August Favorites!!!

Hey hey!!

Hope everyone is having a good day. I have the day off today, so I'm spending my day relaxing and cleaning up, especially my bathroom. I can't believe how dirty is was. I even had to wash the walls because my foundation must have squirted all over the place. I'm running low on my Laura Mercier foundation so I have been squeezing out every last bit before I have to buy another. I might actually try a drugstore brand this time around. I have heard really awesome stuff about a few of them, so later today I might head up there and take a peek.

Usually when I have a day off, BF takes the car. It helps my spending soooo much! The mall is at least like 20 min driving away, so unless I want to jump on a couple of buses, I ain't going!!! lol

So for today's post, I know lots of bloggers out there do a monthly favorites, so since I have really been loving a few things over the month of August, I thought I would do my own favorites post!!

Here we go...

My first favorite has to be my M.A.C Mineralize Skin Finish in Perfect Topping

I use this over top of my blush. It has the most pretty sheen to it, and since it has all different colors of pink and pearl, it gives off the most perfect pinky glow. I highly recommend this to every girl out there. It's very sheer, so that's why I wear it over a matte blush, and also as a highligher on my cheek bones. It also doesn't go on cake-y or anything, so be prepared to look incredibly gorgeous if you use this. It also photographs really nicely. This just gives you a beautiful glow.. Love it!!!


My next FAV, is a bronzer that my mom gave me. It's from Smashbox and the color is Halo

This bronzer is very pigmented, so you don't need much at all. It is also on the dark side, so you really only need a really tiny amount, but the finish is gorgeous!! I have been using this all summer and giving my NARS Laguna bronzer a rest. You can also control how much bronzer you want, by turning the bottom. Those slits in the bronzer actually cut the solid bronzer bar, so it's fresh every time you use it. It also helps it not to spill everywhere like loose bronzers do. I really really love this and will definitely purchase this for myself when it runs out. I think it's a little on the pricey side, but you seriously don't need much of it at all!!! :)


Next up, is for my hair.  I have been really loving my Moroccan Oil.

I bought a tiny bottle of it awhile ago and it's still more than half full. I put a tiny amount on my damp hair, but only the ends. I also put a little bit as a finishing product when my hair is styled. Again, ONLY on my ends, and maybe any frizzy areas or flyaway hairs. You really don't need much. I just feel like my hair is protected from heat when I use this. It's not heavy, so that's why you don't need much. A girlfriend of mine had a really bad experience lately going from dark brown, to putting light blonde highlights in.. Her hair BROKE off (poor thing), and a couple of us recommended using the Moroccan Oil to help smooth it out and protect it so it wouldn't break anymore. She said she is having really great results with the oil, and it's helping to keep her hair looking more silky and smooth, rather than dry and brittle. If you dont' have this... you must invest!!! Trust me, it's well worth it.



For the body... I have the most sensitive skin that any person could have. Everything bothers it and I break into either a rash, or I break out.. Uggghhh.. hate it!!! I decided I would give Dove Baby Soap a try.

I figured that if it's so gentle on baby's skin, then it would be with mine. I totally love this!!! My skin gets clean without the rash or breakouts. This is my saviour soap and I don't think I can go back to anything else now!!! You can also get this fragrance-free and dye-free too.


Another item for my hair that I am LOVING... Are  Soft Circle Headbands

These headbands you can buy in the Dollar Store. They are sooooo comfy when I'm lounging around, when I'm doing a hot yoga class, when I'm washing my face at night, or even just to go out and do some groceries. I absolutely LOVE these!! I have been noticing that I am totally grabbing for this soft headband lately. You can get lots of different colors too. I have this black on above, and also a white one too (although it gets dirty fast which sucks!)


Lastly... My most favorite August favorite is... Coconut Water!!

