Mark Cosmetics Buenos Aires Caliente Eyes Eye Shadow Palette

When it comes to vibrant color and trendy cosmetics mark has a great variety. The Buenos Aires Vibe Collection includes a fabulous fragrance and products for the eyes, face, nails and lips that all evoke a fun tropical vibe.

The palette includes 5 gorgeous hues: 4 shimmer shades ranging from light gold, brassy bronze, silvery pink, deep navy and soft, matte purple. These shades are suitable for luminous day looks and alluring smokey eyes for romantic summer nights.

The shadows have a smooth, non-creasing texture but the pigmentation and coverage is quite sheer unless you enhance the intensity with a good primer and some layering as I've done in the swatches below. The shimmery hues are matched beautifully so you can mix and match for different effects and they tend to stay put with a base. Despite the silky consistency the yellow shadow may appear a tad chalky until blended and although I was hoping for a bit more vividness the colors are still useable and quite pretty.

Although most of the hues are shimmery I didn’t experience much fall-out and I’ve used them on my lids, to deepen the crease, highlight under the brows and around the inner corners of the eyes for a luminous effect. You can purchase this palette at avon.ca and through independent consultants for $26.00.

To read my review on some of the other products from this collection including the sweet, summery fragrance click HERE.

Since a gorgeous glow and shimmery shades are popular all year round you may also want to check out the Glowdacious Illuminating Powder, available in 3 pretty compacts. I have the color- Prettied Up with three highlight shades for a brilliant finish. Each color provides a different effect but these hues are soft and quite subtle. If you prefer a sunkissed finish the deeper compacts are great for maintaining a golden complexion. The powders retail for $16.00 each.

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The Body Shop Spa of the World Collection Review

This fall The Body Shop is launching a collection of nutritive skincare products infused with the most beneficial, natural ingredients from around the globe. This line includes everything you need for a luxurious spa experience at home so you can sit back, relax and regenerate as you are transported to exotic destinations.

For incredibly supple skin exfoliation is essential and the new Body Shop scrubs are available in tantalizing fragrances! The African Ximenia Scrub is infused with Ximenia tree extracts (also called “the tree of life”) which grows in the woodlands and Savannah. 

Rich in oleic acid this silky formula forms a protective barrier to help battle environmental elements including heat and harsh winds. While recovering from UV exposure and transitioning to cooler fall temperatures sloughing away dead cells and rejuvenating the body helps soften skin and improve tone and texture.

This scrub smells wonderful and I love the thick creamy texture. The natural oils deeply penetrate and hydrate while micro-fine particles provide gentle exfoliation to smooth and nourish even the roughest skin for a beautiful silky finish. The Scrub retails for $30.00.

The alluring scent of the Dead Sea Salt Scrub smells like the inside of a high-end spa and awakens your senses! Unlike the African scrub this one isn’t as creamy and the texture is more of a paste with coarse mineral crystals to provide invigorating exfoliation that feels amazing!

This sweet, thick formula is perfect for legs, elbows, knees and arms to smooth, refresh, purify and stimulate circulation. If I had to rank body scrubs this one would be at the top of my list for transforming and improving the texture of skin in just one use. It retails for $30.00.

After a reviving body treatment the best follow-up product is a rich moisturizer and the Hawaiian Kukui body cream is incredibly indulgent! This bad boy will be my go-to lotion through fall and winter because it layers my skin in luscious, velvety hydration that deeply conditions all day! If you have normal to very dry skin this formula is bursting with natural oils to detoxify and help diminish the impact of sun damage for supple, glowing skin from head to toe! It also works wonders on the décolletage, rough hands, damaged cuticles and peeling, flaky feet. It retails for $35.00.

I am very impressed with these tantalizing fragrances, skin softening formulas and extra large jars jam packed with quality ingredients! After a long, stressful day you can mix and match items from the collection to help you unwind and they make a perfect addition to your weekly beauty ritual. These fabulous products will be available this September along with the rest of the collection at thebodyshop.ca and Body Shop locations.

