My 7 Deadly Beauty Sins

I seen Renu do this over at My Beauty Junction and loved it, so I thought I'd partake as well! 

1. GREED: What is your most expensive beauty item?
At $68, Tarte for True Blood palette. However it took up lots of space so I took out all of the shadows and put them in my freestyle palette. I also cut off the top where the mirror was. It was just too nice to throw out!

2. WRATH: Which beauty item do you have a love/hate relationship with?
Liquid Liner. Love the look, but frick! I can never get it right. One side is always messed up. And it hurts alot if you accidentally poke yourself in the eye...

3. GLUTTONY: What brand makes up the biggest chunk of your make up collection?
Urban Decay is the winner there. But Make Up For Ever is a close second with Smashbox coming in third.

4. SLOTH: What product do you neglect to use due to laziness?
My eyelash curler. I know it takes less than a minute to do both eyes, but it just seems too long! Pure laziness right there, lol.

5. PRIDE: Which beauty product gives you the most confidence?
Combination of Liner & mascara. I could have nothing else on, but let me have a slightly winged liner & a even just a little mascara and I'm ready to take on the world!

6. LUST: Which item is at the top of your beauty wish list?
MAC Temperature Rising: Bare my Soul.  I've been seeing it here & there on blogs and I'm in love! I would also love to try out some Sugarpill, so that's high up there as well.

7. ENVY: What make up product / look looks great on others but not on yourself?
Coral lips! I can do red (not always confident with it though), but an orange/coral just looks really odd on me.

I'm not going to tag anyone in particular, but if you want to do one, I'd love to see your answers!

*hugz*

-Sam

K.I.S.S. - Keeping It Simple (for) Summer

With spring in full swing and summer now just a month away, I like keeping my makeup pretty light. Here's what I did today.




A hint of Nars Illuminator in Copacabana
A dusting of Lise Watier's Satellite Bronzing Powder in Soleil Doux
Urban Decay Potion Primer
Urban Decay Naked Palette: Naked & Darkhorse
Lise Watier Eye Shine liner in Aqua
Lancôme Hypnôse  Mascara
Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart

That's it! How do you chance your makeup from winter to summer?

*hugz*

-Sam

Birthday Giveaway

So yesterday I realized that my birthday was just a month away. Gasp! So, I thought that this would be a good time to start a small giveaway!

This is my first giveaway, so please be gentle :) Everything was either purchased by me, received as part of a beauty box or received as a Gift with Purchase.

So here are the prizes:

 Sample size Benefit They're Real Mascara

Hard Candy nail polish in Party Central

Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart

 Essence Cherry Blossom Girl Lipstick Pencil in Cherry Cherry Girl

Sample size Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo (doesn't like the name, I think it's Link Mink"

Essence French Glam Nail Stickers

Sample size Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Spa

Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Clay Spa

As this is my first giveaway, it is open to Canadians only. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 48hours to reply or a new winner will be selected.

Good luck!

*hugz*
-Sam

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May Ipsy

My bag came before I got any kind of tracking. So when my landlord told me that a "Pink bubble envelope" arrived, I was super happy. I was even more excited when I opened it up.

First thing I grabbed for was the Zoya nail polish. I opened it up as quickly as I could and squealed with excitement. I got one of the two colours that I wanted the most. The colour is called "Blu" and is part of Zoya's Spring 2013 Lovely Collection. Full Size. Value: $8

My Ipsy Glam Room said that I was to be receiving the Colour Sheers Lipstick by Mirabella, so I was quite surprised when I found the Reflecting Gloss in Pink by Juice Beauty. It has a heavenly smell that I can't quite figure out right now. Something like clementines or mandarins, without the acid or something. I'm not sure. I think it's citrus-y. If you've been following for a while, you know I suck with scents. This is actually half size on 4ml (.14oz) (I don't get it, how big is the packaging for the full size?). Value: $7.50

Next we have the St.Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion. My first disappointment. It's a great size, but I don't do tanning lotions. 50ml. Value $6.67

The Yaby concealer refill was the next thing I grabbed. I was looking forward to this product, but unfortunately it's a little too dark for me. I received the colour Honey. If anyone wants to swap, I'm open to it! Full Yaby size. Value: $4.85 (from their site)

Last item is the Pacifica Island Vanilla Perfume Roll-On. I love that I received a roller-ball perfume. I love that I finally get to try something from Pacifica (and not a lotion). But I'm not 100% sure if I like the smell. Maybe if I sniff it long enough I'll know for sure. Full Size. Value: $12

What? There's another item? I got a bonus item! The Urban Decay Moondust in Diamond Dog. Whoa! I'm pretty sure I don't have any referrals. The card that came with all the other cards says "Thank you for being an active member of the ipsy community". Awww! My first Bonus Item. Full Size. Value $20

So not including my bonus item, 3/5 items are full size and the total value is $39.02.
Including bonus item 4/6 items are full size and the total value is $59.02.

