The Seasons Change - So Does Your Beauty Routine!

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

When the warmer weather sets in, it's important to switch up your beauty routine as well. It's time to say goodbye to heavy body butters and welcome to light lotions, and throw away this heavy-duty foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer instead. I have been thinking to write a post about how I switch up my products as the seasons change but I guess I have always been too lazy - time to stop slacking now!

Because I have dry skin that is prone to eczema, I still have to be careful to moisturize it properly, but not overdo it. I try to switch my super heavy products for a lighter alternative that is still able to properly moisturize my skin.

In the winter, I like to use a serum followed by a moisturizer day and night. I will continue to use my current combo at night because I don't care if it feels a bit heavy because I will be going to sleep anyway, but for the day, I will switch up Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel Cream for dry skin for Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel. These products are from the same range, hence they deliver similar benefit, but the Hydrating gel feels lighter and it also melts when it comes in contact with the skin, which is very refreshing.

My two favorite cleansers are from Burt's Bees - the Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream and the Orange Essence Facial Cleanser - because they take great care of my easily irritable skin while leaving it feeling pampered. However, both tend to be a bit heavy for the spring and summer months, when my skin needs less TLC. As much as I appreciate the fresh and tingly feeling Noxzema Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil provides, it tends to dry out my skin if I use it morning and night, so I use it only a night, followed by an heavy duty night cream.

I have a soft spot for body butters in the harsh winter weather because my eczema tends to flare-up much more easily and I have to be careful with which products I use on troubled spots. I have been trialing I Love...  Strawberries & Milkshake Body Butter recently and even though it's not the thickest butter I have tried, it's still a bit too much in the hot weather. A lotion I have discovered back in November and that I instantly fell in love with - it rarely happens, believe me - is George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion. It has a light texture but it never fails to relieve dryness and itchiness, meaning significantly less eczema flare-ups. Also, I could feel my skin being moisturized all day, which I don't think I have experienced before!

L -R: e.l.f. Shimmer Gloss Pink, NYX Mega Shine LA~LA~, Revlon Super Lustrous SPF 15 Pink Afterglow, Annabelle Big Show (my own concoction), Eyeko Liptastik Hot Lips, Barry M Glossy Tube 11

I am not a regular lipstick wearer because I am cursed with constantly dry and chapped lips, but while lipsticks can look dull and harsh in the warmer weather, why not switch for a bright colored lipgloss? If you are not a fan of lipglosses, maybe try some colorful lipsticks such as NYX, Essence and Barry M.

My all-time favorite fragrance is, without any doubt, Jessica Simpson Fancy. I don't even understand why I have never properly talked about it on this blog, maybe because I find fragrances so hard to describe and so, hard to review? Still, Fancy is a deliciously sweet gourmand fragrance that smells just like dessert. While not everybody likes to smell like a cake fresh from the oven, when the warm weather comes, I like to wear something a bit lighter, fresh and even fruity and floral. My favorite pick would be Harajuku Lovers Baby, which is described as a powdery musk, fresh, clean and soft scent. To me, this perfume smells a bit of baby powder with a hint of fruit and vanilla. 

L - R: Revlon Minted, Julep Blake, Essie Neo Whimsical, Borghese Verona Pink, Barry M Peach Melba

I'm not the kind of girl who only wear pastel nail polish in the spring or summer and swears by dark shades in the winter. I wear what I want when I feel like it, but still, it's fun to pain your fingers joyful shades when the sun is shining! Why not swap those dull and boring dark reds for some happy mint green and banana yellow?

What changes are you making to prep for spring?

Tag: Nail Polish Addict

(source: weheartit)

I found this tag on Sunshine Rose's blog and decide to "steal" it as I realize I don't talk much about nail polish on my blog for some reasons.

1. What's your favorite nail polish company?


Barry M, definitely! It's one of the most affordable nail polish brand and it's amazing quality for the price. I really hope they will come to Canada one day!