Coconut water is soooooo good for you!!! It helps with so many things. I started drinking this for my hair, skin and nails. It really sweet, but I got used to it, and now I'm obsessed with it. I just buy it in a can, and have half the can or the full can each day. It also helps fill your sweet cravings too... BONUS!!! The kind I buy has pulp (coconut chunks) in it. It tasted kind of gross at first, but I just strain the chunks of coconut out, and then I usually eat it afterwards, or if I don't feel like it, just toss it... I like to put things into my body that are good for me, instead of just outside. So I have been taking Vitamin E with a daily vitamin, and also drinking coconut water, I think it's a good start to work on my insides too. If you haven't tried this, just buy one can and see if you like it. It takes a little getting used to, but it helps fill you up, and also quenches your thirst. I love it!!!!

That's it for my August favorites. I hope you all have a nice evening and I will see you tomorrow!!! :)

xo
Mel

Sephora Makeover & Keratin Haircare

Hey everyone!

So today I had to take the bus.. uggghhh.. but it's ok. On the brighter side of it, I got to browse around the mall for a bit. I actually managed to go into Sephora and NOT buy anything!!! LOL.. I'm on a budget these days and have already used up my spending money for the week...lol.. I did however, pick up a BUNCH of samples to try out. Plus.. I also decided to give myself a make over and use all different products on my face, eyes etc... lol

First off... I saw a new line at Sephora that I haven't seen yet.. It's a Keratin Haircare line called Keratin Perfect

Shampoo & Conditioner (Suphate Free)

                                      
Replenisher and Oil

Blowout Booster Smoothing Cream
        

                                                      

Here is what the Keratin Line is.. as per Sephora

Keratin, a natural protein found in healthy hair, is constantly depleted due to heat styling and environmental damage. This can cause frizz, breakage, and dullness. KeratinPerfect features exclusive ReBonding Technology, which fills in rough spots and replenishes lost keratin, replacing frizzy, uneven texture with a protective shield around the hair shaft that radiates shine and health. The KeratinPerfect system is a long-lasting, salon-quality smoothing system, and not a straightening treatment that breaks the hair's bonds and causes damage. In fact, the benefits of this system are cumulative: Your hair will continue to improve with each treatment and will be smooth, shiny, manageable, and frizz-free without a lot of time and effort.

I have heard of Keratin treatments when I visit the salon. I LOVE straight hair, but always find that my hair breaks like no tomorrow when I use the flat iron too much. Since I have naturally wavy hair, straightness is just not in it's vocabulary...sigh!!

First thing I noticed was the Shampoo and Conditioner. I am all about trying out new Sulphate-free conditioners. I really really LOVE the Living Proof Line, but I usually like to alternate between different shampoos, because it's better for your hair. I am really interested in trying this, sooooo.. I got a couple of samples to try...wooot!!! The price is about $25 a bottle, Canadian funds. Keratin treatments are supposed to be amazing for your hair, so when I saw this in a shampoo, conditioner and even with oils, creams etc... I was like friggin excited!

I don't think it will make a huge difference in my hair, but I have already noticed a big difference by just using the Living Proof line, that I'm totally wondering if this Keratin Perfect stuff can be even better?? That would be amazing! From the Sephora site, it looks like the line got some good reveiws, so I will have to report after I try out my sample :)

On another note... I tried out a few different make up products when I did my walk through make over...lol.. Here are some of the stuff that I sampled in the store and LOVE!!!

NARS is my absolute favorite make up line and this duo is awesome! It even comes with a mini lip gloss. The blush is a shimmery pink (so you don't need much at all). It's called Anglelika. The duo is paired with my favorite bronzer, Laguna. The mini gloss is Angelika as well, and the color is gorgeous!!! I'm saving for this combo on my next Sephora run! I'm almost out of my Laguna bronzer, so this would be a perfect upcoming purchase!

This is Urban Decay's Limited 15 year anniversary eyeshadow collection. These colors are beyond amazing! I love that you have neutrals, poppy colors and also darks!! It's a perfect collection. Apparently these are brand new colors that UD has never had out before.

