Clarisonic Mia Smart Review

Over the years Clarisonic has developed many great beauty tools that have kept our complexions clean, healthy and radiant. The brand’s latest innovation is the Mia Smart ($299.00) which surpasses many of the cleansing brushes on the market when it comes to enhancing and customizing your skincare routine.

What’s Included

This device comes with a very basic user guide (you may have to do some research), 1 brush head and a USB charging cord with stand. Other brushes and attachments are sold separately and there are a variety of sets available online. 

New Features

What makes this Mia smarter than its predecessors is the Bluetooth Technology that connects to a special app. Now you can set skincare goals and reminders, access routines and track progress to personalize your treatments. It also has a replacement brush head indicator, 2 modes that allow you to transition from gentle sonic cleansing to daily use, and a smart mode that runs all attachments and routines.

The app is only compatible with iPhones and Androids so I cannot download it on my new 256 GB iPad Pro and my Samsung is running low on space. I will post an update when I’ve synced my device.

Brushes & Attachments

The Mia Smart comes with the Daily Radiance Brush ($30.00) but I prefer the Sensitive Brush Head ($30.00) since the sonic pulsation and exfoliation can be quite intense when used regularly (please note that replacement brushes for this device will be available for purchase in the new year).

It is very tempting to open the box and start cleansing twice a day but I highly recommend moderate use until your skin adjusts. To prevent irritation, redness or bumps, it is also important to use the right brush for your skin type.

Mia Smart beeps to signal each successive cleansing step and the waterproof design is great for in-shower use. Instead of circular rotation the device uses powerful vibrations to eliminate excess oil, stubborn makeup, impurities, pollutants and acne causing bacteria trapped deep within the pores. It is 6X more effective than traditional cleansing methods and works well with most face wash.

After each treatment my skin feels soft, smooth fresh and polished with fewer breakouts. It also enhances the absorption and efficiency of my skincare products for a healthy glow.

Makeup Application

The Foundation Brush Attachment ($39.00) is designed to blend and contour creams, liquids and stick formulas for a flawless airbrushed finish. It does most of the work for you – blurring pores, concealing blemishes and seamlessly buffing in pigment with less product absorption and waste.

Anti-Aging

It is never too early for preventative anti-aging care and with the Firming Massage Head ($79.00) you can tone sagging skin, lift, firm and tighten your profile, cheeks, neck or décolleté from the comfort of home. The invigorating waves stimulate circulation and facial muscles while softening lines and shrinking pores. Use it on your pressure points to help relieve headaches and promote relaxation. Since my mom took stole my last massager for her chin area, I'm keeping this one for myself.

Eye Treatment

We’ve all experienced some degree of puffiness or dark circles and when creams are not enough, the Sonic Awakening Eye Massager ($79.00) revitalizes the area so you look well rested. I’m not sure which direction to twist the stationary balls because the attachment locks into one position making it a bit difficult to manoeuvre. The cool aluminum soothes and alleviates tired eyes while 18,000 massaging vibrations reduce wrinkles, soften crow’s feet, minimize bags and improve blood flow. Like any anti-aging treatment, consistency is key.

I am currently using my eye massager with Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Supercharged Complex ($80.00).  The lightweight, silky formula helps repair the impact of sleep deprivation, pollution, dryness and blue light from electronic devices that can inhibit the body’s natural healing process. It also brightens, hydrates, firms, reduces visible signs of aging and prevents free-radical damage with an 8 hour antioxidant complex. (Available at Sephora, The Bay and online at esteelauder.ca)

The attachments can be tricky to get on and off, (especially if this is your first Clarisonic) but it usually becomes easier with practice.

Clarisonic is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom, Saks and online at clarisonic.ca.

Quick, Healthy Recipes With Nature’s Touch Frozen Fruit

The holiday season is a busy time for most families and I find myself meticulously balancing work, party planning, press trips, decorating, shopping and meal prep. On hectic days there is little time for healthy cooking or complicated recipes so I stock-up on foods that are fresh, naturally preserved and easy to use.

