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Guerlain- Météorites Baby Glow Touch Review

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Strobing alert!  I am looooving the Guerlain Météorites Baby Glow Touch in shade Golden Glow.  I was very fortunate to receive this product at Dave Lackie’s Guerlain dinner last month, and I have been reaching for it every single time I do my makeup since receiving it!  Thanks so much to Dave Lackie and Guerlain for this product.  If you haven’t seen my recap of the event, you can click here to read it.

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The Météorites Baby Glow Touch is a CC luminizer strobing stick, how cool is that?? You might be thinking colour correcting AND strobing in one?  Well you heard right, and the best part is that it works!  I received this product in shade Golden Glow.  The product has 3 colours in it: coral, gold and champagne.  Coral revives the complexion, gold reflects light and champagne illuminates.

This product also smells exactly like the Guerlain Météorites pearls, and I am telling you right now this scent is addictive.  If you have never smelled the Météorites pearls, I highly suggest you do so.  The strobing stick smells like this and it honestly adds to the experience when using the product.  The scent is a light violet fragrance, it is absolutely beautiful.

The packaging is super cute and very lightweight.

According to their website the product has “stardust technology, diamond powder encapsulated in microspheres, to create soft-focus perfecting halo. The ideal mix of correcting and illuminating colours.”  One of the best things with this is that you don’t have to worry too much about how you apply it to your skin, you just apply it to the highest points of the face (so top of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow) and you mix the 3 colours together.  I also like to add it to the brow bone, middle of the forehead, as well as the chin.  Then on top of this I dust on some of the Météorites pearls and it gives a beautiful finish.  When I have this on it makes my cheekbones pop, and this particular shade Golden Glow gives like a sunkissed effect to the skin.

I love how easy and convenient it is to use as well.  The product is stick form, so you just swipe it on and blend it in.  I like to use my fingers to blend it in instead of a brush as it has a cream consistency.  So by blending it in with my fingers the warmth really heats up the product and helps it to really melt into the skin, and this creates a very natural glow.  It is also an extremely long-lasting formula.  I can put this on in the morning and when I get home at the end of the day the glow is still there.  This is something I love about Guerlain products, there is almost no need for reapplication throughout the day, their products are of great quality.

I give this product a 10 out of 10.  Cute packaging, convenient to use, easy to take with you on the go, gives a beautiful finish and lasts throughout the day.  Also, extra points for the amazing light fragrance the product has.  You can purchase this at a Guerlain counter at Hudson’s Bay for C$48.00, click here to view it!

Have you tried a Guerlain highlighter?  If so, what is your favourite?

Guerlain- VIP Dave Lackie Dinner Event

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Happy Saturday beauties!  So excited to be bringing you this recap of the Dave Lackie VIP Dinner for Guerlain #GuerlainLover I got to attend last week.  First of all I am still in shock I got to attend this event for one of the most iconic brands, I am seriously still in the “someone pinch me” state!  The venue was absolutely GORGEOUS, I have been to the Arcadian Court before, but this time it was absolutely magical.  Dave, his team and Guerlain really did an amazing job and this venue was beautifully decorated.  Upon arrival I could see the Guerlain products on display and the ambiance of the room was so mesmerizing I fell in love instantly.

Venue

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MAMO Botanics- Oro De Cacay Facial Oil Review

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With the change in season fast approaching I know I want to keep that summer glow and have lovely hydrated skin.  When the weather gets colder, a lot of us dread the dull/dry skin days ahead.  But what if I told you keeping your summer glow can be quite easy this year?  I’ve recently discovered Oro De Cacay facial oil by MAMO Botanics and I am loving the results!  I want to thank MAMO Botanics for sending me this product as it is truly great.

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To give you a bit of background MAMO Botanics (MAMO being short for Madre Monte ‘Mother of Mountains’, who is a mythical Colombian Goddess that protects the forest) started as a means to help small-scale farmers in Colombia find alternatives to coca production.  Corry van Gaal and Luis Meneses founded MAMO Botanics to “help these Colombian farmers grow new crop alternatives to coca, the plant used to make cocaine.  Without new economic opportunities Colombian farmers are likely to continue growing this highly lucrative illegal crop. The owners of MAMO hope their business will generate better incomes for farmers and help contribute to forest conservation in Colombia’s Amazon region.”*  First of all what an amazing team and brand, I absolutely love what they stand for.  It is so inspiring to see a brand that not only wants to sell a great product, but is also making a positive impact in the world and is a strong advocate for change. 

