Spicing Up a Midweek Mani with L.A. Girl–Uninhibited

Now that my business meeting is over and people don’t need to take my quite as seriously, I can have just a little bit more fun with the nails! What I decided to sport today is two coats of L.A. Girl–Uninhibited on top of Butter London–Snog. I love how Uninhibited is composed of two different sizes of black glitter!

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January 2013 Ipsy Bag

January’s Ipsy Bag is all about having the tools and products to look like a super star and even had little stars printed on the inside of the bag which I thought were absolutely adorable! I always look forward to what Michelle Phan and her crew have put together and this month’s bag was another winner for me!

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NYX-The Curve: Functional or Forget About It?

I have to admit that when I first heard about this last year, I did not want to admit how curious I was about how The Curve worked. As soon as I saw its curvaceous body, all I wanted to do was hold it. Very romantic talk for an eye liner I know! I have always had somewhat shaky hands when it comes to applying eye liner (I can paint nails just not my eyes!) so knowing NYX’s affordable price point, I picked one up at London Drugs over Boxing Week and decided I had nothing to lose!

An innovative, ergonomic shape that makes applying liquid liner mistake-proof. The grip zone provides just the right hold to make application precise, secure and best of all...effortless.

The Curve also promises to be water-resistant, quick drying, smudge-proof and last up to 14 hours without feathering, skipping or running. Sounds like a pretty amazing eye liner!

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Swatch It Up: Butter London–Snog

My last nail polish haul seems to contain many colours that I just couldn’t wait to wear! I wanted to do nail art for my Nerdy Nail Challenge, but I have a business meeting tomorrow, so I didn’t think it was appropriate for me to have “fun” nails just yet. They will be coming this week though so I ask you to be patient with me! I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but when nail polish bottles get too big, I often have trouble holding them because I have extremely small hands. Butter London bottles are so wide that I’m never able to get those beautiful bottle shots that a lot of you girls do!

This is the very saucy Butter London-Snog! I love the name of this polish and I just might bring this out again closer to Valentine’s Day. This is a bright, happy hot pink creme that was opaque in 3 coats for me and also had a great glossy shine all on its own. I know that a lot of us probably have a pink like this somewhere in our collection, but I like that Snog leans more on the intense hot pink. The other pinks I have don’t have a creme finish which is why I picked up this beauty!

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Have a great start to the week everyone!

Round Five of Sample Sundays!

It has gotten to the point where I actually look forward to choosing new products for Sample Sundays and the thought of rifling through my bottomless pit of samples brings me great joy. Again, I’ve chosen just a few samples for the next two weeks as I always forget how long it takes to use up facial products!

Here is what will be in the sample bucket for the next little while:

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1. Petal Organics Firming Body Cream (0.5oz)

2. Mereadesso Beautiful Body Balm (30mL)

3. Kandy Kane Natural Body Scrub (1 oz)

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4. AHAVA Hydration Cream Mask (20mL)

5. Original Purity Skin Care Raw Seeds Facial Gelee (0.25oz)

6. L’Occitane 25% Shea Butter Ultra Rich Face Cream (15mL)

7. L’Occitane 5% Shea Butter Fabulous Serum (7mL)

8. Delizioso Skincare Watermelon and CoQ10 Natural Face Polish (15mL)

9. Mereadesso Face and Neck Toning Gel (7mL)

I have been looking forward to trying the L’Occitane Shea Butter line. I’m getting so sick of my Korres samples…it’s time to switch things up!

Swatch It Up: Deborah Lippmann–Sweet Dreams

In my last nail mail post I had mentioned that I would never purchase another Deborah Lippmann polish and I should clarify that I only meant because of price. They seem like such an extravagance that only if a colour was truly unique or possibly on sale would I ever splurge again. Over the holidays, Nail Polish Canada had all Deborah Lippmann polishes for 30% off and since they never go on sale I was all over it!

