How to Achieve Glowy Skin

Most days, I’m all about wearing as little makeup as possible…especially during the warmer months when it’s too hot and humid to spend time applying makeup that will just melt off as soon as I leave the house.

As soon as the temperature starts rising, I tend to go through phases where I will play up only one feature at a time. Sometimes I’ll create a bright eye look, other times I will opt for a vibrant lip shade. Lately, I have been focusing on fresh, glowy skin; it’s easy to achieve and gives the complexion an effortless radiance.

Since I don’t wear foundation, I always begin with a moisturizer (with sunscreen). After waiting a few minutes for my skin to absorb the moisturizer, I apply MAC’s Mineralize blush in the shade Dainty. I find that mineralize blushes work best on bare skin and they never look chalky. In terms of application, I like to buff Dainty onto the apples of my cheeks by swirling my Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour brush in a circular motion. Using this technique prevents any harsh lines or uneven patches.

Next, I use my Sigma F50 Duo Fibre brush to sweep a bit of Benefit’s Sugarbomb face powder over the blush. To finish, I curl my lashes, swipe them with a bit of Vaseline, and dab my lips with a lip balm. The result: A peachy-pink, healthy (but not glittery) glow. I wear this look every day and I always feel fresh-faced and confident despite the fact that I’m hardly wearing any makeup. The best part is that I don’t have to wash off a full face of makeup at the end of the day.

What’s your go-to routine for glowy skin?

May 2013 Topbox (Regular Topbox)

For the third month in a row, I opted for Topbox’s regular version. The prive box brands have yet to impress me since the Benefit Cosmetics box.

While April’s regular Topbox was disappointing, I feel that the company redeemed itself with the May box.

Spring was definitely in this month’s box as it included pretty shades of pink and a versatile chocolate brown. I really loved the fact that no skincare or haircare items were sent this time. They are my least favourite and I prefer to receive makeup and nail products. Two makeup and two nail-related items came this month, packaged in a pretty purple, white, and green box. The items themselves were wrapped in purple tissue paper.

For those of you who do not know what Topbox is, it is a service similar to Loose Button, Birchbox, Glossybox, Ipsy, etc., which offers monthly boxes of deluxe size product samples. Topbox currently offers its services across Canada. For more information check out topbox.ca

To see what I received in my May Topbox (including an extra product that Topbox promised to send after I complained about receiving duplicate products in my April box), and to hear my comments and first impressions on each product, check out my video below:

May 2013 Topbox–Unboxing

Jewelmint Guilded Silver Bangle

 

Every few months I find a Jewelmint piece that really catches my eye. The pieces that I like are very dainty and classic. My first purchase was a pair of Lovely Audrey Earrings. Next, I opted for the Opera Pearl Necklace. This time around, I purchased the Guilded Silver Bangle. If you check out all three pieces you will notice a theme: classy, elegant, and sophisticated with a bit of bling.

Although the bracelet is small and delicate, it adds the perfect amount of sparkle. As you can see from the photos, the bangle consists of round and oval links that are accented by clear crystal stones. The clasp is well constructed and the bracelet’s closure is very tight and stays in place until pulled apart with a moderate amount of force. I’m not at all worried about it opening and falling off.

Since I have a very tiny wrist, I have to be careful when ordering bracelets online that I cannot try on before purchasing. This bracelet is 2 1/2 inches wide so it fits nicely. It slides up and down when i move my arm but it is not large enough to slip over my wrist. The best part is that its beautiful yet modest details make it a perfect complement for both a formal outfit or a t-shirt and jeans. I have had this bracelet for only a few weeks and have already worn it quite a few times.

Overall, I am very impressed with this bracelet and look forward to finding more Jewelmint pieces to add to my collection.

*For those of you who are unfamiliar with Jewelmint, it is a monthly subscription service that offers trendy jewellery created by Cher Coulter and Kate Bosworth. You do not have to purchase items every month—you can sign into your account and choose “skip this month” within the first few days of the month and you will not be charged.*

SIGN UP FOR JEWELMINT HERE

For more information on the bracelet, check out my video and photos below.

