Chorus Supernatural Skin Care

A couple of mths ago the ppl at Chorus Supernatural Skin Care reached out to me about trying some
products from their line.  Whenever I'm asked to review a product - especially skin care related I like to really use the product for awhile so that I can provide a really honest opinion about the products and how they worked for me.

Well I've been using the products for a couple of mths now so I can honestly say I REALLY like them!  And one of the coolest things about the brand (at least to me) is that it's from Canada and manufactured in Richmond B.C.  I do like to support Canadian companies whenever possible so this was definitely a bonus w/ the brand.

Of course if the products themselves weren't good that wouldn't have mattered but thankfully they are! Also, important to a lot of ppl these days who are concerned about what they put on their skin or ingest into their bodies - Chorus is 100% natural source ingredients.  It's free from petro-chemicals, artificial fragrance and colour. Plus not only do they promise premium quality ingredients in their products but they are also some of the safest in the industry as rated by the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website.

The 4 Key Ingredients that are the basis of everything they make are:

Lithia - A clean, untainted spring water that emerges high on a mountainside in the Rockies of British Columbia. This is some of the purest water on the planet, with a significant level of naturally occurring lithium.

Moor - A rare, nutrient-rich peat, created by the gradual transformation of herbs, plants & flowers that have been submerged beneath the Earth's surface for many thousands of years.

Seaweed - Hand-harvested giant kelp, from the cold, pristine waters off the northern tip of Vancouver Island. 

Clay - One of the most mineral-rich clays in the world, obtained from ancient volcanic caves and mountain slopes on the western shores of Vancouver Island.

 Because my skin is ALWAYS on the oily/combination side I tried out skincare specific to my skin concerns.

Facial Mask - The product is 100% organic and natural and consists purely of moor peat and water. Just mix a teaspoon of it w/ a couple of drops of water and rub onto the skin.  I really liked how soft it made my skin feel plus I find anything clay based really helps suck out some of the excess oil in my pores.  If you rub it into your skin when your washing it off you also get a nice, gentle exfoliation and it's not so drying that my skin felt tight or uncomfortable afterward.

 Cleansing Gel - It's a low foaming, hypoallergenic cleanser w/ key ingredients of moor, seaweed extract, tea tree oil, lavendar, lemongrass and ylang-ylang.  I LOVE how this product smells.  For a product that has not artificial fragrance this smells so good and I feel better knowing that the smell is from natural ingredients not chemicals.  It feels refreshing on the skin and just like the mask it doesn't make my skin feel tight or uncomfortable but it does a good job and cleansing it.

Clarify Moisturizer - Out of the 3 products I tried this is BY FAR my favourite of the 3!  It's oil free, lightly hydrating and great for acne prone adults (aka ME).  It absorbs excess oil, refines skin and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.  It also creates a MATTE finish on the skin which for an oily person like me is a perfect starting canvas for my morning routine.  I really loved the way it made my skin feel - smooth and matte but again not tight or uncomfortable like it was over drying it. I'd definitely recommend this moisturizer to oily skin people!








All the products are very affordable in my opinion - especially considering the high quality ingredients involved.  All the products I tried came in under $23.00 Canadian/product.  You can buy them online and there is a growing number of retailers carrying the products.  If you look on their site you can see them.  Definitely a skincare brand I would recommend looking into!

SilkPeel Facial - The Next Generation in Microdermabrasion

Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing a lovely procedure called a SilkPeel Facial at Dr. Cory Torgerson's office in Yorkville (Toronto).  I must say I cannot speak highly enough not only about Dr. Torgerson himself but his staff too!  Right away when you enter the office the receptionist offered me a coffee, tea or water and Vanessa the aesthetician performing the SilkPeel procedure was very friendly and informative about everything that was going on.

I'll give a little background about this procedure and exactly what it is.  SilkPeel Dermalinfusion by Clarion Medical Technologies is basically IMO the next generation in Microdermabrasion.  It's a non-evasive skin procedure that rejuvenates and exfoliates the skin leaving it glowing and refreshed afterwards.  You can totally do a treatment like this on your lunch hour and head back to work afterwards.  It's pain free - basically it feels like a cat running it's tongue over your face...and in a way kind of relaxing lol.  Like regular dermabrasion treatments a diamond tip wand is run over the skin helping to exfoliate damaged skin cells.

What's really awesome about the SilkPeel technology is the condition specific topical solutions that are also distributed onto and into the skin during the treatment.  With these specific solutions this procedure can help a multitude of skin concerns such as: acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, dull skin, dehydration etc.  It's completely non toxic, will not cause any sensitivity to sunlight and it's safe for all skin types!

There's 4 different solutions to choose from:

Clarifying Solution - For acne prone, blemished and oily skin.  It exfoliates, soothes and promotes cellular turn over.

Hydration Solution - For dry skin this solution hydrates, smoothes and gently exfoliates skin.

Vitamin C Solution - This detoxifying solution clarifies, hydrates, brightens and soothes the skin.

Lumixyl Solution - This solution is best for hyperpigmentation, discolouration and evening out skin tone

As anyone who reads this blog knows I suffer from acne (still as an adult ugh) so I of course chose the Clarifying Solution.  Immediately afterwards I noticed that my skin was very smooth and soft to the touch!  There was a bit of dryness for 1-2 days afterwards but nothing serious and all and I do find the overall appearance of my skin has improved w/ only 1 treatment...I can imagine the results would be even more impressive w/ multiple treatments.

SilkPeel can also be used in combination with laser and light based treatments for even greater results. There's also a SilkPeel Body system which can also help with cellulite, acne, sun spots, stretch marks, elasticity and rough or dry/dull skin!

During my treatment I made a little video for  you guys to see...as you can see during the treatment it does cause a bit of redness on the skin but that quickly subsides once the treatment is over with.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Torgerson's office not only for this procedure but also the multitude of other services he offers...you can also check out his Instagram and see some of the awesome Before & After shots from surgeries and other treatments.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing with you my even more amazing results from Teosyal Dermal Fillers...they were really impressive!

Miracle 10 Skincare and Peel

A few mths ago I had the pleasure of attending an awesome blogger event at the Miracle 10 Skincare Spa in Yorkville.  During the event we got to learn about the latest in skincare and makeup trends as well as have your own skin analyzed and assessed by the Miracle 10 skincare specialists.  At the end of the event we all received full size bottles of the Miracle 10 skincare system based on our skin type and needs.  We also were lucky enough to get a complimentary skin peel to be booked on another day! So overall I have to say a pretty awesome event w/ some pretty awesome swag!