Even without the Urban Decay, this is an amazing bag. I'm very glad that I left Topbox for Ipsy.


Ipsy is $15 a month Canadian, including taxes. If you'd like to join in on the fun, you can do so by using my sign-up link here
*hugz*

-Sam

Ask Cosmetics - Prize Winner

About a month ago I entered my name into a Mother's Day contest being held by Ask Cosmetics. Two weeks ago I got an email that I was the lucky winner!

My winnings! (not shown is the shampoo)

The prize was a lovely assortments of their products, valued at approximately $250. Not only did I receive everything above, but so did my mom! Ask Cosmetics is located in Burlington, so I was able to pick mine up as soon as I got back from visiting my parents. The shampoo wasn't ready when I picked it up so that'll be coming in the mail. (I was excited to try the TIPS asap so I was ok with waiting for the Shampoo)

Here's what's included: 
Revival Hair Conditioner - 240ml
Revival Daily-Use Shampoo - 240ml
Revival Skin Conditioning Milk - 120ml
Revival Skin Conditioning Milk - 60ml
Revival Hand & Nail Cleanser (and pump) - 240ml
Revival Hand & Nail Cleanser - 60ml
Revival Nail Polish Remover - 120ml
Revival Nail Polish Remover - 60ml
Revival Styling Creme - 120ml
TIPS Nail Conditioner - 5ml
TIPS for Toes - 9ml
Contour Nail File
A crazy nail clipper (toes)
A nail cleaning brush (under your nails) and spatula (to scoop out creams so you don't 1. get it under your nails 2. don't contaminate your cream
Two clear cylinder bags
A smaller cylinder bag
Slippers
A black travel bag


Wow! That's a lot of stuff!

So, what exactly is Ask Cosmetics? 
"ASK Cosmetics Inc. is a privately held company that manufactures and distributes innovative solutions for nail, skin and hair care." They are based in Burlington, Ontario. They are often seen on The Shopping Chanel and are mostly known for their product called The Incredible Protection System (T.I.P.S.). This nail treatment helps strengthen brittle, dry, peeling and cracking nails, all while keeping your nail flexible.  Also, with all of their products, they only use ingredients that do not cause any danger, harm or damage to the body.

The company has nothing to hide. Ingredients are on their website and if you need to call them, you're getting someone that actually works there. Not in a call center in the middle of nowhere. But an actual person that works in their office.

Not bad eh?


Over the next few weeks I'll be using the products that I received and I'll report back on my adventures! I've already been using the TIPS for Toes for nearly 2 weeks now, but that's for a different post.

*hugz*

-Sam

April Empties

Another month, another empties post. Hard to believe it's already May!

I was quite surprised at the amount of items I was able to finish.  I'm quite tired, so I'm limiting my notes.

Macadamia Oil Rejuvenating Shampoo - Smells ok, but didn't notice anything different with my hair. Would not purchase
Caudalie Vinoeperfect - Didn't see any difference. Would not purchase

Nivea Goodbye Cellulite - Did not use regularly. Seen no results. Would not repurchase
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat - BF didn't like it. I was ok with it. Probably wouldn't repurchase.
Urban Decay Potion Primer - This is currently my Holy Grail of eye primers. I'm now on my 3rd

Manic Panic hair dye: I would purchase again should I decide to colour my hair.
Clear FX Matte Foundation Primer & Anti-Acne Treatment Gel: This looks like it'll be my new go-to face primer! More than likely will repurchase.
Clear Scalp & Hair Shampoo & Conditioner: Love the feel, love the smell. Will repurchase.
Tresemme Split Remedy Shampoo & Conditioner: Didn't have enough conditioner in the foil sample. Would purchase if cheaper than Clear.
Sampar Ultra Hydrating Fluid: I love this face cream. Maybe it's the smell. Maybe it's how it's absorbed and doesn't feel like it'll just sit there. Would purchase if found at Winners (I believe this isn't cheap, therefore would probably not purchase at full price)
L'Occitaine Ultra Rich Face Cream: This was quite nice. Absorbed nicely. Depending on price, would maybe purchase.
L'Occitaine Precious Cream: Darn! I wish I wrote notes on the two L'Occitaine products. I can't remember which I liked more :(  Looks like I may have to go back and see about getting another sample of each.
Julep One-Step Polish Remover pad: One pad doesn't do the trick. It has so much alcohol in it that it just dries out by the time you get to your 6-7th nail. Would not purchase.
Living Proof Prime Style Extender: This is a cool concept - a primer for your hair. It's supposed to repel dirt and oil and humidity and "harmful moisture flux". Essentially supposed to keep your hair cleaner for longer. While I don't have a big problem with oily hair, this did help a little for me. To test it out, washed hair Monday night, applied this stuff to damp hair before any other products (tried this twice, works a little better without products after), blow dried it. By Thursday, my hair was still decent, but preferred it being tied up. If there was other product in my hair, then Wednesday night I'd have to re-wash it. Overall, I would possibly by this again. Like I said, I don't have a much of a problem with oily or quickly dirty hair, so that's the only reason why I'm not sure if I'd buy this again.
29 Cosmetics Cream Cleanser: This was ok. Smelled natural. $68 for 126ml. I would not purchase at that price.
29 Cosmetics Night Moisture:  Still nothing is comparing to the Algenist that I tried. This was a little thin for a night cream and I felt a little oily the next morning. Same price as the Alegenist, but I would not purchase this.
29 Cosmetics Serum Extract: This didn't seem to absorb into my skin. Would not purchase.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner: It looks like milk, just a tad thicker than water. I feel like because of the thickness, probably used more than I usually do. Didn't notice a difference with my normal toner. Would not purchase.
Excellula Power Lotion, Power Emulsion and Essence:  I can't say anything really. It's all in Japanese. I don't remember all of it, but one was essentially a moisturizer, but it's like water. Clear and runny. So I have no clue how to use these. I would not purchase, however if I had good proper English instructions, I would possibly try it again.