This is Deborah Lippmann-Sweet Dreams which is described on the Deborah Lippmann site as a “candied pink 3D holographic” polish. Now, for those of us who are absolute nail polish whores, I would not consider this polish to be holographic at all! This is the perfect example of a FLAKIE! What I have on is three coats as this polish can be a bit sheer. Even with three coats there is still some VNL.

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deborahlippmann_sweetdreamsEeek! You can totally see fingerprints with flash!

To be honest, I haven’t decided how I feel about this polish…I feel like it doesn’t really suit my skin tone. This is certainly a unique polish, but I feel like I fell in love with the bottle more than the colour itself. Have you ever had “bottle-love”?

Nail Mail from Butter London and Nail Polish Canada!

Just a quick post for today with some of my latest acquisitions! Some of you might know that Butter London Canada is currently running a BOGO 50% off promo with free shipping over $60! I placed my order yesterday and it arrived today! I couldn’t believe how fast the shipping was until I saw that it was shipped out of Vancouver! I think I have found another “bestie” in the city. Dangerous, I know! I was so happy to finally get my hands on the holographic Butter London–Fishwife, which is an online exclusive.

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These are my Nail Polish Canada purchases with Nubar-GS14 being my choice over Zoya-Storm as they were close, but I liked the glitter dispersion in GS14 better.

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I know I said that I would never buy another Deborah Lippmann polish, but when NPC had them on sale for 30% off, I just couldn’t resist! I also picked up the mini trio over Boxing Week.

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Annnnd…the list of untrieds grows exponentially!

A Very Late December 2012 Natural Beauty Box

There has been much beauty box drama on the Facebook pages of Glossybox, Glymm and even TNBB. The first issue was how the December boxes shipped out only this month due to some items not arriving on time, then there were some strange messages from someone named “Dr. Emerald” who was revealed to be the mother of the two sisters running TNBB. Also, it turns out that most of the products provided in the TNBB are actually from subsidiary companies owned by a parent company ATL International owned by none other than the girls of TNBB.  I know this isn’t exactly a secret and I have been enjoying the products, but it I think this should have been clear right from the beginning.

Drama aside, I really did enjoy December’s TNBB and its array of products! I think I may have even liked it more than my October one. December had all sorts of sweet-smelling goodies that I fully look forward to using! Let’s check out the products, shall we?   

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Film Strip Nails ala Zooey Deschanel at the Golden Globes!

Zooey Deschanel has become a bit of a nail art lover over the last little while and this year’s Golden Globes were no exception! There have been many recreations on the nail blogosphere as of late, so I apologize if any of you are just sick of seeing these, but when I saw the latest cutepolish tutorial for film strip nails, I knew I had to give them a try!

I started off with three coats of Venique – Wingtip White and then OPI – Goldeneye for the film strip. I drew the camera and outlined the film strip with black and white acrylic paint. I finished off with inm-Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat in “Gold” on three fingers and Sephora by OPI – Only Gold For Me Top Coat on my thumb and pinky.

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Will any of you take a stab at film strip nails? They are so cute to look at once they’re all finished!

Stamping Fail with Gold Glitter to Make It All Better

A new year is all about trying new things and doing things that scare you and stamping is exactly one of those things for me. It still freaks me out to do and the thought of ruining a manicure with a horrific stamping job drives me insane so I rarely do it, but Julep-Olivia was looking a little plain for me so I decided to use my never-before-tried gold Konad stamping polish and m73 stamping plate from Born Pretty to try and create something more interesting.

So, I ended up double stamping each nail because I messed one up and then just decided to go with it since I didn’t feel like painting my nails again. I topped off my disaster with Sephora – It’s Real 18K Gold Top Coat and things looked more “artistic”.

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Have a great Friday everyone! Today is unfortunately a Monday for me, but have a great weekend everyone!

