My 3 Favorite MAC Lip Glosses

I finally did it!!! After months of thinking and putting it off, I finally cleaned my makeup stash and got rid of what was too old to use anymore. This also led to the rediscovery of some old favorites. A few years ago, MAC was all the rage, every YouTuber and blogger used to go crazy for all the limited edition collections. Don’t get me wrong, MAC still does beautiful collections but I think their permanent products deserve some love too. So today I thought I’d share with you my 3 favorite lip glosses from MAC.

The first ever lip product I purchased from MAC was the amazing Venetian Lustreglass. This is a classic red shade that gives you color but it’s still not a full on red lip, perfect for those wanting to get into red lips. The lustreglass formula gives really nice shine to the lips and it’s not as thick or sticky as the Lipglasses. However this gloss is thicker than a lot of other formulas on the market, but that also means it has great lasting-power.

If you prefer something a bit more natural or a great layering color Pinkarat Lustreglass is perfect for you. The color is a gorgeous light pink that’s not too cool-toned and it has a lovely gold pearl and shimmer running through that gives it a little something special. Pinkarat adds great dimension to your lips when worn on its own and because the color is sheer you can wear it on top of lipsticks or stains for a boost of shine.

Lastly I have the Dazzleglass in Smile, a peach color with fuchsia pink shimmer. I had a look online I couldn’t find this specific color (maybe it’s still available in stores?) but they have loads of other colors. They have very interesting combinations of base colors and shimmers that make the gloss really pop on your lips. Dazzleglasses are not very pigmented lip glosses but they offer incredible glass-like shine and the shimmer in them really sparkles. These are quite thick and a bit sticky but they are so long-lasting that they are worth it for the gorgeous shine you get for hours.

MAC has such a great selection of colors and lip gloss formulas that everyone can find something to suit their fancy. Also they are quite reasonably priced for such good quality products. I know MAC packaging is quite basic but it is worth looking past it to discover amazing colors you simply don’t find in other brands. MAC Lustreglasses and Dazzleglasses are available from the MAC website and at any of their counters. 

Innisfree Camellia Essential Hair Oil Serum

Continuing with my battle against the drying cold weather, I decided to move on to hair today to mix things up a little. I recently started paying more attention to hair treatments and little extras I could add to my routine to keep my hair healthy and static at bay. In the past, I have not been very impressed with drugstore products because they tend to be too heavy or make by hair oily. I do love the Shu Uemura Essence Absolue but I wanted to find something a bit more affordable (though it truly is amazing and worth every penny). Obviously the first brand I turned to was Innisfree, so let’s have a look at their Camellia Essential Hair Oil Serum.

This serum is basically a light-weight oil with a minimal ingredients’ list and it contains camellia oil which is great for the hair. I was also pleasantly surprised that while it contains silicones, I don’t feel like it coats my hair or leave a residue the way other silicon based hair products do. You can use the serum as a treatment to help hydrate and revitalize your hair, giving you silkier locks.

Personally, I actually love using it on dry hair to make it more manageable, tame frizz and just give it a boost. This serum just gives you the most beautiful shine without making you look greasy, it reflects light beautifully. What’s more is that you only need a tiny amount to get results (even with long hair like mine) so you can use it frequently and it should last you a long time. Lastly, it smells really good, it has a light floral and green that’s very delicate and let’s not forget the gorgeous red bottle. I love the design and the pump works really well.

You can find the Innisfree Camellia Essential Hair Oil Serum on their website. 

#TeaTuesday: Traditional Medicinals Organic Hibiscus Herbal Tea

The last few months have seen me watching a lot of shows on The Food Network, most specifically Jamie’s Super Food (really great show by the way). In one of the episode, he made a really nice drink with hibiscus that he suggested as a great replacement for sugary drinks and sodas. It looked delicious and it turned out to be the perfect push to get me to try the Traditional Medicinals Organic Hibiscus Herbal Tea. So let’s get this #Teatuesday started shall we?

