Marc Anthony New Coconut Oil Collection

Anyone who knows me knows I'm kinda obsessed w/ anything coconut related...seriously if it smells like a tropical vacation or involves the concept of coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk...basically coconut anything I'm all over it!  So of course I was more than willing to try out Marc Anthony's new Coconut Oil Hair Care Collection!

I think for the last year or so coconut has definitely been picking up steam as the next big ingredient in many hair and body care items.  Coconut oil has a ton of healthy and wellness benefits and it's a great moisturizer for pretty much any part of your body so I can totally see why it's become an "It" ingredient!  I regularly rub coconut oil all over my body as a natural moisturizer and trust me it's been great w/ this never ending cold, windy Winter we've had up in Toronto!

So the newest line from Marc Anthony is targeted at those individuals w/ dry, damaged hair...another effect from this cold, harsh weather...or if you just happen to use and abuse you're styling tools or dye your hair a lot ;)  The idea w/ using both coconut oil and shea butter in their latest collection is that it will absorb into the hair and help nurture it from the inside out.

So I got to try both Hydrating Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner. Love that they are sulfate free as that's a big bonus these days!  They both smell great but not in an artificial coconut way...just really nice.  My one concern was that these products would be too heavy for my hair being that my one prob is volume but I'm happy to say I didn't feel they weighed my hair down at all.  The shampoo left my hair feeling clean and even w/out the sulfates still created a decent lather.  I made sure when using the conditioner to mostly concentrate on the ends as that's where my hair gets dried and tangled and it worked well to nourish and moisturize them w/out leaving my hair feeling limp or lifeless.

I also got to try out the Hydrating Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Treatment.  This treatment can be used on dry or damp hair and you only need a couple of drops.  It doesn't leave the hair feeling greasy though so no worries there!  It helps to nourish and moisturize the hair to help create smoother and shinier locks!  It also helps to protect hair against splitting and breaking...important for all those girls looking to grow out their luscious locks!

I must say the people at Marc Anthony have always been so generous w/ what they send me and their packaging is always first rate!  A few days after my initial gift I received a surprise second package to try out w/ their new Oil of Morocco Argan Oil 3X Volume Cream!  Now this is the type of product I need!  I have very long, straight hair so any product that can help me w/ volume and lift is great in my books!  I took about a quarter size amount and ran it through damp hair starting a the root and running through to the ends, blow dried my hair as normal and I can definitely say it works!  My hair definitely had more volume and lift to it at the roots!  I wasn't even doing any fancy blowing drying or using a round brush to help so I imagine if I did that it would have been even more!

So definitely some new hair care products to check out if you're in your local drug store...very reasonably priced and I think they are worth it!

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!

Viora Reaction & Infusion - Tag Team Treatments To Fight Cellulite & Tighten Skin!

A little over a week ago I got to try out two treatments from Viora that promise to help fight cellulite and also firm, tone and tighten the skin.  Both of these treatments have been around for years in Europe and the US but are just now coming to Canada so in the very popular world of Medi Spas this is pretty exciting news!

Now I don't know about you guys but I like pretty much EVERY woman I know has my "problem areas" - mainly my thighs and hips so of course when I was offered the chance to get a free treatment w/ this new technology I jumped at the opportunity!

My therapist for the treatments was named Gail and not only was she a pleasure to converse w/ during the treatments but she was very knowledgeable about the treatments, products and pretty much anything medi spa related since she's been in the business for so many years...and she's obviously doing a good job on her own treatments b/c when she told me she had a son that was my age I was surprised to say the least lol!

After looking at my body...mainly my lower half Gail agreed w/ my own personal assessment - my thighs (particularly the back) are my main "problem area".  The entire treatment lasted between 45-60 mins and was broken up into separate treatments - Reaction & Infusion.  Both can be done on their own or combined for optimal results!

