Giving Up Makeup // #nomakeupmarch

AHHH It's my naked face. That's not even a justified reaction. For goodness sake, it's what my momma gave me. And there is all of zero reasons why I should ever be ashamed of it. But makeup. It's like a drug. I tell myself I don't need it but it's a quick fix to all of my self-confidence issues. 

Got a breakout? Hide it with your fullest-coverage foundation.

Tired eyes? Concealer to the rescue. 

Face a little dull? Add some blush to perk your face up. 

Feeing fat? Contour those cheekbones. 

Looking pale? Put some sunshine on your face with a heavy dusting of bronzer.

… and so on. Tricking myself into feeling like the unnecessary is necessary – such a human thing. We’re all smart enough to know that makeup isn’t key to survival and I could live with out it but I choose not to. 

To curb this issue, I'm going cold turkey. 

I've been wearing no makeup as of Wednesday, February 18th (Ash Wednesday). I can’t claim to be a Christian, nor am I an Atheist. However, I do see value in the observing Lent (or something of that nature). Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday. Per good ole Wikipedia, the traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance, atonement and self-denial.” In plain words, commit to giving up luxuries as a form of penitence. Some people give up everyday “necessities” like coffee or tea, chocolate, meat, social media... 

What do I expect to get out of this? It's a reminder to myself that I'm the same person, with or without some product on my face. Beyond that I want focus on what’s more than appearances (family, friends, career, life in general) without worrying about breakouts or oily skin or tired eyes. 

Nobody said it was going to be easy. I’m predicting urges to smother lipstick all over my face. I might even have to sleep beside my favourite highlighter palette. No challenge is without rules (and a few exceptions). So I’ve set some realistic guidelines for myself:

The Rules: 

• No makeup until Sunday, April 5, 2015
• Makeup = foundation, concealer, mascara, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush, bronzer, lipstick, lip gloss, etc. 
• Allowed = skincare, sheer tinted lip balms, blotting sheets

The Exceptions:

• Press events - because sadly, physical first impressions matter and what's a beauty blogger without a little makeup
• Weekends - for the purpose of reviewing, photographing and blogging ONLY - must remove everything if going out. 
• My Birthday (March 21) - just because

As for the blog, you can still expect regular makeup reviews written pre-no-makeup and perhaps a higher concentration of nail, skin, hair and body posts. 

Do you wear makeup daily? Do you feel like you need it? 

Nothing disclose. My face is my own (duh.)

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

Miracle 10 Skincare Experience, Product Review + Event // Word of Mouth Beauty #WOFM

My skin is tolerant. So tolerant that I don't seem to ever see immediate or positively noticeable results from any of the skincare that try. Healthier and brighter, with noticeable dewiness, elasticity, and radiance. These are the promises of Miracle 10 - to provide noticeable results. In 10 hours, smoothness and clarity. In 10 days, improvements in discolouration and dullness. In 10 weeks, the appearance of wrinkles and pore size diminished. Sounds like what my skin has been looking for. 

The Event

Miracle 10 is a skincare line formulated by the Plastic Surgery Skincare Clinic, which is located at 67 Scollard Street (Yorkville, Toronto). Back in November, I attended Miracle 10's first blogger event, dubbed Word of Mouth Beauty. The event featured personalized skincare consultations, makeup and manis with Dior, and an Fall/Winter Trends/Q&A sesh with Michelle Villet of the Beauty Editor. 

Attendees went home with a set of Miracle 10 products chosen during the consultations. Furthermore, we were given the opportunity to have a Miracle 10 Peel at the Plastic Surgery Skincare Clinic. I had my peel in late January and began using the Miracle 10 line immediately after (I'm still using the line). Below are some photos from the event: 

Jenn (A Beautiful Zen) getting her skin assessed 

Ann Marie McDonald - founder of Miracle 10 

 SUSHIIII!!!! 

SUSHIIII!!!! 

 Makeup by Dior 

 Dior Holiday 2014 Collection 

The Peel ($125 for one treatment, $375 for three)

I've never had a facial (or a chemical peel for that matter) until my Miracle 10 Peel, so I had nothing to compare it to. If you're not familiar with the process, a peel is a skincare treatment in which a chemical solution is used to slough off dead skin in order to let a new layer of skin regenerate. 