I’d had my eye on this for a long time, mostly because I love the hibiscus flower and I thought it would probably taste good. Well people, it is delicious! This herbal tea has the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. It is slightly fruity and great to serve either hot or iced. The hibiscus also gives it a gorgeous red color and serve cold in a large pitcher, it can totally pass as fruit juice!

If you are looking for a great way to stay hydrated or want to cut down on your sugary drinks, this is a lovely tea to try. Traditional Medicinals makes really good affordable teas and I appreciate that they use organic ingredients. Their Organic Hibiscus Herbal Tea is available on their website and I found it in many health food stores. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Grand Cru T08

My love for red lips is well documented on the blog, nothing can brighten your face and make you look as put together as red lipstick or a beautiful stain. Even with the most basic makeup (or no makeup at all) a red lip does it all, just have a look at Miranda Kerr if you don’t believe me. During the colder seasons, I like to amp it up and go for a darker and richer color and finding the perfect formula is crucial to make this look low-maintenance. For me, the perfect product has come in the form of the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Grand Cru T08.

Basically this is a super long-lasting liquid lipstick that sets to a gorgeous velvet matte finish. The lasting-power on this is just amazing! You can eat and drink with it on and it still looks perfect hours later. This is so great especially if you are going for a darker color like Grand Cru which you would normally assume is very high-maintenance, but it’s actually the most low-maintenance red I own.

Now for the finish, the Rouge Edition Velvet has a true velvety finish, it is matte but there is a luminosity to it that prevent it from being flat or making your lips look smaller. I don’t find it drying at all, something quite rare for a matte lip product. The lightweight cream applies like a dream and it is so pigmented you only need a thin layer to get full impact. As for the color, it is gorgeous and super chic! A dark rich burgundy color that instantly makes your skin look brighter and it works well on different skin tones. The swatches really don’t do it justice (the color is a lot richer) because it applies much better on the lips than on your hands. If I can only recommend one lip product for this holiday season, the Grand Cru Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick is it. Bourjois does offer 11 shades in this range if you prefer something more natural or a nice pink. In my opinion this is one of the best and most affordable lip products available on the market. 

You can get the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Grand Cru T08 from Feelunique and any stores that sell Bourjois. 

An In-Flight Essential: Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Skin Clinic Mask

Well guys, I think I have finally found the best sheet mask to use as an in-flight treatment and of course it comes from Innisfree. Their Hyaluronic Acid Skin Clinic Mask will make it worthwhile to look a little weird to the other passengers. After all who cares, you’ll be the one with gorgeous skin when it’s time to land.  

I don’t mind taking my makeup off on a plane and doing a whole skincare routine from my seat, but I have yet to use a sheet mask while flying. Honestly, I was always a bit intimidated with what other people might think of me if I wore one. I mean most masks take a while to sink in, so sitting with one on for more than thirty minutes is not ideal. This is why this Hyaluronic Acid one is so great, it absorbs in less than twenty minutes without dripping down your neck! The sheet is also quite thin so it looks very discreet compared to others. As for the essence, it is very light but don’t worry you still get amazing results.

So obviously this gets points for being a quick mask to use making it super convenient, I also love the fact that the hyaluronic acid in it does not leave your face feeling tacky and it offers serious hydration. Just on its own, it left my skin feeling softer and very hydrated, but what is so great about hyaluronic acid is that it can boost the moisturizing properties of other products you use on top. Meaning that using it in combination with a good serum (Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum) and a very moisturizing cream (like the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream) will leave you with plump and glowy skin when you get to your destination. At less than three dollars, you can be sure it will be a must-have product for any future long-haul flights.

You can get the Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Skin Clinic Mask on their website here. 

The Faceshop Real Nature Blueberry Sheet Mask

*Gasp!* I know what you’re thinking, yes I tried a sheet mask that is not from Innisfree. The Faceshop recently opened a store near me so I just had to try something. To be honest I was not particularly drawn to anything in particular (I’m pretty set in my skincare), but I loved the packaging of their sheet masks and I thought it would be a great introduction to the brand. I also got a peeling gel (more on that later), but for now let’s focus on the Real Nature Blueberry Mask.

