Kérastase 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the time of year when many of us are getting glam for parties, dinners and holiday events so to celebrate the season Kérastase has released a selection of sensational sets! Whether you are looking to spruce-up your do or give the gift of gorgeous hair to friends and family, these kits offer something for everyone!

One of my favorite gift sets for winter is the Elixir Ultime Collection which rejuvenates dry, frizzy stands from root to tip! The products are packaged in a nice decorative box so all you have to do is find the perfect card.

The mini shampoo is great for travel and contains nourishing oils like avocado and argan that counteract the sulfates and protect from brittleness and stripping. The shampoo eliminates build-up, product film and greasiness with a purifying lather that smells fantastic!

There is nothing like a deep conditioning treatment to heal and repair rough, damaged hair which is why I love the Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil Mask. This lavish formula is enriched with shimmering pearls to enhance radiance and the rich texture coats every stand for softness and hydration. The oil blend also fortifies damaged ends and smooths raised cuticles for a polished finish.

The hair oil works wonders on parched strands and enhances flexibility, resiliency and moisture to protect against heat styling and harsh climate. The consistency of the oil is silky rather than greasy so hair looks glossy and replenished without feeling limp. The formula also has a wonderful perfume scent and helps tame frizz, fly-aways and split-ends for improved texture. It can be applied to both wet and dry hair (straight, wavy or curly) before and after styling. This collection is valued at $149.00 but retails for $105.00.

The gift sets also cater to color maintenance, strengthening, curls and healthy growth. To find a store/salon near you click HERE.

#MyHolidayHair Contest!

If you’d like a chance to win a year of FREE hair care and complimentary in-salon services enter the Kérastase Holiday Contest by clicking **HERE**

Sephora 2016 Holiday Collection and Gift Sets!

Sephora is usually bustling with shoppers all year but during the holiday season it is one of the most popular one-stop-shop for all things makeup and beauty. If you aren’t up to braving the cold, battling for a parking spot or elbowing your way through the lipsticks, you can always shop online or download the new Sephora app which gives you access to the entire store, specials and beauty inspiration. (Click HERE for more info)

Every girl loves a pretty makeup bag to store all her essentials and this year there are a ton of options with lots of sparkle! One of my favorites is the Glitter, Gold & Everything Bold Clutch which is perfect for makeup and personal items like your cell phone. This glamorous bag can be slipped into a tote or suitcase and carried as an accessory to glamorize your outfit. It retails for $33.00.

For those who travel frequently, the Sparkle & Shine Weekender bag with cream background and flashy chevron pattern is spacious and trendy.

The bag has labelled compartments for jewelry, toiletries and makeup so you can keep organized and stay stylish. I love that the glitter doesn’t rub off so I will definitely be taking it on my next trip, it retails for $48.00.

The Jetsetter Personalized Clutch makes a cute gift for every woman on your list. I keep it in my purse and fill it with lipstick, powder, blotting papers, hand sanitzer, mini mirror and grooming tools. It retails for $25.00 but you may have to hurry since many initials are already sold out.

Another cute option is the Objects of My Perfection makeup bag which is simple, sparkly and totally fashionable. It retails for $25.00.

Let me introduce you to Studley – a cute little pom-pom atop a makeup sponge travel case. You can detach this little guy and hook him to your key chain plus he comes with a Sephora Air Brush Sponge in a breathable mesh carrying case for drying, storage and protection. Studley retails for $23.00.

The sponge applicators can be used wet or dry and work with all makeup formulations although I mostly use them for liquid foundation. They also come in the Trio Set which includes one full-size sponge, two minis and a little bar cleanser for $15.00.

The holiday brush sets are handy tools and beautiful decor for your vanity area. The Glitter Happy Collection comes with 6 brushes for: crease blending, blush, powder, concealer, shadow and lips plus a dazzling stand. Although the brushes have a glossy coating that isn't quite professional quality, they are soft and sleek. The set might be a little more about trendy design and stunning packaging than flawless application but it gets the job done and retails for $74.00. I also recommend using extreme care when removing everything from the packaging since it is glued in and using too much force can break the handles.

