I have struggled with my brows for a loooooooong time. I’ve asked for help with my brows from several makeup counters and even taken a workshop on my brows. Has that gotten me into a better brow routine? Nope! The furthest I go with my brows is to pencil them in and hope for the best.
image from winning at everything.com
Wow what a title!
I’ll get right to it and tell you how this mascara performed over the past week.
I have 2 products in the collection-a “his” and “hers” so to speak. I am leaning towards the hand wash as well but since I am well stocked at the moment, will leave it alone!
In case you missed my video on the Absinthe:
And a nature shot of the two products I purchased:
Absinthe Purifying Hand Cream
A pure sensation for hands. This ingenious everyday cream with absinthe extract moisturises hands and leaves them feeling soft and super-fresh.
Absinthe Purifying Hand Butter
A pure sensation for hands. This rich butter with absinthe extract moisturizes hands and leaves them feeling soft and super-fresh.
Absinthe Purifying Hand Cleansing Gel (not pictured)
A pure sensation for hands. This super-fresh gel cleanser with absinthe extract is perfect for purifying hands on the go.
Absinthe Purifying Hand Wash (not pictured)
A pure sensation for hands. This soap-free cleanser contains absinthe extract and leaves hands feeling squeaky-clean and super-fresh.
I absolutely love this line of products all the way from the fragrance to the deep moisture. It absorbs fairly quickly and doesn’t leave me with greasy hands. My other half is actually using it-so like I mentioned in my video, the tube is a great ‘guy’ option. The Body Shop is usually having some kind of promotion so I highly recommend you go and at least try this (another thing I like about TBS-everything is out and available to try). These aren’t the kind of products that leave your wallet in flames either and you can feel good about not harming the environment as The Body Shop is environmentally responsible. I have the Body Shop rewards card as well so I scored big time on these 2 items!
I have a lot of makeup…or rather I have no shortage of makeup. Obvious, yes?
I am incredibly excited to add what I hope to be an interesting series on my blog….The Mascara project. You see, I love mascara. I love it to the point that I stopped getting lash extensions. I love applying it, I love how it looks-I’m sure you get the picture.
So I’ve decided that every month starting NOW, I’ll be reviewing a different brand of mascara. This month, it’s L’Oreal Paris-who just happens to make some of my very favorites. I’ve decided to review one mascara a week and while I do feel a tad guilty about not using one mascara until it’s finished, I’ve decided I will just work these into my weekly basket rotation (go to my YouTube channel people!).
Here’s what I’m using this month:
I’ll be starting off with Voluminous Power 24H Black Smoke. According to the package this mascara produces a smokey matte lash. I’m interested to see what that is exactly…..
Stay tuned for a review at the end of the week!
Living in Canada has afforded me the opportunity to try many different kinds of lip treatments/protectants. In addition, because my lips are on the ‘dry’ side-it is 99% likely for me to be carrying some kind of lip product on my person at all times. While I am not necessarily searching out “natural” products, I do focus more on ingredients when I am considering a lip balm/lip treatment. I try very hard *NOT* to wear products that contain petroleum (which I consider to be a ‘wool over the eyes’ type bandage solution). Petroleum jelly sits on top of my lips and doesn’t do anything else. Unfortunately, that limits me from using the majority of lip treatments.
Until now….enter Kona Kare Essensual Lip Butter Balms! 100% Wonderfully natural and Made in Canada to boot!
“Using only the finest oils and butters from all corners of the world, our lip butter balm is truly unrivalled! Blended with Monoi de Tahiti oil, our lip butter balm not only moisturizes and protects your lips from dehydration, but also acts as a lip primer and offers natural, brilliant shine.”
Tempted yet? Well, take a look at the packaging:
So if you’re impressed…you should be. These balms apply like a dream. One pass/go-round the lips is absolute perfect. Smooth, hydrated, moisturized. Fantastic.
