MaskerAide In A Clutch Hydrating Sheet Mask Set

Every now and then your complexion needs a restorative boost and whether you like to party hard, work late or lounge on the beach, MaskerAide has you covered! I’ve been using these cute sheet masks for years and the fabulous formulas perk-up my complexion without any harsh parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, artificial fragrance or added pigment.

Now you can get your favorite masks in a variety of combos and single packs as well as this trendy Fab Life Set! This collection is perfect for sheet mask lovers and skincare fanatics because it contains all six treatments in one little clutch plus a box of the new hydrating gel eye patches.

Beauty Restore is infused with aloe, witch hazel and argan to help repair environmental damage, sooth, calm and heal dryness. I use this mask while vacationing in the tropics or battling harsh Canadian winters. I Don’t Wanna Grow Up is a multi-action treatment that helps combat the signs of aging with natural ylang-ylang oil, argan, vitamin E and hydrolized collagen to diminish lines. Beauty Restore is a fabulous night mask that prepares you for bed by deeply hydrating and replenishing plus the subtle scent of lavender oil relaxes the mind and body.

All Nighter came in handy last week after all the late night Film Festival Parties I attended! It has an invigorating cooling effect that awakens, replenishes and refreshes while de-puffing tired eyes to help erase the signs of the previous night. If you need a little pick-me-up before heading out, Pre Party Prep has been my go-to for years! Argan oil, fruit extracts and honey help energize, hydrate and brighten for smooth, soft skin that is ready for makeup. Detox Diva is formulated with geranium oil, seaweed and green tea extract to minimize pores, absorb impurities and protect from toxins and free-radicals. It also provides gentle exfoliation for luminous, clear skin.

All of the masks are thoroughly soaked in serum so you get great coverage and there is enough to massage into the chest and neck. It only takes 15-20 mins so you can kick-back, relax and let the stress just melt away as you pamper yourself and prepare to snap more duck-faced selfies. This set is an online exclusive and retails for $56.00. Individually the masks are $6.99.

When it comes to eye care I go all out because dark circles aren’t cute! Although I use eye cream every night with my Foreo Massager for gradual, long-term lightening, I generally find that masks produce more immediate results. These refreshing gel patches are loaded with hydrating, brightening and firming ingredients including hyaluronic acid. The formula is infused with an impressive 100 natural herbs that diminish the look of bags, darkness and fine lines. Treatment time is 15-30 mins and each box contains 4 pairs retailing for $25.00.

MaskerAide is sold at Trade Secrets, London Drugs, Nordstrom, Ulta and more. For a list of retailers near you please visit the website by clicking HERE.

Yes to Coconut Skincare Review

Mondays suck, so sit back, relax and dream about the beach as the tropical sent of coconut soothes your senses.

I've noticed the "Say Yes" Skincare Collection numerous times over the last few years but never really tested it until now. It also includes: Yes to cucumbers, tomatoes, grapefruit and carrots which sounds more like a delicious summer spread from the produce section!  

The products are 98% natural, safe for sensitive skin and loaded with amazing ingredients that pamper the complexion. This particular range has a delicious coconut scent with lush textures that rejuvenate and rehydrate parched skin without nasty parabens or silicones.

The Ultimate Hydrating Cleanser is also infused with chia seed oil, avocado, olive, banana, hibiscus and guava to deeply nourish and moisturize while gently rinsing away dirt, makeup and excess oil. Because this organic cream contains no soap, it doesn’t lather, bubble or suds-up which makes it feel more like an emulsifying product. It may take a couple washes to really de-clog and refresh my pores but it gets the job done. I like that the gentle formula doesn’t leave my skin tight, dry or greasy but I usually follow up with a hydrating toner to absorb the last traces of residue. If you experience sensitivity or irritation to sulfates and harsh additives, you may want to give this a try, it retails for $9.99.