I went away to Central America for 3 wks right after the event so I didn't want to start using the skincare system until I got back.  Plus I had to wait until the New Year to book my first peel b/c I was going to be in the sun a lot on my trip and you can't do a peel if you're going to be/or have been in the sun a lot.

For products in our gift bag we got to try out:

Cleanser - Cleansing dirt, oil, makeup etc. from the skin
Solution - For exfoliating and toning the skin
Sunscreen - Water and Sweat resistant, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and offers protection against premature aging and sun damage
AHA Gel - Advanced exfoliator that reduces build up of dead, lifeless skin.  Helps brighten the skin and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin - probably my fav. product in the system - also please be aware it may cause a bit of burning or itching when it's first applied (at least it does for me)
Light Serum - Hydrates and Soothes the skin.  Also helps to reduce fine lines and doesn't leave a greasy residue which is great for oily skin

So as you can see they were MORE than GENEROUS with their swag bag!  Also, feel free to check out their FAQs - it has lots of great answers about the products!

Anyone who reads this blog knows I do not have great skin...in fact especially considering my age I'd say it's quite problematic :( and I'm not going to lie here...it took about a mth for my skin to get use to the system and during that time my skin actually got worse...like a lot worse than it's been in ages! So bad that when I went to get my peel the woman giving it actually called in another esthetician to get a second opinion on some of the very deep/painful pimples I was getting.  They both agreed that I should stick w/ the system as it was probably just really deep cleaning my skin and pulling out/drawing the the surface a lot of the dirt, congestion and bacteria that's deep within my skin.

My skin has improved a lot since that first peel.  In fact I've now had 3 peels at the clinic and I really like what it's doing for my skin!


I've never actually had a peel before a couple of mths ago so it was a really cool process to me and my esthetician was great about talking me through all the steps and explaining what each step was for and the benefits of it.  I actually just had another peel yesterday and this time I took some pics and video of the process (which is also why there was a delay in my post...I wanted to wait till I had another peel).

It first started w/ cleansing of the skin and then next we did an optional (but actually my favourite) step called dermaplaning - it's an exfoliation treatment where a very fine blade is run over the face in order to remove dead skin and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz).  Afterward, I do find my makeup goes on the skin smoother and no you don't have to worry about hair growing back thicker or coarser on the face.

I actually took a short video of the procedure which you can see here!

After that the peel is applied to the skin.  I started w/ the most gentle lactic peel but last time I did the 30% Glycolic Peel..my skin is red for a bit after the procedure but it's nothing a little makeup can't fix.  And it's not that painful.  A little stingy but it's only on for a minute and w/ the fan blowing on my face I personally don't find it that bad at all. 

After that a soothing and hydrating mask is placed on the skin which is very cooling and relaxing after the peel.

After that they do this sort of neat dry ice type thing which is anti-inflammatory and helps disinfects the area...in this pic you'll see the "redness" from the peel.

I've already got my next peel booked at the Yorkville Miracle 10 Spa...definitely worth checking out!

Skincare Trend - Konjac Sponge

It's weird how once you hear or learn about something you suddenly see and hear it popping up everywhere...that's what's been happening w/ me lately w/ Konjac Sponges!  I learned about these awesome little skincare tools last year and now they're all over the place!

So fast forward to now when Canadian/Toronto based company Natural Konjac Sponge offered to send me a couple of their sponges for review I was more than willing to do so!

So a quick little info session for those of you that are scratching your heads and saying "Konjac What?"...

Konjac Sponges are made from Konjac, a plant native to Asia - primarily Japan, Korea, China and parts of Southeast Asia.  It's a highly fibrous plant packed w/ vitamins and minerals.  Konjac sponges are a great natural, soft and gentle skincare tool that can be used by anyone - even those w/ very sensitive skin.  When dry the sponge is hard but once water is added to it the sponge softens right up and an aqueous layer forms which creates a barrier between your skin and the sponge.  This also minimizes the risk or irritation to the skin and over exfoliation.  Also, this aqueous layer is slightly alkaline which balances our skins pH level and effectively helps cleanse away oil, dirt, blackheads even without soap or cleanser!

All the sponges at Natural Konjac Sponge are handmade in Japan using 100% natural glucomannan fibers extracted from the Konjac plant.

Here's some key information and benefits taken directly from the Natural Konjac Sponge website!

Key Benefits of Natural Konjac Sponges

• Genuine Japanese Handmade Product
• 100% Natural
• 100% Biodegradable
• Suitable for ALL Skin Types
• Suitable for ALL ages
• Fragrance Free
• Suitable for Daily Use
• Contains Natural Anti-Oxidants and Minerals which are beneficial for the skin
• NO Artificial Colouring, Preservatives or Harmful & Toxic Chemical
• Cruelty-Free
• GMO-Free

Key Benefits to Your Skin:

• Deeply Cleanses Skin Pores to Remove Excess Oil, Blackheads, Dead Skin Cells and Dir
• Gently and Effectively Exfoliates Skin resulting in Smoother and Softer Skin Textures
• Nourishes and Hydrates Skin
• Balances pH Level of Skin (important in keeping skin blemish-free!)

So yeah given all these great benefits of course I liked the sponges!  Plus Natural Konjac Sponge does FREE Worldwide Shipping on order of $20 or more!  They also have several different types of sponges to try out including Natural, Charcoal (for acne/oily prone skin), Citrus (dry skin)...and several others.  Plus they also have a larger size for the body.

So this is definitely one trend I hope sticks around at transitions to a staple in everyone's skincare regime!

Cetaphil DERMACONTROL System Review

A few wks back I was sent some products from the Cetaphil DERMACONTROL line.  As someone who naturally has oily and acne prone skin this line seems like the perfect fit for my skin!

I've actually been a Cetaphil user off and on for many years.  I first got introduced to the brand through a dermatologist when I was in high school and suffering from severe acne.  The line has remained a popular staple for a lot of dermatologists, makeup artists and just regular people b/c it's non irritating, fragrance free and great for those w/ super sensitive skin...plus it's super affordable and readily available at most drug stores!