The main difference I noticed right away was the cotton of the mask, it felt very silky and soft. When you pull it out it is drenched (mine was dripping) in essence and while the texture of the sheet is very luxurious I felt like it did not absorb the essence very well. As a result, I felt like my skin was not absorbing the essence as much as with other mask because it was almost sitting on top of it.

As for the results, my skin felt softer and hydrated but the effects were not as big as I am used to. Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to use, I just don’t feel like there was anything special about it. It just did not transform my skin in the way I know other masks can. So you can probably tell I’m not super impressed by these, however they are at a great price point (2$) which cannot be said of other Korean sheet masks making their appearance in the Northern American market, those generally retail for 8~10$. While the Blueberry Real Nature Mask is not rave worthy in my opinion, I might pick more up in the future. The convenience factor (no more waiting 2 weeks for your package) and price make them a nice treat after a long day. I’m curious to see if the Acai Berry and Honey ones deliver better results.

You can find The Faceshop Real Nature Blueberry Sheet Mask on their website and in stores. 

Bath and Body Works Fall Candles

The weather as suddenly gotten quite cold here in Canada, so it is the perfect time to start lighting candles. I usually like to light one up for a little while, just so my room smells nice without the scent being overpowering. For this purpose I love Bath and Body Works candles and today I thought I would share with you the reasons why I think they are so great.

Obviously with candles, the most important thing is the scent and Bath and Body Works have an amazing range. There really is something for everyone and most of the scents are seasonal, so I find they are always weather appropriate. For the fall, my personal favorites are Mahogany Teakwood (here) and Leaves (here), two classics from the brand. I actually have three backups of these so I feel a bit guilty about buying new ones this year. That being said I really liked Autumn (link), Autumn Sky (link) and Lakeside Sunrise (link) when I went to the store.  

Equally as important as the scents is the quality of the candle and these always deliver. I love how they burn really well so you don’t get an unsightly ring around your container. The scent kick off is also powerful, so you don’t need to let it burn for hours in order to fill a room with the scent. This means your candles will last longer and while they are not the most expensive candles on the market, it is nice to know your investment will not be gone in a matter of hours.        

Lastly, I love the look of these candles, the glass jar with a metallic lid always looks super chic and luxurious. The labels are also really pretty and have pictures that match the seasons so they make great decorations. This applies to all the sizes, small and large, with the medium ones coming in a cute more jar-like container. To add even more to the home décor touch, they also sell super cute candle holders, you can have a look at them here.

The Bath and Body Works candles are available online and in stores. They also frequently have discounts and promotions so it is worth having a look frequently.

                                                                                                                                                                            

Apple TV

I have always been a DVD kind of girl, I just prefer watching shows on TV. I know this seems old school now, but I like being able to physically browse through my collection. To be honest I also hate being on my laptop at night because the light keeps me from falling asleep quickly. That being said I do enjoy Netflix and I know many people like to keep their bedroom/space clutter free. This is when the Apple TV comes in, an Apple product that is not talked about much these days.

Granted this little device is not something everyone needs, if you have a smart TV or Blu-ray player, they can probably do the same thing, however there are still advantages that I love about the Apple TV. Now if your television or Blu-ray player is a bit old (I got mine right before all the “smart” ones came out) they might not have functions like access to Netflix and YouTube. That being said, that does not prevent them from being high-quality and performing well. If you don’t want to update them or they are secondary ones (like in a den or bedroom), having an Apple TV is a great way to get access to loads of fun apps and it is a lot less expensive.

The other thing that sold me on it is that you can use it to access all the content you have purchased on iTunes so you can stream your movies, music and shows on your TV. It is very quick and convenient and you can also rent movies right from your living room.

Lastly, as usual with Apple, the design is quite sleek and does not take up a lot of space. Also you only need an HDMI cable and the power cable to make it work: meaning you won’t end up with a tangle of cords.

I know Apple TVs are by no means new, but they are a great product that does not get a lot of buzz. If you are interested, you can read more about it here and it is available from the Apple website and Apple stores.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

On days when you don’t have time to think about your hair, much less wash and blow dry it, dry shampoo is a lifesaver. I talked about my love for the Colab one here and while it is great for a quick refresh or average days, sometimes you need a little more. It is when that happens that I bring out the big guns and turn to my trusty Batiste Dry Shampoo.

