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!

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!

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!

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!

MaskerAide Sheet Masks Review

A few weeks ago I got a lovely package in the mail from the ppl at MaskerAide who had asked me to review their amazing sheet masks.  I was really excited b/c one of my fav. beauty indulgences while in Shanghai was collecting and trying out different sheet masks.  They are sold EVERYWHERE in Asia and there are so many different brands and types and they are really affordable so it's a great "me night" activity...esp. if you're on a budget ;).

For those of you in North America who might not be that familiar w/ the concept of sheet masks.  Basically it's a cloth that has been soaked in various serums, vitamins and nutrients and has holes cut out of it for your mouth, nose and eyes...and you smooth is over your face...hence the "mask" name.  What's great about sheet masks is they are really easy to use, not messy and really portable for the "girl on the go".  Plus the mask acts as an incubator allowing the pores to open up and which allows for better absorption of the nutrients and vitamins and they are great for giving intense hydration to dry and dehydrated skin.

What makes MaskerAide masks that much better then the competition is that they are free of all:

Parabens
Harsh Dyes & Pigments
Mineral Oils
Artificial Fragrances
Benzophenone
Glycerins

They are super gentle and can be used on any skin type making them a great little gift or stocking stuffer (hey never too early to start thinking about x-mas ;) )

They come in 6 types...and lucky for me I got a box w/ all 6!

All Nighter - Awaken, Replenish & Refresh
Detox Diva - Clean, Exfoliate, Detoxify
I Don't Wanna Grow Up - Lift, Firm & Soften Fine Lines
Beauty Rest'ore - Restore, Regenerate & Repair
Weather Warrior - Calm, Soothe & Heal
Pre Party Prep - Brighten, Prime & Energize

The first one I tried was the Beauty Rest'ore.  I tried this out shortly after I had my second chemical peel.  My skin was a lot drier and more flakey after my most recent peel b/c they used a harsher peel this time.  The mask was great for soothing my skin, didn't cause any additional aggravation and it was super hydrating.  I could moisturize my skin w/ the left over cream that was on the mask.

The second one I tried was the All Nighter.  I tried this after an esp. long wedding work day.  I had been up since 3 am that day and started work just before 5 (yes for real).  I had two weddings that day and had made plans to go out that night so to say I needed a little help and relaxation before going out that night is an understatement lol!  The mask smelled good and was very cooling and invigorating on the skin.  My skin definitely felt refreshed afterward and it was a completely different feel then the Weather Warrior...at first I was concerned that all the masks might be really similar and it was just a marketing thing to come up w/ different names...but trust me they are actually very different masks.

I also tried the Detox Diva which unlike a lot of detox or clay masks didn't leave my skin feeling dry or itchy afterward.  It definitely felt clean and refreshed but also hydrated and soothed.

Tomorrow is my b-day so I've been saving the I Don't Wanna Grow Up for that b/c let's be real...I'm def. at an age where I've started to be concerned w/ my age lol...and it's my b-day so of course I deserve a little pampering ;)

I think the Weather Warrior will definitely come in handy w/ the cold weather coming upon us and all the harsh things that does to our skin and I'm saving the Pre Party Prep for a night when I actually go out to party...maybe next Sat. (I do have some fun plans in store for that night ;) )

At $4.99 a pack it's definitely affordable and like I said a great little indulgence for you or someone you know...plus at that price why not try all 6!

My Most Favourite Primer EVER!

I don't know what it is about this particular beauty product that has always interested me but even before I became a makeup artist I was on the hunt for a great primer.  Now it seems like EVERY brand of makeup has their own primer but I remember when I was first looking the mention of the product to sales girls often got me confused looks.

Over the years I have tried MANY primers...some I've liked, some not so much...but never one that I absolutely loved (kind of like my dating life lol)!  But NOW I've found my one true love (we're still talking about Primers btw...not relationships...I'm still working on that one ;) ) - Arbonne Makeup Primer!

I actually tried this primer about a yr ago...and even wrote about it on this blog.  I got a sample and I loved it then but I didn't go and buy it for myself..not sure why.  Fast forward a year, I've now taken the plunge and I'm sorry I waited so long!

For any makeup newbies or novices who are asking - What's a primer and why do I need it?

Basically, it's a product you put on before your foundation (you can wear it alone w/out foundation too btw).  It's like when you paint a wall in your house you always prime it first...primer for the face is the same kind of idea.  A good primer sort of diffuses and diminishes fine lines and pores....it just smooths out the surface of your face so that foundation lays nicer and you'll use less of it.  It also creates a barrier between your skin and your foundation and personally I find foundation lasts longer w/ it.

So what is it about this particular primer you ask?  Well first off you only need a small amount to do the entire face b/c the product is that concentrated...so yes, it might be on a little bit of the pricier side (equivalent to Smashbox Primer) but it will last you a long time so it's worth it IMO...plus remember since you're using a primer you'll need less foundation...therefore saving money there too ;).  This primer just leaves the skin feeling so smooth and silky and it really does do what it says - diminishes the appearance of fine lines and pores.

 Also in the past I've found w/ some popular primers (Smashbox I'm looking at you) they've been a bit heavy and sometimes depending on the client's skin when I've gone to put foundation over top the primer has sort of balled up or rolled off...NOT GOOD!  I've yet to experience this w/ the Arbonne Primer.  I should mention I'm not alone in calling this The Best Primer...even the readers at TotalBeauty.com agree - it was voted #1 (beating out big brands like MUFE, Smashbox & MAC) w/ an average reader rating of 9.9!

Other reasons I'm a big fan of this Primer...and other products from Arbonne:

• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist Tested
• PH Correct
• Vegan Certified, Peta-Approved
• No Parabens, Phthalates, Artificial Dyes, Fragrance, Mineral Oil or Formaldehyde-donating Preservatives
• A lot of their products are also Gluten Free which is becoming an important thing for a lot of ppl too
• They also have a really strong Green Commitment - responsible harvesting, don't use endangered ingredients, print w/ soy based inks when possible, recyclable packaging or packaging made from recyclable materials

So overall just a very responsible and socially conscientious brand which is cool.  Their products are available online and they have literally hundreds of other great products available.  Plus a lot of really cool deals, discounts (20% off all orders) and free products if you sign up as a Preferred Client (which is open to anyone...not just Pros..but it does have a joining fee just an FYI..but still a good investment if you plan on buying a few things).

Oh one last thing...if you don't like anything you buy w/ Arbonne you have 45 days to return it!  Yes, that's right they are so confident in their products that you have a 45 day money back guarantee...that's pretty sweet!

One thing is for sure I'm definitely going to have 2 of these Primers - 1 for Myself & 1 for my Kit b/c I'll be honest I don't want to share it w/ anyone ;)

For anyone interested here's a link to buy it!

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!