So I received the 2 part DERMACONTROL system - Cleanser & Moisturizer

Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Oil Control Foam Wash 

• Zinc complex absorbs excess oil while providing a soothing, hydrating cleanse
• Non-drying, soap-free foam wash
• Reduces shine and oiliness

Overall it's a good cleanser - it does what it says which is always a good thing.  Does a good job at taking off makeup, although I would still follow up w/ an alcohol-free toner after cleansing to really clean the skin.  I like the foam washes b/c they really seem to last a long time and I tend to waste less.  One or two pumps is all you need to wash your face.  It doesn't irritate or sting the skin and I didn't feel it dried out my skin at all or made it feel tight and stiff like some cleansers which strip the skin too much.  

Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Oil Control Moisturizer w/ SPF 30

• The 3-in-1 formulation: hydrates, protects and controls shine
• Ceramide infused formulation replenishes the skin's moisture barrier
• Oleosome technology achieves SPF 30 with fewer sunscreen agents, minimizing irritation potential
• Lightweight, oil-free, soft matte finish

Again another solid product.  I'm always happy w/ my moisturizer includes SPF b/c it's just one less product I have to add to my skin and it's important to remember to wear SPF all year round...even in the dreary Winter months!  I only use oil free moisturizers and again this moisturizer is very gentle and non-irritating.  It left my skin feeling moisturized but not greasy or oily and it absorbed well into the skin.

So overall these are two solid cleanse and moisturizing options esp. for those w/ sensitive and oily/acne-prone skin and they are very affordable.  

The only thing I will remind people is that these do not have any medicated ingredients to help control or fix any acne issues.  I wouldn't say my skin is any "better" or less acne prone b/c I'm using them but I will say it didn't make my skin worse or irritated in any way.  If you have acne you will still need to speak to a dermatologist for the best course of action for your skin or try various over the counter creams or gels.  

Winter Skin Care - Olehenriksen & NEOCUTIS

About a month and a half ago I was contacted to try out and review some skincare products that are perfect for the cold harsh weather Winter (usually) brings upon us...this one has been quite mild but still our skin still takes a beating day to day being outside in the wind and cold weather.

I was really just expecting a couple of samples to come in the mail for me to try out so boy was I surprised when I received a lovely box w/ 5 FULL SIZE Olehenriksen & NEOCUTIS products to try out!  It was like Christmas after Christmas lol!

So what did I get you ask?

Olehenriksen Products

Black Currant Perfecting Complexion Oil

It's infused w/ lemon, sage, cypress and tea tree oil and it helps create an extra shield against of protection against the elements thanks to key ingredients like Blackcurrant oil and Apricot kernel oil.  It also boosts skins metabolic activity and repairs damage thanks to Vitamin E, Cypress and Lemon.

I'm not going to lie as someone w/ acne prone skin I was a littler nervous to try something w/ the word "Oil" in the name on my skin at first but you know what it really works.  I haven't been using it on my entire face just spots were I tend to get a lot of dryness and it has definitely diminished the dryness.  Esp. on the top of my nose...I get a lot of peeling there for some reason and this oil has definitely reduced that.  I also had a point in Jan. (which I'll talk about later in the blog post) where my skin was VERY dry and sensitive along my jawline.  I used the oil on my jawline and it didn't create any additional breakouts and didn't irritate the area which was already pretty sensitive.  Also I should mention it in now way made my skin greasier or left any sort of oily film on the skin after it was absorbed.  It's a small bottle but really you only need a couple of drops so a little does go a long way!

Herbal Day Creme Spf 15

A moisturizing day creme w/ spf 15 for normal/combination skin.  Key ingredients include: Chamomile Extract to sooth, renew and soften the skin, Soybean Extract and Grape Seed Oil to nourish the skin w/ essential fatty acids, Vitamin A & E to heal and renew w/ antioxidants and Lemongrass Essential Oil which helps purify and uplift the skin.


This was a nice moisturizer.  It did blend into the skin well and I didn't find it too overly rich or heavy so it's a good choice for normal/combination skin.  It has spf 15 which is SUPER important to me b/c I pretty much won't wear a moisturizer unless it has some form of SPF in it.

One thing I should mention is that all the products I tested from Olehenriksen do have somewhat strong fragrances to them from the essential oils I'm assuming.  I actually quite liked the smell of the products but if you're someone that is sensitive to such things this is definitely something to keep in mind b/c you might not like them.

Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask

This is a gel mask that hydrates w/ sodium hyaluronate and lavender to quench dry and sensitive skin.  Blue/Blackberry Extract renews skin cells and smoothes and refines texture.  Vitamin B5 hydrates and nourishes. Papaya Enzyme renews skin and removes dead skin cells and Hyaluronic Acids seal in skin's moisture.


The mask definitely does moisturize and nourish the skin and it did leave my skin feeling soft afterward.  You're suppose to use it twice a wk for about 15 mins each time.  My only complaint about this product is that it is a bit of a pain to get off afterward.  It does have a gel like consistency so you really do have to scrub or exfoliate your face a bit to get it off and not leave a "film" on afterward...I don't think just using your reg. facial wash would do it.  Other than that it was a nice mask and really good for the Winter months.  It's good for all skin types which is nice too!

Neocutis Products


At first when I was looking at the products I received from Neocutis I was wondering how I was going to really effectively review them b/c they seemed to be best used on post procedure skin (although they can be used anytime).  It just seemed like they were both strongly marketing themselves as great post procedure skin products...by procedure I'm assuming any sort of facial skin procedures - peels, laser treatments, botox etc.

Then I had a VERY bad skin reaction to face treatment I was doing on myself (not using any of the products mentioned here today) and it left my skin burnt, red, very dry and very irritated all along my jawline and around my mouth (this is where I've been breaking out lately...aww the joys of hormonal acne :( ).  Basically, it kind of looked like I had a red, burnt skin beard...I know VERY attractive lol!  Thankfully, I'm a makeup artist and I could cover this up w/ makeup...pretty well.

The problem was after it initially happens my skin was so raw and sore I couldn't put any skin creams on it w/out it stinging and hurting...and then it came to me!  Well bright side this would be the PERFECT time to try my Neocutis skin care products since they are specially formulated for post procedure skin...and this is basically I like unintentionally gave myself a skin peel lol.

