Simple Skincare Summer Essentials + Giveaway!

With the warm weather comes sunny patio lunches, lounging on the beach, barbeques, pool days and picnics. It is the time of year when many of us embrace the great outdoors and get social but it also means a stronger UV index, the need for more protection and lighter moisturizers. Simple skincare is a brand that prides itself on being suitable for all skin types including the most sensitive and their line includes 18 products consisting of cleansers, eye care, moisturizers and wipes. The fabulous thing about Simple is that their collection is free of: dyes, parabens, artificial perfumes and harsh chemicals and they nourish skin with essential vitamins and rich conditioning agents.

I usually begin increasing the amount of sun protection I wear gradually starting with SPF 15 in spring and moving up to something stronger when the index gets higher. The Protecting Light Moisturizer with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 is great for use under makeup because it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue or stickiness on the skin. Crafted with multivitamins including B5 and E this cream can be used all year to protect against the elements and it gently hydrates and softens. This is ideal for those who prefer lightweight undetectable sunscreens and unlike thick formulas this hypoallergenic blend does not clog pores or irritate my face. It retails for about $12.79.

When I am on the go or traveling my skin tends to get dehydrated and the Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer is the perfect pick-me-up for parched skin. Because of its lightweight, non-greasy formula it is perfect for hot, humid days and it can be layered under sunscreen for an extra dose of hydration. Just a small pump is enough to cover the entire face and it dries and absorbs quickly which is also suitable for oily skin. The small tube slips conveniently into your purse or makeup bag and it creates a nice smooth surface for the application of cosmetics.

Simple’s Cleansing Micellar Water is one of my favorite products from the brand coming in a close second to the foaming cleanser which I've been recommending to everyone! I am pretty good at removing my makeup at the end of the day but even when you think you've got it all the Micellar Water proves you wrong! This magical formula not only removes the makeup still clinging to your skin it hydrates and feels refreshing! Unlike drying toners this light cleanser is alcohol free and contains flower extracts to moisten and revive. After an initial wipe with a makeup cloth I apply the solution to a cotton pad and gently wipe my face, neck and even around my eyes to efficiently remove the most stubborn makeup! If you haven’t tried this product yet I highly recommend it! It retails for $7.99.

For those who need a bit more hydration even in spring and summer the Replenishing Rich Moisturizer is formulated to work for 12 hours and it instantly creates a soft, supple veil on the skin to abolish dry patches and rejuvenate. This cream is also very lightweight, pleasantly scented and suitable for layering under makeup and sunscreens without making you look oily as the day heats up. If you spend a bit too much time basking in the sun and your skin begins to look dull or feel dry and damaged this moisturizer soothes with chamomile oil and vitamins which nourishes without causing further irritation to sensitive skin, it retails for $11.27.

 Simple Skincare can be found at: Walmart, Amazon.ca, London Drugs and Well.ca

Simple Skincare Giveaway!

Because I love keeping my skin hydrated all summer and Simple has such an awesome range of products I thought I’d give one lucky reader a chance to win some goodies! This Giveaway is open internationally and runs from: Thursday April 30^th – Thursday May 28^th 2015. One winner will be selected to win the Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On and the Nourishing 24HR Day/Night Cream! Entrants must be following at least 1 of my social media accounts and my blog via GFC or Bloglovin to qualify. Some entries such as tweets and pins can be done once per day. Please make sure to enter correctly and GOOD LUCK!

**Please pin this image directly from this post**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Giveaway winner announcement!**

I want to give a warm thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway and to all of my lovely supporters. I enjoy sharing fabulous products with you so if you didn’t win this time I will have more great giveaways posted shortly. For my all my Canadian readers there is still time to enter the Murad Skincare Giveaway by clicking- HERE.

Congratulations to the winner- Kim Cee! I hope you like the products!  

Disclaimer and Rules: 

This Simple Skincare giveaway hosted by Diary of a Trendaholic Blog is open internationally and is sponsored by Simple Skincare. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter (random.org) to receive (1) Revitalizing Eye Roll-On and (1) Nourishing 24HR Day/Night Cream as outlined in this review post. All information must be entered correctly as specified via Rafflecoptor and entrants must be following at least 1 of my social media accounts and my blog via Bloglovin or Google Friends Connect (GFC) to qualify, (only viable entries will be considered). The giveaway begins on Thursday April 30^th 2015 and ends on Thursday May 28th 2015 at 12am Eastern Time Zone.