*hugz*

-Sam

Blush Pretty Beauty Board & Haul Review

*warning - after blurb, it is quite picture heavy*

I wanted this up sooner, but unfortunately sometimes things get in the way. Like an unexpected plan to go see Iron Man 3 (by the way, it's great if you haven't seen it yet!).

I had the opportunity to attend a lovely event called The Beauty Board held by Stephanie & Elaine of Blush Pretty. Tickets were about $40 with taxes and sold out a few weeks before the event.

The Beauty Board is your chance to be a Beauty Editor (well, for a few hours). You get to mingle with other beauty enthusiast, bloggers, be introduced to new products, talk to the reps (or sometimes the owners), and purchase products if you wish. Upon arrival you are given 3 random vendors to check out, write your thoughts about, and when you leave, you hand in your 3 reviews for a swag bag. Oh yes, there will be pictures of this bag!

The Beauty Board was held at Loft 404 in downtown Toronto, about a 15 minutes walk from Union Station. The venue was nice, but I found it a little on the small side. With all the guests, vendors and waiters (?) walking around, it got quite hot and some places were a little hard to squeeze by. The other thing I didn't like so much about the venue was the lighting. I was trying to avoid using the flash. I know you can't get perfect lighting everywhere you go, so this wasn't a huge deal for me.

We had some great music by dj bloo and some lovely delicious macaroons by MANcarons. The pink/purple one was my favorite of the two. I think it was Red Velvet.  We also had some lovely appetizers by Someguys Culinary Co. Veggies & Dip were amazing (the dip was superb), I'm in love with the tandoori chicken pot pies (I think I had 2), pulled pork mini-burgers (they were bigger than sliders) had a great taste with very little sauce added, and pig in a blanket. I know pigs in a blanket doesn't sound like much, but when the bun has some sort of garlic butter on it and there's an ooey-gooey goodness of cheese on top - Wow! I know Beatrice currently has a post up about the event and she's planning on having a separate post about the food. Be sure to go check it out!

MANcaron macarons. Red Velvet and some sort of mint

Perfect way to serve veggies & dip and individual shrimp rings to guests

Tandoori chicken pot pie & mushrooms

This tasted like an orange creamsicle. It was delicious!

Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Originated outside of London, ON, this company features handmade soaps, scrubs, butters, lip balms made from fair trade ingredients. Rosemary Mint was my fave smell.

Pure + Simple. Located throughout the GTA and a few stores in BC, their line features "natural and organic skincare and services from around the world" Apparently their sensitive line is great for sensitive skin and rosacea.

Pure + Simple blushes & gloss

Revolution Organics. Organic lip glosses and beauty balms. The beauty balms can be used for eyes, cheeks, lips, décoltage and is creamy and moisturizing while leaving a nice hint of colour. I should have bought one.

Cheeky Monkey. 3-free nail polish, base coats, top coats and removers. All names are cheeky. Wet Dream. Pearl Necklace. The names go on.

Featherband. I think they are based in Ottawa and Toronto? Everything is hand made. I keep thinking that I should have bought one of those hair clip hearts. Just look at how adorable they are! 

Ella's Botanicals. Natural ingredients only. Many of the ingredients used have a purpose (good for soothing skin, cracked skin, etc). Even have a few items for babies.

Kaia Naturals. Love their products. They try to make everything ecological. Their cleansing clothes (which is a cleanser, toner and eye makeup remover in 1 convenient cloth) is biodegradable. They have a 24hrs face cream that is part of their 2 in 1 skincare + primer line. It's matte and apparently really good for the winter. I'll pick it up once winter comes around. Plus their 24hrs Booster Serum doesn't feel oily absorbed quickly. Nice light, natural smell. In love with this line!

