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!

My First Time using A. by Bom from Be Mused Korea

Taking care of my skin has become a daily habit (and luxury) and I love being a guinea pig for new products to share with you. My nightly skin care ritual has become one of the things I love to do and share (shout out to my Instafam for putting up with all my masking Snapchat selfies! LOL) I've tried all sorts of masks and serums and other beautifying products and I really thought I've seen it all. Was I ever wrong! 

My newest loves are the A. by Bom products that I got from the lovely Be Mused Korea team and as you will see, these products are not only beautiful...they actually work! I looooove a good sheet mask so I was thrilled to get the Ultra Royal Leaf mask. There are four leaves in the rip off section of the package that are soaked in essence. These patches can be used anywhere on your face for extra firming and brightening but you can use them on any problem areas. After placing the patches, the sheet mask goes on top to finish the treatment. I love Tencel fibre masks because they fit so well on my face and doesn't slip off. I noticed my skin feels more hydrated with Tencel masks vs gel masks and the addition of the patches made my experience that much more enjoyable. I was surprised to see so many skin loving ingredients in the Ultra Royal Leaf mask like Royal Jelly and Sea-Buckthorn extract.  I really love how thick the essence is and it absorbed quickly into my skin. Not only did my face feel soothed and hydrated after I took off the mask, I felt softer skin the next morning! 


When I've got more time to commit to my nightly skin care routine, I sometimes make my own homemade masks. There are so many wonderful things in your kitchen that you can use to pamper your skin, and I must admit...I really like mixing things together like I'm some sort of mad scientist. That must be why I was intrigued by the Lux Bride Modeling Mask. This is a two step mask set and is so much fun to mix together. There are 3 pouches labelled A1, A2, and A3. A1 contains a silver gel that gets mixed with the pearl powder contents of A2. The result is a super luxe peel off mask that leaves your skin feeling super smooth. Once the contents of A1 and A2 are mixed together, I applied the mixture on my face. It spread well and I really felt like I was at a spa. Oh, and there was soooooo much glitter :) 

The key is to spread the mask on your face as quickly as possible because it starts to get clumpy within a few minutes. The mask peeled off easily and I was surprised to see that my skin was glowing after just 30 minutes. I used the gold serum in the small pouch labelled A3 to finish the experience. I loved it! The serum was thick yet absorbed well and since there are tiny gold flakes in it, my skin looked instantly brighter. I can see why this mask is called Lux Bride because it would be perfect for a quick pick me up for someone that doesn't have too much time, as well as a full spa-like experience for people that do. I love finding new brands to love and if you're looking for new K Beauty to add to your routine, check out what Be Mused Korea has to offer. You can find goodies like the A by Bom products I tried as well as so many other great skin care products. So tell me readers, are you loving DIY masks or do you prefer masks that are already mixed for you? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear from you! 

CURRENT OBSESSION- Beauty Blender Solid

Wash day...ugh! I don't know about you, but I don't particularly enjoy cleaning my makeup brushes and sponges. If there was a service like a laundromat for makeup tools I'd absolutely use it. Thankfully, my most recent wash day wasn't so bad thanks to the Beauty Blender solid which is why I had to share this incredible product with you. 

I usually make my own cleansing solution for my brushes from ingredients in my kitchen so I was happy to try something new. I was surprised that my sponges went from sad to happy in no time at all. Just look at the before and after pictures to see for yourself. The solid was so easy to use. Just a little swirl over the bar is all you need to make a nice foamy lather. I worked the solution in with my hands but you can use a cleansing mat too if you prefer. After one or two rinses, my sponges were squeaky clean. I was amazed! I thought for sure I'd need to do more than a couple rinses to get a good clean but sure enough, a little was all that I needed. I saved so much time using this product! 

I'm OBSESSED with the Beauty Blender solid and if you haven't used it, I highly recommend trying it. It even got out some stains that were left behind! It felt nice knowing my sponges were good as new and the solid worked wonders on my brushes as well. 

The Beauty Blender solid is a wash day must have, so tell me readers...what's your wash day must have?  Is it the Beauty Blender solid too?! I'd love to hear from you.

July 2018 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

I have been an Ipsy subscriber for over two years, and at first 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 July 2018 glam bag featured a cute aqua pouch that is perfect for summer! Even though I'm really happy with the selection of products this month, I've fallen out of love with Ipsy :( which is why I've changed my subscription to bimonthly. I like that you can adjust the frequency of the glam bags and maybe I'll stick around a bit longer before I cancel altogether. Since I got some great products it might be a bit before I kick the bucket!! Momma ain't no quitter LOL!

In my bag:

Hempz body moisturizer 
POP peak performance brow
Sage Cosmetic nail polish
Smashbox Cosmetics concealer 
Ahava facial mud exfoliator 

I was excited to try the Smashbox concealer because the dark circles under my eyes are no joke! I was happy to get such a wide range of products so I rate the July Ipsy Glam Bag a 5/5! 

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

More about the products inside:

Hempz body moisturizer- I got a Hempz lotion in one of my previous Ipsy bags and I loved it! This time I got the Sweet Pineapple and Honey Melon lotion and it smells just as good as the other version. The formula is everything you're looking for in a perfect summertime lotion. It's long lasting, absorbs well, and smells fantastic. I love that this sample is the perfect size for my purse or backpack. 

POP peak performance brow- I love a good eyebrow pencil and since I'm such a snob when it comes to my brows, not any old eyebrow pencil will do. This was my first time trying something from the POP brand so I was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I was pleasantly surprised! The texture and pigmentation were on point. I like that the pencil was smooth and blendable with a slanted tip. I'm happy to add this to my collection!

Sage Cosmetic nail polish- This nail polish is perfect for summer. I love bright colours for summer and this blood orange was fiiiiire!!! It's 15-free which means there are a whole slew of harmful ingredients that are not in this nail polish. It's long lasting and vibrant so your mani will last a long long time! 

Smashbox Cosmetics concealer- I've used so many concealers but funny enough, this is a new one for me. For obvious reasons, I like concealers that are long lasting and covers dark under eye circles. This concealer is not only long-lasting, it's waterproof and sweat-resistance so you won't need to reapply on really hot days. I like that it's creamy and oil-free :) When dry, this product delivers a soft matte finish that feels light on my skin. I love!

Ahava facial mud exfoliator- My mother in law introduced me to the Ahava brand when she went on a trip to Isreal a few years ago. She brought back some Ahava products for me to try and I loved the way the Dead Sea mud made my skin feel so soft and clean. This mud exfoliator works just as good as the other Ahava products I tried and you know how much I looooooove masking. This mask is formulated with tiny polishing granules so you get a lovely exfoliating and hydrating mask in one. I love that this mask is vegan and is super effective with getting deep into your pores.

I was happy with the July glam bag but I won't be getting the August bag :( So tell me readers, did you get the July bag? If so how did you like it?

July 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 July 2018 Boxycharm theme was Roadtrippin and I'm loving everything in my box. I really don't know how Boxycharm is able to make amazing boxes every month but my wallet says a huge thank you for all the goodies each and every time. This is my favourite beauty box subscription and I'm really on the fence if I need any others since Boxycharm is so good. GAH! I NEED HALLLPPPPP!

Anyway...back to the items in my box:

Farmacy Beauty Bright On Mask 
Crown Brush Fuego eyeshadow palette
Wander Beauty mascara 
Note Cosmetics compact blush
Chella Beauty eyebrow cream

I love the mix of makeup and skincare items this month. Each item works perfectly with the road trip theme and I'm thrilled to get a new brand since I was unfamiliar with Note Cosmetics :) I rate the July 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:

Farmacy Beauty Bright On Mask- I love love love finding new masks to enjoy so I was thrilled to get this mask from Farmacy Beauty. This 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. My skin felt great after I used this mask and I'm happy to add this to my weekly routine. 

Crown Brush Fuego eyeshadow palette- I've been loving warm palettes since I got the UD Naked Heat a while back so imagine my surprise when I saw the sneak peek for this item. There are 4 shimmer shades and 6 matte shades so you're able to create a wide range of looks with this palette. Each shade is super buttery and blends like a dream. Can you tell I'm in love?!

Wander Beauty mascara- There are some days when I'm going for a makeup free look that I skip the foundation and only apply a couple coats of mascara as well as some eyebrow product. I know it's not totally makeup free but it's really nice to have that perfect mascara to make your eyes pop. If you've been following along, you know how much I struggle with applying falsies. I'm able to get luscious lashes with this Wander Beauty mascara so I don't even need falsies when I want to look extra glam. Yassss thank you Wander Beauty! 

Note Cosmetics compact blush- When I'm travelling I'm all about packing as little as possible, which is why I love this Note Cosmetics compact blush. There's a built in mirror and hideaway brush so you can take this along on your journeys with a few less items to worry about. The formula was super blendable and I liked the hint of shimmer left on my cheeks. 

Chella Beauty eyebrow cream- I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to my brows (only a few products will do the job I like...tell me you're the same) so when I saw this product I was a bit skeptical about how it would perform. I was really surprised that this brow powder was easy to use and lasted all day. The brush was very well made and I liked that I was able to make realistic hair like strokes.

The July box is really impressed me because of the wide variety of products :) Tell me, fellow charmers...did you like your July box? If so tell me what your fave item from the box was and why. I'd love to hear from you!

