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!

I LOVE Overtone Haircare!

So for the last year I've been rocking various shades and degrees of alternative hair colours.  At first I was doing purple and with every hair appt. I was bleaching a bit more of my hair to achieve an all over purple look.

In February I decided to switch it up and go blue!  I've totally been loving the blue...I think even more than the purple!  The issue for anyone who chooses to dye their hair these unnatural and crazy colours is the upkeep and keeping the colour fresh and not faded.

When I first heard of Overtone Haircare I knew (or at least hoped) my fading hair colour worries would be over!  After debating for a mth or so about ordering it (it's not that cheap and w/ the shipping and exchange to Canada makes it even more pricey) I decided to take the plunge and order! Let me tell you I'm SO GLAD I did!  This product is AMAZING!!!  Seriously the difference it makes on my hair just using the Weekly Treatment Conditioner once made on my hair made me a believer!  I bought the complete system which includes the Daily Conditioner and the Weekly Treatment Conditioner.

So this product is designed primarily for ppl w/ the wild and crazy colours in their hair, you know - Blue, Orange, Purple, Pink, Teal etc.  But what's really awesome is the fact that you can combine colours to make your own custom colour for your hair.  Plus they have 3 different levels for each colour - Pastel, Vibrant & Extreme!  I'm using the Blue Extreme for anyone that's curious.

The best way to figure out what would work for you is to take their little quiz and it will let you know the best product to achieve or keep the colour you want/have.  You can even use this product on bleached hair alone (ie. you don't already have it dyed a crazy colour) and it will deposit colour so it doesn't just revive worn out colour it adds it too!  I'm actually going to try this w/ some blonde extension pieces that I have that I've been thinking of dying blue.

What I really love is how soft and silky it makes my hair feel after I've used it.  Unfortunately, all this bleaching to my hair has not been kind and I have a lot of breakage and dryness b/c my hair is naturally fine and thin and it was previously dyed black prior to my new found crazy colour routine. Plus it really helps cut down expensive trips to the salon to get your colour retouched and you can wash your hair in warm water!  No more cold showers!

I definitely recommend wearing gloves when you apply it to your hair.  It doesn't dye your hands like traditional colour but just to be on the safe side.  Also, it's vegan and cruelty free for all those people out there that are curious about that sort of thing!

Check out their FAQ section to answer any other questions you might have!

BEFORE & AFTER

Both pics are with natural light hitting the hair.  The After pic I had used the Daily Conditioner twice and the Weekly Treatment Conditioner once!

Teosyal - Customizable Fillers For Your Face!

As I mentioned in my SilkPeel post the other day I would do a follow up post about my experience trying out the AMAZING fillers by Teosyal by Clarion Medical Technologies.  Again this procedure was performed at Dr. Cory Torgerson's office and this procedure was performed by the doctor himself.

Right from the beginning he consulted w/ me to find out my personal face/fine line concerns and then suggested the best course of action to get the results I was looking for.  I don't have a lot of wrinkles as I'm only in my early 30s but I did have some areas under my eyes and around my mouth that bugged me a bit.

I've personally always been of the mindset that it's good to keep on top of and start these things before they become really noticeable.  I like to think of it as preventative anti-aging care...much like the various creams and serums I use on my face.  I always figure if I start now and keep it subtle 1. It will prevent less wrinkles from forming in the future 2. It will never be a huge shock where someone will immediately go "Oh you've had work done" b/c it's small things over time and it's never a huge change

Dr. Torgerson explained to me about how as we age we lose volume in our face and cheeks and he also explained for around my mouth our it was necessarily about filling in the fine lines but lifting the cheek area using fillers so that they lines themselves would be lifted away.  He explained that a great way to use fillers is actually tear troughs...it's actually not one of the most popular or common places to use fillers yet but it's actually a great way to reduce dark circles and increase the volume under the eyes making them look less tired and sunken in.  I'll be totally honest this is the area I definitely experienced the biggest results and I can't believe it's not a more common/popular area to get fillers b/c I think dark circles really are one of the biggest skin concerns women have!  I also really appreciated his honesty and integrity when I asked about lip fillers and he explained he didn't really think it was necessary...I've never actually been that concerned w/ them but I just kind of wanted a professional's opinion on the matter.

A little bit about Teosyal b/c it's not necessarily that well known in North America right now (but I think that might change).  It's Europe's #1 Dermal Filler.  It's the purest filler on the market which results in less swelling.  Depending on the area injected the results can last anywhere from 6-18 mths. It also integrates naturally into the tissue, allowing for dynamic and natural expression (no frozen face lol).

