Quo Cosmetics Holiday Collection and Gift Guide 2019

When my husband and I celebrated our first Christmas we had only been dating for five months. We were still getting to know each other but it was obvious that I loved makeup. Back then he didn’t know the difference between mascara and eyeliner but thanks to Shoppers Drug Mart he was still able to impress me with beautiful gift sets.

Quo’s Limited-Edition Holiday Collection makes gift giving simple and today I’m sharing a few of their most popular items for all the beauty junkies on your list.

The cruelty-free Luxe Link Brush Set ($75.00) has stunning gold handles that look like jewelry and it comes with a patent red statement clutch. The soft, luxurious bristles allow you to blend, buff and contour like a pro with no shedding.

Glam On The Go Brush Set ($25.00) is perfect for jet-setters and busy fashionistas. I love the rose gold canister, silky bristles and sparkly handles. Pop it someone’s stocking or surprise your bestie. It is small enough to fit in a purse and makes a cute secret Santa gift.

Say goodbye to dull, dry skin with the glow boosting Winter Rescue Set ($30.00). It comes with a luscious lip balm, luminous face serum and dewy face gloss - a hydrating oil that makes skin appear radiant and supple. To make this gift event better pair it with the Rose Gold Quartz Facial Roller ($20.00) to firm, lift and tone. 

The All About Eyes Palette ($65.00) contains 36 beautiful shadows with good color payoff, 5 long-lasting glitter liners, 5 pencil liners and 1 brush – everything you need to create a variety of stylish looks. I like that the pigments are lined up in rows so you know which shades complement each other and there is a versatile range of mattes and shimmers.

If you don’t want to spend $26.00 on the original Beauty Blender, Quo’s Blend and Go Set ($25.00) comes with 5 high quality sponges that create a flawless finish. Use them to apply liquid foundation, creams, concealer and powder. The soft durable material lasts a long time and can be cleaned with soap or shampoo.

The Festive Sponges ($8.00 each) are available in a variety of adorable Christmas characters that make great stockings stuffers. I just wish the little snowman was painted onto the sponge instead of the box.

The Matte Lip Crayon Set ($20.00) makes a lovely gift for a co-worker, friend, niece, cousin or sibling. There are 8 saturated shades that glide on effortlessly and keep lips soft and moisturized. The color may not last a long time but the vibrant satiny finish is beautiful and sharpening is not required.

Pull crackers are always great stocking stuffers and this set of 6 is only $15.00. The mini lip glosses are all sheer but there is no way to tell what shade is inside without opening the box. Unfortunately the formula contains synthetic ingredients and the texture is thick and sticky. I prefer the Lip Gloss Ornaments ($6.00) that can be hung on the tree. That way everyone can pick their favorite. 

The Glow Beyond Skincare Brush Collection ($35.00) was designed to elevate your beauty routine. Use the soft synthetic brushes to apply moisturizer, oil and facial treatments by gently buffing them in to enhance absorption and create a smooth surface for makeup. The silicone paddle is my favorite tool for applying clay, mud, gel and cream masks without getting my hands messy.

If you know someone who likes bold metallic color or lots of shimmer, I recommend the Ohh La La Eye Shadow Palette ($25.00). There are a few shades that seem out of place but smokey purple, rose gold, coral and champagne never go out of style. The pigments are buildable, creamy and saturated but make sure to use a good primer for best color payoff.

Everyone needs a good manicure set and these glittery grooming tools ($15.00) come with a pretty clutch, nail clippers, nail scissors, nail scoop, tweezers and emery board.

You can find these fabulous gifts and more exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Lise Watier Limited-Edition Stardust Collection | Holiday 2019

I’ve been using Lise Watier’s gorgeous fall makeup since receiving it in September and the holiday collection is just as stunning!

Stardust is everything you’d imagine Christmas to be – glamorous, sparkly, shimmery and elegant.

The compacts are decorated with cascading glitter - designed to resemble changing constellations in the night sky.

The Eye Shadow Palette ($55.00) contains 9 velvety shades with amazing color payoff and 3 finishes – metallic, matte and satin. Lise Watier’s pigments are always creamy, high quality and easy to apply with no creasing or fading. The color glides on rich, luminous and full-coverage for effortless blending and dazzling effects. These cool, frosty shades are flattering on all skin tones.

The Blush Powder Duo ($30.00) is almost too pretty to use! I love the 3 tone effect but the outer shade is quite faint. To achieve even coverage and decent color payoff, swirl your brush around the center. The star has an iridescent coral finish that is more prominent than the color surrounding it. Once you’ve picked up enough powder, layer and customize the coverage. The texture is light and silky with a hint of shimmer.

