Weekly Favourite | Fabric Shaver - Revive Your Clothes!

Happy Easter, everyone! 🐣 

Welcome to this week's "Weekly Favourite" post. 

This week, the standout product has been this fabulous fabric shaver. 

I had a fabric shaver back in high school but haven't used one in eons. I remembered how handy it came in to make my clothes look new again and give them a second life. Then, I came across this Lintek shaver at Dollarama for only $4, so I had to pick it up! You can get a similar one online for around $7.

I wasn't sure how well it would work because of the low price tag. It states on the packaging that it has 3 blades and takes 2 AA batteries, so it sounded good to me. I tried it as soon as I got home and it worked like a charm at removing lint balls/pilling from my clothing. It worked so quickly and easily to make my clothes look new again. 

Whether you want to revive some old clothes and save them from ending up in landfills, or maybe you are selling on apps like Poshmark, this fabric shaver is a must-have!

Lintek trip blade fabric shaver comes packaged as shown above. You will need to purchase 2 AA batteries as it doesn't come with them.

There are 2 compartments on the bottom; one for catching the lint and one for the batteries. There is also a single switch to turn the unit on and off.

Pop in 2 AA batteries and you're ready to go!

Built-in lint catcher

Below is a favourite hoodie of mine that I've used to demonstrate how well the fabric shaver removes the pilling from the garment.

Pilling is gone! Note: top is not dirty, it's blue and grey tie dye ;)

Watch the shaver in action. You can hear when it's shaving the pilling off.

I'm seriously kicking myself for going all these years without a fabric shaver! Now, I can save my favourite clothes and wear them longer. If you are a clothing reseller on platforms like Poshmark, you definitely need one of these to make any used clothing look new again. Side Note- If you are new to Poshmark, you can get $15 off your first order by using "poshsummergirl" as the code on the signup page linked here. 

You can find a similar fabric shaver for purchase online here. 

See you next week with our next favourite!

New Home Makeup Storage Solution + Travel Bag | Minimalist

Left: old makeup storage / Right: new makeup storage

I've always been big on organizing...Searching for ways to better store my makeup and skincare is actually how I discovered the world of Blogging and Vlogging.

I have been slowly downsizing my makeup collection (and working on other areas of my home) over the years. I went from using a large drawer in my desk to store my makeup to using the pink acrylic organizer shown above. More recently, the acrylic organizer was becoming such an eyesore to me as it sat on my home work desk, so I sought out other solutions for my makeup organization conundrum.

I decided to purchase a large makeup storage/ travel bag that comes with customizable dividers. I did a lot of research as I didn't want anything too big nor too small. The first one I purchased was plain black (shown above). Unfortunately, it came with a defective liner so the dividers wouldn't line up or stay in place. After returning that one, I ended up choosing another one that is the exact same size, just different colour and seller. I think that all of these organizers in this size range are the same size although they each show slight variations listed on Amazon (where I purchased mine).

 

The actual dimensions of both of the cases I ordered are 9" x 10" x 3.5" measured from the exterior

Although they refer to these cases as "travel cases" it's too big for travel for my liking.

I find that the case is very sturdy on the inside and the outside and has a solid zipper closure. The dividers are pretty fabulous for customizing your case to fit your products. In fact, this case would also be great for storing crafts, essential oils, skincare, photography equipment, sunglasses etc. 

The top has pockets meant for makeup brushes but I am storing my eyeliners, lipliners and brow pencils there for now. There is also a side pocket but when I put a small eyeshadow palette inside, I cannot close the case. It would be suitable for thinner products like facial sheet masks. 

I guess I'm a bit of a blush junkie as that seems to be the bulk of my makeup. The funny thing is that I don't wear blush as often as I used to (mask anyone?!). I am definitely a bronzer and highlight girl though!

I am able to fit all of my makeup except for my lip product collection as well as my eyeshadow palette collection. But, let's be real, I have too much makeup still!

I know that once I use up some of these products and as some expire, it will definitely be possible to store my entire makeup collection in this organizer. 

The organizer sits comfortably in my Ikea Alex desk drawer (the deeper drawer).

I'm so happy to have my makeup collection out of site now and the new makeup storage bag is working out perfectly. It sits in my desk drawer as I get ready. I just pop open the lid and everything is in arms reach and organized so well. Getting ready is a breeze now as every makeup item is in its place.

