Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush Review

We can all agree that makeup is bliss, I love the gorgeous colors and the ability to conceal, camouflage and transform from blah to bombshell but all those glamorous layers can clog pores. At the end of the day it is imperative to remove the heavy formulas and deep clean so that skin can recoup and replenish. That’s where a good cleansing brush comes in, using a wipe or face wash may appear to get rid of the residue but you’d be surprised at how much is actually left behind!

I usually alternate between a few different cleansing methods and brushes but if you are looking for an affordable yet effective device then the Skinvigorate by Mary Kay is a great option. This fabulous little tool comes with two brush heads that rotate and gently massage the surface of skin to thoroughly remove dirt and makeup 85% better than using hands alone!

The brush heads are very soft so they aren’t rough or abrasive on sensitive skin and you can adjust the force you apply to increase or decrease the cleansing pressure. I also like that the rotating action helps remove impurities with gentle exfoliation to leave skin soft, smooth and polished.

The cleanser is battery operated but it is waterproof if you prefer to use it in the shower although you should never submerge it. It is also very easy to use and incorporate into your daily routine, simply press the button to turn it on and switch between the two speeds using the other button. I like to remove my makeup with a face wipe first to avoid staining the brush too much and I wet both my face and the bristles so that my cleanser foams and distributes well. I prefer to apply my face wash directly to the brush and rinse it clean after each use. It is recommended that you replace the brush head every 3 months but with proper care you can stretch it a little longer and they retail for $18.00/per 2.

The device also comes in white if you prefer and aside from removing makeup and improving tone and texture to boost the complexion it also allows your skincare products to absorb more efficiently, increase circulation and help maximize the hydration benefits of your moisturizers. Because it is so light and small it is ideal for travel and makes a fabulous gift this holiday season!

The Skinvigorate cleansing brush retails for $60.00 and you can get it online at marykay.ca or through independent consultants.

LUSH Christmas Collection & Gift Ideas!

A few weeks ago I attended the LUSH holiday event at the Eaton Center where I had the chance to meet some of the fabulous people who create the delicious bath goodies we have come to know and love. I even got my hands a bit dirty and made my own bath bomb which was a lot of fun!

This holiday LUSH has a fabulous selection of products to help make gift giving simple and delicious! From pre-packaged gift sets and festive bath bombs to rich face masks and moisturizers there is something for everyone on your list.

You can also make your own LUSH junkie gift basket!

The great thing about this brand is that they use natural ingredients like fresh fruit, luxurious butters and exotic smelling oils which is ideal for those sensitive to chemicals. Making these creative concoctions is actually a fun process and the creators at LUSH are passionate about their safe, handmade, cruelty-free products.

At the face mask station I saw how natural ingredients like fresh fennel, tofu and juicy cranberries were blended to make the Festive Face Mask which can be kept in the fridge and used to help revive the skin. This rich mask is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and nourishing oils to boost your complexion and it smells good enough to eat!

As far as body products go there are many yummy treats to choose from! The Magic of Christmas soap and shampoo is a mouldable mound of glittery goodness that feels like play dough and looks like an enormous piece of candy! You can unleash your inner artist by creating cute little Christmas figurines and gifting them to family and friends or have fun in the tub playing with them yourself! If you have kids these colorful soaps will make bath time more enjoyable and you can simply pinch off a piece and crumble under running water or lather in your hands. It also comes in Alien & Monsters (pink, purple & green) and each color has a unique scent.

The shower and body scrubs are a great way to exfoliate from head-to-toe for soft, supple skin. Natural sea salt crystals buff away dead cells for a smooth finish and the lavender colored bar (Rub Rub Rub) is scented with a delicate blend of jasmine, mimosa and orange. The orange scrub called- The Rough with the Smooth has a luscious blend of black pepper, patchouli, murumuru butter, sugar and vanilla to eradicate rough patches and fragrance the body. The bars last a long time and also help stimulate circulation! They retail for $9.95 each.

If you don’t know what to choose you can always get a chunk of soap in your favorite scent or stick with classics like Sex Bomb or The Comforter Bath Bubble Bar ($11.95) which is also available as a delectable body gel ($9.95-$28.95). 

There are also glitter stars and cute little Santa soaps!