The Hydrate and Restore Facial Mask treats super thirsty skin with a blast of creamy moisture. The texture is similar to the cleanser – lightweight, non-greasy and rich with an infusion of avocado oil which is among my favorite skin conditioning ingredients for supple results. Along with coconut (obviously) there is a long list of incredible natural ingredients including honey, sunflower, aloe and tons of flower extracts and nourishing oils. I like to use moisture masks after detoxifying with clay or mud treatments that tend to harden into a tight cast. They are also great after exposure to extreme climates and outdoor activity to help reinforce layers of hydration and softness while restoring dry, cracked skin. The mask retails for $16.99.

I’ve been seeing pumpkins and Halloween costumes in all the stores which means cooler weather is upon us. Soon it will be time to step up your body care game with extra layers of moisture and the Head-To-Toe Hydrating Balm will help maintain that silky glow. This balm smells good enough to eat (but don’t) and the solid, ultra rich texture is a savior for dry, cracked, uncomfortable skin that needs a little extra care. It spreads easily and melts in with a hint of shine and minimal grease or residue. This stuff takes care of your driest, roughest areas including hands, heels cuticles, elbows and knees. It retails for $15.99.

These products are available at Shoppers Drug Mart

Too Faced The Power of Makeup Palette by Nikkie Tutorials: Review & Swatches

Unless you’ve been totally unplugged from social media and its constant trend updates then you are well aware that Too Faced is taking the world by storm and rolling out hit after glorious hit! It has almost reached the point where I don’t even have to question whether or not I’m going to like the pigments and recently the brand teamed up with global beauty mega star Nikkie to collaborate on a fabulous multi-purpose palette.

The pink animal print is just a teaser for what's to come as you excitedly crack open the lightweight, magnetic cover. Inspired by makeup’s ability to transform, inspire and promote confidence, the palette contains 9 new eye shadows, 2 blushes from the Love Flush range, the bestselling Chocolate Soleil Bronzer and a Champagne Truffle Highlight. 

The set also comes with a bonus bag of goodies including the Better than Sex Mini Mascara in limited edition purple, full size liquid liner, Glittering Glamour dust (which is essentially loose glitter) and the highly popular Shadow Insurance Primer. This versatile collection is almost everything you need to create a complete look (minus the lipstick) but Too Faced has an amazing selection of lip pigment so problem solved!

Get ready to unleash your inner artist with an exquisite range of multi-dimensional finishes including creamy mattes, provocative shimmers and bold glitters! Wham Bam - a vivid jewel purple and Mystic Hour (glittering blue) are my favorite shades and just too gorgeous to resist! The sparkle hues - Frosted Yum (silver) and Irresistible (gold) reminds me of the holiday season and glamorous parties! Despite their glittery appearance they apply neat and smooth so my face isn’t covered in messy fall-out.

All the colors that you’d want in a matte finish are! The deep brown is pretty much my go-to crease sculptor as it compliments many hues and I can fade it, deepen it or enhance it with the dark black. Painkiller is a basic caramel that works well to transition and blend everything together cohesively and Sugar Coated (frosty pink) adds a fresh, subtle twist.

Most shades provide good coverage and saturation when applied over primer and the formula is non-creasing, buildable, long-lasting and easy to blend. Ivy (the matte cream) is the only sheer shadow and the vivid purple surprisingly required more layering for the results I wanted. Although some of you may think these shades are not ideal for day wear, it really depends on your style and preference. I would rock these colors anytime, anywhere!

For blush you have two classic options - orange coral and pink. I would have liked a deeper blush with a mauve or berry base but I’m not complaining!

The chocolate bronzer is a bit light for me but with so many complexion variations and just one spot for a contour hue you can’t really expect them to accommodate everyone. That being said I can use this shade as a neutral blush or shadow and it still provides a bit of definition. Champagne Truffle is a gorgeous skin illuminating highlight that works for all skin tones. You can tone it down for a sheer candlelight glow or kick it up a notch for maximum radiance.

If you like these colors and you want a palette that is great for travel The Power of Makeup is a good option. Unfortunately the palette is limited edition so you should probably act quickly. It retails for $68.00 and Too Faced is available at Sephora and a toofaced.com.

