Makeup Review: Beautiful Lips from Bite Beauty!

Bite Beauty's The Lip Pencil & Amuse Bouche Lipstick Review

As a single woman over the age of 35 with very little time in the morning, I've got my regular makeup routine down to a science: wash, moisturize, foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, and eyebrows. If needed (which I usually do) I dab on some concealer under my eyes or on any blemishes that seem to appear even though I graduated high school in the 90's. I'm usually running late, so I finish my look with some pressed powder and tinted lip gloss or balm which I apply in my building's elevator. I normally don't bother with lipstick because I don't have the time or patience to apply it in the morning and then have to reapply it throughout the day. I usually find lipsticks dry out my lips with daily use and lip liners? Forget it; they are a lost cause for me. If I don't have the time or inclination to apply lipstick, I definitely don't have the extra time to line my lips before I apply the absent lipstick. But I do enjoy wearing a dramatic lip shade when I go out at night or adding a pretty colour to my lips for brunch with friends, but that's it. Until now. I recently was sent two of Bite Beauty's lip pencils and two sample-sized Amuse Bouche lipsticks for free to test out and review. And to my pleasant surprise, I have been wearing the lipstick (almost) daily for the past month.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Honeycomb and Whiskey and Lip Pencil in 020 and 044

I'm in love with Bite Beauty's Amuse Bouche lipsticks! Not only did the lipsticks not dry out my lips, but I only had to reapply a few times throughout my long day, the lipstick stayed on my lips through two coffee runs! Made from nourishing oils and ingredients, the Amuse Bouche lipstick made my lips feel and look amazing. The lipstick was creamy and easy to apply. There is a hint of a fresh citrus scent and taste, which is a nice pick-me-up in my busy morning.

Skincare Review: L'Oreal's Bright Reveal!

L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal Skincare Collection Review

I have a confession to make. From last March until September, I neglected my regular beauty routine and my skin wasn't looking too good. Because of some personal difficulties, I wasn't feeling too excited about several things in my life which including putting in alot of effort into my personal appearance. A few weeks ago I made some hard decisions in my life, which I'm pretty excited about and will share soon, and I decided it was time to get back to basics and start looking as good as I felt. It was at that time that I received L'Oreal's new RevitaLift Bright Reveal Collection free to test out and review, which I took as a sign that I made the right decisions!

The L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal Collection includes a Brightening Scrub Cleanser, Brightening Peel Pads, Brightening Dual Moisturizer, and Brightening Daily Lotion and are packed with anti-aging ingredients including Vitamin GC Acid, Hepes, Glycolic Acid (formulated with 10% - one of the highest amounts found in drugstores), Perlite, and Retinol. Which is great for someone who is closer to 40 than 30 (but still doesn't look it:).

Makeup Review: CoverGirl & Katy Perry Are A Purrfect Match!

CoverGirl Katy Perry Lipstick & Mascara Review

I'm always a little pessimistic with celebrity beauty collaborations but the recent Katy Perry collaboration with CoverGirl has made me an optimist! The Katy Kat makeup line blends two of my favourite things together - cats and makeup - and comes up with a fun and chic collection of mascaras and matte lipsticks with fabulous colour names like Magenta Minx and Maroon Meow.

I was approached by BzzAgent to review one of the Katy Perry CoverGirl Collections mascaras and lipsticks and chose the Perry Blue Mascara and Maroon Meow Matte Lipstick. I haven't worn a blue mascara since I was 13 years old and thought it would be fun to try it out and I fell in love with the Maroon Meow shade (and name) and just had to try it for myself!

Haircare Review: Finding Zen with Orofluido Asia!

Orofluido Asia Haircare Review

There's a Japanese saying that "the beauty of her hair alone, can a woman captivate a man". Well if that's true, my hair needs a serious beauty makeover because I'm not captivating anyone right now, let alone someone from the opposite sex. And with the weather finally heating up, my hair is starting to frizz and expand. The warmer it gets outside, the bigger my thick hair gets. So when I arrived home from my vacation in February, to box filled with the Orofluido Asia haircare line, I was beyond happy.

Orofluido Asia claims 'exceptional frizz control, elasticity and smoothness.' And I'm hoping it will also help me to captivate a man....

Haircare Review: Bringing My Coloured Hair Back to Life!

L’Oréal Hair Expertise Color Radiance Haircare Review

Don't you hate it when you just get your hair coloured and it looks absolutely amazing but then it starts to fade just after one or two washes?! Because I do. I have been colouring my hair for the past 20 years, experimenting with colour and brand, although the last few years, I have been dying my hair red. I have also been experimenting in hair products, trying to extend the glossy, deep "just-dyed" hair colour, so I was so happy to receive L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise Color Radiance Shampoo, Conditioner, and Instant Miracle hair treatment complimentary from Influenster to sample and review.

