The Body Shop The Voyage Collection: Italian Summer Fig

When I went to Italy I fell in love with the culture, architecture and food. Touring the winding streets of Venice, gazing at the beautiful cathedrals in Rome and driving along the Italian Riviera this May was a dream come true! Inspired by the scenic Italian coast, invigorating ocean mist and ripe, delectable fruit the Summer Fig Collection smells wonderful and reminds me of my travels.

This sweet, summery fragrance evokes images of a sprawling orchid abundant with succulent, ripe figs and a seductive woody essence. The delicious figs are picked at the height of the season to bring out their vivid aromatic freshness which blends beautifully with the rich nuttiness. The top notes include: crisp grape leaves, crocus and rose for a delicate floral element and sensual amber and oak for sophistication and femininity.

I love the chic green bottle that beautifully represents nature and the Italian Coast with a cute modern twist!

This is a great everyday scent and although it is sweet, fruity and refreshing it isn’t too sugary or potent so it fades nicely as you go about your day. You can also pick up subtle hints of the oak which gives the aroma a little something extra for more depth and allure. Since The Body Shop uses quality ingredients I can detect some of the natural elements as the notes combine to create a soft, inviting bouquet. The perfume retails for $28.00.

This delightful scent also comes as a body mist and the notes are bursting with the same intensity as the perfume. I prefer the Eau de Toilette because I love the bottle but the mist is also fabulous for the season and retails for just $15.00. You can also get the shower gel and body lotions in this scent and the other collections include: Japanese Cherry Blossom, Fijian Water Lotus, Atlas Mountain Rose and Indian Night Jasmine to suit your moods, style and preference.

You can pick up the Voyage Collection this September in stores and online.

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Mary Kay Limited Edition City Modern Collection Review

The sophisticated City Modern Collection by Mary Kay sets the tone for fall and compliments your wardrobe with rich pigments and luxurious formulas for the lips, eyes and nails!

The Limited Edition Velvet Lip Crèmes have a chic, metropolitan design packaged in slender tubes that slip in your bag for use on-the-go. As the weather cools down hydration is a must so I love the creamy, smooth glide and the unique, angled shape that forms to the contours of lips for easy application. 

The three new shades include: Berry Stylish (my favorite fall color) which is a trendy wine-plum, Oh so Chic- a deep bronzy hue that warms up the complexion with a hint of gold and Naturally Chic- a fetching nude. Although the hues are all within the same color spectrum there is a complimentary shade for all skin tones with lightweight moisture, a rich texture and a layer of satiny-shine. The coverage is quite sheer but can be enhanced to medium pigmentation for a glam, seasonal pout! They retail for $18.00 each.

The Eye Color Palettes are wonderful for styling-up your cute boots, warm sweaters and comfy scarves and I like the geometric design! Metro Modern contains slate matte grey, shimmery rose gold, blue and frosty silver which makes me think of cool fall evenings by the fire and wintery ski getaways.

City Sophisticate has a warmer combination of matte brown, shimmer pink, gold and taupe-silver. The colors are all highly pigmented, soft, slightly creamy, and easy to work with for great buildable coverage. Both squares come packaged in plastic holders so they can be popped out and placed in magnetized palettes for personalized creations and combos. They are also handy for travel and retail for $26.00 each.

For classy fall manis Mary Kay has released three luminous new shades. Berry Stylish is bold, beautiful and super cute on all skin tones while Polished Pearl and Gallery Gray can transition right into winter. Usually I don’t care much for subtle shades but the dreamy Pearl is infused with a snowy shimmer and the shiny gray is as fetching as a Christmassy stone cottage!

The formula of the polish is creamy, rich and easy to apply with opaqueness in just 2 coats! They retail for $10.00 each.

You can pick up these delightful, fall beauties at marykay.ca and through independent consultants.