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Sole Serum Review: Rock Those High Heels & Minimize Foot Pain!

It’s that time of year again, the Toronto International Film Festival kicks off tomorrow and I will be attending some events and film screenings around the city. I love partying with fellow bloggers, media reps and a few celebs but one thing no girl wants is the excruciating foot pain that comes with strutting around in chic heels all day. This year however I’ve got a solution, I’ll be rocking out at TIFF with a little tube of Sole Serum strategically tucked into my evening bag for emergencies! This innovative formula was created with fashionable feet in mind and is infused with a scientific blend of soothing and organic elements including tea tree, lavender and peppermint.

Whether you’re showing off your moves on the dance floor, or attending a glam party removing your shoes at an elegant event or limping home barefoot is not a good look. When the pain hits it’s time to break out the Sole Serum and simply apply 1-2 pumps directly on the area of soreness allowing the cream to dry and go to work. The formula is clear so it doesn’t stain your stilettos and it provides relief of discomfort and aches so you can get on with your evening.

When I use the serum I notice a difference within minutes as the cool, refreshing sensation helps alleviate pesky foot pain to the point where my cute, strappy heels seem manageable again! Although it can’t eliminate the squeezing sensation of tightness, rubbing or pinching it does help diminish general discomfort and I am finally able to wear some of the uncomfortable shoes collecting at the back of my closet! This product is also great for brides and bridal parties, runners and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. The tube retails for $29.50 and you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

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L’Oréal Professionnel Hollywood Waves Review

Glamorous waves and soft, sexy curls never goes out of style so it's time to let your hair down and embrace your locks without worrying about frizz! The Hollywood Waves Collection is designed by celebrity stylists and includes products for all curl types from loose, sexy beach waves to tight ringlets. Since I'm usually attending events around the city and the Toronto Film Festival is about to kick off these products will be essential to keeping my spirals red carpet ready!

The Spiral Queen Nourishing Mousse is designed to give you contoured waves and beautiful curls specifically formulated for thicker hair types. It provides great hold and shape without a hard crunchy finish and it doesn’t accumulate build-up or white residue. I apply the lush fluffy foam to damp curls from my ears down, focusing on the sections that tend to be more fuzzy for extra hold and stronger curl formation. I also like to finger comb for even distribution and I scrunch the ends for more bounce and softness. In sweltering heat and humidity this is definitely a must for neat, manageable curls and it works well for everyday styles.

The Waves Fatales Sculpting Gel-Cream is designed for medium curls and 24 hours of definition. This is my favorite product in the line because it has a lightweight gel consistency without any stickiness and it tames unruly, messy curls without that horrible stiff finish. The formula is translucent so there is no sticky film and it distributes easily through the lengths of my long hair to bind my spirals for more shape, less fly-aways and reduced frizz. If you have natural curls this is a great finishing product as it smooths your tresses for a sleeker look.

The Sweetheart Curls Lightweight Serum Spray is formulated for light curls and works well if you crave that soft, Hollywood starlet look. Since I have thick hair I usually pair it with the mousse or gel and spritz it on after styling for airy, voluminous waves and a bit more bounce. 

These products retail for $23.00 each and you can find salon locations by visiting the website HERE

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Caravelle New York Watch Review: A Day with My Caravelle!

Wrist watches have always been fashionable accessories and whether you have a hot date, posh event or relaxing family getaway, the New York Caravelle Collection by Bulova has a trendy piece to reflect your style. 

Since I am always traveling to exotic destinations or attending parties, concerts and premieres, I chose two pieces that show-off my personality and accommodate my busy life.

Rose gold has been all the rage among style savvy fashionistas and the Chronograph watches are sleek and sexy! The large face and classic design accentuates the glittering crystals and compliments the Prada bag I picked up in Dubai!