This is probably the quintessential dry shampoo: it works great, comes in tons of different scents and is super affordable. It takes away oil like nothing else and will transform greasy hair into clean one almost instantly. To me this is a real heavy duty product for those random days when your hair looks particularly dirty for some unknown reason. Its cleansing power is amazing, but you should know that this will not give you lots of volume like other popular products on the market however, it does add a bit of texture and grip if you want to do a quick ponytail.

The powder itself is white and you do have to be careful not to spray it too close to the hair or you will end up with a white or grey tint. You can rub/brush it away but it’s best to avoid in case you miss a spot. No point in ageing ourselves prematurely right?

Now for the fun part, Batiste dry shampoos come in a wide variety of scents that refreshes your hair and makes it pleasant to use. In Canada we are quite limited with the scent options so I usually go for the original one, but in England the selection is amazing. I particularly like the cherry one, it is deliciously fruity and does not smell like typical hair products.

Batiste dry shampoos are available in many drugstores, their website lists official retailers just make sure you have the right website for your country. 

RoC Soleil Protection+ Velvet Moisture SPF30

Sunscreen application is something I am religious about all year long, but during the summer months I am especially careful with choosing the right formula. To be honest I have struggled with finding the right facial sunscreen for a long time, they are usual too thick or they clog my pores. That being said, I finally have two products in my routine I can rely on to keep me protect from harmful rays, so let me introduce to you the first one today: the RoC Soleil Protection+ Velvet Moisture SPF30.

This formula is kind of a classic sunscreen texture and scent wise, but it has none of the drawbacks of the old goopy sunscreens from our childhood. This one comes out as kind of a thick cream straight form the tube, but has you rub it in it transforms into a lighter lotion and does not leave any white residues behind.

Now this is targeted towards people with normal skin and I would say that anyone with slightly dry to combination skin would enjoy this. It does offer some moisture and has an emollient texture; however it is not too rich, so you can still use it if you have an oily t-zone. That being said you should note that while it does not have a dewy finish (the name velvet moisture is very appropriate), it does take a little longer to absorb but it still looks great under makeup. It offers an SPF30 protection which is great for daily use and I have not had any sunburn while wearing it. Overall, this is a very solid sunscreen from RoC and one I will gladly repurchase (for the third time) when I finish my tube. With this formula, a little goes a long way and it is also very affordable for such a high-quality product.

I got mine in a local drugstore, but I could not find it anywhere online or on the RoC website. The European site does list different sunscreens but not this particular one. So if you are interested in the RoC Soleil Protection+ Velvet Moisture SPF30 I suggest you go have a look in your local drugstore or RoC retailers. It is certainly worth hunting down. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Capsule Mask

The last few weeks have been quite busy and stressful, (which explains the lack of posts) and inevitably my skin did not enjoy it. So in order to get it back under control I turned to one of my favorite new masks because there’s nothing like a little TLC when things don’t go your way. So without further ado let’s talk about the Innisfree Canola Honey Capsule Mask.  

I love this mask, it contains canola honey to moisturize and nourish the skin. I was really surprised that it actually looks and feels like real honey. The mask has a thick and goopy gel texture in the pot (just like honey), but it spreads easily on the skin and it is thankfully not sticky or hard to rinse off at all. It has quite a strong scent but I really enjoy it, it’s a floral honey scent that reminds me of a strong honey iced green tea.

As for the results, they blow me away every time. It is incredibly nourishing and it does offer a bit of surface moisture, but the best thing about it is how soothing it is. It instantly calms down any inflammation and redness so I find it great to use when my skin feels a little out of control. Honey is also a great antibacterial and I find that it helps improve the appearance of any blemishes (tones down redness) and they seem to heal faster when I use it. I seriously cannot speak highly enough of this product. Well done Innisfree!

