August 2017 - Monthly Empties!

Time to look at my garbage (beauty garbage of course, so it's more glamorous!)

Maison Jacynthe Mascara ~ $33.00. Natural intense black mascara for a sublime eye-makeup look. Formulated with clary sage water, to hydrate and protect your lashes. The mascara has a silky texture and is highly pigmented. Its thin brush gives you a precise application and provides volume. Ideal for a more intense look. Long-lasting thanks to its exclusive formulation. 100% of ingredients from organic origin.

I really enjoyed this mascara when I was first using it - it has a super skinny wand so it can get everywhere! The formula was a little wetter than I prefer, but it did lengthen and define. It was a tad clumpy but nothing a little brush can't fix! But, once it got near the end it did end up getting really flaky on me so I knew it was done! I did a whole review of this mascara if you want to check it out here! 

Repurchase: Mmmm... overall, it was good but not my favorite so not likely.. 

Mask Wednesday - Belif Aqua Bomb Sheet Mask!

Happy Mask Wednesday - I was super excited to see Belif start coming to Canada (you can find Belif products in stores at The Face Shop locations). So, I have been slowly trying to try new products!

One of their most well known products is the "The True Cream - Aqua Bomb" (which I love!), so when I saw an Aqua Bomb sheet mask I HAD to try it! 

Belif Aqua Bomb Sheet Mask ~ $11.00 CAN. Our belief to provide instant hydration with extra care for dry skin. This sheet mask is infused with a blend of The true cream-Aqua bomb’s powerful hydrating ingredients and instantly provides an explosion of hydration to quench parched, dehydrated skin. 

The dual pouch-type mask includes an essence and a sheet in separate compartments to ensure the sheet mask is freshly drenched in the essence formula upon breaking the pouch. When you need instant and intensive hydration, break the belif Aqua bomb sheet mask.

This is a pricier mask in my opinion - $11 for one use, it better work great! My hopes are high because as I said, I'm a fan of the Aqua Bomb cream! 

Manicure Tuesday - Julep "Katie" ~ Classic with a Twist polish!

Happy Manicure Tuesday everyone! After a few weeks of nail art, this week I am keeping it simple with a gorgeous nail polish this week! 

I recently used another Julep polish and remembered how much I liked them - I used to get the Julep polish subscription!

The polish colour I used for this week is "Katie" - a classic with a twist polish that is described as "Orchid Iridescent Chrome"

August 2017 Boxycharm - Unboxing, Review, Swatches and Makeup Try-on!

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 subscription focuses heavily on make-up items - so that is something to keep in mind! While it is a little pricier than the more inexpensive beauty boxes, the majority of the products are full size, with a deluxe sample every once in a while. 

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 my August Boxycharm:

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

Skincare Sunday - The Face Shop Chia Seed Line

Happy Skincare Sunday everyone - I have a complete skincare routine for you today from The Face Shop! It's a look at their Chia Seed line! 

The Chia Seed line is designed for people with normal to oily skin who are looking for a refined, but simple skincare routine! Chia seeds have all the properties to help moisturize and invigorate the skin - omega 3, antioxidants, and minerals! 

Five on Friday - August 25, 2017

Happy Friday all! I hope you all had a great week - mine was a little quieter than last week, which is good! Isn't is crazy to think that Summer is almost over?! It has just flown by!

ONE

Well apparently this was my week of hair freebies - I usually sign up for freebies when I hear about them, because who doesn't love free stuff?! But, I wasn't expecting 2 different John Frieda samples and a Garnier sample too! I always like these samples for travelling or a quick night away from home. 

Esqido Mink False Eyelashes - "BFF" and "Voila" Try-on and Review!

I love the look of false eyelashes; but, I'm not really amazing at application so I tend to go without lashes. Now, the problem might be that because I'm not amazing with falsies, I tend to buy inexpensive ones that have thick, hard to apply bands and that's making my problem worse!

I know I'm rambling a little, but what I mean is maybe if I splurge on higher quality lashes made with higher quality materials I might have an easier, more enjoyable false lash experience! Enter Esqido Mink Eyelashes! 

Esqido Mink Eyelashes are said to be "the softest, lightest, and most natural looking false eyelashes you’ll ever wear". Esqido lashes are made with naturally shed mink hair for the softest and finest texture. The band is a hand crafted cotton band that make them easy to apply and comfortable to wear all day! 

Mask Wednesday - The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Soothing Gauze Sheet Mask Review

I have reviewed The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair line and it has quickly become some of my favorite products! You can see my review on the Daily Repair products here and the moisturizer made my July Monthly Favorites too! 

They just released a face mask for this Daily Repair line, so I had to try it! 