When I went to visit the clinic for my appointment, I was handed a lengthy 7 page risk wavier to read through and sign. The wavier explained the procedure and some of the possible risks. When I went into the treatment room (not different from a doctor's office), the aesthetician asked me if I was on any medication. OF COURSE, at the time I was on an antibiotic and was told that I couldn't go through with the treatment until 10 days after I was done. I was a bit miffed that nobody took the liberty to tell me this before I wasted time heading downtown on a chilly day only to find out that I had to head back home... 

A couple weeks later I went back to the clinic (this time with no medication in my system). I didn't have to sign the wavier again. I laid down in a cushioned chair and the treatment began. The aesthetician let me know that all the products that are used during the peel are the same as the Miracle 10 items I received at the event. First, my face was washed with the cleanser and any debris was cleared off with the toner. Next, dermaplaning, the process of scraping off the first layer of skin with a blade. The thought of a knife to my face had me scared sh*tless. Luckily, dermaplaning simply feels like someone is scratching lightly at your face. Next, lactic acid was applied to my face. There are three acids available lactic (for beginners), glycolic (for regulars), and salicylic (for those with acne). The chemicals were left on for 2 minutes, all of which I felt a burning, stinging and tingling sensation. To ease the pain, a light fan with cold air was blown at my face. After the chemicals were washed away, a mask with lavender and menthol was applied for five minutes to cool the skin. Then, my face was washed and CO2 was used to freeze and protect areas prone to breakouts. Finally, a light moisturizer to finish everything off. 

After the peel, the aesthetician let me know that I could apply makeup right away (hence, the facial is referred to as a "lunch time facial" - get your facial during lunch and head immediately back to work). She also told me that I shouldn't use acids for the next 2 days and should avoid exercise, sunshine and saunas for 24-48 hours after my treatment. 

Overall, the 45 minute treatment was both relaxing and rejuvenating. The aesthetician was polite and informative. My skin appeared slightly brighter and plumper. It also felt more soft and plump. I didn't experience any purging and my skin still continues to feel soft and plump to this day.

The Products (in order of use) 

Immediately after the treatment, I began a Miracle 10 skincare regimen. The line is all-encompasing breaking down treatments to match 3 skin types - Normal/Maturing, Acne Prone/Oily and Delicate/Dry. I've been using the Acne Prone/Oily. 

Miracle 10 Cleanser II // Deep exfoliating wash ($39) 

I didn't find this cleanser to be particularly exfoliating. If anything, it felt gentle and non-stripping leaving skin feeling clean and soft. 

Miracle 10 Solution I // Clarifying solution ($39)

Pre-Miracle 10, I thought toners/solutions were just glorified alcohol. The Miracle 10 I Solution actually has a purpose - it contains active ingredients of glycolic and lactic acids for brighter skin and fewer breakouts. Indeed, the solution has graced my skin with fewer breakouts. The only ones I get now are from eating too much chocolate and Kernel's popcorn instead of under-the-skin type spots. 

Miracle 10 AHA Gel I // Advanced Exfoliating Gel ($59)

AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) is meant to smooth the texture of skin and promote an even complexion. Applying this to my face nightly is a slightly less burning sensation than that of the Miracle 10 Peel. After the first couple uses the tingling feeling subsided. If anything, I feel like use of this acid has contributed to softer, smoother skin and the fading of acne scars. 

Miracle 10 Light Serum // Vitamin Enriched Moisturizer ($69)

For some odd reason, I'm obsessed with the scent of this serum. It contains Vitamin A, B, D3, E and K. It's plenty hydration (while still being lightweight) on its own for day or night but because it's been particularly dry I like to layer over my regular moisturizer on top. 

Miracle 10 SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion ($52)

In all honesty, I haven't been using this. Anything more than moisturizer during the day is too heavy for my oilier skin. The good news is that it doesn't bother me as some SPF products do and the finish is "dry-touch" similar to the feeling of the Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 50. 

Overall, I apologize the superbly lengthy post. I don't think I've ever stuck to a skincare routine for more than a month. I've been using Miracle 10 for the past two and actually seeing some noticeable results. Thus far, the results have been positive and I'll definitely update you with my experience over the next couple months. 

Have you ever had a Facial Peel? Have you tried Miracle 10 Skincare? 

Press samples featured. Miracle 10 Peel provided as a complimentary service. 

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

HAIR: COLAB Invisible Dry Shampoo by Ruth Crilly in Rio & London

Breaking beauty news! COLAB Invisible Dry Shampoo created by Ruth Crilly of A Model Recommends (on youtube) has hit Canadian retailers (London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Lawtons, Pharmasave & PharmaChoice) this January 2015. I haven't seen it on my drugstore's shelves just yet, but these are definitely something to look forward to! 