For now, I still have my makeup brushes and small lip collection on my desktop which I barely even notice compared to when I had the big acrylic organizer on my desk. Don't get me wrong, I love that acrylic organizer and it's gone to good use storing my skincare in my bathroom (shown below).

My acrylic organizer has been repurposed and now lives in the bathroom housing skincare and some hair accessories.

Above you can see the dividers in the organizers and some examples of how you can customize the case. 

The case would also be great for travel if you need or want to travel with a lot of makeup and or skincare as the case is so sturdy. 

I am enjoying this organizer so much that I am definitely thinking of purchasing more for other storage purposes! 😍

This makeup storage case cost me a whopping $20 and it was the best twenty dollars that I've spent in a long while!

Have a great week ahead! 

Amy 

*This post contains referral links that are trusted by me. Thank you in advance if you choose to use them.

How I Started My Beauty Blog & Became a Micro-Influencer

The beauty industry has blown up over the last 10 years or so and keeps on growing! Like many others, I've had a keen interest in beauty products since middle school (let's not talk about how long ago that was 😉). Back then, my friends and I only had access to beauty information through a few magazines publications and our regular trips to the drugstore to check out the latest beauty releases. The selection of beauty products was so limited back then. I keenly remember that it seemed there was only one choice for foundation and my friends and I proudly walked around with our orange coloured faces thanks to the limited products and information back then. Thankfully, things have changed tremendously since those days, mostly thanks to the vast world of beauty that can now be found online!

Nowadays, we needn't look far to find information on the topic of beauty, from tips and tricks, to reviews and new product launches, the internet is our oyster. Beauty platforms and Influencers both large and small, from all parts of the world are providing us with everything we want to know online. Whether you are looking for the Best Beauty Trends of 2020 or you want to find out if a skincare product might work for you, beauty Influencers from around the globe are letting us in on the latest beauty releases, provided makeup tutorials, and sharing what we need to know before we make our next beauty purchase. All of this information is now easily accessible to all of us and once I discovered it, I wanted to be a part of it!

I first discovered the world of online beauty in 2011 after reading a magazine article about how it wasn't a good idea to keep your makeup in the bathroom. So I did an online search "how to store makeup." The internet responding with an enormous amount of information. There were all kinds of videos and blogs with the answers to my burning question. I had no idea that this online world of beauty existed, and once I discovered it, there was no turning back. I got sucked into the vortex of beauty online and I found myself frequently checking out YouTube, Blogs, and Vlogs for the latest beauty information. There were regular gals like me who were sharing their favourite beauty products but filming it from their bathroom floors, now known as Micro-Influencers. And, then there were the big beauty Bloggers and Vloggers, now known as Influencers, who were either famous or beauty professionals. They were also sharing their beauty tips, tricks, favourite products, new product launches and so much more.

My love for beauty grew even more after I had found others with the same interests and I started my little blog in 2015 as I wanted to share my tips and favourite products, too. I literally searched "how to start a blog" and went from there. The first thing was to choose my blog's platform, once I did that, the name of my blog came to me right away, it combines 2 of my favourite topics; health and beauty. Since starting my site, I have had so many amazing opportunities as a "Micro-Influencer." I've been able to work with well-known brands as well as brands that are just starting up. I love helping them get the word out about their products or services. It's a blast and takes my hobby and interests to the next level as being an influencer comes with some perks like testing out free products and/or services. Luckily, nowadays, there is a place for everyone, which I'm so grateful for. Like me, many people fell into the world of being an influencer by doing something that they love Jenna Citrus is just one example of this.

Using micro-influencers to promote products makes sense. How many of us purchase a product or service based on a friend or relatives recommendation? It's a similar concept. Anyone remember the old commercial that said: "she'll tell 2 friends and so on..." Plus, it's more cost-effective for the brands!

Whether you have aspirations to become an influencer, a micro-influencer or are considering starting a blog, all I can say is to take your hobby or interests and go for it! You don't even need a blog these days to be an influencer (although some brands do prefer it). There are so many social media outlets and platforms where you can promote brands. If you want to share your hobby, interests or knowledge with others, and it's something you enjoy, you just might get some great perks from it!

This post is in collaboration with Intellifluence. All opinions are my own.

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm Review with Swatches!