So what's really amazing about the Teosyal fillers that Dr. Torgerson used on me is that unlike popular (and possibly more well known brands in North America right now) Juvederm or Restylane, Teosyal has several different customizable fillers depending on your face or aging concerns.  There are different fillers used for around the eyes vs. the lips vs. cheeks. etc.  I thought this was really cool b/c the areas are different w/ their own concerns and issues so it only makes sense for the filler to be slightly different in its formulation.

I think part of the reason fillers haven't become more popular in the tear trough area in Canada is that Teosyal Redensity II is actually the only dermal filler Health Canada has approved to treat tear trough hollows.  This specific formula has a subtle mix of cross-linked and non cross-linked hyaluronic acid and it's adapted to the fragile and challenging under-eye circles area.  There is little swelling and the results are immediate!  It's also blended w/ a complex of vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants and minerals to help restore the quality of the skin.

The Teosyal fillers also have lidocaine in them to help w/ comfort and pain for during and after the treatment.  They also have lidocaine free Teosyal for those w/ anesthetic sensitivities.  I personally found the procedures to be quite pain free...well a little prick but nothing I couldn't handle and it was all over quite quickly.  My face was a bit swollen/sensitive to the touch after and there was a bit of bruising but that's common and it went away.

Now on to some pictures!  I personally had 3 times of Teosyal fillers injected into my face.  A subtle amount of Ultimate in my cheeks to help with sagging and add lift to my upper cheeks.  Redensity II through my tear troughs which I talked about earlier.  And Kiss in the nasolabial folds.

This First picture although not the most flattering is my FAVOURITE b/c it actually shows the work with Half my Face DONE!  I'm pretty sure you can tell which side is done and which isn't lol!  Notice the subtle lift around the mouth and cheeks and definitely notice the huge difference under the eyes!  The one side that is treated has not large crease or dark circle!  Please excuse my skin a bit I did just have microdermabrasison right before this lol!

This picture shows a close up of the same eye Before and 2 wks Post Treatment.  Both No Makeup (other than a bit of mascara/brows in first pic).  Notice the reduction in darkness and the crease under the eye is dramatically reduced too!  It's just filled it and so much more refreshed! Also notice how improved my skin looks since the SilkPeel Facial ;)

This is a Before & After (1 wk post treatment).  I showed the first pic above w/ no makeup so that you didn't just think the difference was due to the awesome professional lighting at Dr. Torgerson's office and my equally awesome makeup skills ;)  Seriously he has his Before & After Picture taking skills down to a science lol!

The following 2 pics are Before & Afters taken in Dr. Torgerson's office w/ his awesome lighting...I actually think it's almost a bit too awesome because it covers up how bad my eyes looked in the Before pic so the results don't look quite as big as they actually were.  Plus again I didn't want you to think it was just the magic of good lighting and good makeup!

How Natural does it look!  Come on NO ONE would think anything unless I told them!

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!

ESQIDO Lashes

So anyone that wears false lashes on the regular knows that Mink Lashes are the more luxurious and high end option compared to commonly found synthetic lashes so when ESQIDO false eyelashes asked me to try out some of their lashes I of course jumped at the opportunity!

Esqido were kind enough to send me two pairs of lashes:  Lashlorette and Voila Lash.  For the purposes of this review though I'm only going to talk about Lashlorette.

Voila Lash is a beautiful lash but it's VERY FULL and long...I can only imagine wearing this style for a club night or perhaps New Years Eve sort of thing...definitely not your "Go to dinner" or "Nice night out" lashes...at least on my eyes (just a bit to overwhelming to look natural.

Lashlorette on the other hand was a perfect "Night Out" lash.  Perfect amount of volume and length to add drama and definition to the eye w/out looking like a drag queen or just "too much".  As I've found w/ other mink lashes in the past Esqido lashes have a great curve to them and fall nicely on to the lash line making them very easy to apply.  And they are very light weight once on.

The great thing about mink lashes vs. synthetic is yes while they are more expensive w/ proper care you can get up to 25 uses from them.  So they are an investment but if you're spending $5-7 on a pair of synthetic Quo lashes from Shoppers that you only wear once if you wear these even for half the amount of times they say they'll actually work out to be cheaper.  And don't worry animal lovers all the mink is responsibly sourced during a natural molting/shedding cycle and they are sterilized and hypoallergenic.

One of the great things about Esqido's site is they offer a Lash Guide which asks several questions about your eyes, the occasion and your lash applying expertise to help suggest the best lash for you!

For my business purposes I do personally wish the bands on the lashes were clear not black and that they had shorter options (even the least voluminous option is still quite long).  My clients tend to be VERY natural people so even though I know how to rock a set of lashes like Lashlorette when I go out I think a lot of them would find something like that still WAY too dramatic for them.

Also when choosing a lash you have to look at the person's natural eye shape.  I personally don't have a lot of lid space therefore something like Voila Lash just sort of overwhelms my eye but someone w/ huge eyes and lots of lid space before the brow could totally pull of something like this.