BEAUTY DEVICES- Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Elite

Since my skin care journey began, I've had a love hate relationship with electric brushes. For a long time I stayed away from some electric beauty devices because I was convinced they were too harsh, too unsanitary, and more or less unsafe for my delicate skin. I think the stigma stayed with me from past bad experiences many many moons ago and if you're like me, it's tough to be more accepting of new and improved products that might have been unpleasant in the past. 

Since I'm much more aware of how to take care of my skin, I thought it was a perfect time to incorporate something new in my skin care routine. The lovely Michael Todd Beauty team sent me the Soniclear Elite device to try (thank you so so much), and I must say...I'm happy to step out of my comfort zone! 

When opened the box for the first time I was blown away by it's beauty. The sleek packaging and ergonomic design of the device was a real treat for the eyes. The device fit very nicely in my hand and I couldn't get the charger out of the box fast enough. I was sent an Hippie Chic Soniclear Elite version with all the bells and whistles. I was already in love, even before I used it. 

After charging, I was ready to begin my test. The device comes with two attachments, one for the face and the other for the body. I started my routine with the attachment for the face. I was surprised to see two samples in my package so I can try the FULL Michael Todd experience. I found the brush bristles to be a bit harsh at first use, but I realized that letting the bristles soak in warm water for a few seconds before using would soften them up nicely. The charcoal detox gel cleanser made a nice lather and was the perfect addition to the device. I did notice that the brush needed quite a bit of soap to make a good lather than I would normally use if I just used my hands, but that's a small price to pay for a truly deep clean.  You can use this device with any cleanser you like as it provided a deep clean with both the gel cleanser and tropical fruit scrub.

This device was easy to use and I found that changing the brush heads was a very simple task. The Soniclear has done wonders for my skin and I'm happy to get the chance to try such an awesome product. The next morning after exfoliating with this brush my skin was glowing and looked revitalized. I thought my skin would feel stripped and raw but I was pleasantly surprised! The C Boost mode is my new fave because the additional pulsating massage makes me feel like I'm at the spa getting a facial. A gentle hand is all that's needed for a luxurious experience with this device. This is definitely my new beauty tool must have :) 

A big concern for me was the ick factor. I know I know...things can be cleaned right? But who wants to use a brush full of dead skin and bacteria even if you clean it because you never know what's left behind. I know I'm weird. Most of the time I make up my own doom and gloom (which is why I stopped checking WebMD for every little thing LOL) so it was very nice to know that the Soniclear Elite features LIFE antimicrobial protection that guards against 99.9% of bacteria that can come from brushes between use. Not only is this device effective, it's the cleanest you'll ever use. I was hooked after just a few uses and if you're looking for a new beauty device to take your skin care routine to the next level, check out the Michael Todd Beauty website here to see the other devices that are offered. 

So tell me...do you use cleansing devices? If so let me know which one you use and why you love them in the comments. I'd love to hear from you! 

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW- The Rose Post

During the spring and summer I notice that I tend to reach for more florals and sweeter smelling perfumes and lotions. My love for rose infused products like rose water however, is a year long affair and I am so thrilled to find a rose themed subscription box that features...you guessed it...rose infused beauty products. I got the limited edition Rost Post Editor's box from the amazing Rose Post team and so far I'm loving every item in the box. If you love rose scented and rose infused products then you'll absolutely love this box! I got the Niu Body Awake Toning Mist, Rosa Pretiosa rejuvenating serum, and Otto dry lotion by Sixty2One. Some of these items were featured in past boxes and if these things wouldn't be of use to you, you can create your own a custom box featuring other items from the shop. There are many Rose Post subscription options that might work for you or you can purchase a one-time gift box. For a limited time, you can join the email list to get $10 off your first box. Yayayaya for promotions on great products! This subscription would be perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of luxury to their skin care and beauty routine or a fantastic gift for that special someone that is obsessed with rose products. 

More about the products inside:

Niu Body Awake Toning Mist- I've fallen hard for mists lately and I must say, it's a perfect time for me to fall in love because this week has been HOT in Toronto. Mists are a perfect way to stay cool and refreshed during the warmer months. The Niu Body Awake mist not only invigorates, it also soothes and hydrates thanks to the aloe vera and witch hazel. I love that it's vegan and has a very pleasant scent. 

Rosa Pretiosa rejuvenating serum- I used this serum as part of my nightly routine and I woke up to super soft and glowing skin. The formula was light and absorbed well. This serum can also be used as a mask by applying a liberal amount and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. I really like that this serum is formulated without GMOs or parabens and features organically farmed flower water. It's potent enough to deliver results yet gentle enough for all skin types. 

Otto dry lotion by Sixty2One- This lotion bar is packed with so many skin loving ingredients as well as the oil from up to 480 roses! To say that this product smells good is a huge understatement. It smells heavenly! You can use this lotion bar anywhere on your body and since it has so many natural ingredients I like to use it as a nourishing underarm balm. Not only is this dry lotion easy to use, it's also very pretty. The cap features the rose buds that have been hand picked from the Rose Valley in Bulgaria. How adorable is that?!