HYALIS Refining Serum

It promises to deliver immediate moisture for youthful, radiant skin.  It's formulated w/ the highest concentration of pharmaceutical grade 1% Sodium Hyaluronate for purity and efficiency (just realized same ingredient as the Blue/Black Berry Mask).  It helps sooth and hydrate stressed, irritates skin and it helps smooth and plump skin to minimize the signs of aging.  Ideal for people using drying dermatological treatments for acne, rosacea or retinoid treatments. 


I will definitely concur w/ all of the above on this one.  It's great for all skin types which is nice but it was esp. gentle but effective on my burnt, red, sore skin.  Literally, I couldn't put any products on it w/out it stinging but I was able to put this serum on it and it did sooth and moisturize the area very effectively.  I also felt it helped almost create a barrier between my skin and other products so that after I used this and the other Neocutis Cream (I'll talk about next) I was able to put makeup on and it wasn't burning or stinging my skin.

NEOCUTIS Bio-Restorative Skin Cream

The first and original skin cream formulated w/ PSP the most complete blend of Human Growth Factors, Cytokines and Interleukins available to help improve appearance of aged skin and soothe skin.  For aging it helps improve texture and fine lines/wrinkles of skin and it also improves firmness and radiance.  It also helps promote recovery for post procedural skin.  Like the Refining Serum it is great for people using dermatological treatments for acne, rosacea or retinoid treatments.  It's best for Normal to Dry Skin Types.


Like the Serum I really liked this product.  Again it was very soft and soothing on my sensitive skin.  It's a nice consistency, not overly thick or rich which a lot of times is the case w/ skin creams meant for dry skin skin.  But it still did enrich and moisturize my skin leaving it feeling smoother and softer after I used it.  My only issue is that it doesn't have SPF and as I mentioned before it is a big thing for me when choosing a moisturizer.

So hopefully, if you're experiencing some harsh Winter skin or just overall sensitivity or dryness maybe look into these products and find something new to try!  I hope you like them as much as I did!

PMD Review

A little over a mth ago I received an awesome new product called PMD Personal Microderm to review for this blog!  I was really stoked b/c 1. This looked like a really cool product 2. I'm obsessed w/ trying anything that's going to help my skin look its best! 3. It's been featured on The Doctors & Dr. Oz

So basically if you're wondering this product like the name suggests is a Personal Microdermabrasion Device.  If you're not familiar Microdermabrasion is usually a pricey skin treatment that you get at a dermatologists office or medi spa.  Traditional Microdermabrasion helps treat sun spots, acne, scarring, aging and promotes collagen production and cell renewal.  This is done by using Aluminum Oxide Crystals to clear away dull, dead skin cells.

As well all know going to the dermatologists for treatments can be booth pricey and time consuming that's why it's so cool that there is now an at home device that you can use on your schedule for a fraction of the cost of traditional spa treatments and offers great results.

I'm not going to lie the device isn't super cheap...the entire system which includes several replacement heads (each head lasts approx. 4-5 uses I think) retails for $179 USD but when you compare that to reg. facials or spa microdermabrasion treatments it's a STEAL!  Plus right now the website is holding a Black Friday Sale - 20% off!  Or maybe just put it on  your Xmas List for Santa to bring ;)

I've actually taken awhile to write my review about the product b/c I really wanted to use the product several times for myself and see if there was in fact any results.  I hate when I see reviews and the person has only used the product once...esp. w/ this type of product you need to use it several times before you can really expect any changes and you're only suppose to use it every 5-7 days.

I do see a difference in the texture and evenness of my skin and I do think some of the acne marks on my skin have improved and lessened esp. around the chin/mouth area - I tend to get a lot of discoloration there.  I also find that my skin creams do seem to absorb better into the skin after using it.

After using the device personally I can DEFINITELY give you some advice as to what to expect and what to do and not do.  As mentioned before the device comes w/ several replacement heads - Blue for Sensitive and Green for Medium.  DEFINITELY start w/ the BLUE!  I have a tendency to want results fast and therefore go right for the strong one - DO NOT DO THIS!  Also the device comes w/ two sizes of Heads - The smaller one is for the Face/ The bigger one is for the Body.  There is a sort of vacuum and vibration thing that works in correlation on your skin to give you the microderm results.

There is a video that comes w/ the device - WATCH THE VIDEO!  It will teach you exactly how to use the device and how to clean and take care of it.  This device is strong so you have to be careful - TRUST ME!  It says you can use the bigger head for bigger areas on the face but I have to be honest - I WOULD NOT SUGGEST THIS!  Also, it says in the video to try the product out on your hand at first - DO THIS!  Me being the Know-It-All Makeup Artist I am DID NOT do this and I used the large head on my cheeks at first and I'll admit it - the first time I used the product I got red marks on my cheeks that sort of looked like rug burn (it was completely my own fault).  DO NOT be a Know-It-All like me lol!  This device is strong and can leave marks if not used properly.  I'm not saying this to scare you but just to let you know it's effective and you just have to follow instructions.  Since the first time I used it I've only used the Face head on my face and I've never had any other bad results.

I say it's important to use it on your hand at first b/c there is this sort of suction/vacuum thing that happens when you put it to your skin and you have to move/drag it across the area you are treating quickly.  If you aren't use to the vacuum at first (like I wasn't) you'll have a tendency to not move it smoothly or quickly enough therefore causing the burn effect.  Also don't go over an area on the face more than once.

The only area I unfortunately found the product hard to use was my nose which is a bit disappointing just b/c I'd really like to work on those damn enlarged pores/blackheads there.

So here are some Before & After Results of my Face - I definitely think my skin looks more Even in the After Pics.  Both are w/ No Makeup so sorry to scare you all a bit ;)

BEFORE

AFTER - Fresh From The Shower lol!

Cover FX - Full Coverage Without The Cakey, Heavy Feel!

Late one night after a particularly fun evening out (aka drunk night) I decided to do a little online shopping and I decided to FINALLY indulge my desire and satisfy my curiosity for some Cover FX makeup.  I've long had an interest in the brand and wanted to try their foundation and concealers that SO MANY ppl rave about but for some reason still hadn't...even though I had a 40% Pro Discount (yes pros sign up and get 40% off - AMAZING!).

