My First Time using The Inkey List Kaolin Clay Mask

When you live in the city, it’s easy to miss how much dust actually stays on your skin...especially if you live around a construction zone like I do. There are days that I see so much dust, I can barely see the sidewalk. Don’t even get me started on the dust that accumulates on my car when it’s parked outside! Did you know that pollution hurts your skin's barrier function by breaking down collagen and the lipids contained within it. Additionally pollution can cause irritation, rashes and breakouts. Dirt particles can accumulate on skin's surface which can clog pores when they mix with your skin cells and oils.

That’s why I try to counteract the affects of pollution by using masks as much as I possibly can. The Inkey List Kaolin clay mask is one of my faves for cleaning out my pores and soothing my skin. The formula of this mask is so smooth and rich that you'd never know this brand is usually listed under the "affordable" section. I was shocked to learn that this mask can be found for under $10 at Shoppers Drug Mart. Say whaaaatttt??! Similar to The Ordinary, you can pick and choose products to suit your skincare needs, and you certainly don't need to buy the entire range in order to see results. I used this mask only a few times, but after each use, I can see the difference. Every product in The Inkey List's range is suited for all skin types so there is a little something for everyone. As you know, I'm a huge self care advocate and I recommend checking out The Inkey List if you're looking for a simple but effective clay mask to add to your skincare routine. 

So tell me fellow city dwellers, what’s your favourite way to counteract pollution?? Let me know in the comments!!

I love The Inkey List's no nonsense yet informative packaging! 

My First Time using Melixir face oil

This year, my skin has been on its best behaviour. I'm not entirely sure if it's because I've been paying more attention to what my body needs or if I've become really selective with what I put on my face that has been working...whatever it is, I seem to have found the right balance. In the cooler months I like to incorporate more oils into my skincare routine because I'm fighting the constant battle of dry skin and seasonal texture issues. Anyone else get large pores, dry patches, rough skin, and really dry hair when it's cold outside? It was a cold week in Toronto and my skin wasn't too pleased about it. I love setting myself up for an evening of self care when it's cold outside and I have no where else to be. I'm hoping this year is finally the year I don't complain about the skin troubles the cold weather brings with the help of a new plant based squalane oil that I got to test from Melixir. 

The Melixir face oil is a powerful night time renewal serum that promises radiant and youthful looking skin and enhanced hydration and luminosity. Perfect...just what I need at a time like this! I was thrilled to learn that this face oil helps regulate excess oil production and has exceptional healing properties that can address fine lines, dryness, large pores, and is great for people with sensitive skin. Not only is this face oil powerful, its vegan so I know that I'm using an honest product that is ethically sourced.  

So what is squalane anyway? Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin. It has very high emollience, is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential. When used on the face, this oil is best used after water-based treatments so you don't run into the problem of pilling like I did. 

I used this product numerous times over the course of a few weeks and the results I found were incredible. At first use, I was impressed with the formula and how soft it felt on my fingers. I've used many oils and some of them feel like grease- which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Melixir face oil feels like silk when you put it on your face, so it was nice to feel a different texture for a face oil. I have noticed that this face oil works best on its own and on days when I used it in conjunction with other products like serums and night creams, I was met with a lot of pilling. My face still felt smooth, but I felt like something wasn't being absorbed properly when it was pilling too much.  

The face oil absorbs well and works great. My skin looks radiant in the morning after I use it and actually still feels soft. I'm thrilled to add this to my regular routine and I really can't wait to see what else the Melixir team has in store. If you're curious about the plant based squalane face oil, visit the Melixir website at https://www.melixir.co/.

So tell me, do you use face oils? How do you combat dry skin when the weather gets cold? Let me know your fave products! I'd love to hear from you :)

CURRENT OBSESSION- Gemstone Silver Jewelry

2018 has been a year of personal growth for me and I must say, the journey to self discovery has been incredible. I have fallen in love with crystals and gems and the healing powers they bring, which is why I was over the moon *teehee* when I got a lovely package from the Gemstone Silver Jewelry team. I've been a long time admirer of the moonstone, and if you know about this mysterious gem, then you know why it’s my current jewelry obsession.

