SOCIAL MEDIA

Moschino + Sephora Collection Shopping Bag Mini Palette Swatches

Thursday, 31 August 2017
#MoschinoxSephora Collection Shopping Bag Palette & Bear Compact Mirror
Moschino + Sephora Collection Shopping Bag Mini Palette is one of the cutest and chicest things I've ever seen. As to be expected from a such a playful brand like Moschino. #MoschinoxSephora is a limited edition collection exclusive to Sephora for Fall 2017. If you see an item you like, grab it - it won't be around for long! See this palette in action in my recent YouTube video
#SephoraxMoschino Shopping Bag Eyeshadow Palette
Moschino + Sephora Collection Shopping Bag Mini Palette ($23) – The palette contains the ultimate metallic and matte eye shadows in an edited range that delivers a lasting, high-impact, velvet finish. Beautifully packaged featuring the iconic Moschino bag design, the palette comes complete with a look book featuring three makeup tutorials.
Moschino + Sephora Collection Shopping Bag Mini Palette 
Sometimes collaborations or limited edition collections can fall flat in quality, they can lean on the big name or cute packaging but not the case. I am so impressed with the Moschino Sephora Shopping Bag Palette. First of all the shades are right up my alley, and there's a good selection of shades and finishes to create many cohesive looks. Although the packaging is bulky, it's sturdy. Not everything needs to be slim and portable. And I mean, it is kinda portable, it's a bag!  
Moschino Eyeshadow Palette Swatches
Moschino + Sephora Collection Bear Compact Mirror ($28) – This dual compact mirror is for all of your touchups - from uptown to downtown. The iconic brown teddy face is symbolic to Moschino and the perfect partner when applying makeup wherever life may take you.
Sephora Moschino Bear Mirror Compact
*These products were sent for my review, all opinions are my own. 

Bench Canada Lookbook - Curvy Girl Exercise Clothing

Wednesday, 30 August 2017
Bench Athletic Wear
My relationship with working out is dicey, the one thing I do love about it is the cute clothes! For me, it's all about finding something functional that makes me feel good. 

Bench Dominant Legging ($79.00 CAD) - I have a curvier body type, that's bottom heavy so I've tried many leggings that look see through on me. Even worse, I buy them and after the fact realize they are see through. Not the case with these leggings from Bench Canada. They also have a really high waisted fit that makes me feel comfortable and secure. 
Bench Canada Dominant Leggings
Bench Leggings

Bench Double Layer Mesh Tee ($29.99 on sale)- This shirt screams athleisure, which is a trend I am so on board for. It's not the kind of shirt I'd personally wear to the gym, but it's great for a brisk walk outside or other light exercises. I love rocking this shirt with leggings or jeans, I hate to say it but .. you can dress it up or down. SO CLICHÉ, but true. 
Bench Double Layer Mesh Tee
Bench Athleisure Clothing
Bench Mesh Tshirt
Bench Jersey Strap Top Solid ($29.99 on sale)- This is the kind of shirt I like to wear while exercising for a number of reasons. It's a lightweight material, longline fit so it covers mid-section and then some and the design of the shirt allows me to easily wear a sports bra. As much as I love super intricate exercise clothing, if I can't wear a sports bra it's kinda pointless.
Bench Jersey Strap Solid Top and Dominant Leggings

Bench Workout Clothing
*The Bench Canada clothing was sent for my review, all opinions are my own. 

