Transition Your Makeup From Summer To Fall With Wet n Wild Cosmetics

I don’t know about you but I’m thrilled that the heat has dissipated and the cool weather has begun to set in. No more humidity tousled frizzy hair, sweating or spritzing on layers of setting spray to keep my makeup from melting off! For some of us going from tanks to sweaters, sandals to boots or bright shades to deep rich pigments can take a bit of getting use to so today I will feature gorgeous pigments that can help you transition through the seasons.

Wet n Wild has been upping their game by improving their formulas and the price range is still fantastic! Purple and pinks work for all seasons and with the Floral Values Color Icon Palette you can wear still wear your favorite petal hues while slowly intensifying your look with the dark purple-navy to define and sculpt the crease. Going light and bright on the lids and deep and sultry in the crease is a great autumn effect and for more drama you can also smoke out the dark shade under the bottom lash line.

With the growing obsession with pumpkin and spice orange makeup is totally acceptable and Wet n Wild’s matte orange lipstick in Purty Persimmon is a great shade for all skin tones. This vibrant, solid lipstick delivers bold, ravishing fall color for beautiful full-coverage and no shine. Although the texture is quite smooth and creamy the formula doesn’t provide tons of hydration so I like to pair it with a lip primer for a bit more comfort. Pink is also a great all year color and the shade Don’t Blink Pink is in the medium range to help you slowly fizzle out of your bright fuchsias. These colors also have great longevity as they adhere well and stay put.

Swatches left to right: Mega Slicks Balm Stain in Coral of the Story, Purty Persimmon, Don't Blink Pink

If you want to go with something that offers a bit more moisture and not as much orange the Megaslicks Balm Stain in Coral of the Story is light and fresh! This pretty shade provides a sheer layer of color so you don’t have to go all out pumpkin if you prefer something more subtle. The balm-lipstick hybrid feels comfortable and moist on dry lips and the jumbo pencil shape makes application easy with no drag or feathering.

Frosty pink is also another fabulous shade that can help tone things down. Light Berry Frost has an iridescent shimmer finish without any large chunks of cumbersome glitter so you get a smooth, velvety texture with a lovely sheen. You can even break out this hue for winter looks when you want that princess pink pout.

You can find these products at drugstores nationwide!

*Press samples featured

Hornblower Cruises, The Best Way To See Niagara Falls!

Summer may be over but since the weather is still beautiful I’ve decided to make the most of it. Although I’ve vacationed around the world and have had many wonderful adventures one of my favorite places to visit is Niagara Falls. Living in Toronto means that one of the most beautiful natural wonders on the planet is just a drive away and this magnificent attraction is one that millions of people around the globe travel from far and wide to marvel at.

There is a lot to see and do when you visit the Niagara region, you can munch on sweet treats at the Fudge Factory, dine at one of the many fabulous restaurants, golf, picnic, tour the wine vineyards, shop and much more but the main reason people visit is to stand at the top of the falls, feel the cool mist on their faces and make lasting memories. If you want an even closer view the best and most popular way to experience this powerful force of nature is by boarding a Hornblower Cruise and sailing head first into the excitement! The boats float so close it makes you feel like you can reach out and touch the cascading water and the view is breathtaking!

To celebrate our 6 year anniversary my husband and I decided to do something exhilarating, and a bit unconventional. After a delicious lunch we decided to take a Hornblower Cruise and enjoy a romantic moment under the thundering falls! The experience sums up our relationship perfectly- thrilling, exciting and fun!

It is no surprise that this tour is rated the number one attraction and it is a fabulous adventure for families, couples and people of all ages! The large viewing decks can accommodate the entire crowd to ensure that everyone has a great vantage point and whether you want to get soaked and feel the wind on your face or remain dry behind the viewing glass there is a perfect spot to see the action! You also receive a pink poncho to protect your clothes from getting wet and after the cruise you can stop by the snack bar or gift shop for souvenirs!

The day cruises leave every 15-20 minutes with the option of a guided historical tour so you can always fit it into your schedule. The evening cruises are longer so you have time to enjoy the falls illumination and fireworks display.

If you plan to visit Niagara Falls a Hornblower Cruise is definitely a once in a lifetime experience you will never forget! For more information you can visit the website by clicking HERE. 