House of Lashes released the Holiday Gem Set featuring a beautiful multi-level gold case, 2 bottles of adhesive (in black and white) and their bestselling seductress lashes. There are three tiers, a mirror and a compartment underneath for storing tools which makes it great for travel and ladies who can’t live without their lashes.

The Double Time Double Ended Brush Set is almost too gorgeous to use so I think I’ll just sit here and marvel at its beauty. It comes with a shiny gold crackle pouch and 5 brushes for the face and eyes which is really more like 10 brushes since they are 2-in-one.

The rungs that hold the brushes in the pouch are velcro and can be fastened around the handles so you don’t have to slide them in and distort the bristles. The material isn’t super plush but it is soft enough and feels gentle on the skin. This set also has the same glossy coating which makes them feel more artificial but the eye brushes blend quite well and I can’t get over the handles! The set retails for $93.00.

~Happy shopping and be sure to check out my previous posts for more great gift ideas!

Serpentine Beauty Bold Lip Glaze Review

Today I am excited to feature a new Canadian makeup brand based right here in Toronto! You may be unfamiliar with Serpentine Beauty but these trendy lip colors will have many beauty junkies loading up their online carts. The company specializes in creating a diverse range of high performance pigments formulated for professional results. There are flattering shades for every skin tone and personality – designed to make women feel confident, stylish and beautiful.  

There are 10 Lip Glazes currently available on the website with a beautiful collection of lipsticks set to launch very soon. The color spectrum ranges from nude tones and pearlescent pink to vibrant hues, unique reds and radiant finishes. The packaging you see here is currently being glamorized for a chic new look but the formula is impressive.

The Glazes are classified as a liquid lipstick - gloss hybrid with rich pigmentation and a lush, comfortable texture. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and saturates lips in bold, stunning color that is buildable and easily enhanced to customize your look. If you prefer soft coverage, you have the option of layering lighter and you can even apply over lipstick or mix your favorites to create a unique blend.

Each shade is infused with luminous pearls for a multidimensional effect and enriched with conditioning emollients, waxes, antioxidants and anti-aging properties for supple, healthy looking lips. Nourishing shea butter moisturizes to prevent dryness and the shiny finish is luminous without feeling thick or sticky. The scent isn’t bad but I find it quite waxy. A splash of fruit or sweetness would have been a nice touch but once applied the aroma seems to mellow.

Since the formula is creamy, the color will eventually transfer with contact, eating and wear but it does so gradually and adheres well for better staying power and no feathering. When the color fades, my lips feel soft and hydrated - similar to the results I get from using lip balm.

The nude hues are not really my style with the exception of the shade Naked Angel but I can see them being suitable for fair complexions.

Left to right: Naked Angled (champagne-nude), Fuzzy Princess (frosty ballerina pink) and Kayla (soft pink with shimmer)

I also have two Glazes in the new packaging which is a nice improvement. I think the neutral range could use more color variation in terms of undertones but if you like soft, tranquil hues these may work for you.

Vivacious (pinky-nude) and Afterglow (nude with gold pearls)

The pink and berry shades are my personal fave for all seasons and they are universally flattering. I think every woman needs a powerful, confidence-boosting color in her collection and my go-to Glaze is Hysteria.

Left to right: Miss Moxie (fuchsia pink,) Marquise (pink-purple mauve) and Hysteria (magenta pink)

The bronzy-red pigments are fabulous on every complexion but I particularly love them on medium to deep skin. They also look great with glamorous makeup.

Napoleon (bronzy-pink with red undertone) and Rustique (burnt orange) 

In the future I would love to see the brand expand the collection to include brighter reds, wine, soft plums and maybe even deep purple.

If you are on the hunt for vivacious lip color with a great formula then head over to serpentinebeauty.com. The Lip Glazes retail for $26.00 each.

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package

Occasionally we all need a break from the daily demands of a busy schedule and with the holiday season in full-swing life can get hectic. A winter getaway is a great way to unwind, de-stress and enjoy the festivities of the season which is why you should take advantage of the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package.

My flight from Toronto was just over an hour and Philadelphia offers a rich cultural and historical experience along exceptional dining, shopping, vibrant nightlife and exciting attractions. This package is perfect for a romantic vacation, family fun, girl’s night or even bachelor parties and the savings are amazing!