I had even been to Shoppers Drug Mart several times and played around w/ the products and even figured out what my colours were and yet I still for some reason hadn't ordered.   Anyway, maybe it was the fact that I was tipsy + the fact that I was running VERY LOW on my Yaby concealer and powder foundation + my skin was(is) a mess that I decided hey enough is enough I want to look decent and pretend I have good skin right now so let's give this stuff a try!  

So I ordered and waited patiently for a few days for the order to arrive (they were shipping from Canada so I expected it to be quick).  I'm not going to lie - I'm not sure if it's always the case but their shipping was EXTREMELY slow...it may have just been a one off but if their products weren't so FUCKING AMAZING I'd probably not order again...man you're lucky your products are GOOD Cover FX!  If you're just a reg. person w/out a discount just go to Shoppers or where ever and get the products...Pros I hope your shipping experience is better than mine that's all I can say (to get the discount you have to order online).  

Once my products FINALLY arrived I was SO EXCITED to finally try them and can I just say I was NOT disappointed!  I really do LOVE them!  I got a shit load of stuff: Camouflage Concealer (Light), Natural FX (Water Based Liquid Foundation) E20, Cover FX (Total Coverage Cream Foundation SPF 30) E20, Powder FX (Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 10) E20, Primers - SkinPrep FX & ClearPrep FX, Setting FX Translucent Powder and 3 Brushes - #160, #170 & #190.  The SkinPrep FX, Translucent Powder, Cream Foundation & Brush #160 came in the Maximum Coverage Kit which was already a discounted kit + I could use my 40% discount on it so it was an even BETTER deal!

I know a lot of ppl in the past have complained about the products being too heavy or cakey but I have to be honest I just don't think they are using them properly.  It really is about TECHNIQUE here...LESS is MORE w/ this stuff TRUST ME.  It is SUPER pigmented and FULL COVERAGE so A LITTLE  really does go A LONG WAY!  Even I was a bit worried which is probably why I had waited so long to try them out.  I mean I had seen different sales associates at Shoppers raving about the products only for me to look at them and think 1. You are wearing the wrong shade of foundation 2. You are wearing WAY too much of the wrong shade of foundation lol.  

Okay so back to me and my experience.  I'm going to do something VERY scary in this blog post just to illustrate how GREAT I think these products are.  I'm going to show you pictures of me w/ LITERALLY NO MAKEUP on - NONE.  Like I literally stepped out of the shower - you'll notice the wet hair - no moisturizer, no primer, no wrinkle creams - NOTHING!  I'm doing this to show you what a difference they can make...this is VERY scary for me b/c I'm not going to lie - I look like SHIT in these Before Pictures but I'm just doing it to illustrate an important point.  Right now my skin has been going through a bit of a prob phase for the past couple of mths.  I've mentioned before I have/had some skin issues and well it's not good right now...it was worse and has improved a lot in the past mth but I'm just getting over some side effects from a medication I was on and I guess it really messed up my hormones or whatever but anyway my skin has not been pretty lol...I'm talking lots of rock hard cystic pimples on my jaw, neck and chin area - really attractive...plus all the usual skin issues lol!

Okay here are a couple of BEFORE shots - notice the uneven blotchy skin, zits, freckles (I actually like the freckles), under eye circles...all of that!  In truth my skin was A LOT worse a couple of wks ago so I guess I should be happy lol! FYI if you didn't know this before you'll know now...I have really jacked up eyebrows from over waxing and tweezing in my teenage years.  Lesson to the girls out there DON'T OVER TWEEZE!  I use to have a unibrow - I would die to have a unibrow to tweeze again lol!

Okay to start w/ I put on all my daily eye creams, serums, moisturizers and primers (btw I LOVE E.L.F's Mineral Face Primer from their studio line...CHEAP but SO GOOD!).  Speaking of Primers I've tried the Cover FX CleanPrep FX which is a Primer for Acne skin and I gotta say so far it's the only thing I'm NOT a fan of.  Maybe I need to give it another try or use less I don't know but I had a prob w/ it rolling on my skin once I put the concealer or foundation over it...not good! After I applied all my usual skin prep stuff I started w/ the Cover FX Camouflage Concealer in Light.  I bought a full size version of this stuff and they also sent me a small little sample of it.  I've been using the sample EVERY day for like 3 wks and I'm still NOT out of it.  That's how little you need and how pigmented it is!  I find it similar to Keromask Concealer which is another Full Coverage Concealer and I find both run dark.  They do have an X-Light below the Light.  I'm definitely a Light and I imagine a Medium would actually be pretty dark but I guess this is good b/c that means  the X-Deep would probably cover even the darkest skin tone which is great for all those dark skin beauties out there that have trouble finding concealers and foundations for themselves.  

Here's me after JUST the Camouflage Concealer.  See what a huge difference just the concealer made!

 That's the sample I've been using for 3 wks!  Imagine how long the actual tube will last - no the stuff isn't cheap but it will last FOREVER!

As you may notice I really wanted to focus in on concealing around the chin/around the mouth area b/c that's where a lot of my probs right now are.  I would also like to point out that I left my freckles across my nose and on the top of my cheeks still visible.  I like them b/c I think they are fresh and cute therefore I don't think there is any need to cover them up w/ too much concealer.  I also mentioned that I bought some brushes and I have to say I have a new FAVOURITE brush now.  For years I've LOVED the MAC skunk brush for buffing liquid foundation and cream blushes into the skin and I still love it but you know what there is a new brush in town that I love for my liquid products - Brush #160 - it's a cream foundation brush and I really think it has made all the difference in my application of the product and helped it from looking cakey or heavy.  I use the brush to buff the product into my skin and in areas where I need more coverage like right on a zit I use it to sort of tap the product on to the problem spot and not just spread it around.  I LOVE this brush.  I also love my #170 Pointed Foundation Brush which is great for around the nose and under the eyes!  

After the concealer I used the Natural FX Liquid Foundation in E20...if my skin was better I might just use this as it does give very good coverage as well.  Also I have skipped the concealer and just used the Cover FX Cream Foundation which is also very good and has a very good coverage...works very well w/ brush #160.

After Natural FX E20

I finished it all off w/ the Powder FX in E20...my only complaint w/ this is unlike the concealer which I think runs dark I think this runs a bit light.  It goes from E20 to E40 and I really kind of wish they had an E30...esp. w/ Summer coming up.  I have to be careful not to over apply this and I don't think I could use it alone b/c it would be too light for me but I do think it helps brighten up my under eye area!

