Eyelash Extensions 101- My First Time Getting Eyelash Extensions

There are now more options than ever before in the quest for long eyelashes. Mascara offers a quick and convenient way to get the volume you desire and are perfect if you like temporary solutions. I've tried my fair share of mascaras and I love the convenience of it. I've also tried various glue-on strip lashes, and while I love the way they look I just can't be bothered with the cumbersome glue that needs to be applied every time. I do like that mascara isn't necessary with false lashes and it can last the entire day (or longer if you reaaaallly wanted to LOL!) If you like an even longer lasting solution, you can get eyelash extensions. You may have seen more and more salons offer this service and eyelash extensions have definitely gone mainstream. 

I must admit, I'm still very much a novice when it comes to some things beauty related and the idea of an extension on my lash worried me just a tiny bit. I was thrilled when I got the chance to see what eyelash extensions were really about with the lovely Aimee from Wink and Wave- an at home spa service specializing in eyelash extensions. I knew I'd have a ton of questions since I'd be popping my eyelash extension cherry, and being at home really made me more comfortable about the whole ordeal. A huge thanks to Aimee for treating me with my new lashes *flirty emoji* and for her willingness to answer all my questions and crazy "what ifs".

So what are eyelash extensions all about anyway? Imagine extensions that you would get in your hair to achieve length and fullness, but for your eyes. Each false lash (usually faux mink) is individually glued to each one of your lashes with a cyanoacrylate-based glue. You would usually only get the extensions on your upper lashes and you don't need to (read: shouldn't) apply mascara to your extensions which makes for a time saving makeup routine! You do need at least three to four millimetres of natural lash in order to get the extensions since the falsies are placed directly on- not next to- your natural lash. 

So how much does it cost? You can expect to pay anywhere from $85-$300 for a full set, so eyelash extensions aren't exactly a cost-saving solution. You can find some eyelash technicians that charge per lash and some that charge a flat fee. You do pay for what you get so make sure to do your research to find out what material your eyelash tech is using. Authentic mink will cost more but doesn't last as long...so beware. If you like the way your lashes look after getting extensions, you can extend the life of them by getting them refilled. A refill will cost you about $40-80 depending on when you get them refilled. 

So how do the lashes get applied? The process was surprisingly pleasant and if I wasn't nervous about someone being so close to my eyes for the first time, I'm sure I would have taken a nap! When you get eyelash extensions, you should be laying down and your technician will carefully place pads on your lower lids to keep them down. The individual lashes will be dipped in the adhesive and applied to your natural lash. It's important to keep your eyes closed! A full set should take about an hour and a half or more. If you find that your tech was quicker than an hour or if you're asked to sit up, it's safe to assume that your lashes weren't applied individually. Individual application is recommended for best results.

So what should I be concerned about? There are some people that might be allergic to the lash glue and if your lashes are applied improperly, there's a risk your eyelids could get stuck together. It sounds scary I know, but you can protect yourself with a bit of research about who will be getting up close and personal with your lashes. There are no known health risks of eyelash extensions that are applied professionally so always practice caution when you choose to get eyelash extensions by reading up on what Health Canada or your local health ministry has to say about training and certifications of technicians. 

Lashes for dayyyzzz

So what are the results? The lash extensions were done so well by Aimee that I couldn't even tell I had them on. The extensions really looked like it was part of my natural lash. 
I got to keep the spoolie that was used so I could keep my lashes clean and you should be able to comb through your lashes with a spoolie if they were applied correctly. I did find it a bit annoying that my lashes were hitting my glasses, but I had no problem switching to contacts :) You shouldn't be able to feel the extensions at all, and I must admit, my lashes look ah-mazing and I've had them on for a few days now. If you feel any discomfort, like your lashes are digging into your skin, you should have them removed. 

