My First Time using Tinkle Your Face razors

Gone are the days when women are too shy to talk about body hair. You may have seen some of your favourite beauty bloggers proclaim the use of razors on their face, and there is a growing trend of more women ditching the wax and reaching for the razor. It wasn't until recently that I discovered how much better your makeup looks when your face is nice and smooth.

My "go to" hair removal is wax so when I began to see all these women shave their faces, I was intrigued. I mean...won't their face hair grow back thicker than before?  I was also worried about cutting my self, but then again...I don't knick my legs when I shave them so what do I have to lose?  I decided to try it for myself to see what the big deal was, but I'm not gonna lie, the idea of borrowing the hubby's razor didn't appeal to me in the slightest! I got the perfect razors for this test from the lovely team at Tinkle Your Face. A huge thanks to the TYF team for this life changing experience!

I'll spare you the images of how  much hair came off my face, but you can just use your imagination!! I was actually shocked. Like, really, really shocked. The picture doesn't do it justice since I couldn't get the teeny tiny hairs to show up...but trust me...they were there! I realized that when I do my makeup I start from the top (my brows) and work my way down (finishing with the lips) and it didn't occur to me to take a really good look at the side of my face. Who does anyway? I don't take selfies of my ears so what did it matter?!!? UGH, I was in denial...and the evidence on the razor was enough for me to see the error of my ways!

The TYF razors did an excellent job of getting rid of those tiny hairs and you can use them anywhere on your body. My face truly felt soft and exfoliated. It was so quick and easy that I'm not sure if I could go back to waxing. This is a fantastic pain-free way to get rid of unwanted body hair. I love it! The shape of these razors was perfect for my face and the grip on the handle was super useful.  I also really liked that these razors have a stainless steel safety cover so you can't accidentally cut too closely.

Now I have to say, I do notice a huge difference in the way my underarm hair grows back when I shave vs. wax and it's too early to say how the hair on my face will grow back. I'll update this post in a few days :)

If you want to learn more about the Tinkle Your Face razor, check out their website at http://tinkleyourface.com/

Do you shave your face? I'd love to hear from you!

December 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

My current makeup subscription box is from Ipsy. I was a bit skeptical about a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box because I didn't want to end up with a bunch of products I couldn't use or didn't know how to use. Each month you get full size or deluxe-sized products in a cute makeup bag, and I was sold after checking out their previous bags. 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 December Ipsy Glam Bag theme was Carpe P.M. I thought the hot pink furry bag was super cute for the holidays. This was the first time I got a furry bag and I have to admit, I kinda dig it! I like that the December bag looks and feels like a wristlet with its extra long loop zipper pull. NOYCE!

In my bag:

Heavy cream hand balm by Cake Beauty 
REN skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
NYX eyeshadow in Jaded
Tarte Maracuja Oil
Hikari felt tip liner in Iris 

This was the second time I got a Cake beauty hand cream, and I am NOT complaining. My skin truly appreciates any and all moisture this time of year and honestly, you can never have too many hand creams (one for each purse..you know what I'm saying!?!) I rate the December Ipsy Glam Bag a well deserved 5/5! What a fantastic way to end the year.

I was excited about many things in this bag. I love that I got a felt tip liner in another colour other than black! YESSS! And of course I was so stoked to see the REN mask :) I'm truly a happy camper...thanks IPSY!!

Click here to sign up with Ipsy and get your very own Glam Bag! 

More about the products inside:

Heavy cream hand balm by Cake Beauty- I really like the way Cake beauty products smell good enough to eat! UGH, guys you don't understand...this hand balm is da bomb (sorry, not sorry for being so cheesy!!) If you're looking for a serious dose of moisture without feeling greasy, I highly recommend that you check this out! 

REN skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask- This mask felt so luxurious! I have been a huge fan of REN since discovering them earlier this year from one of my Ipsy bags. I love that this brand makes my skin feel super smooth and pampered. Stay tuned for a full review!!

NYX eyeshadow in Jaded- I'm not the biggest fan of green eyeshadows, but I can't deny how pigmented this shade is. I do like NYX products but I prefer gold or pink shades. 

Tarte Maracuja Oil- This is one of those things that I honestly don't know what everyone goes crazy for. I tried this oil before and it only led to the worse breakout since I was a teenager. I'm too scared to give it another go, and as much as I want to love this like lots of other people I know...I just can't handle the trauma of another breakout. To this day I don't know what it is about face oils, but my skin always seems to say "no thanks!!!"

Hikari felt tip liner in Iris- I really like this liner and let me tell you, the picture doesn't do it any justice. This is about as adventurous as I'll get with eyeliner so this is kind of a big deal for me. LOL!! This deep violet shade looked great on my skin and went on super smooth. Just one coat was all I needed to get a nice pop of colour that lasted all day. I'm so in love!!!



What did you get in your December Glam Bag? I'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW- December 2016 Little Life Box

If you're looking for a healthy lifestyle subscription box, then look no further than the Little Life Box. This subscription has a nice mix of beauty products, snacks, supplements and more! I was sent the December 2016 box to review and I was so excited to see the goodies inside:

4 Iron Kids snack bars in various flavours
6 Pukka teas in various flavours
Mettrum Originals hemp seeds
2 Dr. Bronner's orange lavender hand & body lotion samples
New Chapter Bone Strength vitamins- full size bottle
Meditree tea tree facial cleanser- full size tube
Elan sesame seeds- full size bag
St.Tropica Coconut hot oil hair mask
Wood tree ornament and holiday card

All these products came in a lovely box and was nicely wrapped inside with bergundy tissue paper. I thought the wood ornament and holiday card were super cute and really made the entire box feel like a gift. This would be the perfect gift for yourself or someone else looking for healthy snacks and other healthy lifestyle products. 