Review-MaskerAide “All Nighter” Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask

Welcome to a long overdue review of the MaskerAide sheet masks! I have been using Asian facial sheet masks since early last year as a blast of moisture for my skin and was looking for a possible Canadian substitute of equal quality.

MaskerAide is a Canadian company that promises the safest formula for all skin types while being eco-friendly too! MaskerAide masks are literally soaking in a highly concentrated argan oil-based serum with vitamins and nutrients and are free of parabens, harsh dyes and pigments, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, benzophenone (possible photosensitizer) and glycerins. There are five other face masks in the Maskeraide family that are broken down into two categories. Detox Diva, Pre Party Prep and All Nighter are lighter, clear serum masks that can be used either in the morning or at night or just before applying makeup. Beauty Rest'ore, I Don't Wanna Grow Up, and Weather Warrior are cream-based masks and are best used for just before bedtime.

I plan to review each of the six masks and give an idea of what each one is like and if the experience is different for each one so let’s begin with “All Nighter”!

Whether you were up all night studying or out all night partying, we’ve got you covered to face the long day ahead. Apply our ALL NIGHTER mask to awaken, refresh and replenish your skin. The cooling effects of the mask will help de-puff and awaken your eyes, while natural Peppermint Oil awakens your senses. Aloe, Argan Oil, Heartleaf (a powerful detoxifier), Honey, Super Fruit and Cactus Extracts work together to erase the signs of the previous night and get you “boardroom” ready!

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December 2012 Beauty Box 5

And the lateness of the beauty box subs continues! There was a beautiful product/Christmas card that was so sweet with its well wishes and thank yous. It made me feel so appreciated as a subscriber and was very thoughtfully worded. Now, let’s pretend it’s still December and see what BB5 has brought me for Christmas!

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Swatch It Up: Julep-Olivia

I have been craving chocolate-covered coffee beans all day, so I will have to contend with having equally delicious-looking nails! Julep-Olivia is described as a “rich and graceful, dark chocolate truffle crème” and could have been opaque in one coat, but I always feel better doing two. The formula of this polish was ever slightly more watery than other Julep polishes I have used so my cuticles needed a bit more clean-up than usual as the polish would bleed into them. Other than that, this is a beautiful espresso brown and is a fantastic “cold-weather” polish. I just wish fingerprints didn’t show up quite so easily!

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Hope everyone is having a Happy Hump Day!

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Thinking of becoming a Maven? Feel free to use my referral link or sign up the regular way!

Review of the New Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Powder Foundation

Skin with a flawless finish is just in make up fairy tales, right? When it comes to foundation, I am a skeptic. I am usually far too scared to use anything other than mineral foundation or BB cream because a lot of liquid and powder foundations tend to look so cakey on me or further accentuate how dry certain areas of my face are. I will admit that when I got a chance to try Make Up For Ever’s Pro Finish Powder, I had very low expectations. Not because of the company, but because of my previously not so impressive experiences with powder foundations. I have to apologize to the make up gods, because I was SO WRONG.

The first new foundation from Make Up For Ever in 4 years, Pro Finish is a multi-use foundation that can be applied wet for sheer satin coverage or dry for full matte coverage for a flawlessly professional finish. It also comes in 25 shades so there is sure to be a match for everyone!

Pro Finish’s breakthrough formula boasts a Vegetal Lecithin coating that wraps around each pigment to transform the product’s texture so it stays on the skin better, longer and more effectively.  Silica and Sericite powders deliver a light-reflecting, soft focus effect, while Ximenia oil and Aloe Vera powder add comfort and nourishment.
Pro Finish is mineral oil-, fragrance-, and paraben-free and the formula boasts significantly less talc than traditional formulations, eliminating the dreaded chalky, cakey effect often associated with compact foundations.

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Blogger Favourites Giveaway!

I had hinted on my Facebook page that I might have had a giveaway up my sleeve! I figured this was the best time to do a giveaway as most of you are on beauty bans for the next 90 days and won’t be buying things for awhile. So, here is my guilt-free gift to all of you!

