Sunday, May 28, 2017

Makeup Brush Color Removal Sponge | Sephora Color Switch Dupe!?




I had my eye on Sephora's Colour Switch makeup brush cleaner by Vera Moda ($23.00 CAD), but I knew there had to be a cheaper dupe. I checked on Amazon and eBay and there were plenty to be found. I went with one that I found on Amazon for only a few bucks. πŸ‘




If you are not familiar with this product, it's a dry makeup remover sponge that allows you to switch between colours with the same makeup brush. By swiping your brush across the sponge it removes the colour from the brush allowing you to use the same brush dipped into a whole new colour.




The sponge is basically like a rough scouring pad and there are plenty of DIY's if you want to make your own. It's really a simple concept, just wish I had invented it! πŸ’²πŸ’²πŸ’² hehe

I didn't see the point in doing a DIY as I paid only about $5 and it included the handy tin.



Photo Credit: Sephora/ Sephora Color Switch by Vera Moda


Mine looks just like Sephora's Colour Switch by Vera Moda. Although I don't own that one, I've seen it in person and it's essentially the same thing.


It works like a charm in between proper brush cleanings and it doesn't damage your brushes. Here, I'm cleaning my Real Techniques blush brush so you can see that it fits brushes both large and small.


Once it gets dirty on the side you are using just flip it over to the other side. Once both sides have been used you can give it a good cleanse with some gentle cleanser and water. I just clean mine when I deep clean my makeup brushes. It cleans up really quickly and easily.


In the photo above I have shown the before and after results after using the cleansing sponge on an eyeshadow brush that had been used. As you can see, it removed most of the colour from the brush but not all of it.

Final Verdict:
I find that this product really comes in handy and I use it daily. I think any makeup enthusiast would appreciate having this in their collection.

Amazon Brush Cleaner price $6 USD
VS.
Colour Switch by Vera Mona is $23.00 CAD



Have you tried this product?





*not sponsored. no affiliate links. purchased by Moi

Monday, May 22, 2017

Avalon Organic® 5 Piece Head To Toe Giveaway {CLOSED}



Hi, Everyone! I'm so excited to be bringing you a fabulous giveaway in partnership with Avalon Organics®!

I've been using Avalon Organics® for as long as I can remember. Long before they became readily available. If you follow my blog, you've probably seen them show up in my hauls and my empties posts. They are one of my favourite organic and cruelty free lines as they are effective, affordable and all natural.

Avalon Organics® "consciousness in cosmetics"
Avalon Organics® creates some of the purest and most effective personal care products for both men and women.

All products are vegan and cruelty-free and are certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 standard for personal care products containing organic ingredients.

Avalon Organics uses the purest ingredients, using plant based organic ingredients and essential oils from only trusted sources. Resulting in products that are gentle to use and good for the environment.

Avalon Organics is also an environmentally conscious brand; with packaging made from post-consumer materials, sustainably sourced products, and is recyclable.

Avalon is committed to being cruelty-free and is Leaping Bunny certified! πŸ‡πŸ° This makes my πŸ’— happy!

Now let's get on to the prizes! One winner will win the following 5 full-size products. All of this organic goodness is sure to pamper you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes with no worries of harmful or toxic chemicals.

Note: I've been using all of the products that are in this giveaway and there is not a dud in the bunch!


Revitalizing Peppermint Glycerin Hand Soap

Botanical cleansers such as peppermint essential oil, orange peel, and Vitamin E deep clean without stripping your skin. The large size and convenient pump are added touches that I really appreciate.

355ml SRP $8.50-10.99

Nourishing Lavender Hand & Body Lotion

This is a long time favourite of mine. This hydrating lotion is fabulous for all skin types. The scent is divine. I use this not only after my bath or shower but also before bed as the lavender helps with my sleep issues. Made with nourishing lavender essential oil, plant lipids, and nutrient rich beta-glucans. It replenishes, soothes, and softens dry skin.

355ml SRP $10.99-$14.99

Rejuvenating Rosemary Bath & Shower Gel


I love dual purpose products like this that are safe for both the bath and shower! The scent is both refreshing and relaxing. Made with rosemary essential oil, calendula, and aloe botanical cleansers that gently cleanse and purify while the rosemary scent stimulates the mind and body.

355ml SRP $9.99-$12.99

Clarifying Lemon Shampoo

My hair loves this shampoo and conditioner! It left my dry and frizzy hair soft, manageable, frizz free, and full of body as it removed all of the build up in my hair. Believe it or not, using a clarifying shampoo is important even for those of us with colour treated manes as it removes the build up in the hair cuticle that can dull our hair colour over time. Made with lemon essential oils, quinoa protein, aloe and vitamin E. This formula clarifies, brightens, and removes build up resulting in natural highlights and shine!