The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Soothing Gauze Sheet Mask ~ $6.00. A low-irritant calming and moisturizing mask sheet with lansil, an excellent moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated and cool for a long time. Daily low-irritant moisturizing solution: Contains phytoshpingosine, moroheiya, birch tree sap and Skin-sync Rx™ which helps form a moisture layer to calm dry skin.

The whole Dr. Belmeur line is formulated "without 9 additives: parabens, synthetic pigments, triethanolamine, mineral oil, benzophenone-3, animal-derived ingredients, propylene glycol, talc, benzoic acid. Allergen-free fragrance: formulated without 26 types of additives with possible allergens."

Manicure Monday - The Little Mermaid Nails!

I'm clearly sticking to a nail theme this month - mermaids! 

This manicure did not turn out as pretty as I was hoping for; but, I ended using a couple of products that I was really disappointed in and that resulted in a less than perfect mermaid look!

Skincare Sunday - New Zoella Jelly & Gelato Products

Happy Skincare Sunday! Zoella launched her bath and body line last year, and now she has added a few new products with a delicious new scent - Jelly & Gelato! Yum! 

The Jelly & Gelato line includes shower gels, lotions, body mist, a scrub and more! The Zoella Beauty range can be found exclusively at London Drugs in Canada and are available online here! 

Five on Friday - August 18, 2017

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all had a great week! Mine was really busy but good - my sister was in town from Vancouver so we had family dinners every day and lots of outings during the week! I'm feeling sick today so I'm going to have a quiet weekend and rest up so I feel better! 

ONE

I went shopping this week and passed an awesome sale at David's Tea! The Agave single servings, the lemon pound cake tea and the 3 tea gifts were 5 for $10 and then the 3 pitcher packs were 3 for $10! Really excited to try all of these! I really don't need any more tea, but I couldn't resist a sale! 

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette - Swatches, Makeup Look, and Review!

When Urban Decay announced their new Naked Heat palette I jumped on it the day it was released! This is a warm, amber palette! I loved these warm shades so this palette was right up my alley! 

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette ~ $66.00 CAN. An eyeshadow palette featuring 12 amber-hued neutrals. 

This is a really warm palette - if you aren't into warm shades, this won't be for you! But, if you're like me and you like oranges, bronzes and browns you might be interested in this! This palette comes with a variety of shadow finishes - mattes, shimmers, and metallics.

Mask Wednesday - Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask Review

My skin really loves honey - it has great antioxidant benefits and it works to brighten skin, clarify skin, and fights against aging! Farmacy Beauty offers a unique honey "Echinacea GreenEnvy Honey" that heightens the benefits of honey. It is made by bees on Farmacy's farms from their Echinacea GreenEnvy plants - these contains a high concentration of a specific antioxidant that protects and firms the skin while brightening the complexion.

Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask ~ $75.00 CAN for full size (sample size pictured here). A warming massage face mask that nourishes and revitalizes the skin for a glowing, smooth complexion.

So, long explanation short, this includes a honey on steroids so I think my skin will really like it! This mask not only contains a jacked up honey; but, it also contains propolis and royal jelly which will support the skin in a younger, brighter appearance! 

Manicure Monday - My MerKittens Are Still Looking Pretty Purrfect Thanks To Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat!

Happy Manicure Monday everyone! This look is a repeat from last week, but seriously when you wear a nail look for a week and they don't even have a chip on them, how do you take them off?! 

These went through a whole week of everything - house cleaning, laundry, dishes, dirty diapers, baths, etc! My water decals have only a couple little lines blurred on them; but, not even a chip on these babies! 

Skincare Sunday - New Lush Sleepy Hand and Body Lotion

Happy Sunday everyone! I love when Lush releases new products; so when they released some new lotion and goodies earlier this month, naturally I had to go pick up some new things!

One of the new goodies happened to be a lavender lotion - I love everything lavender for body care so this was a must-try! 

July 2017 - Monthly Empties!

Time to look at my beauty trash! 

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer ~ sample (full size is $35.00). A primer for concealers and eyeshadows. 

This was okay - I feel like I have been using this forever, which is good but I just didn't love it. It did the job and kept my shadow in place for the most part, just nothing spectacular.
Repurchase: Not likely

Five on Friday - August 11, 2017

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you had a great week! Does anyone think that Summer is just flying by?! I'm having a hard time believing we are almost half way through August! 

ONE

I just received my August In8Beauty subscription! I have shared the past few months of this subscription because I won a year subscription via an Instagram giveaway! You can check out my past reviews of the subscription here! 

Mask Wednesday - The Face Shop Bio-Cell Recovery Face Mask

Happy Mask Wednesday! I always love finding masks that feel amazing on the skin and I knew this bio-cellulose material was going to be amazing! 