So what is moonstone anyway?

Also called hecatolite,  it is a gemstone that is best described as having a milky or bluish lustre or glow that originates from below the surface of the gemstone. It gives the impression of lunar light floating on water. You can see a similar effect in other stones like opal or agate.

Being a perfect expression of the yin feminine energy and the soothing energy of the moon, the moonstone is said to be the bringer of calm, peace and balance. You can find moonstones in a variety of colours, but it is the sheen caused by light diffraction that makes it truly seem magical. Moonstones have been used for centuries as it was believed to be born from the solidified rays of the moon.

Sounds incredible right? So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I got a lovely package that included some beautiful jewelry from the Gemstone Silver Jewelry shop. A huge thanks to the GSJ team for enabling my moonstone obsession! I got a 14KT Rose Gold Hand of Fatima Good Karma choker, Smooth Honor Moonstone Ring, Striking Arrow Moonstone Ring, Floral Angel Moonstone Ring, and the Dawn to Dusk Moonstone Bracelet. Each piece looks incredible on their own, but even better if you wear them together.

The Dawn to Dusk Moonstone Bracelet is a true masterpiece. I wore this on the same hand with my other moonstone rings and I’ve gotten so many compliments! It was the perfect size and wasn’t heavy. It caught the light beautifully :) The rings are perfect for sensitive skin and look super cute. My absolute favourite piece was the Striking Arrow ring. It’s hard for me to find statement rings that don’t look ridiculous because I have small fingers but the Striking Arrow ring looked stunning! I do wash my hands regularly and I was happy to see that the ring didn’t turn green after being exposed to water. BONUS! The moonstone jewelry from Gemstone Silver Jewelry is made with high quality materials that will add a touch of class to any outfit. I was thrilled to learn that all jewelry from GSJ is handpicked and carries the genuine 925 Sterling Silver stamp. You can also find 14K yellow gold and rose gold jewelry without moonstones.

I even found a nail polish that made my nails look like moonstones. OMG I know right !? It’s a top coat from L’oreal called 805- The Shift Me and when you wear it on your bare nails, It shimmers just like a moonstone. Perfect for matching your jewelry from Gemstone Silver Jewelry! 

There are over 500 designs on the GSJ website, and if you’d like to learn more about their jewelry, visit their website at https://www.gemstonesilverjewelry.us and I promise you won’t be disappointed!! I’m going to be placing another order soon and if you’re obsessed with moonstones like I am, take a look at the beautiful bracelets, rings, earring and pendants. There are so many to choose from!

Fall Skin Care Loves- A. by Bom Ultra Watery Eoseongcho

A couple posts back I gave you some tips on how to keep your skin in tip top shape for the fall. Your skin needs some extra loving in the colder months, so it would be a great idea to switch up a few things in your skin care arsenal. My first tip was

1. Take a look at your cleanser

As the weather becomes drier and cooler, it's important to balance the skin with heavier and more nourishing ingredients. If you're using a gel or milk formula, you may notice that there isn't enough hydration that your skin now desperately needs. Now is the perfect time to incorporate oils and thicker cleansers into your routine. Implementing a face oil as cleanser is a great way to keep your skin from getting dry or feeling stripped as the weather gets colder. Use a face oil as the the first step in your routine in lieu of a harsh cleanser to remove your makeup. 

I like using the A. by Bom Ultra Watery Eoseongcho cleanser and foam because (despite the name) there's nothing watery about these cleansers at all. On the contrary, these cleansers offered the nourishing feeling I love for my fall skin care. I got these beauties from the lovely Bemused Korea team and I'm so grateful that I got to add these essentials to my fall skin care routine. 

