EVENT | The Estee Lauder Spring 2018 Preview

I have mentioned before that I do not often do event posts, but the last one I did for London Drugs (here) seemed to be well-received so I figured I would try to share a glimpse of what happens at media events and what we as bloggers are privy to. Some events are either at night where the light is not great or it's REALLY crowded so getting photos can be a challenge, but today at the Estee Lauder Spring preview I had the whole place to myself!

Yesterday's preview took place at one of my favourite hotels in Vancouver - the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, which is where my husband and I treat ourselves almost every anniversary because it is just one of the nicest hotels in Vancouver! The actual event took place in one of the penthouse suites on the top floor and when I walked in, I was immediately greeted with a chocolate wall of lips to showcase the lauch of the new Pure Color Liquid Envy glosses! We will get to that later, but the highlight of the preview was the new Perfectionist Pro which is an anti-aging collection targeted at "defying gravity" and filling in wrinkles ANYWHERE.

EVENT | London Drugs 2017 Fall Beauty Event

I rarely do event posts because I never know if you guys are interested in reading about them, but this year's annual London Drugs Beauty Event was something totally different than from previous years as it was an overnight event taking place in beautiful Whistler! London Drugs very generously hosted all media at the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler with each of us having our own accommodations. For me this meant lounging in bed and watching Food Network! Though it was a bit of a challenge to attend the event, as it was in the middle of the week, I did a bit of soul-selling with my boss and even SHE thought this was something I needed to go to! I am going to apologize for the quality of the photos now with their different sizes (I had to crop out the hoardes of people passing by the products!) and horrific lighting! I promise the photos will be better when my reviews are ready! 

EVENT | Getting Face Mapped at Dermalogica #FaceMapNation

Way back in April of this year, the Dermalogica launched a worldwide skincare campaign called "Face Map Our Nation" using Dermalogica's zone-by-zone approach to skin analysis. The Dermalogica Institute in Vancouver hosted a face-mapping event that I unfortunately could not attend because I was in Calgary for work, but the folks at Faulhaber were kind enough to book me in last month so I could experience a face mapping session!

EXPERIENCE | Aveda Canada Revisited - Getting Highlights and Going "Ash Blond"

At the end of July, I announced that I had become an Aveda Institute Vancouver Ambassador which, in all honesty, is something I feel more comfortable doing as going blond has given me a whole new appreciation for hair care. Between my skin and hair care regimes, I probably appear somewhat vain because I seem to spending immeasurable amounts of time on just the top part of my body! What I can truly say though is that having hair I love has made me feel so much more confident. Yes, inner beauty is more important, but this post is all about the HAIR.

After having a haircut and styling session last month (read all about it here!),I decided it was time to let Aveda do something about my summer blond that was getting a little too orange for me. I was greeted by the lovely Amy who got me settled and all cozy with a very FAT September issue of Vogue and a cup of Aveda's herbal tea. Amy then asked me a simple question,"What do you love and what do you dislike about your hair right now?" The answer was easy. I wanted the orange and brassiness taken out and possibly a darker hue for the Fall season. What I loved? I loved the length of my hair and the way the balayage was growing in so what Amy and I decided on was to tone the blond and add some low lights to give my hair some "refinement". 

EXPERIENCE | Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Hammam, Gommage and Grand Caudalie Facial

As many of you know, I was recently in Montreal and Toronto for a much needed vacation and while I was on the train to Toronto, I remembered that I was headed to the land where the Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie resided. After reviewing and LOVING the original hammam in Vancouver (here), I was given the opportunity to visit its much bigger sister at the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Toronto. I was actually flying back to Vancouver at 6pm and being an extremely nervous flyer, I booked a hammam, gommage* (30min/$135 CDN) and Grand Caudalie Facial* (60 min/$170 CDN) in the hopes that I would be a bowl of unanxious jelly by the time I was boarding the plane.

Photo credit: MacIntyre Communications

I can’t even type how I felt after the treatment so I will convey it was this photo of Hugo. I was just MELTY! Read on to find out about my experience because there are a few notable differences between the two locations.

EXPERIENCE | Aveda Canada Institute Tour, Haircut & Review in Photos

Earlier this month I was invited to be an Aveda Institute Vancouver Ambassador which I did not hesitate to say “yes” to as I have been a long time user of their Rosemary Mint Shampoo and the “shampure” scent of the Hand Relief Moisturizing Hand Cream is just to DIE FOR. The first order of business was a hair appointment and tour of the Aveda Institute in Vancouver located on Water Street in the ever eclectic Gastown in downtown Vancouver. It is tourist season so this area was bustling with activity on the day of my appointment. For those unfamiliar with the Gastown area, this is the City’s oldest neighbourhood and has been designated a national historic site. There are loads of fun eats, treats and little boutiques that both visitors and locals enjoy regularly throughout the year.

EVENT | Where the Magic Happens: Tata Harper Farm (VERY PICTURE HEAVY!)

