essence cosmetics Fall/Winter 2015 Preview

It may be a tough one to swallow, but Fall is just around the corner. Not only does it bring cooler weather, leather jackets and beautiful clothing (fall clothing is the best), Fall bring new makeup.

Last week, a group of bloggers, including myself, had the opportunity to mingle, create a artwork and preview essence cosmetic's new releases for Fall & Winter 2015.

Mani Mondays: Delicate dotted flowers

Hi everyone!

I'm Chantal from Chantal's Corner and I'm happy to be a guest for Samantha (again) for her Mani Monday!

I was in the mood to do some dotted flowers, but at the same time I wanted something different than the standard big flowers (which I've done before). So I got the idea of a sort of delicate border pattern, and this is the result!

Pedicure Essentials: Summertime feet at home

Let's face it, Winter and our lovely pumps leave their mark on our feet. Doesn't matter how bright or perfect our toes look, our heels are left dry, cracked and callused and not worthy of Summer sandals.

You don't have to go to the spa to get your desired results (although it does feel nice relaxing); you can easily get Summer worthy toes at home, at a fraction of the cost.

Here are my favourite tools to achieve perfectly pedicured feet.

Pumice stone or electronic foot file

 

 

Both of these options work great. While I've used the pumice stone  for years, I've recently tried the Amopé Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File and love the ease of us and how little work I have to put into it. The length of time depends on the severity, but you don't have to put in any scrubbing as you would with a pumice stone.

*DO NOT USE a shaver. I tried one, loved it at first because it's super fast, but it causes more damage than good. Once you start using it, you'll have to use it more frequently

Moisturizer

 

 

I've tried a few different foot moisturizers, but there have only been 2 that really worked for me: The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue and Flexitol Heel Balm.

I tend to use the The Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue at night before bed a couple nights a week when my feet aren't cracked, but need a little extra moisture. It's also great after a long day on your feet as it has a bit of a cooling effect.

If my feet start getting really dry and cracked, or if I'm preparing for a special occasion where I'm wearing nice heels, I'll start using the Flexitol Heel Balm. While it doesn't have the lovely peppermint smell of the other, it's very thick and when used twice a day (morning and night), my heels are almost baby smooth.

Nail Polish

 

 

Of course, a pedicure wouldn't be complete without nail polish!
Right now, my summer favourites are:

• Essie In The Cab-Ana
• Essie Make Some Noise
• Essie Pret-a-Surfer
• CND Vinylux Crushed Rose
• Essence Nothing But Lovestoned (Unforgettable kiss collection)

What are your tricks to Summer ready feet?

*Some items were sent for review, others were purchased by me. Everything is my own, honest opinion

Mani Monday: Painted Impress Nails

My nails are still beat up from the washroom renos. They're peeling, cracking, breaking and are in need of some major TLC.

Since they're a little "un-fit" for nail art of pictures, I decided to use these Impress Nails stick on manicures for this week's Mani Monday. But, since hot pink isn't my thing, I decided to change them up a little.

New Jealous Body Scrubs: Review

A few months ago, I reviewed a lovely coffee & coconut body scrub from a Canadian company, Jealous Body. I've been using it on & off on my problem areas (cellulite) ever since.

Today, I'm happy to announce that this wonderful coffee based scrub has 4 new combinations for your skin to love.

Guest Post | Birthday Girl Bath Event

Every month members of the CBB choose to come together and write a round of themes guest posts. I am really excited to be posting on Samantha's blog today!  For more posts you can visit me at Classy On The Run.  

This month's theme is "Canadian Love", so I thought how better to share some Canadian Love than by sharing with you my new favourite bath salts.  These bath salts are hand made in small batches on at Walton Woods Family Farm, located in Bailieboro, Ontario.  If you are wondering where that is, it is just south of Peterborough near Rice Lake.  One of my close friends gave these to me as a gift for my birthday and I instantly fell in love with the fun and rustic packaging.  This gift was made all the more special because it was bought by her locally (she lives near Peterborough!).  So, a hand made, local birthday gift?  Sounds like Canadian Love to me!