Now let’s take a look at the facial oil itself!

Oro De Cacay

What is it?  “MAMO Botanics has launched a new facial oil called ‘Oro De Cacay’ as its signature product. The Cacay nut is grown on a magestic tree that can reach 40 meters and is found in the Amazon and Orinoco Regions, both are meccas of biodiversity and areas where deforestation is an issue due to illicit coca crops. The oil from this nut is rich in anti aging properties and it is quickly being coined a miracle nut by beauty enthusiasts. High end spas are charging over $200 for treatments that incorporate this anti aging oil.  The nut is wild harvested in small batches by Colombian indigenous communities to conserve this native tree. As a result, this precious oil warrants a hefty price tag compared to other oils, but MAMO Botanics will invest profits back into reforestation and environmentally sustainable farming.”*

Benefits of using Cacay oil are:
  • Skin that is silky, supple and balanced
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Firms the skin and helps with elasticity
  • Diminishes the look of age spots

There are also no additives or chemicals in the seed nut Cacay oil is produced from (Caryodendron Orinocense) so it is 100% vegan and produced in an eco-friendly fashion.

Perhaps you have tried other facial oils like Argan or Vitamin E?  Here is some really interesting information MAMO Botanics provided me with in regard to how it measures up to other facial oils:

“Cacay contains:  Over 75% linoleic fatty acitd, double that of Argan. This particular Omega 6 fatty acid allows the skin to absorb the oil and deliver protective and nourishing skin benefits. It also contributes to a radiant, glowing and even-toned skin complexion. Oils with high linoleic acid can be used on acne prone skin to balance natural oil production and reduce future breakouts. Cacay contains double the Vitamin E of argan oil, Cacay visibly reduces signs of aging, and protects skin from environmental toxins that speed up aging. Cacay contains more Vitamin A (Natural Retinol) than rosehip oil, the leading oil in this important anti-aging antioxidant. Vitamin A enhances the production of collagen to improve skin elasticity, firmness and tone. ” *

The directions for using Oro De Cacay is to apply it to your face and neck in the morning and evening after cleansing your skin.  It’s really that simple, you just apply it and let it work its magic!

The packaging is also very chic, and I love that there is a pump dispenser for the product, this way I don’t get the oil everywhere and there is little to no mess.  The consistency of the product is quite thin, it is not thick and there is no fragrance to it.  So for all of my sensitive skin beauties, this is a fragrance-free and vegan product so you will love it!  I’ve been incorporating this into my routine for the last few weeks and I am really happy with the results.  Even after the first few nights I applied it, I woke up in the morning and could tell immediately my skin looked so hydrated and fresh.  It really gave me the look and feel of healthy skin and a good nights sleep.

Interview

I also did a short interview with Corry from MAMO Botanics who is absolutely so kind.  See what she had to say below!

Q. 1  Chantal: Name 1 word you would use to describe MAMO Botanics?

Corry: Glowing – I know it is a bit overused, but it is the best word for MAMO. First, the most common feedback we get from women is that Oro de Cacaygives their skin a healthy, radiant glow. Second, it reminds me of being in the Amazon rainforest, when a ray of sun breaks through the lush, mist canopy and creates a peaceful glow. Glow also refers to an inner and outer beauty and I want MAMO to attract strong women that radiate beauty inside and out. 

Q. 2  Chantal: Is there meaning behind the logo?

Corry: MAMO is short for Madre Monte (Mother of Mountains), she is a mythical Colombian Goddess that protects the forest.

Q. 3  Chantal: What was your main inspiration when creating the product? 

Corry: Biodiversity –  Colombia is the 4th most biodiverse countries on earth. I spend a lot of time in rural Colombia and see how precious, yet fragile these ecosystems are. A sustainable and ethical company like MAMO can help conservation efforts by creating international demand for sustainable tree-based crops like Cacay. I hope these crops could in part replace coca plantations (the plant used to produced cocaine) which causes significant Amazon deforestation.

Q. 4  Chantal: Do you have plans to create other products? If so, can you share a bit about what these may be?

Corry: We will create a line of skincare products that incorporate innovative Amazonian botanics that have powerful beauty benefits and conserve biodiversity. First, we will launch three lines of face and body oil blends mixed with unique essential oils from Colombia. There is so much potential in Colombia to create innovative all natural products… I have so many ideas and can’t wait to start developing. 

