Valentine’s Day 2018 - Gift Ideas & Beauty Essentials

Valentine’s Day is almost here and it looks like Cupid went on a decorating frenzy covering the stores in pink and red. My husband and I plan unique date nights all the time but I like the idea of setting aside a special day to celebrate love - it forces us to step back from our hectic lives, indulge in a little romance and appreciate our relationship. It is also perfectly acceptable to stuff your face with chocolate without being judged for slacking on your New Year’s resolutions.

I’m not the type of girl who wants 20 stuffed animals in my room (no matter how cute) and although roses are gorgeous I’m convinced that flowers and plants hate me (they seem to die as soon as I take them home). I much prefer a weekend getaway, fragrance, wine, tickets to the ballet or opera, books, jewelry and of course I never turn down makeup.

To help you get ready for date night I’ve rounded up some cute products and guys if you’re reading this, I hope you get some great gift ideas (don’t wait until the last minute).

Good skincare is essential for flawless makeup and a pimple-free night. If you take forever to get ready (like me) then do a rejuvenating face mask the night before. The Better Skin Lava Magik Cleanser Scrub and Mask ($42.00) is a great all-in-one treatment. The formula is infused with real volcanic lava, calendula, sweet orange, grape seed, cucumber, parsley and chamomile plus the brand is paraben-free, gluten-free and vegan. The mineral-rich paste removes dirt, oil and impurities while gently buffing away dead cells, boosting radiance, moisturizing, softening and minimizing pores. (Available at Murale betterskinco.com and beautyboutique.ca)

While pampering your complexion why not relax with a nice cup of tea. The Lot’s of Kisses Mug ($14.99) is adorable and the extra large size is perfect for satisfying my caffeine cravings. If you prefer a less stimulating drink try the Tealish Purple Peace Empower Me Tea ($18.00). This warm, velvety blend contains orange and apple pieces, coriander seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, pink peppercorn and cloves which all have amazing health benefits. I like to drink it with a splash of milk and honey. (Available at avon.ca)

My hair takes a long time to style so I need all the help I can get. The Power Dry Me Spray ($19.50) decreases blow drying time by 50% while conditioning, smoothing, reducing frizz and shielding from heat damage. The formula is lightweight non-sticky and smells wonderful!
(Available online at designmehair.com)

After all that styling you’ll need a great finishing product to keep your do in-place and looking fab. The Matrix Style Fixer ($19.99) is an anti-humidity hairspray that provides long lasting hold and shine with an ultra dry finish and no flakes. If you’re going for a tousled windswept look try the Matrix Texture Builder ($19.00) for lift, body, movement and volume - your mane will look luscious all night. (Salon listing at matrixprofessional.ca)

I am all for using products that protect my hair and prevent damage which is why I love gummiband! Since discovering these cute accessories I’ve abandoned all my other hair bands. The coil design holds my ponytail snugly with no denting or crinkling and they look good on my wrist. There are a variety of trendy shades to choose from and the gummi material does not absorb oil, sweat or water which means no bacteria. They are also easy to remove without yanking or breaking strands of hair. The best part - you can re-use the cords for years and when they stretch out simply apply some heat with a blow dryer and they shrink back to their original shape. A box of 4 hair cords retails for $7.99 at gummiband.ca.

This Valentine’s day I will be digging into my stash of lipstick and choosing the sexiest shades but no matter how pretty the pigment, dry lips are not cute. Make sure to moisturize heavily before applying your lip color – start with a scrub to exfoliate rough skin and condition your pout with the Eos Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm ($5.53 each). The ultra hydrating, organic formula is loaded with antioxidants, shea, jojoba and vitamin E to soften, smooth and nourish. These tubes coincide with the V-Day color scheme so keep one in your purse and give a few to those you love.

The Avon True Color Let’s Make Out Lipstick Trio ($20.00) makes a fabulous gift and the colors are perfect for a night out. The set includes 3 sultry matte shades: Red Supreme, Hot Plum (one of my all-time faves) and Marvelous Mocha for neutral lovers. The creamy, saturated pigment glides on effortlessly and drenches lips in full-coverage vibrant color. (Available at avon.ca)

If you prefer subtle shades try Avon's Just Kiss Me Lip Balm ($10.00). It provides a soft, lightweight tint that makes your pout appear supple and seductive.

These are too cute to pass-up!

