The Ten Spot Yonge and Eglington

Earlier this year I was invited to try out some of the services at The Ten Spot here in Toronto. The Ten Spot is a franchised nail, wax and skin salon that began in 2006 with many locations in the GTA, 2 in BC and 1 in PEI. 

So far I have had brow waxings, a shellac mani and a pedi from The Ten Spot, and I have been super impressed.  I featured my shellac mani on my YouTube Channel in a recent vlog. The salon is clean, bright and modern, without feeling like too "fancy". I hate when I go to salons and feel out of place, this feels like it was designed for 20 somethings and that makes me feel at home! 

The service I want to highlight today however is 'The Facial'. I used their online booking service to schedule my appointment and at first I found it very odd that there seemed to be only one version of the full on facial. How will they know my skin needs? Do they use the same products on everyone? 

I went to the location on Yonge and Eglington, there's a Sephora just down the street so that is always a bonus. Upon entering I was greeted by the friendly staff and offered a tea, coffee or water. I went with a peppermint tea as it is really starting to feel like winter! 

The Ten Spot Yonge and Eglington

My facial was with Anna M, she is officially my brow girl in Toronto, hallelujah! My brows are very special to me, and she does a kick ass job with them. Totally worth the extra travel on the subway to make sure my brows are taken care of. 

The Ten Spot 'The Facial'

Anna explained the facial process, and it all began to make sense. I was told that everyone books 'The Facial' but upon arrival you will get a skin analysis, and that is when the products and process will be determined. It makes complete sense! Not everyone knows their skin type, so you may book incorrectly, or depending on the day, season etc your skin may require something different. All facials use Dermologica Professional products but the combination of products vary person to person. 

The Ten Spot Skin Bar

I tried to get as much information up front so that I could truly relax during the facial. It has been a bit of a stressful few weeks so this is exactly what I needed! Speaking of relaxing, Anna mentioned that some people like to talk, others like to be completely silent. Make sure to tell them what your preference is so you get the most out of your treatment.

'The Facial' at The Ten Spot is half a skin treatment and half a relaxation experience. That is why it takes place in the back room, but there is no real closed door. That is my only con about this experience, I would personally prefer it takes place behind closed doors. The salon was quiet that day but I can imagine if it was super busy you'd be able to hear people getting their manis and pedis. 

The Ten Spot Dermologica Face Mapping

It began with a pre-cleanse, skin analysis and Dermologica Face Mapping to ensure the facial was tailored to me. Then onto the cleanse, exfoliation, and extractions. The extractions were not painful but there was a slight discomfort, but in a satisfying way knowing my skin was being cleared of blackheads! On to the pressure point massage, mask, neck/shoulder and hand/arm massage. My favourite! To top it all off Beyonce's "Halo" played during my massage, that was an experience in itself! Followed by serum, moisturizer and SPF, which I think is super smart. After you skin has gone through so many treatments and you walk outside it is very important to make sure your skin is perfected and you don't damage everything you've just had done. I probably missed some steps in there, I know there was also steam and some delightful hot cloths. 

I was also given a copy of my Dermologica Face Map, with recommendations of products to try. They kept a copy too, so next time I come back they are familiar with my skin needs.

Shout out to Anna for doing such a great job arranging the Dermologica Professional products used on my so nicely! 

I have oily, acne-prone skin, so your facial may not be exactly like mine - but I think that's a good thing. You don't have my skin so you shouldn't have my facial.

It's now several days later, my skin never felt irritated or red, just so SMOOTH. I haven't had any breakouts and it's even that time of the month. I am incredibly impressed and highly recommend! 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Eye Bag Swatches

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Eye Bag

The MAC Nutcracker Sweet collection is ADORABLE. It has a whimsical holiday feel without being too childish. Not only is the packaging on point but the pops of pinks, corals and oranges totally calls my name. This review is on one of two "eye bags". That sounds like under eye circles but in reality they are a kit of eye products in an adorable bag! I have also reviewed the MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact.

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Eye Bag Swatches

I received the #MACNutcracker Sweet Plum Eye Bag ($51.00 CAD). This includes a makeup bag, Technakhol Liner, Pro Longwear Paint Pot and Extra Dimension Single Eyeshadow. If my math is correct the 4 products retail for $100 and that does not include the bag! If you had your eyes on any one of these products it is a great time to grab this kit and get a whole lot more for very little extra cash. 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Eye Bag Pro Longwear Paint Pot Stormy Pink

The item in the bag I was the most excited to try was the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Stormy Pink ($26.00 CAD). I'm not sure why the name, online they describe it s as "muted grey purple" I would have to agree! This is my first ever paint pot, as someone with oily eye lids I have always wanted to try, not sure why I hadn't. I am going to have to pick up a more neutral shade as this ensured my eyeshadow lasted all day. Very impressed. The colour is gorgeous too, very unique in comparison to the rest of my collection. 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Eye Bag Extra Dimension Eyeshadow Smoky Mauve