Q. 5  Chantal: Where do you see MAMO Botanics in 5 years? 

Corry: In 5 years we will have high quality Amazonian skincare products that our customers rave about. At the same time, we would have helped hundreds of Colombian women farmers plant Cacay and other trees that conserve Colombian forests and lift themselves and their children out of poverty.  

I give the Oro De Cacay a 10 out of 10 as my skin is looking wonderful and this product is non-greasy and does not clog your pores!  I also give MAMO Botanics a 10 out of 10 as a brand, Corry and Luis are doing an amazing job at spreading awareness and making a change in the world and it is so refreshing to see.  I highly suggest you check out their website to read more.

You can purchase Oro de Cacay for C$49.99 on Amazon by clicking here, or on their website at www.mamobotanics.com.

Follow MAMO Botanics on their social media channels:

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Instagram: @mamobotanics

*Taken from literature provided by the company

Esqido Lashes- Mink Falsies Review

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FALSIES HOLY GRAIL ALERT! I am in absolute LOVE with these Esqido lashes.  I’m so excited to be writing this review and having the opportunity to tell you all about them.  Especially for my fellow hooded eye beauties, you need these in your life.  To start off I’d like to thank Esqido for collaborating with me and sending me a pair of their gorgeous lashes for review.

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Esqido Mink Lashes are handcrafted from the softest and finest naturally shed mink hairs.  The band is lightweight and made of cotton so these falsies are easy to apply and very comfortable to wear all day long. These are hands down the best false eyelashes I have ever tried, not only because they are easy to put on and comfortable to wear, but also because they look very natural (as in they mimic real eyelashes very well).

If you are new to falsies or you aren’t sure what style pair would best suit your eyes, Esqido has got you covered!  Click here to access their short quiz that asks you some questions like the shape and size of your eyes, if the falsies are for a specific occasion or every day wear etc.  This quiz is awesome as it selects 3 of the best Esqido styles to suit your needs.  I completed this quiz and for my small, hooded eyes it was suggested I try the Silhouette style.  The Silhouette style is a lighter version of the very popular BFF style.  It gives a natural and soft fluttery effect, yet also elegant and playful with the slight criss-cross pattern.  They are medium in length and a three out of five on the volume thickness scale.

Silhouette Lashes

Can we please just start off by appreciating the cute packaging?  I am obsessed with rose gold and the case they come in is absolutely adorable.  I believe the top piece is magnetic because it clips down very well when you shut the case, which is great because is keeps dust and anything else from getting on your lashes.  You can store them away in this cute case and not have to worry about them getting damaged or falling out of the case if you put these in your makeup bag or suitcase.

The lashes are the perfect shade, they appear to me to be carbon black.  I was also really impressed with how well the colour is distributed.  I have purchased strip false eyelashes and individual false eyelashes from other brands before, and sometimes the colour isn’t as dark on the entire lash, but with these Esqido lashes the colour stays true throughout.

Here is an up close photo of the lashes:

The Silhouette style retails for $29.00 USD, but let me tell you they are worth every penny.  Another plus is that if you follow the proper care instructions they come with (which are super simple to follow) you can get up to 25 uses with your pair of lashes, so they last a lot longer than synthetic lashes.  I have been following the care instructions which is to only use oil-free makeup remover on the band and to keep water off of them and they are lasting so well, so I am sure I will get the 25 uses out of this pair.  Seeing as these lashes are made of naturally shed mink hair, they possess almost the same curl holding qualities as real human lashes, so you can curl these falsies with your eyelash curler as well!

Companion Eyelash Glue

Esqido also makes their very own eyelash glue called Companion Eyelash Glue which retails for $10.00 USD.  This glue is latex-free and because of its ingredients it is gentle on the lashes and therefore helps you maximize the amount of uses you get out of your pair.  Click here to read up on it.

The wand has a fine brush so it really makes application easy because it holds just the right amount of product.  The glue is white so if you are starting out with false eyelashes this is a big plus because you can see exactly where you have applied it on the false lash band.  I apply a thin layer of glue to the lash band and wait about 10 seconds for the glue to go tacky before applying the false lash to my own natural lashes/lash line.  The glue is so easy to work with and it dries clear, but if you put too much and you can see a bit of the build up once it dries, I suggest going over it with a liquid eyeliner or black shadow to hide it.