At first glance, the Ultra Watery Eoseongcho cleanser looks like a solid, but as soon as you rub some of it between your fingers, it turns into a lavish cleansing oil. It's a buttery soft balm that is a very effective cleanser. I was surprised! I used this cleanser twice- the first time as a makeup remover, and another time a couple days later as a cleanser on my bare face. My skin felt smooth and supple after both uses. I liked that my skin didn't feel stripped or raw. There's a handy little spatula that comes with each tub so you can easily scoop out the product. While rubbing this onto your face, makeup and other impurities are lifted away. I loved watching my eyeshadow and mascara melt off. I thought that was the extent of this balm's capabilities, but when I rinsed with warm water, I was even happier. The balm turned into a luxe milky cleanser when a bit of water was added.

So what's in it anyway? The Ultra Watery Eoseongcho cleanser is packed with skin loving ingredients like camellia japonica seed oil and salvia hispanica seed extract (hydrates), houttuynia cordata extract (soothes), and camellia sinesis leaf extract (conditions). Sounds fancy right?! These names are just the scientific names for ingredients you already know and love like Japanese tea oil, chia seed oil, and other common tea leaves. 

The Ultra Watery Eoseongcho cleansing foam is my second fall skin care staple because the non-irritating bubbles gave me a deeper clean than the cleansing balm, but still nourished my dry skin. It's formulated with similar ingredients as the cleansing balm, and is a great alternative for those that might not want to cleanse with oil. As you can see in the picture, just one pump of foam is all you need to get a rich lather on your face. I love that I can use one or the other, or a combination of the two for a double whammy! The Be Mused Korea website has many skin care products that are perfect for nourishing your skin during the cooler months. If you want to find your next K Beauty must have, check out what BMK has to offer. The amazing BMK team has offered 15% off for all my readers by using the code BITOFGLOSS15, but hurry...this offer ends December 18th!

What are your fave fall cleansers? Do you switch up your cleanser in the colder months to include cleansing oils? Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you! 

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW- Simply Beautiful Box *Fall 2018*

Growing up, summer has always been my favourite season. I remember being in tears when summer break was over and it was time to go back to school. I dreaded the cold weather and I used to wear my summer clothes as long as I possibly could. Now, oddly enough, my favourite season is the fall. As an adult you appreciate things differently than when you were in your younger years. The crisp air and crunch of the leaves under my feet as the summer fades away has become something I get excited for. Like, really, really excited. What can I say, I love being cosy with my oversized scarves and trendy boots. 

If you like autumn like me, you know that it also means making comfort food and making time for all the little ways the cooler weather encourages you to take care of yourself and your home. Having the right seasonal accessories sure does make the transition easier. I was thrilled to get the fall Simply Beautiful Box from the lovely BC Living team, the same team that curated the Extraordinary Man Box. This box was filled to the brim with some fantastic essentials for fall that will keep you and your home warm and cheerful.  

In the box:

Olive + Piper necklace
Huna Age-Grace face serum 
Blush Peony rose gold measuring cups
Scentuals grapefruit and turmeric hand cream 
Elate Cosmetics lipstick
Simply Beautiful trinket tray 
Blush Peony rose gold diamond pen 
Starbucks Espresso roast ground coffee (full size bag)

There were so many awesome products in this box that I couldn't pick just one fave. This box is valued at $238 CAD (yes...really!) and is a great deal if you're looking for some useful items to refresh your fall essentials. There were 8 items in the fall 2018 box and each item is perfect for anyone looking for a seasonal box of goodies. I'm really impressed with the wide variety of products! 

More about the products inside:

Olive + Piper necklace- I feel like the Simply Beautiful curators really get me. The Olive + Piper necklace looks so pretty up close that pictures don't do it any justice. It's just dainty enough to add a touch of class to your wardrobe, but sparkly enough if you're wearing it out on the town. The chain can be adjusted to suit your preference- from 15 to 18 inches. If cute necklaces like this aren't your thing, you can save this gem as a stocking stuffer since 'you- know-what' is just around the corner!!