NARS Velvet Lip Glide Review

Hold onto your seat makeup junkies because today I’m introducing scintillating fall trends! You know the feeling of excitement you get when you spot an amazing color or product that suits your style perfectly? Well when I unwrapped the stunning Velvet Lip Glides I knew it was a match made in makeup heaven. As the crisp autumn weather inspires us to experiment with provocative new shades, NARS is taking lips to a whole new level with show-stopping pigment.

Of course I chose the richest, sexiest colors available to transition my look for the season and get myself red carpet ready for the film festival. If you prefer something tamer you can always go with a few of the neutrals which come in a variety of soft pinks, nude and beige tones or keep it classy with vibrant red, fuchsia and berry.

Le Palace is a deep cherry red that will make your pout look totally irresistible!

These full coverage liquid lipsticks drench lips in rich, saturated color with cushiony plumpness and layers of lightweight, non-sticky moisture. You get the perfect balance of softness and strength laced with a nourishing oil infusion complex that prevents dryness and enhances comfort. The formula is creamy, lush and supple with a brilliant high-shine finish for maximum poutiness - perfect for parties and selfies!

Among these vivid red-based pigments, Deviant (deep burgundy) is my personal favorite! This is the perfect autumn shade!

These gorgeous hues look great on all complexions and their boldness definitely inspires confidence! The doe foot applicator is quite standard but you can use the tip to define and the flatter surface to fill-in and intensify. The color builds up nicely but if you really want to dull them down for sheerness, one light layer should suffice.

Toy is a deep aubergine that plays into that tantalizing vampy trend. When paired with soft eye makeup it makes lips look amazing!

The longevity is about normal for a cream pigment as they do tend to transfer a bit but they don’t stain which makes it easier to apply a fresh coat after eating or drinking. I would have loved to see a few hydrating mattes thrown in for textural versatility but overall I predict that these beauties will quickly become fan favorites.

No. 54 is a raspberry red that is bright, classic and fun!

The Velvet Lip Glides retail for $34.00 each and are available at all NARS retailers (Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Murale and at narscosmtics.com.

Lancome La Nuit Trésor ~ Perfume Review

It’s that time of year again! The biggest Hollywood stars are walking the red carpet to celebrate the Toronto International Film Festival. The city is buzzing with excitement and I plan to attend some fabulous parties this week. To help put the finishing touch on my glamorous outfits and bold makeup, I use La Nuit Trésor which evokes the scent of a sultry night out.

The unique black diamond bottle adorned with a delicate fabric rose makes a stunning vanity focal point and the sharp geometric angles and multi-tone gradient is edgy and elegant.

This magical scent inspired by falling stars represents a love potion and potent aphrodisiac that brings forth the seductive dark side of the rose. The intoxicating blend smells expensive and alluring to embellish a woman’s sophistication, provocativeness and power. The top note is comprised of mysterious black rose essence with heart notes of creamy vanilla orchid and base notes of warm patchouli and lychee praline. You may also pick up hints of bergamot, passion fruit, strawberry and caramel which provide a hint of mild sweetness without being too sugary.

As I spray this delightful scent I’m surrounded by waves of each delectable ingredient which seem to transform throughout the day for a unique sensory experience. Each time it wafts around me I pick up on different notes including whispers of passion fruit or berry that fade into a dreamy sweetness. Other times the aroma is very warm and soothing with a pronounced vanilla-caramel essence balanced with a dark undertone that is perfect for a crisp winter day. The fragrance also seems to smell differently based on the individual wearing it and I absolutely love its long lasting vibrancy.

If you need a great perfume suitable for every occasion this is a great option! The 50 ml bottle featured here retails for $108.00 and there are several sizes to choose from. Lancome is available at department sore counters and online at lancome.ca.

Kismet Essentials Coconut Rinse Oil Pulling Kit Review

We live in a digital world obsessed with seflies and where every moment is plastered on social media, so it’s no wonder that teeth whitening has become so popular. I have tried several mainstream whitening kits from the drugstore and each time the experience has been quite painful. Many of these products contain harsh ingredients that have irritated my gums and people who’ve had braces know that you need to maintain the integrity of the permanent wire glued to the back of your teeth which keeps them in place for the rest of your life!