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No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advance Serum Review

The world-famous, highly acclaimed No7 Serum is at the top of many women’s wish list and the advance formula has become a cult fave and beauty must-have! The complex contains powerful peptides and rich antioxidants to protect and fortify skin against the signs of aging with noticeable results in just 2 weeks! The potent ingredients and plant extracts are clinically proven to reduce deep lines and wrinkles with a hypoallergenic blend and skin softening agents. Since fall is around the corner incorporating more moisture in my skincare routine is imperative and a lush serum is exactly what I need to prepare for blustery winds and recoup from the UV damage of summer. 

Aside from battling aging the serum also helps improve the texture of skin for a smooth, supple effect which works well under makeup as a base. I also love the silky boost of hydration it provides for non-greasy, lightweight coverage and long-lasting moisture. The formula is suitable for both oily and dry skin types and relives parched, dull skin instantly!

I apply the serum morning and night after cleansing to brighten and make my skin feel even, rejuvenated and supple! As for deep wrinkles I can’t attest to those claims as I don’t have lines but I can say that this is a fabulous serum and I find myself reaching for it all the time! It doesn’t leave behind any stickiness or residue and at night it has the effect of a light overnight mask that works its magic as I snooze so I wake to a healthy, radiant complexion!

Since everyone's skin reacts differently to products and ingredients the serum may not be a miracle worker for all but for me it helps battle environmental elements, refine pores and renew the surface of my skin for a moist dewy finish.

You can get the serum at Shoppers Drug Mart for $35.00

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Mary Kay Limited Edition Cityscape Collection Review

This fall unleash your adventurist side by exploring undiscovered destinations and embrace your busy lifestyle with the new Cityscape Collection! Designed with the structural appeal of a beautiful skyline and inspired by modern architecture, the captivating fragrances for men and women evoke gallant masculinity, effortless elegance and stylish, street-smart fashion.

The Cityscape Collection for her includes the Silkening Shower Gel, Silkening Dry Oil Mist and the Eau de Parfum for layers of intoxication. The fragrance has top notes of: Bergamot, pink pepper, juicy apricot, red currant and violet leaves, middle notes of: Phantomia orchid, orange flower, Florentine orris and peony and bottom notes of: sandalwood, delicious plum and comforting vanilla bean.

This trendy fragrance is beautifully balanced with subtle sweetness and warm ingredients to evoke alluring femininity and it works with your body chemistry to blend into an enchanting aroma as you go about your busy day. Cityscape is a delight for the senses and the luxurious formula is light, appealing and sophisticated, perfect for women of all ages! It retails for $55.00.

I love when a scintillating fragrance comes in a set so I can build-up the amazing scent for longer wear before heading out for a night on the town. The Cityscape Silkening Shower Gel envelops you in a rich, luscious lather that smells so good you won’t want to get out! It gently foams away dirt, excess oil and sweat while leaving you smelling fresh, clean and ready for anything. It retails for $22.00.

After a warm, relaxing shower there is nothing better than pampering your skin with a great moisturizer. The Dry Oil Mist wraps skin in a light veil of satiny-soft hydration without the greasy residue. The oil absorbs quickly and has the same incredible scent as the fragrance so you smell fabulous even if you forget your perfume. It helps diminish dryness and softens tight, flaky skin while providing a luminous sheen in case you want to show-off a little skin. The oil retails for $22.00

The Cityscape Cologne Spray is sexy and enticing with a similar design encased in bold, black packaging. The scent is an infusion of modern masculinity and exotic aromas including: Italian bergamot, French lavender, pepper, Egyptian geranium oil, orange flower, whiskey barrel accord, cedarwood, sandalwood, Indonesian patchouli oil and amber. It retails for $52.00.

The men’s collection also comes with an invigorating hair & body wash that helps hard working, rugged guys recharge after a long day or tough workout. It washes away dirt and sweat while leaving behind a seductive scent. The body wash retails for $22.00.

These chic sets are perfect for gift giving so you can get an early start on your holiday list or keep them for yourself! The products are available at marykay.ca and through independent consultants.

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Beauty Box Five August 2015

This month’s Beauty Box Five theme is all about adding new shades, tools and hydration to your getting-ready routine and there are four full-size products included! 

Before I delve into the box 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. You 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!