The Face Shop Bio-Cell Recovery Face Mask ~ $4.00. This recovery mask features a naturally adhesive bio-cellulose sheet and a Madecassoside serum that effectively soothes irritated skin due to exposure to the elements.

My skin has still been really up and down since having a baby - silly hormones! So, right now my skin needs everything recovery! This sounds like everything I need right now! 

Manicure Tuesday - Purrmaid & Merkittens Nail Decals!

What happens when you plan beachy nails on the same day as International Cat day?! Merkittens!!! Or is it purrmaids? Either way - these are purrfect for Summer! 

I just got these AMAZING Merkitten decals from an awesome Etsy shop called PearlPlanet! Seriously, I saw them in an instagram post and had to have them immediately! They had super reasonable shipping costs and came really fast! (If you want to see the other nail decals I got from the shop, check out my "What I Bought This Month" for July post!  

My "Go-To 5 Minute Everyday" Summer Makeup Look!

As much as I love makeup and experimenting with new looks, my everyday makeup look is minimalistic, but dewy and bright! 

It's Summer and it's hot outside, so I try to keep the look really light. (And really, with a 3 month old, I only get a few minutes to throw on some makeup before running out!)

This is what I wear for my everyday casual look - think, running errands, meeting up with my friends, family dinners, etc. I don't wear every layer of makeup that I would in a full makeup look, so don't be surprised to see less products! 

Skincare Sunday - Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying Daily Skin Booster Review!

Happy Skincare Sunday everyone! I have been a big fan of Vichy products so whenever they release new products, I always get excited to try them!

Vichy was founded with the philosophy that skin is a vital organ and requires true medical research to enhance and maintain's its beauty. All of Vichy's products contain their main ingredient - Vichy Thermal Spa Water! The Thermal Spa Water contains a high concentration of 15 minerals that help sooth, protect, and regenerate skin! 

July 2017 - 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! 

Here is a look at the masks I used in July:

July 3
The Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask "Pomegranate" ~ $3.00. This Pomegranate Face Mask reduces the appearance of the first signs of aging and helps improve skin's elasticity. Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate provides skin with long-lasting hydration and a radiant complexion.

The Face Shop masks are my affordable go-to masks - they just moved from $2 to $3, but still thats a reasonable price. They fit really big, but have enough tabs to be smoothed on to the face well. This had lots of essence and made my skin feel nice and refreshed!
Repurchase: Yes

Five on Friday - August 4, 2017

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all had a great week! Ours was a little busy getting back from holidays - we spent 2 days driving home from B.C. and I'm still not fully unpacked. Good thing it's a long weekend this weekend! 

ONE

We had such a lovely trip out in Penticton, B.C. - I mean look at this view from our wine tour day! It is such a beautiful place and perfect to visit in the Summer! 

July 2017 - What I Bought This Month!

It's time for my monthly haul - I was on a no-buy for July (maybe we should refer to it as a low-buy instead, because I bought a few things!) I went a little crazy in June, so I didn't buy nearly as much this month! 

I have really enjoyed seeing what I buy every month! I like that I get to share everything I have purchased (because really some of it would get lost in my beauty collection if I didn't!) Also these posts helps to keep me on track - I am planning on trying to only spend around $100 per month on beauty since I am be on a smaller budget now with a new baby! 

I will only include products I have spent money on - gifts, pr samples, and freebies are usually shared on posts like my Five on Friday posts! 

Here is what I bought in July:

Sephora Order ~ $36.75. Just a teensy Sephora order had to happen this month! I NEEDED this Briogeo leave in spray! I have never needed to order a hair product so much before! This made my Monthly Favorites for July! Also, these 3 Formula X products were on sale for $3 each! Had to get more! Also this Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask was the add on code - you can see my review on this here! Plus a few moisturizers as my free samples! 

Mask Wednesday - Too Cool For School Coconut Ceramide Mask

It's Mask Wednesday and there is so many fun Summery masks to use! Coconut is a stand out Summer ingredient and works to brighten and hydrate skin! 

Mask Wednesday - Too Cool For School Coconut Ceramide Mask ~ $8.00. A sheer and lightweight sheet mask drenched in coconut water for instant and refreshing hydration.

Too Cool For School is a k-beauty brand that I have tried a couple of other products from (mainly masks), but I would love to try more of their products! 

Manicure Tuesday - Go Scratch It Flamingo and Pineapple Nail Wraps

Nothing says Summer like Flamingos and Pineapples right?! 

How adorable are these nail wraps?! These are the Scratch & NinaNailedIt Flamingo and Pineapple nail wraps and they came in the April Monthly Mani Kit. These are a limited edition design because the wraps sent out in this subscription are exclusive to subscribers. This is the $10 subscription from Scratch - you can check out my past reviews on the subscription here!