When Kismet contacted me to try their Coco Rinse I was excited. Finally an all-natural, organic option with many other health benefits! I should start by explaining what “oil pulling” is because I have only just begun to learn about it myself. This ancient practice involves swishing natural coconut oil in your mouth to draw out toxins and bacteria from the body.

Photo from: nutritionsecrets.com

We all know that coconut oil is a "super food" with amazing health benefits but I had no idea it could be so powerful for oral health! Other benefits include:
*Whiter teeth
*Fresh breath
*Improved digestion
*Reduced headaches
*Clean tongue and mouth
*Improved immune system
*Healthy gums and reduced plaque
*Clear skin and less acne
*Cures tooth decay
*Heals bleeding gums and prevents cavities
*Soothes dry throat and mouth
*Heals cracked lips
*Balances hormones

Kismet is a Canadian company that uses environmentally friendly cold-pressed coconut which is ethically sourced. Their kits contain 14 single use packets for $22.99 or a monthly subscription for $25.99. To use, simply tear or snip the sachet, swish the oil in your mouth for 15-20 mins, spit and smile!

At first the texture of the rinse takes a bit of getting use to but it has a mild fresh mint flavor and doesn’t sting the way a mouth wash might. The treatment is not painful and I like knowing that no harmful substances are being absorbed into my body.

The process is quite easy but the most difficult part for me is keeping the rinse in my mouth for the recommended time which is a bit lengthy. As you gargle more saliva is naturally produced which (as gross as this may sound) fills your mouth with a lot of liquid. To counteract this I gently swish the oil a few times every minute instead of continuously and increase gargling a minute or two before spit time. I also found that occupying time during treatment rather than waiting idly makes it seem quicker and easier. Watch TV, read or check Instagram to pass time. The box instructs you to brush after use and avoid spitting down the sink as oil can clog drains. I’ll leave disposal techniques to you but I simply spit in the garbage.

I’ve been using the treatment for over a week now and so far so good. To achieve a pearly smile I may need to continue for a while since results don't happen overnight but I do notice visible improvement, especially when used with my regular whitening toothpaste. If you're wondering why you couldn't just go out and buy a tub of coconut oil to try this, you have a point but you'd have to make sure the oil is organic, spend time melting it when it hardens into a solid and measure the perfect dose. I don't know about you but all that extra work would make me less likely to do it, especially on a regular basis and after a long, tiring day. The convenience of the kit also makes it much easier to continue treatment during travel. I would recommend a bit more mint flavor and maybe packaging that is easier to tear open but the experience has inspired me to incorporate more coconut oil in my life from now on!

Since the process detoxifies and rids the body of bacteria, I think it is totally worth it so I keep the packets by my toothbrush as a reminder.

You can visit the website by clicking HERE

NEW Skincare from Marcelle

While browsing the drugstore you may have noticed that Marcelle has released a few new items you can incorporate into your beauty routine for clean, healthy looking skin. I’ve been using the brand for years and if you haven’t checked out their unique lipsticks I highly recommend doing so!

The first thing I do after a fun night out or a long day of press events and meetings is change into something comfy and start removing my makeup before I hit the shower. Habitually I grab for the makeup wipes first and Marcelle's ultra gentle, biodegradable cloths are soft enough for sensitive skin. The thick, plush material is infused with a hypoallergenic micellar solution that contains no alcohol or perfume and helps eradicate waterproof formulas, sunscreen, long-wear foundation, dirt, excess oil and impurities without causing dryness. There are 25 wipes per pack retailing for $12.95.

Eye makeup remover is a must since I love to pack on the high-impact pigments, bold liner and layers of mascara which can be a nightmare to remove. This 3-in-1 formula cleanses to soak off shadow and waterproof makeup with the added bonus of softening the eye contour and reducing bags! Aloe Vera helps soothe and calm irritation which I need after soaking off all that crunchy mascara and I love the benefit of an extra eye treatment before bed! You can pick it up for $13.95.