Nature’s Touch Frozen Fruit takes the guess work out of “what’s for lunch” with a tasty selection of organic pesticide-free berries. The produce is picked at the peak of perfection, thoroughly washed and quickly frozen to preserve taste and nutritional value. I use them for baking, salads, smoothies or cocktails and they come in handy for quick snacks.

Finding a perfectly ripe avocado can be a hassle and since I eat one for breakfast every day, having a backup stash in the freezer is very convenient. Nature’s Touch creamy avocado chunks are perfect for wraps and sandwiches plus you don’t have to pit, peel or cut them yourself.

Avocados are incredibly nutritious. They contain more potassium than bananas, heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids that lower bad cholesterol, fiber, vitamins and powerful antioxidants. They may also help prevent cancer, osteoporosis and macular degeneration.

One of the trendiest ways to eat avo (as I like to call it) is on toast but you don’t have to go to a fancy bistro to get it. Check out my delicious recipe below. I make this scrumptious meal for breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Avocado Toast with Spicy Hummus

What you’ll need:

*2 Slices of marble rye bread (toasted)

*1 Fresh avocado or thawed Nature’s Touch Avocado Chunks

*1-2 Stalks of green onion (finely chopped)

*A few cilantro leaves (chopped)

*Garlic powder

*Himalayan pink sea salt (or regular sea salt)

*Black pepper or cayenne pepper - which is great for circulation

*Lemon
*Fresh dill (optional)

*Your favorite hummus – mine is Sunflower Kitchen curry lentil with spicy cilantro chutney (available at Whole Foods). I also like spicy sriracha or roasted garlic.

Directions: In a bowl, crush the avocado with a fork. Add the chopped green onion, dill and cilantro. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and black pepper or cayenne (to taste) with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Cover the toast in a generous layer of hummus and slather with avocado which will taste similar to guacamole. Top with arugula and cherry tomato and enjoy!

Dinner

After an exhausting day the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen making dinner. Thankfully my family loves leafy green salads that are quick and easy to prepare. These big bowls are very filling and help us limit our intake of rich fatty foods and sweets which are hard to resist during the holidays.

Fruit is delicious on salad and Nature’s Touch Wild Blueberries ($6.49) are sweet, plump and juicy even though there is no added sugar.

Wild Blueberry Arugula Salad with Spicy Chicken Breast

Ingredients per serving:

*Organic arugula (washed in cold water and dried)

*Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onions - garlic & pepper flavor (available at Walmart)

*1 M & M Food Market Spicy Chicken Breast (baked in the oven until crispy)

*Cherry Tomatoes - I use Sunset Wild Wonders Gourmet Medley - Green House Grown (available at Walmart).

*1 Small Avocado (diced)

*1-2 Stalks of green onion

*Feta Cheese

*Roasted Sunflower Seeds

*Nature’s Touch Wild Blueberries (thawed)

Make your own dressing or try the Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fig and Balsamic. The hint of sweetness compliments the spicy arugula perfectly! 

Breakfast

I am usually scrambling to get out the door in the morning so instead of making a big traditional breakfast I whip up a smoothie the night before and pop it in the fridge for a quick energy boost on-the-go. Nature’s Touch cubed mango pieces ($5.99) are fresh, flavorful and easy to use (no peeling or dicing required). Now I can enjoy my favorite fruit (whether it is in season or not) while loading up on vitamins and fiber to improve digestion and boost immunity.

Mango Smoothie Recipe

What you’ll need:

*1 Pouch of Nature’s Touch Mango-2-Go (they come prepackaged in individual servings)

*1 Vanilla yogurt cup or 1 serving of your favorite yogurt

*1/2 Cup unsweetened almond milk

*1/2 Tablespoon of organic honey

~Blend until smooth and creamy.

Dessert

Dessert is often the highlight of any family dinner but if your cake or pastry looks a little boring, a fresh fruit topping is an easy way to spruce up presentation. My husband’s favorite is cheesecake so I garnish it with Nature’s Touch Wild Blueberries. Don’t forget to use the mouth-watering juice, it makes a colorful sauce.

Nature’s Touch Frozen Fruit is available at: Sobey’s, Foodland, Fortinos, Loblaws and Costco. You can visit the website at naturestouchfrozenfoods.com.

