fresh SUGAR Lip Entourage - Review/How to use

fresh SUGAR Lip Entourage - $58 (CDN)

I had the opportunity to review the fresh SUGAR Lip Entourage gift set thanks to PR company Devon Consulting. The fresh website suggests to, "keep these Sugar lip companions close so you can prep, protect, and perfect your pout with nourishing formulas". 

When comparing the SUGAR Lip Entourage gift set to the other gift sets in the SUGAR lip product franchise, this one offers the most in innovation. It includes a slew of products which will aid in the prevention of 'ageing' lips and promote a youthful and plump looking smacker! The innovate lip treatment/serum will prevent signs of ageing, a gentle lip exfoliant will help scrub away any dead skin and the two balms contain SPF, to protect the lips from the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays.

The  SUGAR Lip Entourage set includes:

 💋 Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy (5mL): An age-defying lip serum

Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy

💋 Sugar Lip Polish (8g): A gentle conditioning exfoliant and

💋 Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy (3g): An age-defying lip balm with a soft sheen

I like this particular lip scrub due in fact to its non-abrasive formulation, which is unlike other lip scrubs. I am partial to the scent of brown sugar with a zesty citrus after-note and it leaves your lips conditioned after use.  

💋 Sugar Nude Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 (2.2g): A sheer shimmery blush nude tint

💋 Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15(2.2g): A sheer rose tint

Sugar Nude Tinted Lip Treatment and  Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment

Here's an ideal lip care routine I created for day/night...

Day - Lip Prep before makeup

Step 1: Begin by massaging a pea-sized amount of Sugar Lip Polish between your lips for about 20 seconds to remove any flaking skin and to promote circulation in the lip area.
Step 2: Take the excess off by blotting your lips between tissue paper. Your lips will look plump and conditioned.
Step 3: For a subtle day time look follow up with either Nude or Rosé Lip Treatments. If you decide to forego the tinted balm, follow up with the Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy instead.

Night - Lip Prep before bed

Step 1: Begin by massaging a pea-sized amount of Sugar Lip Polish between your lips for about 20 seconds to remove any residual makeup left from the day
Step 2: Follow up with Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy to promote cell regeneration and prevent ageing of the lips

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Thus concludes my short review on the  SUGAR Lip Entourage! Drop me a line if you have any questions and stay tuned for my next blog post, Beauty: A Year in Review where I share all my favourite products in Hair, Skin and Makeup Categories ! Happy Holidays and stay safe 🎅!

Burt's Bees Face Essentials Gift Set for Holidays 2016 - Review

Burt's Bees Face Essentials Gift Set - $22.99

I had the opportunity to review this Burt's Bees gift set thanks to PR company Devon Consulting. The set includes the White Tea facial Cleansing Cloths (x10), Coconut and Pear Moisturizing Lip Balm, Soapbark & Chamomile deep cleansing cream and Peach & Willowbark deep pore scrub. This set retails for $22.00 (CDN). Rather than take time to review each product individually, I decided to  focus on the products that 'shined' most. 

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Soapbark & Chamomile deep cleansing cream and Peach & Willowbark deep pore scrub

Peach & Willow deep pore scrub
My introduction to Burt's Bees started with the deep pore scrub, even before trying their beeswax lip balms. I used to use St. Ive's apricot facial scrub before high school but didn't like the artificial scent it was scented with. I was eager to find a natural alternative and luckily for me, Shoppers Drug Mart had already been carrying this natural brand of cleansing products. I gave it a go and I've been a fan since.

Soapbark & Chamomile cleansing cream

This cleanser is ideal for those looking for a cleanser that won't strip their skin of its natural oils. It's gentle and is mildly scented.

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Thus concludes my short review on the Burt's Bees Face Essentials Gift Set drop me a line if you have any questions and stay tuned for more holiday giftsets and reviews! 🎅

Eden's Semilla - Jojoba and Vitamin E Oil Review

I had the opportunity to review these two natural products by Eden's Semilla. The items were purchased through amazon and were on my door step within a few days. More than ever before, I have been using topical oils to combat my chronic dryness, dry hair, dry skin etc. Below is a review of the individual product, how I use it and other suggested uses. I have also included a link to the item where it can be purchased on amazon.ca.