Origins Zero Oil Review



 If you know me at all, you know I have super oily skin. I'm constantly working on trying to balance it and not strip it of any of the good moisture. When Origins sent the Zero Oil line my way I was so curious to try, I have heard great things about the brand and this line sounded perfect for me. Both the Toner and Cleanser are formulated without - Parabens, Sulfate, Synthetic Fragrances and  Synthetic Dyes. So if you have sensitivities, you're in luck! This cleanser and toner contain saw palmetto which I had never heard of. I did some light reading (I'm no scientist) and it seems to be great for both acne and oily skin. Some take it as a vitamin supplement! Also featured in  are mint and salicylic acid, so if your skin likes SA this could be a great option. 
The Origins Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser retails for $29 CAD at Sephora. It's a foaming cleanser that's formulated to help eliminate shine, clear pores and minimize shine. I really like the texture of this, it's a clear formula but has a creamy feel on the skin that does foam up nicely. Most importantly it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry afterwards. I generally double cleanse, remove my makeup then follow up with this to ensure it's getting straight to my skin and not just taking off makeup. BUT, I have used it to remove makeup and it does a good job, I just prefer other methods. 
The Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner retails for $30 CAD  at Sephora. This toner is meant to be a follow up to the cleanser. It's formulated to leave the skin smooth and matte. I especially love the mint in this toner! I grew up trying to fight my oily skin by stripping it and I still seek that super clean and fresh feeling, which this toner gives me. That being said it is no where near as harsh on my skin. I use this in the morning as a part of my makeup prep to ensure I have a nice matte base to start with. 

*These products were sent for my review, all opinions are my own. Links are affiliate. 

Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Collection

Tuesday, 29 August 2017
Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Collection 
If you are any bit aware of what happens in the online beauty community, the Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Collection launched and sold out pretty quickly! No worries if you didn't get your hands on it, it will restock in September. I picked up 2 items, shipping took just over a week (good for Canada), customs at the door was $20 (bad for Canada). If you'd like to see the items in action I used it in a recent YouTube Video
Desi x Katy Collection
The packaging is clearly gorgeous, soft matte nude with rose gold for the lippies. The palettes have a metallic mesh that looks incredibly luxe. Luckily, the price tag is not luxe, really happy to report that although it's a collaboration with 2 incredibly influential YouTubers the price is not inflated. The quality is great too, sometimes collabs can be super rushed and not inline with the brand's permanent line but not the case here.
Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Fuego Highlighter
The Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Fuego Highlighter retails for $28 USD and is a soft champagne gold. No glitter, just a highly metallic finish. It isn't incredibly warm like I generally prefer but I still like the finish on my skin.  
Desi x Katy Fuego Highlighter  
Desi x Katy Fuego Highlighter Swatch 
The Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Hot Fire Liquid Lipstick retails for $28 USD and is a vibrant red with strong orange undertones. It dries to a matte finish, with a delicious vanilla scent. It took about 2 layers to build to full color, and feels comfortable on the lips although the finish is quite matte. 
Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Hot Fire Liquid Lipstick
Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Hot Fire Swatch 

mark. Velvet Lip Paint Swatches

Monday, 28 August 2017
mark. by Avon Velvet Lip Paint Review
mark. by Avon has released the mark Velvet Lip Paints. There are 4 shades in the range and they retail for $12.00. Swatches of the mark Vinyl Lip Paints to come. "Glide on the luscious lip paint that combines color and a built-in primer. More intense than lipstick, more saturated than gloss."
mark Velvet Lip Paints
The mark. Velvet Lip Paints are full of colour with a mousse texture. If you have issues with long-wearing liquid lipsticks that are super matte this may be a nice option for you. The shade range is small and kind of odd to me, although I like the shades I feel like there are some lacking. 
mark Velvet Lip Paint Swatches

*These products were sent for my review, all opinions are my own. 

Moda Brush Giveaway!

Sunday, 27 August 2017


I bought an extra brush at IMATS Toronto 2017! See my IMATS Haul :) 

WIN: Moda Metallics M04 Blush Brush

- Open Internationally

- Must be over 18 or have parents permission
- Closes September 2/2017
- No giveaway accounts
- GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Back to School Meal Prep: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with TVP

Friday, 25 August 2017
stuffed peppers with TVP
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
See this recipe demo in my Back to School Meal Prep Video!

Ingredients
4 Peppers 

2 Cups of Spinach 
75g Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
90g Old Light Cheddar Cheese 
1/2 Large Red Onion 
2 Medium Vine Tomatoes 
1 Cup Mushrooms 
2 Tbsp BBQ Sauce 
1 Tbsp Chili Powder 
1 Tbsp Chipotle Powder 
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic 
1 Tsp Chili Flakes 

Steps
1. Pre-heat oven to 400F
2. Rehydrate dry TVP with 1/2 cup boiling water 
3. Heat frying pan on medium with oil, add TVP, onions, tomatoes mushrooms. Add more water if TVP is dry. 
4. Add BBQ sauce, chili powder, chipotle powder, chili flakes and garlic to TVP. Add spinach to cook down. 
5. Prep peppers, cut them in half, toss with olive oil and salt/pepper. 
6. Full peppers with cooked TVP mixture and top with grated cheese. 
7. Bake in oven for 30 minutes or to preferred doneness. 


