The Big #MysteryBrand Reveal Courtesy of Influenster - Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser! My New Holy Grail!

Today has been a great day. Not only is it Valentine's Day, but I woke up to a huge package sitting on my kitchen table! Now if you've been reading one of my blogs, you'll know that I was sent these little bottles filled with a mystery hair care brand that was being launched in Canada (refresh your brain by clicking here)! As Influenster members, we were asked to use the L'Oreal mystery brand for one week (or until the product ran out) and then let you, our readers, know what we thought. After the time elapsed, we would be sent the products in their full size for review!

Before I dive into this review, I just wanted to let everyone know that this is 100% from the heart. Although these products were sent to me complimentary and for testing purposes, this in no way reflects my views on the products. All reviews are honest and sincere - I do this for you!

And the #MysteryBrand was Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser! I'm going to be honest and say that near the end of the week when more people started posting their reviews, I did read them and see what the general consensus on the product was. I have purchased Garnier products in the past but they have never been a staple in my shower. Their owner, L'Oreal, is used by me in many different departments (most notably, my hair colour) and I have had zero complaints with any of their products. So if this is one of their creations, it's bound to be good! 

My hair is a breed of it's own. I'm straightening it one day and curling it the next. It's constantly being pulled back into pony tails when I'm at the gym and sometimes, I swear it has a mind of it's own. Damage and split ends are a constant problem for me. If anyone questions that, I simply tell them to go look at the remains of my hair left in my hairbrush. This product was the perfect match for my hair and it really did some great things for my distressed locks. <3 at first wash sort of thing!

The box that I received contained some super spiffy looking products in bottles that are an out of this world orange colour. The box contained 3 out of the 4 products that were sent to us Influensters in the #MysteryBox and one other product that was not! The two largest bottles (384mL) contain the shampoo and conditioner. The split end bandage is housed in a convenient 184mL pump bottle and the reconstructing butter comes in a colossal sized mini tub. The Garnier Fructis Damage eraser uses  a phyto-keratin complex and cupuacu butter to reconstruct hair by up to 90% as well as prevents further damage of those luscious locks. 

If you were like me, you were probably wondering what the heck cupuacu (koo-poo-ahh-soo!) butter was and why you were putting it onto your head. A cupuacu fruit is commonly found in the Amazon (regions like Peru, Brazil etc.). It's noted that the fruit smells like a cross between a pineapple and chocolate. I can confidently say that it makes the entire hair care line smell divine. It's listed as a powerful antioxidant was a whole list of valuable nutrients that help in every department. Garnier hit the nail on the head with this one! If you want to know what it looks like, it resembles a potato. 

After I got home from the gym this evening, I went straight to the shower and pulled out all of my products. So this review is going to be based on my immediate results, however, I do know how the product works over a period of time. The shampoo felt like any other shampoo to me but the one thing I did notice was the insane lather. A little bit goes a long way with this. I have long blonde hair that is down to about my tail bone and it took me a while to get through the little sample bottle that I was sent. It left my hair smelling amazing and I kind of just stood there for a minute and smelled myself. Amazing.

What really blew me away was the conditioner. I'm a huge fan of instant touchable softness and this was one of the only drug store conditioners that gave me that. Combined with the shampoo, this allowed for a brush to slide with ease through my hair. For once, I wasn't seeing insane fall out at the bottom of my shower. One tip, I love to let this conditioner sit in my hair for a while to really get the full effect. If you're having issues with split ends, concentrate the product on your ends!

The third product that was sent to me from Influenster to initially try was the split end serum. I used it with the other products send and found that my split ends were drastically reduced. I'm used to having the split ends where I can physically break them in two. Looking through my hair as I write this, there are significantly less. I'm not big on leave in treatments simply because I'm always afraid they're going to leave my hair greasy. What I like about this one is it's specially formulated for the ends of your hair. The bottle instructs to apply on towel dried hair. This is important because if your hair is too wet, I found that the product didn't seem to fully sink into my hair. Once again, the smell is divine.

Last but definitely not least, and probably my second favourite item in this box, is the strength reconstructing butter. Like I said, not a huge fan of leave in treatments but this one is applied and left in for 3-5 minutes then rinsed out. A tip, I like to apply this outside of my shower and then slip on one of those clear caps. The big thing with this one for me was the immediate shine it created. You could see my hair shine from down the road. I usually have dull blonde hair but this seemed to give my hair a little oomph and life that it was seriously lacking. I use a decent about of this product simply because I have long hair. Ensure that you cover your entire head when you use this one! This was the one product that was only included in the full size box, so I have yet to experience a weeks worth of results with this one! But I'm super impressed immediately!