The first treatment was Reaction.  I'm going to try and describe how this treatment works the best I can in the easiest way possible lol.  It's a combination of RF energy heat and vacuum massage therapy over the treated area.  Basically heating the area increases blood circulation and along w/ the vacuum massage, strengthens the dermis and reduces the cell size.  So having both the heat and vacuum working together creates an even stronger and more effective treatment then just each on their own.

Now I'm not going to lie this wasn't "painless"...was it unbearable - No but I definitely wouldn't call it painless lol.  Apparently there's less pain w/ every treatment and it has to do w/ the fact that the treatment is trying to breakdown rigid layers under the skin that are helping to create cellulite...fyi it was explained to me much more eloquently and scientifically during the treatment but that's how I remember it between the discomfort lol!  This treatment lasted about 20 mins per leg and it really was the beginning part (like 3-5 mins in) for each leg that was the worst but totally bearable after all no pain, no gain right ;)

The next treatment was Infusion which is a great treatment to get after Reaction b/c it felt like a soothing light massage over the skin...definitely glad it came second lol!  It's a electro-mesotherapy treatment that is a pain-free (this one actually is), needle-free alternative to traditional mesotherapy. Now I've had traditional mesotherapy before and I can tell you it is NOT pain-free.  In fact I found certain areas VERY painful.  So much so that before my treatments I use to apply a numbing cream to my skin just to be able to take it...and just so you don't think I'm a wuss I actually have a pretty good pain tolerance - I'm currently doing laser tattoo removal treatment and I can get through that just fine.  Plus traditional mesotheraphy left my thighs bruised BAD for at least a wk after each treatment!  I did have a little bruising after these two treatments (I think Reaction caused it) but nothing that bad and it did go away after a couple of days, also my thighs were a little sore after the treatment and the next day but it pretty much just felt like I had a good workout or something.

So of course being that I only had the 1 treatment it's not like I can have a really good analysis on results from a personal perspective but I can show you a Before & After treatment pic Gail took of my thigh and butt area...it's not a lot but considering it was only 1 treatment I actually think the result is pretty impressive!  Btw I can't believe I'm actually posting a pic of my butt...good thing I wore nice undies lol!

So if you're really concerned about cellulite or sagging skin these treatments definitely might be something you'd be interested in.  Do your research of course and see if it's right for you and of course go talk to a medi spa professional if you have any questions or concerns!

After The Rain

It's seems like forever since I've posted some creative work I've done on here so I'm so excited to share w/ you a new beauty story I did back in Jan that is currently featured in Tantalum Magazine! It's really cool too b/c there is a lot of really good work featured in the magazine...always nice to be surrounded by other awesome artists and work!  Also awesome is that the magazine is available in online and in print!

For this look I really wanted to work w/ the idea of wet or glistening skin and wet strands of hair in the face.  I'm not going to lie it's not as easy as it looks to make it work and in fact in the beg. of the shoot I thought we were going to have to scrap the whole concept b/c it just wasn't meshing the way we (as a team) had envisioned.  It finally started to come together though when we realized it looked better if the hair was wet but being blown over the face gently using a bit of fan action versus being placed and stuck to the face.

It's always important to remember to not be afraid to make mistakes or try new things out as artists...sometimes what you originally had in mind isn't going to work but sometimes something even better comes out of it!

For the makeup I wanted the skin to being dewey and glistening and I used a lot of baby oil gel, clear lip gloss and MAC strobe cream for that.  The problem when doing any sort of "wet" look though is the up keep...it looks awesome but only for about 5 mins so you gotta work quick to get that shot lol!  I also wanted to get back into using some colour w/ Spring (hopefully) around the corner lol!  A lot of the products used were from Yaby Cosmetics, Face Atelier, OCC and MUFE...great shoot to pull out my flash palette and OCC pigments!

After The Rain

Photographer Ruo Bing Li

Model Julee (Elite)

The Balm Bronzer/Luminizer Kit is Da Bomb!

 Thanks to Obsessed Canada (a cool site offering makeup, hair and skin care products to Canada w/ free shipping) I got to try out the new Luminizer/Bronzer set by The Balm called Manizer Duo Kit.

