Sweetease Waxing Kits

I am the worst at keeping regular salon appointments. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hair or waxing appointment. I am always a few weeks later than I should be. I save up my Sweetease Waxing Kits in case of emergency.  Sweetease has developed these little easy to use waxing kits for your legs, face and bikini area at home.

Using a Sweetease Waxing Kit is as easy as it sounds. The first step is to warm a strip between your hands. Don’t skimp on the warming time. You want to be sure that it’s very warm so the wax sticks. I found it helpful to sit on the strips that I wasn’t using yet to start warming them up early.
Sweetease Leg Waxing Kit
Next peel apart the wax strips slowly. If they aren’t warm enough, you won’t be able to get them apart. You will smell the delicious vanilla scent when you peel them apart.

Now press on the strips in the direction of the hair growth.

Make sure that they are good and stuck!  And rip them off quickly in the opposite direction quickly, just like they do in the spa. The success of how well they work depends on how long your hair growth is, how well you stuck it down, how well you ripped it off and your own hair texture.

Overall, it did a great job at getting the hair off. My only complaint is that to do my whole leg, it took quite a long time. I kept trying to find shortcuts to make it go quicker. Like I mentioned, I tried sitting on the strips to warm them. Because my hair is thin, I was also able to use some of the strips twice on the lighter areas.

I don’t think that I would ever use the Sweetease strips for my entire leg again, but they are perfect for touch ups when need be. You can use them on date night or vacation when you don’t have time for a full shave.

Garnier Whole Blends Hair Care

Garnier shampoo and conditioner has been such a reliable standard for so long that I was surprised to hear they were doing something new. If it ain’t broke, right? I used to be a very loyal Garnier hair care user. For a while in college, it was the only line I would use. It was the only thing that could handle my thick, frizzy, wavy hair.
Garnier Whole Blends Argan Oil + Cranberry
The new line is a more natural collection using ingredients that you are familiar with. The collections are paraben free, which is nice, but they aren’t ALL natural. They have natural extracts. The idea behind this line actually makes me a little sad. I wish that Garnier wasn’t playing on the more organic and natural trends in beauty. Since this line isn’t all natural, I kind of feel like I am being duped. Regardless, I wanted to give them a fair shot, since I have love for Garnier in my heart.

I tried the Colour Care line which includes argan oil and cranberry. I was actually really impressed with its performance. The line has a nice consistency and smell. It’s subtle and creamy. My scalp has been so dry this winter and nothing seems to fix it. I was shocked that after a few used to this line and my scalp wasn’t itchy any more. I was so busy thinking about the colour care aspect and whether it stopped frizz, that I almost didn’t even notice how moisturized my hair felt. I have tried a million products. Who would ever believe this Garnier line would be the one to solve all of my issues?

Now that I’m hooked, I am excited to try more from the Whole Blends line!

Lush 93,000 Miles Shower Jelly

Lush 93000 Miles Shower Jelly

It took all of 3-seconds for me to know that I NEEDED to try this soap. Open the container and you will be hooked! This jelly smells like a super shot of spicy cinnamon. Anyone who has smelled those weird creams for sore muscles will be familiar with strong smelling gels for your skin and this is no different. This Lush Shower Jelly is made to soothe those tire limbs in the shower.

Despite my love of Lush, I didn’t really think a shower gel would be able to do much for my muscles. The first time I used it, I didn’t really notice anything either.

Then I got sick! I’m not sure what type of horrible cold or flu this was, but my entire body was sore. My back was aching, my shoulders were tight, and my legs were tired. I hopped in a hot bath to try to relax those muscles. When it came time to clean, I pulled out this soap.

I slowly massaged it into my skin and could feel the Eucalyptus, Mint and Cinnamon work into my skin to help ease at least a little of that tension. Be careful if you have sensitive skin. I noticed that on some places where my skin was more delicate, this soap was too strong and tingly. It’s only meant for those tough places on your skin.

Anyone who is on their feet all day or gets sore tired muscles regularly should consider this soap an investment.