After you’ve shimmied into your little black dress you’ll need some eye-catching jewelry to accentuate your beauty. Ruby is the perfect gem stone to represent love and Avon’s Ravishing Red Collection is much better than roses. This sophisticated set includes tear drop earrings ($14.99), bracelet ($11.99), necklace ($11.99) and a large glittering ring ($11.99). Although the pieces are very affordable they look elegant and expensive so this is the perfect gift if you’re on a budget. The vivid red and diamond-like accents sparkle beautifully against the skin so he won't be able to take his eyes off you. (Available at avon.ca)

If you prefer something delicate and a little less glam I recommend the lacy Filagree Teardrop Earrings ($11.99). The pattern reminds me of exotic Moroccan lamps and the design is great for special occasions and everyday wear. (Available at avon.ca)

For the finishing touch you will need an irresistible fragrance and although I have a large collection this year I’m going with something strong, mysterious and graceful. Avon’s Prima Noir ($30.00) features an alluring black and red ombré bottle that compliments the warm spicy notes within. Silky violet and opulent jasmine contrast beautifully with creamy vanilla creating an enticing feminine scent that is sure to turn heads.  

The night doesn’t have to end after dinner. Keep the passion going, break out the massage oils and set the mood by lighting an intoxicating candle. Avon has a delicious selection including Celebrate Love ($12.00) with notes of sparking citrus, tart berries, effervescent musk and rose petals.

The Lot's of Kisses Journal is also from Avon, it retails for $7.99.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Makeup

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I know that this celebration of passion and roses ignites mixed reactions. Some enjoy the explosion of pink, heart shaped everything and overpriced teddy bears while others feel the pressure of being single and not quite ready to mingle. However you decide to celebrate don’t forget that love comes in many forms. Whether you find yourself staring googly eyed at your partner over a flickering flame, at a movie with the girls or at home with the family remember that you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to enjoy love.

Instead of chocolate that goes straight to the hips or flowers that wilt I prefer a delicious dinner and more practical tokens of affection like books, jewelry, or tickets to a show and I always welcome clothing or beauty products! This year we are keeping it simple: dinner, a movie, dessert and then some quality time together which is really what it's all about.

In terms of makeup I like to keep it simple and fresh. A classic look works wonders for most people and compliments any outfit. I prefer to use a soft shadow on the lids, my favorite is a trendy gold with a warmer color in the crease like bronze or brown and deepened at the corners by blending in some black.

For my face I use the Beauty Blender with my foundation for a flawless finish and I go light on the blush for a natural flush. I also aim for a radiant glow with extra highlight which creates a luminous effect.

Charlotte Tilbury Swish & Pop Blush - Ecstasy

A winged liner in jet black always adds a sultry element and makes the eyes appear larger. I don't line the bottom lash line because I like to keep my look soft. 

A bold red lipstick completes the look for a seductive pout. In this case I used Burberry's Union Red.

Here are some more pretty shades that are perfect for the occasion!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Enjoy the weekend.

Get Glam for Valentine’s Day with Essence Cosmetics!

Its fun to get dressed up for a romantic date with your beau but looking good doesn’t always have to cost a lot. Essence Cosmetics offers a range of cute makeup to complete your Valentine’s Day look and you will even have money left over for the perfect gift!

If you crave a soft, seductive look the Smokey Eyes Makeup Box gets the job done! This adorable palette comes with 6 basic yet pretty hues including a range of greys, taupe, brown and a silvery highlight to accentuate the eyes. Grey is my favorite color for creating a smokey effect and the deepest pigment (dark charcoal/black) can be applied in the crease and smudged under the lower lash lines for contour and dimension.

The bottom row creates a more neutral look and most shades have a subtle shimmer finish. The color pay-off is decent when applied over a good primer but you may have to layer for more intensity. The palette retails for $9.99.

I like to pair the smoldering hues in the smokey palette with vibrant, hydrating lip color. The essence Long Lasing Lipsticks come in a variety of flattering shades for all skin tones and seasons. Two of my favorites are 09 Wear Berries which has a trendy pink-purple undertone and 12 Blush My Lips - a vibrant pink that is perfect for the occasion. The formula glides on effortlessly for lightweight, full coverage color and lush, flirty lips! They retails for $3.49 ea.

