MAKEUP | Kat Von D #StuddedKiss Influenster Voxbox

When it comes to "cool" makeup, Kat Von D is right up there. While I haven't been a huge fan of hers post Sandra Bullock/Jesse James scandal, I do admire what she has done with her makeup brand. I feel like she was one of the first to come out with more dramatic lipstick shades and give makeup more of an edge while staying relatively mainstream. KVD lip products have always been consistently pigmented, long-lasting and one of my favourite go-tos for lipwear and last month a new formula for the Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick* ($23.00 CDN) emerged!   

FRAGRANCE | Kat Von D Saint + Sinner Voxbox #TheResurrectionIsReal

I still have incredibly mixed feelings about Kat Von D. I really liked Sandra Bullock and while we have no idea what may have been going on with her and Jesse James, I can't help but think of that drama when I think of KVD. When it comes to her makeup brand and what she has done in the world of cosmetics, I have to say I am impressed. She was one of the first brands that I tried that had edgier shades of lipsticks and eyeshadows and I truly believe that KVD remains heavily involved with her brand despite how massive it has gotten.

While I have never been a die hard fan of KVD, her Tattoo Liner in Trooper is something I always use and have in my collection simply because it just IS one of the best liquid liners on the market. If this were ever discontinued, I would probably be just as crazed as the fans who 8 years ago were devastated when Saint and Sinner fragrances were discontinued. Both of these scents have been brought back to life this summer with the ONLY change being completely revamped gothic-inspired bottles.

NAILS | imPRESS One Step Gel Press On Manicure

I am officially back home from Cosmoprof in Vegas and it's time to do some major catch up over here! The days leading up to my trip were wrought with issues at work and what felt like a ton of running around leaving little time for preparing posts which made me sad since I love this little nook of internet. There will DEFINITELY be a Cosmoprof recap this week since there was a lot to see, but while my Gravol high wears off (it takes almost 24 hours for me shake the drowsiness!), it'll just be nails for now. 

LIFESTYLE | Influenster Spring Vibes Voxbox

Influenster and I go way back to the very first Canadian Voxbox in 2013 (here for memory-sake) and to be honest, I don't feature them on the blog all that often because of two reasons - one, I never get chosen for any of the makeup Voxboxes and two, the requirements for getting badges is now a bit insane and while I don't mind featuring a few things on my social media feeds, I refuse to put laundry detergent on my primarily Instagram beauty feed. I also believe that I am no longer part of the demographic selected for makeup as you can see that MOST people who are chosen are millennials. While I am a tail-end millennial, I usually get surveys for skincare because obviously someone in their 30s is all about anti-aging and not a Kat Von D lip liner! Don't get me wrong, Influenster gave me a Keurig once two years ago so THAT was pretty sweet. Maybe when I hit 50, I'll get sent red Corvettes or 20-something boy toys. It'll give a whole new meaning to the "box" in Voxbox.

SKINCARE | Shiseido Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother VoxBox

Ever since getting a VIP facial at Shiseido (here) two years ago, I have always known that when it comes to cutting edge skincare technology, Shiseido is always a couple of steps ahead of the game. You may think their products are just like everyone else's, but once you start trying them out or better yet, getting a massive dose of product knowledge from one of sales associates (the ones in Vancouver always know their stuff!) you realize how much thought has gone into each one of their products.

Shiseido may be viewed as a more mature brand because if their focus on anti-aging, but the IBUKI (Japanese for "inner strength") line is a collection intended for skin stabilization meaning correcting imperfections, dryness and working towards homeostasis (for those biology nerds!) which is for everyone. In today's world of selfies and perfect skin, it was fun to see that Shiseido partnering up with Influenster for a campaign launching their new IBUKI Smart Filtering Smoother* ($29.00 CDN)!  

LIFESTYLE | Review, Video Unboxing and Hot Chocolate with the New Keurig 2.0 Brewing System Model K300

Like most people, I love starting my day with a warm and sweet beverage even in the summer time. Being Asian, I have grown up with those 3-in-1 instant coffee packs from T&T as my morning coffee, but the only drawback is the limited flavour selection. I think the most adventurous Asian coffee flavour I have tried is hazelnut. Nothing fancy like caramel or even vanilla. I NEVER thought I’d have a Keurig Brewing System in my life. I bought a Tassimo machine 3 years ago just so I could brew lattes and macchiatos so between the Tassimo and my Asian instant coffee, I’ve been pretty covered on the coffee front. 

Enter the brand new Keurig 2.0 Brewing System. There are three models: K300, K400 and the K500 with the K300 as the entry model starting at $119.99 CDN. The main differences between all three models are: reservoir capacity and a colour touch display and exterior metal instead of plastic components for the K400 and K500 models. All three models will happily brew coffee, hot cocoa, mochas and chai lattes with the touch of a button.

