L’Oreal Paris Fibralogy - Thickening Hair Care Review

One of the things I like most about makeup and hair is the versatility to create a variety of fun looks and change your style as often as you want. Women who experience thinning hair however may lack the confidence to get creative with their tresses so after 17 years of research  Loreal has launched Fibralogy-  a new hi-tech formula that improves the appearance of fine, stringy hair and boosts volume. This new line incorporates a multi-talented active ingredient scientifically developed to penetrate and expand each hair from within and after just 5 applications the products help increase volume, bounce and body!

 Fibralogy Shampoo

The shampoo lathers very well and is designed to thoroughly cleanse and improve hair density. Product build-up and excess oil is efficiently removed without left-over residue and the formula coats consistently for increased manageability. Like most shampoos, the ingredient list does contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate which I tend to avoid so I usually opt for the the Loreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo instead which makes my hair feel super moisturized! The Fibralogy shampoo is worth a try if you suffer from thinning hair as it is designed to work with the rest of the collection for increased efficiency. It retails for $5.99.

Fibralogy Thickening Booster 

The booster is key to the thickening process and is should be used between shampooing and conditioning. The active ingredient Filloxane is delivered in a concentrated dose to help intensify volume and hair diameter. I leave the treatment on for about 20 mins prior to rinsing and it can be used 1-2 times per week for extra thickening. The light serum consistency smooths and lightly hydrates without build-up or grease and it retails for $7.49.

Fibralogy Conditioner

The conditioner has a melting technology that drenches parched hair in rich moisture and coats each strand consistently from root to tip. The formula is very fragrant and the potent softening agents help ease detangling while nourishing and adding structure to thin strands. I like the smooth consistency and it rinses clean with no scalp build-up. Like the shampoo improvement in hair thickness should be evident after five applications and it leaves my hair smelling wonderful! The conditioner retails for $5.99.

Fibralogy Intense Texturizing Mask

Most masks I use make my hair feel ultra soft and silky but this one is designed to promote long-lasting thickness. After use my hair feels moisturized and the sweet, creamy pink formula is enriched with dry oil to instantly restore mass and body. When I need a bit more hydration I often pair this mask with an ultra rich, restorative treatment and the results are great! It retails for $7.49.

Although I do not have thin hair I never say no to bit more body and since my hair is very long my ends tend to need more texture and volume. I like the intense fragrance because it makes my hair smell amazing for days but if you have sensitive skin I recommend doing a patch test to determine susceptibility to irritation. I definitely think this collection is worth trying whether you suffer from thinning hair or you desire voluminous height for glamorous styles. It may not dramatically increase thickness for everyone but it did help bulk-up my strands and it is available in most drug stores.

**Products provided for review, additional products received from Influenster

Mark Cosmetics Limited Edition Wonderfleur Color Collection - Review

It is hard to believe that we are well into September and the leaves are already beginning to change! There is a refreshing crispness in the air and an exciting revelation of rich hues and great new collections have arrived! Today I am featuring the new Wonderfleur collection by mark which is perfect for gift giving or a little self pampering!

This summer I had fun testing mark's neon line but the fall colors are softer, shimmery and gorgeous! The Color Swing Mix It Up Eye Compact includes some of the hottest shades of the season in an innovative new palette design. At first glance it looks like your average compact with 3 pretty shadows but if you slide the tray to the side and flip it over 3 different colors are revealed on the bottom! This feature provides great variety and versatility; the pink, plum and shimmery highlight is a bright, beautiful trio and the other side creates a completely different effect with a neutral combination of bronzy greens.

Side 1

The texture of the shadows is soft and silky and they can also be applied wet for extra intensity. The pigmentation is good and they are long-lasting and non-creasing. All of the shades have a metallic, shimmery finish and they blend well with little to no fall-out. The palette retails for $26.00 and you can find it by clicking HERE.