One eligible winner will be announced on http://diaryofatrendaholic.blogspot.ca/ within two weeks following the giveaway end date and entrants must be at least 18 years of age to participate. The winner must send their mailing address (no PO Box addresses) and contact information to diaryofatrendaholic@outlook.com to receive the prize. Winners will also be contacted by email if a valid email address is provided. In the event that the winner does not claim the prize within 3 days after being contacted a second winner will be selected at random or another thereafter until the prize is claimed. Falsified entries or entries that cannot be verified may be disqualified at the discretion of the blog owner.

                                                                                         

Diary of a Trendaholic is not responsible for a lost package(s), delays, damages or any other issues that occur during shipping, handling, processing or mailing. In the event of unforeseen circumstances the blog owner may choose to send a replacement prize equal to or differing from the original giveaway prize depending on product availability. The nature of any prize substitution will be decided on at the sole discretion of the host without any additional notification or permission. The blog owner may also choose not to replace or substitute the prize and there will be no cash alternative offered under any circumstance. Simple Skincare is not responsible for shipping or inquiries pertaining to this giveaway.

All beauty products received by the giveaway winner(s) must be used at his or her discretion in compliance with the directions on the product (s). The blog owner and giveaway host is not responsible for any adverse skin or medical reactions associated with the use of any product(s) sent to the winner. By accepting the prize the winner(s) completely release the blog owner of all legal liability pertaining to any and all side effects associated with the use of the products won.

By accepting the prize the winner(s) agree to comply with the rules and regulations herein which cannot be contested including the use of any legal action against the blog owner or Simple Skincare. The blog owner reserves the right to amend or cancel this giveaway at any time without prior notification. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted the official terms and conditions (“the rules”) and are agreed to be bound by them. By entering this giveaway you agree to the collection of personal information however your details will not be used or disclosed to other persons or entities. 

The promotion of this giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook or any other social media sites and blogging platforms. By participating you agree to a complete release of any liability for all websites that may have been used to promote this giveaway.

*Press samples featured 

Giveaway can also be found at: GiveawayPromote

Canada Contests at AllCanadaContests.com

RockinBeauty 3D Lips Super Hydra Gloss

When I discover a makeup brand I've never tried it feels like like Christmas came early and before I can process the excitement I'm covered in swatches and elbow deep in color. As a cosmetic aficionado it's my duty to share my fabulous finds and today all you lip gloss junkies are in for a treat! RockinBeauty is a company that prides itself on creating state of the art, high quality products using technologically savvy ingredients that deliver optimal results! If this isn't enough to peak your interest and entice a shopping binge the products are also hypoallergenic and free of parabens and fragrance so you can dial-up the glam without causing irritation.

I have a large gloss collection but the ones I favor most provide saturated pigmentation, luminous shine and an irresistible pout. The glossy beauties in this collection are available in an array of trendy, must-have hues and the packaging is ultra chic and innovative! Each well crafted tube has a handy mirror attached to the back making it ideal for use on the go and when you twist them open 2 small LED lights under the cap automatically go on so you can gloss-up in dim lighting no matter where you are!

Not only is the formula loaded with collagen and peptides to increase fullness and minimize fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth they also apply rich and buttery with excellent color payoff. I would actually classify some of the deeper, vivid hues as lacquer-gloss hybrids because they are thicker, creamier and more intense than traditional lip gloss which I love!

Some of the shades require a bit of blending as I did notice a few tiny chunks but once smoothed out the color is consistent, bold and simply beautiful with a light aroma. The texture feels comfortable and hydrating on dry lips and adheres well which helps increase the longevity. As the color fades and diminishes a moist, supple layer is left behind until you reapply.

The pigments go from sheer to medium coverage and sometimes complete opaqueness depending on the colors you select. They look best on smooth, chap-free skin as they do tend accentuate roughness, I exfoliate my lips frequently as it improves the appearance of all products.  

Alison is described as a highly pigmented magenta pink although to me it looks more like a deep rose-pink. This is my favorite shade of the three I chose and the coverage, consistency and color reminds me of a Stila Liquid Lip Color I have. I think this gloss would compliment most skin tones and it is versatile enough for every season.

Although I have taken a break from dark, vampy hues in favor of spring trends I couldn't resist Kiki- a vivacious, plum-burgundy that brings out your inner rocker girl and looks like rich wine. I love wearing this daring shade with neutral eye shadow and winged liner so it really pops!   

Unlike the other two colors Corinne has a sheer formula with a swirl of dazzling micro-glitter for a luminous finish. The pale, neutral baby pink provides a soft flush of color and can be applied on top of pink lipsticks for an extra dose of moisture and a little highlight.

The lip glosses retail for $24.00 each and can be ordered online by clicking- HERE. 