How to Grow Long Healthy Hair | L’Oreal Dream Lengths Collection and Total Repair 5

I’ve had long hair for most of my life. As a child my mane was healthy, flowing and hip length with a beautiful curl pattern. It was so thick that my neck barely supported the weight when I dunked my head in the bath and my mom spent hours styling it. Things were good back then, way before I became a teenager and discovered flat irons that fried my ends until they snapped. It took years to reverse the damage but eventually I learned to maintain and care for my luscious locks.

Understanding How Hair Grows

If you’ve decided to grow your hair there are some biological factors you should understand first. Not everyone can have Arianna Grande’s long locks (or whichever long haired mogul you look up to). Your natural length is predetermined by genetics and controlled by the anagen phase of your hair follicle. This means that each healthy hair will grow to a specific maximum length before shedding and being replaced. This cycle differs for everyone which is why some people cannot grow hair past their shoulders and others have ankle length tendrils. Other factors that affect growth include extreme stress, malnutrition and hormones.

My hair does not usually grow longer than my tailbone or hips and I’ve come to accept that. I may never have knee length strands but at least they are healthy and strong.

How to Enhance Hair Growth

Although genetics plays a big role in hair growth, improper care and damage from chemicals, dye or heat can greatly influence health and length. Hair that is dry, brittle or weak will break, split, fray and shed much quicker which makes it difficult to retain length. Below I’ve listed a few tips and tricks to help support optimal growth.

*Eliminate chemicals and hair dye.

*Take daily multivitamins or supplements and consume a balanced diet. I like Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Strawberry Gummies with Biotin ($9.79 available at Walmart and drugstores nationwide). They taste delicious and help in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums while metabolizing fats and protein.

*Drink more water (lots more).

*Improve the quality of your sleep (for more info read – How to Improve Your Beauty Sleep).

*Reduce heat styling and air dry instead of blow drying. Always use a thermal spray to prevent damage.

*Shampoo less to maintain natural oils and refrain from using formulas that are harsh or drying. If you need to wash every day try co-washing (cleansing with conditioner).

*Apply a treatment mask/deep conditioner for at least 1-2 hours every two weeks to replenish moisture.

*Wear your hair in its natural state and use leave-ins or oils.

*Sleep with your hair tied up or braided and invest in a satin pillow case to prevent breakage, friction and oil absorption.

*Wear protective styles, comb gently or use your fingers to detangle with lots of slippery conditioner.

*Trim individual split-ends or single strand knots but refrain from cutting off any length. Make sure to use sharp professional shears to prevent hair from re-splitting.

*Perform weekly scalp massages that enhance circulation and blood flow to the roots.

*Use products that are formulated to promote growth.

L’Oreal Dream Lengths

L’Oreal has created a new collection infused with keratin and castor oil to “intensely repair” thin, damaged hair and help retain length. The shampoo ($5.99) smells great and does what most cleansers do - it eliminates excess oil and debris while refreshing the scalp. The formula contains sodium laureth sulfate without enough emollients to counteract its drying effect so it leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean and a tad stripped. This is okay when I want to purify my scalp and remove product build-up but I don’t use it every day and I avoid over-lathering my ends.

The conditioner ($5.99) restores hydration, helps detangle and makes my hair feel soft and nourished. For the ingredients to work I leave it on for at least 10 minutes and it also makes a great shaving cream! I doubt there are enough nutrients in the formula to replenish severe damage (for that check out my Kerastase Resistance Extentioniste Review) but the products are effective for general maintenance and moisture.

The No Haircut Cream ($8.49) can be applied to damp hair before styling to improve texture and shield from thermal damage. The lightweight gel also helps maintain curl formation, seal cuticles, reduce frizz, improve texture and strengthen with a regenerating vitamin complex.

Total Repair 5

The Dream Lengths Collection is decent but if you’re aiming for strong, healthy hair I prefer Total Repair 5. These products are formulated to improve strength, density, vitality, shine and silkiness. Infused with protein, almond and cicamide (which I am not familiar with), the 3 step system helps restore the hair surface and L’Oreal claims that you can expect “97% less breakage in just 1 use.”