Side 2

(Swatches from both palettes)

Along with the colorful eye catching packaging the collection also includes enticing body products to keep you smelling irresistible! The Wonderfleur eau de toilette comes in a dark, mysterious purple bottle that captures the essence of whimsical femininity. Fragrances are often difficult to describe in a review but I recommend this one because the alluring scent will appeal to a variety of preferences. Perfume is a popular holiday gift and this one has a great balance of notes including: sweet apple blossom, meadow dew, fresh freesia and a touch of pillowy musk. I like that it smells sweet and floral yet not too sugary and although it is not light enough to dissipate it isn't heavy or overpowering either. This is a great scent for women of all ages and you can find it by clicking HERE.

The compelling fragrance is enough to get heads turning and luckily it is also available in an indulgent body cream! The moisturizer has the same great aroma as the fragrance with less intensity and the formula is infused with elastin and collagen to keep skin looking radiant, firm and hydrated! It retails for $14.00 and you can find it HERE.

I really enjoyed this collection so it's a shame that it is limited edition. You can find the products at Avon.Ca or through an independent sales representative.

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel & Diamond Top Coat- Review

Ever since gel nail lacquers hit the beauty scene with a buzz I have been interested in trying them. I love sporting freshly painted nails especially if the polish is bright, glossy and long-lasting! Today I am thrilled to bring you a review on the new Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamels in some bold, beautiful hues!

These gambling themed lacquers are formulated to be salon quality and are available in 30 vibrant shades with both solid and glitter finishes. The pigmentation is stunningly rich and they are designed with a built-in base coat which prevents staining.

The Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat offers “superior strength” and when applied together the polish + the top coat are developed for “vivid color, brilliant shine and gorgeous life-resistant wear.”

Although I am a newbie when it comes to gel polish I do know that many need to be cured with ultraviolet light or an L.E.D light bulb which hardens the formula and can prolong it’s wear for up to two weeks! The Revlon Gel polishes however do not need to be cured, the finishing touches can be achieved with the application of the Diamond Top Coat and the thick, glossy effect is quite similar to traditional gel lacquers.

(On my nails: Queen of Hearts)

I like the wide double brush because it works well for consistency and covers nails with fewer strokes. The creamy color applies quite evenly and the formula is opaque enough for just two coats. I did have to be mindful about wiping off the excess to avoid flooding because the brush and stick collects a lot of polish which can cause a bit of pooling and overflow around the cuticles.

Because the formula is on the thicker side I recommend giving your nails sufficient time to dry or you may get dents and impressions, especially if you paint your nails before bed. Quick drying polish is a must for me so I often pair these with a fast drying top coat to speed up the process. I also found that some shades were a bit easier to work with than others in relation to application and drying but I was very pleased with the end results.

On average my manicures stayed intact for about 3-5 days before chipping, about the same length of wear I achieve with other Revlon nail enamels. I may try doubling up in the Diamond Top Coat to see if that increases the longevity.

(On my nails: Wild Card)

Overall I love the range of color and the ultra glossy finish, the Gel Envy Enamels are available in drug stores across Canada and the US. 

Visit Revlon by clicking HERE to view the entire collection.

**Products were provided for review

L’Oreal Extraordinaire by Color Riche - Liquid Lipstick Review

Today I have another review on some juicy lip colors by L'Oreal. I know I've been a bit obsessed with all the gorgeous lipsticks and gloss that hit the market this year but can you blame me?! The L’Oreal Extraordinaire Liquid Lipsticks are available in 16 beautiful shades that drench lips in shiny, decadent color.

Formulated with precious micro-oils and rich color pigments these shades are designed for magnified shine, bold saturation and silky, smooth application. They do provide great hydration and feel comfortable on my lips and the pigmentation is sheer to medium coverage. I wouldn't classify these as “liquid lipstick” but rather high-shine gloss that produces a wet effect. To live up to the claims of “rich” pigment I think the colors should be more opaque, similar to a lacquer finish but as far as gloss go these are good.

Shade: Molto Mauve

The finish and colors are alluring for stand-out, plumpness and the texture is not too thick or sticky. The flat, wide brush improves coverage but the wand itself is a tad short so I don’t get as much range of motion when glossing-up.

