Face Mask Review (Part One)

I'm sure the beauty community has heard about Glow Recipe by now, I think I'm late to the game.  They're famous for their Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (which I can not go without) and now their Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer as well.

I place an order almost two months ago to try out a few sheet and rubber masks, also this life changing watermelon sleeping mask.

Well, I fell in love.

In the past, believing my skin to be oily, I've used mostly clay masks so this whole hydrating mask thing is new to me.

So this most recent purchase I bought one rubber mask, the watermelon mask and so many sheet masks.

I have yet to make it through all these masks but I figured I would do reviews along the way.  The best way for me to keep track of what they do is to write on the packaging as a reminder, so here we go!

Glow Recipe

Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

I use this mask after I cleanse my face in the evening and before I put anything else on my face.

It can tend to settle a bit, so just give it a quick stir until it becomes a jelly again.  I use about a dime size amount for my entire face and I have been using this just about every night unless I use another treatment or face mask that evening.

The next morning my skin always looks more clear and glow-y.

Blossom Jeju

White Camellia Soombi 2-Step Pure Brightening Petal Mask

(shown on the left in white packaging)

I really enjoyed this mask!  So at the bottom there is a little packet (mine is ripped off because I've used it) that contains Jeju Camellia oil and you apply that to your face first then part two the sheet mask.  I did find it pretty brightening, almost a whitening effect and the number on thing? I didn't break out.

Polatam

Pure Cream Mask Firming Radiance

I'm so frustrated about this mask because I do like it but my skin has some issues with it.

First off, it's a cream sheet mask, so it is quite thick which I really liked.  It felt so hydrating and when I took it off I could feel a slight firming effect.

The next morning I woke up with three new zits in different areas of my face, not happy.

I have a second one of these masks, so I will try it again and will let you know in my part two review if the same thing happened.

Make P:rem

Firming Layering Double Mask

I've tried this mask before, and I've ordered it again which is why this one is unopened.  I've only tried a few things but I am so in love with this brand (try the micro tension cream!).  

One of my favorite things about this mask is that it has ear loops to hold it on to your face and it just fits perfectly.  Plus this one really makes you look like a serial killer, I actually scared my boyfriend while wearing this one.  

I could really feel the firming effects around my eyes and mouth after I removed this and maybe it's a placebo effect but it looks like my mouth wrinkle is less noticeable after this mask.

Whamisa

Organic Fruits & Tomato Fermented Hydrogel Sheet Mask

This mask was weird.

Did I like it? Yes

It's a gel like it states, but for some reason I was not expecting that, so you have to be quite careful applying it as I ended up tearing with my nails a few times.

The smell was okay, not the best though.

You're supposed to wear it for twenty minutes, but I found it so hard as it was sliding all over my face.  But I did find it very hydrating and my skin looked, clarified? I think that's the word I want.

Just a heads up that the packaging looks like it has changed from what I have pictured

Polatam

Water Gel Extra Force Moisturizing Sheet Mask

 Another mask from Polatam, so I was a bit nervous after breaking out from the firming one by them.

I love this mask. 

I had no breakouts, it was insanely moisturizing and I love the smell!!  I don't know what the smell actually is but it contains Oak tree sap so I imagine it's that but it reminds of my using my Mom's aloe plant when I was a kid.

I am so happy I purchased two of these.

Wish Formula

Squish-and-Bubble Mesh Mask

This was so cool.

This is actually a cleanser, it comes with a sponge already soaked in solution containing Vitamin C and AHAs.

You squish it and out comes the cleanser all nice and bubbly.

I found it did a great job at cleansing and exfoliating, but I would definitely apply a moisturizer right after so you don't dry out your skin.

On the website it says you can use this up to three times per week, but I was unsure if it was the same sponge or if you'd have to buy a bunch of them.  They do make one for the body too which I really want to try!

I still have seven new masks to try out before I post another review and I'll also update you on any duplicates I have if there is a different reaction.

Have you tried anything from Glow Recipe? 

Let me know in the comments!