The shampoo ($5.99) foams into a luxurious lather that eliminates all the gel, leave-ins, serums, oils and dry shampoo you might use on a weekly basis. It left my hair feeling clean but not brittle and the scent is fabulous.

The Total Repair 5 Conditioner ($5.99) drenches my lengths in moisture, helps undo pesky knots and resurrects dull strands without weigh or limpness.

The product that really made a difference is the Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge ($8.49) which I used all summer and even brought on vacation. This leave-in is suitable for all hair types and curly girls will love it! The lavish texture envelops each strand in fortifying moisture and restructures to reduce shedding, breakage and split-ends. It also provides hold and frizz control (without compromising on movement) and makes my curls feel soft, bouncy, sleek and healthy. In extreme climates (hot or cold) it shields and protects so hair never becomes dry or lackluster. This is probably one of the best leave-ins L’Oreal has formulated. 

Considering that most of my salon quality shampoos and conditioners cost around $45 - $65 each, Total Repair 5 is quite effective for the price and readily available at drugstores nationwide.

Too Faced Razzle Dazzle Berry Eye Shadow Palette Review | Tutti Frutti Collection

No matter what your style or color preference, berry shades look good on everyone. With the holiday season in full-swing it’s time to go glam with brilliant shimmer and vivid pigments that make a bold statement.

The Too Faced Razzle Dazzle Berry Palette ($42.00) smells as good as it looks with a mouth-watering fruit fragrance and seven irresistible shades. The packaging is gorgeous and the shadows range from matte, metallic and satin for eye-catching contrast.

Once you see how stunning these colors look you will probably want to wear them every day. The texture is smooth and velvety for easy application, buildable coverage and fantastic saturation with no creasing, flaking or fading. I expected the shimmers to be messy but they apply neatly with very little scatter and a radiant finish. I love how the matte berry compliments the vibrant garnet and the blackened navy has a dusting of multi-colored glitter that dances in the light. Everything about this palette is wonderful!

Razzle Dazzle Eye Shadow and Gingerbread Man Lipstick

The Pineapple Paradise Strobing Bronzer ($30.00) provides a golden glow that illuminates the face and décolletage. The powder isn’t’ smooth or creamy but it does apply consistently with no chunky glitter. The pretty highlighter is universal but the bronzer lacks intensity and blends into my skin without accentuating or defining.

I was unable to get my hands on the Too Faced Gingerbread Palette (sorry ladies, it sold-out in the blink of an eye) but I did receive the Gingerbread Man Liquefied Matte Lipstick ($21.00) and it was love at first swatch! The formula is rich, highly pigmented and scrumptious (seriously, I can’t stop smelling it). It reminds me of chocolate liquor with a splash of Baileys Irish Cream – sweet and decadent. The creamy color is also enriched with avocado oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic filling spheres for plumpness, hydration and comfort. I love the mixture of spiced red and deep orange, the undertone is quite unique.

Too Faced is available at Sephora and online at too faced.com

Fresh Beauty Limited-Edition Zodiac Sugar Lip Treatment | Holiday 2018

When the temperature drops many people flee to warm destinations but I love Canadian winters! As a child I spent hours outside building snowmen, skating and having snowball fights with my sister. These days my life is somewhat more refined. I enjoy romantic weekends at Mont Tremblant’s Ski Resort and cozy bonfires at the Fairmont. The holiday season can be magical (no matter how old you are) but cold weather is harsh on the skin.

Fresh Beauty is well known for their replenishing face masks, awesome cleansers and refreshing toners but the Sugar Lip Balms are bestsellers for a reason. The formula is loaded with sea fennel, orange extract, jojoba, grape seed oil, avocado oil, meadowfoam seed, black currant, sunflower oil and rose water to smooth fine lines, diminish wrinkles and deeply nourish.

Personalized gifts are always popular so this Christmas why not surprise friends and family with their very own zodiac sign lip balm ($32.00 ea). Each tube features a hand painted design and the same ultra hydrating formula Fresh is known for (without parabens, sulfates or phthalates). It might be a good idea to open the box and check the tube before purchasing because I noticed a printing error on the Leo cap.

When lips feel dry and flaky, exfoliate gently and apply generous layers of balm as an overnight treatment. The creamy finish melts in without greasiness to soften, smooth, improve elasticity and retexturize.