Lipidol Skincare Review

If you’ve browsed Walmart recently then you may have noticed that a new skincare line called Lipidol has hit the shelves. This oil based collection focuses on cleansing, hydrating and helping skin retain its moisture for a radiant, healthy complexion. It was created by the same company that brought you the popular Bio Oil blemish control treatment and the line includes a range of products to aid with daily grooming including: the Cleansing Body Oil, Cleansing Face Oil, Overnight Face Oil, After Shower Oil and Shave Oil.

As we leave summer behind and transition into cooler temperatures I like to change-up my skincare routine and increase hydration. Daily washing, hot water, environmental factors and indoor air systems can draw moisture from the skin causing dryness, flaking and peeling. The Cleansing Body Oil has a rich texture and a natural botanical scent for a calming aroma therapy experience. You simply apply it to wet skin and massage in to remove dirt and leave skin feeling fresh. Although it is a bit unusual for oil to produce suds this one does transform into a creamy texture and unlike regular soap it doesn’t leave skin feeling dry and tight. The Body Oil retails for $8.97

The Cleansing Face Oil removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural oils. It has a subtle aroma with a hint of rosemary and the gentle formula is suitable for all skin types including sensitive. I use a makeup wipe to remove the majority of my foundation and eyeshadow prior to using the oil but you can also apply it directly on top of makeup to loosen and emulsify stubborn formulas. Adding a bit of water transforms the oil into a cream allowing you to wipe away residue and lift pore clogging dirt. I usually follow up with a non-drying face wash for a more thorough clean. The cleanser retails for $8.97.

I’ve also been trying the Lipidol Overnight Face Oil infused with ylang- ylang and black pepper. As you get your beauty sleep at night your skin heals and regenerates so I like to layer natural oil under my moisturizer or serum for optimal results. This oil has a light floral scent and the formula is suitable for sensitive skin so it doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation. I love the dewy, supple moisture it provides and I awake to glowing skin that looks fresh and energized! It also takes care of those annoying dry patches and peeling without too much shine or grease and it works on rough cuticles and dry heels! The Face Oil retails for $8.97.

 Lipidol products can be found at Walmart

*Press samples featured

Lou Harvey Zip Wallet

If you’re like me and you enjoy investing in stylish handbags then you may want a fabulous wallet to go with them. When it comes to color, design and prints I don’t shy away from bold pieces and the zipper wallets by Lou Harvey takes show stopping patterns to the next level! 

I love whipping out my floral inspired, eye-catching wallet (that occasionally matches my mani) and looks great when carried as a small clutch if I don’t want to lug around a heavy purse. There are many awesome designs on the website but I chose Indian Summer for the pretty combination of pink, green and blue. This trendy wallet has the ability to brighten-up simple everyday outfits and can even compliment your little black dress!

Compared to basic wallets which usually come in black, brown and an assortment of safe, mundane shades, the items from this collection are statement pieces and look femininely stylish! From teens to adults these prints are fabulous and what woman wouldn’t want to enjoy vibrant color all year round!

One thing I love about the wallet is that the design carries through to the inside and it has adequate room for important cards. It also has a sturdy zipper closure to keep all your belonging secure and a handy change pouch.

The Lou Harvey’s collection is made in South Africa but thankfully it is now available in Canada! It also includes a variety of travel bags, totes, lap top bags, baby bags, makeup bags and much more so you can look stylish no matter where you are or what your plans!

This wallet retails for $60.00 and you can check out the website by clicking HERE.

*Press sample featured 

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eye Shadow Palette Review

The latest addition to the beloved Naked Collection by Urban Decay has been all the rage in the beauty community as the sultry rich shades and expertly crafted formula has awed makeup lovers and quickly become a fan fave. This time around the brand has stepped up their game when it comes to packaging with a large mirror for application and a semi-translucent hard case that is stylish and edgy.

For fall I love seductive smokey eyes that compliment fluffy sweaters, warm hues and jewel tones. This palette is packed with a dozen never-before-seen shades and a gorgeous combination of neutrals, beautiful bronze, browns, dimensional grays and alluring deep black. The finishes provide a range of effects from matte, satin, shimmer and stand-out sparkle so you can mix, match and create to your heart’s content!

