Bethenny Frankel Skinnygirl Solutions

I don’t really watch reality television so when I first saw Bethenny Frankel’s books on Amazon, I had no idea who she was. It’s only after stumbling on her talk show one afternoon that I learnt more about her. I was drawn to her no-nonsense attitude and I found her quite funny, so I decided to order the book Skinnygirl Solutions on the off-chance it might prove useful and entertaining.

First of all, this is not a diet book, the whole Skinnygirl concept is Frankel’s brand and while the book does offer tips on healthy and mindful eating, it’s not some sort of crazy diet plan that will make you lose weight. What you’ll actually get is a series of advice divided into sections such as organisation, travel, beauty and career. 

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book, some of the advice was not new to me but I did learn a few things and I thought the career/business section was quite useful. It made a great bedtime read, since each chapter is divided into subsections and you don’t get too caught up in it like you would a novel. It was well written and you could feel Frankel’s personality through the words, it was very direct and to the point. The personal anecdotes were also quite funny and added a nice touch to the book.

All in all, this was a fun book that taught me a few tricks while keeping me entertained. I think it’s definitely worth checking out, it might surprise you. You can find Bethenny Frankel’s Skinnygirl Solutions at any bookstore and on Amazon. 

Lancôme Définicils Mascara

When it comes to high-end mascaras, Lancôme is often considered the top brand. Years ago, I used the Lancôme Définicils mascara and loved it, so I when I received a sample of it around Christmas I thought it’d be great to revisit this cult favorite and see how I got on with it.

Définicils claims to provide length and definition with the help of a brush that helps separate every lash. I really enjoyed the size of the brush, it’s on the smaller side and really helps separate and define all of your lashes because you can really get it close to the roots. So in terms of definition, this is definitely a winner, but it does have shortcomings. I didn’t get much length at all from the formula, my lashes just looked very natural with added definition and color. This isn’t bad a thing, your lashes will look pretty but I was expecting a bit more from it. Définicils doesn’t claim to offer any volume and you don’t get any from this mascara, however since your lashes are really well separated, you still get great definition around your eyes.

I have to say this mascara did not live up to my memories. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a nice product that offers a really nice natural look, but I’m not sure I would want to repurchase it when taking its expensive price into account. Nonetheless, if definition is what you seek I would recommend going to a Lancôme counter and asking for a sample before you take the plunge.

You can get the Lancôme Définicils from any Lancôme counter, online and from Sephora for about 32$

Lush Floating Flower Bath Bomb

After spending a very productive day of doing house work, I decided to treat myself to a lovely Lush bath with the Floating Flower Bath Bomb and I just had to write a quick review because it’s an amazing product.

This is a pink lotus flower shaped bath bomb that smells of jasmine. Lush released it for Valentine’s Day and it just smells amazing, I love the scent of jasmine and this one is spot on without being too heady. Like most Lush bath bombs, this will turn your water a lovely color as it melts, but unlike others it melts quite slowly. This means you can enjoy the fizzing for a longer amount of time and I found it super relaxing. As always with a lush bath bomb, you’ll be left with soft skin and a relaxed mind and body.  

Being a special release, the Lush Floating Flower Bath Bomb is limited edition, however I have seen it on the Lush website of certain countries. Basically availability depends on your location but I think it is definitely worth tracking down either online or in an actual store. You can also call beforehand to make sure they have it, even though going to Lush is always a pleasant experience and their other bath bombs are also lovely.

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Spearmint Green Tea

Today, I’m back with more Kusmi tea for this edition of Tea Tuesday. I chose to feature the Kusmi Spearmint Green Tea as I felt like this is a great basic tea everyone should have.

Green tea is known for its amazing antioxidant properties and is a beverage we should aim to consume more of everyday. The thing is, not everyone likes the taste of green. I personally find it a bit bitter and it’s not my favorite, which is why a tea blend like this Spearmint Green Tea one is so great: it kind of masks the taste of green tea and it offers added benefits. Mint in general is great to sooth upset stomachs and its refreshing scent can clear your mind and uplift your senses.

In this particular case, the spearmint scent is very strong and I find it super refreshing and invigorating. However it doesn’t taste very strongly of mint which I was a bit disappointed about. The taste is very hard to describe but know that it’s not as bitter as regular green tea and while it doesn’t taste like a typical mint herbal tea; there is a minty aftertaste that feels cooling in your mouth.

At the end of the day, I think the Kusmi Spearmint Green Tea is a nice addition to any collection and you can find it in a variety of size from the Kusmi website and stores that carry the brand.