 *Press samples featured 

Sleeping Creams and Night Masks I’m Loving!

Lately I've been treating my skin to an extra dose of hydration because the winter has taken its toll and I am on a mission to annihilate parched, dry skin. One thing that has been working wonders for my complexion is night masks not to be confused with the clay or sheet variety used for facials. These masks are renewing, emollient rich moisturizers packed with a potent punch of skin nourishing properties. The active ingredients in these bad boys absorb deeply as your body regenerates during your beauty sleep so you awake to dewy, healthy looking skin!

The Anew Clinical Overnight Hydration Mask by Avon has been a little obsession of mine since I first slathered on the intense, lavish formula. I reluctantly refrained from using the entire jar so that I could take a photo for this review and it has become the mask I reach for most often.

If you take a close look at the photo below you can see tiny round capsules dispersed in the cool gel and these little guys make the magic happen! The beads are bursting with hyaluronic acid, shea butter and plant ceramide and as you rub the gel into your skin they melt and drench your face in a layer of supple moisture. Although the sleep mask is discernible on the skin it feels nice and dewy and eventually the formula absorbs without leaving residue on your pillow.

The best thing about this product is the 48 hour hydration boost it gives your face and it obliterates dry, flaky patches which helps improve the look of makeup the next morning. Designed to immediately renew skin’s appearance by 21% this has definitely become one of my secret weapons and it may work for most skin types. The mask has a mild scent and retails for $32.00, you can find it online by clicking HERE and through independent sales representatives.    

The Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleep Mask rejuvenates your skin as you snooze and maintains collagen and hyaluronic acid levels to add extra spring and firmness to the face. Infused with Edelweiss stem cells, oils and concentrated conditioning ingredients the formula drenches skin in a refreshing gel-cream consistency that covers well and deeply hydrates.

If you are a bit hesitant of sleep masks because of heavy formulas that cloak the skin and stain pillows this cream is refreshing and light. It absorbs quite quickly if you don’t over-apply and the slight stickiness does not last or feel annoying. The scent is pleasant and you get a lot of product per jar especially since a little goes a long way. The mask smooths and softens for a wonderful overnight treatment, it retails for $30.00 and you can find it online- HERE and at Body Shop locations.

Last but not least is the Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream which was inspired by sleeping packs from Asia and has quickly gained popularity in the beauty community. The formula is enriched with 7 active ingredients including:

*LHA- boosts radiance

*Adenosine- combats the signs of aging and fatigue

*Antioxidants- to combat dull skin tone, unevenness and wrinkles

*Hyaluronic acid- intensely hydrates

*Extract of Ruscus- boosts microcirculation

*Jojoba- strengthens skin’s natural barrier

*Lavender essential oil- helps improve the quality of sleep and fight aging

This little jar is formulated to regenerate cells quickly so that skin looks rejuvenated, brighter, hydrated fresh and youthful. The texture is similar to a light day cream so it absorbs quickly without stickiness or grease. It makes my skin feel soft, smooth and silky and produces results similar to a high-end moisturizer. Although this mask isn't as rich as the other two formulas I do notice an improvement in my complexion with frequent use. The cream retails for $24.99 and is available at drugstores.

If your skin needs a boost of moisture and revitalization any of these night masks make great additions to your beauty routine.

*Press samples featured 

Beauty Box Five April 2015

The warm weather is finally here and with it came a few April showers and a great selection of trendy hues. This month’s Beauty Box Five theme is all about breaking out of your winter dry spell and blossoming into spring. The contents include products to accentuate nails, nourish hands, cleanse the face and make your pout shine!

Before I delve in let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. In this box you will receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands.

Incoco Nail Polish Applique Set (full size included- $8.99)

I love the idea of nail stickers and among the brands I've tried there were a few hits and a lot of misses. Adhesion and stickiness is key to durability and longevity but I am more than willing to plaster on these pretty polka dots and roses for spring. This design is a bit busy for me so I will probably use the strips for accents and pair it with pink polish.

Dancin' Goat Hula Bliss Body Lotion (sample included)

If I saw this cream in stores the name alone may have deterred me from picking it up, it sounds comical but having a goat on my cream is not very appealing. Despite the weird name I actually like this lotion! The formula is infused with natural ingredients including coconut oil, sunflower oil, green tea extract, vitamin E and goat milk. It is also infused with lavender extract which smells very strong but I don't mind the scent. The lotion is very hydrating and makes my skin feel soft without residue and the sample is a good size.  