A Paper Story Located in Toronto and serving the GTA, while not beauty related, if you have an announcement to make, sending out wedding invites, or just want nice Thank You cards, they make beautiful cards.

Nayme is a really cute concept of name necklaces. Instead of just having your initials or full name, they take the meaning of your name and turn that into the pendant. Samantha is hebrew for "listener", so they used the tin cans & string (old school telephone!).

Kona Kare. From Mississauga, this brand currently only has 4 lip butter balms. Wonderfully moisturizing and long lasting, they are currently on sale for $5 or all four for $12. They are usually $10 each. Order of preference for scent: Peaches & Dream, Chocolate Peppermint, French Vanilla and The Original One (unscented)

Kona Kare. Not afraid to show us exactly what goes into their lip butter balms.

Farleyco Marketing joined us and had a few products for men. These four Montagne Jeunesse masks, Bump Eraser (not shown) and a body wash sponge/loofah (not shown)

Farleyco Marketing also had the highly coveted Real Techniques brushes, Splat hair chalk and a few other products.

Dot & Lil. Hand crafted bath products from Montreal. Cute, but it's mostly about presentation (small handmade soap in a tea cup - $40)

Consonant. While I don't know what the big hype was about Consonant, I did like the labelling.

Paper + Cloth. While I forgot to take a picture of their product, they sell Washi Tape, which is like a colourful, fun version of painters tape. I see this being good for scrap booking. Their site will be open as of June 1, in the meantime, you can visit their etsy store.

 I also want to mention that HeyHey & Co, Pelle Beauty, Miyu Beauty and Impress Nails were there as well. Unfortunately I didn't get pictures.

Now, are you ready for the stuff I got to take home?

My entire haul! Things I purchased, things I won and things in the swag bag

The items I bought: Kona Kare Lip Butter Balm in Peaches & Dream, Pure + Simple Purifying sample kit and Kaia Juicy Bamboo cleansing clothes. I told you that I loved this brand!

Things I won: I won 3 prizes in total. Come third time around, our lovely hostess Stephanie just laughed and couldn't say my name anymore. A shirt from Montagne Jeuness (honestly, I was disappointed with this, I was expecting at least a face mask). On the right is a bikini wrap from HeyHey & Co. It's cute, but I'm not really a swimming person. You'd be lucky to catch me in swimwear once a year. Just before the wrap was a prize from Lippy Girl. Oh how I wanted that!

The other prize that I won is this lovely Hydrate Mi tea for two set. They have a wonderfully delicious tea that is supposed to hydrate your skin from the inside out. While I don't know if it works, it tastes great! BTW - Miyu Beauty doesn't officially launch until Spring/Summer 2013

Swag Bag Haul: Montagne Jeunesse Men's facial Mask, Blistop (this is supposed to be a life saver for protecting against blisters from forming), Splat Hair Chalk in Midnight Blue and Miyu Beauty tea bag

Swag Bag Haul: some lovely cards from A Paper Story and a roll of Washi Tape from Paper + Cloth

Swag Bag Haul: Impress Nails in So Stellar and Cheeky Monkey polish in Cheap Whore (believe it's no longer available)

Swag Bag Haul: Kona Kare lip butter balm in Chocolate Peppermint (my second fave!), Crawford Street Skincare Lip Balm in Tangerine, Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Integrity (this colour is right up my ally. Kinda wish I would have gotten one of their Beauty Balms though - I have so many glosses, haha) and Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Pomegranate Beeswax Lip Balm.

Swag Bag Haul: Ella's Botanicals Beauty Bar Soap in Lemon Zing, Consonant Olive Oil Body Soad and Dot & Lil Rosemary & Lavendar soap

Swag Bag Haul: Kaia 24hrs Booster Serum, Pelle Beauty Botanical Facial Mist and Stellar (multitasking facial concentrate) and Pure + Simple Sensitive Skin Face Wash

 In case you're wondering, the approximate retail value of the Swag Bag is about $150. I ate, socialized, met new people and was introduced to many new companies that I never heard of. Many of these companies are local and are natural or organic, etc. I'll probably be attending the Beauty Board as long as it's held, as long as I'm in the neighborhood. 

I am planning on doing a few small reviews on some of the products listed. Also, I am planning on doing a giveaway in the future. It may not be for another few months, but it'll include some of my favorite products (some that I've shown you today + a few others)

If you made it through all of this, looked at all the pictures and even just skimmed or quickly read most of what I had to say, Thank You. I know it's lots of stuff, but I had lots of fun and I hope that next Beauty Board I'll be able to meet you!


*hugz*

-Sam