Experience | Sabai Thai Spa Calm and Glow Spa Package

Gifted service

While I used to think that facials and massages were only for special occasions, once I started having a more stable income, I realized that spa treatments were both a mental and physical therapy session for me. They reset my body and help me to recharge to survive another work week or give my skin its glow again! A few weeks ago, I was invited to experience the Calm and Glow Spa Package at the newest Sabai Thai Spa location in Metrotown and I could not say no!

EXPERIENCE | Getting Dermaplaned and a Lash Lift and Tint at Mint Smilebar

Completely bare face with basic skincare and sunscreen. 

The act of face shaving or eliminating the fine peach fuzz on the face is something I was taught to do as a young teenager. My mom often picked up face shavers at the Asian grocery stores and though I never did my entire face, I have always kept these little razors in my bathroom for cleaning up around the moustache area. I love watching facial services on YouTube as a form of relaxation and when I came across dermaplaning, I started looking into whether there were any places in Vancouver I could get this done. Obviously, Instagram read my thoughts and started recommending Vancouver-based Mint Smilebar through my ads and as they were doing a promotion in combination with a lash lift, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get it done!

SKINCARE | NENA Skincare: Powered by Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay

I first got acquainted with NENA Skincare from a Shop and Shout campaign where I had the chance to try out their internationally beauty-acclaimed Clay Mask as well as their Cleansing Cream. NENA is based right here in Vancouver with all products made in Canada. What sets this brand apart from others in the natural beauty space is their use of sustainably harvested glacial oceanic clay from Northern British Columbia. This clay has been and is still used for centuries among the Homalco First Nations tribe for medicinal and wellness purposes. It is even ingested to boost the immune system! NENA also works in partnership with the Homlaco people to harvest and use this clay which I was glad to hear about because there have been so many wrongs done to First Nations communities that are slowly being healed so partnerships like these are steps in the right direction. Glacial oceanic clay is constantly being refreshed by the ocean and is only available for harvest ONCE a year under strict Canadian environmental regulations and NENA does this harvesting with ZERO ecological footprint!

PR samples

SHEET MASKS | Lumeclat by Bioesque Biocellulose Masks #CanadaEh

It is that time of the week where I talk sheet masks again and though I know they aren't everyone's cup of tea, out of all the beauty products I have ever featured, sheet masks seem to be such an icebreaker! I don't know if it's because I've gone from "I should look glam and pretty" to "I'm wearing a sheet mask, wanna fight about it?", but I feel less embarrassed about being bare faced and more confident in showcasing my own skin. I feel like if I'm going to invest in my skin like this, you all should get a chance to see how it's doing right? 

Sheet masks come in all price points and materials, but the real "investments" are when it comes to biocellulose masks! The good ones are usually more than $10 per mask and while I have enjoyed some good ones at a lower price point, there is nothing like a truly luxurious biocellulose mask like the Lumeclat ones from Vancouver-based company Bioesque!

PR samples

HAIR | Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner

Have you guys heard of hairdresser Phillip Adam? I feel like I should have considering that not only was he a Vancouver-based hairdresser for 50 years, but his haircare line is still family-run, based in Vancouver and is carried at over 700 retailers! All Phillip Adam products are: paraben-free, biodegradeable, vegan (except for ONE product which is vegetarian), cruelty-free, gluten-free, SLS-free and GMO-free with the Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Shampoo being THE #1 seller!

I don't often use hair care products with ACV because when I think vinegar, I think "stripping" which my dry, colour-treated hair does not need any more of. It already goes through the ringer when I have it coloured so I try to use products that have the words "hydrate, nourish or repair" in their product descriptions. Part of what has made the Phillip Adam ACV Shampoo such a success is the fact that it is completely safe for ALL types of hair with ACV ensuring that the scalp is pH balanced and hair extra shiny. The goal of the ACV line was to bridge the gap with a high performance product between what you could find in a salon and in a health food store.