The Universal Lip Balm ($26.00) seems to be a staple in the holiday collection. Don’t let the deep purple scare you. The color shows up as a natural pink that enhances the tone of your lips. I actually like the flecks of glitter. They don’t feel rough or look messy and the pop of radiance is beautiful. The paraben-free formula is enriched with vitamin E to soften, protect and hydrate.

Is it really Christmas without mesmerizing highlighter? The Stardust Powder Duo ($38.00) creates a sheer, shimmery glow with an icy champagne finish that is perfect for winter. You’ll love the buildable coverage and lustrous candlelight sheen.

The Liquid Glitter Eye Shadow ($28.00 ea) is great for dramatic looks. Use them as a top coat or apply a saturated layer for opaque coverage. Once dry, the liquid stays put all night with a bright metallic finish worthy of the red carpet. Wear the bronzy gold with jet black winged liner and matte red lipstick to make a bold holiday statement.

I love when brands create innovative products and the Haute Lumiere High Shine Lip Gloss ($25.00) will literally light up your night. When you twist the cap, the tube is illuminated so the clear sparkly gloss glows like a star. There is also a mirror on the side for reapplying in dim light. Layer the moisturizing gloss over lipstick or apply on bare lips for a glistening effect. The formula is non-sticky and long-lasting.

Lise Watier is available Shoppers Drug Mart, department store counters (including The Bay) and online at lisewatier.ca.

Sephora Holiday Collection and Gift Guide 2019

During the holiday season most women and a few overwhelmed men can be found browsing the Christmas collection at Sephora. The store is usually crowded because trendy makeup, luxury skincare and elegant fragrances are always coveted gifts.

If you don’t like long lines or overflowing parking lots, simply shop online at sephora.ca. They have their own beauty line with a wonderful selection of gift sets.

Sephora’s Igloo Palace Blockbuster ($53.00) is jam packed with enough makeup to satisfy the pickiest people on your list. The trays pull out to reveal 60 vibrant eye shadows, 24 shiny lip glosses, 8 cream eyeliners, 4 brow powders, 6 highlighters and 6 blushes. This is definitely a palette you’d want to keep on your vanity to create trendy looks. The shadows are well pigmented (better that previous years) and I love the mix of cool, neutral and warm tones for all complexions and seasons. This is a fabulous gift for your sister, daughter or bestie. 

The Limited-Edition Frosty Party Advent Calendar is currently marked down from $60.00 to $30.00 online. This is a gift that keeps on giving right up until Christmas! The cute box contains lip balms, sheet masks, nail polish, hair accessories, body products and more! Get one for yourself and another for a friend or co-worker.

I don’t know anyone in my family who wouldn’t love a box of skincare goodies. Frosted Party ($14.00) has everything you need for a night of pampering including a Lychee Face Mask, Charcoal Nose Strip, Coconut Hand Balm and Cucumber Eye Masks. This is fabulous for Secret Santa or stocking stuffers.

I’ve always been a fan of Sephora’s Lip Stains and now you can get 6 full-size festive shades with matte and metallic finishes for $37.00 – that works out to 3 free lipsticks! These creamy, saturated pigments are infused with nourishing avocado oil for smooth, consistent glide and long-lasting suppleness.

Add a pop of sparkle to your eye makeup with The Glitter Top Coat Mascara ($13.50). This is great for holiday parties because it stays put and makes lashes look stunning! Getting the particles to adhere can be a bit tricky so apply black mascara first and make sure your brush is thoroughly coated in glitter.

The Winter Eyes Palette has a pretty selection of gold, neutrals, frosty silver and holiday green to create a variety of festive looks. Winter Time ($24.00) may come with less shadow but it has 3 highlighters and a nice balance of shimmer and matte. Both compacts are soft and subdued which makes them ideal for people who don’t like heavy pigmentation.

For more stocking stuffer ideas, Sephora has a fabulous range of single sheet masks for $8.00 - $9.00 each.

The Frosted Party Multi-Sensorial Mask Set ($21.00) comes with 3 formulas – Anti-Blemish Hemp Mousse, Skin Perfecting Grapefruit Peel and Toning Peppermint Gum.

Keep your loved ones soft and moisturized this winter with the Pumpkin Body Butter ($9.00). It has a replenishing blend of minerals and vitamins that comfort dry skin.

The holiday makeup brushes are always fancy and you won’t want to miss the gorgeous Shimmer and Shine Set ($61.00). The clear handles are embedded with floating silver glitter and the bristles are soft, fluffy and flexible – great for application and blending. I love the plush fan brush and rounded powder brush. They are gentle yet sturdy with little to no shedding.

You’ll love the Tweezerman Rose Gold Brow & Lash Set ($50.00) with pro lash curler, award-winning slanted tweezers and a handy travel case.

The Milf Collection Lilly Lashes ($40.00 ea) are 3D Mink designs made from natural, cruelty-free fibers that look dramatic, flirty and voluminous. With proper care you can use them for weeks and the flexible application strip is light and comfortable.