Although I didn't try them out knowing my personal style and my clients I think Unforgettable and Little Black Lash would be great options!  I personally prefer the types where they enhance the eye but the average person might not even know they are fake.

They also have a PRO Makeup Artist Program so definitely something for the MUAs out there to check out!

All the pics are showing the Lashlorette Style...as you can see on my eyes they are very full and quite dramatic.  They pretty much reach my eyebrows...This is why I think anything bigger or fuller might just be a bit of overkill on my eyes.

Bomb City Beauty - Body Butter & Lip Balm

I was recently contacted by Starla - Bomb City Beauty creator to try out a couple of her organic and delicious smelling body butter and lip balm products and I'm so glad I did!  These things feel awesome on the skin and what makes it even better is that they are all natural, handmade  and good for you!

Bomb City Beauty originates from B.C. Canada and I'm all about helping out other Canadian companies and start ups...I think it's really important for us to try and support local and small businesses vs. always shopping for the big name brands.  If you're in Salmon Arm BC you can get the products straight from the source at Shuswap Health Foods and Bar but if you don't find yourself in Salmon Arm BC no worries Starla also has an Etsy page where you can buy her yummy products and she's working on a website too (she ships worldwide)!

I got to try out the Top Secret Strawberry Body Butter and the Strawberry Spark Lip Bomb...all the names have little references to bombs, spies or that sort of thing. As I mentioned before the products are all Organic, Made to Order, Homemade and Never Tested on Animals so you know you aren't getting something that has been sitting around on shelves for mths.

The body butter lists its ingredients as:  Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Organic Fragrance Oils & H20...so nothing we can't pronounce and no chemicals or additives...just all good natural stuff.  It melts onto the skin really nicely and feels very moisturizing but not too oily..although I would leave a few minutes for it to absorb before you put your clothes on.

The lip bomb's ingredients are also kept simple and easy: Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Organic Strawberry Oil

Some of the other flavours of Lip Bomb include: Mint Explosion, Vanilla Fuse, Cinnamon Sizzle, Pineapple Pow, Licorice Wick, Mint Cocoa Charge & Orange Blast - $4.00/each

Other Body Butters: Chocolate Espionage, Peppermint Vendetta & Restraining Order (Fragrance Free) - 50ml @ $9.98 150ml @ $19.98

Definitely worth trying and they feel and smell delicious...I actually kind of want to eat them lol!

Collectiion XXII - Anti-Aging Skincare

As I get older I'm more and more concerned w/ aging and the signs of aging showing up on my face in particular.  So whenever I get the chance to try out new anti-aging products I of course jump on that.  Awhile back I was asked to test out some new products from a company called Collection XXII who are based in Quebec but formulated in Switzerland.  They are new to the anti-aging market just coming on the scene in 2009 w/ a single product.  Since then they've taken the past 4 years to formulate 4 products in total and are continuing to develop more.  I like when brands take time to develop and formulate a couple of good products vs. throwing a lot of mediocre products on the market just to create a "full line" to retail.

So all of their products are infused w/ their 4 "Secrets" which include: Collagen, Cavier, Gold & Grape Seed Oil.

Collagen - Helps skin's elasticity and helps prevent wrinkles. As we age collagen in the skin breaks down creating wrinkles, saggy skin and age spots.

Gold - Absorbs into the skin and creates a healthier glow.  Collection XXII gold flakes help open up the pores which helps the collagen penetrate the skin which makes for a more effective treatment.

Cavier - Helps to speed up the natural  production of collagen in the skin.  It's also rich in vitamins A, D, B1, B2, and micro-elements Co, Cu, P, Si, Zn.  Cavier extract helps firm the skin and provide optimal hydration.

Grape Seed Oil - Provides protection against sun damage and the astringent properties can tighten the skin.  It can really help with things like acne, dermatitis and eczema.  It also helps reduce age spots, stretch marks, sunburns and wrinkles.

The first product I got to try out was the Collagen Eye Mask XXII.  The patch targets the delicate area under the eyes and it helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines and diminish dark circles and puffiness. Pretty much issues all women (and men) face.  I really liked these patches and definitely felt that they were hydrating to the eye area.  I can't speak about any long term results as I only had the one set of patches to try the one time but I definitely felt like the skin around the eye was softer and more moisturized.  I'd definitely use these on or recommend these to brides on their wedding day.  A lot of brides don't get a lot of sleep before their wedding so I think a product like this would be great for moisturizing and de-puffing the eye area which would allow for better and smooth makeup application after.