Here are the colors:
15 x 0.05 oz eye shadows in Deeper (deep shimmery golden brown), M.I.A. (soft shimmery dark brown), Ace (dark gunmetal shimmer), Blackout (darkest, most saturated black), Half Truth (shimmery smoky purple), Tainted (pale matte purple with golden shimmer), Junkshow (bright pink with fuchsia shift), Omen (shimmery metallic bright purple with blue shift), Evidence (deep metallic blue), Deep End (bright teal shimmer), Midnight Rodeo (medium metallic brown with silver and gold glitter), Midnight 15 (oyster pearl with silver glitter), Vanilla (shimmery white gold), Flow (soft peach shimmer), Chase (metallic bright bronze)

I have wanted this for a long time. I find it doesn't have enough coverage for me, BUT... Paired with my MAC Studio Fix powder, it's a beautiful finish!! Thumbs up for me :)

FAVORITE BLUSH!!!!!  Must buy this....lol

Too Faced Naked Eye Shadow Collection... These colors are beautiful and so natural looking. I love them all!!! If you want prettiness.. this is it people! Invest...

Lastly, I spritzed this Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray after all my make up was done. I wanted to see if my make up would hold through the rest of the day.. I was hesitant.. but.. It totally has! I would buy this in a heart beat. Although.. I'm really oily, so I had to apply a little more powder to my nose since I spritzed this. Still love it though.

Anyhow, that was my day today. I am doing a double between both jobs, so I'm totally pooped out and ready for bed.

Hope you all have a fantastic night. I shopped at Victoria's Secret PINK and bought a cute tee.. I will have to show you on my next OOTD. It's adorable paired with some cut off's and sandals.

Love ya!! :)

Mel

MAC and Sephora gifts from the BF

Happy friday everyone!!

I wanted to share with you some products I got from my lovely BF for my birthday...yes people, my BF went shopping for my wishlist at MAC and Sephora all by himself!!! What a proud moment, I couldn't believe it. Just so you know, my BF is a guy's guy!! This is out of sorts for him to do this.. let me tell you I was SHOCKED!!! LOL... I've been reading so many beauty blogs about girls who rave about NARS "laguna" bronzer. I've been using Lorac's "hot flash" (which is my go to for awhile now), so I wished for it and it arrived through BF. He had no idea what it as he was giving me.. lol... he said that the girl at Sephora told him this bronzer is almost always out of stock because it's so popular! I'm excited to try it!!

While we are the topic of bronzer, just a quick note: I have to say that Lorac's "hot flash" is my fav bronzer so NARS will have to be over the top for me to love it. I have been using lorac's duo for quite some time now and it has never failed to impress me. It's half bronzer and half blush. The duo has a really nice shimmer to it that gives you that glowy look without applying too much of it. This stuff lasts me so long and as much as I'm excited to try the newbie, I will still continue to love my duo. Just so everyone knows...The bronzer is over-powering when you see it, like an orange-y look. you DO NOT need a lot of the bronzer, you just layer it in thin coats until you have the righ amount of tint to your face (around hairline, cheeks, nose and a tiny bit on chin)

Alright.. back to my BF's presents. I also really wanted to try the MAC's dazzleglass lip gloss. Usually I will always buy drug store brands becasue I'm constantly putting on lip gloss throughout the day and it wipes off pretty quickly anyway. Why would I need an expensive one?? buttttt... I have been eyeing the dazzleglass for awhile now so I knew I clearly had to have it! BF got my dazzleglass in "baby sparks". It is a pink-y color.

See??? isn't it just gorgeous?? I can't wait to try it! The dazzleglass is supposed to be a more "stay put" kind of lip gloss where it doesn't come off almost as soon as you put it on, so i'm pretty excited about that. In general, I usually also try to pick a gloss that is on the pink side, and always very sheer color. I don't like a lot of color on my lips, I usually try to play up the eye's a little more. Plus, I'm always the person when I put on a "color" lip gloss or lipstick, it ends up on my teeth.. gross!

I will try these new beauty's out and let you know. I almost don't want to love the lip gloss though because it's a little pricey, like $19 before tax, but we will see.

Enjoy your friday :)

love always,
mel