Up next is the ever so gorgeous Extra Dimension Eye Shadow ($26.00 CAD) in Smoky Mauve. This is described as a "pinkish muted mauve", again, I don't get the smoky part, feels more pastel to me..but still gorgeous! As expected, this is a stunningly smooth feeling shadow, with a great metallic finish and no glitter. It has a foiled look and I think it would be great used wet too. Personally, this isn't the kind of shade I generally reach for but I had fun playing with it and hope to pick up a golden shade. 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Eye Bag False Lashes Mascara

MAC False Lashes Mascara

Another item from MAC I had never tried is their mascaras! I have so many staples from MAC but I am realizing now I didn't really stray far from that. I am super impressed with the MAC False Lashes Mascara ($28.00 CAD). As you can see in the before and after it adds the perfect amount of volume and length. You can also layer it up and it doesn't get clumpy. 

MAC Techknakhol Liner Purple Dash

The only true plum in this collection is the MAC Technakohl Liner in Purple Dash ($20.00 CAD). It's described as an "intense aubergine". It is a slightly drier formula but I think that helps with it's lasting power. It's the kind of pencil I will use on my waterline and lower lash line, not really the kind of item I would use to create a wing. It may be nice to smudge out though, I haven't tried that. 

MAC Nutcracker Plum Eye Bag Makeup Look

This look was totally different for me, I rarely reach for pastels, but I do love purple. I'm wearing Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Stepping out. 

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow Smoky Mauve

I used the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Stormy Pink as a base, Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Smoky Mauve all over the lid with some bronzer in the crease. I put MAC TechnaKohl Liner in Purple Dash on my lower lash line and in my water line. I am also wearing the MAC False Lash Mascara. 

Will you be picking up anything from this collection? 

*These products were sent for my review.

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact 

The MAC Nutcracker Sweet collection is ADORABLE. It has a whimsical holiday feel without being too childish. Not only is the packaging on point but the pops of pinks, corals and oranges totally calls my name. This is a review on one of the eye compacts available, the #MACNutcrackerSweet Warm Eye Compact. 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Eyeshadow Palette

The MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact ($47.50) is one of three eye palettes available. It has 9 eyeshadows that are .03oz each, a standard MAC refill comes with .04 oz making this palette an amazing deal!

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact Swatches

This is where I get a little confused. When a palette is dubbed "warm" I expect something much different than the above swatches. Era, Lady Fingers and Unwind sure, but the rest are quite warm and smokey. 

MAC Dual Ended 214/213 Eye Brush

This palette also includes a dual ended 214/213 brush. Great for packing shadow on the lid and smoking out the lower lash line. 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact

When trying to create looks I felt a little stuck because I never really work with cool tones. I should probably get out of my comfort zone but I know that is what looks good and is effortless for me. 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact

I knew I had to use Unwind, I love yellow shadow. I put that all over the lid with some Twelve Chimes in the crease and Lady Fingers on the inner corner. I also ran a little of my bronzer in the crease with MAC Stone on the lips. 

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact

This second look, again I am trying to pull the warmness out of the palette. I used Era and Woodwinked on the lid, Lady Fingers in the inner corner and some Twelve Chimes in the crease. This palette could have really benefitted from a nice mid tone brown for blending. I'm wearing MAC Lush Lipglass

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eyeshadow Palette

Overall, I think the palette is pretty and the quality is good, but the warm claim throws me off. These are not shades I can say I will reach for on the daily but Unwind is pretty damn gorgeous! 

*These products were sent for my review.

Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate Bundle

Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate Bundle

The Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate collection is made for gifting, be it a gift to someone else or yourself! Chocolate isn't normally a scent I gravitate towards when picking skin and body care but this is just delicious, literally.  All the products have a rich deep scent with a hint of sweetness. It truly smells like opening up container of hot cocoa.

The collection includes the Pampering Chocolate Face Mask, Pampering Chocolate Body Whip and Pampering Chocolate Body Wash. This retails for $31.00 but is currently on sale on the Avon website for $20.00! If you just have eyes for one of the products they can all be purchased separately. 

Avon Pampering Chocolate Face Mask

The Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate with Cocoa Extract Face Mask is my favourite of the collection! This retails for $10.00, but is currently on sale for $7.99. As someone with incredibly oily, acne-prone skin promises of hydration don't always entice me. That being said, it is very important to moisturize oily skin to avoid dehydrating it because your skin will just produce even more oil! I'm used to clay masks that dry down but this stays "tacky" on the skin. With ingredients like shea butter, cocoa and glycerin this leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth, but not greasy. It does have quiet a heavy scent, so if you have sensitive skin or just don't like perfumed products on your face you may not enjoy. 

Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate Body Wash

The Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate with Cocoa Extract Body Wash again has that rich, deep, cocoa scent. It retails for $9.00, but is currently on sale for $6.99. The texture is somewhere in between a shower gel and a cream, and not that it matters but the color is a gorgeous gold. I don't think it is worthwhile showing skincare and body care "swatches" unless it is something remarkable. This is a really nice body wash, it leaves my skin feeling smooth, but I can't say it is anything out of this world. Just like any other body wash, but with a great scent! I have yet to find many shower gels or body washes that really do something special. 

