Wednesday, December 28, 2016

ColourPop Limited Edition Goodies Giveaway!!

As 2016 comes to end, I am really thankful to the readers, followers, and occasional glancers at my blog! I hope you all like what you find here, and if there is something you love or think I need to work on - I would love to hear it! I am always looking for ways to grow and make this blog more enjoyable! 

I am going on vacation for 2 weeks - leaving today December 28, 2016 and returning January 12, 2017! I don't have any posts scheduled during this time (I wish I was more organized so I could post while I'm away....)! 

As a way to say THANK YOU and that I hope you will return early January when I am back, I am going to leave you with a little giveaway that will run the whole time I'm away! 




This giveaway includes:

December 2016 - Monthly Favorites!

Here is a look at what I have been loving in December! 

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel ~ $9.95 for 100 ml. Oh how we've missed lathering up in those fluffy pink bubbles! We crave Snow Fairy's bubblegum and sweet vanilla fragrance all year, and just can't imagine the holidays without her. Our famous fairy contains a smattering of biodegradable shimmering luster (or as we like to call it, Fairy Dust), so she won't harm the earth one little bit. And this year, Snow Fairy’s formula has been expertly rebalanced to be totally self-preserving, so no synthetic preservatives are required.

This is the BEST December scent ever - this is always a special edition Christmas release! It is a delicious, sweet scent and this is the best shower gel! I also throw this in to ever bath I have too! So good! 

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

December 2016 - Month in Masks & 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 hill over the past few months - pregnancy exhaustion will continue to be my excuse for now! I am still trying to pick it! Here is a look at the masks I used in December:
December 6
Tony Moly Pureness 100 Propolis Mask Sheet ~ $1.99. This gentle, non-bleached 100% cotton sheet mask soaked in glacier water and propolis extract help to soothe and repair skin, leaving it supple and healthy. 

This mask was decent - the fit was pretty good and it lasted about 30 minutes. This made my skin feel good and hydrated - just as it was supposed to do! Not a standout, but pretty good for me!
Repurchase: Maybe, if it's easy to find! 

December 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 "Carpe P.M."  - and this came with an adorable pink textured ipsy bag that could also be a little clutch! 

Monday, December 26, 2016

December 2016 - Monthly Empties!

Time to go through my December trash - FYI, there is not very much this month! 

The Face Shop CLEAN FACE Anti-Imperfections Patches ~ $2.00. These practical patches reduce the appearance of pimples as soon as they occur. Gentle on skin, they are easy to apply at any moment to fight against unexpected breakouts!

I really like the patches from The Face Shop - they come in 2 different sizes in the pack and apply well to the face! They also work really well and overnight my spots have been very visibly reduced - these made my Favorites in April too! 
Repurchase: YES, with backups!

Travel Post - My Turks and Caicos Vacation Part 4 Recap "Providenciales, Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay"

This is the 4th and final leg of my Turks and Caicos honeymoon that happened last year (September 26 - October 10, 2015) and we are going back to the main island of Providenciales and this time we are heading to the south side of the island and staying on the beautiful lagoon of Chalk Sound! 

For the first part of our TCI honeymoon we stayed on the island of Providenciales (Provo) on the famous Grace Bay Beach, the second part of the honeymoon, we stayed on Grand Turk, the capital island of TCI, and the third part of the trip we went to Salt Cay, a teeny tiny little island! 
Travel Post - My Turks and Caicos Vacation Part 4 Recap "Providenciales, Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay"

Part 4 - Providenciales (Day 12 to Day 15)
Again, we booked flights in between islands with Caicos Express Airways - this time, from Salt Cay to Provo! This flight is about 40 minutes and stops briefly in Grand Turk to pick up passengers! 

Friday, December 23, 2016

Five on Friday - December 23, 2016

Can you guys believe that Christmas is this weekend?! Whoa - it definitely came quickly for me this year! I am usually done all my shopping and everything at the start of December, but I was still picking up gifts last weekend (and still have a few presents left to wrap)! 

ONE 

I love that every year a group of ladies from the Canadian Beauty Bloggers gets together and does a fun Secret Santa gift swap! 

I am so excited with the goodies my Secret Santa picked out for me:
  • Huda Beauty Lip Contour Set in Trendsetter & Bombshell - this set comes with a lip contour pencil and 2 mini liquid lipsticks! I have heard that this is an amazing liquid lipstick formula and these sets look like they are unavailable now, so I can't wait to try these! I will have a full review up for you guys after my vacation! 
  • Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in "Sarina" - this is a shimmer lip gloss and the shade is described as "chocolate sparkle". This smells so good! 
  • Revlon Nail Enamel in "Fashionista" - this shade is described as a warm, deep teal - I love teal, so this is great! 
A big thank you to Desiree from Desire-Plus-An-E - I love everything!!!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Trial Kit

Trial Kits are a great way to test out a range of new products without having to buy them all full size - Christmas time is the best time to get these sets because every brand comes out with their own version of sets for the holidays! 