Jewelmint Guilded Silver Bangle

Don’t Miss Out on Two Great Giveaways!!!!

My two giveaways will be ending soon. Don’t forget to enter to win some great prizes. Both giveaways are open worldwide so anyone can enter!

Click HERE to enter my Joe Fresh Nail Polish giveaway.

Click HERE to enter to win a copy of The Skin Regime by Dana Ramos.

Good luck!

April Topbox

I took a month off from Topbox in March because I got a new credit card and forgot to update my information in my Topbox account. Once I realized that I wasn’t getting my March box (I opted for the regular box in March), I was relieved because, in my opinion, the items were less than impressive.

I selected the regular Topbox this month as well. The Prive boxes have not been featuring brands that I like and it seems that Topbox has been recycling the same selection of brands for the past few months.

Sadly, I was unhappy with this month’s regular box. The box featured mostly skin care and hair care items, and two of the products that I received have been sent to me three times in previous Topboxes. I contacted the company about this issue and the customer service representative said that they would make up for the mix-up by sending me an extra product in May. I was impressed with their customer service and am looking forward to the extra product.

For those of you who do not know what Topbox is, it is a service similar to Loose Button, Birchbox, Glossybox, Ipsy, etc., which offers monthly boxes of deluxe size product samples. Topbox currently offers its services across Canada. For more information check out topbox.ca

To see what I received in my April Topbox, and to hear my comments and first impressions on each product, check out my video below:

April Topbox–Unboxing

Cherry-Chip Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Filling

I’ve always been intrigued by French macaroons—they’re colourful, exquisite sandwich cookies offered by specialty shops and bakeries. One day, when I have perfected my baking skills, I will make a batch of pastel-coloured macaroons. For now, I will experiment with other (easier) forms of the sandwich cookie.

Recently, I made these cherry-chip cookies with chocolate ganache filling. Let’s just call them decadent! They are sweet and delicious with their soft texture and smooth, rich filling. The best part is that they are so easy (and fun) to make.

Recipe

Ingredients:

Cookies (this part of the recipe was inspired by the Red Velvet Christmas Cookies created by the very talented Kaitlyn over at Wifessionals):

1 box cherry chip cake mix

2 tbsp. flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

powdered sugar

flour

Ganache:

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)

Directions:

1. Prepare the ganache a few hours before so that it has time to cool and set. Begin by bringing the heavy cream to a boil in a small saucepan.

2. Place the chocolate chips in a medium glass bowl and pour the boiling cream over the chocolate. Whisk until the cream and chocolate are thoroughly combined.

3. Allow the ganache to set for a few hours until it takes on a truffle-like texture. You can put it in the fridge to speed up the process but do not leave it in for too long or it will be too hard to work with.

4. Once the ganache has set, begin the cookies. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

5. In a medium bowl, combine cake mix and flower, smoothing out lumps.

6. Add the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

7. Place a silpat (or parchment paper) on a large baking sheet. Coat hands with a bit of flour and roll the batter into small balls. Before placing the cookie balls on the baking sheet, roll them in a bit of powdered sugar. Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet and flatten slightly.

8. Bake 8-9 minutes.

9. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon a small amount of ganache onto the flat side of a cookie and top with another cookie (flat side down). Repeat with the rest of the cookies. For a more precise application, use a piping bag to apply the ganache to the cookie surface.

10. Arrange the sandwich cookies on a pretty plate and enjoy!

Book Review & Giveaway: The Skin Regime by Dana Ramos

Now that spring is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start making your summer reading list! While sitting by the pool or lounging on the sand (wearing sunscreen from head to toe, of course!), why not enjoy a good read that’s also beneficial for your skin?

I’ve started on my summer reading early and already checked off the first book on my list: The Skin Regime by Dana Ramos. Not only is Ramos’ book entertaining with its direct and humorous voice, it also provides useful skincare advice that can apply to any gender or age group.