2. Glitter or no glitter?


Glitter, even though it's a complete mess to remove, it's totally worth it! I love how it can totally change the look of any nail polish super easily.

(source: weheartit)

3. OPI, China Glaze, or Essie?


I will have to say OPI because the only China Glaze and Essie nail polishes I have tried would chip incredibly quickly on me, which is disappointing for the steep price.

4. When do you change your nail polish?


I like to wear a difference nail polish every week (:

5. What's your favorite color on your nails?


Barry M Peach Melba because it's the most beautiful shade ever and it makes my hands look tan!

(source: weheartit)

6. Darks or brights?


I would say I go for brights more often because they are more fun and original but dark are beautiful too, although more classy.

7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?


Catrice Cosmetics Nail Polish in 440 I Wear My Sunglasses At Night (gorgeous greenish black with pink&green glitter)

8. Matte nails - in or out?

I have never tried them but I'm not a fan, it just looks dull in my opinion.


(source: weheartit)

9. French manicure?


I know a lot of people think this is a really dated look but I think it's very classic - when it's done right. To me a good french manicure is a nice light pink or nude with small white tips. Claw like, long white-tipped acrylics? No thanks.

10. Favorite Winter Color

I don't believe there is such a thing as winter or summer color. I just wear what I like when I feel like it!

February 2012 Canadian GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX Canada is part of the global GLOSSYBOX network. With access to all the latest information from around the world in beauty, we truly have our finger on the pulse of all cosmetic and beauty needs and innovations. GLOSSYBOX also has no hidden fees or agendas: For $15 we deliver the best in beauty right to your door and there are no additional charges like taxes, or shipping and handling. The best part is that your GLOSSYBOX will always contain 5 deluxe samples, tons of helpful info and a 6th surprise item could show up in your box at any time! We want to keep you excited and constantly dialed-in to the best in beauty.

I know, I might be the only one who is still not convinced of the amazingness of those beauty boxes, but I still think it's great that more of them are coming to Canada, starting with the renowned GLOSSYBOX. Founded in Germany, it was launched this January in Canada and it's rolling out in more than 20 countries in 2012!

I received the February GLOSSYBOX on February 6. When I was offered to be sent a complimentary GLOSSYBOX, I was not told which month I would receive, but I was told that it should arrive by mid to end January. I actually think it's a great timing as I receive the box in the second week of February.

I was delighted to see that my GLOSSYBOX was delivered in a super pretty and sturdy cardboard box - compared to my August Luxe Box that was delivered in a simple bubble envelope, which resulted in the box being a little bent - and when I opened it, I was greeted by a press release a super cute and sleek powder pink box.

Everything in the box was carefully and beautifully packed.

Here is what the February GLOSSYBOX contained:

AHAVA Skincare Mineral Hand Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $22.00$/100ml 

Ahava's best-selling Mineral Hand Cream is rich in nourishing Dead Sea minerals that hydrate and soften skin for increase all-day comfort and an effective safeguard against environmental damage.

At first sight, I thought this hand cream would be a nice size to keep in my handbag but after trying it on... no. This is just too light and it doesn't feel moisturizing at all on my dry and eczema-prone skin. I was expecting much more from a $22 hand cream that contains Dead Sea minerals!

Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Moisturizing Stick (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $12.00/5g 

This Moisturizing Stick is a highly moisturizing lip balm that leaved your lips feeling soft and hydrated and is a great compliment to the At Last Lipstains.

When I opened my GLOSSYBOX, I was like "OMG! I got a lipstick!" but no, it's actually a lip balm. I'm not sure if I have heard of Elizabeth Grant before but apparently this moisturizing stick was a 2008 winner in FASHION Magazine Reader's Choice Beauty Awards, so it must be good... no? I haven't tried it long enough to be able to properly review it though, but so far I can say it's not the best lipbalm I have tried but it smells great, like watermelon!