More about the snacks-

My favourite thing about Little Life Box is that there were full sized items as well as samples in this box. This was a great way for me to discover new brands and to enjoy snacks that I would never have purchased on my own at the store.  I was most excited about the St. Tropica coconut oil hair mask. As much as I love this time of year, I hate how dry my skin and hair can get. This was definitely a nice surprise since my hair is craving moisture right now. LOOOVE THIS!!

My favourite snacks are the seeds. I love sprinkling seeds on my yogurt and I was so stoked to see a huge bag of sesame seeds. I'm a huge fan of hemp seeds so it was a nice treat to get both in this box. I was very happy with the December Little Life Box. I look forward to discovering new brands and new healthy snacks each month!

If you would like to check out Little Life Box for yourself, visit their website at littlelifebox.com. 

For a closer look at what was inside, check out my video on YouTube https://youtu.be/Iw30Tn5aEao

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW and GIFT FOR HIM- King x Portland

I have a confession to make guys. Don't judge me, ok!? There have been times when I get a bit envious with my hubby's sock collection. I know, I know...how silly. But seriously have you noticed that men's socks have gotten so stylish!? Gone are the days when guys would just grab any old socks and not worry about something so simple as matching socks with their outfits. I love how more time is being spent deciding on the perfect pair of socks, and there's no other word to describe it other than what it has become...a collection. I was lucky enough to discover an amazing monthly sock subscription from Toronto. The King x Portland team was kind enough to send a few socks my way (Thanks so very much!!!) and I was thrilled with these designs! These ain't your grandpas socks, let me tell you!!

MY THOUGHTS:

These socks arrived in a very nice box that was already good to go as a gift. I liked that the socks were nicely wrapped with tissue paper and I could have easily stuck it under the Christmas tree as is! You can order the monthly subscription so you can receive a gift worthy box each month, or you could order a set of three as a one time gift. Whichever you choose, it's a really nice way for anyone to build their sock collection with quality socks on the cheap!

HIS THOUGHTS:

I loved the way these socks felt and matched with some of my outfits. These socks were a nice touch and I felt really trendy when I wore them. On the King X Portland website you can find your socks and read up on the inspiration behind the design. I liked that each pair of socks that are sold are also described so I can determine what would work with my wardrobe before I even buy them. 

The socks in the pic are (from left to right)


Checkmate x Bragging Rights 
Happy Hour Toast
A Seat By The Window 

I love these fun designs and they all work well with both casual and professional attire. You can see more designs at the  http://www.kingxportland.com/ website. If you'd like to order a subscription you can use the very special promo code KXPBYMONICE to get your first month FREE! How awesome is that?!?! 

Now tell me...have you started your holiday shopping yet?? If not, what are you waiting for?!?!!

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW- Mask Raider

I love the world of Korean Beauty because there's so much to discover!!  I've tried so many sheet masks but there have been times when I don't see or feel any results. Sometimes I'm not sure if I'm using the right mask for my skin type and I wish it was easier to get more information in English about the masks I try. There are thousands of brands I've never heard of and an easy way to learn about them is with a K-beauty monthly subscription. 

Mask raider is a K-beauty subscription service and if you haven't heard about Mask Raider or seen their awesome Instagram posts, let me tell you I was very pleased with these masks. A huge thanks to the Mask Raider team for sending me two masks to try :)  This subscription would be perfect for anyone looking for help with navigating the sometimes confusing K-beauty world!

What's most impressive about Mask Raider is that each mask comes with its own data sheet. These sheets offer instructions and a very detailed overview about the mask. I liked that the ingredients analysis was included and I knew exactly what skin type the mask was made for. The benefits of the mask were clearly listed as well as a quick company profile. I really value this type of information since you can never been too careful about what you're putting on your face!

More about the masks:

Banobagi Vita Genic Hydrating Jelly Mask- I really liked this mask because it left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. I prefer fibre masks over hydrogel masks, and this mask fit perfectly. I was able to move around, talk, eat etc. without having to worry about the mask falling off. I love that! After wearing the mask for about 45 minutes I rubbed in the remaining serum. There wasn't much to rub in, but my skin really appreciated the moisture. I don't use Banobagi masks very often, but I think I should start!! 

Medi heal W.H.P White Hydrating charcoal mineral mask- This mask seemed to have much more serum than the Banobagi mask. Again, I found this mask to have a perfect fit! This was my first time using a Medi heal mask and I was very impressed. I had some redness on my cheeks and forehead from acne that were gone by the time I took the mask off. I loved the fragrance of this mask. The serum felt so rich and decadent on my face!

I was very happy to try two new K-beauty masks and I'm thrilled to finally be able to learn some important information about the masks that I wouldn't have been able to find any where else. To find out more about what Mask Raider has to offer, check out their website at http://www.maskraider.com/

Do you like sheet masks? What are your favourite brands? Let me know, I'd love to hear from you! 