Before I tell you more about the book, here is my skin story: I have very fair (think Snow White), combination, sensitive skin. I never went through an acne phase in my teens but I have dealt with rosacea, reactions to many products, hives, eczema, and general irritation. Despite these annoyances, I have only ever felt uncomfortable in my own skin on three different occasions—a formal work event and two weddings that I stood in. The cause of my discomfort and self consciousness was foundation. I had my makeup done professionally on these occasions and ended up wearing liquid, loose mineral, or airbrush foundation. All three times I was embarrassed to be seen in public and felt that I looked unnatural and like I was wearing a mask. I have never owned a bottle (or jar or tube) of foundation, and I never plan to. My goal is to keep my skin in the best condition possible so that I never want to cover it up.

Here is where The Skin Regime comes in. This book tells the truth about beauty products and skincare by explaining why you don’t need a cabinet full of expensive lotions and potions to achieve great-looking skin. It shows readers how to create a personalized regime based on products and advice most dermatologists recommend for their patients. For example, it teaches readers how to find and use peel treatments, like medical spas and doctors use, for a fraction of the cost, safely and easily. And if peel treatments aren’t really your style, The Skin Regime provides other tips and tricks for improving the appearance of your skin.

What I learned from the book is that it’s not about how expensive the skincare products are but which ingredients they contain. In fact, most items used in the book’s skin regime can be purchased at the drugstore (Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, anyone?). The products combined can help diminish discoloration, dullness, large pores, age spots, and sun spots. Ramos says that by devoting only a few minutes per day to the regime, or as she calls it, a “boot camp for the skin”, most people will see a positive difference in their skin in two weeks and a major difference in six to twelve weeks.

Ramos’ website, theskinregime.com, includes unretouched, foundationless before and after photos of people who have seen results from the skin regime. Not to mention, the back of the book features a photo of Ramos at 49, appearing to be in her early 30s with a flawless, makeup-free complexion. After reading the book’s section on her skin story, readers will discover that her skin has come a long way since the acne battles that she faced in her teens, 20s, and 30s.

In addition to the “boot camp for skin”, Ramos’ book covers a range of other useful topics such as how to treat puffy eyes and dark circles, the best makeup for your newly improved skin, hair removal options, how to care for the skin on your body (perfect for summer!), hand, nail, and hair care tips, and more. The book’s appendix lists useful sites for more information on skincare resources.

Overall, I truly believe that this book is a must-read for anyone who is looking to easily and inexpensively improve their skin. With those sticky summer days on the way, why not go foundation free and be cool and comfortable in your own skin?

For more information about The Skin Regime and Dana Ramos, check out the links below:

Website: http://www.theskinregime.com/

Sign up for The Skin Regime’s email newsletter HERE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSkinRegime

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSkinRegime

To win your own copy of The Skin Regime, as well as a sample facial/peel, just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

Good luck in the giveaway. It’s open worldwide until May 15, 2013!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joe Fresh Nail Polish Giveaway!!!!

Now that spring is in the air and clothing stores and makeup counters are bursting with colour, I thought that it would be the perfect time to thank my followers with some pretty polishes.

As far as I know, Joe Fresh polishes can only be found in Canada at the present time, so I wanted to give away some polishes from this line so that one of my followers could try them out. The giveaway is open worldwide and will end on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 12:00 AM.

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Clothingloves.net for Affordable & Fashionable Clothing!

I’ve never been one to spend a lot of money on clothes, so I’m always excited to learn about new stores that offer fashionable pieces at affordable prices. I especially enjoy shopping online because it allows me to find unique clothing items that I can purchase without having to leave the house.

Recently I was introduced to Clothingloves, an online store that offers many clothing items and accessories at very reasonable prices. The company’s specialties include wedding dresses, women’s blazers, and wholesale men’s jackets.

These are some of my favourite items from the site:

Can you tell that I love dresses? I live in dresses during the warmer months as they are effortlessly comfortable and cute. These light, chiffon styles are perfect for spring and summer! I would wear any of these dresses to a wedding shower, a brunch, or an afternoon party.