Huna Age-Grace face serum- If you've been reading along, you know that skin care is my jam so when I saw this serum my inner skin care nerd was jumping for joy! This serum promises to deliver deep hydration, antioxidant protection, as well as a healthy glow. I love that this serum is formulated with all natural ingredients like organic carrot tissue oil, green tea, and rosemary extract. I used this a few times as part of my evening skin care routine and I did notice a healthy glow the next morning. It's too soon to tell if this will be a regular product for me, but so far it's a keeper! 

Blush Peony rose gold measuring cups- I must admit, kitchen items never really excited me...until now. These rose gold measuring cups are the perfect kitchen accessory that adds some style and flare. Not only are these measuring cups sturdy, there the most Instagrammable kitchen accessory I've ever seen!

Scentuals grapefruit and turmeric hand cream- I don't know about you, but my skin gets super dry in the colder months. I must have tried every lotion on the market! The Simply Beautiful Box featured the Scentuals grapefruit and turmeric hand cream and I'm grateful for this amazing product. Much needed! It absorbs quickly, smells great, and leaves my skin moisturized. What more could I need?

Elate Cosmetics lipstick- I was happy to see a brand I wasn't familiar with and the Elate lipstick was a hidden treasure! This lipstick left my lips feeling nourished and the colour is flattering for all skin tones. I felt good knowing this brand uses vegan and sustainable ingredients. Clean beauty for the win!!

Simply Beautiful trinket tray- I loved the simplicity of this trinket tray and it perfect for holding my Olive + Piper necklace! The tray is ceramic and goes well with most feminine decor. The gold flakes are a nice touch. I feel motivated to tidy up my vanity now! 

Blush Peony rose gold diamond pen- Call me an old lady all you want, but there's something about taking notes with a nice pen that I just love. The Blush Peony rose gold pen is my favourite item in this box! Be prepared to see this pen all over my Instagram feed since the gem on the top of the pen is a real beauty. 

Starbucks Espresso roast ground coffee (full size bag)- It was a nice treat to get a full sized bag of the Starbuck Espresso roast coffee. I'm an avid tea drinker, but once in a while I love having a nice warm cuppa joe. Like all Starbucks coffees, this Espresso roast tastes delicious and would be perfect for cold fall days when you want to cozy up and savour the rich flavour. 

If you love this haul and want to see what the amazing team at BC Living has to offer, check out their website at https://www.bcliving.ca/The-Simply-Beautiful-Subscription-Box and tell me, what's your fave seasonal subscription box? I'd love to hear from you!!

6 Ways To Keep Your Summer Glow in the Fall

As much as I love the summer, I love the cool weather of the fall even more. One thing I don't love however, is the way my skin responds to the seasonal change.  We all love updating our wardrobe for the fall with cozy sweaters and scarves, but how often do we remember to update our skincare routines? This time of year is perfect for giving beauty cabinets an overhaul to make sure your skin stays healthy year round.

Here are my top 6 tips for keeping your skin in tip top shape as we transition into the cooler months ahead!

1. Take a look at your cleanser

As the weather becomes drier and cooler, it's important to balance the skin with heavier and more nourishing ingredients. If you're using a gel or milk formula, you may notice that there isn't enough hydration that your skin now desperately needs. Now is the perfect time to incorporate oils and thicker cleansers into your routine. Implementing a face oil as cleanser is a great way to keep your skin from getting dry or feeling stripped as the weather gets colder. Use a face oil as the the first step in your routine in lieu of a harsh cleanser to remove your makeup. 

2. Pamper yourself 

I notice that I get more dry patches on my face so I make an effort to ramp up my daily routine by incorporating more exfoliating products and beauty tools. I recently purchased a jade roller and the benefits are outstanding (more on this in another post). It's really important to keep your skin looking fresh by sloughing off the dead skin that may accumulate during the cooler months. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can trap oil and bacteria which in turn reduces breakouts. Take advantage of this new season to address any sun damage that you have have acquired over the summer. Invest in a good chemical peel to further rejuvenate the appearance of your skin.