Style Essentials TwinGloss (full size included- $2.50

I didn't really need another sheer, basic gloss but I appreciate the pretty pink- purple combo and the sweet cupcake scent. The finish is non-sticky, luminous and clear and instead of a glitter overload it produces a nice sheen. Although it does a decent job hydrating dry skin I wish it came with an ingredient list so I know what I am putting on my lips, all it says on the back is - made in China.

Lasting Smiles Passion Fruit Mango Organic Lip Balm (full size included- $4.99)

Two colorless lip products in one box when there are so many fresh spring hues circulating is a bit of a letdown but because this balm is organic and supportive of cleft surgeries for children I can let that slide. The ingredient list includes: coconut oil, sunflower oil, passion fruit, mango, shea butter, vitamin, E and jojoba so it moisturizes, heals and smells natural.

First Aide Beauty Facial Cleanser (3 sample packets included)

These small samples are great for travel and the fragrance free gentle cleanser is non-drying and soothing with a refreshing blend of aloe, licorice root and other extracts. This is was my first experience with the brand but so far so good!

In the next box I would really love some eye shadow, blush or a bright lip color. For more information on this subscription click HERE.

*Press samples featured 

Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls Limited Edition Collection

The air is slowly starting to warm up, the sun is shining and I can detect the first buds of spring! Emerging from your winter cocoon calls for fresh, vibrant color and the Sunkissed Pearls Collection includes tantalizing new hues that are sure to compliment your wardrobe all summer long.

Juicy lip color is a must for the season but you may still need a rich layer of protection to keep dryness under control. The Gloss Trio hydrates and seals in moisture with a lightweight formula that dispenses effortlessly from cute squeeze tubes. The pigments apply creamy and non-sticky so you don't have to worry about your hair getting plastered to your lips and they hold up quite well as you go about your day.

The mouth-watering, lush new shades include: Berry Pearl, Pink Pearl (glittering baby pink) and Coral Pearl (sparkling peach-pink).

These playful glosses put the finishing touches on any summer look and they condition, soften and soothe with mango and shea butter. I love the beautiful simplicity of the shiny finish and the formula contains ingredients that make lips appear full and plump while supporting natural collagen. 

These sheer, brilliant shades glide on smoothly and can go from subtle and luminous to a brighter pearly finish. For those who tend to avoid glitter lip products you don’t have to shun these beauties because the particles are small and non-chunky so they make lips appear dazzling in the sun! The gloss also feels comfortable enough to replace lip balm so they definitely deserve an honorary place in your purse. The trio retails for $29.00 and is suitable for women of all ages.  

I talk a lot about glowing skin on my blog because I love shimmering-up, especially in the summer. This collection also includes a beautiful bronzer and highlighter compact called Sunkissed Pearls designed to give you an instant contoured glow. The powder includes two bronzer shades and one pearly pink hue to illuminate the face.

The highlight is very light and iridescent and due to the pink tinge it also gives you the flush of a blush. The bonzers are way too light for contouring or sculpting but since they contain a bit of shimmer I like to sweep my brush over all the shades and apply the color to the areas light would naturally touch my face.

Because the brown pigments blend undetectably and appear nude on my skin I would have preferred the lovely pink shimmer throughout the entire compact as it beautifully enhances the complexion. The texture blends seamlessly onto the skin with a soft, satiny consistency.

The trio also contains vitamin E to protect against environmental aggressors and visible signs of aging, argan oil + fatty acids to soften and moisturize and micro minerals that help scatter light and fade the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The compact retails for $48.00.

For a limited time you can get this collection at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay and London Drugs. I think the gloss trio makes a great gift, especially with Mother's Day around the corner! 

*Press samples featured 

Soufeel Charm Bracelet Review

Charm bracelets have been around for years but recently a few brands have reinvented the classic designs creating an array of trendy pieces with intricate patterns and sparkling stones. Now you can mix, match and color coordinate your charm mementos to compliment your favorite outfits or change them to suit your mood and the latest trends. Many accessory lovers flash their bracelets with pride because they represent a variety of cherished memories including: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, the birth of a child, love and accomplishments. Soon many people will be purchasing charms to commemorate Mother’s Day which is just around the corner! 

Every time family and friends buy me a new charm it’s exciting because it signifies a special moment. Although I do have a beautiful Pandora bracelet some of their charms can be rather costly which may dissuade people from contributing to your bracelet and many fashionistas desire a full wrist of glittering keepsakes.

If you are looking for a more affordable option that is just as stylish, chic and modern then Soufeel has some wonderful jewelry! The sterling silver bracelets are great quality and the designs are very comparable to Pandora. The brand is able to offer their jewelry at more affordable prices because you buy directly from the manufacturer to avoid additional costs.