PR samples

SKINCARE | Imbue Rose Water Mists in Lust, Muse, Soothe and Heaven

We all understand and have experienced what it means to have a scent transport us back to a childhood moment or elicit an emotion. One local Vancouver company has managed to "imbue" their Rose Water Mists with their own personal scent memories in the hopes of inspiring you to create your own or revel in Lust* ($22.00 CDN each), Muse*, Soothe* and Heaven*.

MAKEUP | Blynqe Cosmetics Matte Finish Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches

I love my hometown of Vancouver for its mountains, trees and now Blynqe Cosmetics! Liquid lipsticks have been all the rage for the better part of my blogging life and as of this past May, we can welcome a local Vancouver company to the liquid lippie family. I have slowly been getting more comfortable with wearing brights and what has always held me back was the fear of having the colour migrate to my teeth or face! Matte finishes have taken that fear out of my mind as glossiness or creaminess are what make colour want to jump ship. As they are a brand spankin' new company, Blynqe has just three shades in its liquid lipstick line up, but man do they make a statement!  

AROMATHERAPY | Here & Now Botanicals Rave Babe Aromatherapy Mist and Hangover Aromatherapy Oil

Reviewing the locally curated Vancity Box made me privy to a number of new local Vancouver brands and now that our dollar is just "ugh", I am MORE than happy to keep my money here. I have always devoted a place in my consumer heart for the local business as both of my parents are small business owners. In November's Vancity box (review), I was introduced the brand Here & Now Botanicals, a Vancouver-based skincare/aromatherapy company that stood out to me for their festival culture product names, clean glass packaging and of course their scents!

Though I already have a TON of headache remedies both natural and not-so-natural, my test for an aromatherapy company is whether they have something minty to ease not only pain, but nausea. I go through these roll-ons for headaches so quickly that I have a 30mL bottle of peppermint oil at the ready to refill them! My three favourite headache/nausea easing scents are: peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender and guess what? All three are in Here & Now's Hangover Aromatherapy Oil* (10mL/$15.00 CDN)! 

I only wish there was more of a tingly feeling on my skin when I roll it on, but the scent is so refreshing and HEAD-CLEARING. Not only does it help with nausea from motion sickness (I really can't read CBB network threads on the bus!), but if you find yourself congested, roll this on the palms of your hands and take a deep breath. Holy moly will your sinuses feel better! I feel like I am breathing in crisp mountain air which feels amazing. It's like HERE AND NOW (sorry, I had to) I can make better life decisions!

Ingredients: Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Mentha piperita (Peppermint) oil, Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus) oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil, Betula lenta (Birch) oil, Vetiveria zizanoides (Vetiver) oil, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) oil, Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) oil, Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) seed extract.

I thought pillow sprays were just silly, but when I started using diffusers I often wished the scents I was diffusing could stay with me forever which is when I started using a lavender pillow spray to help me settle down before bed. The Rave Babe Aromatherapy Mist* ($15.00 CDN) caught my attention not only for its name and gorgeously blue glass bottle, but because it features my new favourite aromatherapy scent - jasmine! Jasmine can be overdone, but as a mist combined with lavender, it is perfectly balanced and leaves a hint of scent in the air and on on my sheets.

Ingredients: Aqua (Distilled water), Jasminum grandiflorum (Jasmine) oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil.

Final verdict: My second experience with Here & Now Botanicals has gotten me looking at shipping rates and stockists for this brand so let that be a sign to you all! Their skincare is definitely something I want to try especially the 3 Step Aromatherapy Skin Care Program!

Order Here & Now Botanicals online or click here for a list of retailers. 

SUBSCRIPTION BOX | November Vancity Box Review

After October's raving review (here) of the Vancity Box, I was more than delighted to be given the opportunity to review November's box as well especially now that we are into the holiday season trying to get gift ideas for our loved ones (or ourselves!). As I mentioned in my previous review, this is a purely artisanal subscription box that is filled with goods made by local companies and there were definitely some familiar favourites this month!

