Mèreadesso Beautiful Body Balm Review

Can a body cream actually go to the gym for you? Well the sumptuously rich Mèreadesso Body Balm has an innovative formula that helps decrease bloating and tone skin but before you nibble that chocolate let’s talk ingredients.

mèreadesso is known for expertly combining the benefits of many products and condensing them into one bottle for easy application, efficiency and convenience. The high performance body balm is infused with an impressive blend of 8 vitamins and 28 globally sourced botanical extracts including: skin nourishing grape seed oil, witch hazel, olive oil, oat, Arabica  coffee, wintergreen, white tea, horse chestnut, Brazilian cocoa seed, licorice, Montana flower oil, algae extract, soybean and much more!

Along with being an excellent body treatment for men and women of all ages it can also be used to moisturize the hands, cuticles, and feet. It’s basically a head-to-toe ultra rich, hydrating lotion that smooths skin, improves texture, eradicates dryness and leaves the body soft, silky and supple all day!

If getting rid of dry, cracked, peeling skin and discomfort isn’t impressive enough the cream also reduces water retention and helps break down cellulite! Now I don’t know about you but anything that helps reduce water weight is a bonus in my book, especially when traveling to hot, humid climates or during that time of the month. Along with fighting bloat it also minimizes the appearance of scars and stretch marks!

Due to the abundance of natural ingredients the lotion has a fresh botanical scent, similar to the aroma you experience as you walk into a luxury spa. After a warm, relaxing shower the soothing formula makes my skin feel incredibly supple and refreshed almost like winter never even happened!

Although I didn’t notice any slimming or shaping results yet I do like the added protection against the elements and the improved resiliency of  my skin. I also like that the formula is fast absorbing, easy to distribute and has no greasy residue so it doesn’t transfer to clothes or bedding. It is even gentle enough to use after cosmetic procedures and on babies!

This all-in-one breakthrough formula is a secret weapon for kicking winter's butt and for youthful looking skin, it retails for $54.00 and you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

Beauty Box 5 February 2016: 4th Anniversary!

This month Beauty Box 5 turns four and what a fabulous four years it’s been! The subscription service continues to gain popularity while introducing its loyal beauty addicts to new brands that keep us trendy and glam. This month’s theme is all about puckering-up and getting our sparkle on with a few makeup goodies and products infused with natural ingredients.

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!

Manna Kadar 3 in 1 Shadow, Highlight & Blush in the shade Fantasy (full size: $19)

I have never heard of this brand before but when I saw the shimmery rose gold shadow I was hooked! The color is beautiful and the pigmentation is even better! I was very impressed with the amazing color pay-off even without a base and the texture is soft, smooth and creamy so it glides on effortlessly. This flattering hue does work as a highlight but not as a blush. It was definitely my favorite product in the box!

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer (sample size included)

Kudos to Beauty Box 5 this month for introducing me to yet another brand I had not previously tried! As many of you know I am a loyal fan of Urban Decay’s Primer Potion but I am always open to finding another that works just as well. This base makes skin feel very silky which improves application and I am impressed with how little product it took to cover my lids. A small dab applies very creamy and spreads evenly so although this sample is small it could last for months! The primer did seem to help my shadows stand-out a tad more but the results weren’t drastic. In terms of longevity, it did pretty well but I may have to test it out a bit more to draw my final conclusion.

Epic Blend Lip Balm in Blueberry (full size: $3.49)

I am very familiar with Epic Blend; in fact I have most of the collection! The all natural, organic formula alleviates dry lips, smells delicious and soothes chapped, rough, peeling skin as soon as you swipe it on. It is also gluten-free and contains nourishing ingredients like hemp, coconut oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E and rosemary.

Hemp Nation Kiwi-Mango Body Wash (full size included: $7.99)

I like hemp products but always question whether or not they are okay to travel with! Regardless I like to take these small bottles on short trips and this cleansing formula foams away oil, sweat and dirt leaving you refreshed and smelling great! This bottle is supposedly full-size (59 ml / 2 oz) but it seems more sample-size to me.

Starlooks Lip Liner in the shade Sultry Sangrita (full size: $16)

Admittedly I have a ton of lipsticks but not many liners so I always welcome a new one. This shade is quite neutral and glides on well for easy application. It does tend to smudge a bit as your lip color wears away but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Overall I found the formula quite basic but I like the color.

For more info on this subscription box you can visit the website by clicking HERE

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa Review

Jetting off to a luxury resort is one of the best ways to escape winter and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Florida is known for its sunshine, beautiful coastline and fabulous tourist attractions so it's not surprising that Miami and Fort Lauderdale have become my home away from home.

Usually when people consider tropical vacations the Caribbean comes to mind but Fort Lauderdale offers white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees coupled with great nightlife, restaurants and shopping. It combines the excitement and thrill of the city with a tropical island vibe and an eclectic cultural melting pot, making it the perfect destination for fun, entertainment and relaxation.

