Self Care Sunday | Mask a Day Skincare Challenge

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Happy long weekend! 🎉
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For #selfcaresunday , I'm sharing the sheet masks that I've used since I challenged myself to use a mask a day. I was accumulating a lot of masks (hoarding) and some were so old. I wanted to use them up before they expired, but some were already expired 🙈  ps. I hope the pics are ok. I'm using the one's from my Instagram post that have filters to brighten them 
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My favourites were:
🌟 7th Heaven Detox + Replenishing Hydrogel Mask
🌟 Jayjun Mega Bright Program Toning Mask
🌟 b.liv Age Eraser (was expired by 1 year 🙈)
🌟 Comfort Zone Skin Perfect Mask
🌟 The Creme Shop Avocado Face mask
🌟 Maskeraide Eye Gel Patches 


My notes on all of these were that they were refreshing, soothing, and hydrating, and some were brightening and firming as well! Read on for more details...


Other good ones:
🌟 Innisfree My Real Squeeze #greentea
🌟 COS.W My Real Skin Rose mask
🌟 Skyn Iceland Hydracool Firming eye gels

*Note: links to products will be provided in the product headings whenever available 

 7th Heaven Detox + Replenishing Hydrogel Mask

this 2-piece hydrogel mask. With fruit antioxidants including 7 different types of berries to create a powerful Berry Complex this mask will moisturise, calm and help plump skin. With Bamboo Charcoal to draw out impurities and absorb excess sebum, your complexion will be left feeling smoother, deeply cleansed and feeling renewed.

One of my top picks. Not surprising since 7th Heaven is one of my favourite affordable brands! 

This one was super hydrating and soothing and left my skin looking plump and healthy.

Comfort Zone Skin Perfect Mask

Firming, elasticizing mask

Another one of my top picks. I found it hydrating and soothing with some firming, too. It contains Brown Algae and Chicory extract lift and firm the skin.

The Creme Shop Avocado Face mask 

(unable to find online, which may explain why I found these at Marshall's Canada)

A great hydrating and soothing choice. Ironically the panda mask from this same brand burned my skin, yet this one was very soothing. Must be something in the panda mask that doesn't agree with my skin.

b.liv Age Eraser 

a unique formulation of multipeptide, this youth preserving bio-cellulose mask reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while preventing premature skin aging. the result is maximum skin regeneration and a firming effect.

Wow! I don't remember liking this one as much as I did after using it this week! It has been a long time since I used this one though. It expired a year ago but I used it anyways. 

My skin was not only hydrated and soothed but it definitely felt firmer after this one!

COS.W My Real Skin Rose mask

This mask contains rosa centifolia flower water which is an effective ingredient for skin conditioning and brightening!

This one was also soothing and hydrating, and brightening, too. 

Jayjun Mega Bright Program Toning Mask

This was another one that had a real WOW effect for me! I found it brightening, soothing, hydrating, and firming! My notes on this one also stated "Refreshed looking afterwards!" Love this one!

Innisfree My Real Squeeze #greentea

Loved this one too for hydration and plumping the skin. (unable to find this exact sheet mask except for the tube form linked above).

What didn't work for me:
🌟 The Creme Shop Slow Down, Skin panda face mask. This was the only one that didn't agree with my skin and caused a burning sensation so I had to remove it after less than 5 min
🌟 Elizabeth Grant eye masks were dried out so I was unable to use them. Probably my fault because I've had them for a while.
🌟 Klara collagen lip mask. I think I would need to use these daily for a while to notice a difference. They weren't bad, I just needed more time with them, I think.

The Creme Shop Slow Down, Skin Face Mask

Infused with Bamboo Extract. This is a fun mask with the animated Panda Face. Unfortunately, this mask began to burn my skin within the first 5 minutes and I had to remove it. This is the only mask from this post that had a negative reaction with my skin. It could be an ingredient that just doesn't agree with my skin as I see a lot of good reviews on this one. 

Skin Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

CONCENTRATED doses of soothing ingredients. Extensin helps to firm and tone, hexapeptide helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and helps reduce puffiness. Advanced antioxidants help prevent future damage.

I loved these eye masks as they smoothed and depuffed my under eyes. I found that the MaskerAide All Eyes on Me (below) were a better value for the same effect, but unable to find them online. 

MaskerAide All Eyes on Me

ALL EYES ON ME undereye gels are packed with super hydrating, brightening and firming ingredients including our unique 100 Herb Complex* formula and Hyaluronic Acid that will give you a long-lasting moisture boost.