I also got the chance to try Collagen Lip Mask XXII.  This patch also reduces fine lines and wrinkles by softening and hydrating the skin.  I had never used a patch like this before so this was unique to me.  Again like the eye patch I found it very hydrating.  I don't personally have a lot of wrinkles around the mouth area so I don't know if it would benefit me in that way but I imagine for someone who is a smoker something like this might be very beneficial to them as they tend to develop more or premature wrinkles around the mouth area.

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!

Eyebrow Extensions - Game Changer!

On my first date w/ my boyfriend he commented that I had amazing brows.  I was happy as EVERY makeup artist is pretty much obsessed w/ brows and it's basically like giving one of the biggest compliments ever lol BUT I also felt a tinge of deceit b/c they weren't really my brows.  I mean they were of course but I filled them in quite a bit to get the shape and arch I liked...w/out makeup they were definitely not the well sculpted pieces of work above my eyes lol!

Years of over tweezing and waxing in the 90s (when thin brows were in...the last time, hopefully forever thin brows will be in lol) had left my sad little brows w/ holes and starting to far apart.  Now my brows weren't awful and since becoming a makeup artist I've definitely learned how to fix them and make them acceptable on a daily basis but of course that required makeup so it kind of excluded me from things like "no makeup" pics...w/out thinking I looked awful of course lol...I even filled them in if I was going swimming or on vacation backpacking.  Literally, even if I wasn't going to wear makeup I would still fill in my brows lol!

So when I heard about eyebrow extensions two weeks ago for the first time on Instagram I pretty much jumped for joy!  Immediately I started looking up where in Toronto I could get this magic service!  That's when I found Winks Eyelash Boutique in Yorkville (very close to me - bonus!)  I reached out to Winks and asked if it was possible to maybe try out brow extensions in exchange for a blog review (hey it has its benefits being a blogger ;) ) and they immediately responded saying Yes and on top of that they would give me lash extensions too! Bonus!!  Apparently they've been big in Europe for awhile but are just gaining popularity in North America now...I don't know what took us so long lol!

So on Weds I went to Winks for my appt.  Mei applied my eyelash and eyebrow extensions and she was friendly and answered all of my questions and helped me decide which lashes would be best for me.  I had had lash extensions before but this was actually a much more relaxing experience for me. She gave me a neck pillow and the chair reclined slightly so it was all very relaxing.  Plus, I don't know if she was just more gentle than the last person but my eyes weren't sore like last time during and after which was definitely a good thing!

Mei did my lashes first and she was very quick and gave me a very nice (not too insanely dramatic) lash w/ a sort of cat eye effect which is what I like when I wear false lashes too!  I do like lash extensions but for myself personally they aren't something I'd keep up all the time.  I naturally have pretty long lashes and I'm very good at putting on false lashes so I just don't personally see the point for the cost but I would consider them before a vacation or if I was getting married or something.  I definitely do understand why some ppl get them all the time though...especially ppl w/ short/sparse lashes like a lot of Asian girls.

But the BROW EXTENSIONS!!! That's something I might just keep up with!  Basically I have my dream right now!  Brows that don't need to be filled in and are naturally arched!  I really couldn't be happier about the whole thing!  As someone who has struggled with her brows for years this literally was a revelation for me.

As I mentioned before I don't have the worst brows and I do actually have brow hair it's just they start too far apart and they need filling a bit on the end and underneath to create the arch.  This actually makes the brow extensions easier for me b/c they can be attached to the hair I actually do have as well as to the skin in spots where there is no hair.

Brow extensions are not the same hair as lash extensions btw.  They are shorter and finer and of course come in a variety of colours to match your own brows.  Mine are dark brown.  They are very similar to lash extensions in how you care for them though.  You shouldn't get them wet for the first 24 hrs and you can't use oil makeup removers on them b/c they will deteriorate the glue. They will unfortunately need more maintenance then lash extensions (fills every 2 wks most probably) b/c often they are attached to the skin and not just the hair that is already there making them a little more delicate and not as "stuck" as lash extensions.

I'm not going to lie I do feel like I have/want to be pretty delicate with them.  If you are someone who rubs their eyes or brow area a lot lash and brow extensions wouldn't be good for you.  I'd also be very careful when washing your face.  I use to scrub my face in the shower but while I have these I'll only wash my face at my sink where I can look in the mirror and be precise were I'm washing and scrubbing so I can avoid the brow area b/c I do think they could fall out pretty easily :(

Because they require a bi-monthly maintenance they definitely aren't the cheapest beauty habit to keep up but if you're someone like me who is very obsessed with their brows and don't mind indulging in a little beauty luxury then you might find the cost worth it.  The results really are insane no one would know they aren't your brows trust me!

Cost varies at different places of course and I imagine it probably varies depending on the amount of reconstruction work has to go into the brows - whether it's just filling in holes or basically constructing a whole new brow for a client.  But it's definitely a beauty trend I'm happy to have discovered and keep up with!