Kérastase Spécifique Bain Vital Dermo Calm

Let’s talk hair! I’m usually a drugstore shampoo kind of girl, I have very long hair so I go through it quite quickly. However, that doesn’t stop me from lusting after fancy/expensive shampoo and for me Kérastase is the ultimate luxury in terms of haircare. So after months of reasoning with myself, I finally splurge on the Kérastase Spécifique Bain Vital Dermo Calm.

This is a hypoallergenic shampoo for sensitive scalps and it is designed to sooth as well as clean your hair. Basically, it’s exactly what my scalp needs. Texture wise, it is a liquid-gel that has a lovely blue color and an amazing scent. It’s really relaxing and smell like what a nice shampoo should smell like, it’s a very clean scent and it adds to the experience, making you feel like you’re in a nice salon.

Now in terms of effect, it deeply cleaned my hair and scalp without drying or irritating it. What surprised me is how healthy my hair felt afterwards; for a cleansing shampoo that does its job so well, it’s not drying at all and left my hair felling soft.

I would highly recommend this if you have an itchy sensitive scalp and want a shampoo that can deeply clean your hair without stripping it. I know it’s expensive, but I view it as a great investment. I personally like to use it every time I wash my hair, but you could only use once or twice a week if you want it to last longer.

You can get the Kérastase Spécifique Bain Vital Dermo Calm online from Kérastase as well as in salons. If you live in the U.K. and Europe you should also be able to get it from Feelunique at a great price. There are shipping restrictions depending on your location but it’s definitely worth checking out.

What’s your favorite luxury shampoo?

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

When it comes to eyeshadow primers, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a cult favorite. This is a flesh-toned cream primer that comes in a convenient squeeze tube. It applies and helps your eye makeup last longer and it can boost the pigmentation of your eyeshadows. Despite its color, the primer goes on clear which makes it universal, but it also means it won’t even out your eyelids or cover any tiny veins.

In terms of lasting power, it does help my eyeshadow last longer, but I still experience creasing from time to time if my lids are oilier. Another thing to note is that sometimes makeup can require a bit more time to blend because the primer doesn’t dry down to a fully matte finish. Overall, I think this is a very decent primer, the price is reasonable for the amount you get, however it’s not my all-time favorite. One thing I did notice though is that the primer tends to get a bit runny after a while and it does not perform as well. I would say you’re probably better off purchasing the smaller travel size to make sure it always stays fresh and performs better.

You can get the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion from Sephora and the Urban Decay website. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Russian Blends Assortment

Today’s Tea Tuesday is going to be shorter because of my schedule, but I still wanted to talk about something tea related. So, I decided to write about this lovely tea set from Kusmi called the Russian Blends Assortment. The box contains 5 mini tins (25g.) of Kusmi’s Russian teas: Prince Vladimir, Anastasia, St. Petersburg, Bouquet of Flowers N°108 and Troika. They are all black teas and based on Earl Grey, however each one has a unique flavor that makes this set very diverse. Also the mini tins last quite a long time and I really enjoy the idea that you can sample a wide variety of flavors before committing to the larger size tins.

I will be doing a review on each of the teas in the coming weeks, but overall, I was very impressed with the quality of both the packaging and the teas. I enjoyed all of the flavors, there was not a single one that wasn’t delicious, which is always a worry of mine when buying a set of something. This particular selection is great because you get floral teas, some that are spicier and others that are just light and refreshing.

You can find the Kusmi Russian Blends Assortment for about 25$ on their website and I have also seen it in health food stores and tea stores. Also Kusmi offers other tea sets but I haven’t had the chance to try them out yet.

Have you tried any tea sampler sets? 

My Top Magazines for March 2015

When I did my first post on magazines back in August, I thought it was going to be a regular fixture on the blog, but as it happened I wasn’t super excited over the past few releases. Obviously there were some exceptions (mostly InStyle), but they never made it here for some reason.

This month however, as proven to be quite fun with spring-focused issues that make me yearn for warmer weather, light coats and dresses. In an effort to be reasonable, I only picked up 2 magazines: InStyle and Vanity Fair. I feel like a get the best of both worlds with these publications, great fashion insights as well as culturally-intelligent content.

You can get your copies of the March 2015 issue of InStyle and Vanity Fair from any news agent and magazine counters. 

Innisfree It’s Reel Squeeze Cucumber Mask

It’s Friday, you’ve had a long week and you’re trying to find a way to unwind. If this is how you feel than I have the perfect mask for you that will help you cool down and refresh your tired skin: Innisfree’s It’s Reel Squeeze Cucumber Mask.

I’ve talked about these sheet mask before and they are simply amazing both quality wise and performance wise. The cucumber one is no exception; it completely refreshes the skin and has an instant cooling effect. After I removed it, any redness was toned down, my skin was soothed and I felt refreshed and relaxed. It does moisturize a bit but it’s not the primary effect you’ll get from this mask. At the end of the day, it does everything you would expect something with cucumber to do and it does it incredibly well.