8 Servings (per pepper half) - approximated from MyFitnessPal
86 Calories 
2g Fat 
9g Carbs 
9.1g Protein 




Back to School Meal Prep: Sweet and Spicy Lean Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Rice

extra lean ground turkey recipes
Sweet and Spicy Extra Lean Ground Turkey
See this recipe demo in my Back to School Meal Prep Video!

Ingredients: 
4 Large Carrots 
1 Cup Edamame 
500g Extra Lean Ground Turkey 
600g Cauliflower Rice 
1 Tbsp Garlic Gomasio (Sesame Seeds, Sea Salt and Garlic)
1/3 Cup Canned Pineapple 
1/2 Cup Edamame 
1/3 Canned Pineapple Juice 
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1/4 cup Honey 
1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce 
1 Tbsp Sriracha 
1 Tsp Sesame Oil 
2 Tbsp Green Onion 

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Create marinade, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil and honey.
3. Chop carrots into bite size pieces and cover in 1/3 of the marinade. Top with Gomasio and put in oven for 40 mins, toss halfway through. 
4. On a medium heat, add a dash of sesame oil to a pan with the extra lean ground turkey. Cook halfway then add the remaining marinade. 
5. In another pan, add cauliflower rice with 1/2 cup of water, salt, pepper and garlic to a pan. Cook for 5 minutes, then add edamame and cook to desired doneness. 
6. Once marinade has caramelized, add pineapple chunks and juice, cook until dissolved. 
7. Add final products to tupperware if meal prepping and top with more gomasio and green onions. 

4 Servings - approximated from MyFitnessPal 
392 Calories 
11g Fat 
40g Carbs 
35g Protein 

Rouge Dior Double Rouge Lipsticks

Thursday, 24 August 2017
Rouge Dior Double Rouge Matte Metal Colour and Couture Contour Lipstick
Dior, back at it again with the lipstick launches. This time it's the Dior Rouge Double Rouge Lipsticks, that's a mouthful but these are beautiful! These lipsticks are super unique in that they have 2 lipsticks in one essentially. They are meant to add not only full colour to the lips but a highlight and contour to the lips.
Dior Double Lipsticks Jungle Beige and Poison Purple
The Dior Double Rouge Lipsticks launch in September at Dior Counters Nationwide and respective .com sites. They will not be at Sephora. They will retail for $43 CAD and come in 8 shades. The formula and sent seems to be the same as the original Dior Rouge lipsticks, which is fabulous.
Dior Rouge Double Rouge Jungle Beige and Dior Rouge Double Rouge Poison Purple
"Inspired by professional techniques, Double Rouge combines two makeup trends: matte and metal. In a single application, it produces an ombré effect with a highly pigmented matte contour and light-catching metal heart."

*These products were provided for my review, all opinions are my own. 


MAC Viva Glam Taraji P Henson 2 Swatches - Viva Glam Taraji P Henson 2

Wednesday, 23 August 2017
MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Collection 
She's back! MAC Viva Glam Taraji P Henson 2 launches September 7th, both in stores and online. The MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Collection contains a lipstick and lipglass. See the lippies in action in my Instagram Try-on Video

If you'd like to see my review of the initial MAC Taraji P Henson Collection I talked about it in a video last year. As with all MAC Viva Glam launches every penny from the selling price goes towards helping men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. 
MAC Viva Glam Taraji P Henson 2 Review
Taraji P Henson is incredibly fabulous, strong and beautiful. All reflected in the new MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Collection. Unlike the first collection, they come in limited edition packaging. True red with a pink undertone, and her signature in red. 
MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson 2 Lipstick is a frost finish with a deep coppery brown and gold pearl. MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Lipstick retails for $17 USD/$21 USD.
MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Lipstick Review
MAC Viva Glam Taraji P Henson 2 Lipstick Swatches

MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Swatch
MAC Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson 2 Lipglass is a bronze with gold pearl. MAC Taraji P Henson 2  Lipglass retails for $17 USD/ $19 CAD.
MAC Viva Glam Taraji P Henson 2 Lipglass
MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Lip Gloss

MAC Taraji P. Henson 2 Lipglass Review

MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Lipglass Swatch

MAC Taraji P Henson 2 Swatches
If you are a fan of MAC, the Viva Glam cause or these fabulous shades I highly recommend you pick it up! 
*These products were provided for my review, all opinions are my own. Links are affiliate. 


NARS Liquid Blush Swatches

Tuesday, 22 August 2017
NARS has always been known for their powder blushes, the shade "Exhibit A" was one of my first high end makeup items. More recently they launched the NARS Liquid Blushes in shades that exist within the powder line. Described as a "high-pigmented, liquid blush that brings a flush of natural-looking color to all skintones." If you'd like to see the NARS Liquid blush application I use it in a Go-To Event Makeup Tutorial on my YouTube Channel. 
There are 4 shades of the NARS Liquid Blushes and they retail for $38 CAD on sephora.ca. The packaging is sleek, as to be expected from NARS. A square bottle with frosted glass and the classic soft touch black cap. The pump makes it easy for use and you can control how much product you get. 

As someone with oily skin, I don't often reach for cream or liquid products, however I was blown away by these. The formula is incredibly easy to work with, not too pigmented or liquidy and easy to blend. You won't end up with clown cheeks I promise. For best application I apply a small amount on the back of my hand and then use a small stipple brush or wet beauty blender to apply to cheeks. Start with a light layer and build up to your desired finish. You can top with a powder blush or leave to set on your skin. The finish on the skin is quite matte, the shades that have shimmer are very subtle, no glitter. 
NARS Liquid Blush Luster 
NARS Liquid Blush Orgasm


NARS Liquid Blush Torrid

NARS Liquid Blush Dolce Vita
NARS Liquid Blush Torrid - warm coral with golden shimmer
NARS Liquid Blush Orgasm - peachy pink with golden shimmer
NARS Liquid Blush Dolce Vita - matte dusty rose
NARS Liquid Blush Luster - sheer golden apricot 

*These products were sent for my review, all opinions are my own. Links are affiliate. 

Wet n Wild Mermaid Liquid Eyeshadow Swatches

Wet n Wild Mermaid Collection Liquid Eyeshadows
Brand new at the drugstore are the Wet n Wild Midnight Mermaid Metallic Liquid Eyeshadows. I've also swatched the Wet n Wild Mermaid Highlighter and Mermaid Liquid Lipsticks in past blog posts. I also have an entire Live Swatch Video about the collection. 
Wet n Wild Midnight Mermaid Color Icon Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow
If you're Canadian the first question is, where can I find this?! Honestly, I don't know. The Wet n Wild team informed me that in Canada retailers are not as open to stocking to the brand for whatever reason. The haven't clued into the fact that the brand is freaking amazing and affordable. But, keep your eyes peeled at your local retailers that stock it, it will probably show up in a random area as the collection is Limited Edition. 
Wet n Wild Mermaid Liquid Eyeshadow Lara's Necklace, Mysterious Nights, Moonlight Majesty, Aquatic Prism
The Wet n Wild Mermaid Liquid Eyeshadows retail for just $4.99 and come in 4 incredibly impactful shades. Mysterious Nights and Lara's Necklace have more glitter, while Moonlight Majesty and Aquatic Prism have more of a high shine metallic finish. All 4 have strong bases, not just glitter suspended in liquid. I would recommend building in light layers for full pigmentation, letting dry in between. If you are reaching for a powder shadow to blend just work lightly. 

Wet n Wild Mermaid Liquid Eyeshadow Moonlight Majesty
Wet n Wild Mermaid Liquid Eyeshadow Aquatic Prism
Wet n Wild Mermaid Liquid Eyeshadow Lara's Necklace
Wet n Wild Mermaid Liquid Eyeshadow Mysterious Nights




*These products were provided for my review, all opinions are my own.