For more gift ideas visit your nearest Sephora store or shop online.

Aurora Winter Festival Toronto

A lot of people don’t like surprises but I love them! Last week my husband planned a surprise date and the only clue he gave me was - “dress warm and wear comfy shoes.”

We had dinner on the Lakeshore at one of my favorite Lebanese restaurants before heading to the Aurora Winter Festival at Ontario Place. I’m the only one in my family who likes cold weather so my husband knew this would be right up my alley.

Since I recently wrote an article listing 10 indoor winter activities, I thought it would be fun to share photos depicting how enchanting the holiday season can be if you don’t mind the windchill.

Even from a distance, the Aurora lights look spectacular! Designers did a fabulous job creating a colorful winter wonderland.

Ticket prices online are $17.99 for adults but we paid $24.00 at the gate so book in advance. Admission for kids and seniors is $12.99, family passes start at $49.99 and parking at Ontario Place is $15.00.

The entrance to the festival set the tone for everything we saw. It was a spectacular tunnel of lights that looked like a magical gateway to Santa’s workshop.

There are maps to help guide you but the attractions are contained within a small walkable area.

Mystical Worlds was my favorite display. The glowing gardens are filled with odd interstellar flowers, rows of multi-colored trees, Candy Cane Lane with a cute gingerbread house and fake fluttering snow.

In Arctic Retreat you can visit the friendly Yeti's cave, stroll through a whimsical forest or snap a selfie with the Ice Princess.

If you want a little more exercise, there is a frozen pond with skate rentals near the snack bar.

Toward the giant Christmas tree you will find a cozy fire pit, hot cocoa stall and small market selling crafts, cocktails, beer, clothing and snacks.

There is also a small fair with rides, a Tube Park and food trucks with a warm indoor lounge to eat and relax.

Take a photo with Santa at the North Pole, enjoy story time or get crafty. There is something for everyone.

For more information visit aurorawinterfestival.com

The Body Shop Holiday Collection and Gift Guide 2019

One of my favorite gifts to give and receive is amazing skincare and The Body Shop’s gorgeous holiday sets make it easy to check everyone off your list.

This year the festive collection is all about pampering your loved ones with indulgent scents, delicious ingredients and hydrating formulas that promote rest and relaxation.

The Almond Milk and Honey Premium Collection ($46.00) is creamy, comforting and nourishing. It includes a shower cream, body butter, scrub, hand cream and bath puff packaged in a decorative box. The luxurious vegan formula is enriched with organic almond milk from Spain and natural honey from Ethiopia. There are no mineral oils, colorants, parabens or petroleum so the products are safe for sensitive skin, fast absorbing and non-greasy. I love the warm, scent and skin softening extracts. They cleanse, moisturize and rejuvenate all winter long.

For those who enjoy a warm bath at the end of a long day, the Bath Bomb Party Set will not disappoint. It comes with a Technicolor bath puff and 6 festive fizzies in refreshing fruit scents like moringa, mango and candied plum. Pop it someone’s stocking or surprise a co-worker who loves to soak and unwind.

The Rocket Gift Set ($32.00) looks cute under the tree and the tin is filled with fragrant shower gels, water color bath bombs and pocket-sized hand creams. Jet-Setters and gym enthusiasts will love the convenient travel-size bottles.

The Warm Vanilla Festive Sack ($28.00) is my favorite fragrance and gift in the collection. The rich, creamy formulas replenish, soothe and hydrate parched skin so you look, smell and feel amazing. The set comes with a lush skin quenching body butter, purse-size hand cream, invigorating scrub, refreshing body yogurt and a wonderful shower gel that eliminates dirt sweat and impurities.

Beauty junkies will love the Calming Chamomile Cleanse Kit ($36.00) with Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, Sumptuous Cleansing Butter and Organic Muslin Cloth. Eliminate waterproof makeup, heavy foundation and stubborn glitter with a moisturizing blend of olive oil, shea butter, sunflower seed and fruit extract.

During the winter you can never have too much skincare which is why everyone needs the Festive Body Butter Trio ($15.00) with Warm Vanilla, Rich Plum and Juicy Pear. The small jars are great for vacation and I always keep one in my car for dry skin emergencies.

Born Lippy Festive Star ($20.00) includes 5 lip treatments – strawberry, raspberry and watermelon. I usually open the set and drop one in everyone’s stocking.

If you need a few more ideas, the Reindeer Headband ($5.00) is perfect for your bestie. It keeps hair out of the way while cleansing or applying makeup and the little antlers are adorable!

My mom has trouble sleeping so she’s getting the Live Your Dreams Mask ($4.00) to help block out light and create a peaceful environment. It is great for long flights and train rides.