So how do I take care of them? Eyelash extensions can last anywhere from three weeks to a month and minimal care is needed to keep them looking their best. Keep your lashes as dry as possible for the first 24 hours. Even the steam from a hot shower will delay the curing process so try staying cool and avoid swimming and sweaty exercises. Stay away from oils as the oil in your skin care products and makeup will compromise the integrity of the glue. Stay away from mascara, but if you feel like you really need it, look for a water based (NOT waterproof) formula. Your extensions will fall out on their own as your natural lashes grow. 

Even if you don't have the time to go to a salon, you can still get glorious lashes in the comfort of your own home with Wink and Wave. So far, I'm very happy with the results and if you're looking for a long lasting way to keep your lashes looking flawless, check out what Wink and Wave has to offer at http://winkandwave.com/

Have you tried eyelash extensions before? Let me know how you liked it by leaving me a comment!

June 2017 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 June 2017 glam bag theme is Volume Up and I'm so in love with the bag design. I plan on using this bag to keep my lippies organized :) but I must say that this is the first time in a long time that I'm so disappointed with what I got :(

In my bag:

Margaret Dabbs treatment nail polish
City Color Cosmetics eyebrow powder
theBalm Cosmetics powder blush
Doucce mascara
Delectable coconut & cream body lotion


While I always appreciate lotions (especially Delectable!) I was very underwhelmed with everything else. I rate the June Ipsy Glam Bag a reluctant 2/5.

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

More about the products inside:

Margaret Dabbs treatment nail polish- I wish there was an option to tell Ipsy that I already have strong nails and I certainly don't need a treatment nail polish. I'd also like to tell Ipsy that I don't fancy turquoise. UGH! I'm sure I'll give this a go one day but for now I'm not impressed. I can't comment on if this actually works but it does look promising. Sorry guys 😕

City Color Cosmetics eyebrow powder- Full disclosure, I'm a bit of a Benefit snob when it comes to brow products...more specifically a Benefit KaBrow fiend. I could talk all day about what I love about Benefit products but I'll save that for another day *hehehehe!* I tried so hard to find something I liked about this City Colour powder, but I couldn't for the life of me lie to you like that. I needed to use so much of this powder for it to show up and it doesn't have the lasting power that I'm used to. I'm sure this might work for someone looking for barely there brow makeup, but if you're looking for proper pigmentation and brows that last then this product isn't for you. 

theBalm Cosmetics powder blush- I do love a good blush but I've gotten so many from Ipsy over the past year. I rate this blush as "just ok". I do like the formula and pigment of theBalm products. They're also fantastic for popping in my travel bag or purse :) I really like that this blush can also double as an eyeshadow...BONUS!

Doucce mascara- Again...I'm not sure why Ipsy keeps sending me things I don't need, but I've gotten so many mascaras I can't use them or give them away fast enough. I was happy to note that this mascara didn't smell like plastic and the brush was higher quality than some of the other mascaras I got from Ipsy. 

Delectable coconut & cream body lotion- Finally a product I'm happy with! I love love love this lotion so much! I'm always a fan of coconut oil and shea butter and this lotion has a heavy dose of skin nourishing goodness! It's perfect for summer and I recommend this lotion for anyone looking for a light and fast absorbing summer fave :)

I can't wait to see what Ipsy has to offer next month and I'm hoping a redemption is in the cards since this month was a bit of a dud. What did you get in your June Glam Bag? I'd love to hear from you!

My First Time Using Orenda Skincare

For a long time I avoided oil based products like the plague because I believed that oils would make my skin look greasy and clog pores. Adding oil to already oily skin seems counterproductive and sounds logical to stick with water based products right? Like many people that misunderstand skin care oils, I was so very wrong. It's not oil based ingredients that cause acne...it's clogged pores. Ingredients like jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and grapeseed oil actually score very well on the comedogenic rating scale. In fact, sunflower oil is one oil that is LEAST likely to cause clogged pores. Jojoba oil, actually an ester, helps to draw out sebum. There are certain ingredients, though, that can easily clog pores and cause breakouts. In most cases, the oils get blamed when they had nothing to do with it. Lanolin, soybean oil, Isopropyl Myristate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are among the ingredients most likely to clog your pores.