Lancome | Grandiose Mascara Review with Before and After and Application Video (Yes, I Actually Speak!)

Surprise, surprise I am yet ANOTHER beauty blogger who is going to talk about the new Lancome Grandiose Mascara ($35 CDN) that has been the latest topic of conversation when it comes mascara innovation. With a revolutionary “swan-neck” that grants us access to uncharted eyelash territory, I am getting ready to be introduced to my inner corner lashes…

Broadway Nails | imPRESS Press-on Manicure Canada Influenster VoxBox Review

My last review of the imPRESS Press-On manicure was at the beginning of this year and came with mixed reviews and is honestly no different this time around. I received the pattern “Holla!” like many others and it is honestly one of the prettiest around with an intricate lace and flower print on top of a shimmery nude base. I love that each press-on had a slightly different pattern so that you could achieve a somewhat random effect across both hands. Application of course was super easy and fast and within a few minutes you will be ready to go!

Influenster | Hi Canada! The #MapleVoxBox

Influenster has finally come to Canada! I’ve been a member of the Influenster community for about a year and half and first joined as I found the concept of measuring social media influence and being rewarded for it very interesting. It’s crazy to think that this type of community even exists now and my curiosity got the better of me and I had to join! Joining Influenster is FREE and every so often, a VoxBox gets released full of complimentary products based on Expert Badges that you have unlocked and the amount of “influence” you appear to have online. No member is guaranteed a Voxbox though, even with “good behaviour”.

I received my tracking information for the #MapleVoxBox a day AFTER I’d already received which is something I believe other bloggers experienced, but seeing that purple box with the recognizable “i” in a speech bubble sent me into spastic dance moves. I was so excited to see one addressed to me after seeing American bloggers receive them for so long!

Ice Breakers DUO in Raspberry

New Ice Breakers DUO combines sweet fruity taste with refreshing cooling crystals. Ice Breakers DUO is a two-sided mint with a fruity flavoured, textured side and a minty, smooth side that cools and freshens your breath. Also available in Strawberry.

Thoughts: Ummm, I LOVE THESE. I have the SOURS in my purse AND in my office PLUS two other flavours in my nightstand drawer as a just in case! They pretty refreshing, but what I actually buy them for is for helping with nausea whenever I have a headache which is quite often…the fruity tartness just makes me feel better and obviously tastes good!

Price: 36g/$1.99

NYC New York Color Big Bold Curl Mascara

Big Bold Curl Mascara’s oversized curved brush is the ultimate way to get outrageously thick and super sexy lashes. One stroke gives your lashes up to 12x more volume and 99% more lift.

Thoughts: Now that I can wear mascara, I am actually excited to try this out. I like chubby products so I’m already sold on the packaging. Weird, I know! I haven’t tried an NYC product since 2003 so let’s rekindle the love

Price: 12mL/$4.99

NYC New York Color Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss

Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss makes lips look up to 50% fuller with a high gloss shine that lasts up to 4 hours. The ultra soft mega applicator gives full and even coverage for beautiful, perfectly plump lips.

Thoughts: This lipgloss is actually very chubby as well and so I love it! It’s also a very neutral shimmery pink which will look lovely layered over a lipstick to give it a bit of “oomph”.

Price: 11mL/$4.99

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure

imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails is the revolutionary way to apply polish! Get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds! There’s no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week!

Thoughts: I have reviewed these press on nails before and they were just too big for my nail beds! The wear and designs are amazing though so if you need some quick beautiful 10 second nails, just get these!

Price: 1 set/$8.99 – $10.99

Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spas Mask in Crushed Arctic Cloudberries

Join the revolution and start a new weekly skincare regime with the Clay Spas from Montagne Jeunesse. These natural bamboo fabric masks are infused with clay for a cleansing experience that is better, quicker and easier than ever before.

Thoughts: Ahh! Masks! I love these! I cannot wait to try this!

Price: 1 mask/$2.49

Not pictured are the two Skinny Cow items I received: the Milk Chocolate Dreamy Clusters (1 pack/$1.29) and the Milk Chocolate Flavour Heavenly Crisp (1 bar/$1.29)as they were just so amazingly good that I ate them up before I could take the pictures! I was super hungry at work and the #MapleVoxBox was RIGHT THERE!

Total Value of #MapleVoxBox: $26.03

Considering this is a complimentary box where shipping is FREE, the items I received were truly amazing! The #MapleVoxBox was a great inaugural VoxBox for us Canadians and I hope we start to qualify for more!

All products received complimentary from Influenster for review purposes.