Now the version I have is the Capsule Recipe Pack which basically comes in a smaller pot (10ml) so you can sample the mask. On their website, Innisfree says you can get 2 to 3 usage out of one capsule, but I had enough for 6 usages. It’s a steal for the price, but if you are anything like you will like it so much that you will need to get the full size (80ml) which is also very affordable because the texture makes it so you really don’t use a lot at a time. This has now become a must-have in my beauty arsenal and I always look forward to using it. 

You can get the Innisfree Canola Honey Capsule Mask on their website and the full size is available here. 

Tanya Burr Lip Glosses: Aurora and Berry Picking

Hello everyone today I bring you a review on one of my favorite affordable lip glosses. I just love finding a high quality product at a great price which is exactly what the Tanya Burr Lip Glosses are. I currently own two: Aurora and Berry Picking, but you can be sure my collection will increase in the future.

These lip glosses come in a nice looking tube, nothing fancy but it looks classic and not cheap at all. The two shades I own have a lovely creamy formula that glides on the lips offering moisture and lots of shine. The pigmentation level is great, they are not opaque but the color still packs a punch. You can also build up the intensity by layering it and worry not, it never feels sticky. The texture is actually very smooth on the lips, which is quite pleasant. They wear for a few hours easily and the shine and color fade evenly so you don’t end up with patchy looking lips. Another thing I love is their sweet fruity scent, it is delicious!

As for the actual colors, Aurora is a cute medium pink color, on me it looks a bit brighter and darker than in the tube. Honestly it does not suit my complexion the best but the formula is so great I like wearing it anyway. Berry Picking is my favorite of the two, it’s a real berry color with gold shimmer that’s a bit sheerer than Aurora, but it adds gorgeous dimension to your lips. It’s not too dark or too red so you can easily wear on its own during the daytime and it is also lovely over a stain. I was just blown away by these glosses, the quality is truly incredible for the price.

There are quite a few colors I plan on picking up next (I’m looking at you I Found Nemo). You can get the Tanya Burr Lip Glosses in select Superdrug and they are also available on their website and on Feelunique (ships internationally).

  

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Concealer is without a doubt one of the most useful product to have in your makeup bag and while I always struggle to find one that matches my skin, my under eye concealer has been a perfect match for years. MAC has a great color selection and their Studio Finish Concealer is nothing short of amazing for covering up dark circles.

This super creamy concealer is emollient enough to melt into the skin without looking cakey, but it will also stay in place all day. The formula packs a punch in terms of pigmentation, you only need a little to cover dark circles which also prevent you under eye area from looking heavy. Also bonus points for this having SPF 35, so many eye products offer zero sun protect even though this is one of the first areas to show signs of age and sun damage. I think this offers so much considering it is quite affordable and I love the results I can easily get with it every morning.

The Studio Finish Concealer comes in 15 shades and NC15 is a perfect match for my very fair skin. That being said it is too dark for me to use on the rest of my face, its peachy tone is great to counteract the blueish tone of dark circles but it does not work when trying to make a spot disappear. Also I have to say that on my combination skin it does not last all day on imperfections, but I don’t mind solely using it under my eyes because its lasting power there is amazing. I have repurchased it many times over the years and I don’t see myself moving on to something different any time soon. Plus that little pot will last you for ages.

You can get the MAC Studio Finish Concealer on their website and from any MAC counter.   

Buxom Full-On Lip Polishes

The aisles of Sephora are full of beautiful colors and shiny packaging, it can be a bit overwhelming at times if you don’t want to miss out on anything. A brand that, I feel, isn’t talked about much is Buxom so I wanted to introduce you to their amazing Full-On Lip Polishes today.

Shades left to right: Starr, Candi, Eva, Destiny, Dolly, Sandy (not 100% sure the label came off), April, Clair

The lip polish is a plumping lip gloss that makes your lips feel tingly and increases they fullness slightly. The formula is very glossy helping your lips look even more plumped and adds dimension. The glosses have some sort of mint ingredient so they feel very cooling and I think that’s what produces the tingling sensation. This also increases the volume of your lips a little but don’t worry it doesn’t burn like others lip plumpers do, though the sensation might surprise you at first. I should also mention that these are not drying at all on the lips, so thumbs up for the formula.

