2016

November 2016 Beauty Box Compare - Ipsy vs. Topbox

Here is a quick comparison with the November Ipsy and Topbox:

Here is a closer look at both boxes:

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Manicure Tuesday - Glisten & Glow Holographic Polish

Happy Manicure Tuesday - it's Black Friday this week so I am using a Black Friday special holographic polish for the occasion! 


This is the Glisten & Glow polish in "First in Line!" from a 2014 limited edition black friday holograph polish box! 

November 2016 Ipsy Glambag - Unboxing and Review

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!

This month's theme is "Rockstarlet" - here is a closer look at the products I received:

Monday, November 21, 2016

November 2016 Topbox - Unboxing and Review

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.

Each month comes with a couple variations, so you may not receive exactly the same products as me, but generally 1 or 2 are the same throughout all the bags. 

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

For November, I requested a regular Topbox - here is a look at what I received:
 


Here is a look at the products I received this month:

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Skincare Sunday - Paula's Choice Brightening Essence

This week for Skincare Sunday, I am sharing an essence to brighten up your complexion! Paula's Choice is a brand that focuses on ingredients that won't irritate the skin - this means no fragrances, dyes, or harmful ingredients and Paula's Choice never tests on animals. 

Paula's Choice Brightening Essence

Paula's Choice Resist Brightening Essence ~ $42.00. Resist Brightening Essence is a stunning, lightweight formula that will have beautiful results for your skin. It combines a powerful brightening complex of arbutin and licorice extract with a unique mix of plant and vitamin-derived ingredients, including acetyl glucosamine and vitamin C, that research has shown can improve a dull, sallow, ashen or uneven skin tone. Its formula works quickly to boost skin’s radiance for more luminous, even skin.

This essence is designed for every skin tone, especially those with with uneven, or dull complexions! 

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Dave Lackie's Beauty Presentation - Event Recap

Happy Saturday everyone! I was so excited when 2 weeks ago, Dave Lackie came to do a little beauty event here in Calgary! Dave Lackie is the Cityline Beauty Expert and Editor of Beauty the guide

I was excited to see this kind of event happening in Calgary, as we don't see a whole lot of beauty events going on! Dave Lackie gave a free presentation on the hot trends from the runways of Fashion Week from around the world! 


While the event itself was free, spacing was limited so you did have to book your tickets in advance. I was really impressed - this was the amazing swag bag you got for attending! There is 2 full size mascaras, a few skincare products, lots of fragrances to try, and a big bag to hold it all in! 

Friday, November 18, 2016

Five on Friday - November 18, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! I hope everyone had a great week - the family has not been feeling great here this week, so I hope we all enjoy a relaxing weekend and start to feel better! 

ONE

I feel like it has been a really long time since I talked about Mask Genie on here! Mask Genie is a monthly mask subscription, but she also has special mask pouches you can order on the side - I had the subscription for a long time (and loved it) but since my sheet mask collection is a little insane I haven't purchase it in a while! 

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Vichy Teint Ideal Makeup - Swatches and Reviews!

I have been a big fan of Vichy skincare for quite a long time - I was excited to see Vichy starting a makeup line! The idea of a skincare company creating a makeup line really makes me think that they will be moisturizing and good for the skin! 

Vichy Teint Ideal Makeup - Swatches and Reviews!

The new Teint Ideal range includes Foundation, BB Cream, Highlighter, Concealer, and Bronzer. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Mask Wednesday - Sexylook x Disney Princess Belle Mask

Happy Wednesday everyone - I'm a channeling my inner princess tonight and sharing a newer princess mask with you guys! 


Mask Wednesday - Sexylook x Disney Princess Belle Mask

Sexylook x Disney Princess Intensive Care Black Facial Mask "Belle" ~ $4.00. Natural extracts and active ingredients help detox and clarify the skin. Pure cotton mask absorbs dirt and excessive sebum while deeply moisturize and brighten your skin. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to moisturize and whiten skin. Promotes skin regeneration for healthier moisturized skin.  

I love anything that has to do with Disney Princesses, so Sexylook had me sold on this collaboration! 

Travel Post - My Turks and Caicos Vacation Part 3 Recap "Salt Cay"

Again, I hope you guys are okay with a few travel posts in with my regular beauty posts! I love to travel, and while I don't do it a ton, I like to think that I can plan a pretty great trip! 

This is the 3rd leg of my Turks and Caicos honeymoon that happened last year (September 26 - October 10, 2015) and we are heading from Grand Turk off to the tiny island of Salt Cay! And, I mean tiny - this island has an area of less than 7 square kilometers and is home to approximately 100 people. 