Jojoba Oil - $18.95 (CDN)
120mL
The oil is contained in a plastic bottle which as far as I know does not interfere with the chemistry of carrier oils and also you won't have to worry about the product breaking during shipment. It comes with a dropper. I've never used jojoba oil but so far it's been great for moisturizing and relieving dry, itchy skin. I use it after shaving and takes away that dry, tight feeling. Jojoba oil is well known as a hair conditioner and that it is and fellas, if you are reading, pure jojoba oil makes for the best beard oil! It soaks into the skin quickly without any residual feeling. 1-2 drops does the job.

Vitamin E Oil - $17.95 (CDN)
120mL
The oil is also contained in a plastic bottle accompanied by a dropper. This lightweight formula of Vitamin E oil when used topically can be used in many ways including but not limited to aftercare for tattoos, stretchmarks, itchiness, red skin and dry skin patches from eczema, it can be rubbed into cuticles to soften them and promote nail growth and makes for a great moisturizer.
This formula is naturally sourced vitamin e. It soaks into the skin quickly without any residual feeling. 1-2 drops does the job.

Hope you enjoyed this review and be sure to check out these products.

Epic Sephora Gratis Haul! $1000 in Gratis!

Click to watch and don't forget to subscribe!

Meet and Greet with Anastasia Soare of Anastasia of Beverly Hills and the Modern Renaissance Palette

 So a couple of weeks ago, us beauty bloggers had the opportunity to meet Anastasia Soare of Anastasia of Beverly Hills. This was only my second time meeting a 'makeup celebrity'. There isn't much to blog about the preamble other than we got bumped to the front of the line so we were one of the first ones to meet her on the second day of Meet and Greets. 

Sephora cast members welcoming Anastasia

Jilly photobombing my selfie test :)

I met Jilly of Kirei Makeup in line and she photobombed me while I was testing my camera settings, she made me laugh. 

Also if you want to see my reviews of the Modern Renaissance Palette click HERE !

Anastasia and Niki

Anastasia was so lovely and friendly. She is also extremely beautiful. Thanks to the Julie Martinson of Swatch and Review.com and the CBB for facilitating the meet and greet. 

One Product Challenge: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

influenster VoxBox Review | FREE PRODUCTS!

Hey. it's been months since I've blogged and or vlogged last but having been away for this long has allowed me to gain many-a-life experiences to share with y'all.
I signed up with #influenster about 2 weeks ago and submitted some reviews as well as connected my social media accounts to increase my, 'impact score'. This allows influenster to determine my on-line influence/impact on consumers. So it was enough to warrant a box of goodies to be shipped to me free of charge, for review. Check out my video if you rather see a candid and "real-time" review or if you prefer, here is my informal, written review...

Maybelline New York The Blushed Nudes

9.6g/.34 oz
12 Shades of Eye Shadow

Product Overview
This is a 12-pan eye shadow palette with shades being numbered in groups of 4 (X3) with no other distinguishing label or 'moniker' which makes it challenging to refer to for review purposes. There are several finishes including matte, frost, matte with micro-shimmer and shimmer. There are a variety of colour tones and are in the neutral range, leaning towards "rose", "blush" and "earth-tones". The pigmentation varies but overall these eye shadows are not very pigmented on the skin; they look more brilliant "in-pan" than on skin. The product is difficult to pick up on a brush for transfer to skin and they do not blend well.

Packaging
The packaging is plastic. The product is sleek and compact, easily thrown into a bag for touch ups and what not and has a secure closing mechanism. This product comes with 2-double ended sponge-top applicators, which I imagine most people have graduated from but I gather Maybelline is just covering their butts and doing their "due-diligence".

Price/Purchasing Information
The price-point of this product is unknown but is listed as $17.99 on Maybelline New York's Amazon page. The product release information has not been disclosed at this juncture.

Summation

• Compact
• Great range in tone and finish
• Not very pigmented
• Does not blend well

Review Score: 2.5/5

Eye Studio® Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black

3g/.106 oz.

Gel including applicator brush

Product Overview

This is a gel eyeliner accompanied by a brush. The formulation is very dry and drags on the skin during application, accompanied by a brush that has no fine-tip makes for a difficult application. With that said, this is one of the few product on the market that comes with an 'artisan' style applicator. The product claims to be Smudgeproof and Waterproof for 24-hours, this eye-liner follows through on neither of these claims. The pigmentation is rich however it isn't the "blackest-black" I've ever seen. The product dries/smudges to a matte-finish. 