Paula's Choice is offering quite a few sets for the holidays this year; here is a look at one of the offerings:
Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Trial Kit

Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Trial Kit for Normal to Oily Skin (Wrinkles and Breakouts) ~ $30.00 US. This two-week travel kit for our RESIST Collection for Normal to Oily Skin is the perfect introduction to the anti-aging essentials that help improve the appearance of fine lines, loss of firmness, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, dehydration, and other signs of environmental damage. Convenient travel sizes allow you to experience each formula’s texture and performance.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

December 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 6th 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 December's Boxycharm:

December 2016 Boxycharm - Review and Unboxing

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

Monday, December 19, 2016

Manicure Monday - Blue, White and Silver Snowflakes!

Happy Mani Monday - this week I'm thinking Snowflakes! 


Manicure Monday - Blue, White and Silver Snowflakes!

I love how these cute little snowflakes turned out! These are actually really easy nail art to do! 

Burt's Bees Kissable Colour Warm Collection

It's no secret that I love Burt's Bees lip balm - their pomegranate lip balm is one of my holy grails! 

Burt's Bees has come out with a ton of Holiday collections that are super affordable, from $4 to $25 and they are available at all leading drug stores, grocery stores, etc! These would all make great additions to secret santa gifts, stocking stuffers, or any beauty gift! 

Here is a look at one of my favorite sets from their holiday collection:
Burt's Bees Kissable Colour Warm Collection

Burt's Bees Kissable Colour Warm Collection ~ $9.99. That perfect, magical holiday kiss. It could be just around the corner! Help someone you love be ready for it with our Kissable Colour gift set: a trio of lip-nourishing, 100% natural Lip Shimmer shades in warm or cool collections.
• Nourishes and moisturizes lips with Vitamin E and Beeswax
• Enriched with Sunflower Oils
• Invigorates with Peppermint flavor

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Skincare Sunday - Acure Organics Aromatherapeutic Argan Oil Set

Happy Skincare Sunday - Acure Organics is offering a lovely set of Moroccan Argan Oils for a lovely holiday set! As with all Acure products, these oils are Vegan and free of Parabens, Gluten, Synthetic fragrances, Silicone, and Phthalates - this makes this brand a great choice for those on your list who are vegan or conscious of the skincare products they use! 

Skincare Sunday - Acure Organics Aromatherapeutic Argan Oil Set

Acure Organics Aromatherapeutic Argan Oil Set ~ $24.99. Feeling adventurous? Willing to try this threesome? The power of cold-pressed USDA certified organic argan oil coupled with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils to change the mood, enliven the senses and sweep you away with this menage a-cure.

This set comes with 3 different argan oils, coconut, rose, and citrus ginger, all in a cute little holiday package! 

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Colourpop Hello Kitty Collection - Review, Swatches and a Makeup Look!

I was so excited when ColourPop announced that they would be releasing a Hello Kitty Collection on November 1 for Hello Kitty's 50th birthday!!! 

Colourpop Hello Kitty Collection - Review, Swatches and a Makeup Look!

I thought there was some really amazing looking pieces and colours in the Hello Kitty collection and they offered a big selection of all products - lippie stix, ultra satin lips, blush, highlighter, ultra glossy lips, ultra metallic lips, eye shadows, and even a makeup bag! 

Friday, December 16, 2016

Five on Friday - December 16, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! This week has been another super cold week here in Calgary so I am really excited to see that it is supposed to warm up this weekend! Also, yesterday marked exactly 20 weeks for my pregnancy - do you think it's too early to start the countdown yet?! Only 19 weeks and 6 days to go! 

ONE

I just received some fun mail - another Glamsense box! This is a Unilever box and gives me the opportunity to try and review 3 products from Simple and Vaseline! I love that these products are meant for moisturizing in our cold, dry winters! 

I am also really pleased that I am still receiving glamsense boxes even though I am no longer subscribed to Topbox! 

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Mask Wednesday - Purpletale 5 Steps to Lovely Skin: Complete Facial Solution

Happy Mask Wednesday everyone! This week I am featuring a 5 step mask that includes a cleanser, ampoule, sheet mask, face cream and neck cream.


Purpletale 5 Steps to Lovely Skin: Complete Facial Solution

Purpletale - 5 Steps to Lovely Skin: Complete Facial Solution ~ $8.00. When you are looking for an effective and convenient skincare solution, turn to our 5 Steps to Lovely Skin – a complete facial solution that will leave your skin feeling deeply nourished and looking absolutely lovely.

This portable five-step facial treatment kit comes with (1) foam cleanser, (2) ampoule, (3) bio cellulous sheet mask, (4) facial cream, and (5) neck cream in one neat packet so that you can enjoy facials whenever and wherever you want!  It's an absolute must for travels and/or home spas.  

Fresh - Holiday Gift Sets!

I have been so excited about some of the amazing Holiday Sets that are being released for this Holiday season! 

Fresh is one of my Favorite Skincare brands - they have amazing masks and their sugar lip treatments are hands down, the best lip products ever! 

Fresh - Holiday Gift Sets!