SUBSCRIPTION BOX | NEW! Vancity Box "Our City in a Box" - Supporting Local Business in Vancouver

Yes, I love the "big brands" and I will admit that there are times when I believe that God placed me on this planet to be a consumer, but I ultimately have a very soft spot for buying local. Vancouver has some of the BEST locally-made goods especially when it comes to food! Living on the West Coast gives us a huge advantage when it comes to food selection which is why the inaugural Vancity Box* is the perfect start to wonderful and new subscription for BC residents as it is filled with local Vancouver food delights guaranteed to make your mouth water!
 

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.

NAILS | Celebrating Vancouver Pride with Incoco Nail Polish Appliques!

Yes, this BC Day long weekend is about that shorter work week, spending time with the family and also the official launch of Vancouver Pride! There are a ton of events this weekend with today being the well-loved Pride Parade as well as more after hours partying! I am someone who is a total homebody so I took today for myself, but I was celebrating in my own way with these fun specially designed limited edition nail polish appliques from Incoco! I have reviewed Incoco before (here) and found them to be one of the better nail strips for my very curved nails. These are the Pride Nails* (14.95 USD) with proceeds from each purchase going towards supporting the health and well-being of all LGBTTQ communities!

Shiseido x #TheJayneExperience | Win a Personalized Luxury Shiseido Facial!

Remember that absolutely AMAZING facial I had at the Shiseido counter at Hudson’s Bay? If you don’t, here is a little reminder! I had such a great experience with the Shiseido team that we have decided to let FIVE Cosmetic Proof readers enjoy a luxurious personalized facial experience of their own so that you can know exactly how taken care of and good I felt after having a facial by Shiseido. All five winners will also receive a customized 123 Skincare Kit (no purchase necessary)! We just want you to sit back and relax.

Terms of the Giveaway

• Open to Vancouver ONLY (OR if you are from out of town and will be in the Vancouver area that’s ok too!)
• Winners must choose to have facial at either Hudson’s Bay Vancouver or Hudson’s Bay Richmond Centre
• Giveaway ends on March 20th, 2015 at 11:59pm
• The winner will have 48 hours to reply once they are contacted.

And starting today until March 22, there is a Shiseido gift with purchase only at The Bay!

GOOD LUCK!

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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 | Hype Hair Salon Review, First Time Colour + GIVEAWAY!

Two weeks ago, I booked my very first appointment to get my hair coloured. I swore to myself that I would not get my hair coloured until I start going gray, but at 31 it hasn’t happened yet, and I have been anxious to try something new. After reading some positive reviews for Hype Hair Salon and seeing them at Xpocity, I took the plunge and decided to enter the world of colour in baby steps by getting ombred(balayaged?)!

I was greeted relatively quickly, my coat taken and a glass of water offered while I waited. The studio was absolutely buzzing with activity and I couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement.

Attention Vancouverites! | The Best of Me Advanced Screening Tickets + Prize Pack GIVEAWAY!

The moment I hear the name: Nicholas Sparks, I am immediately transported back to high school when I first read “The Notebook” and “A Walk to Remember” which had me in a pile of teenage girl tears. This is an author that continuously tugs at the heartstrings of women everywhere and now eOne Films is generously offering you all the chance to bawl your eyes out at an advanced screening of the latest Nicholas Sparks movie – The Best of Me starring Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden and Liana Liberato.

Synopsis: Based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of the beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.

Xpocity Vancouver Event and Giveaway!

Get ready for Vancouver’s FIRST Women’s Shopping Social!

Say what?! I am unbelievably excited to share with you a truly unique event that’s happening right here in Vancouver on September 25th, 2014 at the Four Seasons Hotel! Hosted by the Socialettes, Xpocity is an expo that focuses on the 5 areas of a woman's lifestyle: Fashion/Beauty, Health/Fitness, Food, Home and Business/Career. This will be an evening of networking, shopping, connecting with female-focused vendors from Vancouver and getting access to Xpocity exclusive offers!

Now, for the extra exciting part! Xpocity is generously giving away The Girlfriend Package which grants you AND your best girlfriend access to both the networking and expo portion of the evening! This giveaway will be open to all Canadians, but if you’re from out of town I will leave it up to you to make it here on your own!

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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!