Josie Maran Glowing Argan Oil Skincare Essentials

Summer or Winter, everyone wants glowing skin. The secret to glowing skin is really in your skincare, and Josie Maran knocked it out of the park!

If you've read my Holiday Value Set guide, you seen that the Josie Maran Glowing Argan Oil Skincare Essentials was at the top of that list. Since purchasing this set during the Sephora 15% off sale, (almost) every item has been used on a daily basis. It's been quite some time since I've fallen in absolute love with a skincare item (or 4!).

Drugstore Holiday Look

Christmas or other holiday parties are all around us. While some, like the Ugly Christmas Sweater parties are silly, others you get dolled up and put on our fancy party dress. Putting your makeup together doesn't have to be expensive. Today I have a look for you that features only drugstore brands!

Holiday Value Sets for Keeping, Splitting or Gifting

One of the best things about this time of year are all of the holiday gift sets that are coming out. Whether you give them out as gifts, or keep them as gifts for yourself, they offer amazing value. One of my favourite things, when we were younger, a few friends would do a gift exchange. Usually it was a little something for each person. I'd buy a few gift sets and separate them for each of my friends; nail polish, lip glosses even some treats like chocolates. It was such a fun thing to do.

So today, I'm going to show you some of my favourite gift sets that are currently available. Give them, split them or keep them, it's up to you!

Derma MD: Double Duty Products + Giveaway

Over the past several years, proper skincare has become more important to me. Makeup removal and toning was always a part of the daily routine, but the rest seemed to be annoying things that took too much time. Needless to say, that thinking is wrong.

A proper skincare routine needs to include makeup removal, cleansing, exfoliating (not too often!), toning, a serum, eye cream, moisturizer, sun protection and the occasional mask. That may sound like a lot, but it's really not. The trick? Look for products that do double duty. Here are a few items from Derma MD that do just that.

Lip Oils: Worth the hype?

One of the biggest lip trends this year are lip oils. With so many companies coming out with these oils, from Hourglass to Physicians Formula, they're hard to miss. But are you missing out?

Diorskin Nude Air Luminizing Powder: Review + Swatch

I think we can all agree that strategically applied highlighter can make any walking zombie look alive and glamorous. For those that are living, it can give the wearer a dewy, freshly moisturized look. It can also highlighter certain parts of one's face (or décolletage). Got killer cheekbones? Highlight those bad boys. Want to draw attention to those beautiful peepers? Add some highlighter. Want your lips to look fuller? That's right, use a touch of highlighter.

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks: Swatch + Review

If you haven't heard the news yet, Make Up For Ever has re-vamped their line of Rouge Artist lipsticks. The new line, Artist Rouge, contains 25% more pigment and has a non-drying formula. With colours for every skin tone and options to go with neutrals or bold makeup looks, Make Up For Ever's Artist Rouge has got you covered.

When the contents don't match the packaging

There's nothing better than being able to go to a store and swatch to your heart's content to find that perfect shade of eyeshadow or lipstick. Unless you're looking for something specific, it can be quite fun and maybe even relaxing. But what about when we have to purchase something online? Maybe a special online sale, or a brand that's not available in your local store. You hope that the packaging shows the colour accordingly and that maybe there's a blogger or two that have swatches for you to refer to.

When the package and the inner contents don't match, sometimes it's a pleasant surprise. Most of the time, it's a disappointment.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil: Swatch + Review

We all have our go-to makeup looks. Mine happens to be a winged liner using none other than my Kat Von D Tattoo liner. If you haven't read my post about this liner, it's my holy grail. It lasts all day like no other liner. However, I've recently discovered a pencil liner that's also been giving me all day results.

Alpabet Nails:Joker's Wild

If you ask me to do a colour association with the word joker, I would say green. I automatically think of the beloved Batman villain.  But Revlon's Joker's Wild is a far cry from being a villain.

Joker's Wild is a beautiful coral/orange cream that works so good for summer. If you think the colour screams for attention, it does. But it's not begging for attention. It's flattering. It goes with just about everything. It's a wild card.

This was fully opaque with 2 coats and lasted nearly a week before tip wear and crackling. The polish has the double-wide brush that I love and dries in a reasonable time period (just a couple minutes - and obviously don't bang your nail for the next hour).

An InLinkz Link-up

Too Faced Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer: Review

Let's talk concealer. They're fantastic at hiding those minor imperfections and making you look like you got a full night's sleep when really you've been up all night tending to a crying baby. Get a good one, it works wonders. Get a bad one, and it'll turn into a hot mess real quick.

For the longest time, I was in that hot mess category. Over the years, I've tried a couple different ones, but none that were amazing. They were just OK. Concealer is some serious business. Ok just doesn't cut it.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Review

Whether you have dry, oily or acne prone skin, it's important to have a good and proper skin care routine that best fits you. Vichy is a line that one of my acne prone friends has been using for years, and one that I've been getting acquainted with a little more recently, thanks to ChickAdvisor.