I love myself a good luminizer and bronzer so I was very pumped to try this out!  First off I gotta say I love the packaging...very cute!  The duo showcases a sort of Betty/Veronica vixen duo on the compacts - Blonde for the Luminizer and Brunette for the Bronzer.  I also liked that the compacts are rather slim...I hate bulky compacts that take up too much room in my already over flowing makeup bag.

The luminizer is really beautiful and goes on smooth w/ just the right hint of glow not too much glitter.  As well it's a nice champagne colour which I prefer more than a stark white highlighter b/c it just blends into the skin more easily and looks more natural.  As well it's a great colour to use as a highlight on the inner corner of the eyes and right under the brow bone.

The bronzer like the luminizer goes on very smooth and is a nice golden colour...not too orange like some bronzers.  Plus like the luminizer it can be used as an eye shadow.  My only suggestion or complaint w/ the bronzer was I wish it was matte and didn't have the shimmer.  That way it could be used in conjunction w/ the luminizer as a contour combo kit.

But other than that it's a really cute kit and def. worth a look for your personal makeup bag or professional makeup kit!

Blur Pro Panelist Classes

Very important announcement for Aspiring Makeup Artists in Toronto or the GTA!!!  For those of you not in the know...or possibly living under a rock (in which case you really need these classes) I'm very excited to announce I've been chosen along w/ several other AMAZING and INSPIRING artists to be on a pro panel class at Blur Makeup Room for makeup artists looking for advice on how to "make it in the biz"!

Anyone, who has been following this blog for awhile knows that I love to help out other artists and give advice and support to anyone who contacts me...in fact it was a big reason I started the blog in the first place!  I'm a big believer in giving back to other up and coming artists and sharing my knowledge and experiences in order to help others maybe avoid or learn from some of the mistakes I've made while trying to make a career for myself.  

On several occasions I've actually gone back to my old makeup school to give talks about my career and how I've built my strong and ever growing business these past few years!  And it's not to say I'm not a believer in going to makeup school or taking a makeup program (although any artist will tell you that you learn a TON more once you're out of school) but I do know it's super important as an artist to not just stop there and to continue our growth and that means continually investing in ourselves and taking new classes and workshops...which I've actually talked a lot about in the past!

Also, and this is nothing against makeup schools but the one area I find them SERIOUSLY lacking in is the "What Next?" portion...sure they give you the basics and teach you some great techniques about makeup but where I feel they really fail is on the "What to do after graduation?" portion...no one tells you the next steps to take to make it as an artist once you graduate.  I also think this is why there is such a high failure rate after students finish makeup school...I'd say 90-95% of the girls I went to school are not doing makeup now...or didn't even attempt to start a career once school finished b/c in all honesty they just didn't know how to get started!

That's where these classes at Blur Makeup Room come in!  Basically, there are two sessions - one for the "new(er) artist" that wants to learn how to better themselves and their business and turn their "hobby" into a profitable career!  This is the panel I'll be sitting on along w/ two other working freelance artists in the city - Jem Lopez and Nicole Richards.   This pro panel is being held on Monday, March 3 from 9 am - 4 pm!  

We're going to touch upon topics like Branding, Advertising, Social Media, Portfolio Building, Resumes and Rates!  Really great way for any artists to come out and learn and ask questions about anything in the biz they've been too afraid to ask before!  It's a full day w/ a ton of information being given and in my opinion will probably be the most useful and educational class you will take all year!  Plus you can have a choice you can choose the whole day or just the morning or just the afternoon portion...so if you feel you have a grasp on one area but need help somewhere else maybe just take one portion of the class!

Like I've said before you can never stop learning and yes, classes aren't cheap but it's true what they say - You need to spend money to make money!  If the newbies out there only knew how much money I spent in the beginning and how much money I continue to spend every year investing in my career and craft lol! 