Okay so now I've laid all the foundation work down and it's on to the stuff that actually brings out my features.  I think my skin looks really fresh and even but after you take away all the imperfections things can look a bit flat so it's important to bring them back w/ your other makeup.

The following pics and also the first pic I posted at the top of the blog are after I completed my clean, basic makeup look for the day (as you can see my hair is still wet lol).  Btw if I wasn't taking pics in between all these steps this all literally takes me 10 mins (at most).  Also it should be noted that many ppl have already mentioned to me that the "After" pics look really fresh like I just stepped out of the shower and have NO makeup on lol!  It's like on TV or the movies when a girl steps out of the shower or pool and still looks fresh and beautiful lol!  Which is great but I can tell you and I'm going to steal and slightly modify Calvin Klein's famous quote - The best thing is to look Natural, but tt takes A LOT of FUCKING makeup to look Natural lol!

Just for reference in these After Pics besides the moisturizer, primer, concealer, foundation & powder I'm also wearing: Contour, Highlight, Bronzer, Blush, Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Eyebrow Pencil, Mascara & Translucent Powder...Very Natural lol!  Isn't amazing what a little mascara, eyebrow filler and lip gloss can do!

Okay so after all this I went out for coffee w/ a couple of friends and I was gone a couple of hours and it was pretty hot out yesterday.  This is me after coming back from coffee - no touch ups!  I still think it looks good!

Couple of more hours later meeting a friend for drinks.  Curled my hair, added a little eye shadow, touched up the bronzer and blush but not really the foundation or anything - might have touched up the powder foundation just a touch to control the shine!

Sorry this blog post is SO LONG and detailed but I hope it was at least informative!  And I think we ALL learned there really is no such things as Natural Beauty just Manufactured Natural Beauty (at least for me) lol!

Also Cover FX if you're reading this and you want to send me some free stuff to try b/c of the GLOWING review I wrote I'm totally open to it ;)

Prom Time - The Beauty of Youth!

Ahh Prom Season is upon us and I got to meet and work w/ a great young lady today - Alexia and her equally awesome mom Siobhan, who is actually close to my age...I'm not going to lie...it's sort of weird when the mom's of my prom clients are in my age group (well a few yrs older).  I'm use to my brides and I being the same age but mom's it's different...but she's like a really cool, hot, young mom - you know the kind you wanted when YOU were young!  Siobhan and I also have the same b-day which I always think is really neat b/c 1. I never meet anyone w/ my bday 2. I'm into that sort of thing...probably why we hit it off so well!  Can't wait to give her a makeup lesson or do her Hair & Makeup for a special event!

Anyway, back to Alexia.  Gorgeous girl w/ great eyebrows and amazing blonde hair!  Seriously, so long but healthy and curls like a dream and so thick too! She was wearing this really cute spaghetti strapped cherry print mini dress from Dolce & Gabbana (actually her mom's).  It had a retro feel so I wanted to go w/ that for the makeup too so I did a really bright red lip to match the cherries in the dress and a bit of bronze/brown on the eyes w/ some black liner just slightly winged (a full wing liner was just a bit too much for Alexia).  I also really wanted to give her a gorgeous glow on the cheeks and of course I used my favourite Yaby Highlighter for that...seriously it just ALWAYS looks amazing on everyone. 

Like many teenagers, Alexia has a little bit of acne but you'd never know it once you put a bit of foundation and concealer to cover it up.  I actually started w/ the MUFE green primer which helped to minimize any redness on the face.  I used Yaby concealer, Graftobian HD cream foundation and lightly finished it off w/ Yaby Powder Foundation for just a bit of extra coverage.  It's important to remember you don't need to cake on the products to get good coverage.  If you use the right products w/ the right technique a little bit goes a long way!

For the hair I just went through and curled 1 inch sections using my favourite curling iron - my Herstyler 3P wand.  Her hair was very long and very thick but it curled so well.  Some ppl just have hair that curls beautifully and she is one of them...lucky girl!.  Originally, we had talked about putting it up into a messy bun ala Taylor Swift but in the end we just left it down and I pinned it to the side which I think went really well w/ the style of the dress.

I've included a few quick snap shots I took of Alexia before I ran out the door.  Excuse the quality it's not the best but she had tons of ppl taking her picture and I didn't want to wear the girl out before the night even started lol!  Plus I think she was starting to get annoyed w/ everyone taking her picture lol!  The pics really don't do justice to the shine of her hair or the highlight on her cheeks but you get the idea.

M2 Product Review - I LOVE These Products!

Last wk I told you about Apothica and what a great company they are...well now I have more to tell you
about their sister company - Skin Care Rx (mostly deals w/ skin care products duh).  Now that I'm being sponsored I got to choose $75 worth of products from either site to try out and review.

Well, I've mentioned it before I'm getting older but I still do struggle a bit w/ acne so I'm kind of obsessed w/ finding a good skin care system that I really like so I thought the Skin Care Rx website would be PERFECT for this!  They have millions of products...brands I've NEVER even heard of and tons of reviews!

So after much reviewing and contemplating (hey I'm a Libra - hard to make decisions lol) I decided to go w/ two M2 skincare products - M2 Skin Refinish 20% and M2 Exfoliating Cleanser.  The line deals head on w/ the skin issues that plauge me the most - ACNE (& acne scarring) & Fine Lines/Wrinkles (sometimes hard to find skin care systems that deal w/ both issues not just one or the other) plus overall the reviews were plentiful and really promising so I thought they were great choices. 

Okay I just have to say I LOVE THESE PRODUCTS!  Like seriously I WILL be buying these again!  I have noticed an improvement in the overall tone of my skin, my pores seem smaller and my acne has DEFINITELY lessened!

Okay first I'll talk about the M2 Skin Refinish 20%. 