325ml SRP $10.99-$13.99

Clarifying Lemon Conditioner

Works great in conjunction with the Clarifying Lemon Shampoo! This product strengthens hair strands and provides moisture with its blend of lemon essential oil, quinoa protein, aloe and vitamin E. Results are soft, manageable hair that is not weighed down, shine is restored. 

325ml SRP $10.99-$13.99


In Canada, Avalon Organics® is available at Loblaws, Whole Foods Markets, London Drugs, Safeway, Sobeys West, and Well.ca.


Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. 

The only mandatory entry is to leave a comment. All other entries are optional, you will gain more entries by completing more tasks.

Open to Canada Only!

Good Luck, Everyone!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
*This post is not sponsored. The products are generously provided by Avalon Organics. 

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

RachhLoves Spring Favourites With Topbox | Review + Swatches


I recently purchased the Rachhloves Spring Favourites beauty box in collab with Topbox. I don't subscribe to any beauty boxes, so it was nice to get a beauty box in the mail to enjoy. Even though I knew what I was getting I was still super excited about it.

The box contains 3 full-size items and 2 deluxe samples. What sold me on the box, besides the fact that I liked the contents, was that you can select your type and colours for the full-size products. That way I'm getting products that I know I want and will use.

The box is $19 CAD with Free shipping for Canada and the USA. There is a shipping fee for other countries. Also, if you sign up for emails with Topbox you will receive a 10% off discount code.

Let's see what came in my customized box!

Rachhloves Spring Favourites Topbox
Contents:
1. Full-Size Mascara of your choice. I chose Covergirl's Super Sizer
2. Full-Size Essie Nail Polish from their Spring 2017 collection, your choice - I chose the shade Excuse Me, Sur
3. Full-Size Burt's Bees new Gloss Lip Crayon in colour of your choice- I chose a nude (duh) in Outback Oasis
4. Smashbox Deluxe Eyeshadow sample from their new Cover Shot Golden Hour palette
5. First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask, deluxe sample 9.6 grams

Scroll down if you'd like to see swatches of all the swatchable items πŸ˜„.....


Essie polish in Excuse Me, Sur
I chose this colour because it's very "springy" and I don't own anything like it. It's just what I wanted, a light peachy-pink in a cream finish. It's almost a neon pastel shade. Very unique for me since I tend to purchase the same nail polish shades all the time.


Smashbox sample Cover Shot Golden Hour eyeshadow palette
I wish this eyeshadow duo came with a matte and a shimmer but what the heck, it's a nice palette.. small but the quality is good. The lighter shade is very eye brightening (I'm wearing it today), it's a coral-peach with a gold reflex. The darker shade is a dark bronze with some micro glitter.

Burt's Bees Gloss Lip Crayon in Outback Oasis
I was most excited about this new Burt's Bees Lip Gloss Crayon in Outback Oasis. Of course, I chose a nude since it's pretty much all I wear. I said I wouldn't purchase any new lip products until I make room in my already full lip product organizer but I knew this was going straight into my purse. I have to say, it's not very glossy at all, at least not in this shade. The shade is a very beige-nude colour. I like that it's all natural and is a twist up type of lippie. It's already living in my purse. πŸ‘„

I have yet to try the Super Sizer mascara or the First Aid Beauty face mask but I'm excited to try them both!

At the time of writing this article, this box is still available at ca.topboxcollecive.com (no longer available). There, you can also see all the other options available for this box. I like that 4 out 5 items in the box are all new releases, too!

Did you purchase this box or plan to? Let me know your thoughts on this box, I love hearing from you!



*not sponsored. All items purchased by me. Some links are referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them!

Monday, May 15, 2017

How To Get Big Lashes | Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

I had heard a few people talk about Essence's Lash Princess Mascara and at only $4.99 CAD, I obviously had to try it out for myself. Well, I can say that the hype is real. Actually, even better than what I had been hearing. I heard that it's a good mascara but I love it so much that it's now become my favourite mascara of all times! That's saying a lot!


The wand grips my lashes like no other, it's just fabulous and easy to apply. I get great impact with just one coat. It doesn't flake or smudge at all on me, even with my hooded eyes. And, it's easy to wash off.

I found that the product worked even better during the second week of use.

One Coat Essence Lash Princess Mascara

In the above photo, I am wearing one coat of Essence Lash Princess Mascara, no liner on the top or bottom and no mascara on my bottom lashes. I find if I apply 2 coats I do get more impact but with my hooded eyes wearing too much mascara on my top lashes can weigh them down making them look more hooded and heavy. One coat is easy peasy, so I'm not complaining.

It's not only a fab product but it's affordable, accessible, and cruelty-free! That's pretty tough to beat.