I'm always on the look out for products that claim to protect colour treated hair from dryness and damage that constant colouring can do to hair. L'Oreal states that it Hair Expertise it helps with both these issues, so I put it to the test.

Personal Care Review: Period Pampering from Avalai!

Avalai Monthly Subscription Review

For the past couple of months I have been so crazy busy. Between working extra jobs, the holidays, planning for my epic vacation, and playing catch-up, it sometimes feels like I don't even have time to sleep, let alone time run to the drugstore to pick up some essentials like pads and tampons.

So when I heard about a service for women that delivers a box full of pads, tampons, bath products, and other treats to your door, I was intrigued.

Haircare Review: 'Scentillating' Sweet as Honey Hair from Garnier Whole Blends!

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Now that the winter has finally arrived in Toronto, I'm starting to feel the drying effects on my skin and hair from the harsh winter cold. My hair suffers from serious dryness and frizziness in the winter time, and since I colour my hair frequently, my hair starts to look very lack luster and doesn't feel the greatest either.

So I was so happy to be sent the New Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Shampoo and Conditioner to test out.

Personal Care Review: My Secret to Feeling Fresh All Day Long!

Secret Clinical Antiperspirant Clear Gel Review

For the past several weeks, my life has been pretty crazy. Between spending time with my family and friends, scheduling some alone time with my new beau, working six jobs (yes six) which includes keeping up with my blog posts, making some play time with my energetic kitty, and still trying to find the time (and will) to go to the gym, the last thing on my jam-packed mind is my antiperspirant. I just don't have the time to stop and smell the roses, let alone making sure I still smell rosy.

So I was super excited when BzzAgent sent me a trial size of Secret Clinical Antiperspirant Clear Gel to test out, thinking that my stressful lifestyle is the perfect test to see if it can really last as long as it says it can.

Makeup Review: Covergirl Lashblast Fight Club - Fusion vs.Volume!

Covergirl Lashblast Fusion & Volume Mascaras Review

I am a mascara addict. It's a problem and I'm no closer to recovery, which I'm fine with. I love mascara, as my past makeup reviews can attest too. So when BzzAgent asked me to review one of four different CoverGirl Lashblast mascaras, I emailed a 'hell ya!' (really, but you get my drift:)

The mascara I chose to review was Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara because it was the only one of the four types to boast volume AND length (length is key for me). I also happened to have had the Covergirl Lashblast Volume Blasting Mascara in my "to be reviewed" beauty drawer - probably was a gift in a swag bag that I received. So I tried out both of these mascaras and I definitely liked one more than the other. Let the fight club commence!

Skincare Review: Clean & Clear Skin!

Clean & Clear Oil-Free Skincare Routine Review

I was fortunate to be blessed with such fantastic skin that most people are shocked to hear my age (thanks mom). But because of this, I didn't really take care of my skin or follow a beauty routine when I was a teenager. Unfortunately ever since my twenties, I have struggled with large blemishes that appear out of the blue and take FOREVER to disappear. And now in my late thirties, this dilemma is not only still here, but has become increasingly embarrassing when dealing with the public and going out on dates (maybe this is reason people think I'm younger than I am?). So when I had the opportunity to test out Clean & Clear's Oil-free skincare routine, I jumped at the chance.

Who knows, maybe skincare products I should've used when I was a teen, will work now that I'm an adult?

Skincare Review: Sleeping Last Night (and Day) Away with Laneige!

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Review

I've never tried a sleeping mask before, I was always afraid of the mess the mask might leave on my pillow and how uncomfortable it might make me feel and I would never get my beauty sleep. That's why when I received a complimentary Laneige Water Sleeping Mask for testing purposes from Influenster, I was a quite skeptical if I would like it.

All my fears were put to rest, quite literally, the first time I used this fabulous product!

Skincare Review: Deep Down Clean from Biore!

Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser Review

For the last few months, I've been using Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser that I received in my Spark Sessions Swag Bag, almost every morning and night as a part of my skincare regimen. Charcoal has been popping up in ingredient lists of many beauty products in North America over the last year. Although it has been a main ingredient for a long time in beauty products in the Asian market, it still is relatively new on this side of the pond.

Charcoal is supposed to have excellent absorption properties and help create beautiful clean skin. Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser is the first product I've used containing charcoal and it may be my last.

Makeup Review: Bold & Beautiful Brows from Benefit!

Benefit's Brow Zings Brow Shaping Kit Review

I love beautiful bold eyebrows. They frame the eyes, which is apparently the window to one's soul and is one of my favourite features of a man or woman's face. Since my natural eyebrow hair colour is light, I'm always on the hunt for a product that will not only add natural-looking colour, but help shape them and look as beautiful as know they can be.

Earlier in the year, I reviewed Benefit's gimme Brow and I really liked it except that it wasn't as precise as I wanted it to be. With Brow Zings, I finally achieved the precise brow arch I always wanted!

Haircare Review: Smooth & Sleek Style from TRESemme!