My verdict is a positive one. Coming from someone who has dull, damaged, dry hair - this was a lifesaver. The smell took me away to a place where cupuacu trees are a plenty and the product brought my hair back to life. If I were to rank each product on a scale of 1 (the best) to 4 (not necessarily the worst, but my least used) it would look something like this:

1. Conditioner
2. Strength Reconstructing Butter
3. Shampoo
4. Split End Serum

Am I likely to re-purchase products from this box? Of course. I think I've met my perfect hair care match! Thanks Garnier, Influenster and L'Oreal Canada for the introduction!

NEW MYSTERY VOXBOX COURTESY OF INFLUENSTER!

What is it? It’s a MYSTERY! I’ve been a member of the website Influenster for a while now and recently received an email saying I had been shortlisted for their new VoxBox campaign! I was so excited to fill out the survey, but to my disappointment, was told that I was not a proper fit for their campaign. 

However … a week and a few days later I walked upstairs to see that my mailman had delivered a little red VoxBox to my door! Sneaky sneaky! Inside were three sample size bottles of a mystery L’Oreal product. Immediately I popped each one open and they smelled divine. After the initial unboxing happiness wore off, I finally got to the instructions. 

A frontrunner in haircare, global brand L’Oreal sent out samples of their newest haircare creation to 1000 lucky Influensters! The paper included says that this product contains curuapu butter and phyto-keratin complex and that’s it. Still no idea what the brand or product is inside these little bottles but I do know that they made my hair smell and feel AMAZING! 

I have super dry and long hair that is pretty damaged from all the things it goes through. It was refreshing to wash my hair with the shampoo and conditioner and feel the immediate softness. The split end serum is to be applied after you towel dry your hair. I’m always scared that products like these are going to make my hair greasy but this one didn’t at all! I applied it to the ends of my hair and then wrapped them up in a towel for a little bit to let the product sink in. After a few days of using the entire line, my hair is a new person (if that’s a thing). My split ends are totally clearing up and my hair has touchable softness to it. 

I can’t wait to see what the product in these bottles is! Thanks Influenster! 

** This product was received complimentary by Influenster for testing purposes. All views are my own. 

A Mini Guide to ALWAYS Kissable Lips!

Before I start, yeah I know I'm a bad blogger. School and life in general just caught up with me and this blog took a back seat (again). Sometimes my brain genuinely runs out of things to blog about - so, if you have any things or topics that you'd like me to cover, comment below!

With winter comes a lot of different things - snow, cold weather, hockey and if you're me, insanely chapped lips. When I say chapped, I mean to the point of bleeding. It's absolutely horrible and it's something that I always try to prevent from happening. This post just includes some of the things that I use to keep my lips 'always kissable'. These are what I'd consider to be some holy grail products!

1. Blistex Lip Medex - I use this stuff religiously when my lips get to the point of bleeding. This would be considered the first step in repairing. Although it does burn a little, I promise you it works and it repairs your lips to what they used to be. One thing, try as hard as you can not to pick the dead/dry skin from your lips. I know it might be tempting, and I do it too, but it really delays the process and creates open vessels for unwanted icky things to seep into. I apply this stuff morning and night and wear it alone. It's especially great if you are heading outside in this polar vortex weather!
2. LUSH Lip Scrub - pictured is Santa's, which is cola flavoured, but any lip scrub will do. To use, I take a pea sized amount and smudge it all over my lips. Using an old toothbrush, I gently rub the scrub onto my lips for a generous amount of time. If you don't have an old toothbrush, just smush your lips together as if you were applying lipstick. Rinse (or lick) off. A fairly coarse sugar scrub is great for getting rid of the dead skin without causing bleeding. 
3. EOS Lip Balm in Blueberry/Acai - these little things are rich with jojoba and vitamin e. Great for when you're in a rush leaving the house or just to keep in your bag. They're in a neat little sphere shape and this makes applying them super easy. Plus the flavours are delicious. 
4. Vaseline Lip Therapy - If you prefer the more traditional route, Vaseline makes these little mini tubs specially formulated for your lips. I apply this right before I go to bed and wake up with definite softer lips. If you can't find the lip therapies, just use plain old Vaseline!