I always need to have a lip balm handy with my chapped lips anyway and I like its classy packaging... but still, I think I would have prefer to receive an actual lipstick as I feel this box lacks makeup items.

Essie Nail Enamel in Neo Whimsical (received full-size)

Full-size retail price: $9.99/13.8ml 

Essie's Neo Whimsical: Flaunt your classic taste with this unique, blue-based, rose plum hue. An Essie favorite!

The only Essie nail polish I have tried (Really Red) chipped on me after two days so I can't say I was extremely excited to receive another one. Neo Whimsical doesn't look anything "unique" to me - in fact, it looks like a plain lilac - pretty, yes, but nothing over the top.

I must admit creme finishes are my favorite though but this one did not apply smoothly because of the stupidly small and straight brush - Essie, Y U no make proper brushes if you are going to sell your polishes for $10?! However,  I must say that I was impressed to notice only a few minor chips after an intense week-end at work because my hands are definitely put through a lot as a chambermaid - scrubbing bath tubs, washing the dishes, etc. - and I'm used to see my nail polish being all chipped by the end of the week-end, so this was definitely a great surprise and I think this experience have changed my opinion on Essie nail polishes... if only it was not for the @*&?%" brush!

Oscar de la Renta Live in Love Body Lotion* (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $54.00/200ml 

Oscar de la Renta Live in love Body Lotion is like a silky veil and compliments the Eau de Parfum that launched in Fall 2011. Its green floral scent will make any woman feel sensual and divine.

Is it just me or do all lotions solely made to complement a perfume total crap? Well, this one might cost $54 but it's no exception. It has a strong herbal and floral scent that reminds me of old lady perfume (no offense anyone!), it's way too light to properly moisturize and it disappears into the skin before I even have the time to spread it. Did I say total crap already?

Also, why did some subscribers received a nice sample of the actual perfume instead of this cheap lotion? Especially since there's already another lotion included in this box...

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $160/50ml 

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream helps to fight the visible effects of environmental damage and enhances skin's natural moisture.

In the tub, this cream looks rich and thick but it goes on smoothly on the skin and it's absorbed almost instantly. I think it has a pleasant soothing scent although I wouldn't be able to tell what it smells like exactly. Well I obviously don't need an anti-ageing restorative night cream so I will give this to my mother.

Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Wipes and Mist (received samples)

Full-size retail price: $12.50/48 Pack Wipes and $15.99/125ml 

The convenient and effective Beauty So Clean Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes sanitize makeup, removing bacteria in 10 seconds! The Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist removes bacteria and germs on powder-based ad cream-based products.

GLOSSYBOX included these wipes and mist as a surprise additional item "that could show up at any time". These are interesting products but I honestly don't really care about sanitizing my makeup as if I start sanitizing this and that, I'm afraid I would turn into a total clean freak. The world is full of bacterias, starting with your computer keyboard, and I'm sure nobody religiously sanitize it after each use.

I did try the spray though but I think mine was defective because the product would drip everywhere instead of being a spray, no matter how many times I tried...

Overall, based on my experience with the February GLOSSYBOX, I would say the GLOSSYBOX is a great concept, but it is not for everyone. Of course, the content of every box is a suprise, so if you don't like that concept, you could be disappointed. You can make nice discoveries, but you can also end up hating everything. Personally, I would prefer to be able to personalize my box each month to be sure my $12 is well invested.

I think a big problem for me is that I hate clutter - it literally drives me crazy - so I hate having things that I don't use laying around, and it's worst when I actually paid for them! When I don't like something, I try to give it away or use it up. I don't like collecting samples or keeping them in case I'll be going on holidays. Maybe someone who is just starting out with skincare or makeup will not have this problem because I agree it's a great way to test products before comitting to buying the full size version, but for me... it's a no-no.