Jerome Alexander Hot Stuff Go Pop Compact (price: $10.99- full size included)

I am always happy when I open my box and see a cute compact and this one looks like a little change purse with 3 shadows, 3 lip glosses and 2 brushes. The pink and purple pigments are girly and fun and the large mirror is great for application. Although I love the adorable packaging it reminds me of the toy compacts I played with as a kid so I didn't have high expectations for the quality. Thankfully I was totally wrong! The shadows are soft, smooth and slightly creamy with great pigmentation and a pretty shimmer finish. The colors apply well with or without primer and they don`t crease or fade. The gloss comes in deep orange, light pink and light orange but the finish is very sheer, shiny and creamy with little pigmentation and a light moisturizing formula.

Donna Max Printed Nail File with case (price: 4.99- fill size included)

Nail files are essential for your mani kit but when they are as cute and cheeky as this one you will definitely want to keep it in your purse! The handy carrying case also prevents it from dulling.

Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen in the shade Plum (price: $19.99- full size included)

Recently I`ve been accumulating quite a few liners and although I didn`t really see the need to include another in this month's box I do like that they incorporated a plum pigment which is super trendy for fall! The point is medium size and the color glides on quite well allowing some versatility with regards to shape and width. I also like that it dries quickly and since the formula is waterproof it tends not to smudge.

Hask Beauty Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment (price: $2.39- full size included)

I am no stranger to Hask conditioner; in fact I have used them several times before with good results! The formula gives my hair a little pick-me-up when I need a boost of moisture and it leaves my strands softer and more resilient. Since I tend to have mishaps with hair products seeping out while I travel these are great for vacation especially when you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, pool or ocean.

Pur~lisse Pure Moist Hydra-Balance Moisturizer (sample size included)

These sample tubes are also great for travel, especially short weekend getaways. Pur~lisse is a brand that has popped up in this box before and I do like the anti-aging benefits enriched with plant extracts and vitamin E. This formula is also safe for sensitive skin and provides a good dose of moisture to quench parched skin without the greasy residue. 

Overall this month’s box was a hit! I like all the products I received and I’m looking forward to seeing what goodies I get in September! For more information on this subscription you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

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Rocia Skincare Review

While searching for great skincare reading labels helps ensure you are getting sufficient amounts of beneficial ingredients. Many brands recognize the value of quality formulas but some only add miniscule amounts of active nutrients which can lead to delayed results. Rocia is a Canadian brand that prides itself on delivering natural skincare, body care and makeup that is safe, effective clinically proven and intensely nourishing. Their collection is free of parbens, colorants, dyes, preservatives and fragrance with vegan and gluten-free formulas.

The Mixer Masque comes as loose glacial marine and kaolin clay granules that you mix with water, yogurt or mineral water to form a detoxifying, rich mineral paste. It cleanses disinfects and exfoliates with potent antioxidants, vitamins, antiseptics and conditioning agents. The nourishing ingredients include: sandalwood, green tea, seaweed and mango for an invigorating treatment that draws out impurities and leaves skin feeling revitalized and fresh! Clay masks can be quite messy and since this one is a dry powder requiring mixing I found it to be even more so. The scent is a bit raw and not particularly my cup of tea but since I rinse it off in 10-15 mins the smell isn’t a deal breaker. It retails for $18.00.

For dehydrated, parched skin the Hydrate Moisturizer provides a light, silky layer of botanicals and organic extracts to condition, reduce wrinkles and increase elasticity. Like the masque it also has many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, regenerative and antiseptic properties which can be beneficial for sensitive, mature and acne prone skin. The ingredient list for this cream is very impressive it includes: lavender, vanilla, bergamot, vitamin E, shea butter, olive oil, grapefruit, avocado, radish root, mushroom, oil and more! Due to the natural elements and lack of fragrance I find the scent a bit spicy but if you are looking for a moisturizer infused with the best nature has to offer then this product may be for you!  It retails for $35.00.

If you prefer to moisturize with natural oil and layer it under face cream for intense suppleness the Quench Extra Hydration Oil is great! This lush formula pampers with potent skin softening agents, vitamin E, antioxidants, emollients and anti-aging components with a bit of UV protection. I prefer to apply the oil before bed so it works as I snooze and I wake to dewy, supple skin! It retails for $22.00.

