Skincare Review: Epice Purifying Exfoliant

Hey guys!

Today I have a review on a product from an Ipsy bag that I received a few months ago... The Epice

Purifying Exfoliant. I have to start off by saying that I LOVE this product!! It is by far the best ever face exfoliant I have ever used. The 1oz sample size has lasted me forever, and the product itself is quite amazing. The texture is like sand; very finely-milled sand. It's abrasive, yet gentle. It leaves my face feeling super soft. Unlike many other exfoliators, this product has not broken me out. 

From the Epice website: 

"A unique exfoliant which removes excess dirt and dead skin cells all while activating collagen production and hydrating your skin. This moisture rich formula utilizes mild, non-irritating and anti-bacterial cleansers with micro-fine polyspheres which enhances skin texture and clarity for a clean, fresh appearance. Purifying Exfoliant is also great to use on the entire body and after just a few uses, you will begin to see improvement in the look and feel of your skin."

I use this product 2-3 times a week (I could honestly get away with using this product every single day, because it's just that gentle!). I wet my face in the shower and rub a little over a pea-sized amount all over my face in circular motions, then let it sit on my face for about 2 minutes. Then, I rinse it off. 

If you haven't tried this product, I would definitely recommend checking it out. I can't wait to try other products from the brand!

This product retails for $32 for 3.3oz (which will last a very long time). You can buy Epice products here!

Until next time, 

Kels

NEW at Sephora 2015!

Hi guys!

Today I wanted to share a post showing some new items at Sephora and my current wish list! I have all the products liked to Sephora's website for easy shopping access :).

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream- CAD$35 for 1.18oz

-"Mineral-based formulation that combines the best of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturizer to provide increased skin hydration after just one week"- from Sephora

-10 shades

-SPF 30

-Silicone, fragrance and oil free

-Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic

Diorskin Nude Air Serum SPF 20- CAD$64 for 1oz

-8 shades

-Talc-free

-A serum foundation that provides a radiant, sheer finish

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight- CAD$24 for 0.21oz

-1 shade

-Claims to be long-wearing and oil free

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour- CAD$24 for 0.21oz

-1 shade

-Claims to be long-wearing and oil free

-I'm curious how this will blend out on lighter skin tones; it looks fairly dark

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water- CAD$37 for 3.9oz

-Silicone, alcohol and oil-free

-Claims to leave skin hydrated and refreshed

-A primer WATER?! How intriguing! 

Dior Cheek & Lip Glow- CAD$39 for 0.33oz

-1 shade

-Claims to give a luminous custom pink glow

-I love 2-in-1 products and would love to try this! Who doesn't want a perfect glow??

Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette (Obscura shown)- CAD$67

-7 palettes available (they all look BEAUTIFUL)

-Formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates

-Claims that the eyeshadows are finely-milled and buildable

-A range of matte and shimmery colours in each palette

Peter Thomas Roth Mini Mask Magic Kit- CAD$25

Feautures:

-0.5oz Cucumber Gel Mask

-0.5oz Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask

-0.5oz Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

-3 of Peter Thomas Roths' most popular masks

-A great value!

Glamglow Thirstycleanse Daily Treatment Cleanser- CAD$43 for 5oz

-A mud to foam cleanser for dry skin

-Free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates

- I love the masks and cannot wait to try this cleanser!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream- CAD$47 for 1.7oz

-Free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates

-Allergy-tested, free of artificial fragrance, safe for sensitive skin

Current Hair Care Routine!

Hi guys!

Today I wanted to share my fairly simple haircare routine! I have fairly normal, but fine hair that tends to get oily at the roots, but dry at the ends. I am going to give a small review on all of the products. Enjoy!

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner from Sephora

First, in the shower I use an Alterna Shampoo and Conditioner. I love these! They are soooo moisturizing, but don't weigh my hair down. The smell is just okay, not my favourite. They are very pricey, so I would recommend buying the set at Sephora at Christmastime (which is what I did!) I use these every other day on my hair (I only wash my hair every second day).

Style Sexy Hair 450 Blow Out Heat Defence Blow Dry Spray from Chatters

After a shower, I liberally apply this spray to my towel-dried hair, whether I am going to blow dry my hair or not. This is really a simple, all-in-one step; it detangles, leaves your hair smooth and shiny, and protects from heat. I would highly recommend this product!