I believe this is a great mask to use after a long day when you just need to relax and want to regain some energy. Also, I think it’s going to be a must have for me this summer to help me cool down during heath waves and just deal with the general summer heath.

You can get the Innisfree It’s Reel Squeeze Cucumber Mask from the Innisfree global website for 1.50$. 

Soap and Glory's The Righteous Butter

Hi everyone, today I’m back with a new body product review. I think the very cold weather in Canada is inspiring me and using a good body butter after a long bath helps me deal with the cold and keeps my skin soft. So without further ado let’s talk about Soap and Glory’s The Righteous Butter.

I picked up this travel size tub when I was in England and I regret not getting the full size one. Unlike most body butters, this one melts into the skin very quickly and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. It is fragranced with the original pink Soap and Glory scent which has a mix of floral and fruity notes (it smells amazing) and the scent does linger a bit on your skin.

What impressed me the most with this product was that the morning after I used it, my skin was noticeably smoother and softer. It’s a very emollient product and it moisturizes deeply instead of staying on top of your skin. The shea butter and aloe vera it contains are a winning combination in my book and I can’t wait to purchase the full size.

You can pick up Soap and Glory’s The Righteous Butter from Boots starting at £2.50 for the travel size and £10.50 for the full size tub. In Canada, I recommend having a look in your local Shopper Drug Mart. 

Benefit Benetint

You don’t know this about me, but I love lip stains, they are some of my favorite lip products for the natural effect they have. So today, I decided to go back to makeup reviews and talk about a cult lip stain: Benefit’s Benetint. This is a water-like rose tinted stain that feels weightless on your lips and gives them a gorgeous rosy-red tint. The effect after application is a flush of color that’s shine free and it doesn’t look like you are wearing anything on your lips at all.

The applicator is a fine brush, it picks a nice amount of product, but I find that it doesn’t make the application easy because of its size and shape. In terms of longevity, Benetint has decent lasting power (it’s not the longest wearing stain I’ve tried) and you can usually revive the color with a bit of lip balm or a gloss if it starts to fade.

All in all, the color is really what gets me with this product, it’s such a beautiful brightening shade! The formula is also very nice, I prefer water-like stains because they apply more evenly. There is a reason this is a cult product, it really is great and fool proof. Benetint can also be used as a check stain, but I haven’t tested in that way. In terms of removal, using a micellar water or a cleansing oil works best to remove it without scrubbing your lips off.

You can see in the picture that I own the Pocket Pal version which comes with a small benetint and a clear gloss, but you can buy Benetint on its own in a larger bottle. Benefit also has a line of colored lip balms that go with their different lip stains if you prefer a more hydrating product.

You can find Benefit’s Benetint and Pocket Pal on their website and the regular Benetint is available at Sephora and at any Benefit beauty counter.

Tea Tuesday: Teavana Passion Tango Herbal Tea

For this second installment of Tea Tuesday I want to introduce you to the Teavana Passion Tango Herbal Tea. This is a lovely sweet tea that is caffeine free and contains notes of papaya, mango, lemongrass and hibiscus. It tastes super fruity and there is a nice natural sweetness to it, so you don’t feel the need to add any sugar or sweetener to your cup.  I think this is one of those rare teas that actually is excellent both hot and cold due to its fruity flavor.

I bought my Passion Tango Tea from Starbucks, but if you can I would definitely recommend having a look in a Teavana shop, they have an amazing tea selection, but you can also purchase it from their website.  

The Hudson's Bay Company Belgian Milk Chocolate a.k.a. The Best Chocolate Ever

With Valentine’s Day almost here, talking about chocolate seemed like a good idea. I have a huge sweet tooth and to me there is never a bad time for chocolate. So, seeing has Valentine’s Day and chocolate go together, I thought I would share with you my favorite chocolate.

Every year before Christmas, The Bay releases a line of a sweet treats ranging from cookies, candies and the chocolate they have is the best I’ve ever had. It’s a lovely Belgian milk chocolate that’s not too sweet but feels decadent. It just tastes unbelievably good. It comes in a variety of sizes, from the standard 100g. bar, truffles and my personal favorite: the 1kg bar that comes in a lovely metal tin. I mean, who could say no to that.  All the chocolates come in cute packaging that changes every year. The current one is very Valentine’s Day appropriate with a pink and brown color palette.

You can find the Hudson’s Bay Company Belgian Chocolate in any Bay store (stocks may vary) and online you can find the 1kg bar for 19,99$ and the truffles for 11,99$. These are special prices since they are currently on sale, so I wouldn’t wait too long if you’re interested.