OPI New Orleans Collection Review + Swatches

It’s been a really long time since we’ve featured any OPI on the blog and since we receive so much nail polish it’s been even longer since I’ve tried a new shade from them. Their New Orleans collection is pretty much perfect for spring and we have five shades to show you.
Take A Right On Bourbon
OPI Take A Right On Bourbon Swatch - Brushstrokes
Take A Right On Bourbon didn’t really do much for me, a silver with pink undertones, this shade was ok to work with but the brushstrokes never went away and kind of drove me crazy.
Got Myself Into A Jam-Balaya
OPI Got Myself Into A Jam-balaya - coats didn't settle well
This pink creme had slight coral undertones and was really pretty but I couldn’t for the life of me get the coats to settle into each other and the end effect didn’t look great. I also feel like I’ve been seeing this shade a lot lately and with much better formulas.
Spare Me A French Quarter
OPI Spare Me A French Quarter
Spare Me A French Quarter is a gorgeous raspberry pink and two coats were perfect. This is such a pretty shade for spring.
Rich Girls & Po-Boys
OPI Rich Girls & Po-Boys Swatch - Could've Been 1 Coat, no staining
I feel like bright blue is such a great colour for spring and this one is a great example. I almost got away with one coat and there was zero staining.
I’m Sooo Swamped!
OPI I'm Sooo Swamped! Swatch - brush seemed a little narrower, perfect
I love green polish but looking at the bottle of I’m Sooo Swamped!, I was a little hesitant. But this grassy green is perfection. The brush seemed a little narrower to me but two coats went one so smoothly. I’m completely in love with this shade.

I love how OPI names their shades and I’m really excited to be using OPI again but I wish the formulas were a little more consistent. Luckily the shades we received are the ones I really wanted to try and overall I was really impressed with the New Orleans collection.

Most Wanted Face Products For Spring

Spring really does a number on my face. The dryness from winter isn’t gone yet and my allergies from all the growing things make my skin way more sensitive. That sensitivity causes more redness, which in turn results in me wearing more makeup than normal. It’s a vicious cycle but I’ve found some new products that are quickly becoming essentials in my spring face routine.
Hylamide Booster Series Sensitive Fix
Hylamide Sensitive Fix Booster
I’ve tried so many things for redness that have done absolutely nothing for me. Imagine my surprise when I started using this Sensitive Fix Serum and saw results almost immediately. If I’m being good and actually using this twice a day, the redness in my skin reduces by a significant amount. It’s extremely lightweight and absorbs immediately without any stickiness. And if I’m feeling lazy, I mix some into my moisturizer. There also isn’t a heavy scent which is great for those who have really sensitive skin.
StriVectin Multi-Action Restorative Cream
StriVectin Multi-Action Restorative Cream
I’ve been pretty obsessed with StriVectin lately. There hasn’t been a single product I’ve tried that hasn’t done what it said it was going to. Granted, I don’t have a ton of skin issues and I’m not trying to get rid of wrinkles but I’m definitely working on preventative measures. The Multi-Action Restorative Cream is supposed to address fine lines, wrinkles, density, firmness, sagging, texture, dehydration, dullness, discoloration, clarity, resilience and enlarged pores. This cream looks really thick but it’s not and it sinks in fast. I’ve noticed a difference in the dehyration, dullness and enlarged pore camps, but I was looking for those. In general I’ve just noticed my skin looks better.
Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick
Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick
In the spring, I’m still looking for a creamy, hydrating foundation and Chubby In The Nude is definitely that. It also allows me to only cover the areas I need to. This is sheer to medium coverage so it’s extremely natural looking but if you’re looking for full coverage, you’ll want to skip this one. It blends into my skin tone really well and is really great for travel when you don’t want to deal with gloopy foundation.
Kat Von D Lock-It Color Correcting Eyeshadow Primer
Kat Von D Lock-It Color Correcting Eyeshadow Primer
I don’t think I have color issues on my eyelids but I do love the fact that this is the only Kat Von D foundation product that isn’t too dark on me. The fair shade is perfect for my skin tone and the crayon format makes it really easy to prime my eyes for shadow. Lock-It is kind of an understatement, once you apply shadow, it’s not moving. So if you want to blend, use my trick. Only apply this below your crease so you can blend above it.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil
I love when products end up being multi-purpose. I was hesitant to try a primer oil because I wasn’t sure it would stick. I was partially right. I find when I use this with a super hydrating foundation, it feels like makeup is sliding off my face. But when I use it with something more dry, it’s perfect. I’ve also been using it on it’s own for a little glow and I mix it with a drop of concealer or foundation for a tinted moisturizer. It’s not greasy at all and is really, really hyrating. It might not be exactly what you’d expect from a Smashbox primer but I actually love how different it is.