This sophisticated design is waterproof up to 30 meters and transitions from day to night. The style is suitable for women of all ages and the band fits comfortably without pinching skin or hair. It also looks fabulous stacked with bangles, bracelets and rings. The watch retails for $155.00 which is a great price for craftsmanship of this quality. 

Silver is my favorite finish and this watch is feminine, flashy and fun! With a brilliant pop of pink and just the right amount of sparkle, this modern beauty is sure to turn heads and make a statement no matter what your destination!

This colorful design may be playful and flirty but it is also polished and refined. It retail for $155.00 at caravellewatches.com

A Day with My Caravelle!

I spend a lot of time downtown for high-profile events but I never get tired of Toronto's gorgeous skyline.

The Royal Ontario Museum is an architectural masterpiece located on Bloor Street where I like to shop and sip cappuccinos after work.

I've spent many summers strolling along the Lakeshore and enjoying the gorgeous gardens and parks.

Toronto is so colorful this time of year!

One of my favorite places in Ontario is Niagara Falls and I love all the excitement on Clifton Hill.

To see more of this fabulous collection visit the website at caravellewatches.com

Dollup Beauty Makeup Case Review

When I’m preparing for a press event, celebration or an evening with the girls I like to take my makeup with me for quick touch-ups on the go. Lugging around a large purse is heavy, cumbersome and doesn’t always compliment my outfits so I often opt for a small, chic clutch. Dollup Beauty has a great solution for busy fashionistas who want a fresh face without compromising their style. The brand has innovatively combined a beautiful makeup case with a portable vanity and sleek clutch for versatility that caters to all makeup lovers!

   

The beautiful blue clutch I have called Mintea Blue is from the elegant Tea Party Collection designed to evoke sophistication and feminine flare. The customizable case is well made with a cute gold clasp and the size is ideal for evening wear. It organizes your essentials for easy access eliminating the need to dig around in your bag all night.

The best thing about this glamorous case is that you can mix and match your makeup palettes, lipsticks, gloss and brushes for a fabulous selection wherever you go! Below I’ve slipped in some makeup brushes on one side and under the large mirror where the magnetic backing is located I added some highlight, blush and a combination of pretty shadow palettes. This tidy setup is ideal if you need to get ready on the go, at your desk or after a workout.

The mirror also folds up to create a mini vanity which is great for vacations and weekend getaways. It can also come in handy at weddings when the bride or bridesmaids need a little retouching and it makes a fabulous gift for any beauty junkie or Makeup Artist!

The organizers are available in a variety of trendy styles and colors to suit your style and compliment your wardrobe. I love the look of the synthetic, textured leather and as you strut your stuff no one will know that your fashionable little clutch holds an arsenal of products! The only thing I would change about the case is the flexibility of the mirror, it doesn’t stay up on its own so you have to lift it each time you want to use your palettes unless you stand it on the side. Although you can slip some money in the clutch there is no room for a cell phone which is also an essential!

Overall I love this case and I can see myself using it all the time especially now that the Toronto Film Festival is coming up! It will definitely replace some of my bulkier makeup bags and it makes refreshing my look much easier! You can check out the website by clicking HERE and the cases retail for $52.00.

*Press samples featured

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream Mask Review

When people talk about cult faves and Holy Grail products they are referring to exceptional quality and amazing results which is exactly what I get from the Immortelle Divine Cream by L’Occitane. This bad boy is the Rolls Royce of moisturizers with a luscious, luxuriously smooth formula that hydrates, pampers and conditions for incredibly supple skin!

If you have normal or combination skin the expertly formulated cocktail will give your complexion a boost of radiance and for dry skin this “award winning miracle cream” is a savior for abolishing tightness, peeling and flaky patches. As I apply the silky formula and use the massager to increase circulation my parched skin is instantly revitalized and feels incredibly soft and silky. Aside from quenching my face and neck in a blanket of long-lasting, lush moisture it also contains 7 plant derived active ingredients with fabulous anti-aging benefits.