For the first part of our TCI honeymoon we stayed on the island of Providenciales (Provo) on the famous Grace Bay Beach, and the second part of the honeymoon, we stayed on Grand Turk, the capital island of TCI. We are island hopping to get the full TCI experience! 
Travel Post - My Turks and Caicos Vacation Part 3 Recap "Salt Cay"

Part 3 - Salt Cay (Day 10 to Day 12)
Again, we booked flights in between islands with Caicos Express Airways - this time, from Grand Turk to Salt Cay. This is only a 10 minute flight at most - these islands are very close together! There is also a small passenger ferry from Grand Turk to Salt Cay that runs 3 days a week. For me, I didn't like the times of the ferry and it is a small ferry and we had big suitcases, so I thought a flight was a better idea! 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Maison Jacynthe Makeup - Eyeshadow and Mascara Reviews and Swatches

I have been really fortunate to come across some amazing Canadian brands while blogging! Maison (previously referred to as Les Soins de Jacynthe), is a Canadian company started by Jacynthe Rene - she runs the website jmagazine.ca and is an author, actress and producer. 

Maison Jacynthe started as a skincare lineup (I reviewed a few of their skincare products here!) and they recently expanded their line to include makeup. All their products are cruelty-free, are 100% natural, and contain no GMO's or chemicals. 

Maison Jacynthe Makeup - Eyeshadow and Mascara Reviews and Swatches

I was excited to be able to try a few eye products - a mascara and 2 eyeshadows!

Monday, November 14, 2016

Manicure Monday - Jewel Toned Glitter Mani

Happy Monday everyone! This week I was really feeling the jewel toned trend of Fall! I love a good teal shade on my nails! 


I thought I would add a glitter accent nail and some triangle half-moon shapes at the bottom of my nails!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Skincare Sunday - Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water

Happy Sunday everyone - I hope you have all been enjoying the long weekend! Today I am sharing a lovely bottle of thermal water! 

Skincare Sunday - Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water ~ $13.00. For all women & men looking to reduce redness and soothe irritations and discomfort, while improving the quality of skin and reinforcing the skin's natural defences against external factors and prematured aging.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Five on Friday - November 11, 2016

Happy Friday everyone - it is also Remembrance Day here in Canada so we should all take a minute to be thankful for the freedoms and rights we have, and those who have fought, and continue to fight for us! 

ONE 
This week marked my 30th Birthday! It seems a little hard to believe as 30 seems a little weird, but there are so many good things coming this year - I am looking forward to seeing what 30 brings! 

My hubby spoiled my this year and got me a new laptop!

I'm so excited for this! My laptop is so slow and it takes forever to do anything! I can't wait to get it all set up! 

We celebrated pretty quietly with a nice dinner at Karma - my favorite Indian restaurant in Calgary!

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Mask Wednesday - Maskingdom I Wish "Happy Birthday" Mask

Happy Mask Wednesday everyone! This week was my 30th Birthday, and what better way to celebrate than with a special birthday mask?! 


Maskingdom I Wish "Happy Birthday" Mask

Maskingdom I Wish "Happy Birthday" Face Mask ~ $7.00. Spread the love of sheet masking and bless your loved ones with sheet mask from the Maskingdom I Wish series. Each mask contains natural extracts to care for their skin, and wishes to touch their heart. With each blessing, sheet masking can make the world go round!

Each mask is made from 100% natural Japanese silk, both thin and form-fitting to deliver an abundance of moisture and nutrients deep into your skin.

October 2016 Month in Masks and Mask Empties!

Masking is a huge part (and probably my favorite part) of my skincare routine! I try to use all types of masks as often as possible as I find they really help moisturize and improve my skin! 

This post is a review of all the masks I use each month and mini reviews on all of them - I also consider the Month of Masks my Mask Empties post, because I do not feature my sheet masks in my monthly empties post! You can check out my past Month of Masks here

My masking has really gone down this month (I think I have already explained my pure exhaustion as of late!), but here is a look at the masks I used during October:

October 2
The Face Shop Real Nature Avocado Face Mask ~ $2.00. Improve your skin's suppleness and elasticity with this Avocado Face Mask. Rich in nutrients, the hydrating serum contained in this mask is perfect for dry or very dry skin.

The Face Shop masks are my go-to inexpensive masks - they are easy to find and generally have some good sales with buy 10, get 5 free very often. I love this Avocado mask as it is so hydrating and makes my skin feel amazing!
Repurchase: Yes

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Manicure Tuesday - Scratch Bloom Nail Wraps

Happy Manicure Tuesday! Today i'm doing a little nail wraps for my mani of the week! 


Scratch Bloom Nail Wraps

I love these pretty floral wraps - I have used them before and I love the pattern on them! 