Thanks again Winks Eyelash Boutique I couldn't be happier w/ the results!  Can't wait to share this info w/ my clients!

My "Before" Brows & Lashes...see not the worst brows my any means but not great!  Excuse my giant pores...as you guys know I DO NOT have great skin lol!

Not gonna lie...kinda glad my eyes are taped shut otherwise this might freak me out lol!

Lashes done and looking gorgeous!...next up I need to do something about those pores ugh lol!  But I do like to convince myself that my oily skin is keeping me young looking at least lol!

Completed brows!  Wow So NATURAL looking!

Before & After Shot of Brows & Lashes

Completed Day Look the next day w/ better lighting and makeup ;) lol

I Love Hourglass Cosmetics

I have to say I've tried a few things from the Hourglass Cosmetics so far and I've LOVED everything I've tried thus far.  I've loved their products so much that I thought it was worth writing about AND they don't have a Pro Discount (well they have one for US artists but not Canada :( ) so that means I've been paying FULL PRICE...something I pretty much NEVER do...so if that doesn't say something I don't know what does lol!

It is a "luxury" brand and therefore at a bit higher price range than some brands but the quality is there so I think it's worth it.  Plus when it comes to things like foundation I think investing money on good products is never a waste!  They have been around for just over 10 years and from what I know they've been in Sephora (where I get my Hourglass products) for at least a few years now.  I really love that they are a cruelty free brand and many of the products are vegan and produced w/out gluten, parabans, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, GMOS, Triclosan and nonoparticles ...very important for a lot of ppl these days!

I originally got introduced to the brand when I was sent a Nude Lip Stylo to review.  Right away I really liked that the brand had many different colours of nude lip stylos...often ppl don't realize that one shade of nude isn't right for everyone and ppl w/ darker skin tones often have to go darker in nudes than they might initially realize.  It was a great product and I love the chubby stick pencils for lipsticks these days as they are very easy to apply and fill in...especially if you're on the go!

One of the biggest products for the brand and probably the one that has made them the most well known has been their primer.  I've never actually bought a full size version of it but have tried samples.  It's good but the funny thing is it's not my fav. product by them lol!

Next I think I got another mini rouge liquid lipstick in Icon w/ one of my Sephora orders. Immediately I loved it!  Went on matte/opaque and was a gorgeous red...one that I think would look good on almost anyone!  Very smooth and easy to apply and very long lasting!  I think it was after this that I really started to take notice and look at the other products the brand had to offer.

After hearing a lot of buzz about it I decided to invest in one of their pricier items - The Ambient Lighting Palette!  I'm obsessed w/ a nice glowy cheek for my clients so I thought this would be a gorgeous addition to my kit and I was definitely not wrong!  Goes on so smooth and seamlessly blends into the skin.  Creates a gorgeous glow - not too sparkly or shimmery.  All 3 powders would be universally flattering on pretty much anyone and the product is definitely good for both day and evening looks!

After this I was pretty much hooked so when Sephora released an Ambient Light Blush Palette for VIB members I knew I had to give it a try...and of course I was not let down.  Gorgeous finish and colour - Peach, Pink, Plum blushes. I really love how smooth and buildable all the products are...never cakey or powdery looking. I would say though this product probably wouldn't be suitable for darker skin tones as I don't think it would show up.

Finally after all of this and being a die hard Cover FX foundation user on myself I decided to try out their Liquid Powder Foundation.  Anyone who reads this blog knows I have oily and acne prone skin so the idea that a foundation was oil absorbing, buildable coverage and had a matte/velvet finish all sounded pretty good to me.  The "secret" ingredient is Cashmere Kaolinite Clay which has been shown to absorb 75% of it's weight in sebum while still retaining moisture in the skin.  I personally like to apply the product w/ a damp beauty blender and tap/bounce the product into the skin.  One of the first days I was wearing it another artist commented how great my skin looked...umm right there I guess we can say I was sold!  When another artist comments your skin/foundation looks great you know you have a winner!

So yeah I guess you can say I'm a fan of the brand.  Haven't tried anything I didn't like...and I've even been paying full price :S  If anything all I have to say is Hourglass bring your Pro Discount to Canada!!!  Definitely worth checking out the products though if you don't mind investing in good quality makeup!

Cocolush Natural Skin Care

I LOVE Coconut...basically anything that coconuts make or smell like I'm all over it...seriously - if a body wash, scrub, cream etc. smells like coconut or a tropical vacation I'm probably adding it to my shopping cart!  So when Cocolush Natural Skin Care contacted me offering to send me a sample of their Cocolush Body Scrub you better believe I was like "Hell Yeah"!