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW- Candy.ca November Box

You can find a subscription box for just about anything these days! I love discovering new monthly boxes (I seriously have an addiction guys!!) and I'm so excited to share the sweeeeetest box around! I find it difficult to find subscription companies that deliver to Canada and don't charge outrageous shipping fees. Candy.ca is a monthly candy experience, currently only available in Canada! I got the November box from the awesome Candy.ca team (thanks guys!!) and I was thrilled with what was inside. 

There were six huge bags of candy, and let me tell you...this box was heavy!! I was happy to find a wide assortment of candies and not just a box full of boring sweets. Each month you can enjoy a surprise selection of candies, not just from Canada but from around the world. This is a great way to discover new sweet treats since the selection isn't usually repeated within a three month period. To customize your box, you can even add a personalized note if you're giving the box as a gift. How cool is that?! 

In the November box there was:

Allan Sour Grape Slices

Various Starburst candies 

Albanese Chocolate Mini Pretzels

Vidal Watermelon Slices

Sunkist Orange Jelly Belly

Allan Mini Sour Cherry Slices

Warheads Sour Cubes

I really liked the Albanese Chocolate Mini Pretzels. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savoury. I like candies that have something crunchy and these pretzels really satisfied my craving for sweet, salty and crunchy. 

My hubby found a new favourite- the Allan Sour Grape Slices, and this was a huge deal because he has tried just about every single candy known to man!! He's a true candy connoisseur :) I loved how the box came ready to give, with the candies wrapped nicely with tissue paper. Inside the box was a fact sheet about each candy and a fun little candy quiz. This candy subscription is sure to please any candy lover! If you'd like to learn more about this candy subscription, visit https://www.candy.ca/

Here's a closer look at the November 2016 candy.ca box! 🍫🍭🍬

GIFT FOR HIM- Dead Soxy

Who knew 10 years ago that socks would become so fashionable? The trendy sock world is really having a moment right now and I'd love to share an awesome sock company called Dead Soxy. I got a lovely care package from the Dead Soxy team for the hubby  (Thanks guys!!) 

I was first impressed with the packaging. It's been a long time since I've seen a wax seal, and I love this adorable little detail! It truly felt like opening a very special gift and I'm not gonna lie, I liked the thrill of breaking the wax!

MY THOUGHTS: 

Aside from the cool packaging, the socks felt really luxurious. These socks are made in the USA, and the quality shows! I thought the patterns were super cute!

HIS THOUGHTS: I liked that the patterns were fun but still professional. I wore these socks for a while and I liked how comfy they were. It was a perfect fit! Not only were these socks soft, they weren't itchy or slippery. These socks have a no shrink or fade guarantee and so far, I'm really impressed with the durability! These are the perfect socks if you need or have a versatile wardrobe. I can wear these socks with dress shoes, boots or casual shoes. Thats a bonus in my books!!

You can find tons of different designs on the Dead Soxy website. If you need socks for a wedding, you can also check out the Wedding Pack that has 14 socks, with the option to personalize the packaging of each pair of socks.

If you're looking for a cool stocking stuffer this year, check out the Dead Soxy website at https://www.deadsoxy.com/

Do you like to buy socks as a stocking stuffer? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear from you!

My First Time using the Lequa razor

I've tried almost every type of hair removal known to man, and I eagerly await the day when the technology exists to permanently remove body hair affordably, comfortably and safely. As much as I love waxing, it can get costly and sometimes I'm too impatient to wait until the hair on my legs grows to the necessary length. I love smooth legs, and when I do need a quick and easy way to shave, I just use a razor. 

I was sent the lovely Lequa razor to try and I absolutely love it. The razor came in a sleek box with a suction leaf holder for the razor that you can use in the shower. When not in use, this razor reminds me of a mermaid's tail when it's hung. Super cute!! 

The razor is well designed and it fit in my hands comfortably. I enjoyed using this razor and I was left with soft and smooth legs.  You can find this razor in four blades or six blades as well as other natural skin care products by Lequa to give you even soften skin :) 

Some razors leave my skin irritated, and I was very happy that the Lequa razor didn't irritate my sensitive skin. My hubby even tried this razor on his face and believe me on this,  his face looked even smoother than when he uses his own razors!  LOL!! After many uses, the blades on my shaver still looked as fresh as the first day I used it. I highly recommend this razor for anyone looking for a close shave at an affordable price! 

If you'd like to learn more about Lequa beauty, check out their website at https://lequa-beauty.myshopify.com/

What's your favourite type of hair removal? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW- November 2016 Little Life Box

If you're looking for a healthy lifestyle subscription box, then look no further than the Little Life Box. This subscription has a nice mix of beauty products, snacks, supplements and more! I was sent the November 2016 box to review and I was very surprised with what was inside:

Paqui nacho cheese tortilla chips
Hungry Buddha coconut chips- full sized bag
GURU energy water- full sized can
Spry sugarfree gum in spearmint and cinnamon
North American Hemo Co shampoo sample
Altura pink salt- full sized bag
Les CocoNuts lip balm
Central Roast raw mixed nuts
Enerex wild oregano oil sample
SBT soothing salve sample


All these products came in a lovely box and was nicely wrapped inside with purple tissue paper.This would be the perfect gift for yourself or someone else looking for healthy snacks and other healthy lifestyle products. 



More about the snacks-

My favourite thing about Little Life Box is that there were full sized items as well as samples in this box. This was a great way for me to discover new brands and to enjoy snacks that I would never have purchased on my own at the store.  I was happy to discover the Paqui brand of tortilla chips in this box. I was surprised that these chips were light and crispy, and didn't have the "fake cheese" taste. The Paqui chips were very delicious and I will definitely repurchase!