I'm going to preface this and say it is quite a potent product and can cause irritation.  In fact it is common to feel a slight tingling and burning upon first applying it to your skin so don't freak out.  I only use it every other night b/c it is so strong.  They do have a M2 Skin Refinish 12% for those w/ more sensitive skin...plus maybe after using that for awhile you could work yourself up to the 20%.  Also it's a night lotion...it leaves the skin a bit sticky till it dries I'm not going to lie so if that's something that might bug you I wouldn't suggest it.  Also don't sleep on your nice pillow cases if they are coloured b/c it may discolour them or bleach them in spots...I've learned this the hard way (not w/ this product but other acne products).  Some of the reviewers really seem to be stuck on wanting the Original Mama Lotion (product's old name)...I can't compare it to the old product so I really can't say if it was better but I can say I'm happy w/ this product...although I'm curious what the fuss is over the old product.

It's a decent size bottle and you don't need a lot of product at all.  The pump that the product comes out of is a little weird but nothing that really would detour me from buying it (although I'm a little curious when the product is getting low how it might effect me getting all of the product out).  I have been using it now for over 2 mths and I think there is still quite a bit of product left which to me is pretty good even though the product is a little steep at $48.50...but hey it covers so many bases - acne, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, wrinkles and fine lines. 

Okay so now that we've cleared that up I'll tell you all the good stuff about the product...to save time and so I don't miss or mess up any info I'm just taking the info straight from website.

About The Product



Eliminate all your skin care woes with one easy-to-use serum. This multi-purpose facial treatment uses a high-potency combination of Mandelic and Malic Acids to rapidly even skin tone, reduce breakouts, and soften wrinkles. (Previously known as MaMa Lotion)

1.7 fl. oz.

Who It's For

Ideal for all skin types, especially hyperpigmented, mature, and acne-prone, who want a smooth, even complexion. Recommended for all skin tones, including dark skin. Click here to read why M2 HP Skin Refinish works well on dark skin. Safe for use while pregnant or nursing.

Key Ingredients

Mandelic Acid is naturally antibacterial. Malic Acid protects skin from damaging free radicals. Algae Extract moisturizes skin.

How To Use It

In the evening, apply to clean, dry skin. Wait 10-15 minutes before applying moisturizer. Use only every other night for the first two months. If irritation or excess flaking occurs, decrease frequency of application or discontinue use. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 is required for best results.

Full Ingredients

DI Water, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid,Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Acrylate/ Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer, Isohexadecane,Polysorbate 60, PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer, Algae Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tetrasodium EDTA

So basically I alternate at night - I night M2 Skin Refinish and then the next night I use my traditional acne cream. 

Okay onto the M2 Exfoliating Cleanser

I'm not going to lie, in the past I have been sometimes a bit cheap w/ my skin cleansers.  I know, I know I spend tons of money on other makeup products, wrinkle creams, diet products...but for some reason hated spending more than $12-15 on a skin cleanser.  Well I think I've changed my mind now!  Not that the M2 Exfoliating Cleanser is THAT expensive...in fact it's under $25 USD.  Again it's a good size bottle but I think what makes it so worth the money (other than the fact that it's a great cleanser) is that all you need is one pump of the product which has a somewhat thick liquid gel consistency to wash your entire face.  Again I have been using this product for over 2 mths twice a day and literally onlly about 1/3 of the bottle is gone...so it that case it's ACTUALLY CHEAPER than other skin cleansers I have used in the past!

Okay here again is what the company says about the product.

About The Product

Instantly refine your skin every time you wash. This gel cleanser combines Mandelic and Malic Acids to gently exfoliate and remove impurities from the skin. Natural antibacterial and humectant properties restore balance, clarity, and tone. Soap-free and SLS-free.

6.76 fl. oz.

Who It's For

Ideal for those with dry, mature, or sensitive skin who want a clean, fresh, and refined complexion.

Key Ingredients

Mandelic Acid gently resurfaces the skin and is antibacterial. Malic Acid moisturizes and brightens. CoEnzyme Q10 neutralizes free radicals.

How To Use It

Apply a dime-size amount into the hands and run together to create a mild lather. Gently massage into dampened skin on face and neck. Let sit on skin for 30 seconds, then rinse. Use morning and evening or as directed by your skin care professional.

Full Ingredients

Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Laurylamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid NF, Sodium Hydroxide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Algae Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, PEG-150 Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol

I also should add that Skin Care Rx offers free shipping in the US on ANY M2 product purchases or ANY orders over $49...sorry Canadians we don't get the shipping deals :(

BUT I am passing on a code for ALL MY READERS!  If you want to SAVE 20% on ANY order w/ Skin Care Rx - follow this link! (takes a second for the coupon to pop up)  Told you they were an awesome company!

Btw how much do I LOVE this site...well I just bought some more products from them TODAY and I CAN'T WAIT to try them!  Yes...I used my own money lol...not just free stuff!  What did I buy you ask?

Well I'm a HUGE sucker for a GREAT sampler pack so I bought

The Beauty Cache - which is ALWAYS a HUGE BESTSELLER and sells out really quick so get one now!  It includes 4 full size products to try as well as a TON of sample products to try out (don't we all LOVE samples).  Plus I believe it also includes a $20 gift card (can be used on orders of $75 or more) so basically w/ that the Cache almost pays for it's self being that it costs under $30!  The reviews are amazing and EVERYONE seems to be a fan of this product so I'm VERY EXCITED to get mine!  A different one comes out every season and I tried to get one when I ordered my M2 products before but it was sold out so act fast!

Glycolix Skin Pads - I really LOVE the Avon Anew Pads so I'll be curious to compare these...again great reviews and a reasonable price so why not...since I ran out of my Avon Pads. 

MyChelle Dermaceuticals - Mostly just got this one b/c like I said I'm a sucker for a sampler pack and it was cheap w/ a lot of really fun products to try out!

ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Retexturizing Peel Review

I've used this product before but it's been awhile and I forgot how much I liked it!  At xmas my Nana asked me if I still used these pads and I said Yeah if I have them but I don't know any Avon reps in Toronto...she's an Avon rep back in Windsor.  So she gave me a couple of packages of them and I'm so glad she did!

Anyone that knows me knows I have a bit of prob skin and have for years.  In high school I went through a phase of severe acne (thankfully it didn't scar) and even now in my late 20s :S I have to be really careful w/ my skin and still break out sometimes...esp. if I have one of those late party nights and don't take off my makeup or newly discovered I think dairy upsets my skin (in Europe my forhead was like braille!).  So not only am I still trying to keep those pesky pimples at bay but now I'm also trying to be preventative and stop those tiny little wrinkles before they start!  Hard to find skincare that works for acne & anti-aging lol!