               Shades top to bottom: Sandy (not 100% sure the label came off), Destiny, Candi 

Shades left to right: Shades: Sandy (not 100% sure the label came off), Destiny, Candi 

Speaking of formula, this one is a bit sticky but I don’t mind because it stays on for a long time and the shine and color fade evenly. I was very impressed with the quality of these and after I got used to the sensation (I’m not a fan of lip plumpers) I have really been enjoying these. They have a crème brûlée scent (not my favorite) but you can’t taste it and it thankfully does not linger. They are nicely pigmented though some are sheerer depending on the finish, offering you nice variety.

Shades top to bottom: Starr, Dolly, Clair, Eva, April 

Shades left to right: April, Eva, Clair, Dolly, Starr

This stunning lip glosses come in 99 different shades and sleek packaging that makes them look expensive. Each color is named after a girl and you can see the different characters drawn on the box, they are super cute, going from beach girl to pinup and red carpet glam. The shade selection is super impressive and I love how there are different finishes like cream and shimmery ones. They are also affordable so you can pick up multiple colors without feeling too guilty. 

The Buxom Full-On Lip Polishes are available exclusively at Sephora both online and in stores. They are also currently offering a cute set of six  minis at a great price, you can find it here.

Summer Sun Care: L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Range

I have always been super diligent with wearing sunscreen on my face every day, rain or shine. However, now that summer is finally here I needed to up my sun protection for the rest of my body. Like most I don’t enjoy slathering on thick sunscreen in sweltering heat, but this summer, the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun range has me covered.

To keep my skin protected I purchased a few sunscreens and since my lovely drugstore had a promotion going, I managed to get the after sun lotion for free. I haven’t used these products for long, but I thought I could give you a quick first impressions on them. I also really want to encourage you to go pick up some new sun care products, because after a year they are not really effective anymore. So using last summer’s SPF will not offer you the protection you need to keep sunburns and sun damage at bay.

First I got the Sublime Sun Silky Sheer SPF50 Lotion (here), this was the one thing I originally wanted because lotion and creams offer a much more even coverage than sprays do. I mean, a fine mist usually gets caught in the wind and can leave some spots unprotected. To me this is more of a cream than a lotion but it is not greasy and absorbs really quickly. I love that after a few seconds you can’t feel it on your skin and it doesn’t have a strong fragrance. The tube is small, but personally I never go through bigger bottles and always feel guilty about wasting it. At least with this I don’t think that will happen and if I run out, it is very affordable so I can easily get a new one without breaking the bank.

Next is the Invisible Protect SPF30 Dry Oil Spray (here), now let me say that using an oil in the sun just seems counter intuitive to me. I can still remember everyone at the pool covering themselves in oil before laying out in the sun to cook like turkeys. Now this has a high SPF but I wouldn’t feel comfortable using this as my sole protection all summer long. The reason I did buy it however, is that I think it will be great to use before going for a swim. I’m assuming it will not come off as quickly as a cream and so far I can say that it feels lovely on. It doesn’t leave you feeling oily, dries quickly and it makes your skin look great with a slight sheen.

Lastly I was lucky enough to get the Sublime Sun After Sun (here), this is a light gel cream that you can use to moisturize and sooth your skin after being in the sun all day. The light texture and scent are refreshing, making it great to use to cool down after spending a day outside or by the pool. It leaves no residue behind and offers a nice dose of hydration without feeling heavy. This turned out to be quite lovely and while it is not a must-have for me, I will enjoy using it for sure.

Sun rays are one of the primary causes of signs of age so taking the time to protect your skin against it is an easy way to ensure your skin will stay looking young as the years go by. As far as sun care goes, I think the L’Oréal Sublime Sun range is great and its price makes it accessible to many. Be sun-smart this summer and don’t forget your SPF. You can find all the products mentioned above and more (including mousses and sprays) from most drugstores and L’Oréal retailers. 