Surprisingly did help smooth my under eyes and help to depuff for a fresher, younger look! I couldn't find it online. :(

Elizabeth Grant Eye Patches

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to use either of these as they had completely dried out.

Klara Collagen Lip Mask

I noticed a slight difference but I feel that I'd have to use these daily for some time before I really notice a difference. I've used this before and noticed the same thing then.

Overall:

After doing these masks daily for 8 days, I do notice a difference in my skin overall. Definitely plumper, and more youthful looking. Plus, brighter and more refreshed looking!
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Since I woke up from a migraine today, I'll be continuing with this daily mask routine today. The cooling effect from the mask will hopefully help ease my migraine.

I am definitely becoming a bit addicted to masking now. It is such a great way to pamper yourself and make some time to relax and unwind whilst pampering your skin. I had been getting lazy about masking prior to this challenge, but now I'm hooked! Once I finish up all my sheet masks, I'll be able to start using up my plethora of masks in tubs and tubes, and I'm totally here for it! 

My new-ish moto has become "use it or lose it" when it came to decluttering my wardrobe and household. Now it has expanded to my skincare, haircare and face masks. I really dislike waste, so this challenge was just what I needed to do. 

Give it a try if you are also hoarding or letting your face mask collection build up but find that you aren't using them... there is no better time than right now!

Hope everyone has a great long weekend! 🥰

Amy

XO's

*Some links are affiliate and are trusted and used by this site

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm - Affordable Dupe!

Hi Everyone, 

I'm coming at you today with an awesome and super affordable dupe for the uber pricey but super gorgeous, Nars Afterglow Lip balm in Orgasm!

I had been looking for a dupe for the Nars lip balm for some time when I first received it and didn't have any success, so I gave up on it for a while. The other day I was at the Dollar Tree and treated myself to a lipgloss after a hard day. The gloss I chose was by a new brand called Beauty Benefits, I had heard of this new brand but hadn't tried anything by them yet. It says Markwins Beauty on the packaging, so it's the same brand that makes Wet N Wild makeup. The gloss is called "So Lit Lip Gloss Shine in Champagne Ice." It appears to be a beautiful pinky/peach sheer gloss in the tube and looks like it would have a brightening effect, so for $1.25, I couldn't pass it up.

As soon as I applied the So Lit Lip Gloss, I knew it looked familiar. Then it hit me! It looks just like my Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm. So, I pulled out my Nars balm and started swatching. Although they don't look the exact same in a swatch, I applied the Nars to one lip and the Beauty Benefits to my other, and sure enough, they looked exactly the same on my lips!

Keep scrolling for lip and hand swatches..... (multiple pics in different lighting)

Left: Nars Afterglow Orgasm/ Right: Beauty Benefits Champagne Ice

Left: Nars Afterglow Orgasm / Right: Beauty Benefits 

Top Lip: Nars Afterglow Orgasm / Bottom lip: Beauty Benefits

Top Lip: Nars Afterglow Orgasm / Bottom Lip: Beauty Benefits

As you can see in the swatches on my hand, they don't look exactly the same. They actually look more alike in the packaging. However, you can see by the lip swatches, that they look pretty much identical when applied to my lips. Note: I made sure to NOT rub my lips together after application.

Both products offer a sheer wash of colour that appears to be a light peachy/pink. Both products offer a glossy finish that is moisturizing and both provide a brightening effect. They both have the same lasting power and when worn off, they both leave the same slight tint of colour on the lips.

I can't believe the similarities on the lips (this could vary on your lip tone). Not to mention the savings!! 

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm, 3 Grams retails for $37 CAD + taxes 

Beauty Benefits gloss in Champagne Ice, 2.3 ML Retails for $1.25 CAD + taxes (can't find a link to the product, but they are sold at Dollar Tree stores in the USA and Canada).

I can assure you, I will be stocking up on the Beauty Benefits gloss when I find some more as I do love the Nars Lip Balm but why pay $37 + when I get the exact same look, moisturizing benefits, colour, and lasting power for $1.25!? Bonus! Beauty Benefits is #crueltyfree 🐰

I hope you found this helpful! I love a good affordable dupe!

Let me know what you think of this dupe in the comments. Are you going to pick one of these up?

Paid for with my own dollar dollar bills y'all :D

I Love Cosmetics Signature Scents Hit Shoppers Drug Mart Stores | Exotic Fruits Body Mist

Just in time for Summer, I LOVE Cosmetics' Signature Signature Scents hit Shoppers Drug Mart Stores! I LOVE Cosmetics’ New ‘Signature Scents’ range, includes award-winning Body Wash and Body Mists.