Vichy's been around for 80 years and thanks to a panel of experts that include dermatologists, nutritionists and even gynecologists, Vichy has a line of products for a wide variety of skin care concerns.

Face Friday: Fall Awakens

This look just screams out fall. Don't get me wrong, I love summer, and I don't miss winter one bit, but fall is probably my favourite time of year. This neutral/berry eye just reminds me of fall and is begging for a leather jacket to go with it. Of course, with 33°C weather, that's not happening anytime soon.

Alphabet Nails: Iqaluit

Alphabet Nails has returned! Today is brought to you by the letter I.

Iqaluit is a beautiful cream dark dusty pink by Bio Seaweed Gel. No base coat or LED lamp required, this gel polish cures in the sun.

Healthier Nails with CND

No denying it, I've struggled with my nails my entire life. They break, split or peel frequently and seem to take forever to grow.

Recently, I was introduced to items from CND. Dubbed "The Rescue Kit", I've been using these products for about two weeks now and I've already noticed quite the difference with my nails.

Face Friday: Modern Renaissance Face of the Day

Having just received the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette a few days before my birthday, using it for my birthday look was a must!

Here's what I created using this stunning palette.

ABH Modern Renaissance: Swatch + Review

Since the day the beauty world laid their eyes on pictures of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eye shadow palette, everyone and their grandmother needed to have it.

Canadian Indie Cuter Cuticles: Cuticle Oil + Barrier Butter Review

Up until recently, I never gave my nails and cuticles the TLC they deserved (and required). It wasn't until recently when I started doing some nail blogging that I decided to change that.

When I heard about Cuter Cuticles, I was intrigued and decided to buy a couple items during a Facebook group sale. Shortly after, I placed another order.

Face Friday: Cost of a simple look

There's something about doing makeup that's relaxing. It's an artful way to express yourself that you're able to change every day. But, have you ever stopped and thought about how much all this makeup costs to paint your canvas?

My Birthday Giveaway

Last week, I shared my birthday with all the dads in the world (yes, Father's Day fell on my birthday). Today, I want to share it with you by doing a little giveaway!

So, in honour of my birthday last week, I'm giving my wonderful readers the chance to win one of two prizes. That's right, TWO prizes!

Face Friday: Nip+Fab Dragon's Blood and Glycolic Scrub Review

Every so often, a skincare item will hit my desk for me to try out for me to share my experience and thoughts with you. And while I'll (almost) always finish the items, very few make it to my "Must-have list" for future purchases. I recently discovered 3 new products, which 2 have made it to that list.

Trust Fund Beauty: Nail Polish Swatch + Review

I'll admit it: I have a bit of a nail polish addiction. I have over 150 polishes, some I've  purchased because of the colour, others because of the name. Regardless, nail polish just pulls a look together easily (not to be mistaken with quickly).

Recently, I was introduced to Trust Fund Beauty, and I was instantly hooked. The sassy names drew me in, the colours pleased the eyes and  the ingredients sealed the deal.

Alphabet Nails: Hong Kong Diva

I don't tend to do red nails, but my gosh! I can't stop looking at Ceramic Glaze's Hong Kong Diva.

Face Friday: Champagne Collection Face of the Day

Welcome to the first Face Friday! Face Friday is going to be a weekly series featuring some "face of the day", skincare, and I might even through in a few "how much my face cost" posts.

Today, I'd like to show you a look that I created with the new Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collections.

Caprina & the Benefits of Goat's Milk

 Growing up, I, like most kids, was always told to drink milk because it's good for you. My grandmother used to call me a little calf because I loved milk. Now that I'm an adult, I'm still drinking it, but I've discovered the beneficial properties of using goat's milk in topical products.

Carpina by Canus has realized the benefits of goat's milk and has created an entire line of products based on that.

Alphabet Nails: Go Overboard

I'm a little behind on my alphabet nails!

Last week was brought to us by the letter G. I decided to pull out Go Overboard by Essie. My gosh! Why do I keep overlooking this polish?

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face & Eye Palettes: Review & Swatches

The wait is over! The Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Glow collection has arrived, and they are beautiful!

Last year, the Champagne Pop highlighter hit the shelves and became an instant hit; a staple in everyone's makeup kit. It was quickly announced that it was going to be a permanent item, but we wanted to see more from this amazing duo.

Ceramic Glaze: Botanical Oasis & the letter F

When I look at Botanical Oasis, the summer collection by Ceramic Glaze, it truly makes me think of summer. A nice little sitting area under a Japanese Maple, a little pond off to the side and plants and flowers of different sizes and colours all around.