TRESemme Keratin Smooth Haircare System Review

A few months ago I started to do some beauty spring cleaning! Like many people out there, my bedroom and bathroom are exploding with so many beauty products I have been given or bought that I needed to do a beauty cleanse! I was given the TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo, Conditioner, and Heat Activated Treatment in a swag bag from an event I attended (can't remember which event), and I can't believe I waited so long to try this haircare line! I am so pleased with the results!

I have very thick hair which in the summertime heat it feels like it expands to twice it's size. So I was skeptical about TRESemme's claim that "this non-damaging formula will help lock out frizz for 7 days (or 3 washes), giving you gorgeous, salon-smooth hair that lasts through washes."  My skepticism soon faded away!

Skincare Review: A Temporary Miracle from L'Oreal!

L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Eye Smoother Review

I have been concerned about the skin around my eye area a lot lately. Unfortunately, age and my lack of sleep has been causing my eyes and the surrounding area to not look their sparkling best! So I decided to try to find an eye cream that will help me out. So for the past several weeks I have been using the L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Eye Smoother, and I have some mixed feelings about this product.

When I first started looking for different eye creams/serums to test out, the L'Oreal Miracle Blur jumped out. I mean it has miracle in it's name, and let's face it I was searching for a miracle! (Marketing at it's best:).

Skincare Review: Glowing Skin from Pelle Beauty!

Pelle Beauty Skincare & Facial Oils Review

I recently attended an event at Blush Pretty's downtown Toronto headquarters. I was introduced to some amazing beauty and lifestyle brands which included skincare line Pelle Beauty.

Pelle Beauty is a skincare line that focuses on face oil blends. Their line consists of several types of oils, mists, balms, and cleansers. I was lucky enough to be given a trial starter kit to take home  and test out.

Skincare Review: Soft Skin Restored with Pure + Simple!

Pure + Simple Pure Essentials Kit & Eye Restoration Mask Review

Last month I had my skin analyzed for moisture levels and was shocked to find out my skin was less than 10% hydrated in spots (normal is about 40%). It was nearing the end of a very cold winter and I just started trying out some new skin care products that were not reacting well with my skin. The mix of the weather and the new products made my skin feel dry and it looked rough and dull. I needed something fast to help replenish and hydrate my skin and get it ready for the warm weather fast approaching. I received the Pure + Simple Pure Essentials Kit at Spark Sessions last November and thought this is the perfect time to try it.

The Pure + Simple Pure Essentials Kit included the Sensitive Cleansing Milk, Hydration Serum, Skin Drink Unscented Lotion and Calming Cucumber Mask. I also received the Restoration Eye Mask, which was not apart of the kit. And thanks to using these products my skin is back in (almost) peak performance.

Haircare Review: No More Tears with Tangle Teezer!

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Brush Review

I'm not big fan of hair brushes. I find they do more damage than they should to my thick colour-treated hair. I usually just brush and untangle my hair with my fingers, which causes the least amount of pain. That was until I started using Tangle Teezer!

I was sent The Tangle Teezer Compact Styler several weeks ago to test out. I was a little skeptical at all they hype surrounding this little brush, but after using it for some time now, I actually enjoy brushing my hair! When I was a little girl, I only enjoyed my Grandmother brushing my hair. She used this little yellow brush with soft bristles to gently brush out all the tangles from my mess of thick hair. She was always gentle and patient and it was a rare treat. For many years since, I have always wished I could enjoy brushing my hair like when my Grandmother did, but I could never find a brush that could do the job quickly, until now!

Beauty: Spring Cleaning!

5 Get-Ready-For-Spring Beauty Tips

Even though it may not feel like it sometimes, Spring is finally here!! It's time to put away the heavy snow boots and mittens and air out the sundresses and sandals that I will be wearing soon (fingers-crossed). And even though I can't wait for the warmer weather, there are few beauty things I need to do to get ready for spring.

During the winter months my skin can get drier than usual and I get lazy with a few grooming habits (which I'm sure we are all guilty of). Here are a few tips that I do to look and feel my best when it's time to shine in the sun!

Nail Art: Spring Forward with imPRESS!

imPRESS Accent Press-On Manicure New Collection Preview

Now that the gloves (and mittens) are off with the weather becoming warmer, it's time to have some fun and change up some of my beauty routines. And just in time for Spring, imPRESS Press-On Manicure has launched a colourful nail accent collection.

imPRESS Accent Press-On Manicure in Boogie Down Pattern

ImPRESS Press-On Manicure is an easy and inexpensive way to give yourself a fashionable and trendy manicure in minutes, which lasts for days! I loved the Glitz & Glamour nail design that got me through the holidays, when I didn't have time to visit a salon. The winter season treats my nails pretty badly - between the cold outdoor weather, the dry indoor heat, and covering them up in gloves, my hands including my cuticles and nails, are looking a little rough. But thanks to imPRESS, my nails can look just as fabulous as my outfit.