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1. Real Techniques On Location Travel Essentials

One of the most raved about brush sets, this includes a 2 in 1 case and stand, an Essential Foundation Brush, Multi-Task Brush and Domed Shadow Brush.

2. MUA Heaven and Earth Palette

Often compared to the Naked palette, but at a much more affordable price point, this palette contains all the brown shadows you could ever need to create the ultimate neutral look.

3. Bioderma Sensibio Micelle Solution

Touted as one the gentlest makeup removing solutions, I have been loving this for removing even the most stubborn eye makeup without irritation. This is a travel-friendly size that I have only seen at Shoppers Drug Mart and comes in a too cute bottle!

4. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

I have raved about L’Occitane enough and realized I should share with one lucky reader how wonderful their products are! This is a full sized version of their best-selling hand cream which I know you will love!

5. L’Occitane Lip Balm Duo

This was just such a cute duo that I could resist getting it!

This giveaway is open internationally and is open until February 14th. Good luck everyone!

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December 2012 Ipsy Bag

Time seemed to move at super speed during the holidays and although I received my Ipsy bag at some point during December, I apologize for only getting to it now. It’s funny, but I find unboxing posts take the longest to write/take pictures and such, but are the posts that are the quickest to read!

I don’t think there was too much variation in December’s Ipsy bags unless you were one of the select subscribers who received a sample of Urban Decay’s BB Cream for being a more “active Ipsy community member”. I’m not sure if that’s just limited to those in the US though…

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Day 2 of the Nerdy Nail Challenge-My Favourite Virus!

When I was studying virology in my 4th year, I came across a virus I would never forget. It had a shape that I thought was so cool and caused an equally memorable infection. May I introduce you to rhabdovirus, the virus that causes rabies! Its known for its distinctive rod-shape and infects a broad range of hosts like insects, fish and mammals. Here is the prettiest diagram I could find and although I couldn’t fit all of this information on my nails, I hope you enjoy them anyway!

 

 

I started off with two coats of Barielle – U-Concrete-Me and then hand-painted each of the little rhabdoviruses with pink, purple and black acrylic paint. I even drew their little viral RNA! I then finished off with a coat of…you guessed it, China Glaze – Fairy Dust!

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Wanna See What Was In The Shopping Channel Holiday Surprise Box?

It feels like forever ago that I ordered this and I still have everything in this very box because of the build up of products that happened over the holidays. I keep blaming “the holidays” for my deep-seeded beauty acquisition issues, but if I’m still using that excuse in March, one of you please stage some sort of intervention!

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December 2012 American Beauty Julep Maven Box

When I saw the swatches for the December Maven Box, I knew that I had to have ALL THE GLITTERS! It was so hard for me to decide which box to get, but I think I made the right decision in the end by getting the American Beauty Box.

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My Last Sephora Splurge for Awhile…

I was $22 away from becoming a VIB so these are the “fruits of my labours”! With the season of Christmas and gluttony behind me, I’m still looking at my huge basket of beauty Christmas goodies and trying to figure out where to put everything. I really don’t want to have move into a new place to accommodate all of my beauty acquisitions so I’d ideally like to wait until the Spring to buy anything from Sephora again. Let’s see if I can do it!

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Make Up For Ever-All Eyes On You Review

This review should have begun with, “During the holidays, a girl wants her eyes to pop and stay that way all night…”, but like many of you, I was too crazy busy to have my eyes do anything, so even though the All Eyes On You set is no longer available through Sephora (*I think*), all of the products inside are part of MUFE’s core line. What’s nice is that all of the products included are full size and not minis.

MAKE UP FOR EVER “All Eyes On You” is a limited edition holiday kit that features five of
MAKE UP FOR EVER’s best-selling products to create a beautiful holiday make up look from
start to finish.  Complete with application instructions, this kit will teach you how to create a
flawless day-to-night look.
 