Something I have noticed with these subscription boxes is that not a lot of them are cruelty-free, and if they are, they are not available wordwide. This is an important issue for me and I don't want to pay for products that have been tested on animals. In this GLOSSYBOX, I received only one product that is not cruelty-free (Oscar de la Renta Body Lotion) so that's great, but still not enough. I'm committed to eliminating every products in my stash that have been tested on animals, so of course I don't want new ones to pile up!

I was also surprised to see that no makeup items were included in this February GLOSSYBOX and I must admit that this was a little disappointing in my opinion because I had higher hopes from what I've seen about the UK GLOSSYBOX on the blogosphere (Deborah Lippmann nail polish, Eyeko Eyeliner, HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette, etc.). I guess you can't have it all every time though, and of course some months are going to be better than others.

GLOSSYBOX Canada is available for $15 a month with free shipping and features a wide selection of brands.

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Mail of the week (September 13 - 17)

  Samples from SPAresource: Go here to tell the people over at SPAresource why you love their products and they will send you a free sample to try (I actually got 5!). This is for Canadian residents only. 

I received a 0.24 fl.oz - 7 ml sample of each of these:

• Amber Vanilla Body Lotion
• Vanilla Grapefruit Body Lotion
• Moisturize Foot Cream (I didn't even know they had foot cream!)
• Orange Blossom Deep Nourishment Body Cream
• Coconut Hand Cream

October 2010 issue of Fashion: I was excited to participe in their Big Giveaway, but it's sadly not open to Quebec residents (as always) -_-

  My gift as a new member from VoguePassion.net : VoguePassion.net is a website where you can buy makeup brands like MAC and Clinique at a super low cost. Click here to get your free gift and a 10% off your next purchase (I got L'Oréal Bijou Facets Precious Effect Nail Colour in B. Angelic).

My coupons from Save.ca

My prize from Brittany's giveaway : I won the new Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant. Thanks Brittany!

 My prize from Laure's giveaway : I won this super cute bird cage necklace from Mimischkä (take a look at her shop here). Thanks Laure for having this giveaway and thanks Mylène for giving away some of your creations!

 Samples from Bioré: I received:

• Bioré Refresh Daily Recharging Daily Cleansing Cloths with green tea (1 pre-moistened cloth)
• Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub (7 g)

 My prize from Henna's giveaway: I received:

• Pair of skull earrings
• MSCHIC SkunkLook Black/White Stripe Eyeshadow
• Nails Inc. London InStyle Nail Polish in Candy
• Lotus Lily Lip Balm by Glamourflage
• Gosh Velvet Touch lipstick in 140 Tutti Frutti

Thank you Henna! =D

My prize from Bailey's giveaway : I was lucky enough to win out of 632 entries! I was so amazed at all the goodies she included:

• Book "Oh La La Perfect Hair", by Susie Galvez
• Book "Oh La La Perfect Makeup", by Susie Galvez
• Mario Badescu Travel set with Summer Shine Lotion, AHA Botanical Body Soap and Hydrating Hand Cream
• St. Ives Restore 24 Hour Moisture Advanced Body Moisturizer
• Upper Canada Soap All About Feet Peppermint Warming Foot Scrub
• Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel (60 mL)
• Pantene Medium-Thick Frizzy to Smooth Shampoo (50 mL)
• Pantene Medium-Thick Frizzy to Smooth Conditioner (50 mL)
  
• OLAY Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Makeup Remover + Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
• ELF Tools Mechanical Eyelash Curler
• Essie Nail Polish #90 Really Red
• Very Cherry Pedicure Set
• Quo All Over Colour Stick in Venus
• Quo Jumbo Lipgloss Stick in Pink Petal
• Avon Super Extend Mascara
• Avon Super Curlacious Mascara
• Avon Ultra Luxury Eye Liner in Khaki
• Nail Art stones
• Cake Winter Wonderlips Lipgloss in Ginerbread
• Smackers F'Lip Juicees in Sugar Splash
• NYC Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm in Sugar Fairy
• "Beauty Rest" Sleep Mask
• Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Pearls eye shadows in Tantalizing Teal
• Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Pearls eye shadows in Silver Starlet
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Copper Chic
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Sapphire Siren
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Spirited Seas
• Baskin Robbins Vanilla Ice Cream Hard Candies
• "Recyling" Tatoo canvas tote

Thank you very much Bailey, I can't wait to play with all of those goodies!