John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray

I haven’t dabbled into sea salt sprays for years. I know most people love them, but they generally don’t do anything for me. I have very long hair and lots of it so it usually ways down any efforts made to style naturals waves simply using products. However, after reading about the John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray on a few blogs and seeing it on offer in my local drugstore, I decided to give it a go.

Using this alone on wet hair did not improve the natural waves I get, but it did add a bit of texture without drying out the hair or making it sticky. This made it easier for me to style my hair into a bun or a braid. I think it might help hold on to the waves a little but honestly it wasn’t anything significant. Also it has a slight coconut scent which I am not a fan of (I just don’t love coconut scents) but thankfully it didn’t linger in my hair.

Now for the good stuff, as you can probably tell I was not blown away at first, but I found a way to make this product work for me. When my hair is still a bit damp from washing it, I brush and spray the sea salt spray evenly in my hair. Then, I separate my hair into two sections, gently twisting them around each other and tying the end with a hair tie before going to bed. The next morning I woke up with gorgeous natural looking waves and compared to when I do this without the spray, the waves were more defined and lasted longer.

All in all, this is a decent product, I don’t think it is amazing but as far as sea salt sprays go I think it is very nice for the price. The John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray is available from most drugstores and you can also get it on Feelunique. 

The Perfect Classic Red Lip: L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipstick in Red Passion

I love a red lip, I have quite the collection of glosses, sheer lipsticks and stains in all shades of red. That being said, I did not have a classic red lipstick. You know that beautiful old Hollywood color with a creamy finish and the perfect balance between cool and warm tones. Well I finally found it so let’s all bask in the beauty that is the L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipstick in Red Passion.

I first saw it during the Cannes Film Festival, Doutzen Kroes was wearing the most flattering shade of red lipstick and a little search on the L’Oréal Instagram reveal that she was wearing a lipstick in Red Passion. Doutzen Kroes can pretty much sell me anything, so I went to the drugstore and I am now the proud owner of this gorgeous lip product.

The formula is super creamy and goes on smoothly on the lips, leaving them with intense color and a chic sating finish. In the bullet, you can see small shimmer particles, but don’t worry you cannot feel them on the lips and they don’t make the lipstick shimmery because they don’t show up on the lips. Instead the particles add a luminous finish that makes your lips look plumper. The formula simply catches the light beautifully.

Shade wise, this is the perfect classic red, it’s not cool toned but doesn’t pull orange either. It’s the perfect balance of colors that brighten your complexion and looks chic no matter what time of the day you are wearing it. If you have fair skin you need this in your life. Obviously, red lips are more high maintenance but applying a clear lip pencil around your lip line goes a long to prevent feathering. It will fade if you eat or drink, but it’s easy to touch up because the bullet has a very sharp tip that allows you to easily follow the contour of your lips and cupid’s bow. Also, it doesn’t fade patchily, it looks more like a stain as it wears off.

To me this is the perfect red lipstick and I love that it is amazing as well as being super affordable. You can find the L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipstick in Red Passion at any drugstores and L’Oréal retailers.   

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range: Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion and Tea Tree Oil

Hello everyone, this week has been very busy which explains the lack of posts, but the upcoming weeks are going to be crazier so hopefully I can get back on track with my writing this weekend. So to get us started, I decided to talk about a must-try skincare line for anyone with combination/oily skin or suffering from breakouts: The Body Shop Tea Tree range.

Tea tree oil is a great natural antiseptic that works wonders in skincare. From personal experience, I found that it helps soothe the skin and heal any blemishes. On recurring spots the antiseptic properties come in handy, making it a great treatment. The Body Shop Offers an amazing range of tea tree oil based products (see them all here), but their lotion and oil are my favorites with a special mention going to the face wash (here).

The Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion is a lightweight lotion that provides light hydration while helping your skin get clearer. I love using it when it gets hot outside because it keeps your skin matte without leaving any residue or feeling powdery. It does make your skin clearer by healing exciting blemishes, but it does not dry out your skin. Depending on how my skin feels, I also like to use this as a spot treatment instead of apply it all over. If you have dry skin, I recommend doing this because I don’t think this will provide enough moisture on its own. The only downside is the size, it comes in a small tube so you don’t get a lot, but it is quite affordable.