Mani Monday: Formula X Spring 2016 Review + Swatches

It’s been a really long time since I’ve used Formula X nail polish, I’m talking over a year but I use their Delete All polish remover pretty constantly so I’m happy to say we have a bunch of Formula X based posts coming up. The first one up has three of their new shades for spring. I have to say, this Sephora exclusive, 3-free line has some pretty spectacular formulas. Considering these are pretty light shades, I was expecting some issues but the only problem I had was with Punch Line and that was mostly my fault.
Punch Line
Formula X Punch Line Swatch - 1st coat was good, 2nd wouldn't dry
I used a pretty heavy hand with the first coat of this peachy coral and it looked so good I should’ve left it alone. Unfortunately I decided I needed a second coat and ended up with drying issues, even after a coat of Seche Vite. It ended up looking good anyways, but one coat of Punch Line would’ve been perfect.
Delightful
Formula X Delightful Swatch - Perfect, a little chalky
Delightful was the cause of a lot of debate. It’s a really soft, pastel dove gray that has hints of blue. At least that’s how I saw it, but there was a lot of debate about what the shade actually was. With the exception of a tiny bit of chalkiness, two coats of this went on perfectly with none of the patchiness I’d expect from a shade like this.
Intrigue
Formula X Intrigue Swatch - 2 thin coats, perfect
I adore this taupe shade to the point where I didn’t want to take it off. I went almost a week before I had to do other swatches and I didn’t have a single finger with a chip or tip wear. Two thin coats went on perfectly and I’m going to be using this one a lot.

I have no idea why I haven’t been using Formula X more, but that changes now. They have so many shades available that it’s going to be hard to pick. Intrigue is my favourite so far but I have a feeling if they all go on this well that’s going to change constantly.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick
Most of us who love lipstick will probably reluctantly admit that it’s usually not the most comfortable thing to wear. Especially if it’s matte. I put off trying Maybelline’s Vivid Matte Liquid for a couple reasons. 1. We have a ton of lipstick to review right now and 2. My lips are completely dried out from winter and I was scared to throw another matte lipstick on them. Now that I’ve tried Vivid Matte Liquid, I wish I had started using it right away.

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick Swatches
Nude Flush, Pink Charge, Electric Pink, Rebel Red

This is quite possibly the most comfortable lipstick I’ve ever tried. The formula is really creamy and it’s sort of like putting actual butter on your lips and it leaves a really pillowy feeling. Of course being that creamy, it takes some practise to get your lipstick looking right. The trick is to start in the middle of your lips and work your way out.

The colours are extremely pigmented and most are really vivid like the name suggests. Of the four I tried (there are ten all together), Nude Flush was the only one that wasn’t bright. These lipsticks don’t completely dry like a true matte, so there’s quite a bit of colour transfer but even when these do wear off, there’s a bit of a stain left behind. The plus side is, they don’t get cakey when you reapply because they’re so smooth.

If you want to feel like you have pillows on your lips, you need to try this lipstick.

Influenster Voxbox: L’Oreal Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Even Collection

L'Oreal Ultra Even Collection
It’s been almost a year since I’ve received an Influenster Voxbox and of the few I’ve tried I’ve had really great results. This time I received L’Oreal’s new Hydra-Total 5 skin care line. There are three variations to this collection; Ultra-Even, Ultra-Fresh and Ultra-Soothing. Of the three, the one I would’ve picked for my sensitive, combination skin would’ve been Ultra-Soothing, so I was a little skeptical when I received Ultra-Even. Yes, there are elements to it that make sense for my skin, I’d like to even out my skin and smooth it out a little but I wasn’t sure how well it would work on me. So, I’m going to write about them from worst to best.
Ultra-Even Moisturizer
L'Oreal Ultra Even Moisturizer
This cream is supposed to moisturize, even skin tone, reduce dark spots, illuminate and smooth. It’s one of the thickest creams I’ve ever tried but it doesn’t absorb very well. It’s also extremely white and left my very fair skin even paler (I didn’t know it was possible) and it stayed that way the morning after. I was asked repeatedly if I was feeling ok because I was so pale. The scent is pretty faint but the moisture level was awful, I had to put another moisturizer over it, the paleness stayed anyways. Because I’m so fair already, I can deal with looking slightly paler but I’d love to know if people with darker skin had the same issue.
Ultra-Even Toner
L'Oreal Ultra Even Toner
I’ve learned that alcohol-based toners are not my friend but since I was sent this collection to review as a whole, I couldn’t exactly leave this toner out. I wish I had, it burned quite a bit and made my skin feel really dry. It probably didn’t help that it’s paired with a scrub cleanser but I wasn’t about to try it with anything else. Too bad though, it smells amazing.
Ultra-Even Lotion
L'Oreal Ultra Even Lotion
This day moisturizer comes with SPF 20 and that’s pretty much the best thing I can say about it. Normally I would add another SPF with a moisturizer but I had to use so much of this lotion to get any kind of hydration that I was basically good on the sunscreen front. This lotion really did nothing for my skin and I really didn’t enjoy the scent.
Ultra-Even Scrub
L'Oreal Ultra Even Scrub
Now we finally get to the product I actually liked! This scrub did a great job exfoliating my skin. It has a really fresh, grapefruit scent and made my skin feel really clean without stripping it. It’s not too harsh for my sensitive skin but I probably wouldn’t use it every day.