Mail + Nice 'n Easy haircolour + NOTW

YEY! Today I finally received the leggings I ordered through eBay like... almost 3 weeks ago? I ordered them on March 21 (if I remember well) and the seller shipped them the same day. I started to freak out some days ago as I'm so impatient, then I realized the leggings were shipped all the way from South Korea... and I live in Canada -_- Anyway, shipping was free so I can't complain, and the seller shipped very fast! And it's not his fault if snail mail is... well... slow like a snail =P

 the package along with my May issue of Fashion magazine (it's a beauty special issue! Yey!)

That's a pretty sleek packaging! I'm definitely keeping the box ^^

A few pictures of me modelling the leggings =P

front and back (don't ask why I took off my shoes LOL)

I love them so much! This is my first experience with leggings and OMG those are so comfty! As they are winter leggings, they are made of polyester and spandex, and the inside is so soft and warm. I'm sure their thickness will keep me warm on colder days (=

There is only one thing I like less - but it's not a big deal - it's the stitching in the back: 

Sorry for the butt shot!

It's not too obvious (except if you look that closely), but it bugs me a little. Do your leggings have stitchings like that too?

I bought them from this eBay store for $8.90 USD if anyone is interested.

I also dyed my hair today with Clairol Nice 'n Easy in 121A Natural Deep Brown.

This is my favourite hair dye. I find it's the only one that gives me true radiant hair color that doesn't fade. Oh and their Color-blend technology really works! As I always go for the darkest brown available, this shade is my favourite.

Here's a picture of me before dying my hair:

It's really greasy and gross xD. 

I wish I had a closer picture of my roots though, but if you look closely, you can see that my dark blonde/light brown hair is growing out.

Chilling in the bathroom while waiting for the dye to set:

And here are the final results:

Excuse my undone hair, I let it hair-dry.

In real life, it looks black, but when I take pictures without flash, you can see that it's dark brown.

While waiting for my hair to dry, I did my nails with Revlon Nail Enamel in Minted. Yes, I finally got my hands on it! =D

 
I've been coveting it so much because I've been obsessed with Essie Mint Candy Apple since it came out...

but I knew I would never pay so much for a nail polish, so I was happy to discover something similar: the new Revlon Nail Enamel in Minted from the Spring 2010 Collection.

Left to right: Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal, Coral Reef, Pink Pop, Fire Cracker, Lilac Pastelle; Nail Enamel in Minted, Lilac Pastelle; Limited Edition ColorStay Eyeshadow Quad in Summer Suedes.

I wasn't sure when it would be out in Quebec, so I kept checking out for that well coveted shade in my local drugstores everytime I had a chance. I was so surprised to finally find the new Spring 2010 Collection display at my local Uniprix monday! I didn't hesitated a second to get Minted (not to mention it was on sale for $4.99!) The lipglosses looked so yummy too - especially Pink Pop - but I had to let them since I have way too many that I have to use up first.

Here's what Minted looks like with three coats on and Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Fortifying Base & Top Coat:

with flash

without flash

outdoor

It looks messy because I didn't take the time to clean up, I was too excited to share those pictures with you!

It's an absolutely gorgeous milky mint green. I'm not disappointed with it, but I'm not amazed by the quality of this highly raved about nail polish. It took me three coats to achieve the perfect opacity, not to mention that the brush is so thin! I don't think I will be bying any more Revlon nail polishes, except if they come out with another wonderful shade like this one!

Giveaway reminder: enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $25 ELF gift card!