Shade: Rose Symphony

The packaging is simple yet chic and clearly displays a good representation of the color. The formula is very nourishing on dry lips and doesn't accentuate the texture of chapped skin which makes them idea for the cooler months. The longevity is also quite decent and there are enough color options for every skin tone.

The glosses retail for $9.99 each and you can view the rest of the collection by clicking HERE.

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks - The Buffs Collection

This review may be a bit late but admittedly I just started warming up to nude lipstick. Now when I see a nude color I don’t automatically think it will make me look washed out or plain and I enjoy subtle shades that balance some of my more vivid eye shadows and produce a fresh, neutral look. The Buffs by Maybelline isn't your average skin tone matching nude collection; the lipsticks have deep, warm hues that appear spicy and rich for a beautiful wash of hydrating color.

The Buffs Collection includes 10 pretty shades to suit a variety of complexions and since fall and Thanksgiving will soon be upon us, warm hues like Untainted Spice and Maple Kiss are perfect for the season!

I am a huge fan of the Vivid Lipsticks by Maybelline and I wore the bright hues all summer! These have the same creamy texture that glides on smoothly and moisturizes with precious oils. They also smell quite nice and although they are not bright they still manage to make lips stand out and look plush.

The finish is slightly shiny but not overly so and they feel comfortable and non-drying. As you can see in the swatches below, the shades that I have are not light enough to be considered true nudes on my complexion but that is what I like about them! They provide a pop of rich color that makes me want to stop by Starbucks and grab a pumpkin spice latte or a cinnamon bun.

If you are looking for a beautiful nude for fall then I definitely recommend stopping by the Maybelline isle and swatching some of these beauties.

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Beauty Box Five August 2014 Review

Every month I excitedly await my Beauty Box Five to see what awesome products I get to try next. Last month however my package was lost in the mail and Canada Post sent no notice letting me know what happened! The good people at Beauty Box Five were nice enough to send me another box right away so I wouldn't miss out on all the August goodies.

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription service that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. In this box you will 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 one or two full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands.

This month’s theme was about reminiscing on the golden days of summer and embracing fall with beaming skin, dazzling lips and lustrous locks!

La Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes: (Sample size included- 8 wipes)

I travel a lot so nobody knows better than me about the importance of packing a carry-on bag equipped with all your essentials. My suitcase has been lost, traveled to countries without me and been tossed back and forth between my destinations without reaching me for days! Makeup wipes are great to have on-hand because you can clean your face without having to carry larger bottles of liquids that are not allowed on the plane. The La fresh Makeup Wipes are made to remove water-proof formulas with no irritation and residue for refreshed skin. These will definitely be in my carry-on for my trip later this month!

Nanacoco Lip Gloss: (Full Size)

Nanacoco is a brand I have not previously tired but I love the richly pigmented, pink gloss! The shade I got is called Mysterious and the formula is smooth, shiny and infused with vitamin E for pouty, moisturized lips. I think this shade is gorgeous and for just $3.99 it is very affordable!

Style Essential Nail Polish: (Full Size- $7.00)

Chunky, patterned nail polish in varying shapes and designs seems to be trendy for fall! This lacquer has a clear base with fun hexagons, lines and dots to amp up your manicures. I like polish that can create an interesting nail art effect without much effort.

Novex Brazillian Keratin treatment: (Single treatment)

I have heard about this Brazilian treatment and I've seen the brand on social media so I am excited to try this product! Having naturally curly hair means I need products that offer mega hydration and this one is formulated to provide nourishment that reinforces your strands right away! It is suitable for all hair types and you apply it post-shampoo for 25 minutes for improved strength, smoothness and shine!

Purlisse Pur Protectant SPF 30: (Sample Size)

I wear products with sunscreen even during the cooler months because UV rays are always present! This sunscreen is light, moisturizing, non-greasy and suitable for sensitive skin.

Overall I think this box was great- hair, skin, nails and lips covered! You can check out Beauty Box five by clicking HERE.

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Yves Rocher Fall 2014 Collection - Review

This year Yves Rocher is breaking the mold and bringing some fun to fall by incorporating bright, bold shades in the new collection. Along with warm earthy tones like gold, plum and deep hues you will also see bright pinks, coral and even tangerine making an appearance this season.