Recently I stayed at the Marriott Pompano Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale located on a quiet strip of coastline that is as serene and pleasant as the modern decor. As I walked into the large, inviting lobby adorned with artwork depicting calming ocean graphics I was instantly transported to an oasis of rest and relaxation. The valet parking and warm welcome from the front desk followed by a fresh fruit platter and cool drinks made me forget my winter woes and jet-lag.

The Marriott on Pompano Beach is a trendy boutique style resort with 25 suites and 194 guest rooms to choose from, many of which feature picturesque private balconies. My room, on the ninth floor was quite spacious with a stunning ocean view and king sized bed.

View from the private balcony

The first thing I noticed was how clean and wonderful the room smelled, so unlike what you’d expect from a high occupancy, large hotel. The scent of freshly washed linens filled the air and from the balcony I had a great view of the pool and well manicured garden.

The modern, simple decor incorporates rustic touches of wooden art and a charming neutral color palette of cream, gold and hints of sea foam green. The pillows were fluffy, the bed was comfortable and the bathroom and shower were large and equipped with a range of toiletries, what more could a tired traveler ask for! As I turned on the large flat screen TV with premium movie channels and settled in to enjoy my stay our luggage was promptly brought to the room.

One of the best aspects of the hotel is its fabulous amenities. The highly ranked SiSpa is a seaside sanctuary inspired by the healing powers of the ocean. It caters to men, women and couples with a great range of body therapies, massage packages, facials, waxing and nail treatments plus a quiet relaxation room where you can kick back, relax and let the stress just melt away. The 24 hour fitness center is equipped with all the machines you need to continue your healthy lifestyle with a fantastic panoramic view of the pool and beach.

Relaxation room

Pedicure/foot care station

The secluded pool area that backs onto the pristine beach is surrounded by tall palm trees and is a popular spot to spend the afternoon. This tranquil space has many lounge chairs, a hot tub and two heated pools so there was no issue with overcrowding during my stay.

The versatile indoor-outdoor bar offers guests the option of sitting in the large dining room with friends or outside in the warm, lulling breeze and catching a sporting match over some appetizers and cocktails. The resort also played great music throughout the day which created a positive, upbeat environment and there was fresh popcorn should you crave a midday snack!

If you can drag yourself away from the comfort of the poolside or the shaded cabana rentals on the beach there are also a few games available like ping-pong and beach volleyball should you care to challenge your family to a friendly match. If water sports is more your thing, the resort also offers jet skis and paddle board rentals for some exhilaration and ocean fun.

I opted to have breakfast by the pool every morning and the variety was good! Usually I am underwhelmed when it comes to breakfast food as many hotels serve bland, boring options but the Marriott Pompano Beach offers both a buffet and a made-to-order menu. There were traditional options like eggs and bacon, sweet delectable foods such as pancakes, French toast and waffles plus mouth watering, savory dishes including omelettes and crispy potatoes. (Breakfast can be enjoyed for an additional cost).

The resort is very accommodating and caters to leisure, special events and business stays. They also offer meeting rooms, wedding services and a kids club operated by trained professionals.

I really liked that the beach was well kept, clean and not overflowing with tourists so my romantic evening strolls with my husband were peaceful and refreshing. The soft white sand and crashing waves provided just the escape we were looking for.

The Marriott Pompano Beach Resort is not all-inclusive so certain amenities, services, food/drinks, internet, valet parking and rentals must all be added to the price of your stay should you choose to indulge. In my opinion the beach cabanas located just a short distance from the pool area should be complimentary to all guests just as the lounge chairs are since they belong to the hotel. The business center with high-speed internet and printer is convenient but in my room the wifi connection was sluggish at times.

Since we rented a car I was also able to enjoy the surrounding area. The resort is a short drive to Las Olas which is a fabulous neighborhood to browse, shop and have a bite to eat. We also spent some time at Fort Lauderdale Beach where there are golf courses, world class diving, casinos and water parks close by.

If you want to head to Miami for the day it is a very easy drive and South Beach has more of a party vibe if you want to take a break from the peace and quiet of Pompano and let your hair down. There are many upbeat bars, malls and clubs and in Miami the party never ends!

South Beach

South Beach

Bayshore Market Place Miami

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the resort and I was able to recharge, recoup and have fun which is what vacationing is all about! Whether you are traveling as a couple, with kids or getting away with friends the fabulous tropical atmosphere and pampering environment of the Marriott Pompano Beach Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone! Currently the ocean view king room is aprox $420 U.S or $568 CA per night (rates my differ with exchange rate, season, additional costs and room type). For more information you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

Geox Shoes: Spring/Summer Collection

There are few things I love more than a shopping spree for shoes and although I usually try not to overdo it I dream of having a glamorous collection that rivals Carrie Bradshaw’s. Although my closet isn't equipped with a wall of Manolos I've been on the hunt for something specific – comfort, style and class.

While perusing the city and attending events I love sassy stilettos but practicality always wins out when I find myself limping home. I needed something comfortable, sleek and versatile enough to wear with a variety of outfits.

I decided to head to Geox because they have a fabulous range of heels, flats, boots and wedged sneakers that are made to support the foot and accommodate a busy lifestyle. The new collection has many trendy options but I was drawn to the Rhosyn Ballet Flats with pointed tips because they are dressy enough for skirts and tailored pants yet chic enough for casual wear like jeans.