When I first touched these soft, velvety shadows it was love at first swatch, the colors are very trendy, suitable for all skin tones and the pigmentation is buildable, full-coverage and intense for great saturation, shading, contouring and highlighting. The staying power and quality is also fantastic with or without a primer and the rich colors stay put all day without fading or creasing. To decrease fall-out I like to pat the shadows on with a flat brush and layer to achieve my desired effect and boldness.

The palette also comes with a duo sided brush, one end is great for blending and the other is smaller but ideal for placing shadow in the crease directly where you want it. Although the brush is good quality for the purpose of travel I would have preferred something for patting color onto the lids.

The first four shades starting on the left- High (champagne shimmer with micro glitter), Dirty Sweet (medium gold), Radar (metallic taupe with mico glitter) and Armor (metallic silver taupe with sparkle) are all shimmery but quite neutral. These shades have a brilliant finish and look great on the lids or as highlight. The next four shades- Slanted (light metallic grey), Dagger (medium charcoal with micro shimmer), Black Market (jet black satin) and Smolder (deep plum) are cool tones and work well for sculpting, defining and shaping. These fall beauties also transition into next season for trendy winter looks. The last four hues- Password (cool gray), Whiskey (rich matte brown), Combust (soft pink) and Thirteen (light matte cream) are fabulous for blending, transitioning colors and highlighting under the brows. Matte hues mesh beautifully with shimmery finishes for a nice combination of texture and depth.

I love the versatility of this palette and you can control the intensity of the smokey effects you create for subtle day looks or party girl, glam with endless possibilities! The range of light to dark essential hues makes this palette a great addition to any collection and it is ideal for travel.

The edgy new look, addictive hues and superb quality definitely creates an obsession! When it comes to Smok’n hotness this bad boy is the cream of the crop and you pick it up at Sephora locations and online for $60.00.

*Press sample featured

The Body Shop Oils of Life Collection

This fall The Body Shop is harvesting the potent power of natural seed oils to promote healthy, radiant skin! The Oils of Life Collection is inspired by ancient beauty secrets from around the globe and the skin loving formulas are infused with 3 nourishing oils including: Black Cumin Seed from the Egyptian Nile Valley, Rosehip Oil from the Andes foothills in Chile and Camellia Oil from the evergreen trees of China. As you open these decadent bottles the exotic botanical bouquet transports you to faraway lands while you indulge, relax and pamper your skin.

Cumin Oil is known for its high antioxidant concentration while Camellia and Rosehip are abundant in oleic acid and rich omega 3 and 6 to deeply moisturize and nourish. The Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil is cold pressed, high in nutrients and packaged in a pretty amber bottle with an easy to use medicine dropper applicator. The composition is 99% natural oil and enriched with olive, jojoba, rosemary, orange, lavender and other conditioning extracts to ensure your skin looks revitalized, dewy and youthful!

I apply the oil to clean, dry skin on its own or layered under the cream for extra hydration and it gives my face an instant pick-me-up and a boost of lasting moisture. The oil is lightweight with little residue (depending on how much you apply) and it absorbs quickly with no stickiness. I use a drop or two before bed as it is a fabulous overnight treatment to repair, heal and smooth the texture of my skin for a soft, silky finish. I also enjoy dabbing it onto my lips, nails and hands to alleviate dry skin and damaged cuticles. Applying a thin layer to my eyelashes also helps fortify and promote growth especially after repeated mascara removal. For fall and winter this oil will definitely be one of my go-to products for battling the weather and it doesn’t clog pores or cause acne. The 30 ml bottle retails for $44.00.

This wonderful blend of seeds and plant extracts can also be enjoyed in both a gel and cream formula if you haven’t quite warmed up to the idea of using face oil. The cream has a richer texture that melts onto the face for a light, comfortable finish without a greasy residue. It has the same powerful emollients and fresh botanical spa scent as the oil and it only takes a pea sized amount to intensely moisturize for soft, resilient skin. It also minimizes the look of wrinkles to help fight the signs of aging. The 50 ml jar is $34.00.