The Tea Tree Oil is the most basic version of the ingredient you can get and this little bottle is something I am never without. I have never used a better spot treatment, one drop is all you need and it leaves no traces on your skin so you can use it under makeup. I apply it directly to any spots and it tones down redness, reduces their size and heals them faster without causing any irritation to the spot or surrounding skin. I cannot recommend this enough, the results are astounding and if that isn’t enough, it’s super affordable and the bottle while last you ages.

You can find The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion and Tea Tree Oil from any of their stores and on their website (Lotion, Oil). 

How to Get a Brighter Smile

Who does not wish to have a bright set of pearly whites? Having a nice white smile is something most of us aspire to, however using whitening strips or getting your teeth professionally whiten will not do much in the long run if you don’t take care or your smile. Today I thought I’d round up my favorite products to keep my smile radiant and give me more confidence.

First of all you need a good toothbrush. Please ditch your old/frayed toothbrush and get yourself a GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush. This is what your teeth have been dreaming of, a toothbrush with super fine and tapered bristles that allow you to get to hard to reach areas. I have never used anything like it, my teeth have been cleaner and even my dentist noticed a difference since I switched to this.

Now for your second most important tool: toothpaste. I have been loving the Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Enamel Shield Gel Toothpaste in Soothing Smooth Mint for the last two years. It’s a gel toothpaste with little particles that really deep-cleans your teeth and mouth. It creates a finer foam than traditional toothpastes and my mouth always feels fresher after I use it. Unlike other products, it never made my teeth sensitive and the soothing smooth mint flavor is refreshing but not too strong.

Next is the bane of any routine, yes I’m talking about floss. I used to hate flossing, don’t get me wrong I still don’t like it now, but the Oral-B Glide 3D White Floss makes it more bearable. Unlike other floss, this is not a string that hurts your gums, it is a thin flat ribbon that smoothly goes between your teeth. This floss is never uncomfortable to use and the minty flavor does not burn but instead leaves a nice taste in your mouth.

Lastly is something that I don’t consider a must-have, nonetheless I like to use it from time to time. In the past, I could not use mouthwash because I found them too strong, the Crest 3D White Glamorous White Rinse Mouthwash was the perfect solution. I can now enjoy the feel of a super clean mouth without the burn of alcohol/mint. I don’t use this every time I brush my teeth, but it is nice to use after flossing or before going to bed. 

I hope you find this post helpful and that it will inspire you take better care of your teeth. You can find all these products in most drugstore and they are all affordable. Do you have any favorite products or tips to get a whiter smile? I would love to hear from you?

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Let’s talk about mascara shall we? Recently, I have been trying to go through my stash of mascaras and I thought it was about time I gave the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara a go. My love for Maybelline mascaras is well documented on here so let’s see if this one can hold up to the others.

This latest offering from the brand promises a “full fan effect” with the help of 10 layers of bristle on a curved wand. The wand follows the contour of the eyes really well and the longer bristles at the end do give your lashes a more fanned out effect. In the length and volume department, you get a decent amount of both, but this mascara focuses more on defining and curling your lashes. The wand allows you to get between your lashes and separate them, making your eyes look more open. The overall effect is quite impressive, especially for such and affordable product.

The formula itself is great too, the color is very intense and it does not smudge or flake off. I did not purchase the waterproof version but once it dries, the mascara really sets and holds the curl. The Lash Sensational is one of the best mascaras I have tried for holding a curl, my lashes were in fact still perfectly curled at the end of the day. However all these amazing results come at a price, I find it very hard to remove. To me this is a big drawback because I removing my eye makeup is my least favorite part of my skincare routine. Even with a cleansing oil, I need to scrub quite a bit and still found some residue and smudges afterwards.  This does not stop the mascara from being amazing but it is important to consider when using it. If you know you’ll be coming home late you might when to use something else because it will be hard to remove and no one wants to mess around with makeup remover when they are tired. 

You can find the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara on their website and on Feelunique as well as in most drugstores.