It’s Beanie Weather!

Hey guys! So it’s still perfect beanie weather here in Canada, and I have found THE PERFECT BEANIE. It is on the warmer side and is perfect for wearing as a toque. The brand is C.C Exclusives, which is made in Korea but sold in many shops and boutiques around the world. I purchased mine from Unika at a Women’s Trade Show I attended. I bought one . . . and then ended up going back the next day and buying two more.

I bought my beanies in navy, oatmeal, and black and beige. I wear these all the time, whether it is to keep warm outside, to go for a run, or to get out of doing my hair for a day (shhhh).

They have a really nice fit to them. They are not a slouchy beanie, but they could go a little higher at the back by not pulling it so far forward as there is some room; I prefer to wear mine like a toque.

I have had these for a few months now and I am very impressed with the quality, I haven’t noticed any issues at all. They are a really stretchy, yet tight knit material – it is tough to see through them even when they are being stretched. They are also quite thick which is nice for those cold weather days that seem to be hanging around (Brrr).

I hope you all find these as cute as I do, because I was searching for what seemed like forever to find a nice beanie and was never happy with any until I found these. They are so cute and go with so so so many outfits!

Thanks for reading!

Let’s Talk About The Body Shop

Skincare … haircare … makeup … fragrance … all instantly get my attention …  all carried at The Body Shop. Recently I started using their Shea Nourishing Body Butter and can’t get enough of it. I got it for Christmas and have already used over half of the container. I use it after my shower, I use it before I go to bed, I use it before I go out, I use it all the time. Today I was out shopping and went into The Body Shop to buy more of this product and was blown away once again by how awesome of a company it is.

 

Let’s Talk About Ingredients

One thing that really impresses me is the fact that their products use oils and butters from across the world to make them as nourishing as they can be. Their Shea Body Butter uses Shea butter from Tamale, Ghana, their Vanilla Chai Body Butter uses hand-picked vanilla from Madagascar, and their Wild Argan Oil Body Butter uses Wild Argan Oil from Morocco. The Body Shop trades fairly with these communities, so not only do we as customers benefit from the products, but so do the communities.

 

Let’s Talk About Pricing

Although the products are a bit on the pricy side, the benefits are well worth it. That being said, there are ALWAYS sales going on, and the sales going on today blew me away. IF YOU WANT TO BUY STUFF GO NOW (or order online). They have multiple body butters that were originally $21 on for $6.30, their jumbo body butters are on for $17, originally $34, select gift sets are up to 70% off, and of course their buy 3 get 3 free sale is still on, plus many more. So ultimately yes, the products are a bit pricy, but there are always amazing sales to purchase them at a discount.

 

Let’s Talk About Employees

I have never had a bad experience here. The employees are always so friendly, so helpful, and never make it seem like it is a hassle to do something for you. Although this could just be the locations that I have visited, I am sure it is similar elsewhere. I always find the staff available to lend a hand and keen on helping you find what is best for you. This improves the overall experience and atmosphere of the store and makes it an enjoyable place to be.

 

Let’s Talk About Products

I have always been one to try multiple different lotions, butters, creams; I am always switching it up. I will buy expensive high quality products and I will buy cheap drug store products. After using the Shea Body Butter, I have seen a huge improvement in the hydration of my skin and it got me wondering why I use cheap products? There is an obsession with skin care and getting rid of wrinkles, keeping skin hydrated, using eye creams, wearing sunscreen everyday – everything to keep your skin looking as fresh and renewed as it can. If we are putting that much money and time into our face products, should we not be doing the same with our body products? We should all be wearing sunscreen not only on our face, we should all be using hydrating products not only on our face, and we should all be keeping our skin the healthiest it can be. What better way than to use lotions, butters, and creams that contain beneficial ingredients? What I really like about The Body Shop is that they are not completely concerned with scents and appearance without having an actual good product (like many company’s are). Although they do all have nice scents and the packaging is wonderful, they also are committed to making a product that is really effective.

I hope that you all will try out their body butters sometime in the future if you haven’t already because they have worked so well for me and I would love for everyone to experience the wonders of their products.

Thanks for reading!

 

Top 5 Beauty Products of 2016

Hey everyone! Being that we are now a whole week into 2017, I decided to share my top 5 beauty products of 2016. These are things that I have been using a ton and have definitely made a huge difference for my skin and for my overall look. Everyone is always looking for the latest and greatest, so I hope some of these can be your next greatest beauty buy!

1) Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – Value $42.00

This oil has CHANGED my entire makeup world. I put it on every single day, it is a part of my skincare routine. Cleanse – Antioxidant Serum – Moisturizer – Sunscreen – Smashbox Oil- Makeup. I have quite dry skin and when it gets cold and dry out it is nearly impossible for me to wear foundation. Well, it was before I found this. All that is required is 2-3 drops, and you just pat it into your skin with your fingertips. I let it absorb into my skin for a minute or two before putting on makeup, but if I’m in a rush I skip this and it works just the same. The foundation sits so nice on top of this, making it look like you are barely wearing any at all, without drying out the skin and making it flaky. This product also adds a nice glow to the skin and is great to wear without product over top (it does not make your skin feel oily). It is also a GREAT moisturizer, just add a few drops at night to wake up with amazing dewy skin in the morning. This oil can also be applied to hands, elbows, split ends and anywhere else, its not just for your face!

2) Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Hydrating Antioxidant Serum – Value $56

This was a recent discovery for me toward the end of December but I have been using it every day since. After cleansing and before putting on my moisturizer, I add a few drops of this to my skin and let it absorb. This serum protects against the first signs of aging and reduces future aging, so it is perfect for anyone who does not want to use a full on anti-aging serum. This is also very hydrating for the skin so it helps keep away the dryness.

3) Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Chaotic Lash Mascara – Value $7.77

I am very picky with my mascara. I have tried what feels like a thousand different kinds, but keep coming back to Maybelline. I have tried multiple expensive mascaras throughout the years but none seem to live up to this one. My favourite used to be Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal but I recently tried out this one and like it even better. The point of this mascara is to give a “chaotic” messy look to the lashes by using the curve on the brush to swipe across your lashes and mess them up a little, but I apply it like a regular mascara. It makes my lashes so long, dark, and defined, which is exactly what I want. I have been using Maybelline mascara since I started wearing makeup and it has never disappointed me so I would definitely recommend giving it a try.

4) Lancôme Blush Subtil Sheer “Sheer Amourose” – Value $42.00

This blush makes it look like you aren’t wearing any, yet it gives that nice rosy glow. I have quite red cheeks, so I used to not wear any blush. I was always trying to find ways to tone it down or cover it up. I recently started wearing this one because it smoothed out the look of my cheeks, as the natural redness is a little bit blotchy. I never thought that adding more redness on top of it would give me the look that I desired, but it does. This blush gives your face a nice warm glow without looking like it is caked on in any way. It is a very soft, natural tone and blends well into the skin.

5) Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush – Value $29.00

 

For me this brush is multi-purpose: Eyeliner and brows. I mostly use this brush for my brows because it creates a nice thin line and is easy to control. I prefer to have to add a little bit more powder than try to take away, and this brush works with that. For my eyeliner (which I don’t wear very often) I use Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Espresso Ink, and the brush works perfectly with this too. I don’t like to wear it really thick, but if I want to I can always build it up.

I hope this information was helpful and I hope that these beauty products work just as good for you as they do for me.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

My First Subscription Box

 

I recently received my very first subscription box. I have always loved the idea of these, because who wouldn’t want to receive a box full of goodies? Its like opening up a present with no occasion. I got my FabFitFun Welcome Box for Christmas (Thanks Santa), so I ripped off the wrapping paper to see what that present was, and I started freaking out just seeing the box. Then I got to open up and see all the wonderful things inside of it and it was like opening a second present … two presents in one (a very good gift idea).

This box was filled with tons of cool products:

 

Doctor D. Schwab Flawless Skin Fluid

I am super excited to try this one out because it is said to even out the skin tone and boost moisture, and I have dry skin so I don’t often wear a ton of foundation, but need a little to cover up some of the redness in my skin. I am hoping this will help take away some of that redness, and moisturize better than a regular face cream. This product also has antioxidants in it which are very healthy for your skin.

 

Lather AHA Hand Crème with Evening Primrose

As I said before I have dry skin, and this hand treatment is supposedly regenerating due to the alpha-hydroxy. This product has antioxidants in it as well (BONUS!).

 

Summer and Rose Yoga Towel

I have never actually used a yoga towel before, and I have never been to a yoga class. I have done yoga out of my home, and if I need a towel I will just use a regular one. I am kind of excited to try this out and I have always wanted to take part in a yoga class… maybe this will get me there.

 

HiSY “Reactivate” Portable Power Bank Battery

I can’t count the number of times my phone has died in the middle of an important event or when I am trying to get home (having no idea where I am going). I am going to have to keep this in my bag, always charged, because it will keep me out of those unfortunate situations. This was something I had on my wish list as well (the Christmas gifts just keep coming with this box).

 

Jook & Nona Tag Necklace

This is such a small, delicate necklace. I have a lot of necklaces, most of them with big charms or tags on the end of them, but I don’t have very many small ones. This one is so cute, and goes so well with so many outfits because it can be dressed up or dressed down.

OFRA Cosmetics Eyeshadow Brush Duo

A girl can never have too many makeup brushes right? Having a variety of brushes is handy when doing a full face of makeup and having two of the same kind good for starting a travel set.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray

Dry shampoo is my go-to for  volume and manageability. If my hair is feeling flat I can put some dry shampoo in it and instantly my hair is fuller. Also when I am wearing my hair in a bun, it helps to keep it together better. It makes the hair more gritty, making it easier to wrap up without it slipping through.

Popchips Ridges

These chips were sponsored, making them extra value added on top of the regular items. Plus these chips are healthier than regular chips, as they are not deep fried and have no added preservatives, and they are gluten free for those with a gluten sensitivity.

I would definitely recommend trying this subscription box out, I absolutely love this first one and am excited for my next one to come! You can get this Welcome Box for only $49.99(USD), and it is so worth it for the retail value inside.

Thanks for reading!