I've been wearing their Exotic Fruits Body Mist for weeks now and I'm loving the light fresh scent, it gives me those summertime vacation vibes! 🌞🍓🍉

I rarely wear perfume anymore as I find them too heavy for me most of the time, so I've been reaching for @iloveofficial Exotic Fruits Body Mist on the daily! It's light and fresh and never heavy or overpowering so I don't get headaches or migraines from it. The keynotes of this scent are Mango, Grapefruit,  Melon, and Pineapple  It's the perfect scent for Summer! Ther are many other scents to choose from so there's something for everyone (see the list below)✨

I LOVE Cosmetics’ ‘Signature Scents’ range includes:

🌸 Elderflower Fizz

🌸Vanilla Milk

🌸Violet Dreams

🌸Glazed Raspberry

🌸Exotic Fruits

I LOVE Cosmetics’ New ‘Signature Scents’ range, which includes bath and body products, are now available in-store and online exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores Canada-wide.

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Full-size Signature Scents Body Wash and Body Mists retail for $9.99. They are Made in the UK, are Vegan Friendly, and cruelty-free 💃

For more information on the brand, please visit https://www.farleyco.ca/I-love-Cosmetics/

Which scent would you choose?

Happy Sunday! 

Amy, XO

#Prsample #notsponsored  

New! EcoTools Facial Mask Mates Review #maskmate

Featured Product:
EcoTools Facial Mask Mates 4 piece kit / SRP $7.99USD / $10.99CAD
-Includes Applicator brush and 3 mask remover sponges.

This kit is meant to make masking easier and less messy. You apply your mask with the applicator brush and remove your mask with the sponges (used wet).

Although I'm a huge fan of EcoTools and have used their products for years, I have to admit that when I first received this kit I thought it was gimmicky and something that I probably wouldn't use. However, after using it for my at home masking sesh, I was immediately proven wrong and totally sold! Read on to find out why...

The brush in the kit is amazing for a mess-free application! Not only do I not have to get my masks all over my hands but it also allows for a much more precise application. It also keeps things more sanitary as you don't have to stick your hands into your mask jars.

The brush is soft and the shape and size of it make it perfect for applying your mask the contours of your face.

I normally remove my masks with a baby washcloth and I thought that was good! The sponges included in the kit put my baby wash clothes to shame! The sponges are SUPER soft and gentle on the skin. Just add warm water and they easily wipe away your mask without having to scrub. They rinse clean very easily as well.

Tip: Use the mask remover sponges with your cleanser during your everyday skincare routine to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. The sponges will gently exfoliate your skin.

From EcoTools:

The FACIAL MASK MATES set is specially designed for an at-home spa facial experience. This set includes a Mask Applicator Brush + 3 Mask Remover Sponges.

The Mask Applicator Brush is designed with soft, flat bristles to evenly apply cream, gel, or clay masks for full coverage, mess-free. The Mask Remover Sponges, made from natural plant pulp, help to remove excess product while gently exfoliating the skin for a smoother, more radiant appearance.

Good to Know:

• The brush has an environmentally-friendly bamboo handle and cruelty-free bristles
• Reusable cellulose sponges are the same quality as those used by spas!
• Mask Mates packaging can be used as a mixing and application bowl

Makes appliction so easy!
The brush helps with precise application. No more mask gunk in my hair!

Feeling impressed! 

I got a little sloppy with my brows but the sponges in the kit removed that in a pinch!

The mask I used here is 7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud Mask which is great for clearing out your pores and left my skin oh so soft! (Full review to come).

After wetting the sponge with warm water, it becomes super soft and removes the mask with ease.

I can't believe how much more gentle these sponges are compared to my baby wash clothes that I used to use. I am converted!

My face feels clean as a whistle and softer than a baby's butt! 👶

If I wasn't holding my camera to snap this picture, I'd be holding 2 thumbs up! 

This kit proved me so wrong- it's no gimmick! It absolutely makes masking easier and less messy which makes me want to mask more now. This kit has totally changed my masking game! I was often lazy about masking or just too tired, it felt like a chore because of how messy it could be. Not anymore! Now I want to mask all the time and I just know that my skin is going to thank me!

If you hate the mess of masking too, I bet you will LOVE this kit as well. If you decide to give this kit it a shot I'd love to hear what you thought! 💝

This product is available at select Rexall, Pharma Plus, Pharmasave, London Drugs, Guardian IDA, Lawtons Drugs, Proxim, Brunet, Familiprix, Uniprix stores.

You can also check out this product online here: EcoTools

Happy Friday, everyone!