My favourite snack was the Hungry Buddha coconut chips. I'm already a huge fan of the Thirtsy Buddha coconut water and these coconut chips are another hit! It had the perfect crunch and subtle after taste. The chips were sweet and very flavourful. You can eat these chips on their own, or add them to your favourite recipe for a fabulous coconut flavour. LOOOVE!! 

There were four packs of Spry gum in the November box, and while I loved the flavour, I was a bit disappointed that the flavour didn't last very long. 

I was really surprised with how tasty the Central Roast mixed nuts were. I usualy don't like unsalted nuts, but this pack was full of flavour! YUM!!!!

If you would like to check out Little Life Box for yourself, visit their website at littlelifebox.com. 

For a closer look at what was inside, check out my video on YouTube https://youtu.be/bTyNPkDcQ0A

November 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

My current makeup subscription box is from Ipsy. I was a bit skeptical about a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box because I didn't want to end up with a bunch of products I couldn't use or didn't know how to use. Each month you get full size or deluxe-sized products in a cute makeup bag, and I was sold after checking out their previous bags. 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 November Ipsy Glam Bag theme was Rockstarlet and I was a bit underwhelmed with what I got. At first I didn't like the bag design when it was first announced, but I was really impressed once I had it in my hands. I got the blue and gold version of the constellation bag and it felt super luxe :) The gold trim was perfect and the zipper pull featured a cute little star, which I LOOOOOVE! This bag felt very different from the others and I wonder if Ipsy got a new manufacturer for this one. Bonus points, Ipsy for sending me a bag I'd actually use as a clutch!

In my bag:

Delectable hand cream by Cake Beauty 
Luxie Beauty rose gold fibre brush
Tini Beauty eyeshadow in Firestarter
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Adesse New York brightening base coat nail polish


I'm really on the fence with this bag since I've been so spoiled before with awesome things to try in the past. I should really stop swooning over the things I see on Instagram because my bag isn't all that terrible. I rate the November Ipsy Glam Bag a half-hearted 5/5!

The product I was most excited about was the Too Faced mascara. I've heard such great things about it and I just can't find the courage to splurge on the full size. It was a nice treat to get this mascara so I could finally see what all the fuss is about. 

Click here to sign up with Ipsy and get your very own Glam Bag! 

More about the products inside:

Delectable hand cream by Cake Beauty- I really like the formula of this cream. I notice most hand creams tend to be super thick or greasy. The Delectable cream was easy to spread and didn't leave a greasy residue on my hands. I liked that this cream absorbed well and smells absolutely divine!!

Luxie Beauty rose gold fibre brush-I like Luxie brushes and it's always a treat to get new tools. I can't say I absolutely love this over any other brand for any particular reason, but I do like the aesthetics of this brush. It's pretty, but that's about it. 

Tini Beauty eyeshadow in Firestarter- This colour is fantastic. Thanks Ipsy for knowing me so well! LOL!! I also really like how vibrant and rich the formula is. It's got the lasting power I need and love :) My new fave!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara- I found the hourglass brush shape interesting to use. I was very impressed with the formula. My lashes really did look fantastic and I was so thrilled I finally got to try this mascara. Stay tuned for a full review on this product :)

Adesse New York brightening base coat nail polish- At first I thought this was just another base coat. I was really surprised with how well this polished worked at making my nails stronger and helping the nail polish look more vibrant. This goes on like any other nail polish but really sets the stage for the next step in your nail care routine. LOVE!!

What did you get in your November Glam Bag? I'd love to hear from you!

BRAND SPOTLIGHT- Nur Besten accessories

I've never really been a fan of online shopping until I discovered how convenient it actually is. I was one to go in a store and touch everything and ask tons of questions before I bought something.  I was a huge skeptic when it came to giving out my credit card and personal info, and I still don't trust the entire Apple Pay business if I'm being honest. Sorry! While I still like going to the store if I'm unsure about what I want, I have embraced the world of online shopping with open arms! (If I know exactly what I want) ESPECIALLY since it's getting cold outside BRRR!

If you like to stay at home and browse the internet for new makeup goodies, check out http://www.nurbesten.de. You can find almost ANYTHING on their site. I was sent a lovely package from the Nur Besten team (THANKS GUYS!!!) and I couldn't be happier with this mini haul. When visiting the site, make sure to click your local currency or language. It took me a second to navigate the site, but once I got used to it, I was pleasantly surprised. 

I got a liquid liner, a brush cleaning mat, false lashes, pore strips, and a new makeup sponge on a handle. In case you missed it, I made a video about the cleansing mat that you can see here.

I'm very impressed with these products and I recommend checking the Nur Besten website if you'd like to build your beauty stash on a budget! As a special treat, the Nur Besten team gave me a special code to share if you would like to order something special. Use code MOMD10 to save 10%!! Spoil yourself or find something special for someone else. After all, the holidays are coming up and what better way to say "happy holidays!" than with makeup!!

I like that these products aren't something you would find in your regular drugstore or Sephora, and that there is a huge selection of quality brands you might be unfamiliar with. It's refreshing to discover new and exciting brands! The prices are super affordable and worth the splurge if you're looking for something new to try. The best part about this site is that there's no minimum order required to get free shipping. Being in Canada, I always get shafted if shipping isn't included. I don't know why this is the case since I'm in Toronto, but it sucks, and I appreciate it so so much when shipping is included in my purchase. 