You really only need a thin layer of glue for all day hold.  I even wore these to a beauty event in Toronto so I had done my makeup early in the morning and was at the event until late at night (so roughly 12 hours or so) and my lashes were still on perfectly.  One of my FAVOURITE things about this glue is how easy it is to remove.  I normally get very frustrated with eyelash glue because certain brands’ glue leave residue or it stays stuck in my lashes for days.  All I needed was a bit of oil-free makeup remover and the Companion Eyelash Glue came off so easily without leaving any residue or texture behind on my eyelids or in my lash line.

Product try-on shots:

Here are some photos of me without the lashes on, with one lash on and both on.  On this particular day one of my eyelids decided to not be hooded (Grrr the struggle of having hooded eyes) but I am happy this happened because now you can see how nice they look even if you’re having an uneven eyelid day or if you have hooded lids.

No falsies:

Silhouette false  eyelash on one eye:

Silhouette false eyelashes on both eyes:

Side angle view with Silhouette false eyelashes on:

I am seriously SO impressed with these products.  I give the falsies and the glue a solid 10 out of 10.  I just can’t get over how natural they look and how long lasting the glue hold is.  I have small, hooded eyes so working with falsies can be extremely tricky.  Those of you who have hooded eyes know how everything from eyeshadow to liquid liner application has to be done in a specific fashion so that it does not accentuate the hood of the eyes.  The Silhouette falsies the Esqido quiz recommended were spot on with what would suit my eye shape, because it helps you find the perfect pair of lashes for you.   It’s so great because it makes the selection process that much easier, and it also ensures you get the most flattering results.  Huge thank you to Esqido and I strongly suggest you try out some of their lashes if you haven’t already!!  You can shop all of their styles by clicking here.

Have you tried Esqido lashes?  What is your favourite style?

Jason Wu- Fragrance for her VIP Dave Lackie Dinner Event

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I am beyond thrilled that I get to write a recap of Dave Lackie’s VIP dinner for Jason Wu and the launch of his first fragrance for her.  I was so lucky to get invited to attend at Canoe Restaurant et Bar in Toronto this past Monday and I am still in the “Someone pinch me” state.  I was in awe with the spectacular view as we were on the 54th floor of the Toronto-Dominion Centre.  Upon arriving I could see the CN Tower directly in view from the window where I was standing, and there were gorgeous displays of flowers and Jason Wu’s fragrance bottles surrounding them.  The packaging for this fragrance is beyond beautiful.  A gorgeous thick glass with a gold circular top and the fragrance itself is a light pink almost rose gold colour- I fell in love instantly.

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What’s Up Nails- Canada Day Vinyls Review

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Canada Day is just around the corner and I’ve got a special offer for my first 10 readers of this post! Nail Polish Canada has sent me Canada Day nail vinyls by What’s Up Nails, and they are a really great way to dress up your festive look!

They are so easy to use:

Short version of the instructions for application is you apply a topcoat or coloured polish to your nails and let this dry.  Peel off the nail vinyl from the plastic back and apply it to your nail.  Then apply a thin layer of polish over top of this to seal it in.  If you used the entire stencil and not just the leaf vinyl, then you peel back from the edges to remove it while the polish is still wet.  What I like about these vinyls is you have the option to do two things, either use the leaf vinyl as an accent, or the entire stencil and you can colour it in with whatever colour polish you choose.

Nail Polish Canada has been so generous and has offered to give out 10 of these What’s Up Nails Canada Day vinyl sets to 10 of my readers!  If you are one of the first 10 readers of my post you can use the code “T73KS41Q6LO” on their website to get a FREE set!! Just click here.  If were one of the 10 to receive the vinyls let me know in a comment below or email me under my Contact page 🙂

What nail designs will you create for Canada Day??

Follow What’s Up Nails on their social media channels:

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You can also check out Nail Polish Canada here.

 

 

Conair- Infiniti PRO Hair Dryer and Relfections LED Mirror Review

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I am SO excited to share this post with you all!  Conair sent me a hair dryer and mirror and I am absolutely so in love with both products.  Thanks so much to Conair for sending these and the team at Brill Communications.  I’m going to jump right in to the review because I just can’t wait!