I never go to bed without applying my eye cream since I battle dark circles on a daily basis. The Soufflé is gentle and helps diminish the look of pigmentation, lines, and puffiness. I love that the formula doesn’t burn and it has a nice lightweight consistency that revitalizes the look of tired eyes for a brighter, more youthful appearance. Like all products from this brand the ingredient list contains a long list of impressive natural extracts rich in antioxidants and skin loving components that are ideal for quick results. It retails for $27.00.

Environmental elements can wreak havoc on your skin and with cooler temperatures around the corner the Gardener’s Glove Hand Therapy is a great purse essential. With a fresh botanical scent the formula is packed with nourishing oils including: rose, apricot, carrot, shea, geranium, olive and more to heal rough, cracked skin and relieve discomfort. The cream also moisturizes brittle, stripping nails and damaged cuticles for youthful, soft hands that will inspire you to show off that cute mani! The hand cream retails for $20.00

Overall I enjoyed this line and I appreciate the organic quality. Although the products are quite small they seem highly concentrated so you can use less to achieve a radiant complexion. Check out Rocia on their website by clicking HERE.

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Estēe Lauder Fall 2015 Collection: Makeup, Fragrance & Skincare!

A few weeks ago I attended Estēe Lauder’s fall preview and it was a beauty lover’s dream! There were rows of deliciously scented body and skincare goodies to help us transition into fall plus fabulous formulas, luxurious textures and stunning pigments!

If you’ve been browsing department stores lately you may have seen the Modern Muse Fragrance poster featuring the gorgeous Kendall Jenner. I love Kendall’s high fashion, glamorous style and Modern Muse represents her chic runway prowess. 

This fragrance is bold and timeless evoking sophistication and confidence with sparkling jasmine, exotic mandarin, fresh lily, and dewy petals. The base notes including patchouli, Madagascar vanilla, sultry amber wood and soft musk which balances the ripe fruity sweetness for depth and femininity.

I have the fragrance in an elegant key chain with a solid formula that has the same wonderful aroma for use on the go! The cream perfume retails for $49.50 and the bottles ranges from $68-$122. This is a great scent for women of all ages!

When applying my powder formulas a plush, lavish kabuki brush is essential for beautiful application. Although the Courrèges Kabuki was not in the fall line-up it is an amazing high-end brush that sweeps product onto the skin effortless and feels luxuriously plush and comfortable. The large, rounded shape distributes as little or as much powder as needed for a gorgeous finish and I love the abundance of long, fine bristles! This item is limited edition and retails for $36.00.

Moving on to lip products, (one of my favorite topics) you will definitely want to get your hands on the new Color Envy Matte Lipsticks which are the epitome of dreamy, creamy high impact color! The lipsticks are available in 12 gorgeous shades from Kendall’s signature limited edition hue called Restless to deep seductive wine-reds, bright orange, subtle nude, pink and soft violet.

The two shades I have are Decisive Poppy- a classic, bold red that never goes out of style and Unattainable- a swoon worthy pink with hints of purple. These bold shades provide intense, smooth pigment and a daring mattified finish with one-stroke application. Although they are matte the formula is rich, smooth and non-drying so you won’t be grabbing for that gloss and they provide uniform layers of saturation and incredible full-coverage for a curvaceous pout. These are a must for fall and they retail for $34.00 each.

Aside from a good creamy formula I love a stand-out lacquer finish and if you want to unleash your inner starlet and look red-carpet ready every day then the Pure Color Envy Liquid Lip Potion is a must! This liquid hybrid is a combination of high-shine gloss and luscious lipstick enriched with a moisture-rich formula of jojoba, avocado and sunflower oil for effortless glide and sexy, sculpting. The curved applicator lets you shape and define your pout for voluminous results and the comfortable matte satin-finish provides up to 8 hours of wear! The shade I have below is fittingly named Lethal Red and retails for $30.00.