What I love about ALL of their products is how natural they are...no fillers or artificial ingredients! Vegan, Gluten & Paraben Free plus no preservatives.  They don't test on animals and their products smell so good I actually want to eat them...and I probably could (although the argan oil might not be the best lol)!

All the ingredients in their products have a purpose...they aren't just put there for no reason.  For moisture they have coconut oil and argan oil plus Vitamin E oil which is a strong antioxidant which helps fight against premature aging and wrinkles.  Sea Salt for exfoliation and Epsom Salt a natural detoxifier and reduces inflammation.  Cocoa Powder increases blood flow to the skin and is also full of antioxidants.  And Cinnamon (another personal fav of mine) which is actually great for acne and eczema.  So basically these products are full of stuff that's good for your skin...and smells so freaking yummy!

The skin care line is small but I like that...just keep it simple w/ a few good, quality products.  I tested out the Cocolush body scrub and it was so moisturizing on the skin...and as I've mentioned several times before already smelled so good!  My only small gripe is a wish there was a bit more salt or grit to the scrub...I felt like it broke down on the skin a little too soon before I really got the scrubbing effect in...but this would be great for sensitive skin!  And I did like how moisturized it left me feeling.

They also have a lip scrub which I imagine would be hard not to just lick right off your lips and Chocolate Peppermint Facial Teas for steaming, detoxifying and moisturizing of the skin (not drinking ;))  The whole line is super affordable ranging anywhere from $6 CAN for the Lip Scrub to $14.00 for the Body Scrub.  Plus the body scrub comes in a resealable waterproof bag making it great for the shower!  There's Free Shipping Across Canada so definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a really yummy, natural product for your skin!

Wow What A Deal! Rhythm Spa Downtown Toronto

 I love a good deal!  I also love going to the spa!  So when those two things can come together I'm totally game!  If you're a looking to get pampered for a couple of hours and not break the bank I definitely have a great deal for you if you live or work in Downtown Toronto!

Rhythm Spa located at 199 Church St. (Just South of Dundas St. E) is having an amazing special right now! 

For $120 (including tax) you get:

30 Min Massage

30 Min Facial

Mani/Pedi

30 Min Exfoliation

Eyebrow Shaping 

Brazilian Waxing or Full Leg or Full Arm...and it can be used over multiple visits!

We can't all afford to have spa days at The Ritz...but that doesn't mean we don't deserve to be pampered too!

I think this would be really fun to do as an afternoon w/ a girlfriend...go to lunch, go to the spa, hit a patio for some cocktails...you know all that fancy fun stuff ;)

I've been to Rhythm Spa before and I can say the staff are really nice and friendly.  It's a clean place and they've done quite a few renovations over the past couple of years to expand the business.  It's not the fanciest place in town but you're also not paying the highest prices in town either.

I should mention they also have some great deals for Spa Parties - Great idea for Bachelorettes or Birthdays!  Plus they also have some Monthly Membership spa services definitely worth checking out!

So if you're looking for some pampering...or a gift for someone that is in need of some pampering definitely a deal worth checking out!

Softlips Cubes & Giveaway!!!

I'm doing another Giveaway on my blog - YEAH!  This one is from the wonderful people over at Softlips Canada.  You may remember I had a really popular giveaway w/ them a couple of mths ago and they've been nice enough to set up another one with me!

Softlips Canada is launching their new 5-in-1 Lip Balm Cubes and I got to try out the Vanilla Bean and Berry Bliss cubes myself and I gotta say I'm definitely a fan!  Small, sleek cube design, easy twist off lid and very moisturizing on the lips!  I have some other lips balms that I have to go over my lips several times before I feel like there is any product on them but these just glide right on and leave my lips smooth and hydrated.

I personally like to keep one in my purse and one near my bed b/c I think it's always important to moisturize your lips before bed.  I find for myself at least that's one of the biggest things that prevent me from getting dry, chapped lips b/c we tend to dry out our lips a lot while we sleep if we sleep w/ our mouths open...plus if you sleep w/ the air conditioner on in these Summer mths that can be super drying to your lips too!

They are also totally affordable at $4.99 a piece and available Walmart, Rexall, Lawtons and Shoppers Drug Mart...so pretty much everywhere lol!

Btw if you're curious what the 5-in-1 stands for:

Hydrates - forumlated w/ Shea Butter to restore moisture
Replenishes - with antioxidant Vitamins A, C & E
Smoothes - rich emollients leave lips silky and soft
Protects - long lasting moisture to protect against dryness
Adds Shine - for a perfect radiant finish

So now on to the GIVEAWAY!!!  What exactly is in the prize pack you ask?

1 WINNER

1 Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Berry Bliss

1 Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Vanilla Bean

1 Clutch Purse with Zipper Chain Wristlet

1 Purse Mirror

Open To CANADA ONLY (sorry everywhere else) 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Skindinavia - Great Products from Beginning To End!