The two products I will review today are:

Infiniti PRO Hair Dryer

Reflections LED Mirror

Reviews:

Infiniti PRO Hair Dryer:

WOW! I was blown away (no pun intended 😉 ) by how well this works!! The Infiniti PRO is my favourite hair dryer by far.  I am absolutely so impressed with how well it performs.  This hair dryer has dual voltage, so it is your best-friend when travelling.  My favourite feature is the AC motor because it dries hair faster than a regular hair dryer that has a DC motor.  My hair is dried in half the amount of time it usually takes me compared to when I use my other hair dryer from another brand.  I have fine hair and a lot of the time drying/styling it can be a pain.  Especially when I am getting due for a haircut, however, the Infiniti PRO has ionic technology, so it tames frizz and makes your hair look quite shiny.  I found this to be extra noticeable when I got closer to needing a haircut because my ends weren’t super frizzy after drying my hair.

The Infiniti PRO comes with two attachments, a diffuser to enhance curles and waves, and a concentrator for pinpoint styling.

There are 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, and a cold shot button to help you lock in the style you create.

I have been using this hair dryer for a month now and I am hooked.  I am so happy with the results, and I love how the dryer is quite small yet it gives big results.  It is smaller in size than the average hair dryer (so easy to pack when travelling),  AND it performs better than other hair dryers I have tried, so it’s a win-win!  Plus the colour of it is purple and that’s always a plus in my books.  You can purchase the Infiniti PRO for C$59.99.

Reflections LED Mirror:

I am loving this mirror! I have been wanting to try a mirror with an LED light, but I wasn’t really sold on the fact that it would really be all that much different than my handheld mirror.  However, since receiving this Conair Reflections LED mirror, I can’t go back to a mirror without the LED light.  This mirror is great because it has two sides, one regular magnification at 1x and the other side at 7x.  The LED light technology is also energy saving, consuming 70% less energy than with a regular bulb.  It has two settings for the intensity of the light as well, so you can have it on low or high, or you can choose to use it with the light turned off as well.

Here is a photo of the mirror without the light turned on:

Here is a photo with the LED light on the higher setting:

This mirror is great for doing your makeup, and anything eyebrows and skin related as it really gives you a close look and shows every pore (although that might be something we don’t want to see hehe).  I love to wear eyeshadow and when I use this mirror it really gives me a close look at where I need to blend, and the LED light helps me to create a look that is flattering in the natural light for a daytime look as well as an evening look.   Another plus is that the mirror doesn’t get all foggy if you leave it out in the bathroom.  I moved recently, but before I moved the exhaust fan in the bathroom didn’t work the best so the mirror on the wall would always get foggy when you took a shower.  Yet I was surprised to see the Conair mirror would not get foggy, this is because it has fog-free and anti-glare viewing!  I also love the oval shape of this mirror and the polished chrome finish, it makes for a beautiful piece to leave out on your vanity.  I have this set up on my bathroom countertop and it really adds to the decor.  It’s really great to have a product that looks really nice aesthetically so you can leave it out as part of your decor and also reach for it easily when you want to use it.   You can purchase the Reflections LED mirror for C$49.99.

I highly recommend both of these products, you will not be disappointed!!  Conair has always been a brand that I have used and trusted, and I truly am so impressed with both of these products, i’m in love!

Have you tried either of these?  What’s your favourite Conair product?

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Cougar Beauty- Magic Fiber Lash Extender Kit Review

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Today I am working with Cougar Beauty, have you heard of them?  If you haven’t I highly suggest you check out their products.  Today’s review is on a fibre lash mascara.  Cougar is a brand from the UK and all products are manufactured there.  They pride themselves in offering their customers new, edgy and of high quality products.  They also only use cruelty free formulas, so there is no testing done on animals (thumbs up!).  Their packaging and marketing supplies are made from recycled materials (thumbs up again!).  They also source all ingredients locally, so all transportation is cut out, which in turn benefits our planet.  Way to go Cougar!  I’d like to thank Cougar and the Rosdon Group for sending me this product.

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If you know me, you know i’ve tried basically every single mascara from drugstore to high-end.  Mascara is one of my favourite products, and I am always looking to try new ones and new formulas/techniques.  Cougar sent me their Magic Fiber Lash Extender Kit, and it is quite different than anything I have tried before.  I have tried some mascaras which have the fibres already in the product, but this one you apply separately.