If you prefer a tad more shine and lighter coverage then the Pure Color Envy Shine Sculpting Lipsticks provide brilliant luminous color and moist, comfortable wear. I have the shade Empowered which is a sophisticated bright red that applies sheer and can be layered to medium coverage. These come in 16 shades from neutral, mid-tone and vibrant for $30.00 each.

In September you can look forward to the release of the Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Serum and Concealer which works like an advanced skincare treatment. Infused with amino acids and proteins the concealer brightens, camouflages and helps diminish the look of lines and wrinkles while supporting collagen production for firmer skin. This is a great product for travel because one side blurs imperfections, dark spots, under eye circles and redness while the highlighter adds dimension and a luminous, natural glow with a lightweight, oil-free complex. I also like that it contains SPF 25 and hyaluronic acid for silky moisture. The stick retails for $50.00 and the shade featured below is Medium/Deep.

Concealer

Highlighter

For the ladies who want a rejuvenated, smooth complexion the New Dimension Shape + Fill Serum helps lift the cheeks and jawline for more defined facial features. We all know how popular contouring is and whether it be extreme shading or just a light dusting of bronzer women love playing up their features. This serum provides a natural, radiant look to accentuate your best angles and leave skin feeling silky. It retails for $89.00.

Earthy, warm hues are gorgeous for fall and the Pure Envy Eye Defining Single in the shade Amber Intrigue compliments many of my creations from matte to shimmer. I like using this silky, soft shadow to define my crease and although it looks simple it is one of those shades you will reach for again and again. The innovative formula combines, gel, powder and cream textures for seamless blending and it can be used both dry and wet! The new singles retail for $28.00.

I can’t celebrate the launch of a new fall collection without one of my favorite shades! The Limited Edition Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Gold provides 12 hours of water-resistant creamy color and comes with a handy smudger. The pigment sets quickly without fading or smudging and retails for $23.00

You can find Estēe Lauder at: Hudson’s Bay, Sephora, Estee Lauder Counters and at esteelauder.ca.

*Press samples featured

MICRO Pedi Review

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm I often wear open-toe shoes and embrace sandal season with cute, strappy heels. Although I love my fall boots there is something freeing about showing off my bright, trendy polish and comfy summer styles. Since sexy heels look best when feet are healthy pedicure machines have become very popular and the MICRO Pedi was voted product of the year in 2014!

I will admit to not pampering my feet as much as I should but I don’t always have time to pumice, soak, scrape and manually rub away layers of stubborn skin. I love that the MICRO Pedi is lightweight and super easy to use so it fits right into your weekly beauty routine! The device buffs away roughness, calluses, and peeling, flaky skin so you can show-off your feet with confidence! In just seconds it improves the look of stripped heels and tired soles with flex+ rollers that spin 30 times per second!

The exfoliating rollers are designed to work around the contours of the feet so you can reach all your problem areas quickly, painlessly and efficiently for smoother, softer skin. With any type of exfoliation you shouldn’t overdo it and to prevent soreness the MICRO Pedi automatically turns off if you press too hard. The exfoliator sloughs away coarse skin into a fine powder so there is no stripping and I can feel and see the difference right away! 

I also like that the machine comes with two rollers for individualized, salon quality results. The micro-mineral roller has a fine texture for general use and the extreme coarse roller is great for harder skin that is difficult to remove. You can also interchange them during your treatment as some areas of the foot are softer and more sensitive. The refills retail from $16.99-$19.99 for a 2 pack.

Extreme coarse roller

The device also helps improve the efficiency of my nourishing foot creams and oils for lasting suppleness and less peeling. If you love high heels but hate those unsightly calluses the device diminishes tough, dry patches so you can kick off those shoes and enjoy warm summer days lounging by the pool.

The MICRO Pedi is water-proof and uses 2 AA batteries, it also comes with a cleaning brush and instruction booklet. Since frequent salon treatments can add up, owning this machine can actually save you money and it is convenient for use at home or during travel. If your feet need some work then you definitely need this machine, I don't know what I did without it! The MICRO Pedi makes a fabulous gift for both men and women and you can purchase it online by clicking HERE, it retails for $49.99. 

Check out the demonstration video below!

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