A few mths back I heard about Skindinavia on a makeup artist forum.  Many artists were raving about their setting spray and w/ wedding season right there I thought why not give them a try!

Often times one of the biggest compliments I can get as an artist is when a bride comes back to me and says my makeup looked amazing even at the end of the night!  In fact some of my favourite pictures are the ones where I see the bride at the reception dancing it up looking as flawless and beautiful as she did 10 or 12 hrs earlier when I first applied the makeup.  Having the makeup last through the heat, tears and kisses of a wedding is also one of the biggest concerns for brides so having a good setting spray to give it that extra bit of hold is always a good thing.  I always tell brides - It's like hairspray for the face (except a lot less sticky) ;) and in fact sometimes I think just the idea of using a setting spray at the end of the makeup applications helps the bride feel more secure and confident that her makeup is going to last...and when I'm doing it it always does ;)

But Skindinavia doesn't just have a setting spray - they also have a Primer too!  Basically, they are hitting your face w/ their Temperature Control Technology in the beginning and end of the makeup application. For those that are wondering what exactly "Temperature Control Technology" is and how it works follow this link.

The benefits of this technology include:  Oil Control, Diminished Shine, Skin retains moisture longer, Keeps makeup fresh throughout the day and prevents colour loss.  Plus all of their products are formulated w/out Parabens and they are Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free, Breathable and Lightweight on the skin.  Pretty much every person I use the primer and setting spray on comments on how refreshing and nice the mist feels on their skin at the beginning and end of the makeup appt.

The Primer is their newest product and I should also mention it's silicone free which is a major bonus for a lot of people and I know personally I sometimes find silicone primers have too much slip or can ball up on the skin.  It also helps to minimize redness, uneven skin and large pores.

One of my favourite things about Skindinavia has got to be their Pro Program!  Not only do they often have awesome Deals and Makeup Artist Kits but if you are a Pro and sign up for their Pro program and email them after you've made your order they will DOUBLE your order for FREE - YES you read that correct!!! Even if you aren't a Pro you can take advantage of their Makeup Artist Kits and great shipping rates for both USA and Canada!  I love when companies don't charge an arm and a leg to ship to Canada - I've literally not ordered from some companies b/c their shipping was ridiculous!

Another great plus is the little travel size bottles of the setting spray and/or primer that come w/ the order. I'm all about condensing my kit so I just refill those little bottles from the big bottle!

So w/ all these great benefits and the hot weather upon us I definitely think Skindinavia is a company worth checking out!

GIVEAWAY!!! FREE 60 min Facial at Saul's Beauty Shop - $100 Value

I'm hosting another giveaway and let me tell you I'm SO EXCITED about this one!  Why you ask? Well it's a really awesome prize!  I'm giving away 1 60 min facial at Saul's Beauty Shop in Toronto - Value $100.  Contest open to anyone in Toronto or GTA (if you're willing to come to Toronto for the facial) - open to Men & Women - Saul's is a gender neutral joint and they actually really really want the boys out there to start taking better care of their skin ;)

Never heard of Saul's?  Well that's probably b/c it's pretty new but can I just say it's also pretty awesome!  I personally had the pleasure of getting my own facial at Saul's last week and it was probably one of the best facials I've had..no lie!  The spot itself is located right on Dundas West near Bellwoods Ave.  It also has a totally different vibe than most spas too...almost like you're stepping into someone's cute apt...not sterile or all white...that's b/c owner Eliss wanted to create a warm and friendly environment that would appeal to both men and women...reg. spa goers as well as newbies.

Eliss has been in the aesthetics biz for years and funny enough I've actually had the pleasure of receiving her services before once or twice at Aroma Wellness Clinic.  Eliss even recognized me when I came in for my facial which was surprising b/c I'm sure she saw A LOT of ppl at Aroma so kinda nice that she remembered me even though we only met once or twice before.

What makes her place different from a lot of other spas out there is as I mentioned she's really trying to make an inviting gender neutral, unpretentious environment and in fact not only does she carry a wide range of shave products for the boys out there but she also has a conditioning mask for facial hair during the male facials...facial hair and the skin underneath it need love to you know ;)

She also only carries products that are SLS and petrochemical free...she even writes up about it here on her site.

Also...and this is probably the biggest one compared to most places I've received facials from before.  Her facials are booked in time increments instead of the type of facial.  Basically when you go in you speak to Eliss about your concerns, sensitivities and the things you want most out of a facial ie. mask, extractions, peels etc. and from there she customizes your facial based on your skin type, needs, concerns and the time increment you've paid for.