3. Up your water intake...and stick to it!

We've all heard it before. DRINK MORE WATER! In the summer my skin feels tight and dehydrated from being exposed to too much air conditioning and in the cooler months, my skin gets dry from indoor heating. There's no winning!! I've tried my best to drink more water this summer and I have to admit, it's not as easy as it sounds! Having a bottle within reach is an easy visual reminder to drink more water, but recently I've added 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to two bottle fill-ups per day and I swear- my skin has glowed like never before! I've been drinking ACV for a long time now and not only has my skin glowed like never before, my overall health is in tip top shape because of this healthy habit. 

4. Stay committed to your serums and moisturizers

I've never appreciated skin care as much as I do now and I've been lucky enough to try many different moisturizers and let me tell you- not all serums and moisturizers are created equal! The purpose of a moisturizer is to protect the skin's barrier, which is most important during the cooler months. Look for products that are rich in omegas, fatty acids, lipids, and ceramides because the best moisturizers hydrate, soothe and seals moisture.

5. Don't forget the sunscreen

It's true that the harmful UVB rays aren't as strong in the cooler months, UVA rays (the ones that cause premature ageing and cancer) remain just as strong and harmful as the warmer months. Sun protection is a year round job and you'd benefit from SPF coverage every day. 

6. Add lip balm to your daily and nightly routine

Adding a swipe of lip balm to my lips before I go to bed has made a huge difference for me! The colder weather is particularly drying on the lips and dealing with chapped or cracked lips is no fun! Like the skin under our eyes, the skin on our lips is delicate and thin so a little extra TLC will go a long way. I also love using a lip scrub to exfoliate once in a while to keep my lips looking their best!

There are my favourite ways to keep my skin balanced for fall and to prepare for the cooler weather that's soon to come. Have you already started your fall skincare overhaul? I'd love to hear what products you're incorporating into your seasonal routine.

Ready to #create with Birch + Fog

One of the reasons I started this blog was to have a creative outlet, which I've heard- from Dr. Google of course, was good for you. At the time, I found myself getting bored with the day to day so my blog was a great way to exercise my mind. Finding things to talk about was never a problem for me since I could talk all day long about things just on my vanity. A big hurdle I've had to overcome was finding (and keeping) my creativity. This may come as a surprise, but presenting ideas in a creative way isn't always easy. 

Throughout history, writers have used many vices to find inspiration and pique creativity. Some of the most famous writers of our time had habits, like Ernest Hemingway who said "I drink (alcohol) to make other people more interesting", or Honoré de Balzac who had a very interesting caffeine habit...like 50 cups a day kind of interesting. There were all types of vices used like absinthe, meditation, and of course there were others like Stephen King and Hunter Thompson who snorted cocaine like nobody's business, but that's not the type of inspiration I'm talking about! It was Walter Benjamin who wrote about his experiments with hashish and called his drug use "profane illumination." Fast forward to 2018 and the growing acceptance of CBD use. A trendy way to keep those creative juices flowing is with micro-dosing. While I don't claim to be an expert on the subject of the benefits of CBD use, as a writer I wanted to see what micro-dosing was all about for myself. I've never liked the idea of losing control of myself which is why I have never even touched the "hard stuff", and besides...plants seemed more "natural" to me.  

So what is micro-dosing anyway?? Just as the name implies, micro-dosing is having the smallest amount of a stimulant like THC in smaller doses which allows for cellular changes without the behavioural changes one usually expects with CBD use- in other words, you get the health benefits (a more detailed article about the health benefits of micro-dosing coming your way soon) without getting stoned. Since I hate the smell and mess of traditional CBD delivery systems, I opted for a vaporizer which offers a much "cleaner" experience. The Birch + Fog website is by far the most user friendly site I've seen if you're learning about hemp, plant-based health products, or CBD for the first time. Whether you're looking for something to help relax, focus, refresh, or create, the Birch + Fog team has created a way for you to find exactly what you're looking for. Not only are the products of the highest quality, you can find discrete and stylish vape pens (cause you know I like pretty things ahah!) like this pen.