[I ended up playing with the font after I published this and now it's super tiny. I am in the process of fixing it.]

Makeup for Glowing Skin

I am all about being bronzed and glowy this year.
These are some of my favorite face and eye products for looking like a glowing mermaid!

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow, Urban Decay Half baked eyeshadow, Stila Kitten eyeshadow, MeMeMe Dew Pot in Willow Whisper 5

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal, Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light, Nars The Multiple in Orgasm, Buxom eyeshadow in Mink Magnet, CoverFX Click Stick Highlighter in Bubbly.

What are your favorite products for glowing skin?

My Travel Makeup & Skincare Routine

I recently went to Las Vegas, not far from me but far enough.
Traveling means I get to use up a bunch of my miniature products, which I was psyched for (ask the boyfriend).  It also means that I really need to figure out what makeup products are really essential to me, which was hard because I have a blush palette I love, but it is rather large.

I had a method to my madness.
I packed everything I would normally use, which sounds ridiculous but it was my system, then I went through it all again and asked myself "do I really need this for the three days I'm gone?"
I would narrow it down to if one product could do the work of two, do I need a blush palette when I'm going to be in forty degree Celsius weather?, do I need two highlighters?
The only thing I couldn't get myself to agree on was mascara. . .I brought three. . .did I end up using three? No.  I used the same one every day.

What I started with was excessive. Not pictured, is an eye shadow palette that I brought and used once.  And all I used it for? my inner corner highlight.  I brought a lipstick, but all I ended up using was my Lancome Juicy Shaker (in cotton candy), love these things!  The Nars soft matte complete concealer was awesome for the hot weather and I think I claim it as my all time favorite concealer after this trip.  I just want to mention that I never hear anyone talk about the Buxom lash mascara, I freaking love it.  It never flakes or clumps on me and makes my lashes look so good, I need to invest in the full version.

I thought for sure I would be into wearing a lot of makeup but a)I was wearing sunglasses half the time and b)it was sweltering!  I was more into caring for my skin and hair, as the heat attacked it.

I used my regular shampoo and conditioner, and just transferred them to small containers (hair routine coming soon), but this soy leave-in treatment from SexyHair helped so much while down there.  I am a blush person and I only brought this one from Charlotte Tilbury/Norman Parkinson Color of Youth, and I only used it the first day. My Charlotte Tilbury bronze and glow was a must though, along with the Becca under eye corrector.

I recently used my points to get the First Aid Beauty set at Sephora and have been dying to use these minis and finally got the chance. 
Face cleanser- While it is good and didn't effect my skin in a bad way, I'll pass and stick to my Neutrogena.
Coconut Primer- I am not sure. . .I like the way it felt and the scent wasn't bad, but I just didn't notice much difference if that makes sense. I would save my money.
Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum- I liked this quite a bit, but seeing how I have other serums I like slightly more I'm not buying the full size.
Ultra Repair Cream- I did not like the scent of this but I really like the cream, a lot.  The scent goes away quickly so I may the full size in the future if suddenly Eucerin stops making my favorite.

I brought my bum bum cream by Sol de Janeiro and never used it once!  But trust that I've been using it like crazy since I've been home...plus I did transfer my Brazilian Crush spray into a smaller container to bring on the trip and wore it every day.

Since we've been home I've been embracing a no makeup makeup look more than usual, mostly just concealer, bronzer and highlight.  It feels very summery and I'm loving it.

What are your travel essentials?
Expect a beach post later this week as we're headed out for some waves today!

Just a Little Sephora Haul

I didn't take advantage of the Sephora VIB Rouge sale, as much as I normally do, this year, I do tend to spend a little more during the one in the latter half of the year.
I mostly did a little restocking this time and also wanted to try a couple little things.
First let me just introduce the one thing I bought a week before the sale because I was completely out of eye cream and was waiting to repurchase my more expensive one during the sale.

 Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer

I actually accepted the help of a girl at Sephora that day (which I never do) while I was stuck between two different Origins eye creams.  I told her I wanted it to be moisturizing and she suggested this one and said it was super brightening too.  I've been using it for a couple weeks and I really love it, definitely a favorite now.