Do you like to shop online? What are your favourite sites?

My First Time using Wyld Skincare

I don't know about you, but for me, the cooler weather calls for a bit more exfoliation since my skin gets so dry and flaky. As much as I try to keep hydrated and moisturized, there are still certain areas that never seem to stay smooth! My trouble areas are my nose, forehead and legs. UGH! I like a good scrub, but sometimes I use a cleanser that doesn't have any exfoliating properties. To give these cleansers an extra boost, I use a konjac sponge from Wyld skincare. I was sent the new konjac bamboo charcoal sponge to try from the lovely Wyld skincare team (THANKS A MILLION GUYS!) and I absolutely love it!

This sponge was something strange to me at first. First let me explain what konjac is. Konjac (pronounced KOHN-YAK) in a perennial plant known in Japan since the sixth century and has been eaten for 1500 years. It is currently grown in China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and southeast Asia, primarily for flour, jelly and a vegan substitute for gelatin.

The Wyld konjac sponge is

• 100% natural
• biodegradable
• vegan 
• fragrance and chemical free
• cruelty free
• eco-friendly

After using this miracle sponge, my skin felt squeaky clean and exfoliated. The dead skin on my nose was gently buffed away and my skin looked brighter and smoother. This could be because the konjac sponge is infused with natural activated bamboo charcoal which draws out excess oil and bacteria. There are only two ingredients: natural konjac root and natural bamboo charcoal. That's really it!

This sponge is hard at first and needs to be softened with water before you use it. There's a small space in the middle of the sponge that I use to measure how much cleanser I should use. Once I measured the cleanser, I used small circular motions to massage my face. I really like how this sponge worked with other cleansers but you can even use this sponge on its own if you prefer. I got a nice lather and massage all in one step! LOOOOVE!!! I liked how my face felt squeaky clean, but not stripped or raw. There was just the perfect amount of exfoliating action happening here! 

After cleansing and rinsing the sponge, I gently squeezed out the excess water and let it air dry. There's a convenient string attached to the sponge so you can hang it :) Once it's dry, the sponge will harden again and over time it will lose its shape. If you're a fan of konjac sponges you should replace them every 1-2 months. 

I love my Wyld konjac sponge and if you're looking for a natural, biodegradable, vegan and chemical free sponge, you should check out Wyld skincare at https://www.wyldskincare.com/

Use code alittlebitofgloss to save 20% if you want to try the sponge for yourself :)

Have you tried a konjac sponge before? Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts! 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konjac

My First Time using J&S gel polish

I love a good manicure, and its even better if I have the time to do it myself! I got to try an awesome new gel polish from JS nails, a new company from Toronto. (Thanks JS Team for spoiling me with these awesome gel polishes!) I've never been a fan of getting a gel manicure at the salon because I didn't think it was worth the money, and didn't last nearly as long as I thought it would. I was stoked to try this gel polish because I was curious to see how a one-step polish held up to my busy lifestyle. One-step is just like it sounds, a base coat, nail colour, and top coat ALL in one bottle. There's no need to worry about any other steps, and if you love convenience like me...this is kind of a big deal! You can definitely use a base coat or top coat, but the polish left my nails strong and shiny and I didn't feel like a top coat was necessary. 

JS nail polishes are 5-Free. What does this mean exactly??

JS 5-FREE Gel Polish is free from the 5 harmful ingredients that are usually found in other polishes. 

JS Gel Polish does not contain these 5 toxins:

        • No Formaldehyde - Formaldehyde is known as a carcinogen.

        • No Toluene- Toluene is known to be linked to having negative effects on breathing, human reproduction and nausea.

        • No Dibutyl Phtalate (DBP) - DBP is known to affect the reproductive system.

        • No Butylated Hydroxyanisol (BHA) - BHA is shown to cause developmental defects.

        • No Solvents -Solvents can cause irritation to the eyes, nose & throat.

This is the perfect polish for you if you're looking for a healthier option to other gel and shellac polishes on the market. 

Using this polish was super easy, but you do need a UV or LED lamp. Here's how to use the JS gel polish:

Step 1. Clean your nails with rubbing alcohol. This will remove all dust and oils.

Step 2. Apply a thin layer of polish to your nails. 

Step 3. Carefully place your hands under your LED lamp for 60 seconds to cure. If you're using a UV lamp, you will need to let the polish cure for 2 minutes. 

Step 4. Apply a second layer of polish to your nails. Make sure it's thin. I've found that I achieved better results by using the thinnest coats of polish as possible. 

Repeat step 3. 

The formula of this polish felt very luxurious. It went on smoothly and looked fantastic! The odour wasn't too strong, and did smell better than regular polishes. I have a huge nail polish collection and this by far was the best smelling and longest lasting polish. 

I used three coats to get a rich colour on my nails. I was very surprised with how long it lasted. The durability and shine was even better than CND polish! I wash my hands a million times a day and it was nice to not worry about my nail polish chipping. After a week, I noticed some fading but didn't notice any chipping. I was very impressed! I used two coats of soft pink and one coat of gold glitter to achieve the look in the picture :) I hate how sometimes pictures don't do manicures the justice they deserve! UGH :(

Removing the gel polish requires the same soak-off process that you would with any other gel polish. You need pure acetone on a cotton pad with tin foil to soak and wrap your nails, or you can use a soak-off tray. I didn't notice any damage to my nails and I was happy that there wasn't any staining :)

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get salon quality nails at home, check out http://www.jandsnails.com

P.S. I'm giving away an awesome RED JS POLISH in my next giveaway!!! Check out the Contest page to see the biggest haul EVER!!!!