The kit comes with two items, the mascara and the fibres.  The packaging states it will increase the thickness and volume of your lashes while still keeping them looking natural.  Here is a closer look at the products and how to use them:

Mascara:

Fibres:

Application instructions:

Step 1: Apply the mascara to clean lashes (they suggest doing one eye at a time).  You apply this from the base of the lashes to the tips, and ensure every lash has been coated, as you would with a regular mascara.

Step 2: Apply the fibre extender immediately after the mascara to just the tips of your lashes.  You have to make sure you do this right away while the mascara you first applied is still wet.

Step 3: Apply a second coat of the mascara from step 1 in order to seal the fibres.

I was really happy with the final result!  I could really see how my lashes were significantly longer, and a few people I saw the first day I had tried it commented on how long my eyelashes looked.  The only thing I found I didn’t get was a ton of volume, the product for sure gives you a lot of length, but in my experience I had to build up the product to get a bit more volume.  Or a tip I have is to just apply a coat of a volumizing mascara overtop once it has dried.  So I would say in terms of mascara effect it is a lot more lengthening than it is volumizing.

Another thing I loved is how I had this on all day (8 hours +) and it did not flake off, leave dark marks around my eyes or smudge whatsoever.  The formula is really great and it gives you long lashes for all day wear with no re-application necessary.  The consistency of the formula isn’t super thick, so it makes application on the lashes so easy, no clumping and no mess.  You can also use a lash comb to separate your lashes to achieve a more “fanned-out” look.  In terms of removal this is a winner.  Sometimes mascara can be so stubborn to get off completely, and this is also a “water resistant” formula so not fully waterproof, but still resistant.  Yet I was so impressed with how it came off SO easily.  I used my daily cleanser and warm water and it came right off no problem, without leaving a mess behind.

Have you tried a fibre mascara kit before?  I highly recommend giving Cougar products a try!  The formula is great and the company values and philosophies are inspiring and so refreshing to see!  This also works great as an alternative to eyelash extensions, which are really expensive and time consuming.  I like how you can apply this product and it also washes off contrary to lash extensions.  You can purchase the Magic Fiber Lash Extender Kit on their website here for £19.00.  If you’d like to check out some of their other products which range from beauty, skincare, hair and body care, follow this link! http://www.cougarbeautyproducts.com/

You can also follow them on their social media channels below:

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The Body Shop- Vanilla Eau De Toilette

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Today i’m talking vanilla- my favourite scent! Ever since I have been old enough to wear fragrance or moisturizers/body butters with scent, I ALWAYS go for vanilla (okay, or coconut too).  One of the very first stores I would shop for these products at was The Body Shop, and to this day I still use a lot of their products and they are staples in my collection/routine.  One of my all time favourites is the Vanilla Eau De Toilette spray.

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I used to always use the vanilla oil, but unfortunately it was discontinued.  However, this eau de toilette spray is quite good as well.  The vanilla scent is almost identical to the oil they used to make, however, the only downfall is that the eau de toilette doesn’t last as long as the oil did.  Tip: To get this to last a little longer, I apply it right away after I take a shower on my pulse points.

What I love most about this product is how light and fresh it is.  It’s not heavy and it isn’t overly powerful.  I personally don’t like fragrances that are really strong and overbearing on the senses, I prefer more “natural” scents.  It is very sweet and is hands down one of my favourite vanilla scents.  The Vanilla Eau De Toilette retails for C$16.00 in stores, and they also sell a Vanilla Body Spray Mist which you can see here.  I have used other brands vanilla products, but nothing has measured up to my all-time favourite from The Body Shop.  I am also keeping my fingers crossed that they bring back the oil version!

Have you tried any Vanilla products from The Body Shop?

5 Ways To Feel Beautiful Today…

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As a beauty blogger I obviously post a lot about makeup and product reviews.   These items are used on our outside physical appearance and can give us a confidence boost, but I am a big advocate for feeling beautiful on the inside as well.   In my daily routine I incorporate a lot of things that “feed my soul” and make me happy.  Some of these are meditation, drinking tea and lots of water, waking up early and making it a point to enjoy the little things.  We often get stressed out and feel down because of life’s everyday stress.  It’s not easy and the days go by quick between work, running around, family and friends etc.  Here are some tips i’d like to share that help me feel beautiful and happy on the inside, which in turn boosts my confidence and makes me feel beautiful on the outside.  Being happy on the inside projects itself outwardly, and this creates a very rewarding life!