So how did I feel anyway?? 

It's important to note that micro-dosing isn't for everyone. There were some days when the words just flow and other days when I need a little help. Even though it wasn't a mind-blowing experience like the heaven's opening up and I certainly don't expect to become a world famous beauty blogger, micro-dosing did help provide clarity and focus. My day job is hella busy so you can imagine how distracted I sometimes get when it's time to sit down and write. There are days it's easy to decompress...and others are just ugh. 

Having a helping had is amazing. I felt great, and there was no sluggish feeling or loss of control with micro-dosing. Rather than feeling wasted, I felt focused and surprisingly determined. My creative juices were definitely flowing. 

This is just one way I found that worked for me, so tell me readers...what are your vices? I'd love to hear from you!

BEAUTY DEVICES- Michael Todd Beauty Sonicblend

It's not everyday that I have time to do a full face of makeup, but when I do have time I love the ritual of getting "put together". Anyone else love the feeling of soft brushes and sponges on your face as you blend your makeup? Still, there are some days that I want to look fresh faced but don't have time for the full makeup application experience. That's why I was thrilled to get the Sonicblend electric brush to try so I could see for myself how much time I could potentially save. A huge thanks to the Michael Todd team for spoiling me with this device :)

Just like the Soniclear cleansing brush the Sonicblend makeup brush uses sonic technology to apply your makeup. Say whaaattt? Ya I know. Imagine how smooth your makeup would be if your hands could do 400+ micro-movements per second. This brush does just that so you're left with flawless makeup. Since skin care is a huge thing for me, I love that the Sonicblend has built in protection against microbial contamination. This means the Sonicblend brush stays fresher and cleaner for longer. I try to wash my brushes often, but sometimes I just don't get to it as much as I'd like so it's nice to know that at least one of my brushes has built in protection against bacteria! When I first took the brush out of the box I was surprised to feel how durable it felt in my hand. I assumed it would feel a bit flimsy since it's made of plastic so it was a nice surprise to have a device that had some weight. In the box there was the brush, hardshell case, and charger. 

I tried this brush with various types of foundation and I noticed the best results when I applied my liquid foundation to my face with my fingertips and blended it with the Sonicblend after. Some days when I want minimal coverage, I just wear tinted moisturizer. The Sonicblend works well with all types of makeup so if you're like me and like to change it up, the Sonicblend might be the perfect tool for you. 

While I still reach for my beauty sponges once in a while, I notice a huge difference in the amount of time saved when I use the Sonicblend. This would be great for anyone looking for smooth, even coverage in half the time! Just look at the picture below to see for your self!

So tell me readers, what beauty tools are you using to keep your makeup looking smooth? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

No filters or airbrushing required...just kissed by the sun (and a little help from my Sonicblend)

September 2018 Boxycharm Review

After being a loyal subscriber to Ipsy for over two years, I decided it was time to give another makeup subscription box a chance. Boxycharm is similar to Ipsy. Each month you get full size or deluxe-sized products delivered right to your door, and I was sold after checking out their previous boxes. If you're not very adventurous with makeup like me, it's a great way to build your makeup collection on the cheap and expand your makeup expertise!

The September 2018 Boxycharm theme was Wild Flower and I'm so happy to get this amazing collection of goodies for my birthday month. I've been so busy lately that I haven't even had time to write all the reviews I had planned last month. It was a nice treat to get my Boxymail today so I can get back into the swing of things. 

In my box:

Pretty Vulgar Nightingale eyeshadow palette
Laura Geller baked blush-n-brighten
Alamar Cosmetics brush set
Lorac lip colour
Luscious Cosmetics eye primer

I love that there's a wide variety of products in the box and of course...palettes always make me smile :) I rate the September Boxycharm box a 5/5.

 Click here to sign up with Boxycharm to get a haul like this for yourself! 