Another bestseller is the Face of Grace Moisturizer ($15.95) which is a solid serum free of preservatives and packed with hydrating tropical butters, chamomile and antioxidant mushroom extract. The bar melts as you massage it in and instantly nourishes dry skin which is much needed during the winter. Although the aroma is a tad strong I like the sweet botanical fragrance and it makes my face feel super soft and silky for hours.

The Christmas Kisses Lip Gift Set is already wrapped in pretty red paper and contains Santa’s Sugary Scrub which is made with delicious sugar, cherry extract, jojoba, coconut milk, lime and other natural ingredients. You simply rub it onto the lips and it gets rid of dry, chapped peeling skin to help smooth and lightly moisturize for a sweet, polished pout. The pretty pink scrub has a scrumptious cola flavor and you can lick off the excess granules after your treatment which is totally yummy!

The Santa Baby Lip Tint will keep your pout kissably soft and as rosy as Rudolph’s nose this holiday! Infused with butters and oils it provides hydration and a red stain that lasts for hours! You can also use it under your favorite lipstick as a base or primer. This cute set retails for $19.95.

You can pick up these great gifts and more at LUSH locations and online by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured

Vacationing in Munich Germany: Photos & Tourism

The last part of my travel series ends in Munich Germany, after a lovely time in Croatia. Munich felt very familiar to me and the people were courteous and eager to help as we took public transportation around the city. We didn’t have much time in Germany but we did get to see the famous beer gardens, outdoor markets, town square, parks, Nymphenburg Palace and main shopping areas. I loved the abundance of bakeries and pastry shops and the shopping in the suburbs was very affordable so I loaded up on some German candy and other treats for the trip back.

Town Hall

Rathus-Glockenspiel located in Marienplatz in the town square

Heiliggeistkirche Gothic Church

Autumn in Munich is stunning!

The front of Nymphenburg Palace

Nyphemburg Palace is a work of art like many of the palaces and churches I have encountered in Europe. The palace was the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria and the rooms are covered in colorful paintings, elaborate gold trim and luxurious furniture.

The back of the palace boasts a large garden surrounded by trees and a small lake.

Vikualienmarkt: A daily market in the center of Munich where locals and tourists can purchase fresh fruit, baked goods and handmade souvenirs. 

The shopping in Munich is fantastic! The clothing is stylish and well tailored and the prices are reasonable! I think we may plan another trip down just to shop! 

Shopping mall

I definitely want to explore more of Germany and maybe next time I will take a trip over to Berlin! If you missed my photos of Istanbul, Dubrovnik and Montenegro check them out! 

NEW Softlips LUXE Lip Moisturizer Review & Giveaway!

When the Softlips CUBES first hit drugstore shelves I was drawn to the chic packaging and smooth moisturizing formula. I used my CUBE almost every day until I was scrapping out the last creamy remnants and recently the brand has repackaged the wonderful formula in sleek translucent tubes! The new lipstick shaped balms have the same lip perfecting technology that delivers 5 nourishing benefits to keep your pout soft and supple all winter long!

The Softlips LUXE balms hydrate deeply with rich butters and yummy coconut oil to quench parched skin and alleviate discomfort. Antioxidants and vitamins A, C & E replenish with a light non-greasy texture to smooth rough, chapped lips and heal peeling skin. It instantly provides relief in cold blustery weather and the creamy, delicious formula also creates a moisture barrier for long lasting protection and a radiant shine that makes lips appear healthy and plush.

I am a sucker for pretty packaging and the glass-like tubes with precision applicator are very trendy as far as lip balms go. The scrumptious flavors like Silky Shea and Creamy Coconut are delectable and make the perfect stocking stuffers this holiday season!

The wonderful CUBES are still available if you prefer that fabulous round applicator and they provide the same rich conditioning benefits that help keep skin lustrous and soft. I have the CUBES in Peach Mango which has a yummy tropical scent and Mint which makes lips feel fresh and cool.

When I have a dry lip day this nutritive formula can be worn alone or layered under my favorite lipstick or gloss. They also work wonders under matte formulas.

Whether you are putting together a winter care package or looking for goodies to include in gift baskets these pretty balms come in a variety of colors for everyone on your list!

I am sure you would all love to get your hands on some of these lip moisturizers so I am teaming up with Softlips to host this giveaway for a wonderful Softlips prize pack valued at $50.00. Some entry methods can be completed daily!