The young ladies on your list will adore these colorful hair accessories. The barrettes ($6.00) and stylish hair ties ($6.00) have empowering feminist messages and you can wear them in different combinations to customize your look.

These fabulous gifts are available at The Body Shop Stores and online at thebodyshop.ca

Giorgio Armani Fragrance Review | Si Fiori and Light di Gioia

Last Christmas I published an extensive fragrance gift guide featuring the trendiest scents of 2018. This year I’ve condensed my list to a few timeless scents that everyone will enjoy.

Armani is known for style, sophistication and impeccable tailoring so it’s no surprise that their perfumes exude femininity and luxury. 

Si Fiori Eau de Parfum ($162.00) is radiant, elegant and alluring. The intoxicating composition combines a sultry blend of black currant, refreshing mandarin, neroli and rose. There are also delicate touches of creamy vanilla, white musk and oak moss which create a powdery sweet undertone that smells expensive, gentle and dreamy. This warm, cozy aroma is perfect for winter and special occasions.

Light di Gioia ($105.00) was inspired by “golden hour” – a moment of the day when the sun sets over the horizon and the light appears soft and radiant. This fragrance is the brand’s newest creation and possibly the most robust. The scent is clean, airy, bright and sweet with top notes of jasmine, gardenia and bergamot. The base is balanced with woody ingredients and alluring white musk. It smells floral, sweet and youthful, something you’d want to wear on a warm spring day.

Now that we’ve talked perfume, it’s time to introduce a few makeup essentials that will take your beauty routine to the next level.

Winter is a good time to invest in a new primer because skin tends to look dry, uneven and dull. The Luminous Silk Lightweight Hydrating Base ($68.00) transforms your complexion from rough and haggard to plump and radiant in mere seconds! It can also be applied on top of makeup to moisturize and brighten problem areas.

The lightweight, non-greasy gel blends effortlessly, blurs pores and smooths lines for flawless foundation. It also seems to plump, protect and control shine with a supple, velvety finish.

The Lip Maestro Velvet Matte Lipsticks ($49.00 ea) are gorgeous! If you’re looking for a stunning holiday red, try 415 Redwood - a vivid mid-tone hue that looks good on everyone. 102 Sandstone is a beautiful neutral brown that enhances and defines.

You’ll love the rich, creamy texture and saturated color. The hydrating pigment lasts up to 8 hours with no bleeding or dryness and makes lips appear voluptuous.

Another product I absolutely love is the Armani Prima Smart Moisture Serum ($115.00). This radiance booting formula works wonders with the Luminous Primer. It smooths and camouflages lines, dryness, wrinkles, imperfections and textural issues while promoting a healthy glow. My skin feels incredibly silky and my makeup has never looked better!

Armani Beauty is available at Sephora, The Bay and armani-beauty.ca

Charlotte Tilbury Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Last weekend I finished my holiday shopping and scored some awesome Black Friday deals. To shop smart and get the most value, gift sets are great for everyone on your list. They usually include a selection of popular products at a discounted price and come in beautiful boxes.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Bright Magic Skin Glow Duo ($65.00) is perfect for the beauty lovers on your list. These award-winning products improve dull, dehydrated skin by deeply nourishing, hydrating and brightening.

Charlotte’s Magic Cream (15 ml) was created backstage to prep and transform model’s skin before fashion shows and now women everywhere use it to plump, moisturize and rejuvenate. The formula contains a powerful cocktail of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, camellia oil, rosehip, shea butter, aloe and frangipani flower to restore radiance, minimize wrinkles, calm and soften for up to 24 hours. The small jar is perfect for travel and the rich, luscious texture revitalizes dry, tired skin with a dewy finish that promotes clarity.

Before applying makeup, use the Brightening Youth Glow Anti-Aging Color Correcting Booster (40 ml) to create an even canvass. The refreshing, lightweight cream hydrates and blurs blemishes with pearl pigments, green algae extract and vitamin B3.

The primer also enhances your glow, softens under eye circles, shrinks pores, and improves the appearance of discoloration with no greasiness. The small flecks of glitter reflect light to create a luminous finish and blends into foundation seamlessly. If you don’t want too much sparkle, layer the booster thinly or simply brush some of the particles away.

Glossy lips look great with flawless skin so I highly recommend the Superstar Lip Colors ($39.00). The cushiony, sheer pigment moisturizes and replenishes dry skin with healing oils, diamond powder, hyaluronic acid and peptides. Even on cold snowy days, the buttery texture keeps lips plush, comfortable and healthy. These scintillating shades look and feel like juicy, tinted balms and I love the way they enhance my natural lip color. The slender, elegant tubes fit in any handbag and you’ll definitely want to take them everywhere you go.

Charlotte Tilbury is available at Sephora, Holt Renfrew and charlottetilbury.com.