Fresh - Skincare Treasures Gift Set ~ $90.00 CAN. A collection of Fresh skin care favorites that cleanse, mask, and moisturize—adorned in rich, gold-accented packaging. 

This is a gorgeous set that contains 5 products - Soy Face Cleanser, Lotus Youth Preserve Eye Cream with Super 7 Complex, Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex, Sugar Face Polish, and Sugar Rosé Lip Treatment! 

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Manicure Tuesday - Candy Cane Nails 2.0

Happy Manicure Tuesday - do you guys see a new theme around here?! I have been enjoying keeping the same nails for 2 weeks for a little while! 

I hope it's okay with you, that I'm loving that these designs are lasting and I'm still struggling with the energy and smell of painting my nails (I really hope I don't constantly sound like I'm complaining about being pregnant, but if I'm being honest, it's not my favorite thing in the world - I will be happy when these babies can be painted weekly again!)



Good thing these candy cane nails are adorable - right?! 

Monday, December 12, 2016

Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Palette - Swatches and Review

Who doesn't need a little dose of chocolate on a Monday?! Today, mine involves the adorable Too Faced White Chocolate Chip palette! 

Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Palette - Swatches and Review

Too Faced White Chocolate Chip palette ~ $32.00 CAN. The delectable White Chocolate Chip Palette features 11 antioxidant-rich, cocoa powder-infused shades with a signature chocolate scent. With a confection of pastels, creamy nudes, and a pop of black, these high-pigment eyeshadows offer true color payoff and a silky smooth finish. 

This packaging is adorable - looks link a mini chocolate bar and has a nice case with a full size mirror - this of course smells as delicious as all their chocolate palettes! 

Friday, December 9, 2016

Five on Friday - December 9, 2016

Happy Friday everyone - I know this post is coming out late, but since I was going for my ultrasound today I really wanted to share the results with everyone! 

ONE

We are so excited that we are having a BOY!!! Little Elliott will be joining the family in May and we just can't wait to meet him! 

November 2016 - Monthly Favourites!

Wrapping up November with a look at the 5 products I have been loving this month! 

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Eyeshadow Palette ~ $48.00. The limited-edition Eye Palette includes a Champagne Pop-inspired shade for the eyes, Champagne Toast—created by Jaclyn Hill. This versatile palette of lustrous and matte shades allows you to enhance the eyes with layers of light and color. 

I don't even know if I should actually include this because it was discontinued! There was a lot of drama around this product when it was released in June and the concern was over the quality of the eyeshadow. I actually am really pleased with the quality of these shadows and I have reached for the palette for every eye look I have done in November! Cordial is the perfect pink purple brown transition shade, Champagne Toast is a stunning lid shade and Chardonnay is great for brow highlight and the inner corner! The other 2 are great outer corner shades and I just think the colours are perfect for this time of year! 

Thursday, December 8, 2016

November 2016 Month in Masks & 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 hill over the past few months - pregnancy exhaustion will continue to be my excuse for now! I am still trying to pick it! Here is a look at the masks I used in November:
November 9
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.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

November 2016 - Monthly Empties

Time to go through my trash and see what I loved and didn't in November! 
November 2016 - Monthly Empties

Giorgio Armani - Fluid Sheer ~ sample size (full size is $68.00). A cult-favorite, multitasking illuminator and complexion perfector. 

This was a Sephora sample and was in one of the lighter shades - I used it as an illuminator mixed in with foundation, but the shades can also be used as a highlighter, blush or bronzer. I did like the glow it gave, but think this is quite expensive and likely not worth the price tag! 
Repurchase: No

Monday, December 5, 2016

Manicure Monday - Candy Cane Striped Nails!

It's Manicure Monday and December, so it is time for Christmas themed nails! This week I am doing Candy Cane striped nails! 



This week's look is simple, but pretty and festive! 

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Skincare Sunday - "Tree To Tub" Soapberri Co. Products

Happy Skincare Sunday! Today I'm featuring a unique brand - "Tree To Tub" Soapberri! This brand started on the premise of wanting to "change the way people clean by replacing harsh chemicals with nature's most gentle soap, the soapberry."


Skincare Sunday - "Tree To Tub" Soapberri Co. Products


I have never heard of a Soapberry before! "A soapberry or soap nut is an ancient fruit of sub-tropical Asia like Taiwan, China, India and Nepal. The early peoples of these regions uncovered the fruit shells' ability to create a gentle, cleansing lather that's naturally anti-bacterial. For thousands of years, the soapberry has been used as nature’s miracle soap to cleanse and nourish our skin and hair."

Friday, December 2, 2016

Five on Friday - December 2, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! hope you all had a great week! Mine was a little busy this week, so I can say I am looking forward to the weekend! 

ONE

Look at this amazing set of goodies that I won in a giveaway from Boxycharm and Starlooks!!! Wow - 3 full sized palettes?! I feel so lucky - I haven't really known anyone who has won one of these giveaways from a subscription box before! 

I do like the quality of Starlooks shadows - I have received a palette in the past from the Starlooks subscription! These have some really unique shades, which will go well in my collection!