The prize includes everything featured in the photo below:

*1 Softlips LUXE Lip Moisturizer- Creamy Coconut

*1 Softlips LUXE Lip Moisturizer- Silky Shea

*1 Softlips CUBE Lip Moisturizer- Fresh Mint

*1 Softlips CUBE Lip Moisturizer- Peach Mango

*1 Softlips cosmetic bag

*1 Softlips purse mirror

This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and you must be following my blog via Bloglover OR Google Friend Connect plus at least one of my social media accounts to qualify however your chances increase the more entry methods you use so GOOD LUCK! The giveaway begins on Friday November 13 and ends on Friday December 11, 2015 at 12 am Eastern Time Zone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner announcement! 

And the winner is.....Lu Abuzaid! Congratulations Lu I hope you enjoy the Softlips products as much as I do! There were 11,940 entries in this giveaway so thanks to everyone who participated and continue to support my blog.

If you didn’t win this one check out my $273 NeoStrata skincare giveaway starting later today (link will be on the sidebar).

Disclaimer and Rules: (Please Read)

This Softlips giveaway hosted by Diary of a Trendaholic Blog is open to residents of Canada and is sponsored by Softlips via The Mentholatum Company of Canda Ltd. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter (random.org) to receive the prizes outlined in this post. All information must be entered correctly as specified via Rafflecoptor and entrants must be following at least 1 of my social media accounts and my blog via Bloglovin or Google Friends Connect (GFC) to qualify, (only viable entries will be considered). The MentholatumCompany of Canada is responsible for shipping the prize and related costs. This giveaway begins on Friday November 13, 2015 and ends on Friday November 11, 2015 at 12am Eastern Time Zone.

One eligible winner will be announced on http://diaryofatrendaholic.blogspot.ca/ within two week following the giveaway end date and entrants must be at least 18 years of age to participate. The winner must send their mailing address (no PO Box addresses) and contact information to diaryofatrendaholic@outlook.com to receive the prize. Winners will also be contacted by email if a valid email address is provided. In the event that the winner does not claim the prize within 3 days after being contacted a second winner will be selected at random or another thereafter until the prize is claimed. Falsified entries or entries that cannot be verified may result in disqualification at the discretion of the blog owner.

                                                                                         

Diary of a Trendaholic is not responsible for a lost package(s), delays, damages or any other issues that occur during shipping, handling, processing or mailing. In the event of unforeseen circumstances the sponsor may choose to send a replacement prize equal to or differing from the original giveaway prize depending on product availability. The nature of any prize substitution will be decided on at the sole discretion of the host or sponsor without any additional notification or permission. There will be no cash alternative offered under any circumstance.

All beauty products received by the giveaway winner(s) must be used at his or her discretion in compliance with the directions on the product (s). The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse skin or medical reactions associated with the use of any product(s) sent to the winner. By accepting the prize the winner(s) completely release the blog owner of all legal liability pertaining to any and all side effects associated with the use of the products won.

By accepting the prize the winner(s) agree to comply with the rules and regulations herein which cannot be contested including the use of any legal action against the blog owner or sponsor. The blog owner reserves the right to amend or cancel this giveaway at any time without prior notice. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted the official terms and conditions (“the rules”) and are agreed to be bound by them. By entering this giveaway you agree to the collection of personal information however your details will not be used or disclosed to third parties or entities.

The promotion of this giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook or any other social media sites and blogging platforms. By participating you agree to a complete release of any liability for all websites that may have been used to promote this giveaway.

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Canadian Contests at AllCanadaContests.com

My Trip to Chicago & The Makeup Show!

Last weekend I flew down to “the windy city” for a cocktail party, sightseeing, press events and of course The Makeup Show Chicago!

This fabulous annual event is hosted in major cities throughout the U.S and is open to professionals in the industry including- cosmetologists, models, photographers, stylists makeup artists, business owners and the media. This wasn’t my first time at the show, a couple of years ago I flew to L.A for the event where I had a chance to network, connect with brands and meet fellow bloggers, youtubers and celebrity makeup artists. It is also a great opportunity to fulfill your wish-list and add to your kit since the discounts are worth battling the long lines. James Vincent is the Director of Education and Artistry for the show and they just celebrated their 10 year anniversary in NYC.