Packaging

The product is contained in a glass pot with a plastic screw-top lid. 

Price/Purchasing Information

This product retails for $18.04 on the Amazon website, $8.96 at walmart.ca or can be purchased in-store at Rexall, Wal-mart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, IDA, Fortinos and more. 

Summation

• Comes with brush for easier application
• Does not deliver on claims to be smudge and water-proof
• Dry formulation, difficult to apply

Review Score: 2.5/5

Maybelline New York Superstay Better Skin Concealer

Shade: Light, 0.25-Fluid-Ounce

Product Overview

Ugh so much typing already. This is a concealer, It conceals blemishes and counteracts pigmentation whoas! It is oil-free. I am unsure if its the applicator or the concentration of the product but it takes several passes to mitigate blemish/colour issues. It is not very long-wearing, it doesn't claim to be but I have other product that make no such claims yet have better/longer wear qualities.  

Packaging

Plastic bottle with a doe-foot applicator. 

Price/Purchasing Information

Prices vary on amazon.ca ranging from $10-18, depending on shade. This product available at walmart.ca or can be purchased in-store at Rexall, Wal-mart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, IDA, Fortinos and more.

Summation

• Good texture
• Blends easily
• Not long-wear

Review Score: 3.5/5

Maybelline New York Superstay Better Skin Foundation

Shade: Natural Beige, 1-Fluid-Ounce

Product Overview

It's extremely challenging to review a product when the shade sent to you for your review doesn't match your skin tone. Despite this, I will do my best to review this product. One things stand outs out about this product is it's smell, it smells really gross! This distinguished smell makes it difficult to apply to the skin without reacting in a negative way. The product claims to improve the condition of your skin in 3-weeks. I would never want to wear something like this on my skin but I grin and bare it. I am not a foundation-wearer so I'm not sure what qualities to look for in a foundation product, I ended up using this product as a contour for my face since it was several shades shades darker than my skin. It applied smooth and blended well. It does not seem to be oily and feels light on the skin. The website notes the coverage as medium-to-full but I would say it has more of a light-to-medium coverage. 

Packaging

Glass bottle with pump-applicator. Enclosure not very secure. 

Price/Purchasing Information

Product Price is listed as $14.99 CDN on amazon.ca. This product is available at walmart.ca or can be purchased in-store at Rexall, Wal-mart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, IDA, Fortinos and more.

Summation

• Smooth finish
• Feels light on the skin 
• Smells disgusting

Review Score: 1/5

Maybelline New York Lip Studio Color Blur Lip Color

Shade: Fast & Fuchsia, 0.04-Ounce

Product Overview

This is definitely an innovative product. I've never heard of mechanism built into a lip product where it aids in "blurring" or "fading" of the colour of the product. I have seen this mechanism for eye-liners but never for a lip-product. Maybelline, your efforts in adding an 'artisan' touch to your products has not gone unnoticed! The product is a bit waxy but very pigmented. It also leaves a stain, which some may/may not like. 

Packaging

Twist cap that retracts. Dual ended, one end containing the product, the other end containing a silicone-tip. 

Price/Purchasing Information

Prices vary on amazon.ca ranging from $9.84 CDN, depending on shade. This product available at walmart.ca or can be purchased in-store at Rexall, Wal-mart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, IDA, Fortinos and more.

Summation

• Great pigmentation
• Smooth texture
• Requires lip brush for cleaner lines

Review Score: 3.5/5

AU NATURAL Skincare Review

I had the pleasure of reviewing several products from this natural skincare line sent to me by the owner at www.aunaturalorganics.com, she gave me the opportunity to pick what I wanted to review.
I was put in contact with AU NATURAL Organics by my friend Lauren in the UK who is an editorial whiz! So shout outs to her! www.instagram.com/alaurentoherself

Upon receiving this package, I was pleased to see the care that went into packaging the items for shipment. The containers are made of glass (as not to interfere with the organic chemistry of the products inside them) so a great deal of care must be forth when sending glass for shipment. Everything came intact!