Campus Chic: 7 Everyday Items

For some of you, school may have already started. Last year was my first year at university and it was definitely quite the experience. After spending one year away at school, I realized that there are some things I cannot live without. I found myself reaching for these items everyday on campus. I've compiled a small list with seven items that I loved and used everyday. Hopefully some of these find their way into your bookbag!

• Computer: If you're like me, you live on it. Recently I picked up a MacBook Pro and I can confidently say that it has been the best decision I have ever made. It's great for taking quick notes in class, recording a lecture or even making up a presentation. Although they can be quite expensive, they are worth the investment. You don't need to own a MacBook! HP, Dell and Toshiba make excellent computers with a variety of options that are sure to suit your needs! Always go to your local computer store and ask them what they think is best for you. 
• Agenda (Louis Vuitton Medium Ring): Keep track of your everyday schedule by writing it down. While modern technology makes it possible to sync everything up, I find appointments and dates stick better in my head when I actually write them down. Lilly Pulitzer makes some amazing planners as well as Victorias Secret. If you're looking for an even cheaper option, check the dollar store or your local Wal-Mart. I prefer planners that are leather bound with pockets because I am a keeper of all little things. The LV Monogram agenda above fits perfectly inside my Speedy 30!
• Book Bag (Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Tote): The main goal when it comes to a book bag, is comfort. Look for something that is easy to carry but still manages to hold all your items. A bag that sits over your shoulder can be both stylish and convenient. If you're looking for something to hold heavier textbooks, consider a backpack with proper support. 
• Watch: This is kind of an odd object to add to the list, but for me it was a lifesaver. While I'm able to grab my phone and take a quick glance, there are times when a watch is just that much better. Plus, I'm a huge watch fanatic so any day that I get to adorn my wrist with something new is great. 
• Spiral Ring Notebook: While you're able to take notes on a computer, sometimes it's just easier to write them down. Look for a spiral ring notebook that allows for pages to be turned with ease. This makes writing more comfortable. Hilroy makes cheap subject notebooks that can usually be found on sale. 
• Travel Mug: For those early morning classes. A cup of coffee stays that much warmer when it's sitting in an insulated travel mug. Careful when bringing them to lectures, some professors prefer no food and drink in lecture halls. 
• Computer Case: Kind of a no brainer! A nice computer deserves a nice place to rest. Marc Jacobs makes my favourite cases that are easy to carry and fit inside most bags and backpacks. 

Those are just a few of the items that you can see me with around campus! Hopefully all of you have an excellent school year and I wish you all the best! 

Something New!

I've decided to hop onto the MacBook bandwagon! Yesterday, I purchased by 13 inch MacBook Pro and I honestly couldn't be happier! You have no idea how long I've wanted one of these!

So my question to you is what kind of case would you recommend?

A Guide to Pearly Whites

White teeth are something that everyone strives to have. They make any person ten times more confident in their smile. As someone who is super anal about her teeth, I like to ensure that I always have the brightest and whitest smile possible. 

I've been using the above routine for a while now and I've found that it really works well and keeps my teeth as white as I like them to be. Plus, all of the products are available from your drugstore!

My everyday toothpaste is Crest 3D White Luxe in Glamorous White. It has a refreshing minty flavour and is said to brighten after just one use. I find that claim a little bit over the top, but it will make your smile sparkle after one use. With regular use (2 times day), I noticed a whiter smile after just one week. You can find it at your drug store (mine is Shoppers Drug Mart) for $5.99. I pick mine up whenever they go on sale! 

Whitening treatments at your dentist can sometimes be expensive. I find that these Creat 3D White Whitestrips give me dentist results at home! They are on the pricey side, $80 for the Professional Effects shown above but in my books they are worth every penny. Plus, you don't need to to purchase them often. The Whitestrips are applied two times a day for 30 minutes. These ones are really sticky when applied and I find that I can even drink water with them on. After you take the strips off, the instructions say not to brush immediately. I find it's best to do these midday when I have some time in between classes. 

A brighter and whiter smile isn't something that is unattainable. With regular dental care and brushing, you can have a movie star smile in a few weeks. These are definitely just some of the many products that are out there that work for me. If there's any other products that you love for keeping your smile white, let me know!

