A Sephora Haul

Last week I went into the Yorkdale Sephora to pick up samples of foundations since I'm almost out of my Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation. I knew that I wanted to get foundation from a brand that doesn't do testing on animals, is good for sensitive skin, and preferably vegan.

Nancy, who works for Tarte, helped me out. We tested the Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation and the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour full coverage foundation. I wore the Cover FX foundation for the rest of that day, and then used my sample on Friday. I decided I liked the Tarte foundation more. Also, Nancy was really great, and I had fun with her.

Why did I order it online? Because Sephora has coupons online for extra things-in addition to the foundation, I got some point perks, 3 samples (they threw an extra one in), and a lip gloss for having spent $25+.  

The Estee edit by Estee Lauder - Dissolve the Drama 2-in-1 makeup remover + cleanser
tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation in "light-medium sand"
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads 
laura mercier lip glace in "bare baby"
Dr. Dennis Gross alpha beta peel original formula
bareMinerals marvelous Moxie lip gloss  in "rebel" 
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-crease eye shadow primer 
Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm

Swatchessss!!
bareMinerals "Rebel"
Laura Mercier "Bare baby"
On my nails: Essie "Turquoise and Caicos"

For the lip glosses, I had kinda hoped that with the $25 coupon I would have gotten a choice on colour, because I want to try a more brown-y pink lip gloss, but that's fine. I'll just go to the drugstore and find something.

tarte "light-medium sand" - I'm not sure if in the store they had one that was separate for "light sand" because Nancy said I was the lightest colour. I think this one is dark enough that it'll still work for me a while into summer, but it says 12 months use-by on the back.

Check back here at the end of the month to see if any of them make it into my favourites!

Arbonne Testing!

A friend of mine, Lauren, is an Arbonne consultant and manager. Last week she lent me two beautiful goodie bags to test out their products. Arbonne has very high standards for their skincare, nutrition, makeup, bath and body stuff, and free from lots of things (like artificial sweeteners, formaldehyde, parabens etc.). If you haven't heard of Arbonne, think of Mary Kay, but with great ingredients, and with better marketing. No tupperware parties here! 

Who doesn't love to test out luxurious samples?

Lauren explained that their most popular skincare line is the RE9 Advanced, which is their anti-aging line. I'm always wary of trying new skincare since my skin is so sensitive, so I tried it very sparingly after reading the ingredients listed.
Out of the line, I liked the Intensive Renewal Serum which has a large concentration of "collagen-supporting ingredients". The Night Repair Creme also felt great on my skin.
One of my favourite products I tried was the Arbonne Intelligence CC Cream. I wore it through a workout (only a little bit of fading where I had wiped sweat off with my towel, so that hardly counts!) and afterward, and it felt good. The smell was a little strange, but it faded. The catalogue says that this CC cream has 10-in-1 beauty benefits- it can cover, minimize pores, and hydrate. I'll probably buy one once my current BB creme is done!
For their other skincare lines, I'd love to get Nic to try the RE9 Advanced for Men, and I'm sure I would like the Calm line, which is for sensitive skin.

The other bucket had hair and body products, which were also fun to test out.
The Invigorating Body Cleanser smelled good, and gives you lots of moisture because there's shea butter in it, as well as "fresh strawberry cells." And in the winter, my skin needs lots of moisture.
I loved the SeaSource Detox Spa Fortifying Hair Mask, which kept my damaged ends feeling soft.
I use my Organix Moroccan Oil serum after every shower, so it was an easy switch to trying out the ColorLast Hair Serum, which also has Moroccan oil.

I also loved trying out their Arbonne Essentials line, which are nutrition products.
Of the chocolate and vanilla protein shakes, I definitely loved the Chocolate Protein Shake Mix. I priced it out, and it's actually cheaper than my current Vega Sport Chocolate, and tastes way better!
Lauren also gave me some Energy Fizz Sticks, which are basically like Crystal Light except they are a natural energy boost with green tea, ginseng, and B vitamins. I loved the Pomegranate flavour!

November Favourites

 

Makeup Favourites

1) Essie - Wicked
2) Rimmel London - 621 Orion Trio Eye Shadow
3) NARS duo - Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer
4) Too Faced - Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep matte bronzer

Last week I brought out my Balsam & Cedar Yankee Candle. It doesn't smell quite as strong as I remember last year, but it still does smell good.

Skincare Favourites

1) Aveeno Baby Eczema Care Moisturizing Cream
2) DermaMed All-Purpose Balm (I really appreciated this when I had a bad eczema breakout on my face when we flew to Winnipeg for Grandpa's funeral. Not sure if it was the environment or the emotional stuff, but it was really bad. Too bad that little pot is $10, because it felt like it oculd be the magical natural cure for me.)
3) MUJI - Mild Cleansing Oil
4) YesTo Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes

This month I taught myself how to crochet, and I've really loved having another creative outlet. I'm currently working on snowflakes for Christmas. Next, I will make one of those large cushions/poufs with awesome grey yarn.

My current skincare routine - Bridal Beauty!!

My wedding is in 45 days, so I've kept my skincare routine very steady, since I get pretty reactive to new things, and I'd prefer to not have an eczema rash on my face in the wedding photos. (What a surprise.)

Cleanser: MUJI's sensitive oil cleanser, which is really good at foaming, and doesn't cause acne. I also switch it out with the Cerave cleanser, too. I don't need a heavy-duty cleanser since I usually get one or two spots with my period, and more if I've binged on chocolate. Like Halloween and Easter. 

Spot Treatment: Always Tea Tree Oil. I think mine is from Bulk Barn. Don't get it near your eyes. 

Toner: I filled an empty makeup remover bottle with half apple cidre vinegar and half water. I have only been doing it for a month, so I haven't noticed if it's made a huge difference. Supposedly it's supposed to balance your pH. Or something. 

Serum: I use the Body Shop's Olive Beautifying Oil to add moisture into my skin. If it's winter, I'll use a little more and not bother with a second moisturizer.

Moisturizer: I use both the day and night Aloe Soothing Creams from the Body Shop. When my skin is feeling dehydrated they're not strong enough (so then I add in the olive oil stuff), but for the most part they are really great. I've never had an adverse reaction from them.

Eye Cream: What a surprise, more Body Shop. I use the Vitamin E eye cream, no complaints there.

Dark Spots: Every once in a while I get scars on my face from acne, and I found this one on sale at Shoppers: Aveeno's Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector. I never took before and after pictures, but I do notice when I no longer have to cover certain spots with concealer. I'm also trying it on my shoulders because I do get some bacne in the summer when I start sweating more.

Sunscreen: As I said, I have sensitive skin, so I have to be very careful what I'm putting on it, especially if I'm going to be sweating through it. I love my Ombrelle Ultra Fluid SPF 30. Unlike the body sunscreen, you have to shake this up a bunch, and rub it into your face a lot more. I do appreciate it as a foundation primer in the summer, because it dries very well. It's oil-free and unscented so I don't get breakouts from it, and layers well under and over makeup.

Mask: I basically go for whatever clay mask I can get cheap, but I'm working on this Body Shop Smoothing Mask. I'll often apply it to cleansed skin before my shower, and then at the end of the shower I'll exfoliate it off with a face cloth. It definitely helps calm breakouts.

Lip Scrub: Aside from making my own with sugar, I got Lush's Mint Julep lip scrub. It's delicious. Literally, you can lick up the leftovers.