My skincare journey continues with the oil based brand Orenda Skincare and I got to discover some amazing oil based products. I got a lovely care package that included the illuminating eye concentrate, face wash, and face serum. A huge thanks to the Orenda team for sending over these products to try:) I'm always a sucker for pretty packaging, and I was very impressed with the attention to detail with Orenda. The products came in a sleek box with lots of padding so the products didn't move around inside the box. I really appreciate these simple things because there's nothing worse than getting broken products :(

Illuminating eye concentrate- This eye serum comes in a convenient vial with metal roller ball tip that cool to the touch. It's so soothing on my tired eyes and refreshing on hot days! I love that I don't need to use my fingers because I feel like so much product is saved when you don't have to touch it. This eye serum is 100% plant based and promises to soothe, brighten and moisturize. Since fresh and pure ingredients are used, this serum has a sweet but mild aroma. I've been using this eye concentrate for a while now and I can attest to the potency of it. It's the perfect quick fix for puffy eyes!

So what's in it?

• Organic Amaranth CO2 extract, Organic Grapeseed Oil, Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Organic Green Coffee Bean Oil, Organic Cranberry Seed Oil, Organic Borage CO2 extract, Organic Camellia Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Essential Oil, Organic Geranium Essential Oil, Organic Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Rose Essential Oil

Illuminating face wash- This face wash is pH balanced for all skin types. I did notice a slight tingle when I use it, but it's gentle enough yet perfect for removing all traces of makeup. This is a gel formula that didn't make much foam as you cleanse your face, but still does a fantastic job of getting a deep clean. My skin responded well to this cleanser and I did like the clean and fresh feeling :) The illuminating face wash is formulated without artificial ingredients, toxins, parabens, fillers, GMOs, or gluten.

So what's in it?

• Purified Water, Sodium Olivate (Sourced from Olive), Glycerin, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rose Hip) Seed, Eriobotrya Japonica Extract (Japanese Loquat) and Chondrus Crispus (Seaweed) Extract.

Illuminating face serum- This multitasking serum promises to correct, hydrate, and firm the skin. Like the other Orenda products, the serum is formulated without nasties like parabens and is vegan friendly. I like using this serum before bed and wake up to glowing skin. Its a very light and delicately scented formula that works wonderfully to repair my dry skin overnight.

So what's in it?

• Rose Hip Seed Oil*, Grape Seed Oil*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Sesame Oil*, Cameilla Seed Oil*, Prickly Pear Seed Oil*, Kukui Oil**, Marula Seed Oil**, Evening Primrose Oil*, Black Cumin Seed Oil*, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil*, Squalane (olive derived), Maracuja Oil** and therapeutic grade essential oils of Geranium, Lavender, Palmarosa, Hyssop, Petitgrain, Orange, Sandalwood, Bergamot *organic **wild crafted

Oil based products do not need preservatives like water based products do so you'll find that oil based products are almost always developed without nasty preservatives or parabens. Orenda is an all natural skin care line formulated with high performing antioxidants and naturally occurring vitamins. I felt good knowing that I was using products that were good for my skin and good for the environment.

What I love most about the Orenda line is that these products work well together, but work even better if you layer them with other products that you love. I got the chance to speak with Jane, the co-founder of Orenda and I was very impressed with her passion for fresh ingredients. She said that choosing each ingredient for the Orenda range is similar to choosing the best ingredients for the food you would buy for your family. Only the best will do!