The package includes:

*(1) or (2) night accommodations at one of 38 hotels in Philadelphia

*FREE hotel parking each night (up to $100 value for hotels downtown)

*2 tickets to Jurassic World at the Franklin Institute ($70 value)

*2 ice skate rentals and FREE admission to Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ($28 value)

*1 $20 gift card to use at one of 10 Garces restaurants in Philadelphia

*1 FREE Uber ride (up to $10) for new and existing riders

The value of all these perks with free hotel parking adds up to $228.

To book this package simply head to visitphilly.com and on the Overnight Hotel Package page input your travel dates to check availability, compare rates and choose a hotel.

I stayed at the Sonesta Hotel (formerly the Crowne Plaza) located on Market Street in the heart of the city close to Rittenhouse Square. The Sonesta offers a seasonal rooftop pool, 24 hour fitness center, 445 guest rooms, meeting and event space, a business center, in-room dining, valet parking, high speed Wi-Fi and more!

Photo by: R.Kenedy for Visit Philadelphia®.

The lobby is artfully decorated and the staff was welcoming and helpful when providing sightseeing recommendations and directions. My room on the 23rd floor was spacious, clean and modern with great views of the bustling city below. There was also a flat screen TV, work desk, sitting area and a stylish bathroom with fluffy robes. After a long day exploring Philly on-foot, the luxurious king size bed and soft, comfortable pillows was just what I needed to completely relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Photo by: R.Kenedy for Visit Philadelphia®.

What I like most about the hotel is the lively, upbeat vibe and social atmosphere of the lobby and Art Bar. The restaurant’s trendy lounge area is a great place to have appetizers and drinks plus there is easy access to Ruth Chris Steak House next door which is highly rated and popular for fine dining.

Photo by: R.Kenedy for Visit Philadelphia®.

The Sonesta is conveniently located so you can walk to many places of interest without having to pay additional fees for parking. City Hall is just a few blocks away and the beautiful European architecture with intricate pillars and castle-like facade is a magnificent landmark.

The Christmas Market was also set up in this area with decorated trees, a skating rink and vendors selling homemade crafts and snacks while festive holiday music played in the background.

Most travelers also stop to take photos at Love Park – officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza.

The city is lovely while transitioning from fall to winter and the streets are sprinkled in colorful foliage.

There are many museums and historical sites in Philly so I stopped at Independence Hall where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted.

The stunning Masonic Temple stands out prominently among the city’s modern sky scrapers and its ancient, cathedral- like design transports you back in time.

Since the Sonesta Hotel is centrally located, I simply strolled to some of my favorite designer stores a few blocks away. For even more shopping you can also drive to King of Prussia Mall which is the second largest shopping center in the United States. The mall also has a beautiful Christmas display.  

The Visit Philly Overnight Package includes 2 tickets to Jurassic World and the educational exhibit is fun for all ages! I enjoyed the interactive digital tour and the large, life-like animatronic dinosaurs that roamed the dark forested areas. You can even visit the T-Rex training enclosure featured in the last film and explore the research lab where baby dinosaurs are hatched from mosquito fossils. The entire experience is very unique.

I used the $20 restaurant gift card from the package for lunch at 24 Wood Fire Fare. The crispy Italian thin crust pizza is flavored with fresh, authentic ingredients that reminded me of my trips to Italy.

There are endless dining options but the city is famous for the Philly cheese steak sandwich made with thinly sliced pieces of beef topped with cheese on a long hoagie roll. Just around the corner from the Sonesta I stumbled upon Cleavers Restaurant which offers a wide selection of sandwiches and toppings. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Italiano which was delicious!

When you book this package make sure to use the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest tickets even if you choose not to skate. The sparkling Christmas tree, cheerful music, warm lodge bars, hot chocolate stalls and cozy fire pits is worth the visit and there are even sailboats spruced-up with holiday decorations floating on the water.

If you are looking to get away for a couple days the Philly Overnight Hotel Package provides just enough to see and do with great savings! I had a fabulous time discovering the city and I look forward to visiting again soon! For more information or to book your trip click HERE.