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm $28 USD/ 3 Grams

True to other Nars Orgasm products, this lip balm is described as a sheer, peachy pink with golden shimmer. The Afterglow Lip Balm is available in 8 shades.

Described as moisturizing lip balm infused with a blend of antioxidants to condition and protect lips.

Details:

• Sheer coverage
• High shine colour
• Contains Monoï Oil for long-lasting hydration
• Fragrance-free
• Alcohol-free

As I get older, my lips get more and more dehydrated and lined. So I tend to look for hydrating lip products that add a hint of colour and this lippie seemed to tick off all of my boxes. And, with the Nars Orgasm name behind this shade, I was expecting something really special!

I have to admit that the rose gold packaging is stunning! I find the lip balm to be hydrating and it provides a sheer wash of colour to my lips. However, for the price, I was expecting it to have a wow factor. Don't get me wrong, I do really like it and enjoy using it but the wow factor just isn't there for me. I fee that I can get the same look from a lot of tinted lip balms.

It's very sheer, as it claims to be, but adds a decent amount of pink to my lips (this will vary for each person depending on how pigmented your lips are to begin with). It does swatch quite light and I didn't expect it to show up as much as it does on my lips based on that. It's described as a peachy pink with golden shimmer. It shows up as a sheer, shiny pink on my lips, however, I do not see any golden shimmer.

It is quite hydrating, as it should be. I find that the lasting power is average for a balm. Considering the price tag, I was expecting more here as well. After about 30 minutes, the colour, shine, and hydration start to wear off and I feel the need to reapply. However, if I do not reapply, I find that it does leave a very slight pink tint to my lips that does last as does a little bit of hydration.

Below are swatches from various angles during a dreary day, some with overhead lighting and some without.

As you can see, it is quite sheer against my pale skin. Of course, the effect will be different on your lips since they will have more pigmentation.

Here are a few comparisons of Nars Afterglow LipBalm in Orgasm beside ELF's Bare Kiss Lip Balm and Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Pink Blossom.

I read on a very reputable website that ELF's Bare Kiss was a DUPE for Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, so I purchased it right away. As you can see, they are not even close to each other. The formulas are also completely different (ELF is waxy and dry, Nars is sheer and hydrating).

Top: Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, Middle: ELF Bare Kiss, 

Bottom: Burt's Bees Pink Blossom

Below is right after application

30 minutes after application in the car

Overall, I do love this product even though it didn't have that wow factor that I was expecting. But, I also feel that I can get the same effect from many tinted lip balms. I would definitely repurchase this product if the price tag was around $10. But, at over $30 here in Canada, I would say it is very overpriced for what it is. However, I do think it would make a nice gift for someone who likes tinted lip balms as it comes in such beautiful packaging and it is very pretty. It's just not something I can justify repurchasing at its current price.

In hindsight, I would probably purchase the mini Afterglow Lip Balm that comes with the corresponding blush (linked here), and probably will when I finish this balm. 😊

$28 USD (Shop Now)

Once I find a DUPE for this product, I will be sharing with y'all as soon as I find it!

Let me know what your favourite coloured lip product is for aging lips in the comments below!

Not sponsored. Contain referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them!

Philosophy Renewed Hope in A Jar Peeling Mousse, Refreshing and Refining Moisturizer + Time in A Bottle Serum Review

I had the pleasure of testing out Philosophy's Renewed Hope in A Jar Peeling Mousse, Refreshing and Refining Moisturizer, as well as their Time in A bottle Resist, Renew and Repair Serum thanks to Topbox Circle. 

*All links provided in this post contain pricing and product information

Although each sample was only 7ml's they did last me for a week, using AM + PM. Granted, this isn't nearly enough time to gauge any long term effects but it was enough time to notice some results.

Firstly, I love that these products are unscented. Although, I'm not against products with fragrance, I definitely prefer products that do not have any fragrance.  I have aging, combo, dehydrated and reactive skin. I was actually having a breakout all over my face from some other products that I had just started using when I received these samples. I started the Philosophy samples right away and found them very soothing on my skin. When I woke the next morning, my breakouts were going away already! I was already a fan based on that alone.

The Peeling Mousse is similar to some other products that I've used in the past where it's supposed to exfoliate your face as you massage the product into your skin, and your dead skin cells bead up and roll into little balls. I have never been sure if this is actually skin or the product that's beading up. However, I can say that my skin looked clearer, fresher, softer, and brighter after using this exfoliator. 