For cool, invigorating hydration the gel is a lighter alternative to the cream formula with illuminating micro-pearls for radiance and vitality. Skin looks plump, replenished smooth and dewy and I love the moist, refreshing finish and the conditioning components that protect and prep my skin for makeup. The 50 ml jar retails for $34.00.

If you’re looking for amazing hydration that your skin will soak up and love stop by The Body Shop this September and get your hands on this awesome collection! You can also visit the website by clicking HERE. 

The Toronto International Film Festival: TIFF 2015

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of events, parties and an intriguing line-up of creative new films, some of which are sure to create Oscar buzz. It’s the time of year when Torontonians and movie buffs take to the streets to claim the most coveted spots around the red carpet hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars and possibly score an autograph. This year the Toronto International Film Festival celebrated their 40^th anniversary as one of the most prestigious events of its kind and the celebs were out in full force! I was making my way around the city stopping by beauty lounges, press events and parties so today I will be featuring some of the highlights. If you aren’t interested in reading about the glam and goodies scroll down to the next posts for more skincare and makeup!

Although the films are definitely the main attraction the parties and swag bags have become just as popular and beauty brands get the opportunity to really show off their stuff! The events I attended were private affairs but there were also a few open to the public.

I didn’t have time to check out all the brands represented at the exclusive IT Lounge this year but they did feature some great products from Goody hair accessories, Barilla Pasta, Saje and more! I received some fabulous essential oils to help ease everything from stress, indigestion (which I needed after my TIFF diet of candy for breakfast), headaches, muscle pain and congestion.

On opening night I attended the popular Nikki Beach White Party at The Spoke Club although I wasn’t a huge fan of the all white dress code. The drinks were flowing, the DJ was spinning and the patio was great. Apparently these world famous parties and pop-up locations are “THE place to be and be seen” although I didn’t spot any celebs.

After I got some beauty sleep and recovered (somewhat) I attended Elevate Lounge where I received some beauty treatments, snacks and products to help prepare me for the rest of TIFF. The featured brands included Excel gum, Dr. Scholls Express Pedi, Dove, Voss Water, Magnum ice cream, Nexxus, Simple Skincare, Nordica and Lipton.

The next morning I headed out bright, early and a bit zombie-like for some more pampering at the Shoppers Drug Mart, Phyto Canada Beauty Boutique because what girl doesn’t like getting a little dolled up?! After snacking on candy, scones and doughnuts (don’t judge) I got my nails and lashes done. I also checked out the new Decadence fragrance by Dior and the swag bag included some fabulous products from Stila, Rodial, Phyto Paris, Ceramic Glaze and more to help keep me looking red carpet ready.

After lunch and taking in a film with a fellow blogger I headed to the uniFrance TIFF Cocktail party celebrating French films and sponsored by some fabulous brands including NUXE. I will admit to not recognizing any of the film stars in attendance but the bar was open, the canapés were laid out and I enjoyed the night.

On Sunday I headed to Karyzma Lounge to check out some brands that were less familiar and yes I sampled more delectable treats. My favorite cake pop guru Danielle was there from The Pop Shop and Shot Berry provided delicious gourmet strawberries with a little tube of liquor poking out! 

The gift bags contained some much needed fuel to help me overcome the fatigue that was starting to set in including delicious coconut chips, refreshing coconut water, Boom energy drink and more.

I know what you’re thinking...yes I did stuff my face with treats and check out a lot of beauty products but that’s what a makeup lover does! I also attended the world premiere of The Dress Maker staring the lovely Kate Winslet and debonair leading man Liam Hemsworth. 

Prior to the film I hung out in L’Oréal’s VIP room overlooking the red carpet where I managed to snap a few semi-decent shots. The actors briefly introduced the film and by the time the credits rolled I heard a lot of comments about how “different” it was. Needless to say seeing couture in the middle of a dusty, barren little town was indeed out of place which made the film more intriguing! I thought the the story was heart warming, emotional, creative and hilarious with gorgeous, jaw-dropping fashion and few surprises along the way.

Now that TIFF has come to an end, party goers are sobering-up and things are reverting back to life as we know it. I have a few more events and a ten day vacation before Fashion Week begins and then it’s backstage madness and runway trends!