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Day 1 of the Nerdy Nail Challenge–Inspired by the Elements

Alright, you’ve got me. Call it a New Year’s resolution, but I have always wanted to do a series of science-inspired nail art which resulted in this completely made up challenge entitled the “Nerdy Nail Challenge” where I will embark on another journey of hopefully fun and maybe even educational designs for 31 days! I will be posting as often as I can, but this definitely won’t be an every day thing like the traditional almost stress-inducing 31 Day Challenge.

For my first design, inspired by the elements, I am referring to the elements of the periodic table for which I was inspired by Au and Ag; more commonly known as gold and silver. I’ve always wanted to do a structured “dotticure” so I started off with the only black polish I own, OPI – Black Onyx and then dotted on OPI – Goldeneye and Sally Hansen XTremewear – Celeb City for the large dots and filled in the spaces with Color Club – Antiquated.

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It’s Time for Sample Sundays Again!

Ah, what better way to start off 2013 than with choosing some samples to start the sample snowball going! I’m not going to go quite as crazy as before as I’m actually working on some massive full sized products that I have had for awhile (years!) and would prefer to see those emptied!

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1. Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturizing and Brightening Cream (20mL)

2. Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask (10mL)

3. Mark Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel (12g)

4. Balance Seawater Facial Mist (8mL)

5. Mark Kay Indulge Soothing Eye Gel (3g)

6. Pangea Organics Facial Cream (2mL x 2)

7. Korres Wild Rose Face and Eye Serum Brightening & Line Smoothing (20mL)

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8 & 9. Tresemme Split Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner (9mL)

10. Global Goddess Shine Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment (5mL x 2)

11. Kerastase Cristalliste Lumiere Liquide (3mL)

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12. Lucia Goat Milk and Linseed Soap (25g)

13. L’Occitane Bonne Mere Gentle Cream in Honey (15mL x 2)

14. L’Occitane Dry Skin Foot Cream (10mL)

15. Cuccio Naturale Butter in Pomegranate and Fig (9.24g)

December 2012 Luvs

I have thought about doing an all-time favourites post for 2012, but it was just too difficult to narrow it down to just a few products! Generally, I think it’s safe to say that if a product showed up in a Luvs post, it’ll be a favourite for awhile!

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Review-Villainess Dulces En Fuego White Sugar and Spiced Chocolate Warming Body Scrub

If chocolate was just as good of an exfoliating agent as it is a treat, then the Villainess Dulces En Fuego Body Scrub comes pretty damn close! I received a sample of the Dulces En Fuego Whipped Body Creme back in my September 2012 Glymm Bag and loved every last drop! I ended up buying the full sized version from the Glymm store which was on sale with the complementary body scrub. I decided to try the body scrub first as I has just run out of my current one.

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Winter 2012 Loose Button Luxe Box

Aren’t Luxe Boxes are so much more exciting now that they make us wait for them! It’s true that patience truly does make the heart grow fonder! I liked my Fall Luxe Box, but when I saw what other girls had gotten I was less excited. For this season, I had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I loved everything I received as well as the slightly revised packaging with all the products being contained in a silky sachet with the Loose Button logo printed on the corner.

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Ringing in 2013 in a Blaze of Purple and Glitter

Happy 2013 everyone!! I hope all of you enjoyed your last day off before the world gets back to normal. For some of you like myself, I was actually working today, but that’s ok, the weekend will be here soon enough!

I struggled with coming up with a manicure for New Year’s Eve as I had no idea what colour I even wanted my nails to be. All I knew was that there had to be some glitter involved! I eventually decided on Kleancolor – Metallic Purple with Color Club – Hot Like Lava sponged on the tips. Unfortunately, you can barely see it. I finished off with two coats of OPI – Pirouette My Whistle which is such a fun glitter! I didn’t think it would be such a blast in a bottle! My nails kind of look galaxy-esque don’t they?

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