 

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream

 This is probably my favorite eye cream ever, but with a seventy dollar (Canadian) price tag I'll only purchase it when there is a sale or with Shopper's Drug Mart points.  It is so hydrating, and I notice a difference in the fine lines around my eyes ever since I started using it last year.

L’Occitane Oil Make-Up Remover

 Funny story about this product, I bought the wrong thing.  I meant to buy the Shea Cleansing Oil, which is fabulous and almost ten dollars cheaper for the same amount of product.  I am hoping this works similar or better.

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Vanilla

I was dying to try this concealer ever since it came out but I was too chicken because the drugstore concealers I use are awesome and I was nervous about shade matching.  Luckily the shade is perfect for how pale I am and a little product goes a long way.  Quite a few reviews say this is drying under the eyes, which I agree, but I find as long as you use an eye cream before and don't slather on the concealer you're fine.  

Lancôme Miracle CC Cushion - Color Correcting Primer in Pinky Peach

I already own this but I had to purchase a new one during the sale because I found I cannot live without this.  I would love to try the others but for now this one is working for me.  It brightens under my eyes like crazy and makes me look so awake (which I need).  Out of everything I purchased this is one product I would highly recommend getting.

 

Dior Diorshow Pump‘N’Volume Mascara and CLINIQUE Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen

I am a fan of the Dior mascaras I've tried in the past so I to give this odd packaging a try, but I have yet to test it out.  I did however quickly test the eyeliner, I was surprised how easy it actually was, like what?  How does that work?  Plus it's super black, which is a must.

 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

And the star of the show! I love the Hourglass powders, and with diffused light being my favorite I had to try the bronzer. I don't know how to explain this powder, but it's just such a natural glow/bronze to my skin.  I'd love to get the luminous bronze for Summer when I'm a bit more tan.  Next on my list from Hourglass is a blush!

 That's it for this haul, let me know what you picked up during the sale!

Why I Love The Ordinary

I have a new skincare love.
The Ordinary.

I think I first came across it on well.ca but most of it was sold out, so I did my research and found it also on beautylish.com.

The company is actually Deciem and I've also tried some of their Chemistry and Hylamide line now too.
And they also are the company that does Fountain, which I tried last year and the 'Happy Molecule' definitely made an impact on me.
But this is about The Ordinary.

I own and love the following four products so far: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

 I use the Hyaluronic acid every day, twice a day. The lactic acid can be used every night but I've been doing well with every second night.  I use the salicylic acid on any blemishes I have twice a day and it seems to keep them from growing to a monstrous size.  The peeling solution is only recommended to be used twice a week for only 10 minutes and out of fear I follow just that.

I have noticed a dramatic difference in my skin.  It's not been as dry and the peeling solution makes it incredibly smooth and soft.  And after a night of using the lactic acid my skin always looks brighter (I am a lactic acid lover).

Plus the packaging is simple and I love the dropper.  I wish I would've taken a picture of when I received the products, they were all wrapped up in brown paper packaging tied up with string (but seriously).  Not to mention that it's super affordable and made in Canada. And the disclaimer on the website, "DECIEM does not test on animals and does not pay others to do so. For this reason, none of our brands are sold in mainland China since such sales require animal testing for registration purposes."  I mean come on, is this for real?

Oh, and they're coming out with foundation too.
I am just so in love with them so far.

I'm all about buying local, buying Canadian and the fact that this Canadian brand hits it out of the park for me is just awesome. 
Well done!

I am currently purchasing their retinoid. . . 



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Summer Essentials

Long time no see?
I feel like when I write I need to have a refreshing beverage or coffee in hand, good tunes and have had a good work day.
Today was good and I have a cider in hand, so I am happy.

I hope everyone had a fantastic long weekend! Even though it was not sunny or hot here it felt like the beginning of Summer, therefore I needed to compile my list of Summer essentials.