To evoke your inner diva the Metal Glam Shadows have a sexy pop of glitter to make your eyes stand out and shine! They also have a smooth texture that is quite easy to apply and enhance without much fall-out. Although most of the glitter is concentrated on the top layer the metallic effect is still brilliant and edgy. The shadow retails for $2.99.

Shade: 15 Hello Goldie

If I’m going glam on the eyes a layer of gloss is simple yet pretty. The XXL Shine Lip Gloss adds the perfect hint of luminous pigment and this shade - Fabulous Fuchsia provides pouty color that can go from sheer to medium coverage. The formula is creamy rather than slick and sticky which is great for dry lips and the gleaming finish creates the illusion of fullness. The gloss retails for $3.49.

If you like shimmer but still want to keep it tame the All About Sunrise Palette includes a range of trendy shadows that are perfect for a night out. These shades are ultra shimmery but still rather neutral to suit all complexions and they pair well with matte crease colors and deeper hues. Most of the shadows have a smooth, silky texture and the pigmentation is good with or without primer. You can enhance the shades quite dramatically with a little layering and some colors work well as highlight for the eyes, cheekbones and nose if you like silvery, champagne tones. The Sunrise Palette retails for $4.99.

With these sunset inspired pigments the new Liquid Lipsticks pair beautifully! They are available in a range of  fresh shades from vivid to neutral and the pigmentation falls somewhere between sheer and medium coverage. The creamy texture drenches lips in moist, glossy color and the mini size makes them perfect for smaller bags and evening clutches. The Liquid Lipsticks retail for $3.99 ea and effortlessly transition into spring.

Top to bottom: 02 beauty Secret, 04 Show Off and 05 Peach Party

You can find Essence Cosmetics at Shoppers Drug Mart and Ulta Beauty in the U.S. 

Valentine's Day Makeup

Hello everyone,

As Valentine's day is almost here I decided to do another makeup look. I have a ton of pink and red eye shadows, lipsticks and blush so what better time to play around with them! 

Some people enjoy fuzzy teddy bears, heart shaped gifts and boxes of sweets this time of year and while I do enjoy the romance I prefer practical gifts. Flowers are pretty but they wilt and die, I don't need to eat an entire box of chocolate that will end up on my thighs while I go into a sugar coma and teddy bears just collect at the back of my closet. Makeup, clothes, trips, books and jewelry is what floats my boat, although a romantic dinner and a movie with my hubby is all I need. For those who find themselves single, remember that Valentine's Day is what you make of it, so why not celebrate all types of love and the people who make you feel appreciated, cared for and special. My sis and I like to get each other little Valentine gifts as well.

I did a Valentine's Day makeup look using dark bold pinks and a bright shimmery vanilla pigment.

To get this look I used:

EYES:

*Urban Decay Primer Potion

*Brows: Make-Up-Forever Aqua Brow Gel

*Outer V area - bold pink from the Coastal Scents 120 Palette (2)

*Lid color- Shimmery vanilla pigment by Faces Cosmetics

*Crease: combination of Faces vanilla pigment + Madison Street Beauty eye shadow in: Pink Garnet

*Brow bone highlight: white shadow from the Coastal Scents 120 palette (2)

LIPS:

*NYX lipstick in the color Paris

FACE:

*MAC Fix + Spray

*MAC Studio Fix foundation

*MAC Pro Long Wear concealer

*MAC Studio Fix pressed powder

*NYX blush in the color Pinched

*Make-Up-Forever HD powder

I hope everyone enjoys their Valentine's Day

xoxo ~Erica

Valentine's Day Makeup: Pink

Today I have a fun, pink Valentine's day look, I wanted to keep it soft and simple but still bright! 

Since I have tons of red and pink lipsticks, I wanted to show how this pink eye shadow looks with both shades, keeping with the Valentine's Day theme! 

Eyes

The pink eye shadow I am wearing is called Pink Garnet by Madison Street Beauty, You can see my full review and other makeup looks using these beautiful shadows by clicking HERE. For the outer crease I used the color Aubergine by e.l.f and above that as a transition color I used a brown shadow from the Coastal Scents 120 palette. 

Lips

The pink lipstick I am wearing is called Lambchop and it is by Laqa & Co, I will have a full review on Laqa and Co cosmetics coming up soon! The red lipstick is from Palladio Cosmetics and it is called Cosmopolitan, I will also have a review on Palladio Cosmetics coming up so be sure to check those out!