Kona Kare Essensual Lip Butter Balms are available in and retail for
For more information on Kona Kare, check out:
their website
Oh wouldn’t we all just love to take a respite to a warm place right now? Even though we can’t all click our heels 3 times and magically be transported to a land of palm trees and sunshine, if you ARE planning a vacation, you CAN avoid making some of these common skin care mistakes (courtesy of the lovely Charmaine Cooper of Dermalogica).
1.Rushing out too quickly for “Fun in the Sun”
-Right after a flight, skin is more dehydrated…making it more vulnerable.
-Immediate sun exposure for unprotected skin is the WORST kind of start to any vacation.
Solution: Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water! Always wear your sun protection!
2.Too much Sun exposure!
Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from the skins surface, which is why sunburned skin requires more moisture than unexposed areas.
Solution: Where possible, limit the time spent in direct sun exposure. Be sun smart! Don’t be a vampire but protect yourself from UV rays by seeking shade, wearing UV protective clothing.
3.Sun damage – not a light thing!
Skin damage should be treated seriously. Did you know that with immediate attention, the skin health can be recovered and renewed?
Solution: Using a powerful serum like AGEsmart Multivitamin Power Serum, to reverse Cellular damage is a phenomenal way to keep the skin looking and feeling its best. Use a small amount nightly, underneath your moisturizer.
4. So, you got sun kissed! Kiss your skin with hydration!
Vacationers covet the “sun kissed” look but usually end up with a “skin dehydrated” look! No matter what your age, the Sun is the number one way to dehydrate the skin.
Solution: Dermalogica AGEsmart Antioxidant Hydramist is a favourite way to restore the lost moisture, essential to your skin. Mist the skin anytime of the day and night with cooling hydration, and a shield of antioxidants.
5. Play hard but play fair! Be good to your skin.
Start and finish your vacation right!
Solution: Wear SPF at all times – SPF 20, SPF 25, SPF 30, or even SPF 50! We recommend, re-applying, often. We recommend, re-applying, often. Try Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster SPF 50. It can be applied on its own or mixed into your favorite moisturizer.
6. Look great but also be great in your shades!
Sun glasses are always a cool accessory for your vacation. Glasses sometimes are not enough to protect those peepers.
Solution: Don’t forget to care for your eyes with an appropriate eye moisturizer that contains SPF. UV rays can be attracted to the skin around the eyes, especially with dark glass frames. Be wise and good to the eyes! Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15 is a great option.
So there you have it folks! Return from your time away looking refreshed both inside AND out!
Enjoy your vacation!
I’m not a huge fan of NYC. I think it’s because nothing ever really grabs me from the line, which is strange because I don’t need to be forced to look at ANY cosmetics. Add to that the fact that it’s called NYC and I am from NY….and it’s REALLY unbelieveable that I’m not more into this line.
I know I already did a video on this but I thought I would give you a better look at the products that I purchased. I took a page from Alicia over at FunnyFace Beauty blog and let Mother Nature provide the perfect contrast! I feel that the snow really lets the shades ‘show.’ Some of these colors (well only the lipstick really) are from the Spring collection BUT never fear, I will certainly take the mono eyeshadows over to spring and maybe summer!
I love me a voluminous salon blowout and I know I’m in the minority when I say ‘Give me TEXAS hair!’ Volume is the name of my game-and I am a big hair type of gal!
But what about when my wallet puts the kibosh on my salon appointments? And when the daily grind just doesn’t coincide with my big hair dreams? What then?
At a beautiful studio in downtown Toronto, myself and some other ladies learned all about the new collection!
John Frieda Luxurious Volume offers a collection of salon-developed products with new and innovative formulas specifically designed to add grip to fine, flat hair without any product feel. The reformulation transforms limp, fine hair into styles with natural-looking volume that’s still touchably soft.
Okay so ‘natural-looking’ volume is not nearly enough for me…but it may satisfy my 9-5 volume cravings!
Here are the products in the collection:
John Frieda Luxurious Volume-Touchably Full Shampoo ($10.49 CAD)
-formulated for fine, flat hair (*ahem*, ME)
-gently cleanses and detangles fine hair as it applies volume boosters, then rinses clean without stripping hair
-surfactants removed residue that can weigh hair down, making hair appear fuller
-volume boosting technology that is heat-activated to enhance hair’s natural volume
Thoughts: This is a fantastic shampoo! It smells great, and does exactly what it says it will!
John Frieda Luxurious Volume-touchable Full Conditioner ($10.49 CAD)
-lightweight conditioning formula , enhanced detangling properties, then rinses clean
-heat-activated technology is activated to enhance fullness and boost volume
-formulated to enhance body and shine
Thoughts: This is a light feeling conditioner that works so well. I have minimal tangles after using and my hair feels clean and light!
John Frieda Luxurious Volume-Fine to Full Blow Out Spray ($14.99 CAD)
-contains a patented Kao polymer technology that spreads thoughout the hair when activated by heat of blowdryer
-featuring a pump spray
-lightweight formula creates lift at the roots and natural-looking fullness
Thoughts: I had originally thought that this would be my *favorite* product from the line. I do like the spray but I find that another product in the line gives me a LOT more lift! The spray IS light and doesn’t weigh the hair down.
John Frieda Luxurious Volume-Root Booster Blow-Dry Lotion ($10.49 CAD)
-enables optimal product delivery to the roots through the targeted spray nozzle
-ultra-lightweight lotion lifts fine hair at the roots for extra crown volume that’s touchably soft
-alcohol free and non sticky!
-contains Panthenol to help protect and strengthen hair while styling
Thoughts: I’m scared to death of root boosting sprays because I’m an ‘over-user’ that is, too generous with the product. This product does work (and believe me, use a LITTLE not a lot) but I found that the next product I mention was my absolute favorite! I prefer all-over products but do understand that concentrated products that work in one area will help achieve more volume!
John Frieda Luxurious Volume-Volume Building Mousse ($10.49 CAD)
-rich, ultra lightweight mousse creates thickness by wrapping strands and boosting volume from root to tip for lush, soft hair
-thickening technology with a unique polymer blend increases hair diameter and lifts at the roots for weightless, non-sticky, all-day volume
-contains Panthenol which helps strengthen hair, enabling hair to lift at the roots for increased volume
Thoughts: This mousse is my super star product out of this line. It is incredibly light and gives me a lot of volume. I absolutely love using it. It doesn’t weigh my hair down and I can apply it all over. For me, this WORKS!
John Frieda Luxurious Volume-All Day Hold Hairspray ($10.49 CAD)
-lightweight, ultra-fine spray offers extra hold and body while helping hair look natural and stay uplifted all day
-water free formula contains a high-hold polymer to lock in style fast for fullness and volume that lasts all day
-formulated with silicone to combat over-drying and provide humidity resistance that prevents styles from falling flat
Thoughts: Honestly, I don’t like ‘touchable’ hairsprays. That being said, it does offer a decent hold. Unfortunately, Canadian winters are not the best time to test this out. I tried this in the middle of a snowstorm and forgive the pun, it fell flat . I’m going to give it another chance when the weather is more stable. If you do appreciate a touchable hairspray, then go for it!
The incredibly happy and very voluminous hair model!
So there you have it-a wallet friendly alternative to salon blow dries! I do recommend that you at the very least check out the products. I truly enjoy using the system as a “whole” meaning I got my best results when I used the shampoo, conditioner and one of the styling products. Also, for optimal volume, make sure you have great tools! John Frieda has hair dryers, and brushes as well!
John Frieda Luxurious volume is available at most drugstores and is there RIGHT NOW! Make your hair happy and try some touchable volume!
*Stay tuned for another post with tips and tricks from Alain Larivee, John Frieda’s style ambassador!*
I sound and act a bit wacky today that’s for sure:
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