So why did I enjoy my facial so much you might be asking.  Well to start off I just really liked the vibe...I actually always liked Eliss the once or twice I had her at Aroma so I knew I was off to a good start there.  Unlike most spas she doesn't play typical waterfall or meditating music but instead it's more of an old school classic slow r&b & jazz sort of thing.  Plus using the Aromatherapy Associates spa line she customizes the masks based on what she thinks you need...maybe a bit extra oatmeal or guava etc.  I had the Rose face mask.  And this was probably the best part...during the facial a lot of times the esthetician will leave the room during the steam or mask but Eliss actually gave a hand massage, shoulder massage and finally a scalp massage all during the facial...definitely aided in my relaxation!

Eliss also offers waxing services and spray tans...I'm actually going back next week for a spray tan to get my healthy "Summer glow" on ;)  I'll be sure to tell you guys about that too!

So here's how to ENTER!  Please allow a few moments for the widget to open.  Open to Men & Women.  Toronto or GTA area ONLY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Phyt-Age Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Whenever I'm given any sort of skincare creams to use and review I really like to take some time and use them for awhile to see if they really work...I hate when I see bloggers writing about creams and serums that they've used once :P

I was sent Phyt-Age Anti-Wrinkle Cream several weeks ago and I've definitely had a chance to use it.  One thing I can definitely say is that it's a very thick cream and a little goes a long way so you definitely get your money's worth w/ it!  I've been using it for probably 6-8 wks and there's still well over half a jar and that's w/ use once or twice a day!

As I mentioned before it is a thicker cream which is great for older more mature skin which tends to be more dry and dehydrated (which the product is targeted at...it is anti-wrinkle after all).  When the skin is dry and dehydrated wrinkles are accentuated so hydrating the skin properly is definitely the first step to smoother, younger skin.

As someone w/ minimal wrinkles and oily skin I can say even though this cream is thicker I didn't feel like it was heavy on my skin or that it made it feel greasy in anyway...it absorbed nicely into my skin.  A little does go a long way though and if you put too much you'll have some trouble rubbing it in as it is rather thick...if that happens just take the excess and rub in down to your chest area...that needs moisture too ;)

The company definitely stands behind their product and they advertise it's a risk free 30 day trial...if you don't like it send it back for a full refund!  I like when a company stands behind their product like that.

I also like that Phyt-Age is formulated w/out sulfates, parabens, gluten, mineral oil, DEA, synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic colour, phthalates and propylene glycol.  I also know this is important to a lot of other people too as the trend seems to be finding products w/ these least amount of harmful chemicals or additives possible.

Phyt-Age also says that it's active ingredients that rival botox, brighten the skin, provide UV protection and promote collagen stimulation.  Like I said before I don't really have many wrinkles but I will say I have been getting a lot of compliments on my skin lately.  A lot of people have said it's glowing...I don't know if I owe all the results to this cream as I've definitely been eating healthier and living a more active lifestyle which also has a big impact...but the cream definitely isn't hurting the situation.

I really suggest people check out the website to learn more about the benefits and active ingredients in Phyt-Age cream.

The Gift of Relaxation This Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is just a few days away and of course the wonderful people at Lush have come out w/ a line of products especially for those special women in our lives!  Plus being the wonderful and generous people they are they sent me a few things to try out (even though I'm not a mom myself ;) ).

With this line of products targeted to mothers there is definitely a theme of flowers...which makes sense I mean what mom doesn't want flowers on Mother's Day.  The products are also broken into two categories - Energizing and Relaxing.  For the most part they seem to be bath products this time.  I have to say I really liked everything I tried this time...but for different reasons w/ each item.

Rose Bubble Bar - Very affordable and can be broken up into two bubble baths.  The bar has rosehip oil and cocoa butter to create a very luxurious and skin softening experience.  I think I liked this product so much b/c of the fragrance.  Sometimes I find the fragrances w/ Lush products to be a bit strong but I really liked this one and I didn't find it overpowering.

The Mum Reusable Bubble Bar - This product is great b/c you can get several uses out of it. Sometimes my complaint w/ Lush products have been that you don't get enough use out of them for the amount you pay.  This product is really cool b/c it's shaped like a flower on a stick and you swish it under running water to create a bubble bath and then set it aside to dry out and use at a later date.  Plus there is a tag that comes w/ it and if I read it correctly I believe if you soak the tag and plant it wild flowers will grow from the tag...which is pretty cool if your mom is the gardening type.

Inhale Exhale - This was probably my fav product out of the three I tried.  It's a bath bomb w/ two sides and two fragrances.  The "inhale" side fizzes up quickly in the bath and has a light melon fragrance while the "exhale" side is a slower fizz w/ a heavier/deeper amber and sandalwood fragrance for a meditative soak.  My fav. part of the bomb was the "secret" message that waiting on the inside...very nice surprise for mom!