More about the products inside:

Pretty Vulgar Nightingale eyeshadow palette- If you've been reading along, you know how much I love a good neutral eyeshadow palette. I really do have a thing for soft shimmer, natural glam, gold hues, and earth tones. That's why I fell in love with the Pretty Vulgar Nightingale Palette as soon as I saw it! This beauty has 12 pigmented shades that blend so well, you can create so many looks effortlessly. I like that this palette can be used every day as well as days I want to do a full glam look. This was the first PV eyeshadow palette I used and I'm so glad I got to try it. I probably wouldn't spend $35 for a palette like this on its own, which is one of the reasons why I think the Boxycharm subscription is a worthwhile investment. 

Laura Geller baked blush-n-brighten- I've heard of the Laura Geller brand before but this was my first time owning a LG product. I was impressed with the quality and blown away with how soft and blendable this blush is. This blush actually starts out as a cream before it's baked. It's a great product for all skin types since it has skin loving ingredients like white tea extract and Jojoba seed oil. And c'mon...look at how pretty it is!

Alamar Cosmetics brush set- Since you can never have too many brushes, this Alamar trio was a welcome addition! To say that these brushes are soft is a huge understatement. The brushes are made form synthetic fibres and are perfect for blending, applying colour, and creating lines. If you ever needed just three eyeshadow brushes to call the "essentials," this set would be it!  

Lorac lip colour- Another product I heard of but never actually used is Lorac. Sweet Jesus I must be living under a rock! This Pro Matte lip colour is a welcome addition to my collection because I NEEDED another berry lip colour. I swear it! (That was pure sarcasm/my inner hoarder speaking) But this one is different guys ahah! THIS ONE has nourishing ingredients like pomegranate, acai berry, grape seed extract, as well as vitamin C and E. I love the curved tip because it can be used as a lip liner. I love products that are buildable like this one because my preference might change from day to day. One day I might want one swipe with gloss on top, and the other I might want full colour. I LOOVEEEE that!

Luscious Cosmetics eye primer- One makeup sin I've been making is skipping the eyelid primer. Ugh I know right? I'm sure there's some of you out there that are with me (like why the heck do you even need to prime your eyelids) and other readers that are cringing (like honestly Mo...how could you NOT?!) I just never felt the need, until now. The Luscious Cosmetics Angel Eyes primer is a cruelty free, vegan formula that literally glides across your skin like silk. It promises to deliver a magnet like effect for your makeup that also provides a smooth canvas for makeup to stay in place all day. I must admit, I was a huge skeptic. Sure this felt great on my skin but could it really make my makeup last longer? I truly don't wear my makeup that long anyway so it was difficult for me to say this made any difference in my makeup lasting ALL day. I promise, the next time I do a full face in the morning I'll write a proper review because one use isn't enough for me to say I really need to add this to my makeup routine.

As much as I love Boxycharm, this will probably be my last review for the year since I'm taking some time off from my subscription to use up the products I got. You won't believe how much unused makeup I have stashed away!! So tell me, fellow charmers...did you like your September box? If so tell me what your fave item from the box was and why. I'd love to hear from you! 

My First Time using White With Style

In the quest for naturally whiter teeth, I've tried just about every whitening system out there. I'm one of those people that refuses to use photo editing apps to make my teeth whiter so I take care of my pearly whites as best as I can.  For years I've used Crest Whitestrips, but one thing I didn't like about them was how sensitive it made my teeth and gums.  You might remember that I used a carbon powder a while ago and did notice results with the strength of my teeth. Since then, I've cut back on lemon water and upped my flossing game! I've used a wide array of whitening products, but recently I got to try a custom whitening kit from White With Style. A huge thanks to the White With Style team for sending me this amazing kit :) If you haven't heard of a custom whitening kit, it's exactly as it sounds, a kit made from the mold of your teeth. Say whaaaaaat?! My thoughts exactly. Imagine, a whitening system designed for your teeth, and your teeth only. Sounds incredible right?? Not only is this kit fully customized, you can try a peroxide free gel so you don't have to suffer through sensitive teeth and gums for white teeth that shine!