The Renew and Repair Serum, also unscented, absorbs nicely and doesn't leave my skin with any sticky residue or greasy feel. It's perfect under the Refreshing and Refining Moisturizer and also underneath makeup. It adds a bit of hydration and is very gentle on my reactive skin. I would love to see the long term benefits, if any, of this product as it has some great anti-aging ingredients. 

From Ulta's site:

An exclusive liposome complex stimulates skin's natural repair functions to help repair skin damage at its source. Next, potent vitamin C8 and a patented antioxidant complex neutralize damaging free radicals to help renew skin's protection from daily aggressors; and third, extracts from rare Himalayan red rice, red grape ferment and plantain leaf help reactivate skin's natural age-resisting mechanisms, for results you can see and feel.

The Refreshing and Refining Moisturizer was also a delight to use. Fragrance-free, extremely soothing to my dehydrated skin, and really does provide long-lasting hydration. Again, no sticky or oily residue with this product either. My skin was left so soft that I couldn't stop touching it for a while there. hehe. I know, that's a no-no. The other noticeable difference was the rough, bumpy texture, especially on my forehead was gone and smoothed out after using these products for a week!

In Summary:

My favourite products are the serum and moisturizer. With the moisturizer, I had immediate benefits and it gave me long-lasting hydration. The serum has such great ingredients that I would have like to continue using it in conjunction with the moisturizer to see if I would experience any anti-aging benefits. I could take or leave the peel. Although, my skin did look fresher and brighter after using it, I can get that from most exfoliators. However, I do prefer a chemical exfoliator over a physical one, and the peeling mousse is a chemical exfoliator. Overall, I find that these products do what they claim. They offer fabulous hydration without being heavy or greasy and would be suitable for all skin types including sensitive and reactive skin like mine, and the prices are reasonable.

Have you tried these products? What is your favourite?

Thank you to Topbox Circle and Philosphy for sending over these products for me to test out.💗

#notsponsored #freesample

*This post contains referral links. Thank you in advance if you choose to use them.

Grit and Zest Athleisure Wear Review

Athleisure wear is still going strong and if you haven't heard of Grit & Zest, you should definitely check them out if you're into the whole athleisure wear thing. Besides their great styles, the quality is impeccable.

I have to admit that it took me some time to get into the whole athleisure wear thing, but I'm glad that I finally did. It's not only fashionable, but it's also comfortable. One of the things I love the most about this trend is that I have one less excuse to workout when I don't have to change my clothes.

I tested out Grit & Zest's Black Valley Sports Bra and their Black Easy Leggings. I went with my usual medium for the Bra but I chose to size up to a large for the leggings as I want them to be comfortable vs tight. I'd say their clothing is true to size. I could definitely have gone with my normal size medium in the leggings as the large is slightly loose on me. For reference, I'm 5.71/2" and 143lbs.

Black Valley Sports Bra

Back of bra

Black Valley Sports Bra / Retail $39

Shell 90% Polyester 10% Spandex, Mesh 93% Nylon, 7% Spandex

 

From Grit & Zest:

Built for medium impact routines, our slim-fitting Valley Sports Bras are made of breathable, anti-wicking, fast-drying, and four-way stretching tech fabric. Featuring a contouring neckline, adjustable straps, mesh details in front and back, and removable cup inserts. This is something special we made for those looking for a low-key counterpart to our Glitter Valley Sports Bras.

 

My take on it:

I love the style of this sports bra. It has a mesh insert in the centre, the perfect amount of padding as well as adjustable straps. I like that the bra has a thick band at the bottom so I don't get any back fat, which is something I always look for in my bras. It fits great, is super comfortable, has great style and is very well made. It even looks cute peeking out of my tank tops. 

Black Easy Legging

Black Easy Legging / Retail $45

90% polyester, 10% spandex

From Grit & Zest:

Our Easy Leggings are made of anti-wicking, fast-drying, and four-way stretching tech fabric. Be comfortable and at ease wearing black full length leggings that fight against sweat marks and leave you feeling dry. These leggings are high-waisted with a gusset that will holdup throughout any vigorous workout. Signature side panel style lines sit perfectly flat against your skin. You won’t feel the seams, which reduces irritation and adds a bit of unique design and fashion to your athleisure attire.