Quad Eye Shadow Sumptuous Color Palettes

The Sumptuous eye shadows encased in sophisticated, mirrored gold palettes are available in a variety of gorgeous color combinations. They have a smooth, velvety consistency and the ultra-soft, fine texture is formulated to blend effortlessly for flawless, radiant color. When used dry the finish is shimmery satin or matte. When used wet the satin shades turn metallic and the matte shades become dense for increased intensity. The colors are made for long-wear and stay in place all day without fading or creasing.

I have two of these gorgeous palettes; the first is called Brun Incandescent which contains warm, neutral colors ideal for most skin tones. The palette also comes with a little card on the inside suggesting where to place each color for beautiful highlighting and sculpting. I like how the bronze compliments the frosty lid color and the palette comes with a deep matte brown for crease definition and lining the eyes.

Aquatique Subtil contains cooler shades with shimmery green and vivid blue. There is also a deep plum and a light silver highlight. These colors match well and create a variety of trendy effects. Both palettes are wonderful quality, easy to use and have great pigmentation. They are available in varying color schemes and retail for $19.00 each.

Volume Elixir Mascara

I try to take care of my lashes by keeping them moisturized and I like mascara that helps preserve the hairs rather than create excessive crunch. The Elixir combines a volumizing texture with hibiscus peptides to nourish, reinforce and repair lashes. The bristles are made slightly more rigid to firmly grip lashes for better definition and less clumping. 

I also like the conical shape because the tapered end reaches the lashes on the inner and outer corners and is small enough to use on the lower lash line. The formula coats well and helps separate for natural enhancement and adequate thickening. I like that it doesn't run or cause darkness under my eyes and it is quite long-wear. It retails for $19.00 and is available in 3 shades (black, blue and brown).

Sheer Botanical Lipstick

One thing I like about Yves rocher is that they strive to use natural components and harvest quality ingredients. The Sheer botanical lipsticks, available in 12 luscious shades are formulated with 100% cherry oil for extraordinary shine and rich omega oils for protection and nutrition.  

These lipsticks smell pleasantly sweet and the texture melts into lips providing great buildable color and nice shine.  If you prefer warm fall colors the shades range from: Frosted Chestnut, Black Cherry, Burgundy and Golden Honey. There are also vibrant shades such as: Purple Iris, Bright Pink, Tangerine, and Soft Coral. Although the brighter shades are ideal for spring and summer the sheer glistening finish makes them wonderful for autumn as well. The lipsticks retail for $17 each.

These products are available this month and you can visit Yves Rocher online by clicking HERE.

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Stila Eye Shadow Trio Review - Gold Glow

Today you might want to grab your beverage of choice and pull up a chair because I am featuring a brilliant gem by Stila Cosmetics that will make an eye shadow fan out of the most color hesitant beauty shoppers. This year Stila has released some brilliant shadows but the Gold Glow Trio will bring out your inner goddess.

Designed for both wet and dry application the baked shadows are housed in a beautiful domed palette that unites a gorgeous intermingling of gold, copper and ivory. The shades can be worn together or individually to create a variety of stunning effects and the quality is excellent!

The best thing about these shadows aside from shades that are suitable for every season and a variety of occasions is the amazing pigmentation! One swipe across the lids produces rich, luminous color that is smooth, non-chalky and vibrant. The saturation is excellent with or without a primer and you don’t have to work hard to increase the intensity for dramatic looks.

 

The texture is smooth and silky and although the finish is quite metallic and contains shimmer there is minimal fallout and no creasing. Due to the close proximity of the colors they can mesh together and overlap in the palette but they provide dazzling, full coverage for a glamours yet soft effect. These hues are suitable for all skin tones and the range of light medium and dark is useful for lids, crease and brow bone highlight.

 I am definitely impressed with these Stila shadows and the trio is also available in: Bronze Glow and Rose-Gold Glow. It retails for $28.00 U.S / $32.00 CAN and is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Sephora.

**Disclaimer: product was provided for review