The suppleness of these balms lasts for hours and on long flights they protect skin from dehydration and peeling. I always keep one in my purse, travel bag and office to prep my pout for lipstick and fortify against icy wind.

Fresh Beauty is available at Sephora and online at sephora.ca

L’Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-In Serum Review and Winter Skincare Essentials

By now many of you know that I am kind of obsessed with L’Occitane. The ingredients are freshly harvested from the fragrant fields of Provence (in the South of France) and the formulas pamper and transform the complexion to regenerate your youthful glow. Today I’ve rounded-up some wonderful products to help combat the cold winter weather and boost radiance.

The Immortelle Divine Mousse En-Crème ($44.00) lathers into a dense foam that deeply cleanses to eliminate impurities, pollutants, oil, dirt and makeup. One tube lasts for months because it takes very little to create a lush bubbly cream that envelops the entire face and neck.

The Immortelle Divine Crème ($119.00) and Youth Oil ($114.00) is a dynamic duo that prevents dryness and diminishes visible signs of aging. Infused with the everlasting immortelle flower which never fades, the decadent oil replenishes, plumps, balances and fortifies with no irritation or clogged pores. The consistency is rich and supple so it takes a bit longer to absorb but once it sinks in, skin feels incredibly soft, smooth and hydrated.

For plump silky skin, I layer the oil over the crème to create a night mask effect and awake with a bright, healthy complexion. I’ve been using this bestseller for years and sometimes I hide it from my husband because he tends to finish the jar. The rich formula firms and fades wrinkles while drenching your face in layers of lavish moisture that improves texture and tone without greasiness. It is safe and gentle on all skin types including sensitive.

If you only buy one luxury product this year I highly recommend the Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-In Serum ($69.00). The sumptuous formula replenishes dull, tired skin by the time you wake up and I noticed a substantial difference in my complexion after just one use. I don’t know what kind of magic L’Occitane has infused in this transforming complex but I do know that the caviar-like capsules are immortelle essential oil bubbles that melt on contact. I apply the serum after cleansing and before moisturizer, hop into bed and by the next morning my skin looks rejuvenated, clear, even, dewy and glowing (seriously, this stuff is amazing!). All signs of stress, blemishes and dryness dulls to an undetectable level and my makeup looks even more flawless.

During the winter when skin gets ashy and flaky, the Verbena Icy Body Gel ($44.00) soothes dry itchy patches. You can pop it in the fridge for an ice cube effect or use it to alleviate discomfort and irritation after shaving. The Gel has a fresh lemony scent that is also ideal for summer.

Another way to soften rough winter skin is exfoliation and I love the Verbena Scrub ($44.00) infused with natural sugar crystals. The zesty blend also contains crushed walnut shells and shea butter to buff away dead cells, nourish and hydrate. I use it on my entire body (especially arms and legs) to improve texture and smooth away razor bumps. It also works wonders on dry chapped hands.

The Verbena Hair and Body Mist ($19.00) delivers an invigorating blast of citrus that refreshes the skin and hair without stickiness. When you’re not in the mood for heavy perfume or have no time to shampoo, spritz this on throughout the day and bask in the uplifting scent.

L’Occitane is available at boutiques and online at ca.loccitane.com.

The Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusers

Winter weather has arrived and when the temperature drops we tend to spend more time indoors. I love curling up by the Christmas tree with a warm blanket and a mug of hot cocoa but studies suggest that the air pollution in our homes may be five times worse than the air outside. When you consider how contaminated the environment can be, this finding is quite alarming. I always try to keep my house clean and fresh, especially during the holiday season when I do more entertaining.

Oil diffusers have been around for a long time but they haven’t always been this stylish. Many brands are now recognizing the health benefits of essential oils and creating beautiful units to compliment your decor.

Cold and flu season is a great time to invest in a diffuser because essential oils cleanse the air of bacteria and help boost the immune system. They also help remove allergens, repel insects, promote better sleep, support respiratory health, increase energy and relieve stress.