My take on it:

These leggings are quite lightweight which makes me feel less hot in them than my other thicker leggings. As I mentioned before, I find them to be true to size. I am normally a medium but ordered the large to be safe but I find them a little loose, so I should have gone with their size chart and ordered the medium. Otherwise, they are super soft and comfortable and they are really well made. I like that they are higher waisted without being TOO high. I find when I get leggings that are super high-waisted, I feel suffocated. I don't feel that way at all with these. I found these to be quite long so if you're a tall girl you're in luck, otherwise, just roll them up. I like this style because it's so versatile and they can be worn with anything. They can take you from lounging around to running errands and to the gym for a full-on workout. Grit and Zest also sell crops and cutouts if that's something that you are looking for.

Workout-ready. Just throw a top over and I'm ready to head out the door or just lounge around.

Look Ma, no back fat!

   

#nofilter

I find this set to be pretty slimming as I am about 10lbs over my normal weight here thanks to all the ice cream I've been eating this Summer. I may not be some IG fitness model but I sure feel good in this gear! 😊

There are so many more great styles to choose from on Grit & Zest. They are definitely worth checking out. 😍

PR samples. All opinions are mine.

#gritandzest #fitover50

Tag, You're it! The Blogger Interview

This is my very first tag blog post. I was tagged by the wonderful Nerida at Space of Beauty to do the Blogger Interview Tag.

How did you get into blogging?

It's ironic because I never knew what a blog was. I had heard the term before but had no idea what it was. I worked for one of the biggest airlines for over 17 years and believe it or not, we were not allowed Internet access! I know, barbaric!  So, I only had Internet when I was at home (which wasn't much) and I would basically check emails, use google and that's about it. 

After I took a package and left my job, I found myself on my computer a lot. I had always searched for product reviews, but now, I suddenly discovered the world of YouTube and blogs, plus Twitter and Instagram! It was a whole new world for me. I was amazed at this massive online community of people who also had a love for all things beauty, fashion and health. 

I never actually considered starting a blog. It was as spontaneous as you can get. I couldn't sleep one night and I was bored and restless, so I just decided right then and there to start a blog, and i did. I didn't know what I was doing, but I just went with it and had a lot of help from google.

What advice would you give to beginner bloggers?

Well, I am a beginning blogger. I've only been blogging since March of this year, so I still have a ton to learn. But, I have definitely learned a few things in the months I've been blogging. Here are a few suggestions.

Don't try to be like any other bloggers, just be you. Take inspiration from others but put your own spin on things and let your own personality shine through.  We are all unique and special in our own ways. 

Schedule time to blog. When you're starting out, blogging can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning when you are setting up your blog. If you're not careful you can end up working late into the night and wearing yourself out. As they say, your inbox will always be full. So, set aside a specific amount of time to work on your blog and then shut the computer down. Even if you have a lot more work to do, write it down and get back to it with a fresh mind the next day.

I had no idea how much time blogging takes, I definitely developed a respect for bloggers when I found out how much time and effort it takes. I suggest to either set a schedule for  when to blog and post, or just write when you are inspired. I do have somewhat of a schedule but I prefer to blog when I'm inspired. I don't enjoy the process if it's forced. Do what works for you!

Bring readers back. Create some series with some of your posts and link back to other posts in your series. For example, you could do some sort of challenge or favourites where you would post weekly or monthly on the topic. This is not only fun (IMO) but also gives your readers something to come back for. 

What would be your dream campaign?

At this time, I can't think of a dream campaign. I'm just happy to be doing what I enjoy and doing it on my own time. I love being my own boss for once and being able to create anything I want. I really appreciate that having a blog gives me a platform to be heard and to share information with others. 

In the future, I would love to work with socially responsible companies in the health, fashion, and beauty industries.

Do you have a plan for your blog?

My only plan for now is to continue blogging for as long as I'm enjoying it. Who knows where it may go, if anywhere. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the creative process, and along the way I've been getting to know some of the nicest people I've ever met, even if it is through the interwebs.

Thanks again for tagging me Nerida!

I would like to tag:

fabulousandfunlife 
katscolourings  and raincouverbeauty

Anyone who wants to do the tag is more than welcome, I tag you!!

Amy