This collection truly brings that picture come to life.

Gen Beauty Toronto 2016

The other weekend I got to spend two days hanging out with some awesome people and be surrounded by beauty. From decor to makeup to people, there was some sort of beauty in every direction. That was Generation Beauty by Ipsy.

GenBeauty brings together people and brands who all share the love of beauty all under one roof. Of course, you have to pay and wait in long lines, but the swag bag at the end of it all is well worth it (total at the bottom!)

My fav brushes: Sigma

Whether you're a professional makeup artist or just a at-home makeup enthusiast, you're only as good as your brush.Not only do you need the right brush for the right job, but the quality of the brush makes a huge difference as well.

Alphabet Nails: Engaged!

Guess what everyone!???

Joe Fresh Beauty: Review

Joe Fresh is a name many Canadians have been familiar with for several years. It's found in quite a few grocery stores under the Loblaws umbrella. Affordable and nice clothing for men, women and children are what the brand is known for. So when a friend asked me about their cosmetic line, I was taken by surprise. Conversation went as follows (we were in a mall, btw):

Alphabet Nails: Don't be Shy!

I find the name of this colour a little ironic since it's completely out of my comfort zone and I felt shy about wearing it.

Alphabet Nails: Cyantific Method

This week's letter, C, is a beautiful cyan blue from Wet n Wild.

Cyantific Method is fully opaque in two thin-medium coats or just on medium-thick coat. I love the brush on the Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel nail polishes. It's a wider brush, which makes it easier to fill your entire nail without going leaving behind streaks.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Through thick or thin, mom's been there for us. Whether it's your biological mother, step mom, adoptive mother or another woman in your life that's been a mom-like figure to you, Mother's Day is the time of year where we show our appreciation for all the crap we've put them through. You may not have realized it then, but ask her about it; she'll tell you about your attitude problem when you hit puberty or the stress you you caused her when you didn't leave notes saying where you were going or when you were going to be back.

Need a little inspiration and gift ideas?  Take a look.

Alphabet Nails: Butterfly Queen

For this week's Alphabet Nails, I bring you Butterfly Queen by CND Vinylux

One thing I love about Summer, is watching the butterflies flutter by you, stopping on a branch or flower. It was great as a kid, running around in the bush behind my parents' place, chasing the monarchs.

Wet n Wild Studio Eyeshadow Palette QuartzCenter Swatch + Review

Wet n Wild has released two palettes this Spring/Summer (Ok, more like re-packaged, re-named and re-released {these were originally from the Fergie line}, but first time to Canada!). The first I showed you was Wet n Wild Studio Eyeshadow Palette: Coming in Latte, today is QuartzCenter

Alphatbet Nails: A is for Abstract

 The other week, a fellow blogger mentioned that she had seen this cool idea and was going to start it herself as well. Talks started, and next thing you know, there's a couple of us taking part in this!

Alphabet Nails!

Wet n Wild Studio Eyeshadow Palette Coming in Latte: Swatch + Review

Today I bring you some swatches from the Wet n Wild Studio Eyeshadow Palette: Coming in Latte.

The 10 eyeshadows, a mix of matte, shimmer and glitter, are housed in a plastic casing with a clear window in the front for easy viewing.There is also a double-ended synthetic brush. While not my favourite, the brush comes in handy if you grab the palette on the go without any brushes.

Matte Lips Must Have: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

Matte lips are all the rage right now. They look great while staying in place. Who can ask for more?

Most of us.

Kat Von D Chrysalis Palette: Swatch + Review

Kat Von D eyeshadows are some of my faves. The texture, colours and pigment is amazing, and the same goes for this Kat Von D Chrysalis palette. Review, swatches and a look below.

Mani Monday: Where is spring

Excuse me Mother Nature, did you not notice the date on the calendar?  It's spring! Time to give us that nice weather we've been so patiently waiting for...

That was the inspiration for today's manicure...

essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss: Swatches + Review

I remember being a kid and picking up lipglosses from the dollar store. They were the fruity rollerball ones. Ah man, had quite the collection back then. Even today, I have quite the collection of lipglosses, but a little more grown-up.

essence Make Me Brow vs Benefit Gimme Brow = Dupe?

There are so many new and exciting products that have been coming out recently, but there is one item that is a standout that I must share with you:

essence Make Me Brow

St. Patrick's Day makeup: Green & Gold Eyes

St. Patrick's day is tomorrow and you're going to see green all over the place. You might even participate. While you can dress yourself from head-to-toe in green, don't forget to add a little green to your makeup. Whether you choose to go with full-on green eyeshadow or just add a little hint of green, the possibilities are endless.

Today I'll show you a look that did that had green (a little more like teal) as a major focus, but was not the main colour on my eyelids.