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1. Morning tea ritual

Every single day I look forward to having my morning tea.  Whether I have it before I go to work or when I get to work, this is something that makes me happy.  Tea is a great drink because it has a lot of health benefits, but the main reason I like doing this is also because of the “act”.  By this I mean it is part of my morning “ritual” and you can use these as a form of meditation.  For me boiling the water, putting the tea leaves in my steeper and then drinking my tea is an act of meditation.  I look forward to this, and doing this means I am bringing mindfulness into my routine.

2. Talk to someone you love

This may seem like an “obvious” one, but when I say talk I mean either in person or over the phone.  With texting, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat etc. we tend to get caught up in this virtual world.  While these social media outlets are great to connect with others, they can also bog you down.  I would suggest seeing a friend, family member or significant other in person and having a nice conversation.  If you can’t see them in person then avoid the texting for a day and actually give them a call.  Hearing someone’s voice and the warmth you get from talking to someone you care about goes a long way, and it eliminates the disconnect texting can cause because it gives you that personal touch.

3. Put something positive out on display

I am a big believer in meditation and the law of attraction.  My bedroom is a space I have set up with Buddha’s, incense, salt lamps and my own meditation corner.  You can  set up an entire room, a little corner or even just have one thing out on display.  Whatever it may be, make sure it brings you joy when you look at it.  For example, I have a meditation corner set up in my room and a vision board up on my wall.  My vision board is a collage of things i’d like to achieve, and every morning when I wake up I look at it and it sets a positive intention for my day.  I think it’s a wonderful idea to have something out on display that brings nothing but positive thoughts to you when you look at it.  Same applies with anything you may have out already, if it brings you any negative emotions or bad memories then get rid of it – your home should be a positive space and bring you comfort.

4. Be grateful

With social media, pop culture and the standards we set for ourselves, it can be easy to get trapped in an “I wish” frame of mind.  I think it’s really important to be mindful and not focus on the “I wish I had this” or “I wish I looked like her/him” or “I wish I had what she/he has”.  Instead of beating yourself up and creating these negative perceptions, focus on the things you DO feel you have.  Be grateful for what you have and you will start to notice other things turn into positive elements in your life.  What you think and feel is what you send out into the universe, and this is what you will attract back- think of this as positive affirmations.  Sure sometimes we are unlucky and bad things happen, but it could just be an unfortunate circumstance or a bad day not a bad “life”.  I try really hard not to dwell on anything negative that occurs.  For example, in the last week I had two tires on my new car go flat because of unavoidable potholes in the road.  I was upset at first because it cost me a lot to get two new tires 1 week apart, but in the end I told myself being upset will help nothing.  It happened and I needed two new tires.  Being upset over that would only cause me more stress and make me anxious.  Instead I told myself “It could always be worse, and at least I was not hurt when the tire went flat on two separate occasions.”  I did not get into an accident or harm anyone else either.  In my opinion there is always a positive side to things, you just have to have an open mind and push yourself to see it.

5. Appreciate nature

I know going for a hike is not everyone’s idea of a fun time.  But you don’t have to do intense outside activities to enjoy nature.  The earth is our element known for its strength, wisdom and growth.  I know not all of you believe in things like this like I do, but I encourage you to try to see it that way.  If you can’t then simply appreciate it for what it is.  One of my favourite things to do is go for a walk down by the river and take a blanket with me.  I love to sit there and listen to the water and take in the sunshine.  Breathing in fresh air brings a certain calmness to a chaotic day or week.  Even if you don’t like spending time outside, I would even suggest just sitting out on your front steps and letting the rays of sunshine soak in.

Opal Frame

Some of these suggestions might seem cliché or perhaps even silly (e.g. my morning tea ritual lol).  But I can assure you that you don’t need BIG things to make a change or to feel good on the inside.  Sometimes it’s all of the little things that add up and make us happier.  We live in a world where physical items and grand gestures are viewed as important so that we can capture it and post it on social media.  So I encourage you to embrace and notice the little things and see if it brings you more happiness.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, if you have some tips on how to feel beautiful on the inside please write them below!

Namaste xo