This will mostly likely differ from my Summer favorites that will come in September but this the overall plan.  Enjoy and a let me know your Summer essentials in the comments!

 BareMinerals Complexion rescue, Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment Sugar in Rose, 'We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson, L'oreal Magic BB Cream, maison martin margiela Replica 'Beach Walk' perfume, Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer by Chanel

1. Tinted moisturizer/BB Cream.  I usually go lightweight with my skin for any time of year but definitely for Summer. 
2. A lip treatment.  My go to is Vaseline which I feel like I talk about in every essentials/favorites post, but I do like the Fresh treatments as well and thought I'd sneak that in there this time.
3. A good book.  I hope to do a book post this Summer as I have been getting back into reading again as I now have the time to.
4. A Summer scent.  There are scents that smell like Summer and then there are scents that remind you of Summer (watermelon, a boy's cologne, bbq hot dogs, the ocean etc)
5. A go to bronzer, one that enhances your Summer tan or just makes you look like you were at the beach all day even though you were slathered in your SPF like me.

 L'oreal EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment, Essence All About Sunrise Eyeshadow, Stila Aqua Glow Serum Concealer, The Lumineers 'Cleopatra', TooFaced Hangoverx,Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara

6. A good hair product to keep your hair feeling smooth and silky after all those UV rays. 
7. Summer-y, shimmery eyeshadows for those days or nights you feeling like looking like a mermaid.
8. Lightweight concealers.  I tend to tan pretty well in Summer, so I do need to go a shade darker but at the same time I rarely need concealer so I stick to light coverage ones that will just make me look more awake.
9. Awesome tunes! A Summer playlist is a must-have for me and has been for years.  Let me know your Summer songs in the comments, I would love to know!
10. A primer, specifically a hydrating one.  I tend to ignore the fact that I have dry skin in the Summer as I am already looking oily from the hot days, but you shouldn't ignore your skin type even if you are a sweaty mess.
11. Natural looking mascara that will have people questioning if those are your natural lashes, oh why yes they are!

Maybelline Better Skin Concealer, Tarte Cosmetics Rainforest of the Sea palette, Hawaiian Tropics Silk Hydration Sunscreen, Stila Aqua Glow Cushion Blush in Rosewater, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer

 
12. SPF.  Sunscreen is a must for me.  It wasn't in the past, but as I near thirty I've realized the importance of it the last few years.  No more of that 4SPF tanning oil for me, okay well maybe but only because it smells so good and then I'll slather something more on over top.
13. I love having rosy cheeks, so a cushion or cream blush is perfect for the Summer. It looks natural and feels light on the cheeks.
14. Moisturizer.  Something to hydrate your skin before hitting the heat, as well as something for your skin to drink up at the end of the day.

So, go on let me know what you tend to reach for in the Summer months.

I hope you have a great week and I hope to talk to you soon!

My Everyday Makeup

Today while I was getting ready I had everything out and thought that I would share what I use on an everyday basis for work.

It's looks like a lot of products but I try to keep it pretty simple.  You know, one of those "no makeup makeup looks".

Usually I start with primer (not pictured as I am out of this) and I use Angel Veil by NYX.
Next I'll move onto a base and I prefer a more sheer coverage than a foundation.  Lately I've been back into using my Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue in Buttercream, I blend most of it in with my fingers and then go over it with a damp Beauty Blender.  I add some Mac Pro Longwear concealer under my eyes (dabbing a bit on my eyelids too) and anywhere else I think I need it (around my nose, chin and sometimes forehead).

I use my Besame French Vanilla powder to set under my eyes and Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder (not pictured) on my t-zone.  I don't do anything dramatic to my eyes but I do like to set the little bit of concealer I placed on my eyes with a cream colored eye shadow, so I've been using Urban Decay's Foxy (my favorite one to use).

Next is a new step to my routine and that is warming up my face and doing a light contour of my cheeks using Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze and Glow (I also use the highlight after I do my blush).
I am absolutely in love with the 'Cherry' blush in the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani blush palette! It's been my go to blush since the palette came out.