Often when I find online stores with clothing that fits my style, I add items to my shopping cart only to find out at checkout that the site does not ship to my country. Luckily, Clothingloves ships worldwide.

When you open a free account with the site, you receive a 15% off coupon to put towards your first order. I also like that this store offers PayPal as a payment option which always makes online shopping a bit safer.

Overall, I am very impressed with this site and look forward to purchasing some summer clothing items!

Nail Polish Haul (Zoya, Essie, Butter London & more!)

Since my favourite nail polish brands can be a bit expensive, I usually only purchase a few colours at a time. After months of collecting, I thought that it was time for a collective haul. Check out my polish pictures and video below to see which colours I picked up from Zoya, Essie, China Glaze, & more!

Zoya Paloma, Zoya Daul, Zoya Monika

Zoya Shawn, Zoya Carmen, Zoya LC

Zoya Rory, Zoya Gei Gei, Zoya Trixie

Zoya Kennedy, Zoya Jacqueline, Zoya Barbie, Zoya Erika

Essie Shine of the Times, Essie Russian Roulette

Butter London Teddy Girl, Butter London Primrose Hill Picnic, Butter London Jaffa

Butter London Toff, Butter London Queen Vic

China Glaze Snowglobe, China Glaze I Herd That, Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe

My video below explains each polish colour:

Nail Polish Haul (Zoya, Essie, Butter London, Deborah Lippmann, China Glaze)

NOTD: Zoya Rory

After a long winter of dark, cream finish polishes, Zoya Rory is a breath of fresh, spring air!

At first glance, this shade appears as a standard pink with a hint of purple, but a little sunlight brings out its truly unique properties. Zoya describes Rory as a “medium mauve pink with lilac tones, gold and silver reflective metallic shimmer accents, and a foil-like finish.” As you can see from the photos in this post, this description is fairly accurate.

Rory was introduced to the Zoya family in Summer 2012 with the release of the Surf collection. The other five polishes in the collection have a similar finish. Despite being a medium shade, Rory is fairly pigmented and becomes opaque with two coats. Zoya gives this polish a 5/5 in terms of opacity.

I’m not sure if I agree with the Zoya site in its classification of Rory as a warm toned shade. I can usually only pull off cool toned shades, but Rory did not compete with my skintone. I think that the lilac tones neutralize the mauve and allow Rory to have a neutral base.

Also, while the finish is quite metallic, I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it is “foil-like”. I consider a foil-like finish to be smooth and reflective, or mirror-like (for example, the Sally Hansen Chrome polishes). The metallic-look of this polish is created by gold and silver shimmers which make the finish shiny and glossy but not quite reflective. Either way, the finish is unique and gives the shade dimension.

Overall, I feel that Rory offers a pretty pop of colour, and a surprising splash of shimmer with its metallic micro glitter formula. The formula is easy to work with and it took five days for minor chipping and tip-wear to begin. A perfect spring and summer polish!

March SeasonsBox

Today, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to review the March SeasonsBox.  Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products each moth.

Each month’s box is completely different and includes environmentally conscious products for your home, body, and spirit. It’s called a SeasonsBox because each box is tailored to one season or a seasonal holiday. Last month I reviewed the February Box which was Valentine’s Day themed and featured healthy and eco-conscious products designed to nourish your body, invigorate your taste buds, and relax your mind.

This month’s box is St. Patrick’s Day themed (can you tell from the bright green bow and grassy box filling?) and features eco-friendly and green products, plus practical spring must-haves, to refresh and rejuvenate your home, body, and spirit.

The first item is an Ecoverse Compact Umbrella from ShedRainfrom. This umbrella is green (crafted from recycled materials and has a natural bamboo handle), storm-sturdy, eco-friendly, and compact enough to fit in your bag. Not to mention, this item alone pays for the entire box as it retails for $32 USD.  

The next item is an Organic Gourmet Tea from Octavia. I received green tea, which is perfect for St. Patty’s day with its green tint and rich flavour. This tea is 100% natural and certified organic, free of artificial ingredients and chemicals, and made from real tealeaves. I’ve been enjoying this tea in the mornings with a teaspoon of honey.