Next I break out my Clarisonic brush and squirt on some of the Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel to rinse away pore clogging irritants. The lather is quite mild so if you still have traces of foundation or oil build-up, you may not see foaming action right away. I always do an initial wash to eliminate the oil barrier naturally produced by the skin and a second wash to deep cleanse. Because the gel does not contain any harsh skin stripping soaps, parabens or perfume, you won’t experience that dry, tight feeling. This large bottle retails for $12.95.

When I need to improve my skin texture and polish-up I use an exfoliant. The new Hydra-C Daily Radiance Scrub is infused with vitamins C & E to refresh, gently slough away dead surface cells, soften and brighten. The micro-fine beads provide very gentle, non abrasive exfoliation more suitable for regular use. I prefer to use it on clean, dry skin as the beads seem less effective on a wet slippery surface and I don’t get enough friction. The scrub retails for $12.95 and you can also pick up the Hydra C Eye Cream for $24.95 to treat dark circles and bags.

I always end with layers of moisture but the new Lumi Power Gel is very lightweight and more suitable for day wear, under makeup and for oily or combination skin. The invigorating, fast absorbing formula is great for an active lifestyle and the infusion of anti-aging ingredients, hyaluronic acid and plant sugars mildly hydrates, brightens to boost your glow and smooths to diminish fine lines. Although I usually prefer a lot more moisture from my creams, this makes a nice, non-greasy base and retails for $24.95.

The best thing about this brand is that they always consider sensitive skin and incorporate ingredients that enhance your skin’s natural beauty without causing flare-ups. You can find Marcelle at drugstores including Shoppers Drug Mart and online at marcelle.com.

Face Off Makeup Remover Cloth Review

It’s time to tackle a task many of us dread, especially after a long, tiring day. I’m referring to makeup removal – the process of trying to dislodge and annihilate full-coverage foundation, long-lasting lip color and waterproof liner. Although it is a total drag, maintaining healthy skin is imperative so I’m always searching for products that make the job easier.

I was contacted by the good people at Face Off about a product that seemed too good to be true! A plain, white cloth capable of removing all face and eye makeup with just warm water!? This I had to try.

When it comes makeup removal I usually use a wipe, emulsifying cream, eye makeup remover, cleansing oil, face wash, toner and occasionally an exfoliant. I know that seems like a lot but I make sure to get every last trace to de-clog my pores and prevent breakouts. This cloth is designed to be reused up to 4 months and it eliminates the need for harsh cleansers.

To use you simply wet the cloth with warm water and start removing! There are no chemicals or any type of liquid cleanser soaked into the material so it is safe for sensitive skin. The texture of the fabric does not feel like your average washcloth, in fact it is quite soft and unique. Instead of merely wetting and spreading around foundation, the cloth has gripping fibers which allows it to gently grab and wipe away all makeup without smearing. This actually makes the cloth more efficient than most disposable wipes and it doesn’t burn or irritate. It removes virtually everything on your face and leaves skin soft and fresh! It is also gets the job done much quicker since you don’t need several different products and it even loosens crunchy mascara, liner and eye shadow while exfoliating. Because you are simply using water, there is no dryness from soap ingredients and it gets rid of excess oil, dirt and blemish causing impurities.

I was very skeptical at first but I will admit that this cloth is pretty darn amazing! I don’t know if it is the best option for travel since it does take some time to completely dry and after a workout at the gym you would have to pack a damp cloth in your bag. For home use however it is convenient and maybe a bit more eco friendly.

The big drawback came when it was time to clean the cloth which is recommended after each use. Foundation contains oil and all that black liner and mascara is a bit difficult to get rid of even with soap. Just like your brushes or sponge applicators, the cloth will become stained so the time and effort I conserved removing my makeup became redundant when I had to spend a considerable amount of time soaping, lathering and rinsing the cloth before I hung it up to dry. I don’t know if I’d want to go through that every night but it is a great option if you aren't a fan of traditional wipes. The cloth is machine washable but avoid fabric softener to maintain the integrity of the fabric.