I love my Rose Post box and if you're looking for a quarterly lifestyle box that features the best in clean rose beauty, then you will too! Check out what subscriptions would work best for you at https://rosepostbox.com/ and tell me...do you love rose infused beauty products? Let me know what you're loving in the comments!

My First Time Using OZ Naturals Vitamin C cleanser

Sometimes when you get a good routine going, it's hard to change or try new things. If it ain't broke don't fix it right?! That's how I used to feel about skin care. Many moons ago, I'd have my few products that I would use and I mean ONLY use. These products were harsh and did nothing to help what I really needed with my skin, but I'm happy to finally learn more about what is better for my skin AND our planet. It's no surprise if you've been following my skin care and makeup journey that I've become a bit of a fiend when it comes to trying new products. I love finding new things that work which is why I'm thrilled to share my newest love with you. I got to try the OZ Naturals Vitamin C cleanser from the lovely OZ Naturals team (thanks so so much!) and I must say, I was very surprised with how quickly I saw results with this cleanser. I love! 

I'm always on the hunt for products that brighten and hydrate so anything with vitamin C gets a nod from me. This cleanser promises to deliver a brighter, smoother complexion while leaving the skin deeply clean, radiant and smooth. I used this cleanser for 1 week and every morning for the past week I noticed my skin was visibly smoother and brighter. The gentle formula would be perfect for all skin types and as a potent vitamin C cleanser I was pleased to feel that my face didn't feel stripped or dry after cleansing. 

There are so many skin loving ingredients in this cleanser like 

Hyaluronic Acid- moisturizes and plumps skin
Rose Hips- natural antioxidant that is high in essential fatty acids
Vitamin E- strengthens skin's barrier function and prevents dehydration
and of course Vitamin C- provides protection from free radicals and supports collagen production.

I was surprised to find that there are many other familiar ingredients like kaolin, glycerin,  and aloe leaf extract, as well as some unfamiliar ingredients like montmorillite and illite (non expanding clays), xanthan gum (thickening agent), and P-Anisic acid (natural preservative and antiseptic). I especially love that this product is formulated without parabens, GMO ingredients, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, or phthalates.  

Since this product is gentle enough to be used daily, but potent enough to deliver exactly what's promised, I've added this face wash to my daily routine. Not only does this cleanser do an excellent job of giving my face a much needed deep clean, it's also fantastic at removing all traces of makeup. There are so many Vitamin C products in the OZ Naturals line and if you're looking for an effective face wash then this would be right up your alley! The OZ Natural's website at https://www.oznaturals.com/ has something for everyone and you can even take the skin type test to find your perfect match! 

I love the Vitamin C cleanser and I'm happy to have added some much needed brightening ingredients to my skin care routine. So tell me, what are your fave Vitamin C products? Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!

SKIN CARE GUIDE- Glowing Skin Drink Menu

It was a HOT weekend in Toronto and it's going to be a hot week, so here's a quick reminder to STAY HYDRATED peeps! You've heard it before...drink lots of water if you want healthy glowing skin! It seems like every beauty guru touts the benefits of water and for good reason! I try my best to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day but it's really hard when I have a busy day. One thing that has helped me stay motivated is my hourly reminder on my phone to drink water. I know I know, it looks a bit silly but I assure you, these reminders have saved me on days I simply forget to have a bit of water throughout the day. It's so worth it. 

I could talk about the health benefits of water all day until I'm blue in the face, but if you're like some people that simply don't like water then I have good news for you. Water isn't the only beverage you can drink to get healthy and glowing skin. Wait wutttt?!  Yassss I said it. The big secret to glowing skin ISN'T only water. In the past few years I've fallen in love with skin care, as well as talking better care of my body which includes drinking healthier beverages daily. If you don't like the taste of water, there are literally a million recipes to promote overall health by adding your fave fruit or veggies to your water. I love cucumber lemon and mint infused water. Not only is this recipe refreshing and hydrating, cucumber water delivers antioxidants, lowers blood pressure, boosts bone health, and of course supports healthy skin.

Another beverage I love and drink daily (probably more than I should) is green tea. Some people believe that it's the healthiest beverage on the planet. It's loaded with polyphenols that are important for reducing inflammation and helping fight cancer. Even though green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, it still has enough to produce an effect and improve brain function. I made the switch from coffee to green tea many years ago and I believe it's way better for my health than coffee was. 

I really do see and feel a difference when I don't have as much water or tea as I usually do so I know and can truthfully say that staying hydrated and choosing healthier drinks isn't just some fad. It really works! 

Take a look at this Glowing Skin Drink menu for ideas on how you can incorporate healthy skin loving ingredients in your daily drinks. Let me know what you like to drink to get glowing skin...I'd love to hear from you!