I have to say, I’m pretty disappointed in this collection as a whole. Granted, this clearly wasn’t the right line for my skin but it’s very rare for me to absolutely hate a product, let alone three in a collection. Luckily the scrub was the saving grace but it wasn’t great enough to save everything.

Essie Spring 2016 Collection

We’ve been trying out quite a few spring nail polish collections lately and it seems that the only thing they have in common is that they’re not quite spring like. Essie’s six offerings have a couple that are perfect for spring and a couple that don’t quite belong but are gorgeous anyways. For spring, Essie’s Global Color Designer Rebecca Minkoff was inspired by Palm Beach and a ‘sunshine state of mind.’ We didn’t get a chance to try one of the polishes, Shades On, a really pretty purple but I’m going to grab it if I can ever find it in a store. I’ve been finding Essie’s formulas just keep getting better and there were a couple of one-coaters in this collection.
High Class Affair
Essie High Class Affair Swatch - Perfect
With the exception of the Retro Revival collection, Essie has been killing it with their nudes lately and the blush nude of High Class Affair has a formula that’s perfection. I did two coats and a top coat and had zero issues at all. It’s also a really flattering nude for my skin tone.
Lounge Lover
Essie Lounge Lover Swatch - Thick Coats
Lounge Lover seems to be the most spring like of this collection to me. A bright pinky-peach, it’s really pretty. I had to use thicker coats for this one but generally didn’t have any issues.
Sunshine State Of Mind
Essie Sunshine State Of Mind Swatch
I’m so not ready for orange nail polish yet, I thought for sure we were still a couple months away. But this ‘bright coral tangelo,’ looked a lot better in person and the formula was fairly typical for Essie, meaning two coats went on perfectly.
Off Tropic
Essie Off Tropic Swatch - 1 Coat
This ‘lush grove green’ didn’t make any sense to me for spring until I read Rebecca Minkoff’s inspiration for the collection. This is such a gorgeous shade though and I had full opacity in one coat. I was fully expecting this one to stain and it didn’t. I’m going to be using Off Tropic a lot but probably not until fall.
Pool Side Service
Essie Pool Side Service Swatch - 1 Coat
Another one-coater, Pool Side Service is a ‘refreshing cerulean blue.’ I couldn’t photograph how stunning this shade is in person. It’s more on the teal side for me and I’m completely in love with it. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a polish quite like it before.

The shades may not make a ton of sense for spring but this is definitely a winner of a collection.

February Makeup Most Wanted

Another month is gone, and even with one extra day February still seemed extra short this year. Regardless, I still found the time to discover a few hot new products that I am in love with!

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer – I have almost said good bye to foundation these last few weeks thanks to this new concealer. This concealer is made specifically for erasing those dark circles under the eyes. It’s perfect for that, but it also works at concealing any other annoying spots on your face with perfect precision. I find it incredibly hard to find a concealer that I love and can depend on. This one is simple and effective in all the right ways.

Clarins Wonder Perfect MascaraClarins Wonder Perfect Mascara – I have tried a lot of bad mascaras lately. I thought about writing a post about all of the bad ones, but instead I’m going to celebrate the one great one! This new mascara has been my new favourite. Imagine long, thick, curled lashes every single day. It’s max colour and volume that is perfect for day or night!

Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes

Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes – Who needs regular face wash when you have these towels on hand? These Pond’s wipes are everything you want in a regular face wash, without having to worry about water and rinsing. They give a great clean that leaves my face feeling refreshed. They are also surprisingly moisturizing. I shouldn’t be too surprised though… it’s Pond’s after all. I love their baby powder soft scent too for a before bed clean.

Dove Quench Absolute Hair Care

Dove Quench Absolute Hair Care – This line doesn’t technically hit shelves until next month, but I need to tell you now so that you can rush to stores in March!!! I have tried Dove hair products before, but they didn’t leave a lasting memory. This new line though shocked me. In the shower, this Dove shampoo and conditioner didn’t seem like anything special, it was only after it dried that I was impressed. Time after time, this Dove hair line left my hair soft and moisturized. My curls were bouncy, and that never happens! Frizz was a distant memory. I see a future of soft beautiful hair, hopefully not just for me, but you too!

vichy-normaderm-3-in-1-cleanser-scrub-mask

Vichy Normaderm 3 In 1 Cleanser + Scrub + Mask – I already loved the Normaderm line. It’s my favourite of all of Vichy’s skin care products. Imagine my glee when Vichy added to the collection with a product that isn’t just a cleanser. It isn’t just a scrub. It isn’t just a mask either. It’s gentle enough to be able to be used regularly. You can also leave it on your face as a pore cleansing mask. When budgets are tight, this is the kind of smart products that one needs!