Two of COLAB's fragrances will be available in Canada: 

(1) London - A classic yet contemporary fragrance of bergamot, musk & magnolia 

(2) Rio - A carnival of tropical notes with papaya, pineapple and a heart of cassis 

I'm impartial to the Rio scent, as it's bright and fruity, however London smells quite good as well. Both scents are available in either a travel size (50mL, $5.49) or a larger size (200mL,  $9.99). Obviously, it's a much better deal to get the larger size but the baby sizes are just too cute to resist and perfect for popping into your purse for on-the-go use. 

Using the COLAB Invisible Dry Shampoo is as easy as a few quick steps. Simply shake the bottle, separate the hair into sections and spray your hair, focusing on the roots (I typically focus on my bangs as this is the most noticeably oily area of my hair). Wait a few minutes. Then, massage the product through the hair to spread out the product and brush out your hair for the same purpose. 

Contrary to the claims of being sheer and invisible, the COLAB dry shampoo definitely has a slight white cast upon first spray. Once brushed out, the colour dissipates. What I enjoy about this dry shampoo is that... Firstly, it doesn't give hair a gritty feeling. It's virtually weightless and at the same time is still able to absorb excess oil in my hair. This means that I can use it a couple days in a row without heavy buildup on my scalp. Secondly, it smells AMAZING. Throughout the day, I find myself sniffing something that smells really nice and then I realize it's actually my hair. Different from to other dry shampoos i.e. Pantene, La Coupe, this one doesn't smell or feel like hairspray. Thirdly, it works. My hair feels clean and I can go more than one day without washing my hair. 

A great British product has arrived in Canada. Will you be picking this one up? 

Press samples featured

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

Rimmel Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lip Colour in Make Your Move, Kiss Fatal, and Kiss Me You Fool

Finally! The Rimmel Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lip Colours ($8.99) have finally made their way to Canadian drugstores. These lipsticks claim to be kiss-proof, transfer-proof, non-drying and moisturizing. The test? Wear the Rimmel Provocalips to bed. If it smudges on the pillow case (and all over my face) it's a dud. If not, it's a winner. 

The result? ... No smudges! No transferring! I kissed the back of my hand which means it's totally kiss-proof. Unheard of. 

The Provocalips are available in 10 shades. Shown above are Make Your Move, Kiss Fatal and Kiss Me You Fool. The other 7 are Dare to Pink, Pucker Up, I'll Call You, Little Minx, Play With Fire, Skinny Dipping and Heart Breaker. Provocative names indeed. 

Rimmel Provocalips in Make Your Move, Kiss Fatal and Kiss Me You Fool 

To apply: (1) Apply the coloured side and wait 60 seconds. You'll know the product has set when your lips feel tacky. If you have a hard time creating sharp edges with a doe footed applicator, I would suggest using a lip brush to apply. (2) Seal in the colour with a clear top coat. The top coat adds moisture and shine to the lips. 

Ah. But the Rimmel Provocalips are by no means a perfect product. The balm has a slight plastic scent that lingers for a couple hours. The first 4-5 hours of wearing the Provocalips is pretty great. It looks good - even through eating and drinking. However, after wearing the Provocalips for 8+ hours, the inner rim of the lip begins to look a bit funky (only noticeable close up and if you open your mouth a lot). This is easily fixed with a re-application of the colour and gloss to that part of the lips. After 10+ hours the lips start to feel a little tight but the good thing is that they don't look tight and after removing the product, my lips aren't peeled or cracked. 

Pigmented, yes. Long-lasting, definitely. Perhaps long-lasting is an understatement. More like permanent, staining or very hard to get off if you don't own an oil-based make-up remover. If you own a cleansing oil or something of that nature, than these are easy to remove. 

Make Your Move

 

Kiss Fatal

Kiss Me You Fool 

Overall, this is the longest wearing lip product that I've ever tried. If it can last all night (through sleeping and drooling), then it will most certainly last all day long. They're not perfect but they're worth the few issues if you don't have the time to check your face throughout the day. Moreover, I've found a red that I can wear to an event without worrying about getting it all over my face. If anything,  I'm impressed with the staying power and will be wearing these on my overtime work days! 

What's the longest wearing lip product that you've ever tried? 