In my bedroom I’ve created an oasis for beauty sleep with a cool mist humidifier, Himalayan salt lamp and Avon’s Aura Ultrasonic Diffuser ($69.99). Simply fill the water reservoir with a few drops of essential oil and relax as the soothing vapor disinfects the air. The device has an auto-shutoff safety feature and multicolored LED mood lighting that cycles between purple, blue, teal, green, yellow, white, pink and red. 

The diffuser mists for 4 continuous hours or 8 hours intermittently and the lightweight design makes it easy to move around the house. 

At bedtime my favorite oil is Sweet Dreams ($22.00) – a soothing blend of lavender and chamomile. Avon’s plant derived formulas are highly concentrated and 100% pure to enhance your sense of well-being.

When suffering from cold symptoms, allergies or congestion, I use the Zen Blend ($22.00) – a fusion of lavender, sweet fennel, chamomile and peppermint. It helps clear nasal passages, relieve stress and lessen coughing for better breathing. 

During a yoga session the Happiness blend infuses the air with the refreshing scent of grapefruit, lemon and sweet orange. You can even combine your favorite oils to create a customized fragrance! (These products are available at avon.ca).

Arbonne has also formulated a wonderful collection of Rescue and Renew Pure Essential Oils that promote mental acuteness and a calm environment. Focus ($38.00) smells like the inside of a high-end spa - very botanical, earthy and relaxing. It contains basil, rosemary, peppermint, bergamot and lemon to help improve concentration and alertness. I also use this fragrance to diminish cooking odors.

These invigorating oils can also be diluted and used on the body to replenish, moisturize and heal. The Tea Tree blend ($38.00) is great for detoxifying the skin, treating blemishes and preventing breakouts. Like peppermint, it helps relieve stuffiness and eliminate stale odors.

You can also add a few drops to facial scrubs, toners, creams, serums, hair products, foot baths, laundry water, garbage cans, diaper pails and a warm bath. Arbonne is available at arbonne.com and through independent consultants.

I’ve been using the Saje Pocket Pharmacy ($59.00) for years because the oils have a roller-ball applicator for topical use and a dropper at the other end for diffusing.

The small case is convenient for travel and comes with 5 healing blends that treat common ailments including:

*Peppermint Halo - for headache relief.

*Immune - to fight germs and viruses while alleviating cold symptoms.

*Eater’s Digest - soothes stomach discomfort and supports healthy digestive functioning.

*Stress Release - for mild anxiety and nervousness.

*Pain Release – treats muscles aches and stiffness.

The set also comes with a booklet outlining how to use each oil and where to apply them for best results. You can find this collection at Saje boutiques nationwide and online at saje.com.

With the Puressentiel Cordless Ultrasonic Diffuser ($49.99) you can take your favorite scents on-the-go. This lightweight palm-size device can be moved anywhere in your home and it is great for the office, cottage, car and dorm room. I take mine on vacation and use it with the Puressentiel Trip in Sicily Oil ($10.00) infused with revitalizing citrus. The refreshing summery fragrance helps me recover from jet-lag and improves my mood so I can start the day on a positive note.

In the summer, fill the diffuser with lemongrass or peppermint oil and put it on the patio to keep bugs away and prevent mosquito bites.

This small but efficient device has 3 modes, soothing LED light, rechargeable battery and a safety shut-off feature. It functions for up to 40 hours with a 3 hour charge cycle.

During cold and flu season, fill the reservoir with eucalyptus oil and set it on a shelf to help clear the air and improve breathing. Puressentiel is available at pharmacies and ca.puressentiel.com.

Another unique way to enjoy essential oils is with Avon’s Genuine Crystal Necklace ($70.00). The crystal opens to reveal a small felt insert that can be saturated with your favorite blend. As you wear the necklace, the oil is slowly diffused into the air so you can enjoy the aroma therapy benefits all day. For more info read my full review HERE and check out Avon’s new Roll-On Oils.

For more beauty and health tips check out my article on How to Improve Your Beauty Sleep

Mix Beauty Lab | Create Your Own Makeup!

Last Tuesday Mix Beauty Lab invited me to their studio to do something many beauty gurus, editors and influencers only dream about. I had the opportunity to create my very own makeup and the process was so much fun!