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW- Honi Essentials- October Essentials box

Our senses do so much for us throughout the day that sometimes we don't even notice how much something like fragrances affect us. Did you know that many scents can actually improve your mood or health?  Essential oils can help you relax, sleep, aid in digestion or improve your skin because these oils have a healing effect on the body as well as the mind and soul. There's very little that an essential oil CAN'T help with! The world of essential oils is so fascinating and I'm glad to explore this more with some oils from Honi Essentials.

If you haven't heard of Honi Essentials, let me tell you how awesome this subscription is if you're looking to build your essential oils collection on the cheap! A huge thanks to the Honi Essentials team for sending me the October Essentials box to review. I got the Frankincense, Sweet Orange and Cassie therapeutic grade oils. Here's a little about each one:

Frankincense- Can be used in baths, and to help minor cuts and bug bites heal more quickly. Frankincense has been used for thousands of years and  can be used for depression, inflammation, immunity, and to increase spiritual awareness.

Sweet Orange- A powerful mood enhancing antioxidant. Can help fight cancerous tumours, increases circulation, kills bacteria, decreases wrinkles as well as eases anxiety. 

Cassia- An anti-diarrhea agent. Cassia oil also improves circulation and relieves menstrual symptoms. It's also a natural bug repellant and astringent.

I loved using these oils in my bath. I tried various combinations of all three oils and I haven't been disappointed yet! My favourite is the Cassia oil because I love the strong cinnamon aroma.  Breathing deeply while in the bath really does relieve the stress of the day and enhances my mood. After soaking in these oils, my skin felt truly refreshed and soft. I love turning my bathroom into my own little spa! You can use these oils in a variety of ways, and for a beginner like me, I'm excited to learn how to use these oils for a better wellbeing.

Check out the Honi Essentials website if you wanted to learn more about the essential oils subscription http://www.honi.life/

Do you use essential oils? How do you use them? I'd love to learn more! 


Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/07/02/benefits-of-essential-oils_n_5536808.html
https://draxe.com/orange-oil/

My First Time using Elabloom skincare

After a super busy weekend, I was really looking forward to tucking the kids in bed and testing some new skin care products :) My Sunday self care routine usually includes a nice warm bath, a glass of wine, and a facial routine of some sort. Tonight I got to pamper my skin with Elabloom Lifestyle. I was sent the cleanser, toner and moisturizer to try and I absolutely love them (Thanks Elabloom team!) You can find this kit on the Elabloom website, and you can also check out their other products that look just as amazing. 

So what does Elabloom even mean? In Sanskrit, Ela means Earth; so Elabloom means "Earth's Bloom". The Elabloom creators have taken a holistic approach to health, spiritual balance, and livlihood. I love that Elabloom products are scented using 100% essential oils and made in Canada. I love affordable, consciously sourced products!

About the cleanser- I started my ritual with the cleanser. The moisturizing face wash was surprisingly rich and lathered very well. The fragrance was very invigorating. I like that Elabloom products are paraben, petroleum, and phthalate free.  My skin responded very well and was left feeling very soft and clean. I was very impressed with the ingredients:

Deionized Water, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Decyl Glucoside (Cleansing Agent), Sucrose Cocoate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifying Agent), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Chamomile), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Emulsifying Wax NF, Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol (Optiphen®), 'Blissful'Scent Profile

This gentle cleanser did an excellent job of removing all impurities and prepped my skin for the next step. 

About the toner- I usually skip the toner in my skin care routine because I haven't seen the benefits of using one. This toner was very moisturizing and my face really felt soothed after using this. I did a quick spritz of the spray and gently pressed the formula into the skin. I liked the scent of this toner and the convenient spray bottle would be convenient for a mid day "pick me up".

About the moisturizer- This is my favourite product out of the three that I got to try.  I was really surprised that the thick cream felt so light and refreshing once I used it on my face. There was no greasy residue and absorbed very well. It has a very subtle and pleasant scent, that I love! This cream contains Hyaluronic Acid and felt so decadent. I wish you could feel how soft my skin is after using these products! Just when my skin needed the extra moisture most :) I was most impressed to learn that the moisturizer contains a natural blend of 5 oils and exotic Mango and Shea butter.  My skin was truly transformed after just one use. LOVE THIS!

I'm happy to include Elabloom in my daily routine and I recommend checking out Elabloom if you're looking for an effective and holistic skin care ritual. If you'd like to learn more about Elabloom, check out their website at www.elabloom.com.

My First Time using Scrub Supply Co

If there's something I would change about the fall, it's the way my skin responds to the cooler weather. My skin has become so dry that I fell like I am reapplying moisturizer ten times a day! In an effort to keep my face looking smooth and fresh, I pampered my skin with a coffee scrub from Scrub Supply Co.  A huge thanks to the Scrub Supply Team for sending me the coffee and turmeric scrub to try!