Press samples featured

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

New Specs from SelectSpecs.com

Buying glasses online is all the rage. Long gone are the days when I purchased my specs from good, ol' Costco. Seems like the glasses-wearing people of the world are trading off brick-and-mortar for lower prices and bigger, better selection. Clearly Contacts, Firmoo… and now there’s Select Specs. Select Specs is a UK-based company with their glasses shipping out of Hong Kong. Styles are priced from $12 (economy, no name) to $200+ (designer).

I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 12, so I happily took the opportunity to review a pair. I picked up the style Infinity A6673 in Brown/Havana (also available in Black), which would have run me $35.25. The process of ordering was simple – choose your style, enter your prescription, measure your Pupillary Distance (PD or distance from pupil to pupil in millimeters), select your lens type, and pay.

The wait between ordering from SelectSpecs and receiving my glasses was unnecessarily long – three weeks before I received tracking info, three days to get to Canada, and the glasses spent another week sitting in customs. In total, I waited about a month.

The good: 

• trendy style
• decent pricing
• free 1.56 thin index lens
• decent quality for the price
• several tint and transition lens options
• free UV coating, scratch resistance and anti-reflection
• comes with a case and lens cloth (granted the case is plastic and not particularly attractive)

The bad: 

• frames came slightly lopsided and didn't sit on my face straight (I went to Costco and the kind optician melted the plastic and straightened it out for me)
• frames were a tad tight on my face
• turtle-speed shipping

Overall, SelectSpecs is a fair option for inexpensive glasses. My previous pair (which I sat on and broke… RIP) was from Firmoo. In general, if you’re willing to trade off quality of build for price, then online glasses shops like Select Specs are the way to go. If you're looking for a perfect fit and can't stand the anticipation (or not knowing what the frames will look like ahead of time), you're better off with your local glasses store. 

Have you ever purchased glasses online? 

Press sample featured

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

HAUL: Peace out, Target Canada!

I love Target. There was one in Waterloo, which I visited at least monthly to ogle at all the Sonia Kashuk and Pixi and NYX things. Sure, there are lots of Targets in Toronto, but none in the general vicinity of my house (GTA suburbs) or work (down in the down town). Sad life. 

I was a bit disheartened when Target announced its departure from Canada but I can understand why. The Waterloo location was like a ghost town – even during Black Friday, etc. and although Target selection is pretty great (even in Canada) prices were never as quite as good as Wal-Mart. 

The bright side of the story is that liquidation = discounts = hauls. So, Charles (aka boyfriend who lives closer to a Target) was kind enough to pick up a few things for me, 30% off of course. I heard the sales for non-makeup stuffs were not so great... on to the good stuff :) 

Sonia Kashuk Small Hair Brush

100% fueled by the recommendation of Aleeza from Stylish and Literate, who compared the $12 SK version to the luxe Mason Pearson Brush. The brush is a mix of plastic and boar bristles which makes for a killer de-tangling and shine-adding brush. Loving it, thus far.

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush

There’s something so sexy about the shape of the black-handled Sonia Kashuk Brushes. I have yet to try it but Paula’s Choice tells me it’s pretty good.

L’Oreal Miss Manga Mascara

This is my first L’Oreal mascara. Raves upon raves I have heard about it, but I won’t be trying it until I start wearing makeup again. I'm exited to see if it’s better than my HG CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara.

Have you picked anything up from Target's liquidation sale? 

 Featured items are gifts

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

GIVEAWAY: Fashion Magazine 13th Readers' Choice Beauty Awards

Yep, it's awards season. And not just the movie/TV show type of awards. There's BEAUTY awards too! More than 8,000 Readers of FASHION Magazine weighed in on their favourites of 2014 in the categories of body, face, fragrance, hair, makeup and nails for FASHION's 13th Readers' Choice Beauty Awards. Check out the winners here. 

I asked Sarah Daniel (FASHION's Beauty Editor) a few questions about this year's winners. 

SL: What beauty and fashion trends do you think influenced this year's winners?

SD: This was the first year we included a brow category, so that’s definitely been a runway beauty trend that influenced the awards.  

SL: What do you think are the best beauty innovations from this year's winners?

SD: Conair Curl Secret is by far the biggest breakthrough in the hair tool category. Mascara is a big area for beauty innovation, with wands becoming more and more elaborate and technical. Lancôme has won every single year since we started the beauty awards, which says a lot considering there is so much competition in the category.  