Once I slipped my feet in I was sold! These shoes fit well and provide the cushion and comfort I craved. The silver detailing on the front gives them an elegant, contemporary look and they effortlessly mix and match with my wardrobe. When I do decide to wear high heels to an event I can easily slip these in my tote for the after-party and they are great for all of my upcoming vacations!

This design also has the exclusive Geox patent – a breathable, waterproof membrane for thermoregulation and microclimate which is a fancy way of saying that they won’t make your feet sweaty, hot and disgusting. Since these are ballet flats they conveniently slip on and off and have a very small heel which makes them easy to walk in. I got these beauties for about $90.00 (including tax) and they are made of leather for flexibility and movement.

While shopping I also spotted some sneaker wedges in a variety of shades that are super trendy paired with jeans and a blazer or a cute skirt.

These leather sneakers with zipper detailing are perfect for a day out with the girls, running errands and casual weekends. I plan to get a pair for some upcoming trips because I do a lot of walking but still want to look stylish.

Pops of color are always fun but neutral hues go with everything! I also found these patent pumps with a reasonable heel to give you a bit of height without sacrificing comfort.

If you are looking for well made, stylish shoes that you can actually walk in then head to one of the many Geox locations around the city! You can visit the website by clicking HERE.

New Makeup from Maybelline: Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color Review, Master Contour Palette & More!

Recently Maybelline launched several great products and after seeing the lush new lip colors all over Instagram I just had to try them! I’ve accumulated quite a large collection of Maybelline makeup from eye catching lipstick to flattering blush and an array of pretty pigments because the brand is accessible, trendy and affordable!

The Rock Nudes puts an interesting spin on the popular yet basic nude palette by incorporating cool, earthy tones and a nice mix of shimmer and mattes. These colors are a little more rock star chic with the addition of spunky, multidimensional black and deep navy blue sprinkled with pretty light reflecting glitter. When you want to take it down a notch, simply mix and match the neutral browns, beige and silver.

The texture of these shadows is quite silky and I like that the rich, smokey metallic hues balance and contrast the subtle shades. For the most part the pigmentation is not ultra intense but still quite decent. The darker shadows apply creamier and have better color pay-off than the glitters or neutral hues which are quite sheer. To achieve a decent pop of color you may have to layer heavier but thankfully Maybelline’s new primer helps these seductive pigments live up to their full potential as you can see in the swatches below!

I am a bit skeptical of primers because many have fallen short and I certainly didn’t expect very much from a drugstore base but Maybelline’s Master Prime did not disappoint! Although the Rock Nudes shadows aren’t very bold on their own this base enhances them beautifully and allows me to build-up to the vividness I crave. Along with improving pigmentation it also smooths the lids in a beige, matte finish which you can use for nude looks or to prolong any eye shadow in your collection. Master Primer is safe for sensitive eyes and makes my pigments pop. 

Who doesn’t love a good contouring kit especially when a structured flawless complexion is so on trend! The Master Contour Palette is available in 2 shade selections: light to medium (featured below) and medium to dark. This all-in-one compact includes: a light brown contour color for definition, a pink blush for a healthy flush and a frosty silver highlight for a luminous finish.

For my skin tone the contour shade is quite light especially for intense definition or a chiseled effect and although it isn’t as buildable as the other pigments I like it! I mainly use it as a soft sculpting blush when I don’t want heavy contour lines.

The pink blush is very pink but fresh and suitable for spring and the highlight (my favorite pigment in the palette) creates an alluring glow. For deep complexions I recommend testing the darker palette.

The texture of each color is quite smooth and easy to blend for a seamless finish so if you need a decent palette for everyday wear and light, simple sculpting this one is okay for quick looks.

Being a lip product junkie I was most excited to test the Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color! Anything vibrant and eye catching draws me in instantly and these bold hues are gorgeous! There are 10 shades available ranging from neutral, pink, red and purple and the high-impact, creamy pigments glide on smooth and soft for a plush, cushiony finish. A few swipes provides sheer to medium coverage for layers of bright color. 

The texture of this formula is quite unique, it feels very light, ultra silky and slightly moist which is comfortable and non-drying on the lips. The pigments don't dry completely matte and the top layer remains shiny so if you are looking for solid matte pigments these won't provide that effect. I don't really mind the hint of shine because the colors are fabulous and they look and feel great. Personally I did not find the formula messy or difficult to apply and I didn't experience any feathering.

Tomorrow I will board a plane and jet off to sunny Florida! I plan to hang out by the pool, sip cocktails and have a lot of fun but one thing that isn’t happening is makeup mishaps. When you need to keep your face from melting Maybelline’s new Master Fix Wear-Boosting Setting Spray has you covered! This translucent, oil-free formula is lightweight and refreshing with a cool misting spray that helps prolong makeup and keep colors from, running and fading. The formula gives you that just-applied look and keeps heat, humidity and long nights from getting the better of you!

Maybelline can be found at drugstores nation wide!