I flew in to Chi Town on Friday morning, checked in to my hotel and started my day touring the city. I visited the Shed Aquarium, did some shopping on The Magnificent Mile and visited the famous Chicago Bean!

On Friday night the Makeup Show hosted its first ever Masters of Makeup cocktail party at the Crowne Plazza to celebrate Emmy Award winning Artist from Dancing with the Stars- Melanie Mills, Pro Makeup Artist Danessa Myricks creator of Elevation Lashes and the founder of Senna Cosmetics- Eugenia Weston.

Melanie and I have worked together before and I love her Gleam Cosmetics line. Her artistry has graced many famous faces so when she complimented my makeup and told me that I was “stunning” the recognition was amazing! The press kit included two samples of Melanie’s lightweight, highly pigmented Radiant Dust Loose Illuminating Powders in Deep Gold and Light Gold. This beautiful shimmery formula can be applied to the face and body as blush, bronzer, eye shadow or highlight for a rich, beautiful glow suitable for all complexions. You can check out her website by clicking HERE & check out my review of her fabulous face & body brush HERE.

I also met fellow bloggers and youtubers from the Chicago area, had some drinks and spoke with the bubbly Danessa Myricks. If you love lush, full lashes her collection will enhance your eyes with innovative designs that are weightless, stackable and reusable for up to 10 wears. The hairs are individually tied by hand and made with 100% human hair so they are virtually undetectable! Her lash gel makes adhesion quick and simple with a black formula that dries fast! The lashes retail for just $8.99 each and come in a wide variety of styles. Special thanks to Denessa for the wonderful Lashes! You can visit her website by clicking HERE.

Bright and early on Saturday morning before the show opened I attended the press event hosted by James Vincent. He gave us the low-down on some of his favorite products and let us know about the educational seminars and guests that would be attending. The show is not only about loading up on makeup, it is also dedicated to enhancing your business and improving your technique.

The press kit 

NYX Conceal Correct Contour Palette ($14.00) includes 6 shades for customizable coverage.

NARS empty small palette ($14.00) for creating your own collection of pigments or de-potting your eye shadows.

The new Make Up For Ever Lash Show falsies ($18.00): The collection includes 50 handmade designs with easy application and long-wear.

NARS Audacious Mascara ($26.00) hooks each hair to elongate and amplify with a long-wear, buildable formula.

Tools from Crown Brush

Static Nails Empire Gel Effects Nails ($16.00) from the designer that does Cookie’s nails on the hit show Empire! The kit contains 24 nails, pouch, non-damaging glue, buffer & file. I love that the nails can be reshaped, painted and used for several applications! You can apply them for one day and pop them off or leave them on for up to 2 weeks!

Kevin Aucoin Matte Lip Color ($33.00) in the shade Bloodrose is a deep wine-burgundy perfect for fall! The formula of this lipstick is ultra smooth and creamy with great pigmentation.

Makeup tools: Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner (60 ml $8.00), Bdellium Smudge Brush ($8.00), Esum Pro Finishing Sponge ($24.00).

Senna Cosmetics has a beautiful range of highlight pens to illuminate the face and eyes. These dual ended beauties give you that coveted glow and the pencil shape makes application easy and precise. They retail for $22-$32.

Embrolisse Lait Crème Gold Concentrate ($28.00) This 24 hour “miracle cream” is said to be a must-have for makeup artists, celebs and models. It boosts and nourishes tried, dehydrated skin and can be used as primer, moisturizer and makeup remover. Enriched with fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients it protects and soothes with a satin soft finish. It can also be used as a repairing mask for men after shaving and as a baby care product.

MustaeV Tension Liquid Liner Brush Pen ($18.00) & Maxi Volume Mascara ($18.00)

If you are going to attend one of the Makeup Shows you can also enjoy a weekend getaway and turn it into a mini-vacation like I did. On my last day in Chicago I did a city tour and visited the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, shopping streets and other historical sites.

I also tried Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza which was delicious but a bit too heavy and cheesy for me. It consisted of a few inches of toppings plus thick mozzarella and after eating a couple slices I wasn’t able to eat again for a day and a half!

For more information on The Makeup Show visit their website by clicking HERE

*Special thanks to Melody Joy, Chase Mallen, Denessa Myricks James Vincent & The Makeup Show for having me!*