I’ve always wanted to formulate my own products and although I haven’t reached that stage in my career (yet), it was interesting to see how much time and effort goes into developing a new shade. The lab technicians helped bring my vision to life as I chose a hydrating matte base and began mixing pigments.

It took a few adjustments to achieve the exact tone and texture I had in mind but the saturation isn't quite there. I have to apply a few generous layers to achieve medium coverage but the consistency is moist and comfortable.

Once everything was mixed to my specifications we heated the liquid, poured it into a mold and carefully pressed it into the tube. My lippie looked a bit wet for a while so I popped it in the fridge overnight.

Each custom lipstick will cost you $50.00 or $80.00 for 2 (including the help of a mixologist). Considering the average price of a high-end lipstick this service is a bit expensive but I think every makeup junkie should try it at least once.

If you bring a photo the lab can also help you recreate your favorite shade even after it has been discontinued.

I named my lipstick Seductress because...well just look at it! 

I was excited to formulate a custom foundation because I can never seem to find a flawless match. Mixing the pigment wasn’t as hands-on since it required a trained eye but I was able to choose a suitable finish for my skin type (combination), preferred coverage (full) and beneficial additives like vitamins, emollients, skincare and SPF.

The lighting in the studio that night made it difficult to determine undertones so you might want to visit during the day and arrive with little to no makeup on your face.

She came close to making me a decent color match but I still have to blend my custom shade with another foundation to lighten the finish. On the bright side, the texture is silky, lightweight and smooth – definitely a high quality formula. The cost of creating a custom foundation is $65.00, not bad for the size.

At the lip gloss station I had no idea what color I wanted to make so I started by customizing the consistency (shiny with a balm-like texture for more hydration) and I went to work adding pigment, mixing in glitter and infusing fragrance. It was also interesting to see other people’s creations. You can tell a lot about someone’s personal style by the shades they concoct and whatever you whip up in the lab will be one of a kind which is oddly satisfying.

Everyone, I’d like you to meet Envy – a pretty burgundy pink with iridescent pink shimmer and a citrus-y sangria scent. It isn't as pigmented as I hoped but it makes my lips look plush and luminous!

Custom lip gloss service - $40.00 per gloss or $70 for two.

Mix Beauty Lab is definitely taking makeup to a new level with their interactive sessions and if I had known about it years ago when planning my bachelorette it would have been a unique experience for all my friends! It is a great idea for birthday parties or girl’s night and they also provide makeup applications, facials, lash services, manicures body exfoliation and tanning – a little something for everyone.

For more information visit mixbeautylab.com

Urban Decay Elements Eye Shadow Palette | Review & Swatches

Just in time for the winter solstice, Urban Decay has released another stunning palette that is sure to be on everyone’s holiday wish-list. Following Born to Run and Naked Cherry is no easy feat but this celestial compact features 19 mystical shades that range from bright matte, holographic shimmer and molten metallics – everything you need to look stunning at festive parties.

The colorful round case was inspired by the elements – air, earth, fire and water.

Inside the pigments are displayed like a constellation orbiting around Luna - an ultra-iridescent transformer shade that can be layered on top of the shimmers to customize their finish. I’m not crazy about the large white shadow since it doesn’t seem to have much effect on the mattes and the texture is a bit flaky. I do however like the idea of altering colors for more variety and these beauties look gorgeous on all skin tones.

If you’re looking for a bold spectrum of eye shadow this palette is stunning! Most of the shades are velvety smooth, highly saturated and crease resistant with the exception of Dream Weaver – a bright matte pink that falls a little short on pigmentation. I always recommend using a good base (UD’s Primer Potion is my all-time fave) but the formula is durable and lasts all day without fading.

My favorite hues are the dramatic royal blue (Sapphire Dream), the gorgeous metallic teal (Heavy Water) and of course the bright purple (Hex Remedy). There aren’t many mattes but Fire Starter (deep golden red) and Elemental (soft sienna) work well with so many palettes in my collection including Naked Heat.

The vibrant colors are great for a night out but you can totally rock the bronze, gold, silvery pink, champagne and burgundy any day of the week.

Urban Decay is available at freestanding stores, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, and online at urbandecay.ca. Don't forget to sign up for the Beauty Junkies Rewards Program to earn and redeem points.