Now something to invigorate the senses: Natural Incense Cones from Vance Kitira. Not only does this product smell delicious, it comes in a mint green colour and is packaged nicely enough to function as a decorative item in your home. These cones are natural and come in a rosewood box. They smell refreshing and beachy!

The last item is satisfyingly scent-sational as well. This bar of Dublin Mint Irish Soap from All Things Herbal is natural and handcrafted using the cold process method for producing highest quality soaps. The invigorating scent is created by a blend of spearmint, peppermint, and rosemary. Perfect for an early morning shower!

Overall, I continue to be impressed by SeasonsBox. The full sized products are all items that I will use and love, which makes this subscription service more than worth the price. I did a rough calculation of the value of this month’s items, and the products combined retail at over $60—that’s double the price of the box!

Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the March items, you get what you pay for. I can’t wait to see what SeasonsBox has in store for April!

Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?

Spring 2013 Nail Polish Favourites

One of my favourite aspects of spring is the pretty, pastel nail polish shades that show up on store shelves in early March.

This year, my list of spring polish favourites features pinks, greens, peaches, nudes, and, of course, pastels.

Which ones do you like best from my list below, and what will you be wearing on your nails this season?

To see reviews, swatches, and nail designs featuring these shades, check out the Nail Art and NOTD tabs on my blog’s menu bar.

Essie Neo Whimsical, OPI Play the Peonies, Zoya Jaime

Zoya Rory, Zoya Gei Gei, Zoya Barbie, Zoya Erika

Essie Fiji, Orly Cotton Candy, Butter London Teddy Girl

Zoya Jacqueline, Zoya Kennedy

Zoya Bevin, Essie Mint Candy Apple

For more information about the polishes, check out my spring favourites video:

Spring 2013 Nail Polish Favourites

Easy Raspberry Cake Filling

I wanted to add something special to a chocolate-covered Funfetti cake, so I made a quick and easy raspberry filling.

Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups frozen, unsweetened raspberries

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

2 tbsp cornstarch

Directions

1. Thaw raspberries and strain juice.

2. Add water to the raspberry juice to create 3/4 cup of liquid.

3. Pour the juice/water mixture in a small  saucepan, and add the lemon juice and cornstarch. Stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat.

4. Place the thawed raspberries in a bowl and mash with a spoon to a pulp-like consistency. If you want a seedless filling, mash the thawed berries in a wire strainer, catching the seedless pulp in a bowl below. You will need 1/2 cup of pulp (*I did not use the seedless option because I like the crunch that the seeds add to the filling).

5. Add the pulp to the cooled mixture. Stir well and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.

The cooled mixture before the pulp was added. At this stage, it tastes like a thick, sweet jelly donut filling.

The finished, cooled filling. It lasts up to a week in the fridge, so, after using two thirds of the filling in my cake, I used the rest to sweeten plain Greek yogurt.

Here’s a picture of the cake (it was delicious!):

Let me know if you try out this recipe!

Easter / Spring Nail Look

While I love seeing nail looks around this type of year that include rabbits, grass, and colourful Easter eggs, I like to wear designs on my nails that will be appropriate long after the egg hunt ends.

This year, I created a shimmery pink floral look with pearl accents. It was very quick and easy to create, and it’s perfect for spring.

Check out my video below to see how I created the look and which products I used. I also have a picture of last year’s look which uses more pastel shades.

Easter / Spring Nail Tutorial

Last year’s Easter / Spring Nail Look (see full post HERE)

Don’t Forget to enter my Beauty Giveaway!

My 500 blog followers giveaway is ending soon. Click HERE for all details and to enter to win lots of great beauty products.

Let’s Stay Connected through Bloglovin’!

As you probably already know, we will soon be saying goodbye to Google Reader. Let’s keep in touch through bloglovin’ instead.

Just click on the pretty Paris-inspired logo below to follow me…and be sure to leave a comment on this post with your bloglovin’ link so that I can follow you too.