Avon Pampering Chocolate Body Whip

The Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate with Cocoa Extract with Cocoa Extract Body Whip, this seriously feels like your rubbing chocolate pudding with whip cream on your body - in the best way possible! It retails for $12.00 but is currently on sale for $8.99. It has a beautiful thick and creamy texture, that leaves your skin feeling and looking hydrated. This is not the kind of product I would put on in the morning on my way to work, it is more of a nighttime product for me. I feel that way about any more intense body butter, I like to be able to give it time to sink into my skin before getting dressed.

Overall, I really like this line. I think it is priced well, smells great and delivers on it's claims. 

*These products were sent for my review and consideration. 

Dior Holiday 2016 Splendor Collection Swatches and Review

Dior Holiday 2016 Splendor Collection

Dior holiday makeup. I think that is almost enough said but I will elaborate. "House of Dior's distinctive Couture spirit is the vision behind this event collection aptly named Splendor. A tribute from Peter Phillips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, to what makes Dior Couture savoir-faire so exceptional, those sophisticated, almost hidden details that give it all it's spice".

The Dior Splendor Makeup Collection includes a selection of 5 Couleur Splendor palettes, Diorific Matte Fluids, Dior Fusion Mono Shadow, Diorific Lipsticks and Diorfic Vernis. It will be available mid October at Dior counters nationwide along with Sephora, Macy's, Nordstrom and Holt Renfrew.

If you'd like to see the Dior Holiday 2016 collection in action I use it in a Full Face First Impressions video. 

Dior 5 Couleurs Splendor Eyeshadow Palette 066 Smoky Sequins

This palette *heart eyes emoji*. I didn't even want to use it, the attention to detail is absolutely stunning. The sequin detail is perfect, all the way down to the stitches.

Dior Smoky Sequins 5 Couleur Palette

I had a hard time choosing a picture of this, so I am going to show you a whole bunch. I cannot get sick of looking at it. I normally don't love cooler toned palettes, but this is the exception.

Dior Holiday 2016 Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palette

One last look up real close! The 066 Smoky Sequins comes with a selection of 2 silvers, a white, black and bronze champagne. I don't think I can call any of these shades matte, the black is as close as it gets but there is a slight satin finish. The other shades all have a true satin finish, with the middle shade leaning metallic.

Dior Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palette 

This has to be one of the most impressive Dior shadow palettes I have tried to date. Dior tends to have a drier formula, but these have a nice more creamy texture. That being said, there isn't a ton of fall out, they are still on the stiff side but the colour payoff is great! In addition to that, when you dip into the palette the sequins don't totally disappear.

Dior Holiday 2016 Splendor Diorific Lipsticks 

Again,these lipsticks are stunning! It is hard to believe the tube is even a lipstick. It makes a great vanity decoration. I think the design has a very "old" feel in the best way possible, they look like something that you would see on a vanity from the early 1900s.

Dior Splendor Diorific Lipsticks

The Dior Splendor Holiday 2016 Collection includes Dior Diorific Lipsticks, I have the shades 065 Golden and 440 Charm.

Diorific Lipstick Golden

This lipstick totally surprised me. I was expecting it to look super stark pale and feel gritty but I was wrong. It adds a gorgeous warm hue on it's own or can act as a great lipstick topper. It did not feel gritty but did leave a residue upon removal.

Diorific Lipstick 440 Charm

This shade also surprised me. It looked much deeper in the tube but upon application it came out a much brighter, almost pastel peach. I'd describe it as a cream formula with a nice shine and good staying powder.

Dior Golden Lipstick Holiday 2016

I then topped 440 Charm with 65 Golden and WOW. As mentioned, the Golden shade brings so much warmth. You'd think a golden lipstick would be obnoxious but this one is super sophisticated.

Diorific Vernis Nova and Splendor

In keeping with this gorgeous collection, the Diorific Vernis is no different. 001 Nova is a white iridescent flakie polish that delivers. With one swipe your nail is covered, you could layer up but unlike many other glitters and flakies this one doesn't take much to coat a nail. On the nail it does not appear white, it has a golden/green/purple iridescence. 850 Splendor is a deep wine with a cream finish. Personally, I don't love these shades on my skin tone but they are a classic! I just find they make my hands look old. I did however have some wear issues with this polish and it began to chip on the tips of my nails only 2 days after.

Dior Holiday 2016 Diorific Vernis 

The lid on these bottles is not only pretty but functional, I found it easy to get a nice grip. The brush is also great, I love a thicker brush, makes it easier to paint. I have no photos of the polish on my nails but you can see it in my recent video that features this collection.

Overall, I think this collection is aesthetically pleasing but also delivers when it comes to quality and color pay off. Will you be purchasing anything?

*These products were sent from PR for my review.

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