If you want to avoid harsh soaps and maybe save some money (depending on your beauty routine), then you will probably like this. Despite the clean-up I think it is a great product! The cloth retails for $12.95 and you can check out the website by clicking HERE.

Lancome La Palette Saint-Germain by Sonia Rykiel: Review and Swatches

Rich, seductive color makes a bold statement but for fall I like to kick it up a notch with even more glam and smokiness. The late French fashion designer - Sonia Rykiel collaborated with Lancome to create a beautiful array of shadows that compliment all complexions and captures the essence of the season. With inspiration stemming from Saint Germain des Pres - a highly coveted neighborhood in Paris, the palette incorporates midnight navy, sparkling grey-blue, brilliant silver, soft green, matte rose, khaki and cream.

The packaging is fun and comes with a double-ended brush.

These smoldering shades are perfect for a night out and the cool undertones are also suitable for day wear. The finishes range from shimmer, matte and glitter although I don’t think the extra sparkle is necessary since the particles can be difficult to contain and the colors are bold enough to stand alone. That being said, sometimes I do like a bit of dazzle and these hues are certainly great for events and parties.

The pigmentation varies by shade – the light silver is the sheerest in the palette but the other glitters and deeper hues provide medium to full coverage when layered. It may take a bit of work and a primer with good adhesion but most of the shadows have the potential to be enhanced quite nicely and the mattes are silky smooth. There are great options for the lids, highlighting, transitioning and defining, although I recommend not blending the glitters to avoid fall-out. The best way to apply the sparkle is by patting on the color for more precision and building up to the effect you desire.

At the far right end of the palette there is a little metal flap that opens to reveal 2 liners (deep glittery blue and dark shimmery navy) plus a matte pink highlight/base. The liners are very saturated so you can also use them in the crease for more depth and contrast.

Overall I really like these shadows and there is a nice balance of deep blue and blue-grey that looks lovely for dramatic smokey looks. This palette is limited edition and retails for $75.00 at Lancome counters and online at lancome.ca.

Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation Review

It's time to start thinking about fall/winter skincare and for many of us that means incorporating more moisture. When it comes to makeup, I’m a full-coverage, flawless skin kind of girl but the new lightweight Water Blend Foundation was too enticing to resist!

This fluid new pigment is comprised of 80% pro-vitamin B5 water which gives it a silky, highly blendable texture for superior glide and consistency. Whether you use a sponge or brush, the color is easy to apply and although it initially feels a bit wetter than I’m use to, it sets well and dries with a dewy smooth finish for healthy looking skin.

Because the formula is light and spreadable, the color doesn’t cake or settle into my skin texture which is also easier on the pores! The water-gel texture looks and feels more natural plus the infusion of mango butter provides parched skin with a boost of hydration. I also like the durability of the water resistant, long-wear, transfer-proof finish which help prevent your face from melting off in heat and humidity - great for summer and tropical vacations.

Micro-fine pigments deliver sheer, sleek coverage and with some layering I was able to achieve medium coverage. It does a good job at evening skin tone to camouflage minor blemishes and surprisingly I didn’t miss the heavier formula of my regular foundation.

There are 20 shades to choose from and since one of my staple foundations is the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD I was confident that I could find a similar match. The corresponding numbers between the two collections aren’t exact. I usually wear 173 equal to Y445 but the undertone of the Water Blend is lighter and a bit more yellow whereas the HD Foundation has a deeper tint with a bit of red. I suggest testing the new shades in-store but overall I think this is a great option for those who prefer a fresh-faced look without all the added thickness and mattifiation. Like all foundations I've used, this one looks even better when set with the Make Up For Ever Micro Finish HD Translucent Powder which is still my favorite setting product!

The Water Blend Foundation retails for $54.00 and is available at Sephora and sephora.ca. Check out my review of the new Artist Rouge Lipsticks by clicking HERE.