Conclusion: From now on this will be my go-to mascara. Of course, I will always be trying out other new mascaras that come out, especially the affordable and cruelty-free kind, but this is my number one unless something else comes along and tops this. Of course, if that happens I'll be sure to let y'all know!

This mascara retails for only $4.99 (linked here)

Have you tried this mascara? What is your current favourite mascara?





*Not sponsored. No affiliate links. 

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

8 Simple Tips to Get Your Best Night's Sleep!

This post is sponsored by Fabletics. All opinions are my own.


8 Simple Tips to Get Your Best Night's Sleep

While we run around doing many important things during the day, the most important thing of all takes place while we sleep at night. During sleep, our body gets to work regenerating cells, fighting off viruses and infections and repairing parts of our body.


If you get less than 6 hours of sleep each night, your body might not be working at its full potential. It's recommended that adults get 8 hours of deep sleep each night so that their body can restore itself.


Luckily, I have some easy tips that will help you get the most restful sleep imaginable and also help you fall asleep more easily.


1. Avoid Spicy Food and Cheese Right Before Bedtime


This is a tough one for me as I love my apples and cheese as a snack and often times I'm guilty of having it just before bed. But, research shows that spicy foods and cheese can both disrupt sleep patterns. Researchers believe that this is a biological response to foods which the body mistakenly thinks are dangerous. So, if you absolutely must snack before bedtime, stick to healthy fruits and vegetables.


2. Cut Back on the Booze


If you've ever gone to sleep after a few too many, you know how common it is to wake up in the middle of the night feeling dreadfully dehydrated. While some people believe that having a "night cap" will help them fall asleep more easily, alcohol actually inhibits restful sleep as the body struggles to process it through the bloodstream. Sugary alcohol drinks like wine can even result in a sudden burst of energy hours after consumption as the body processes the sugar. I've experienced this myself by waking suddenly only a few hours after falling asleep.


3. Take Up Aromatherapy


Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to trigger responses in the brain. Certain oils like lavender, clary sage, jasmine, and rosemary have been found to reduce stress significantly and encourage relaxation and deep sleep. Consider investing in an oil diffuser. This device sits on any tabletop and allows you to diffuse essential oil into the air throughout your bedroom while you drift off to sleep. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of your chosen essential oil onto a cotton round and place it next to your pillow.


4. Exercise And Fresh Air


Exercise is a great way to tire yourself out so that your body will be drained enough to fall right asleep. Exercise also reduces stress that can keep you up at night. I personally love HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and hiking. Even a brisk walk in the fresh air outside can do a world of good to relieve stress and have us drifting off to sleep more easily. If I'm exercising closer to bedtime, I love to pop in a yoga DVD. It can be hard to stay motivated, though. A few ways I stay motivated to workout is with cute new exercise clothing, trying out new workout routines, and/or finding a workout buddy.


5. Wear Comfy Clothes


Invest in some comfortable clothes that you can wear while you lounge and sleep. Comfortable clothes that you can wear around the house will keep your body feeling unrestricted, allow proper blood flow and relax your muscles so that you can fall asleep more easily. We've all heard of the current craze over "athleisure wear," and I'm all for it! Who doesn't want to look cute while being comfy at the same time?

Companies like Fabletics offer stylish athletic clothes that are cute enough to lounge around in. Because of the comfortable fabrics, they work great as sleepwear as well. Items like the Analia Short and the Palisades Top are perfect for relaxing comfortably.


6. Drink Herbal Teas


Chamomile and lemon balm teas are two of my favourites to help me unwind before bed. Chamomile tea has been used as a sleep aid for centuries. Chamomile and lemon balm both encourage relaxation of both the mind and body, allowing you to drift off to sleep easily.


7. Take a Hot Bath or Shower


Studies show that sudden temperature shifts make our bodies feel tired. Therefore, try taking a super hot shower or bath right before bedtime. While your body cools off from the hot water, you will feel a sudden sense of relaxation, allowing for a better night's sleep. You can also try turning down the thermostat, which will help with sleep by cooling down your body.


8. Learn How to Let Go of Stress


Even if our body is feeling exhausted, if we have a lot on our mind, it can be very hard to fall asleep. That's why it's important to find a stress-reducing technique that works for you like yoga or meditation. Keeping a notepad by your bed to write down what's on your mind can help free your mind from the worries for the time being. I also find that practising mindfulness by living in the moment can be very helpful. A relaxed mind is much more conducive to a restful sleep.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine should have you drifting off in no time!

Let me know what tips you have to get your best night's sleep!






*This post is sponsored by Fabletics. No affiliate links are used. Always check with your Doctor before beginning new supplements or exercise routines.
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