Not sponsored. The product was provided free for editorial consideration. All opinions are mine. 

#ecotools #maskmate #beautytrends #ecobeauty #ecotoolsxo #

skincareroutine #masking #facemask #maskremoversponge

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick Review + Swatches #THELIQUIFIEDLIPSTICK

I recently received Bite Beauty's new Liquified Lipsticks from Influenster for review purposes. #THELIQUIFIEDLIPSTICK

I received 3 shades from their new Liquified Lipstick line as well as their Lip Primer (the long tube pictured).

Bite Beauty's Line & Define Lip Primer (shown above) contains ingredients to nourish, prevent feathering and aid in colour retention. Just a few of these ingredients are resveratrol, jojoba oil, and argan oil. This primer can be used in conjunction with any lip product. I've been wearing this under most of my lippies to prime my lips and make my lip products last longer. (1.5grams / $25CAD).

Bite Beauty's Liquified Lipsticks come in a sleek black tube and have a doe-foot applicator, which makes it easy to get precise application. The colour indicator on the end of each tube is quite handy, especially if you are a makeup collector.

Pictured above: 

Line + Define Lip Primer, The Liquified Lipstick in; Flambe (red), Eclair (pink), and Demi-Glace (brown).

The Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick is Bite Beauty's most nourishing lipstick in a liquid form. These lipsticks are silicone free and made with Monoi butter and coconut oil.

The super creamy formula is very pigmented and applies smoothly and evenly, and one coat gives me full opacity. I find them very long lasting. These are unlike any lip product that I've tried. It's not a drying liquid lipstick formula, it doesn't dry down and it's not matte either. I find the formula very hydrating and comfortable on my lips. Best of all, they do not accentuate the lines in my lips or the dryness, which is quite the feat for my dry, and aging lips.

Above: Applying the shade Demi-Glace.

These have a slightly glossy finish. If you want more of a matte look, you can apply, then blot your lips for a more matte finish. Easy-peasy.

Swatches (top to bottom): Eclair (pink), Demi-Glace (brown), Flambe (red).

Eclair is described as "Soft Rose." Demi-Glace is described as "Chocolate Mauve." And, Flambe is described as a "Vivid Poppy."

Final Verdict: 

My lips are in horrible shape; dry, aging, and full of lines. The fact that these products hide all of that is quite amazing. The comfort, hydration and fact that they are long-lasting also make them winners in my books!

Bite Beauty's Liquified Lipsticks come in 12 shades, so there is something for everyone. They retail for $28CAD for .25oz/ 7.15 grams.

Bite Beauty is all natural. Their products are even edible although I don't recommend that you eat them. They are also a cruelty-free brand. 🐰

These products are available at Sephora.com

If you'd like to join Influenster and get free products to test and review, feel free to use this link and skip the wait!

Have you tried the new Liquified Lipstick? What are your thoughts?

These products were provided free for testing purposes. All opinion are my own. Not sponsored. #gotitfree

Kat Von D Saint & Sinner Eau De Parfum Review #SaintandSinner

Are you a Saint or a Sinner?! 👼😈 As you can see by my photo, I can't totally decide, I think I might be a bit of both! Thanks to @influensterca @influenster & @katvondbeauty I received samples of Kat Von D's new Saint and Sinner Eau De Parfum's.

Saint is described as Classic Floral. Key notes are; Vanilla, Musk, Jasmine. I find this scent very fresh, sweet, and playful. This is my favourite and it's right up my alley. Although it has musk listed as a key note, I do not detect the musk in it. I would definitely purchase this scent and I'm SUPER picky when it comes to my fragrances. 

Sinner is described as Warm and Spicy. Key notes are; Patchouli, Wood, Cinnamon. This one is more of a sexy, sultry scent. It has a musky scent to it. I'm personally not a fan of musk, but if it's something you are a fan of you will probably like this fragrance. I've also worn them together and I'm quite a fan of that. 

I find that Saint is perfect for daytime and Sinner is perfect for night! 

I'll be wearing Saint on the regular and both worn together when I want something more sensual and sexy.

 I'm so grateful to Influenster and Kat Von D for introducing me to these fabulous new fragrances! What about you? Are you a Saint or a Sinner!? 

These products are available on Sephora.com

Kat Von D is a cruelty-free brand!

If you would like to join Influenster to test and review products, feel free to use this link and skip the wait! 

I received Kat Von D's new Saint and Sinner Eau De Perfum samples complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 💋 #theresurrectionisreal #voxbox #complimentary #saintandsinner

* Not sponsored