What’s your favorite chocolate?

Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Spot Patch: Spots Miracle Workers

We’ve all had the horrible experience of waking up one morning with a huge pimple that wasn’t there the night before. By some sort of evil magic it just decided to rear its ugly head to spite us when we done nothing wrong. No matter how diligent you are with your skincare a spot can still manage to appear for no reason.

When that happens I reach for my Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Spot Patch, they’re clear film-type patches that contain torreya seed oil, tea tree oil and salicylic to really attack those spots. They reduce redness as well as the size of the spot and they bring it to a head super quickly. You can then drain the gunk with less stress on the skin (even though we all know we shouldn’t pop pimples) and sometimes the spot might pop on its own. These patches work best on white heads, but they can really help sooth those angry red spots that just refuse to come to a head. Even though they are super-efficient, they never irritate my skin or dry it out. This is due to the hyaluronic acid it contains which keeps the skin moisturized without clogging you pores further.

I usually apply them at night after my evening skincare routine, but I also use them during the day if I’m staying at home. They are quite discrete because they are very thin and clear but I don’t typically wear them out (I’ve seen people do it though) because you can still tell there’s a little something on your face. I do like that a pack comes with different sizes, allowing for optimal coverage and giving you options depending your spot’s size, so you aren’t left with a big and more visible patch for a small spot.

I’ve been using these for years and I really couldn’t see myself without them. I’ve seen higher end brands starting to produces similar products, but to me the Innisfree ones are just perfect. They offer great and fast result and they are very affordable.

You can get the Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Spot Patch from the Innisfree global website for about 3~4$ for a pack of 12 patches. 

That Awkward Moment: The Perfect Date Night/Need a Good Laugh Movie

That Awkward Moment is funny romantic comedy (heavy on the comedy) starring Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan and Imogen Poots. This is one of those rare movies that I think can appeal to both guys and girls. The whole story is told from three guys point of view and brings a whole lot of hilarity. The Story is sweet and funny (sometimes a bit stupide-funny) and I think this is the kind of combination that can make guys and girls laugh, making it a great date night movie.

Honestly it’s also really good to just watch with your girlfriends, watching what goes on when guys are left on their own and the kind of relationship advice they come up with is hilarious. To know more about the story, you can watch the trailer here!

You can find That Awkward Moment on Amazon, iTunes and other DVD retailers for about 15$.

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Saint Petersburg

My love for tea has grown immensely over the past few months and because of this I thought it might be fun to start a new series on the blog: Tea Tuesday. With this, I aim to bring a new tea to your attention every Tuesday and hopefully you’ll discover new ones you’d like to try.

To get us started I chose the Kusmi Saint Petersburg tea which is a lovely blend of black teas (earl grey), bergamot, red fruit and caramel. I love having a cup of this in the morning, it smells very fresh and the red fruit notes add the perfect amount of sweetness to balance everything. Plus, as far as black teas go, this is not too strong or bitter to the taste. I absolutely love it! Kusmi also offers a green tea version of this blend and I’m quite looking forward to trying it.  

The Kusmi Saint Petersburg tea comes in many different sizes, including a smaller 25g. sample tin and a large 250g. tin. Obviously prices very on the size but I find them well-priced for the quality. You can also purchase refill bags to use with the pretty metal tins the teas come in. For more information on prices and the tea, you can have a look at the Kusmi website, the link is to the internationalwebsite (prices are in euros) but you can select specific countries in the top menu under languages. 

My Top Romantic Movies and Comedies for Valentine's Day

With Valentine’s Day coming up I decided to share with you all my top romantic movies/comedies. They're obviously great to watch all year round, but they seemed particularly appropriate for the month of February. You can find the list below and I have also included links to all the trailers.

                                                                                     Source

- Valentine’s Day: link

- Austenland: link

- About Time: link

- Bridget Jones’s Diary 1 and 2: link 1, link 2

- America’s Sweetheart: link

- Head Over Heels: link

- Romeo + Juliet: link

What are your favorite romantic movies?

Soap and Glory Hand Food

Soap and Glory's Hand Food is a much talked about hand cream and all the hype surrounding it led me to purchase it a few months ago.

As far as hand creams go, this one is quite decent, it's very creamy formula moisturizes the skin well and I love the scent (it reminds me of Dior's Miss Dior perfume). The travel size is super convenient and the formula sinks in quickly. However, I have to say this is not the most nourishing hand cream out there, but it is still nice to use on the go.

You can find Soap and Glory's Hand Food from Boots in the U.K. and in Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada. The mini size retails for £2.50 and the full size is priced at £5.50.