How To: Making Your Mani Last

It's happened to all of us, you decide on a colour, sit down and spend 30 minutes painting your nails to perfection. You follow all the manicure rules: a basecoat, the colour, and a topcoat. You let your nails dry and go on with your day. When suddenly, your polish chips. If you're like me, you lose it a little bit. All that time and effort and your polish is ruined just like that. 

These are some of the tips and tricks that I use to ensure that my manicure lasts me the entire week. I like to put my nails through some rough stuff, and this method ensures that my manicure remains (as I like to say) compliment worthy! 

Before you even begin to paint your nails, you're going to need a great base. This starts with a healthy nail. One of my go to products for quicker growth and strengthening of my nails is OPIs Nail Envy. Nail Envy comes in a variety of different types. Pick which best suits your nail problems. Nail Envy works best when in direct contact with the nail. The instructions say to apply 2 coats of Nail Envy on the first day and then one coat of the product every other day. After one week, remove the product and start over if you wish. I prefer to use the Nail Envy on it's own and let my nails have a little rest during the week. 

If you want to skip the regrowth and strengthening part and get straight to the manicure, then this is for you. These little buffers are essential in the longevity of your manicure. I picked up these from Target for $3.99. One side has a slight buffing surface while the back side has a shiny surface. On a clean nail, buff the surface using the blue side until your nail is slightly rough. This will help the polish stick to the base of your nail without the use of a basecoat. It is crucial that you do not use a nail file to buff your nails. You will ruin their surface and cause more problems than necessary! 

Next up is painting your nails! Pick your favourite colour, or colours and follow the instructions below to get the perfect flawless colour: 

1. Start by placing a dot of colour along the bottom part of your nail.
2. Drag the colour up the center of your nail to the tip, ensuring that the entire middle of your nail is covered with polish. 
3. Continue from the bottom up the right side of the nail.
4. Ensure that the polish covers the entire right side of your nail up to the tip. 
5. Repeat these steps for the left side of your nail. 
6. A completed nail should be fully covered in polish. If needed, apply 2-3 additional coats until the polish is to your liking. 

If you're like me and you're completely unable to wait for your nails to dry completely, these little drops will be a lifesaver. Essence's Nail Art Express Dry Drops are available for $2.99 at Shoppers Drug Marts in Canada or ULTA in the United States. One drop applied to the nail after they are freshly painted dries them instantly! 

Finish up by applying your favourite top coat. Mine happens to be Seche Vite Dry Fast. It's a great gel like formula that dries in seconds and is pretty resistant to anything. I like to apply a large amount on each of my fingers so that it's pretty thick. The product leaves your nails super shiny and covered.

And that's how you give yourself a manicure that will last the entire week! These are pretty much anything proof. The key in a long lasting manicure is really the base. I've found that buffing my nails makes all the difference in the world. The polish sinks into the nail and the rough surface helps the adhesion. Definitely give these tips a try if you're looking for a flawless mani! 

P.S. Let me know how these tips work for you! Show me your fancy manicures!

Things I Love: Sequined Minis

Review: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Beauty Balm

With summer rapidly approaching it's end, I decided to let everyone in on my skins little lifesaver! I decided at the beginning of this summer, that I was going to completely rid traditional foundation from my makeup bag for good. I hate the feeling of having something extra on my face when I really don't need it. After doing some extensive research of my own, I settled on a BB cream. 

BB cream is essentially an all in one face product that aims to replace multiple products from your makeup bag. These include a primer, moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation. These wonder creams originated in Germany in the 1960s and in the 1980s, became a huge product in Asian markets. The beginning of this year marked their introduction into our drugstores!

Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB "Beauty Balm" is the only BB formula that I've tried. It's a lightweight, sheer cover liquid that goes on like a dream. It comes in 5 shades ranging from light to deep. I myself have fair skin and find the light/medium tint works best. I apply the product on my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and rub in with my fingers. For me, this BB works best on bare skin underneath my powder, blush and bronzer. 

One of the biggest things that I loved about this product was the SPF 30. It's a great way to introduce an SPF into your arsenal without having to think about putting sunscreen on your face every single day. It lasts all day when set with a powder and won't make your skin oily like a traditional sunscreen. Just be sure to reapply this product after you've gone swimming or spent the day at the beach. 

All in all, for a drugstore BB, I have no complaints. The price is right at around $8.99 per bottle and one bottle lasts me quite some time. I wouldn't recommend this product for those who wish to have full coverage on their face as it's pretty sheer. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB can be found in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Wal-Mart and pretty much any major chain store!

Have any of you tried a BB cream? Do you like them? Also, have you tried an Asian BB cream? If so, any recommendations for a brand? I'd love to try one! 

P.S. The colour I'm wearing on my nails is a new find! Sally Hansen's Pink Blink! I'm a fan! A little more pink and opaque than Essie's Fiji!

Latest Instagrams!

This past little bit has been super hectic for me so sorry for the lack of updates! It was my birthday last Sunday (April 14th) and it was a quiet time spent with my family. It was perfect except for the part where I didn't win anything at the casino. 

1. I went for a walk in a quaint town and spotted these little purple flowers hiding under a tree. It was raining and they way to drops landed on each leaf was so perfect. 
2. I'm a sushi lover and the day after my birthday, I ended up treating myself to some match green tea bubble tea and some teriyaki chicken sushi. It's kind of an unconventional roll, but they're so good! 
3. Crystal Head vodka had been on my wish list for a long time now and I used my birthday gift cards to grab a bottle. I believe I just purchased it for the ornate bottle which I plan on turning into something cool when it's empty.
4. I'M GOING TO SEE TAYLOR SWIFT! OH MY GOODNESS! This is by far the highlight of my summer to come. I was so excited to buy tickets with my friend and I can't wait.
5. For the first time in my life I tried dragon fruit! It's almost like a kiwi fruit with less flavour. I actually really love the little seeds inside. It took me a few YouTube videos to fully understand how to eat and open this thing!
6. Lastly, American Eagle had a buy one pair of shorts and get the second for 10$ and as you all know, I can't pass that up. I grabbed these colourful blue and yellow shorts with palm trees on them. Totally something out of my comfort zone but they look so awesome on! Perfect for summer!

Review: Balea Face and Body Masks

I've been meaning to do a review on these for a while but never really got around to it. The LUSH guide will resume in a little while. I just need to spread out some posts and have a bit of variety. 

Also, sorry for the lack of posts. It was my birthday on Sunday and I was just spending time with my family and friends. It was a fantastic day and I thank everyone for their happy birthday wishes! Another year older!

Balea products have been a long time favourite of mine. They are usually sold in singles but as of late, I've been finding them in packs of five. So far, I've found two different packs of five. The one pictured above is for body while the other one that I received today, is for face. Balea is sold in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart. I'm unsure where (or if) they are sold in the States. If someone knows, feel free to leave a comment below. Balea pouches like these are usually 3 for 5$ and packs of 5 are 5.99$. 

Each mask is for a different part of your body. My personal favourite is the hair mask. It smells divine and makes my hair super soft. The hydrating face mask is another personal favourite of mine. I tend to use it a lot in the winter time when I have fairly dry skin around my nose and mouth area. Lastly, the smoothing body scrub. Perfect for those days when you find your legs dry and scaly. It contains coarse shells that massage all the icky stuff away. I've yet to try the pore refining mask and the warming foot balm but believe me, I'll definitely be using those up eventually! 

My mom surprised me with these today! She bought the Balea package dedicated entirely to your face. I've already used up the deep cleansing face mask! My skin is so soft and looks so bright and clean! 

If you haven't used any products like this before, I highly recommend you applying a small bit of product onto your arm and doing a test. The last thing you want is to have an allergic reaction to a product like this! 

Lush Guide: Fresh Face Masks

Now that you've determined what your skin type is and what your perfect cleanser is, you can also figure out the best face mask for your skin! LUSHs face masks are great for when your skin needs a little pick me up. Personally, I'm a lover of the Cupcake face mask. I usually use it once a week and I keep it in my fridge when not in use. 

Fresh Face Masks are like the name, made with 100% fresh ingredients! Since they are considered 'fresh', they are only sold in-stores. This means that if you don't live near a LUSH, you're out of luck. No worries! There are plenty of other amazing LUSH products that you can use!

• Cupcake
• Chocolate and mint is perfect for troubled teenage skin. Great for calming and toning down redness. It really is hard not to grab a spoon and start eating this sweet confection. My personal favourite! Recommended for those who have oily, troublesome skin.
• Catastrophe Cosmetic
• A great starter mask for those with normal skin. Maybe you don't need an extra helping hand but you just want to maintain healthy and glowing skin. Blueberries are packed with vitamins and the added calamine lotion makes any problems disappear.
• The Sacred Truth
• As you get older, your skin needs more maintenence and upkeeping. This mask is for those who have more mature skin. Eggs and shea butter help lock in mature skins precious moisture. 
• Love Lettuce
• Lavender and almond are perfect for those who suffer from dry skin. This mask will get rid of those icky little flakes and leave your skin smooth and soft. Honey is super moistursing and your dry skin will love to drink it up.
• BB Seaweed
• Sensitive skin? Look no further! BB Seaweed contains calamine and loads of exfoliating ingredients. This amazing mask will smooth your skin without causing you to break out due to harsh chemicals or bad ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, the best thing you can do is go all natural! Believe me! 
• Cosmetic Warrior
• If you find yourself breaking out and with oily patches and aren't afraid of a little garlic, add this to your arsenal. Cosmetic Warrior uses garlic and tea tree oil to their full potential. Both are amazing at clearing up blemishes, blackheads and tightening your pores. Your skin will be looking fab in no time.

• Brazened Honey
• Balance your skin with a little bit of everything. Almond oil moisturises while lime oil acts as an astringent. Perfect for those with combo skin. 
• Ayesha
• If your skin is tired, Ayesha will tighten and give your face a boost. Witch hazel has been used as an astringent for agents, so you know this mask will clear up those blemishes in no time.
• Oatfix
• Oatmeal is a great way to naturally ex foliate your skin. Oatfix is perfect for those with all skin types. Consider it a more formulated version of the ever popular oatmeal and banana face mask.

If I could give you all one tip, it would be don't turn away from these amazing face masks because of their appearance and smell. I'll admit, some of them aren't that pretty! But they will do amazing things for your face! Plus, if you bring back 5 empty, clean black LUSH pots, you'll get one for free! What are you waiting for?!

Lush Guide: Choose A Cleanser

I like to consider myself a Lushie. Now what is a Lushie you may ask? Well it can be defined as "a name for a person who is obsessed with the bath and beauty store Lush and knows all about the handmade, vegan, organic products and how to use them." I think this definition is pretty accurate! 

Lush is one of my favourite stores. Pretty much everything I use is from there! I think it's great that I can go to one place and find so many items that are not tested on animals, vegan friendly and all natural. But most of all, they work! I've decided to do a little blog series that I'm calling my Lush Guide. For those of you who haven't heard of Lush or maybe you just haven't shopped there, this guide will introduce you to some great products that are sure to help you and your skin out.

First off, I'm introducing you to cleansers. It's important to find a cleanser that you love because it is something you should be using on a daily or weekly basis (depending on the product). Your face gets beat up pretty badly each day by make-up and the elements so it's important to recognize that it does need some TLC. Your cleanser should match your skin type and it should not cause you to break out. It should leave your skin glowing, soft and feeling amazing. 

How do you identify your skin type? The little guide below will help you!

• Normal: Your skin produces oils at a normal rate. It looks plump, healthy and vibrant on a daily basis. You don't suffer from blemishes. The easiest skin type to care for. 
• Oily: Your skin often appears shiny all over. Your pores are often large and clogged. Oily skin types are prone to problems with acne and blackheads.
• Dry: Your skin does not produce enough oil. You may notice flakiness around the mouth and nose areas. It may feel itchy and look extremely dull. 
• Combo: Your skin becomes oily in the t-zone (forehead, cheeks and chin), while the skin around these areas is normal. You may break out from time to time but do not have a continuous problem with acne. 
• Sensitive: Your skin reacts to whatever it comes in contact with. Perhaps a certain product makes you break out, while others work fine. Your skin is bothered by products that contain perfumes, alcohol and various types of oils. 

While this guide can help you determine what type of skin you have, you can always visit a dermatologist and have them tell you exactly what is going on with your epidermis. Once you've figured out what you skin type is, match it with the product below to find your perfect cleanser!

P.S. If you match your skin type to normal, only use LUSHs Ocean Salt 2-3 times a week!

Must-Have Makeup (In My Opinion)

This has got to be one of the most frequent questions that I receive on all of my social networks. What is your favourite (insert product here)? Well, I decided to make a giant post containing some of my favourite products. Please be advised that these are not all of them. There are way too many to list and I would be here for days trying to describe them all to you. If there is a product that you don't see here that you would like to know what my favourite is, feel free to drop me a comment below! 

1. NARS Blush in Orgasm/Super Orgasm
2. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (I buy 2 - one for my makeup bag and one for my purse)
3. Benefit High Beam Highlighter
4. Maybelline One by One (I get excellent length without clumping with this one!)
5. Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow (in Too Cool)
6. M.A.Cs Bronzer (in Golden)
7. Essence Kajal Eyeliner Pencil (super cheap, works amazingly)
8. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
9. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Longwear Flawless Fluid Makeup ($$$)
10. M.A.C Lipstick (in Russian Red)
11. Urban Decay Eyeshadow (in Polyester Bride)

Pink & Green, Fresh Inspiration!

1. Creative place settings at a wedding in Bali. Loving how the naked light bulbs hang and illuminate the gorgeous set up. Image by Studio Impressions. 
2. Fresh avocado on a few slices of bread. Topped off with a lightly seasoned poached egg. The perfect lunch time treat.
3. Kale, avocado and grapefuit salad. One of my favourites. Kale has so many health benefits and is quite tasty. Find out how to make it yourself over at Pickles and Honey!
4. A favourite summer drink of mine (but it can obviously be enjoyed whenever) - sangria! Try the grapefruit version by Jessica over at How Sweet It Is!

Review: L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm in 118 Pink Satin

Once again I find myself apologizing for the lack of posts! I've been busy the past few days with college stuff. If you've been following my blog(s) for some time, you'll know that I made the (big) decision to leave university and transfer to a smaller college for an entirely different program. I've transferred from European and Russian Studies to a Bachelor's of Human Services in Police Studies. Quite the change, but definitely something I'm looking forward to! 

I'm usually not a huge fan of wearing anything on my lips. I like to keep them naked and all natural. I don't know why, but for some reason I just hate the feeling of stuff sitting on my lips. Sometimes I walk into the drugstore with the intention of buying nothing and come out with everything that I don't need. This was one of those times. 

Indulge your lips with Colour Riche® Balm. This tinted SPF 15 lip balm provides a hint of luscious, kissable colour, smoothing lips for a full 8 hours of continuous hydration. Lips are softer and more supple all day long—and keeps conditioning even after it’s been removed.

When I read the little description of the product, the first thing that caught my eye was the fact that this contains SPF. As an avid snowboarder, I know all to well what it's like to spend a day on the slopes and come back with horribly sore and burnt lips. Most people tend to overlook the importance of wearing a sunscreen on your lips. I consider it an added bonus and something that I now look for in all lip products. 

I'm also a sucker for the whole sheer look. This balm is easily applied to the lips and goes on super smooth. I don't find it making my lips sticky or tacky in any way and unlike what I've read from other reviewers, it did keep my lips hydrated all day. In fact, after a few days of wearing it, I noticed my lips were significantly softer. 

I picked up the lightest shade possible, 118 Pink Satin. However, all of the shades in this range are super sheer and you won't get an overload of colour on your lips. This colour had some gorgeous small flecks of glitter scattered throughout. It also complimented my fair skin tone pretty well. 

This product reminded me of Yves Saint Laurent's Volupte Sheer Candy balm in Juicy Grapefruit. While I didn't find it as shiny as YSL, it was just as equally moisturising. A great alternative if you're on a budget. This little tube cost me 8$ on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart. Canadian Problems = everything is more expensive than in the United States. 

One little con that I've found with this product are the packaging. While it's super cute and classy, the little notch in the bottom of the cap can be a pain in the behind if you're in a hurry. I'm able to appreciate the fact that the lid doesn't slip all over the place in my purse, but it's just a pain to have to match everything up. 

The L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm comes in 8 different shades:

Pink Satin (above), Rose Elixir, Tender Mauve, Heavenly Berry, Plush Plum, Caring Coral, Nourishing Nude, and Caramel Comfort

Definitely go check this lip balm out if you're looking for something that isn't to heavy and won't overpower your lips. What's your favourite brand of lip balm?

Review: Essence All About Matt Fixing Compact Powder

Essence has been one of my favourite drugstore makeup brands for a really long time. I first discovered the brand when I was in Germany a few years ago. I remember bringing back a ton of items and rationing them all because I didn't know if (or when) I'd be able to find their products in North America. 

About a year after I got back from Germany, I was shocked to see an Essence set up at my local Shoppers Drug Mart. They had all of the products that I had been familiarized with in Europe. I'm pretty sure it was like a kid in a candy shop. I think I bought everything.

My most recent purchase was their All About Matt fixing compact powder. I've only owned this one for a few days, but it's already made it's way into my purse as a staple.

All About Matt comes in one transparent pressed powder. No puff is included to apply it onto your face but I've just been using a spare makeup sponge. The container itself is fairly large and thick. I'm pretty sure that this product is meant to withstand the wear and tear of being in your makeup bag and purse. Although the packaging may be simple, the product really does live up to it's name. 

My routine for using All About Matt usually starts half way during the day when I find my forehead and t-zone kind of oily. Instead of applying more powder foundation to cover up the mess, I just pat on some of this product and the shine disappears! The nice part is that it doesn't make you look pale or alter the colour of your foundation. This powder reminds me of those blotting papers that are designed to remove all the oil from your face. It's awesome!

There really isn't much to this fantastic product. It won't break the bank and it only costs 3.99$! Way cheaper than any other compact makeup that I can think of. If you live in the United States, you can find Essence products at ULTA. If you live in Canada, you can find the products at select Shoppers Drug Marts. If you visit the Essence website, they list all of the places that stock and sell the brand! 

Weekly Instagrams

The first week of April has been the perfect introduction of what is to come this Spring! My birthday is coming up on the 14th and I've been treating myself multiple to little indulgences lately! 

• I had been lacking in the LUSH department lately so I decided to take a trip to my local LUSH store. One of my all time favourite products from them is the Cupcake Fresh Face Mask. It's chocolate and mint and works wonders on all of those red spots and icky little pimples I sometimes get. I also grabbed two Twilight bath bombs (couldn't resist). 
• I was able to pick up my Cartier Love ring yesterday and it is amazing. By far one of the highlights of my month. I purchased a size 8 and it fits perfectly on my middle and index fingers. I purchased the rose gold one. It's actually quick thick and sturdy, something I love and need. 
• Cravings for sushi are always occurring and I didn't have the time to go out to an all you can eat sushi bar, so I picked these up at my grocery store. They were cream cheese, salmon and cucumber and were so refreshing. I love salmon any way so this was definitely the perfect (healthy) treat!
• Somehow I always find myself at the mall when I'm bored! It was just such a horrible and icky day and I needed to get out and spend it doing something fun, like shopping. You can read all about the things I bought a few posts back. 
• With Spring comes my favourite flowers, tulips. These yellow ones were calling my name at the grocery store. A tip for making your tulips (or any flowers) last a really long time is to cut the stems, on an angle every few days. By doing this, I can make a bouquet of flowers last as long as 3 weeks! 
• Lastly, my Michael Kors watch was delivered. It's in rose gold (latest obsession) and matches my ring perfectly. I've been on the hunt for a perfect simple everyday watch and this is definitely it! 

#trending sneaker wedges

They're all over the place and I want to know, do you think they're here to stay? Are they #trending or not? Sneaker wedges offer the best of both worlds. The comfort of a sneaker with a heel! These are some of my favourite pairs on the market right now. P.S. The ALDO ones are amazing and happen to be my favourite! If you know me, you know I can't say no to studs! 

Little Shopping Haul

I really need to learn how to save money because I'm honestly horrible at it! I always find myself at the mall when I'm bored and it's not a good habit whatsoever. I did snag some really great items while I was there and these are just a few of them! 

Aerie was having a 40% off everything including clearance sale and my mind goes crazy over those. I picked up this Brooke lightly lined bra for 17$. It's this pretty summer blue colour and if you know me, you know I have a massive bra addiction. However this morning, I found it lying on the floor and my cats had decided they liked it too. All is well and the new bra made it out alive. 

I've also had my eyes on these earrings from American Eagle for a while and finally they went on sale and I grabbed them for only 9$. I've been obsessed with anything rose gold lately and I'm not a huge fan of large earrings. These are just right. 

H&M was actually really awesome this time around. I feel like they go through phases where they put out some awesome collection and then a not so great one. The new concious collection is great and I suggest you all go and check it out. I picked up this sleeveless shirt for 7$ in neon pink. I'm a huge fan of sleeveless shirts because they're so easy to just plop on and go on with your day. I also purchased two new rings. The double headed skull ring is so cute! Both skulls have two black stone eyes. The set also included the double spike ring on the right. It reminds me of the Cartier Juste a Clou collection a bit and I think that's why I was so drawn to it. 

I also picked up some makeup which I'll do another post on! All in all it was a great shopping trip. I picked up a cheap purse as well to hold me off until my Speedy comes! What are some items that you are lusting over right now?