Oscar Blondi Dry Heat Protect Spray (looks like it may no longer be available at Sephora :( )

I love spraying this heat protect spray through my hair before I flat-iron or curl my hair. It smells like lemon Pledge, and I find that it helps my style longer. My hair gets damaged easily, so using a heat protectant is a must for me, and this is a great one! I love that because this is a "dry" heat protect spray, it doesn't weigh my hair down or make it all wet right before I use an iron on it! Unfortunately, this no longer seems to be on the Sephora website :( .

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray from Shoppers Drug Mart

This is my all-time favourite hair spray!!! It holds my curls in SO WELL and it smells great! The best part is, though, that it leaves my hair so soft and not crunchy at all! It is also relatively inexpensive.

L'oreal Oleotherapy Deep Recovery Mask from Shoppers Drug Mart

This is a hair mask that I have been using for a few months now. It's not my favourite, but it is good (my favourite is definitely to Macadamia Deep Repair Masque!!) It smells good, and leaves my hair detangled, moisturized, soft and shiny. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for an affordable hair mask!

Until next time,

Kels!

Longest-Wearing Lip Colour EVER?! Rimmel Provacolips Review

Hi guys!

Is a formal introduction needed? I hope not... CAUSE THIS IS THE BEST LIP PRODUCT EVER! Rimmel claims that this product will give you 16 hours of kiss proof colour, no tight feeling or dry lips, lips will feel smooth and moisturized all day long and that it is transfer proof, AND foodproof! Does this sound ridiculous? Well guess what? IT'S ALL TRUE! (Okay, maybe it doesn't last quite 16 hours).

The lippie is double-sided, one side containing a liquid lipstick-type product, the other side containing a clear "setting gel". To apply, I carefully run the super-opaque coloured side and let it set for about a minute. The colour sets fairly matte, but is extremely comfortable. Next, I apply the clear gloss to "set" the product. This gives it a shiny finish, and adds some moisture. The coloured side does not have a scent at all, the clear side has a slight, pleasant, sweet scent. 

Guys, they are not kidding when they say this stuff is long lasting. I went a whole, long day at school with this on, eating greasy foods, drinking, licking my lips. It didn't budge, and it is SO COMFORTABLE. Not at all drying!!! My boyfriend loves the product as well because he can kiss me and not have to worry at all about his own lips turning red :)

Rimmel Provacolips in 750 "Heart Breaker"

The colour that I have it in is "Heart Breaker" and it is stunning. I cannot wait to try more of these! If you have not yet tried the Provocalips, I would highly, highly recommend you pick one or two or all of the colours up!

I found this product at Target for around $7!

Until next time,

Kelsey

Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish Review

Hi guys!

I had never heard of the Cailyn brand until I received this product in a recent Ipsy bag. Personally, I was very curious and excited to try it, so I thought I would review it for you!

Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish in 005- Orchid

The Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish is a loose eyeshadow that comes in a vertical container with a sponge tip applicator. I think this is a cool idea, to have the product and applicator all in one, but it isn't my favourite to use. When applying the shadow to my eyes with the sponge tip applicator, I found that it made a huge mess! The shimmery eyeshadow fell all over my face and under eye area as I was applying it.. it was really a pain. That being said, I do like this product. The colour that I received, Orchid, is a STUNNING rose gold colour and I love applying it all over my lid. It has the right amount of shimmer, and no glitter which is great. I also find the staying power to be top-notch; it stays all day and doesn't even crease without a primer! 

I would definitely recommend this product (and hope to try more from the 40-shade range), I would just suggest applying this first before you put any concealer or foundation on. That way, you won't mess up your entire face with the messy application. :)

This product sells for $15, and you can find it here.

Until next time,

Kels <3

NYX Butter Lip Balms- REVIEW & SWATCHES

Hi guys!

I have a quick review for you today on two of the new Butter Lip Balms from NYX. I received the first one (Marshmallow) in an Ipsy bag, and loved the product, but not the colour. I find that the nude is too similar to my skin colour and really washes me out. I wanted to try another one, though, so I went out recently and picked up the colour 'Red Velvet'. 'Red Velvet' is much better! It gives my lips a subtle red colour that I find to be very flattering.