Mani Mondays: Infinite Ombre Review + Swatches

My nails have taken a beating with the renos from the other week, so today I'll show you a mani I did back in June.

A few weeks ago, I spotted some nail art on Instagram and instantly fell in love: Infinite Ombre by Formula X. After a few days of browing through the pictures, I went out and bought the set for myself. I called it an early birthday present since it was a week early.

I've been MIA : Bathroom Renos

You may have noticed that I've been a little MIA on social media lately. I've been extra busy for the past week due to some home renos - BUT, they're almost done.

Tired and exhausted, had to find some sort of humour when your washroom is at the nearest Tim Hortons

Mani Monday: Gradient Nail (first attempt)

Nail art tutorials online make things look so easy. But they are far from it.. oh yes, Far from being THAT simple.

April, May and June Empties

It's been so long since I've done an empties post! These empties have been sitting in my empties bin for a bit now and it feels so nice to finally get this post up and the items cleared away!

Maybelline Illegal Length and Essence All Eyes on Me (waterproof) mascaras: I would not repurchase. Did not like the brushes and formula.
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme: While I liked the brush and formula, it wasn't anything special for $29. I would not purchase.
Laura Mercier (Full Blow Volume Supreme): Another mascara that was just meh. Nothing special about it. I would not ourchase.
Elizabeth Arden mascara: Just another not-so-special mascara. Would not purchase.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer: This is the primer I tend to purchase. I've never had any issues and will continue purchasing this primer.
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack: Love the formula, but it transferred onto my eyelids. Annoying. Would not repurchase.
Tarte Tarteist Clay Paint Liner (small sample): While this lasted longer than most eyeliners, it still transferred. I thought I found a good one. Would not purchase.
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer: I love UD's primers, but I found this one to be more liquidy. Would not purchase.

Lise Watier Magnifix: This is essentially a setting spray. I liked the smell of the white tea and found that this did help my makeup last longer than usual (but not all day). Keeping my options open, but I'd repurchase this.
Marcelle Soothing Cleansing Water: This came free with my makeup remover, and I really liked it. I've never tried other micellar waters, but this was great all over. I'm not sure if it did a whole lot (other than remover some dirt from my face), but it did feel refreshing. Similar to a toner (I'd have to try each on one half of my face). I would possibly purchase.
Amie New Bloom Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes: I found these to be a little rough on the skin, specially around the eyes. I would not repurchase.

CoLab Dry Shampoo: I loved these! I preferred Tropical over London, but both worked amazingly. No blending required! Definitely will be purchasing (already bought one!)
Psssst dry shampoo: While it worked, it left a white residue that I had to really work into my hair. Would not purchase.
Marulagold Intelligent Shampoo & Conditioner: These smell so much like tea tree, which is probably my favourite smell. If it wasn't for the price (these little guys are $8 each!), I would purchase them, however I can't afford that much on a shampoo & conditioner, so I would not be purchasing.  (PS - I also received the full size of these)
Garnier Split End Serum: Smelled amazing and seems to be helping prevent split ends. Currently working on the full size, but I would purchase.
Pure+Simple Green Tea Face Wash: Smelled alright, but was very, very thin, so it would often run down my hand as I'm trying to apply. Didn't notice any differences. Would not purchase.
John Freida Brilliant Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner: While my hair was left shiny after usage, I feel like this might be a product better suited for someone who dyes there hair brown. Would not purchase.
OPI AvoJuice Hand & body Lotion: These left my skin feeling silky smooth! While I didn't care much for Winter Huckleberry, Cran & Berry was my absolute favourite. The smell was divine! Would purchase.
Dove Ultimate supreme deodorant: Smelled refreshing at first, but quickly fades away. It also transfers easily onto dark clothing. Would not purchase.
Maskeraide Beauty Restore Sheet Mask: Felt cool and refreshing. Face was fully moisturized. I'd consider purchasing again.
Vitabath Beach Blossom Body Wash: Wasn't a big fan of the smell, however it did dissipate quickly. Would not purchase.
Adidas Smooth Body Wash: This was little micobeads that helped exfoliate your skin. It was nice, however I no longer want to purchase products that have plastic microbeads. Would not repurchase.