Plus a class like this will actually save and make you money in the long run b/c it will teach you where to spend your money, what shoots to accept or turn down, how to build a proper rate and business plan for yourself...I'm not just saying this b/c I'm on the panel (and I know I have a shitload of information and experience on these subjects ;) ) but wow this would have been SO USEFUL to me 7 years ago!!!

The second panel is happening on Mon, March 24 9 am - 4 pm.  It's for a more intermediate artist who already has a grasp on their career but is looking to take it to the next level and overcome challenges and obstacles standing in their way...newer artists would also benefit from this panel too of course.  I'm really thinking of taking this one as people on the panel are amazing and have a broad range of knowledge throughout the industry.

So really what are you waiting for...sign up!  Your career will thank you!

LUSH Valentine's Day Treats

The wonderfully generous people over at LUSH Cosmetics sent me another wonderful package full of goodies to test just in time for Valentine's Day!  Now I know not everyone is a big fan of V-day being that it's a "fake" and "commercialized" holiday and all that stuff but that doesn't mean whether you're single or taken you can't still enjoy a little luscious treat for your skin.

Personally, even when I've been single over V-day...which has been most years to be perfectly honest the holiday hasn't really gotten me down...but that's just me...it's just one day so who really cares when it comes down to it.

With that said that doesn't mean if you are a little down you can't pick yourself up w/ some really nice smelling, skin friendly body treats.  I know nothing quite picks me up or de-stresses me like a nice, relaxing bubble bath.

Also, boys listen up...don't want to get your girl flowers for V-day b/c they are overpriced and die anyway...well she's probably expecting something so why not get her some bath products...all girls LOVE bath products...it's in our DNA or something lol!

So here's  a little low down on the cool products I got sent to me this time!

First off I think I'll start w/ my FAV of the bunch!

Tender is the Night Massage Bar - This product is so cool.  It's a lotion for your skin that comes in a bar and it melts upon contact w/ skin!  It leaves your skin feeling very silky and soft and I LOVE the bar concept.  It's great for travel as you don't have to worry about spills or accidents - plus don't have to worry about it in your carry on if you were going on a plane!  Also, could be fun to rub down and massage w/ another person too ;) .  I really like the vanilla, jasmine and ylang ylang smell too.  Not overpowering but definitely has staying power.  Very relaxing right before bed after a nice hot bath!

Speaking of baths...next up Love Locket!  This is a giant bath bomb from LUSH.  In the past I've commented that I like the bath bombs but don't necessarily love the cost per use ratio.  While I would still consider this a "treat item" rather than a regular purchase item.  I did appreciate the size of this bath bomb.  It can definitely be broken up into at least 3 baths.  It turns your bath water a pretty pink colour and the outer layer is speckled w/ little hearts that will float into the pink water as it dissolves.  It's got a jasmine and vanilla fragrance too so it's a nice compliment to the lotion...although I found the fragrance to be a lot less strong w/ this product so if you're someone who doesn't like a ton of fragrance but only a hint this might be a good option.

Also for bath time Neon Love Soap.  If you like bar soaps this is a nice option.  It's pink w/ a white heart in the middle to celebrate Valentine's Day.  Doesn't leave a residue on the skin and overall I feel it's holding up pretty well in the shower.  I hate when you buy a bar of soap and it seems to dissolve in a week!  This one is made of passion fruit juice and has essentials oils like cinnamon, rosewood and bergamot....so a little more citrusy and spicy then the other two products which are more floral in fragrance.

Last but not least Prince Charming Shower Gel. I'll be honest I'm more of a shower gel girl then bar soap girl so I probably like this a bit better than the Neon Love Soap.  But I also think I like it b/c it has a bit of a sweet, candy like fragrance to it and I really love sweet smelling things...I think this probably has to do w/ the marshmallow root, almond oil and vanilla pod infusion.  I really like this product although I don't notice the fragrance staying w/ me (which is too bad) as long as the Rose Jam shower gel I reviewed at Christmas...still gotta say that is definitely a fav!

So doesn't matter if you're single or taken treat yourself...or someone you know to some Valentine's Day Bath Products!