The woven pattern on my bracelet adds a touch of elegance and durability and the clasp is very sturdy. For just $29.95 the material is free of cadmium, nickel and lead and they are available in a variety of popular sizes. You do have to be careful when putting on and removing the bracelet as the charms can slide off the narrow end but the look is very stylish and I like the flexible band. When you spend $99.00 or more the bracelet is free which allows you to get a good start on your charm collection and if silver isn't your thing there are also crystal and leather bracelets as well as cute bangles.  

The charms for the Soufeel bracelets are even more interesting! Not only does the brand have a very eclectic selection of classy, fun, colorful, edgy and stylish items but you can also custom design your own pendants for as little as $18.95. To personalize the charm you can add your favorite photo to create a unique token of love.

The spring collection includes sterling silver charms starting at just $3.99 and they range from $16.95 and up. Soufeel charms fit all brands and are Pandora compatible so you can move your charms around, and even stack your bracelets to create beautiful eye-catching pieces.

Some of the categories to choose from include:

*Heart charms

      *Religious charms

             *National flags charms

    *Hobbies charms

 *Travel charms

           *Motherhood charms

    *Vintage charms

             *Murano glass charms

       *Christmas charms

       *Birthstone charms

  *Zodiac charms

                                      *Family and friends charms and more!

Since I travel a lot I collect souvenir charms from my vacations around the world. This pendant reminds me of the colorful masquerade event in Venice.

(Mask charm $19.95)

I like bling and a bit of glamour so the pink crystal heart coincides with my style. One side is flashy while the other is simple.

Pink crystal heart charm $23.95

Purple is my favorite color so I was drawn to this gorgeous barrel charm which is also the June birthstone.

June birthstone barrel charm $25.95

The beautiful love charm dangles elegantly and the silver cuffs look like two separate pieces. 

Love forever dangle charm $17.95

Soufeel offers free shipping on orders $50.00 or more and 365 day returns if you are not completely satisfied. If you use the code Davis5 you will also receive an additional 5% off your purchase!



Soufeel is a great option for those looking for affordable gifts and an excellent dupe for Pandora. To see more beautiful jewelry visit the website by clicking- HERE.

*Press samples featured

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow and Sheer Revolution Lipstick

For all you glitter junkies out there who crave a heavy dose of glitz Urban Decay has added 4 new shimmerriffic shades to their interstellar Moondust Collection. Designed to glam up any look these lush, mesmerizing 3-D metallic shadows have a gorgeous diamond-like finish in some seriously intense, dreamy hues.

The shade I went for is called Ether which is no surprise since I have a slight obsession for all things purple. When I first saw the fierce abundance of glitter I assumed it was going to feel gritty and apply a bit chunky but I was totally wrong! The eyeshadow is formulated with micro-fine, multidimensional particles for a smooth sophisticated effect. The texture feels slightly creamy but applies like a powder with no creasing of fading.

Like many glitters the top layer is where the party is, it has the heaviest, most saturated layer of shimmer which applies beautifully for a show stopping iridescent finish. The pigment applies with the same striking effect as loose formulas but it is less messy and easier to control. When you begin to dig away through the surface the shadow underneath is less shimmery but still stunning enough to create a dramatic twinkle.

The pigment can be applied lightly for a sheer wash of glistening color or you can layer it on heavy to really enhance the smokey grey toned purple for a bold reflective look. The shadows are also travel friendly and you can pop them out of the pan and create your own custom palettes, they retail for $24.00 each.

If you are going with sassy glitter on the eyes then you may want balance the look with something sheer and seductive on the lips. Urban Decay has also released some trendy, badass, buttery lipsticks! The Sheer Revolution collection includes a range of shades that combines sheer coverage with vibrant hues.

These are great for women who are a bit timid to wear bright, bold color but still want to experiment with something more dramatic. The color goes from subtle and sultry to va-va-voom medium coverage in just a few swipes.

**(The palette featured in this Photo is the Urban Decay Vice 3. For a full review click HERE)**

The lightweight color drenches lips in a blanket of moisture and the smooth, buttery formula is unscented and feels great. The vivid red I chose is called F-Bomb which makes lips look plump and pouty. Infused with a blend of nourishing shea butter, antioxidants, jojoba, olive, babassu oil and vitamins C and E the lipsticks are indulgent and rich.

The Revolution lipsticks retail for $26.00 each and you can find Urban Decay Cosmetics at Sephora locations, Sephora.com and select Shoppers Drug Mart locations. 

*Press samples featured