This post has been a long time coming, but many of you know that a few weeks back I had the opportunity to visit the farm where ALL Tata Harper skincare products are produced, batched and formulated. Skincare has an incredibly special place in my lipstick-filled heart and what makes this company special to me is the TRULY 100% natural formulations and the artisanal story and science behind each product. The words “natural” and “organic” are used very loosely now with regards to food and beauty products so what I love about Tata Harper products are that they have gone above and beyond to set themselves apart and add transparency to what “natural” truly means. Having each product certified by Eco Cert, the American Vegan and Vegetarian Associations as well as being made without a single drop of synthetics is already HUGE when it comes to skincare.

Wondering where this magical farm is? It’s in Vermont. Canadians, do not be ashamed to whip out your Google Maps because that’s what I had to do! Located in the east, in the Maritimes of the United States and home to apparently some of the best maple syrup and skiing out there (although my Montreal-born hubby disagrees with the maple syrup point)! The flight to Vermont was far from direct and while I failed to mention the people at Tata Harper that I was afraid of flying, seeing the farm was well-worth the week of apprehension.

EVENTS | A Busy Wednesday with La Prairie, Sephora VIB Rouge Makeover and Saje Wellness!

I was a bit of a busy bee last Wednesday as there were multiple events happening in addition to a work training session I had that morning. I find it so hard to plan for 9am – 9pm so I made sure to bring an extra pair of comfy shoes, some granola bars and an umbrella because guess what? It was raining HARD in VanCity that day! After work and lunch with my hubby, I headed on over to Holt Renfrew for the La Prairie “Meet the Experts” Event with Director of Education, Becky Watkins, and her team. Here, I learned all about the story behind La Prairie skincare as I wasn’t too familiar with the science behind the products. I was also treated to a full one hour consult with Becky who took the time to find out more about me and my skin and designed a full skincare regime that we were able to try right on my face.

I was provided some lovely treats by Holt Renfrew which I never even got a chance to eat because I was so full from lunch! La Prairie is certainly a LUXE skincare line when it comes to pricing and packaging. Their story is a mix of science, ingredients from the Swiss Alps and working to create some of the most effective skincare products on the market.

I didn’t have any immediate skincare concerns and really just wanted products that were more preventative in nature in terms of keeping fine lines at bay and reducing the amount of hyperpigmentation on my skin. The line that was recommended to me was the Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Collection that targets the first signs of aging, dullness and fatigued skin. I fell in love with the Dry Oil right away and when mixed with the Cream, my skin felt amazing! Apparently, a lot of men love the Dry Oil too because it sinks into the skin in just a few minutes and is zero fuss.

EVENT | Estee Lauder Spring/Summer 2015 Preview at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia

About a week and a half ago, the lovely folks at Overcat Communications invited beauty bloggers and media alike to relish in the newest Estee Lauder beauty releases for the Spring and Summer season. Taking place at my FAVOURITE hotel in Vancouver, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the format was slightly different in that in addition to the tour of products, there was a theme: “3 Minute Beauty”. We were all given step by step tutorials for three looks that we were assured would only take three minutes to do: Perfect Brows, Skyhigh Cheekbones and the Simple Smoky Eye. All of these being very important for that girl on the go!  

Courreges Estee Lauder is a brand new mod-inspired makeup collection with colours intended to “float” on the face. With its capsule-like packaging and Jetson family-worthy shades, this is a collaboration you need to check out at Sephora. There is a liquid white eyeliner that is to DIE FOR. 

EXPERIENCE | Miraj Hammam Spa–Hammam, Gommage, Seaweed Detox Treatment

It’s a new year, so time to experience something new. Situated on the corner of West 6th and Granville Street in Vancouver is the unassuming Miraj Hammam Spa. Residing in this location for 15 years, I have gone past it numerous times on the drive to UBC, but of course never thought to go in. Thinking back, as a student the stress level is so high that a spa day would have been the best medicine! I was first invited to experience the hammam and gommage and loved it so much that I went back the next week for a January special called the “Fresh Start Seaweed Detox” which included the hammam and gommage plus a full body seaweed clay mask and massage.

Event | Lush Holiday 2014 and Pacific Centre Opening

Every retailer “does” Christmas, but there is always something about Lush that signals the holidays have arrived. I feel like this goes beyond being a beauty blogger. Some fads are just in my head, but I feel like everyone loves Christmas at Lush and cannot wait for annual favourites like Snow Fairy and Hot Toddy to grace the shelves once more.  A few weeks ago, Lush held their holiday festivities at the newly-opened Pacific Centre location. Things were in full swing by the time I arrived!

It’s Official! Hudson's Bay is Re-Opening in Richmond Centre in a HUGE way!

Earlier this week, I raved about the newly revamped Hudson’s Bay set to open tomorrow, but for those of you that haven’t been to The Bay in awhile, you are in for an awakening! The Bay isn’t just your grandmother’s one-stop department shop anymore. The beauty division alone is no longer about a counter between you and your beauty advisor. Instead, each brand has its own boutique and personality featuring elements unique to Richmond Centre. The idea is to give shoppers the same experience shopping at the Dior boutique at The Bay as they would in Paris. All the structural elements are identical and there are now even product exclusives, such as Dior Prestige, that are exclusive to The Bay in Richmond Centre! I live almost an hour away, but with all of these exclusives, I may just have to plan a few shopping trips to Richmond!  