I've tried to make my own coffee scrubs in the past, but it didn't turn out as lovely as the coffee scrub from Scrub Supply Co. let me tell you! I really liked the formula of this scrub which contains only 5 ingredients:

coffee, cocoa powder, cold pressed coconut oil, raw demerara cane sugar and vitamin E oil

All ingredients used in the Scrub Supply Co products are 100% vegan and all natural. I liked that the particles weren't too big, like some other scrubs I have tried. It was easy to work with and didn't clog my drain! That's a huge bonus in my books! This organic scrub has many benefits like:

• stimulating blood flow
• reducing the appearance of cellulite and eczema
• exfoliates dull looking skin
• unclogs pores

After washing off all makeup, this scrub is a great way to revive your skin and give it the wake up call it might need! To use this scrub, wet your face with water and put a small amount of the scrub in the palm of your hand. Gently massage your face using the scrub while focusing on trouble areas. You can now let this sit on your face while you relax! I confess, I was a bit nervous about the coffee grounds falling off my face, but it held its own and stayed put even when I was walking around :) After 15 minutes (or longer if you just can't stop watching your favourite show on Netflix!) rinse well with warm water and pat dry. I like following up with a serum and moisturizer, but truthfully, my face felt so smooth that you might not even need it.

I was very impressed with this scrub and I'm excited to add this to my regular beauty routine. You can even use this scrub on other parts of your body for a full body experience! Have you tried a coffee scrub before? What are your thoughts?

P.S. And just because I appreciate you so so much, I'm giving away a coffee scrub AND turmeric scrub from Scrub Supply Co in my next giveaway. Stay tuned lovies!!

GIFT FOR HIM- Morning Wood watches

I hope you enjoyed reading about the men's gifts that I've been posting about lately. It's time to start thinking about gifts since gift giving season is just around the corner. EGADS!!! I know! I've got another men's watch review to finish off your weekend. This time, I'd love to tell you about Morning Wood watches. I got the Beach House watch  from the lovely MW team (thanks y'all!!) and the hubby loved it :)

MY THOUGHTS:

I was really impressed with the design of the Beach House. It's a very nice looking watch and can match almost any outfit! I like the minimalist design and feel of the watch. The Beach House is a wood watch, but is very light. This would be perfect for someone that is looking for style, but not the bulkiness of some other men's watches on the market.

HIS THOUGHTS:

The Beach House watch paired well with almost all my casual outfits. I liked that it wasn't too big or bulky and fit nicely under my shirts. It's a light watch and at times felt like I wasn't even wearing it! I can definitely see why this watch is called the Beach House because it would be perfect for just that, spending the day at the beach! It just reminds me of a beach house hahah! My favourite thing about this watch is the leather. It felt really nice on my arm and felt so luxurious. The watch face is so unique and I love the pattern. I don't have any other watch like this so it was nice to have such a versatile piece in my collection. I'm very impressed with Morning Wood watches.

If you'd like to learn more about what Morning Wood has to offer, visit their website at https://morningwoodmenswatches.com/ There's currently free shipping, and with over 15 watches to choose from, I'm sure you can find that perfect watch for someone special!

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? EEKSS! I can't believe it's that time of year again!

GIFT FOR HIM- Original Grain watches

A nice watch can add a level of sophistication to any outfit. It's often said that one of the first things a person notices on a man is his watch. If you're looking for a superior watch that won't break the bank, check out Original Grain watches. I was sent the Whiskey Barrel and Minimalist Zebrawood watch to try (Thanks OG team!!) and I can't tell you how much my hubby and I love them!


MY THOUGHTS:

I was first and foremost impressed with the packaging. The watches came in a lovely wood box with the Original Grain logo carved on the front. Inside the watch was nicely tucked in a tight fitting velvet-like surrounding. This box is perfect for storing your watch when you're not using it. Its nice enough that it can be displayed and small enough that you can pop it in your bag when you're travelling. It's really convenient to get a nice box so if you're giving it as a gift, you can just put a bow on it and give it as is! There's also a little note about your watch and the OG brand as well as instructions for using the watch.

I wore the Minimalist  and loved how soft and comfortable the leather felt on my wrist. It's a unisex watch but fit nicely on my little wrist :) It's simplicity at its finest, and I loved that the Minimalist matches literally every outfit! There are so many styles and varieties, you should definitely check out what OG has to offer if you're in the market for a gift for someone else or yourself. You won't be disappointed! I loooooove every single one of them. GAH!!

HIS THOUGHTS:

I wore the Whiskey Barrel and loved everything about it. It was the perfect weight and looked great on my wrist. I was surprised that the glass was so clear! The wood/metal combo adds a nice touch. Original Grain watches are made from stainless steel and handcrafted wood. The quality is simply amazing! I was very impressed when I learned that OG watches are handcrafted from a variety of sustainably sourced exotic hardwood from around the world. I was also thrilled to learn that for each watch sold 10 trees are planted. By partnering with Trees for the Future, this gives both food and jobs for thousands of people around the globe. Now that sounds like a win-win to me!!

If you'd like to learn more about Original Grain check out their website at www.originalgrain.com.

And P.S. I'm including a Minimalist watch in my next giveaway!! OMG!! Stay tuned :)

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Check out my Gifts For Him page for some inspiration!

My First Time using Purple Tale

My sheet mask and skin care obsession continues with the amazing sheet mask from Purple Tale. I got to try the 5 Steps to Lovely Skin- a huge thanks to the Purple Tale team for sending me this mask to review :)

I really liked that this was an all-in-one solution. It was nice to have everything I needed to pamper my skin in one convenient pouch. This would be perfect for travelling since you wouldn't need to carry all your skin care items! At first glance you might think that there isn't enough product in the pouch, but I found that there was more than enough solution in each section for my face. 