For youthful looking skin Immortelle Divine helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, restores elasticity for a shapely facial contour, reduces the look of dark spots, tones, firms and improves texture. Although it is deeply nourishing and quite rich there is no greasy residue and it feels comfortable and lightweight. The amazing ingredients melt in quickly and efficiently and even though the finish isn’t completely matte I love the dewy layer of radiance!

The immortelle flowers are coveted for their ability to resist fading even after they have been picked and they enhance the effectiveness of the active components, natural extracts, nectars and oils to give you a youthful glow. When applied before bed the cream is an amazing night treatment that replenishes and works its magic as you get your beauty rest. The sweet, inviting scent transports me to a posh spa and helps me unwind after a long day.

I have tried and reviewed many skincare products but I am truly delighted with the quality of this moisturizer so it is definitely an indulgence I highly recommend! The jar featured in this post is 65 ml and the 50 ml retails for $114.00. Because you only need to use very little to achieve amazing results it will last quite a while and it is a skincare essential as the weather cools down to help battle environmental elements.   

You can purchase the cream at L’Occitane stores and online by clicking HERE.

NEW LOCATION!

On Friday August 21, 2015 L'Occitane opened the doors of their 35th Canadian boutique in the Toronto Eaton Centre so don't forget to drop by and sample the variety of decadent products! 

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Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation & Concealer Review

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when it comes to drugstore foundation I have a difficult time finding a high quality formula that gives me professional, flawless results and an adequate color match so when I received the new BetterSkin Foundation from Maybelline I didn’t get my hopes up. Not only didn’t this terrific foundation exceed my expectations but it is actually comparable to some of my high-end formulas making it a fantastic choice for women who don’t want to shell out big bucks for great makeup.

“Better Skin” refers to the foundation’s ability to improve your complexion with the infusion of a unique, breakthrough antioxidant. It is also formulated to reduce the look of spots, bumps, blemishes and dark circles in just three weeks! Since I often travel long distances in my makeup and I never leave home without a full-face of foundation a skin enhancing complex is right up my alley!

This foundation will be available in 12 shades when it hits shelves this month which is not a large variety but I did manage to find the perfect hue- 90 Warm Honey. I always recommend swatching before you buy but the new SuperStay formula has great buildable coverage! You can blend lightly for a subtle effect or layer it a bit heavier for full-coverage blemish concealing power depending on your preference. The texture is of medium thickness- (not too heavy yet not thin or liquidy) which makes it great for camouflaging redness, darkness and problem areas while staying in place.

I also like that I don’t have to use very much product to get the job done or improve the texture and tone of my skin. The finish is also quite matte and oil-free preventing the build-up of excess grease and that slick, sweaty look. Surprisingly compared to my high-end foundation there isn’t a huge difference in terms of overall finish and the Better Skin Foundation retails for just $14.99!

90 Warm Honey

The creamy consistency is easy to blend, lasts all day and produces a beautiful, flawless effect with my Stipple brush or Beauty Blender. This is the first drugstore foundation that has impressed me and actually produced the results I desire without looking cakey, grey or too sheer which makes it a fantastic buy! It also contains SPF 15 for some UV protection and it doesn’t oxidize as you go about your day.

The BetterSkin innovative formula will also be available in a liquid concealer + corrector in 6 shades. It has a lip gloss-like applicator so you can dab it directly onto problem areas and blend. The formula helps blur the appearance of blemishes and dark circles but if you require more coverage to really fade those problem areas then you can layer or swipe heavier like I do. I didn’t notice any major color correcting benefits so my dark circles did show through a bit but it does help conceal the darkness considerably. If you use the foundation on top or underneath the concealer you may be able to achieve better results or start with another corrector first. I have been using this product quite frequently and I am definitely a fan of the matte-satin finish and creamy texture.

60 Deep

You can find Maybelline at most major drugstores.

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