I have had more than a fair amount of time (several months) to test all these products and here are my summations...

Green Coffee Oil* $48

Packaging Format: Glass bottle with dropper
Product Consistency: Liquid, Oil
Scent: Faint coffee scent

Properties: Anti-oxidant, moisturizing

What drew me to this product was it's anti-aging and anti-oxidating effects. I used this around the eye area before bed (not directly in the eye) but don't recommend doing so as it emulsifies with the warmth of the skin and ends up in your eye. I recommend this for other parts of the body instead!

Score: 5/5 For the benefit of the doubt, I will say this product works well just not in the way I used it.

Pure Bergamot Essential Oil 1oz (30 ml) $16

Packaging Format: Glass bottle with dropper
Product Consistency: Liquid, Oil
Scent: Unidentifiable scent, hint of lime

Properties: Anti-depression, anti-septic

Lately, I have been very interested in essential oils and their use in aromatherapy. I grew up drinking tea and always loved Earl Grey. So since Bergamot (a citrus) is found in said tea, I thought I would give it a go.
I used this product for aromatherapy purposes but can also be used as an anti-septic. I diluted the oil in an aromatherapy diffuser. Bergamot oil in aromatherapy can be used as an anti-depressant for seasonal acquisition disorder (SAD). Clinical depression is an expansive topic, so it would be very difficult to say that use of this product helps with that but I can claim it's scent has a calming-effect. According to the packaging, it can also be used as a means of restoring to a more balanced state of feeling.

Score: 5/5

Avocado Wax 9 oz (266 ml) $21

Packaging Format: Glass jar
Product Consistency: butter
Scent: olivey, unlike avocado

Properties: Moisturizing, Vitamin-rich

I gave this product a brief trial. I was not keen on it's greasy feel however if you are need of something to aid very dry skin, I could see how this product would be great for that. Aside from it's greasy feel, you do get the added benefits of vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E and Beta Carotene. The packaging describes the texture of this product as a wax, and when I first received it it was indeed however, sitting at room temperature it has more the consistency of coconut oil.

Score: 3/5... too greasy

Tamanu Butter 9 oz (266 ml) $21

Packaging Format: Glass jar
Product Consistency: butter
Scent: nutty

Properties: Skin rejuvenating

I had never heard of Tamanu until being introduced to this brand so I was excited to try something new. This has become a new favourite of mine due to it's consistency and how it absorbs into the skin. This has quickly replaced coconut oil as a moisturizer for me because it is 'non-greasy'. It also works great as a massage oil.

Score: 4.5/5... only because I am not crazy about it's savoury-nutty scent.

PALO SANTO HYDROSOL 3.4 oz (100 ml) $19

Packaging Format: Glass bottle with spray nozzle
Product Consistency: liquid
Scent: earthy, spicy

Properties: Spiritual Cleansing, Meditation

This is an interesting product, I want to use the word innovative but perhaps progressive is more appropriate. Either way, I gave my room a quick spray while typing this post, in an effort to remind myself of what it is that I am reviewing and I kid you not, my mild headache is quickly subsided into a non-existent one... WOW! Perhaps the owners at AU NATURAL should add, 'curative' as one of the properties of this product.

Score: 5/5

Patchouli Oil, Sri Lanka, Organic 1.7 oz (50 ml ) $24

Packaging Format: Glass bottle with dropper
Product Consistency: liquid
Scent: earthy, spicy, citrus

Properties: Euphoric, soothing

When discussing the topic of essential oils and aromatherapy, I always gravitate towards scents that have a calming effect on my senses. Patchouli, specifically, sweet Patchouli is one that I have always had a love for but it isn't for everyone. I know there are some stigmas associated with the scent of patchouli but perhaps I'll leave that discussion for another blog post. Regardless, the scent of this patchouli is more subdued than other ones I have had the pleasure in smelling so if you are not keen on Patchouli oil, I would say this would be a good one to start with. Also, it can be used topically as a means of restoring balance to the secretion of sebum in the skin. It also has a stimulating effect on the scalp and promotes hair growth.

Score: 5/5

Hope you enjoyed this review, let me know of any questions you may have and be sure to check out AU Natural Organics on the web and give their facebook page here a give them a 'like' for me!

*sample recieved, different from retail product on website