During xmas my skin was definitely NOT on it's best behaviour.  I think it had to do w/ the weather, change in diet and stress lol!  I've been using the peel pads religiously since I got back to Toronto and they are making so much of a difference!  They have really helped to clear up my skin and fade some of the pesky marks I had from some old pimples plus I think they are really making a difference on the one area I do notice VERY faint lines forming...my smile lines (damn my chipper smiley nature lol).  I don't think my skin has looked this good in awhile!  I find the overall texture has improved and the overall tone and evenness is a lot better too!  I don't even think I look THAT bad when I head to the gym w/out makeup...yes I leave the house sans makeup...before I just thought I looked shitty but still did it...now I think I look less shitty lol. 

Btw did I mention that it won the Allure Magazine Award for Best Peel...so obviously I'm not the only one that thinks it rocks!

Bride - Ali

So I just got home about an hr ago from my early morning bridal appt...you know the one I was packing for last night lol!  Anyway, it went fabulously and I think the bride looked gorgeous and angelic.  It's funny b/c before I met Ali she kept going on and on about having bad skin and could I cover it....I was paranoid and expecting pock mark scars and acne.  The girl has gorgeous skin...fair, no pores...and yeah maybe one or two pimples but nothing a little green concealer can't cancel out.  Seriously, I think her skin might be better then mine lol. 

For the makeup look Ali wanted the drama on the eyes so we did a grey/black smokey eye w/ black liner and a wispy full false lash...shes likes big lashes and even her natural lashes are quite long.  I contoured her cheeks a bit and added a bit of highlight to the cheekbones along w/ a bit of pink blush to give that rosy glow.  I finished everything off w/ a pink/nude lip and pink gloss.  Her maid of honour (who I did hair for as well) kept raving about how great she looked while I did the makeup...exactly the type of audience I LOVE lol.  Ali has SUPER long hair and wanted it all up...I learned in the trial that when hair is almost reaching the ass this is NO EASY feat.   I'm not going to lie I wasn't happy w/ what I did at the trial.  But then I came across this great YouTube hair tutorial for super long hair and I knew it would be perfect for Ali b/c she didn't want anything too structured. 

So here's a quick snapshot of Ali before I left...ignore the bad lighting and the hotel room background lol.

Here's the hair tutorial if you're curious:


Also now that I have a new computer which makes my life a million times less stressful (you seriously have no idea).  I'm thinking about maybe doing some YouTube Videos of my own...what kind of stuff would you guys like to see or be interested in learning about?

More MUFE Product Reviews!

Hey sorry for the absence been super busy w/ weddings, proms and other jobs...which is always good! Hopefully, some of the beautiful brides I worked w/ will send me some pictures from their special day and I'll be able to share them w/ you. Plus I have a couple of editorials coming out this week...FINALLY so there will be lots of updating with them :)

Anyway, back to my review. This is a product I've actually had in my kit for awhile but I've found that I've been using it a lot lately (ppl getting a bit too much sun perhaps ;) ) so I thought I'd talk about it.

I always prime the skin before I put down my foundation...unless of course I'm using Face Atelier which is a silicone based foundation and therefore has a built in primer. When I was in school I was taught it's like painting a wall - you always prime it first. For those that don't know primers are a great way to create a smoother surface for the makeup to lay on. It helps create a barrier between your skin and the foundation and it can help prevent your foundation from migrating into those pesky fine lines. It also helps blur any skin imperfections and helps your foundation last longer which is always a good thing for weddings...and esp. in the heat we've been experiencing lately.

Primers like the Make Up For Ever HD Primers can also be great for adjusting and minimizing certain discolorations in the skin. A common discoloration problem is redness in the skin whether it be from rosacea, acne or a sun burn. The green MUFE primer is great for reducing these issues before you even get to the concealer and foundation step. Now I'm not saying this primer is a miracle worker and it will take out all the red from the skin but it will reduce the problem and it can be a great product for someone who doesn't actually like to wear makeup but wants something that's going to finish the skin w/out the use of foundations...even guys could use it...and a lot of guys do tend to suffer from excess redness in the face... of course sometimes that has to do w/ a little too much drinking and not skin discoloration lol!

So recently I've had a lot of clients w/ all sorts of skin concerns (I guess this is what happens when you work w/ "real" ppl and not models all the time lol) - a mother of the bride w/ rosacea, a bridesmaid w/ acne, a girl going to her prom that got burnt in the tanning bed the day before (NEVER tan the day before a big event...even when you have a miracle worker makeup artist coming to your house lol!). Anyway, what they all have in common is that I used the Green MUFE HD Primer on them to start...and they all looked fabulous when I was done w/ them ;)

Quickest Brazilian in Town!

So it's officially Summer and you know what that means...patios, drinking, beach time and bathing suits...Eeek! It also means I needed to go for a Brazilian. I decided to try Aroma Wellness Centre & Spa, it's literally a 5 min walk from my apt., it gives a 15% discount on waxing on Tues & Weds and after reading all the glowing reviews about their Brazilian experts I thought I can't go wrong.

So they were able to take me on short notice which was great. I called yesterday and asked if they were available first thing when they opened at 10 am and they said they could squeeze me in. Mary my Esthetician was great. Very friendly and quick w/ the waxing and she told me exactly where to pull and hold to help w/ the resistance and therefore pain. Of course it wasn't pain free...they day they invent a pain free Brazilian I'll be right there front of the line lol. But it was quick - probably under 10 mins which is great b/c if you can't have it pain free you might as well get it over as quick as possible lol. The spa itself is very clean and they don't double dip the wax sticks which is good to know.

What really made the experience great was that I told Mary how last wk I had been there for a facial (they have VERY affordable spa packages) and now I had a couple of cystic like pimples (I have acne prone skin) come up (you know the rock hard painful ones that are under the skin :( ). Mary said she would look at my file to see what the other Esthetician - Alaa had used on my face and then she would use their ultra light therapy treatment on me free of charge :) Basically, it sort of felt like getting little shocks on the affected area. I thought that was great customer service and I'll definitely be going back! Not only for the Brazilians but I'm definitely curious now to try other services...esp. since they are so affordable.

So in total my waxing after tax and w/ the 15% discount came to $31.00 + tip...can't beat that! Plus it was less then 30 mins for me to walk to and from the spa, get the waxing and get the ultra light therapy!