Monday, November 7, 2016

October 2016 - Monthly Favourites!

Hi all - sorry I'm a little late getting October wrapped up! Now that I have announced that I'm pregnant I can say that I have just been exhausted! As we get in to November here, I am getting in to my second trimester I am supposed to get some energy back! I am really hoping to get lots of blogging done during this time! 

Here is what I have been loving for October:

David's Tea Organic Cinammon Rooibos Chai ~ $16.00 (for the full tin). This breath-freshening tea combines rooibos, cinnamon and apple.

I'm not sure if I have ever done a Favourites post and included something other than beauty products - but this was a hands-down favourite this month. I have not been feeling the greatest, and this is one of the only teas I have been allowed while pregnant (and even so, you need to watch your cinnamon consumption!) But Rooibos is great because it is caffeine free and has a lot of benefits - also this is delicious! 

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Skincare Sunday - Acure Organics "The Magical Wonderfluff"

How can you resist a product called THE MAGICAL WONDERFLUFF?! This sounds amazing so this was obviously a must try! It sounds delightful! 


Skincare Sunday - Acure Organics "The Magical Wonderfluff"

Acure Organics The Magical Wonderfluff ~ $19.99. You want some serious winkle fighting, you got it! This amazing mixture will not only increase wonder but also fluff. With targeted argan stem cells, gardenia stem cells, chlorella, and argan oil. This is a game changer, People!

PS: Yes, we said "winkle fighting". Winkle's are the magical elves who sneak in at night and try to steal your pretty.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Five on Friday - November 4, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all had a great week - I always find the week after Halloween a little exhausting! So much work last weekend and on Monday for the event and lots to do after too! (Not that I'm complaining - I LOVE Halloween!)

ONE

Calling all Calgary girls - have you heard that Dave Lackie is doing 2 beauty presentations in Calgary this weekend?! Dave Lackie is Cityline's beauty expert and I always see so many fellow beauty bloggers in Toronto that go to a ton of events! 

This will be a presentation style event for about 45 minutes at The Bay in Southcentre Mall and it takes place on Saturday, November 5 at 2:00 and 4:00 pm (although, I think 2 pm is sold out).


Thursday, November 3, 2016

October 2016 - Monthly Empties

Here is a look at the products I used up in October:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ~ travel size $26.00. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer, lightweight formula with a hint of color you can use in place of foundation for a natural finish and a healthy glowing complexion.

I liked this formula, but I didn't love it. I found it wasn't long lasting and I usually look for a tinted moisturizer while travelling to have something a little lighter. I will likely look for a different formula next time.
Repurchase: No

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

October 2016 Bath Time Box - Unboxing and Review

Bath Time Box is a Canadian bath subscription box (started right here in Alberta - yay!!!). Bath Time Box focuses on products to help you rediscover bath time - I love baths so this box is right up my alley!

Bath Time Box is described as: 

"Designed and curated with the Bath lover in mind, each Bath Time Box contains 5 full and deluxe sample sized bath products carefully chosen to take your bath time to the next level.  Each box is carefully chosen with a focus on Natural and Handcrafted products. 
Delivered to you monthly, each box will hold an assortment of luxurious milk baths, scintillating bubble baths, invigorating scrubs, nourishing lotions and so much more."

Bath Time Box is $29.00 monthly + free shipping. (If you sign up for 3 months, it is $85, and 12 months is $335 + free shipping).

Also, if you are interested in purchasing items that you see in box, you can go the Bath Time Box store: www.bathtimestore.com 

The box ships on the 21st or 22nd of every month - it ships quickly and arrives in a few days! 

Here is a look at the October 2016 Bath Time Box:
October 2016 Bath Time Box - Unboxing and Review

This box always comes neatly packaged in a little white box and I find the products are always neatly wrapped! This month, Bath Time Box changed their product cards to a smaller sheet - it still gives all the same info and just fits a little neater in to the box. 

October's note says: "Here in Alberta, winter has arrived early - bringing the snow and cold with it...so this month is an homage to Halloween, winter and snow."

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Manicure Tuesday - Dia de Muertos Sugar Skull Nails (Day of the Dead)

Happy Manicure Tuesday - today also happens to be Dia de Muertos, which is also referred to as Day of the Dead. This is a Mexican holiday celebrated to honour family members and friends who have passed.

I love the beautiful Sugar Skulls that are associated with Dia de Muertos so I thought that is what I would do for my nails this week! 


Manicure Tuesday - Dia de Muertos Sugar Skull Nails (Day of the Dead)

I love how these turned out! I decided to keep the skulls to accent nails and use a matching polish shade for the remaining nails!