SL: You're stuck on a dessert island. Choose one product from each of the 6 categories to take with you. SD: This is a tough one! I would definitely stock up on sunscreen, so I’d bring Ombrelle for face and body, dry shampoo—both Redken and Tresemmé—Maybelline’s mascara, M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Concealer, and Burt’s Bees Lip Balm.

SL: Best budget buy? One product that's absolutely worth the splurge?

SD: If you’re into self tanning, St. Tropez products are worth the splurge. Maybelline’s Lasting Drama Gel eyeliner is a great drugstore buy that rivals pricier gel liners.  

FASHION has been kind enough to partner up with fun size beauty  to host a giveaway! The prize? A huge gift basket valued $500+ worth of this year's winning beauty products. Here's what's inside... 

AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion • AVEENO® Intense Relief Hand Cream • AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 • Olay® Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum • OMBRELLE Ultra Fluid Face • OPI Big Apple Red Nail Lacquer • PANTENE® Moisture Renewal Hydrating Conditioner • PANTENE® Moisture Renewal Nourishing Shampoo • Revlon® Just Bitten KissableTM Balm Stain• ST. TROPEZ Self Tan Bronzing Mousse • St. Ives® Fresh Skin Exfoliating Scrub •  St. Ives® Smoothing Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash • The Body Shop® Mango Shower Gel • The Body Shop® Satsuma Body Sorbet • The Body Shop® Shea Body Scrub • TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo • TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hair Spray • Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow • Bioré® Self-Heating One Minute Mask • COVERGIRL® Clean Glow Blush in Roses • COVERGIRL® Clean Pressed Powder Normal Skin • COVERGIRL® Jumbo Gloss Balm • COVERGIRL® Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer • COVERGIRL® TruBLEND Liquid Foundation • COVERGIRL® truMAGIC Sunkisser • COVERGIRL® Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadow in Sheerly Nudes • Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash • Gillette Venus® EmbraceTM • HUGO BOSS Boss Bottled • JERGENS® Natural Glow® + FIRMING Daily Moisturizer • LANCÔME® Hypnôse Drama Mascara • MAYBELLINE New York Define-A-Brow® Eyebrow Pencil • MAYBELLINE New York Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm • MAYBELLINE New York Eye Studio® Lasting DramaTM Gel Eyeliner • MAYBELLINE New York Volum’ Express® The RocketTM  • Moroccanoil® Treatment • NEUTROGENA® All-in-One Cleansing Wipes • NEUTROGENA® ULTRA SHEER® Dry-Touch Sunscreen • Olay® Daily Facial Cloths – Sensitive • Olay® Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum • PLUS the February Issue of FASHION

If you're interested in these goodies (who wouldn't be?), enter below! Best of luck: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: Closes March 10th. Open to residents of Canada only!

This is not a sponsored post. Prize provided in collaboration with FASHION Magazine :) 

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

Canada Contests at AllCanadaContests.com

Ulta3 Moisturizing Lipstick in Coral Reef and Matte Lipstick in Harem Pink

Australian makeup pricing for what are considered to be Canadian drusgtore brands are ridiculous. Think $23 AUD for a Revlon Lip Butter (source: Reddit). Luckily, there's brands like Ulta3. Ulta3 is an Australian drugstore brand with prices comparable to that of Wet n Wild or NYC here in Canada. The Ulta3 Matte Lipsticks retail for $3.95 AUD, while the Ulta3 Moisturizing Lipsticks retail for $2.95 AUD. 

I received both of these in a giveaway a year or so ago. Both Coral Reef and Harem Pink are super bright, summery colours and I'm writing this review in the hope that the colours will brighten up my dreary winter day. 

The Ulta3 Matte Lipstick in Harem Pink reminds me a lot of the formulation of Revlon's Super Lustrous Matte Lipsticks - quite matte, a little dragy, but very pigmented and longwearing (5-6 hours). A good texture comparsion for Ulta3's Moisturizing Lipstick are the Rimmel Colour Rush Balms as the formula is both creamy and pigmented with a hint of shine. 

Ulta3 Moisturizing Lipstick in Coral Reef

Ulta3 Matte Lipstick in Harem Pink

The Ulta3 Moisturizing Lipsticks are available in 50 shades including a green (!!) and a black (!!). The range of Ulta3 Matte Lipsticks is much smaller at a lineup of 7. While these are nice lipsticks, very comparable to those at Canadian drugstores, these aren't accessible for me. However, if you happen to live or be in Australia, these are a choice budget brand to check out. 

Have you tried anything from Ulta3? 

Press samples featured

Facebook || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram