• sephora haul 2020

    Mini Haul | August 2020 Sephora Sale

    August 21, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    I’m sharing what I bought from the Welcome Back Sephora Canada sale. If you spend $100, you get $20 off and if you spend $75, you get $15 off. Unlimited times for in-store and one time use online. For online, use code WELCOME BACK. The sale is on until August 23rd, 2020!

    I didn’t buy any new makeup since I haven’t been wearing any and have quite a bit of makeup to get through first. I chose 2 items I have been wanting to try and repurchased another one that I’ve reviewed before.

    Bite Beauty Agave+ Nighttime Vegan Lip Therapy (1st time trying) – A hydrating lip sleeping mask in a decadent, balm-to-oil formula, with a dreamy chamomile-bergamot scent, for more supple lips overnight.

    Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm (1st time trying) – A PEG-free cleansing balm that smooths the look of skin with natural papaya enzymes, while melting away stubborn makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF.

    amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask (repurchase) – A daily or weekly luxurious, deep conditioning treatment that completely restores and repairs dry, damaged hair.

    Glow RecipePapaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

    I also redeemed some points. Both were 100 points:

    Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder (1st time trying) – A weightless setting powder that refreshes and cools the skin with all-day moisture.

    belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb (1st time trying) – A lightweight, refreshing eye cream that smooths fine lines with a 26-hour burst of moisture, boosts elasticity, and increases the resilience of the skin for flawless makeup application. 

    Love,

    *Descriptions taken from Sephora website.

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  • dermalogica special cleansing gel

    Review | Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

    August 7, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    Today I’m reviewing the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel that I purchased during a Sephora sale. After a year, I finally finished the 500mL Kiehls cleanser. So, now I’m back to using this one. I did try it out for a week or so just to see what it was like and I got a breakout (which was unrelated to the cleanser).

    Soap-free, foaming gel cleanses all skin conditions. Refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. This iconic cleanser, which contains naturally-foaming Quillaja Saponaria, gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave skin feeling smooth and clean. Lightweight and mild enough to use every day, it also features calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts to soothe the skin.

    Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Oil, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA

    dermalogica special cleansing gel

    It is gluten free, cruelty free, vegan and has no artificial colours or fragrances. I can smell a hint of the mint and sometimes lemon.

    I purchased the 16.9 oz/500 mL bottle which is normally $87 CAD, but with the Sephora sale, it was $74. I wish the pump could dispense the perfect amount of cleanser like the Kiehls one. The Dermalogica cleanser pumps out a lot and I only need half a pump.

    RATING: 3/5

    The cleanser is okay. It’s gentle and my skin doesn’t feel stripped of its oils after using it. I haven’t had any breakouts from using it, but I don’t find it particularly special. Also, I don’t think it’s worth the high price tag. I would rather repurchase the Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash (even though it isn’t meant for my skin type).

    Have you tried Dermalogica products?

    Love,

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  • dr paw paw oroginal multipurpose soothing balm with natural paw paw

    Review | Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm

    September 27, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing the Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm. I picked it up at Winners for $4.99. I had heard good things about Dr. PAWPAW, so I thought I’d give it a try.

    Our main ingredient is fermented Pawpaw, the fruit of the plant Carica Papaya. The Pawpaw has been found to have natural healing qualities and is believed by many to be the finest natural medicine yet discovered.

    This genius product has a variety of uses, from skin protector and moisturiser to nappy cream and lip finisher. The balm also has healing properties and can be used on sun burn, skin irritations and as a hair conditioning treatment – whatever your use for it, we guarantee you will be delighted with the satisfyingly smooth finish!

    It’s great that it’s fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

    Unlike lip balms, it doesn’t have a lip applicator, it’s just a regular tube (see below to compare two lip balms with smooth applicators). So, it doesn’t glide across your lips nicely (it’s actually a little rough). I usually pat it onto my lips or squeeze some onto my finger and then apply to lips.

    It’s nice as a lip balm (I don’t think it’s anything super special). It adds a bit of sheen to the lips and moisturizes them like Vaseline. However, it doesn’t taste gross like Vaseline. It doesn’t taste like anything. Usually I use a very small amount, so I hadn’t noticed any smell before. After squeezing some out onto the spoon for a picture, I noticed it smells similar to Vaseline.

    With this product, less is more. If you use too much, it feels greasy like Vaseline. 

    On the cuticles, this definitely makes my cuticles feel smoother. It doesn’t feel greasy at all on the fingers (it absorbs fairly quickly).

    I didn’t try it on my hair because I knew I wouldn’t like it. I think it would just make my hair looks greasy.

    RATING: 3/5

    I like it, but I’m undecided on whether I would buy it again. I might consider the tinted balms because that would at least add some colour.

    Have you tried Dr. Paw Paw?

    Love,

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  • anhyd organics first impressions review

    First Impressions with ANHYD Organics

    July 19, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    **Note: The website is no longer available and the Instagram account has been inactive for a year.**

    Today I’m reviewing two products that I was sent from ANHYD Organics.

    ANHYD Organics (Founded in 2017) – All organic, vegan skincare bursting with essential nutrients; sealed with nature’s secrets to beautiful skin.

    Free from harmful toxins, ANHYD Organics healing properties nourish body and soul working to rejuvenate skin cells, hydrate skin and restore optimum balance. 

    Derived from the term Anhydrous, the essence of ANHYD Organics is to filter out impurities, ensuring our ingredients are never spoiled thus preserving the organic properties in their purest form.

    Organic Rose Water Facial Toner

    Wipe away problem skin to reveal a luminous glow.

    Restore harmony and maintain optimal skin pH balance with the Organic Rose Water Facial Toner. An Anti-inflammatory healing solution for acne, dermatitis and eczema. Essential ingredients of Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Natural Rose, Flower Water, Certified Organic Witch Hazel and Grape Seed Extract combine to create equilibrium.

    RATING: 5/5

    I’m personally not a huge fan of rose and I also think I’m allergic to witch hazel (read my post). So, I gave the toner to my mom to try. She enjoys rose-scented products. My mom has tested it out and she loves the rose. It has the perfect amount where it smells like rose, but doesn’t smell old lady-ish. After cleansing, she uses the toner to remove any remaining makeup that she missed and then applies her moisturizer. She is really enjoying the toner because it doesn’t feel tacky after applying. She said that her face feels nice and refreshed after using the toner.

    Organic Facial Moisturizer

    Rejuvenate uneven skin tone and diminish fine lines, scars and dark marks with our Organic Facial Moisturizer. A silky formulation that is perfect as a makeup primer and protection from the elements. Discover all day hydration for normal skin. Filled with essential vitamins of Hydrating Algae, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Chamomile and Lavender Oil, Vitamin A, C, E and B3. A conditioning formula that will revitalise skin, regenerate skin tissue and hydrate skin.

    RATING: 5/5

    This moisturizer has a very light scent that doesn’t linger which is great for me. I really like the light texture of it. I’ve been mixing this with my facial oil and my face feels hydrated and dewy. Initially, it’s tacky for a bit, but eventually dries down. My skin feels so smooth after using this.

    As someone with dry skin, I think it’s great as a makeup primer. For those with oily skin, it might be too slippery since it’s so hydrating. Foundation and concealer layer on top of it nicely. It reminds me of the Sonia Roselli Water Balm because it’s a moisturizer that can double as a makeup primer (read my review). I don’t think it would necessarily help prolong makeup wear, but it definitely primes the skin for a smooth canvas.

    I’m impressed by these two products from this new skincare brand.

    Have you heard of ANHYD Organics?

    Love,

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  • Review | Clionadh Cosmetics Mother of Pearl Highlighter

    June 14, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Last weekend, I attended Indie Expo Canada (independent beauty brands showcase their products- it’s mostly Indie nail polish brands). The majority of the vendors sell nail polish, but some had essential oils, wax, bath bombs, etc.

    From one of the vendors, Clionadh Cosmetics, I picked up an absolutely gorgeous highlighter that you can also use as eyeshadow or on the body, but it’s not intended for the lips. I got the Mother of Pearl highlighter (which is on sale right now for $13 CAD). It’s stamped with a seashell impression. The products are 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free and 100% Talc and Paraben-Free.

    The Mother of Pearl highlighter is part of the Tropic of Capricorn Collection (a set of five summer-inspired marble highlighters).

    Mother of Pearl: A five-toned marble consisting of grey-silver, pastel pink, green, blue and peach. The end result is a frosted pink-lilac with pearlescent notes of blue and silver.

    I got home and tried it out and realized it was scented. You can choose to order scented or unscented. It smells like those sweet tart candies. Since I don’t love scented products that are sweet, I think I’d choose the unscented.

    I did two swatches with my finger: the top one is what it looks like normally and the bottom one is when it’s wet. Unlike other highlighters and eyeshadows I’ve tried, it sort of sheers out if you wet it. So, if you want the maximum payoff for this highlighter, don’t wet the brush or your finger when applying it

    RATING: 4/5

    This highlighter is so pretty and I love the marble effect when you mix the colours. I also love to support my fellow Canadians, especially when it’s an independent brand. A lot of the times, it’s just easier to buy the mainstream products from the drugstore or Sephora because they’re so easily accessible and you see their ads when you scroll through Instagram and Facebook. Indie Expo Canada is a great way to find new brands. I also picked up some nail polishes which I will review in the coming weeks.

    Love,

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  • Review | Milk Makeup Liquid Strobe Highlighter

    May 28, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    While I was at Winners, I picked up the Milk Makeup Liquid Strobe Highlighter in Beam for $10! It is a shimmering liquid highlighter and beam is a gold shade. It has interesting packaging because you click the bottom to dispense it (like the YSL Touche Éclat pen) and it’s a rollerball.

    20180524_175144(0)

    Swipe along cheekbones, eyes, collarbone, or wherever for shimmering dimension and shine. Goes on easy with a rollerball as quick and on point as you. Crushed pearl elixir-infused formula gives a long-wear effect.

    It has coconut and avocado oil and it’s vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, oil-free and talc-free. I don’t smell any coconut though.

    20180524_175546

    RATING: 2/5

    I wouldn’t pay full price for this liquid strobe highlight. If it was just the gold illuminating highlight, I would give it a 4/5 because then you could mix it with foundation to give you a beautiful glow. Unfortunately, it has glitter which gets chunky (so if you mixed with foundation, your face would be glittery) and that doesn’t look good as a highlight. When you go to blend it into the skin, your finger absorbs the gold illuminating part and you’re left with the glitter. So, if you do use your finger to blend it out, be very light with your hand (use your ring finger). It dries down tacky too. Similar to the Livin’ the Highlight from the Jennifer Lopez x Inglot collaboration, this would be better as a body highlight since it’s a bit chunky.

    Love,

    jen

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  • Montréal Eats | Part 1

    April 15, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    After years of talking about taking a trip together, my friends and I finally went on a long weekend trip..to Montréal. I’ll admit, it wasn’t very far considering we were originally brainstorming cities like Chicago, New York and even Amsterdam at one point? Eventually, we’ll travel some place we’ll need our passports. It’s weird to think that we’ve been friends for so long, yet we’ve never had a girls weekend away- the most time we’ve spent together was a week at band camp in middle school and that barely counts because we would be with our other cabin mates and then off to lessons with our teachers.

    Like any place we would travel, our main focus was food: poutine, croissants, Montréal bagels, etc.

    We got Fairmount bagels and they were really good (and we just got sesame and poppy seed).

    20180325_155200index

    For brunch, we went to Restaurant L’avenue, it was pretty good. It reminded me of Fran’s Restaurant. Everyone gets a fruit skewer which I thought was nice. I got the Fruity Breakfast which was bacon, eggs, potatoes, fruit bowl, french toast and maple syrup and a baguette. KN and BM both got Eggs Benedict (pictured is the Coin Coin Bénédictine/Eggs Benedict with Duck).

    20180324_21090320180324_210956

    For dinner on one of the days, we went to LOV, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant. We got the Kale mac’n’cheese as a starter and I decided to get a salad for dinner (again, to counteract all the carbs). I got the Greens Salad- mesclun, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sumac vinaigrette and I decided to add avocado. Even though it didn’t look like a lot, it was actually quite filling with the avocado. Sorry about the pictures being dark- it was dimly lit and I didn’t want to ruin the mood of the couple sitting beside us by using my camera’s flash.

    IMG_20180327_133308_028

    We went to La Banquise and got the Classic Poutine. It was huge! Instead of each of us getting the smaller size, we split the larger one. I think you have to get one with meat on it, but we wanted to try the classic to compare it to other poutines. To my surprise, it wasn’t as amazing as I thought it’d be. If I ever go back, I’ll get some type of meat on it.

    Click here for Part 2 featuring croissants!

    Where are your fave spots to eat in Montréal?

    Love,

    jen

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  • garnier fructis 1 minute hair mask papaya extract

    Review | Garnier Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract

    January 24, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I was sent the Garnier Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract for testing purposes by GlamSense. The following review is my honest opinion. I was sent this product for free, but they didn’t ask me to write the review on my blog.

    As you may have seen in a previous post, I wrote about the Grow Strong Hair Mask by Garnier. I really like the Grow Strong mask, it makes my hair super smooth and shiny. This papaya 1 minute hair mask is the same, it made my hair super shiny and quite smooth. The 1 minute hair mask line is vegan. Because it’s very natural, I found that it didn’t make my hair as smooth as the Grow Strong mask. Also, I prefer the Grow Strong’s packaging because you squeeze the product out and it’s more hygienic. The 1 minute masks come in tubs and I prefer not to stick my hand in a tub. Since it’s vegan, it’s easier to tell if the product has gone bad in a tub instead of a bottle, so I understand why it’s packaged that way.

    They also have 1-minute masks with Avocado (Smoothing), Coconut (Nourishing), Banana (Strengthening) and Goji (Colour Vibrancy) Extracts. I think I would like the avocado or coconut one since my hair isn’t damaged. I’m not a huge fan of papaya, but this mask smells pretty good. In terms of appearance, the Grow Strong Mask looks like a conditioner, whereas this one looks like Danone Yogurt (without the fruit chunks).

    ly.PNG

    In 1 minute, indulge your hair in a nourishing treat with 98% naturally derived ingredients*. Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract helps you get soft, smooth & damage repaired hair. No weigh down, no silicones, no parabens, and no artificial colorants.

    * We consider an ingredient to be naturally derived if it is unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from its original plant or mineral source. This formula consists of 98% naturally derived ingredients. The remaining ingredients constitute 2% of the formula to ensure its sensoriality and preservation.

    You can use the mask three different ways:

    1. As a mask: After shampoo, apply onto wet hair and leave on for 1 minute. Rinse.
    2. As a conditioner: After shampoo, apply to hair from root to tip. Rinse.
    3. As a leave-in: Apply on damp and damaged hair for intense repair.

    I only used it as a mask and conditioner because my hair isn’t damaged enough to need it as a leave-in. I think it would feel kind of slimy as a leave-in though.

    As a mask, it made my hair soft and I had no tangles when combing my hair. It also looked really shiny, but it was almost too shiny because it made it look oily at the roots.

    As a conditioner, it made my hair soft, but it didn’t look as shiny for some reason.

    RATING: 4/5

    It smells good and made my hair soft, but this wasn’t the right mask for my hair. I would definitely be open to trying the Avocado or Coconut one, I’m not sure if I’d like the smell of the Banana one.

    Have you used hair masks? What are your faves?

    Love,

    jen

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