The product itself is super buttery and creamy. The balms have that classic sweet NYX scent that I think we all love, and are extremely moisturizing. They are, by no means, a long wearing lip colour; you will have to reapply several times throughout the day. That being said, its a lip balm.. what do you really expect? As far as tinted lip balms go, these are by far the best I've ever tried and I can't wait to pick up more. 

Red Velvet, Marshmallow

Marshmallow, Red Velvet

I found these lip balms at Target for $4.99, or they can be found on the NYX Website. There are 8 shades in the range.

Until next time,

Kelsey

The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum

Hi guys! 

Today I wanted to share a review on a new (to me) skincare product that I have been LOVING, The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil. If you have dry, or dry-combination skin, this is a must. I tend to have normal to oily skin, but lately the winter has made my skin PARCHED. I apply the product with clean hands at night, either under a moisturizer or just on its own. I'll use about 5 drops all over my face and then go to bed (it is very oily, so it's not something that you want to be wearing during the day or out in public!) The results in the morning are fantastic! My skin just glows and feels so soft and plump! Anyone with dry skin needs to try this!

It comes in a sturdy glass bottle and has an eyedropper applicator.

This product retails for $28, and you can find it here!

Until next time,

Kels

Ipsy Glam Bag JANUARY 2015

Hi guys!

I wanted to share the products that I received in my Ipsy bag this month! This bag costs around $15 (I live in Canada), in which you receive 5 sample or full-sized products every month; plus a cute makeup bag! I am a huge fan of Ipsy because it is an inexpensive way to try new products! I tend to love almost all of the products that I get in these bags, but not so much this month. I will have the total value of all of the products calculated at the bottom! Enjoy!

Problem Into The Blue Nail Lacquer: $6

I have yet to try this nail polish.. it just doesn't interest me. I have so many nail polishes and this one just doesn't stand out. Maybe it will be a nice summer colour. I do like that is is a full-sized product.

Coastal Scents Liquid Eyeliner in Jet

Coastal Scents Liquid Eyeliner in Jet: $2.95

I absolutely HATE this liner. It has a pretty stiff brush, so it's relatively easy to use, but it smudges everywhere! As you can see from the swatches, it transfers and spreads out into all of the lines on my hands.. I also tried this product on my eyes and it did the exact same thing. I understand that it is a liquid liner, but it is almost too liquid-y. The colour is also not black enough for my liking, and it is hard to get a nice, thin line. I'll be throwing this product out. 

Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush: $9.99

This is definitely the best product in this month's bag. The Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush is so soft and applies shadow beautifully all over the lid. Plus, it's a gorgeous pink colour.

Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm: $12.00

I was really excited to try something from this brand; I have heard such good things about it. This product did not disappoint. Its a thicker, stickier balm that I like to put on at night and has a yummy subtle lime taste. It leaves my lips super soft and hydrated. I would recommend this for sure!

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in Ethereal : ~$3.50

Pacifica Eye Shadow in Ethereal 

Pacifica Eyeshadow in Ethereal

Finally, a Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow. I really wanted to like this product, because I love the brand, but this shadow just doesn't do it for me. It is okay as a highlight colour under the brow bone, but it is just not as pigmented as I would have liked. I wish I had gotten the darker colour that Ipsy sent out, as I would like to compare the two. The packaging on this shadow is soon cheap and flimsy, so for those reasons, I wouldn't recommend this.


Total Value: ~$34.44! You can find Ipsy here!

Until next time,

Kels

Night Out Makeup

Hi there!

I wanted to share a quick post on a "Makeup of the Night Look" that I wore this past weekend! I love how it turned out. I focused on making my compexion look clear and poreless, did a simple winged liner with lots of mascara and a bright lip.

Products listed in order that they were used:

-Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

-Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

-Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation with Mini Chanel Kabuki Brush

-MAC blush in Gingerly

-L'oreal Infallible Pro-Set & Makeup Extender Setting Spray

-Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow 

-Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper
-L'oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara
-Rimmel Provacolips in Make Your Move