Step One- The first step in creating your mold is to prepare your tray using hot water. It was really easy to make and wasn't messy or cumbersome at all. I liked that I can reuse the tray if I made a mistake. It was by far the easiest teeth whitening mold to make. 

Step Two- Once your molds are set and you have trimmed off the excess plastic, you can use it to start whitening your teeth. Gently place a bit of the teething gel on the mold, being careful not to put too much or else the gel will get on your gums. You might notice some gel on your gums after you push the mold onto your teeth. I used a cotton swab to gently wipe off the excess. I like that you can control how much gel goes into your tray, so you don't have to worry about the gel harming your gums like other products might do.

Step Three- Grab your blue LED light and place it in front of the tray in your mouth. This will activate the gel AKA this is when the magic happens! The gel tastes ok, slightly minty but still a bit like the Crest Whitestrips. I like putting my trays on before bed because you should leave the trays on your teeth for 30 minutes for best results. I'm way too busy during the day so evening teeth whitening works best for me!

I did notice a subtle brightening and I really can't wait to see the long term results. I eat a lot of staining foods and drink a lot of tea (which I'm sad to report can stain your teeth more than coffee--what the heck?!) and I was happy to see that the stains between my teeth have vanished. I got much better results from these custom fitted trays that any other whitening product I've tried. This would work well for everyone since you have full control every step of the way. Since the trays are custom fitted, this would even work for people with crooked or less than perfectly straight teeth :)

If you'd like to learn more about the White With Style system, check out their website at https://whitewithstyle.com/ and for a limited time, use code MONICE28 to get the Sparkle White Professional teeth whitening kit for only $28! It's regularly $269 so that's a steal if you wanted to see professional results at home. 

I love that the White With Style kits are BPA free, vegan, cruelty free, and 99% kosher. If you want to learn more about White With Style's ingredients, you can visit https://whitewithstyle.com/faqs/

Have you tried a custom tooth whitening system before? Let me know in the comments!!

My First Time using Farmacy Beauty Bright On Vitamin C Mask

If you've been following along you know how much I love Boxycharm because you get to try so many full sized products at a fraction of the price. Every month I'm amazed and in total honesty, I'm still in disbelief with some of the products I got this past year. In my most recent box, I got a colour changing mask from Farmacy Beauty. I love love love finding new masks to enjoy so I was thrilled to get this mask. The Bright On mask is a colour changing Vitamin C mask that promises to remove impurities, and improve brightness, tone, and texture. I've been a Farmacy Beauty fan for a while so I had high hopes for this mask. I loved the texture and subtle fragrance. 

There are so many skin loving ingredients in this mask like:

-Micro-Encapsulated Vitamin C: Releases powerful brightening and clarifying benefits to leave skin looking brighter and more even toned.
-Kaolin and Bentonite Clay: Helps detox skin by removing excess oil and impurities and visibly diminishes the appearance of pores.
-Fruit-Derived Blend Of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Bilberry, Sugarcane, Orange, Lemon, Sugar Maple): Help support natural cell turnover to reveal a brighter, smoother looking complexion.
-Aloe + Superfood Blend Of Apple, Broccoli, Kale, Blueberry and Cucumber: Help nourish, moisturize, and soothe skin.

The mask starts off with a pretty lavender colour but changes to green as you massage your skin. After rinsing, I did notice a slight tightness but nothing too irritating. My skin felt great after I used this mask and I'm happy to add this to my weekly routine. If you like using clay masks, then you might want to check out what Farmacy Beauty has to offer. 

The true test for me is how my skin feels the next morning. I did notice brighter, smoother skin and I'm sure with continued use that this mask would prove even more beneficial. 

The best part is that this mask costs $50 CAD for the SAME SIZE at Sephora so since I only paid around $35 for the entire box from Boxycharm I think that a huge win. 

So tell me, what's your fave subscription box to score great items each month. Is it Boxycharm!? Let me know in the comments...I'd love to hear from you!