Here's how to use the 5 Steps to Lovely Skin facial solution:

1) Foam Cleanser -Lather foam cleanser in hands and wash face and neck. Rinse and gently pat dry.

-This cleanser was very gentle and left my face feeling clean and refreshed. I would have preferred an exfoliant since my skin needs some gentle scrubbing during these cooler months, but I was generally pleased with this cleanser. 

2) Ampoule -Apply a thin layer to face and neck and wait for the product to sink in.

-This felt like a serum and did a good job of prepping my skin for the next step.

3) Bio-cellulous Sheet Mask -Peel away protective film on one side, place the mask on face and then peel away the other protective film. Leave on face for at least 20 minutes. Remove when ready.

-I was happy to use this two piece mask. It fit well and felt truly luxurious. It was very thin, so I had to be extra careful when opening the mask and peeling off the protective layers. This mask stayed in place and was so comfortable. There's nothing worse than a sheet mask that slips off, or is awkward to wear! The fibres in the mask felt really soft on my face and I felt like my skin really absorbed a ton of essence. I hate when there's still so much essence left on the mask when I'm done with it, but my skin really loved this one!

4) Ode to Hydration Facial Cream -Dab facial cream on face and apply evenly.

-This cream was very nice and had a lovely scent. It did a great job of sealing all that moisture from the mask!

5) Once Upon a Neck Cream -Massage neck cream onto neck with an upward motion.

-I was grateful for this cream because I ALWAYS forget to take care of my neck! This was a welcome reminder to take care of the neck to complete the pampering!

I was very pleased with the way my skin looked and felt after using this all-in-one system. My skin looked brighter and felt so so smooth! I will definitely put in an order soon!!! If you would like to learn more about Purple Tale, check out their website at www.purpletale.com

P.S. I have added a 5 Steps to Lovely Skin facial solution in my next prize pack (coming very VERY soon) OMG!! You are gonna love it. Stay tuned :)

Have you tried an all-in-one facial system? What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

October 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

My current makeup subscription box is from Ipsy. I was a bit skeptical about a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box because I didn't want to end up with a bunch of products I couldn't use or didn't know how to use. Each month you get full size or deluxe-sized products in a cute makeup bag, and I was sold after checking out their previous bags. 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 October Ipsy Glam Bag theme was Black Magic and featured my favourite Ipsy stylist Jaleesa Moses. GAAAAHHH! I thought the Halloween themed bag was super cute. This bag was designed by artist Valfre and featured cute Halloween related drawings like witches, candy corn, fangs and ghosts. Not only was the design awesome, let me take a moment to mention how cute the little ghost zipper pull is! I LUUURVEEE! I thought the design was very creative and I'd like to see more collaborations like this in the future :)

In my bag:

The Balm cosmetics Cabana Boy blush 
Trust Fund Beauty Gimme Good Face primer
Pure Brazilian Leave In Treatment
Indi Beauty lip scrub
tre'Stique matte lip crayon in Florence Fig


This month I got to try two brands I have never tried before. I'm happy to get a hair treatment other than Marc Anthony! LOL!! I love you Ipsy, but I was getting tired of Marc...sorry! As much as I wish I had other products- ya I got Instagram Glam Bag envy! I really can't hate on what I got. I rate the October Ipsy Glam Bag a reluctant 5/5!

The products I was most excited about was the lip scrub and matte lip crayon. I'm a sucker for a pretty nude lip colour and even though I certainly don't need another...I just can't stop hoarding (I think I need help!!)

Click here to sign up with Ipsy and get your very own Glam Bag! 

More about the products inside:

The Balm cosmetics Cabana Boy blush- I really like The Balm products. Their blushes are highly pigmented and offer fantastic, long lasting colour. This blush can actually be used as an eye shadow, and on my skin looks like a very soft metallic pink. I love it!

Trust Fund Beauty Gimme Good Face primer-I really liked this primer. It's a clear gel that was super silky to the touch. It absorbed well and left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. I liked that it was virtually odourless and did not have a shimmer. It did what it promised- smoothed out imperfections and left my skin looking its best. 

Pure Brazilian Leave In Treatment- This was my first time using Pure Brazilian. I liked that this conditioner has keratin. The formula was a bit too fragrant for my taste. I didn't like feeling like I was putting perfume in my hair. My hair did feel smooth and soft after using it, but I didn't notice anything above and beyond. 

Indi Beauty lip scrub- This scrub was fantastic! I was very impressed with the formula- and I really had to stop myself from eating it! OMG! This scrub is made with organic sugar, shea butter, almond oil, beeswax, avocado oil, vitamin E oil, buttercream flavouring, and sweetener. YES PLEASE!!! I can't begin to describe how decadent this lip scrub is. After just one use, my lips felt soft and exfoliated, perfect for the cooler weather because ya know...WINTER IS COMING (I'm sorry I had too!) and we must keep those chapped lips at bay. I'm happy to get the opportunity to discover this brand because I will definitely repurchase!!

tre'Stique matte lip crayon- Yet another colour I love, even though I have so many just like it. I love the formula and this matte crayon went on smooth and didn't get dry too quickly. I wore it all day and didn't notice too much smudging.  One can never have too many nudes :)

What did you get in your October Glam Bag? I'd love to hear from you!