I'm so happy I got the chance to discover how beneficial oil based skin care can be, and if you would like to learn more about what Orenda has to offer, check out their website at https://www.orendaskincare.com/

My First Time Using LuRey

Spring is a time for renewal, not just for the clutter that may accumulate over the winter, but for my skin care regimen as well. If you change your skin care routine seasonally like me, you enjoy the spring because taking the time now will help your skin get summer ready :) A few weeks ago I discovered a new brand that I’m so excited to share with you. I love discovering new brands that actually work, and I'm currently obsessing over LuRey products. I got a lovely care package from the LuRey team (thanks guys!) and I've been hooked ever since. I got to try LuRey Lash, LuRey Revitalizer- a microcurrent toning device, LuRey Vitamin K serum, and two masks-the microdermabrasion and pore-minimizing clay.

LuRey Lash- this product is designed to enhance the appearance of your natural lashes. It’s super easy to apply and dried quickly.  I love the way some false lashes or lash extensions look so natural, but I just can’t deal with lash glue or having to get touch ups on lash extensions every few weeks. With LuRey Lash, your lashes will grow naturally...something I can totally support! I tried this for a while and I did notice results in the overall appearance but not so much in the length of my lashes. Formulated with proprietary blends of  vitamins, peptides and amino acids LuRey Lash  promises to deliver  thicker, longer and darker lashes in 4 to 8 weeks but individual results may vary. My lashes were already long, but I did notice that my lashes looked darker and fuller after using LuRey Lash :)

LuRey Revitalizer- I’m usually one to skip the toner, but I was intrigued with this microcurrent toning device. I’ve never used a vibrating device like this for your face, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised!! After using a water based serum, lightly press this device over the contours of your face. You can use this with or without the red infrared light. This device delivers a gentle vibration that left my face tingling. I felt like I just visited the spa! At first I was a bit skeptical about the red infrared light benefits (partly because I’ve never heard of it before) so I did some digging! Red light therapy helps naturally jump-start the process of tissue recovery and other forms of rejuvenation through increased blood flow, collagen stimulation and more. Red light is considered “low level” because it works at an energy density that’s low compared to other forms of laser therapies. Red light therapies have come a long way, but do they really work? Clinical studies show that, yes, red lightbox therapies have certain healing capabilities and medical applications thanks to the way they positively affect the human endocrine and immune systems.

LuRey Vitamin K serum- When I think of serums, I think of the thick, concentrated, oil based cocktail of goodness that does wonderful things for the skin. For a long time I thought all serums were oil based, until I discovered that serums can actually be water based as well.  The LuRey Vitamin K serum is a lightweight water based serum that’s a must have for tired and dull looking skin. I love products that promote an even skin tone and this serum is packed with ingredients that help with that and so much more! My skin looked and felt fantastic after using this serum. I was thrilled to add this to my nightly routine since it’s so light and wasn’t overpowering.

LuRey microdermabrasion mask- This mask promises to soften fine lines, smooth coarse skin, decrease the appearance of scarring, even skin tone and so much more. I was a bit surprised to feel the immediate tingling sensation when I first used this mask. This microdermabrasion mask is infused with rosemary leaf extract, shea butter, almond and jojoba oils, which naturally moisturizes and balances the skin for a youthful, glowing complexion.

LuRey pore-minimizing clay mask- I’m a huge fan of clay masks because I can really feel that my skin gets a deep clean :) This pore-minimizing clay mask has a unique complex of three detoxifying clays. Yessss please! If you’re a fan of kaolin, bentonite, and red clay, then this mask is perfect for you! This mask does get hard rather quickly but washes away easily to reveal radiant skin. I love this so much I use it a few times per week!

I really like that LuRey offers a complete range of products that address any skin concern you may have. LuRey products are designed to be layered and to work together harmoniously so it’s easy to customize a regimen that treats your specific concerns while promoting a supple, youthful complexion.

If you want to learn more about what LuRey has to offer, check out the website http://lureycosmetics.com/ You can use code GLOSS10 to save some $$$ if you wanted to try it for yourself :)

Red Light Therapy Source: https://draxe.com/red-light-therapy/