Shu Uemura | Richmond Centre Opening with Makeover by Taca Ozawa!

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the new shu uemura counter opening at The Bay in Richmond Centre and get my makeup done by the amazing makeup artist Taca Ozawa! Richmond Centre is a one hour drive for me so it just goes to show how much I wanted to go to the opening!

Kiss and Makeup | Open in North Vancouver PLUS Makeup Look Featuring Vancouver brand RMS Beauty!

Kiss and Makeup, a local fashion and beauty haven founded by Heather Huntingford, has recently made the move to my ‘hood of North Vancouver to entice, delight and thrill us with local, hard-to-find and just awesome brands with great messages behind them. Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was the wood floor and the salvaged display pieces that immediately made me feel at home. Taking a closer look at the product selection, I noticed right away that Kiss and Makeup carries brands that are what I would consider TOP NOTCH including: RMS Beauty, Ilia, Tata Harper, Ellis Faas, Vincent Longo, Principessa Beauty, fresh, Oribe, Deborah Lippmann and even Anne Sportun jewellery!

The Body Shop | Girls Night Out Event and Giveaway!

The Body Shop will be hosting a Girls Night Out event in ALL their stores across Canada this Thursday, July 17th! This event is a chance for customers to find out about new launches, get free mini makeovers and take advantage of exclusive deals!

When: Thursday, July 17 2014, 4.00 PM - close

Where: ALL The Body Shop stores across Canada

In-store Deals:

· Mini makeovers (drop-in or call your local The Body Shop store to make an appointment)

·  $5 off Fab 5

o For all customers: $5 off Body Sorbets

o For Love Your Body members only:

$5 off Instablur

$5 off Instablur Eye

$5 off Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

$5 off Tea Tree BB Cream

·  Love Your Body Membership Card Sign Up Offer*

o For Non-Love Your Body Members - Free Japanese Cherry Blossom Bundle

And it gets SO MUCH BETTER! All Cosmetic Proof readers who tweet/Instagram a picture of themselves at any Girls Night Out event with #TheBodyShopGNO, @TheBodyShopCA and @CosmeticProof will be entered to win a hamper of The Body Shop Summer Must-Haves worth $100! 

I can’t wait to see pictures of all of you having a blast on July 17th! Have a great time and bring your friends!

American Crew Hair Event at Farzad’s Barber Shop

Last month I had the pleasure of attending the American Crew hair event held at Farzad’s Barber Shop in Yaletown. What made this event more unique was that it was for the men so I invited my husband to experience the perks of being married to a beauty blogger! He is also an avid user of American Crew products and already knew all about Farzad’s reputation so I was really the one who needed to be taught a thing or two when I got there!Also, just a few weeks ago it was announced that American Crew has won the Salon Magazine Reader’s Choice Award in the category of Men’s Brands so even though it’s a men’s brand, maybe I should give it a try sometime!

(all photos by Greg Robbins of Lemon Squeeze)

In addition to the standard wash, cut and style, Farzad’s offers a Deluxe Hot Shave using a straight edge blade and several hot towels that looked so relaxing. My husband chose not to do this because he likes his beard and is selective about how it’s groomed. I can empathize as that is now I am with my nails!

This is Farzad looking pretty badass on this motorcycle that I’m guessing no one other than Farzad can sit on!

This is the one picture I was allowed to take of my husband as he wanted his haircut to be conducted without me taking a bunch of pictures! You can see from the ambience that Farzad’s is very warm and not intimidating like a salon. As women, we’re fine with the salon atmosphere, but I think men need one that’s more comforting and easier to navigate. There was a male blogger right beside my husband getting the Deluxe Hot Shave and when he was done his skin looked like a baby’s! The shave was so close and his skin was so soft and smooth that I almost wanted a beard just to experience what he had!

All in all, my husband loved his haircut as well as the experience and was just a ball of American Crew knowledge that made me proud! I had no idea! A big thank you to American Crew, Mary from Revlon Pro Brands and Farzad’s Barber Shop for the invite and for hosting! 

ACI Beauty Event Spring/Summer 2014 Preview (Picture Heavy!)

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Spring/Summer preview for Stila, Cargo Cosmetics, Ceramic Glaze, Seche, Anna Sui and Ardell Lashes held at the beautiful Rosewood Hotel Georgia. This hotel is serious stuff guys and is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Vancouver. The event showcased some amazing products and really got me excited to share them all with you!

#BlogVanCity Blogger Meetup Event!

About three weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to attend my first blogger meetup in Vancouver organized by the amazing trio: Sheila from Maddy Loves, Jordana from JustJ and Angela from Do Want Makeup. If I had known about their organizational capabilities sooner, I would have let them organize by wedding!

There were over 20 beauty bloggers/vloggers in attendance as well as PR reps from a variety of companies all of whom were an absolute pleasure to meet (in person finally!). I was a little nervous about meeting everyone all at once, but the atmosphere was so welcoming that I couldn’t help, but chatter away with everyone once things got going!