For brows I use the NYX microbrow pencil in 'espresso' with Anastasia Beverly Hills brow gel to set it.
I use the Shu Uemura Lash Builder Eyelash Nourishing Serum on my lashes (obviously) and sometimes this is all I will put on, but the last two weeks I will put the Benefit They're Real Tinted Lash Primer over top just so my lashes aren't so pale looking.

And that is it!
It seems like a lot of work but it takes ten minutes max to do this, depending on how distracted I get.

I hope to film a get ready with me video some time this weekend so keep an eye out for that.

Have a fun Easter Weekend!

My Birthday Weekend!

We spent my birthday weekend, actually just Saturday, in The City!

We got up at five thirty, yes in the morning, showered, had coffee and breakfast, got all dolled up and then headed to the float plane.
Typically we'd take the ferry to The City, but we got a deal on the float plane and it only takes 20 minutes versus and hour and a half. Plus I had never been on the float plane and Nathan was dying to go.

It was so much fun, definitely a highlight from the weekend.

When we arrived we walked a few blocks and sat at a Starbucks playing scrabble for an hour.

All the shops opened up at ten. So we wandered, looking at what stores I'd want to go into.
I had planned out all the clothes I wanted but when it came to it, I couldn't cough up the fifty dollars they wanted...per t-shirt. Ridiculous (I say this now, just you wait...)
First shop we went to was the Disney store (of course).  There were sales, so I bought a Minnie Mouse purse and Nathan got me a t-rex lunch kit from the movie "The Good Dinosaur". One day I'll have to explain this t-rex obsession.

We did hit up Victoria's Secret because I had a $15 off coupon (how could I resist?) plus Nathan gave me money to spend specifically at Victoria's Secret.
After hitting up Urban Outfitters and realizing how overpriced a plain tank top was we went to Japadog (picture above, except I kind of devoured it before realizing I didn't take a picture)

Japadog, a Japanese hot dog. I went for the beef hot dog with Japanese mayonnaise, the most delicious teriyaki sauce and seaweed. Oh my god, I can't wait until we go back in three weeks!

After lunch we headed over to Granville Island.
Except I lead us the wrong direction and we had to walk across The City (about 25 minutes).
It sounded like a great idea: go shopping at the market, get some fresh produce, sit in the brewery and get a little bit tipsy.
We hated it. It was far too busy.  We're talking shoulder to shoulder busy. I've done Comic-Con and that was busy but this was just rude busy.  No one cared, people said rude things to you to get you to move.

We won't go back.  The brewery there is the Granville Island Brewery, which makes my favorite beer the Winter Ale and the wait was over thirty minutes.
By this time we were hungry and irritated and wanted to sit down and eat bad for you food and have some beers.
We spent a whole hour there and decided to take the ferry back to The City and walk across town (again).


We ended up at Red Robin, a classic.
They were so great there, as usual, we ordered some kind of spicy fries to begin with and I could not eat anymore than 4, they were burning my mouth.  We explained the situation and they happily brought us onion rings instead.  We enjoyed our onion rings and some beer, which I wish I could remember the name of because it was so good.
I highly recommend going to Red Robin in Vancouver, I have never had a bad experience at any location actually.


So, after we were a little bit buzzed from our beers. . .actually quite a bit buzzed we started exploring again.
I was in a giggly mood and apparently in a shopping black out:

"We sell it in a kit with a brush that's made in Germany", she said "You'll save five dollars" she said.
A hundred and fifty dollars later. . .
Nathan picked up a pair of shoes there and nearly passed out.
Later I had an anxiety attack on the ferry home.
But I must say, the brush feels luxurious and the product lives up to the hype.  I have never had a good experience with carving out my cheekbones until now.
I am addicted.

I didn't buy much else except for a pair of jeans.
So I will be waiting until those t-shirts I want go on sale online.

All in all it was a fun weekend and I'm glad we went on a shopping/people watching trip.
See you in a few weeks for the car show Vancouver!