Pure + Simple Skincare Earth Day Special! #earthday2017

photo credit: Pure + Simple

Earth day is coming up on April 22nd. One reason I always look forward to Earth Day is because Pure + Simple Skincare has a recycling program where they offer 50% off of one their house brand products in exchange for an empty bottle of skincare (can be any brand). Obviously, this is an amazing savings, especially for the higher priced items. I'm going to purchase their Collagen Elastin Plus serum. I can't wait to have my favourite skincare serum back in my life!

I know that I passed on this last year but I'm definitely going to be taking advantage of this great offer this year. If you love Pure + Simple Skincare or have always wanted to try one of their house brand products, now is the time to take the plunge.

You can participate in-store or online this year. All instructions on how to participate are described in the photo above.

Pure + Simple is a cruelty-free company. 😍

This post is not sponsored. No affiliate links.

Wet n Wild Megaglo Makeup Stick Highlight When The Nude Strikes! Hot or Not!? #crueltyfree

I'm a huge fan of Wet n Wild cosmetics. They make some fabulous products at affordable prices and they are cruelty-free.  Like any line though, they have some products that are not so great but that is subjective as well.

I was on the search for the perfect cream highlighter that would be affordable and give me the glow that I'm looking for. I figured that I didn't have much to lose when I saw this new product by Wet n Wild, Afterall it was only about $5 CAD.

At the time that I purchased this, this shade "When the Nude Strikes," was the only shade available.

About: 
In one swipe of a stick, you can get catwalk-ready cheekbones, naturally flushed cheeks or an insanely glow-y complexion. Toss one of these portable makeup sticks in your purse or pocket and you’ll be camera-ready in less time it takes to double tap. 

Features:

• Velvety, cream-to-powder formula
• Ultra-blendable on the skin
• Ease of precision and control
• Multi-use sticks that conceal, highlight, contour and add a pop of colour to the cheeks
• Easy to blend formula that’s long-wearing and crease proof
• Ultra-portable sticks can be used anywhere, anytime
• Cruelty-Free

The cream formula is very creamy and easy to apply. It's very easy to control application which I liked.

I applied it to my cheeks using my fingertips or with cosmetic wedges/ sponges. Applied this way the product sheers out so you don't see the colour.

However, the product contains glitter (which doesn't show in the photos), but my face looked like a glitter bomb, which wasn't the "glow" that I was after. The name of the product made me think that I would get a glow and not glitter, but drugstore products are notorious for glitter.

If you do like glitter, I recommend this product but if you are just looking for a glow or just shimmer I would pass on this one.

So my search for a cream blush has ended. I am quite happy with my new Essence Pure Nude highlighter. Although it's a powder, it gives me the glow that I'm looking for! 😍

Jeindeer Eyelash Curler Review

I was recently sent this eyelash curler for review. I have to admit, I have been quite lazy when it came to my makeup recently, so one of the steps that I've been skipping is curling my lashes. Since receiving this lash curler for review, I have been back to curling my lashes on the daily to assess this product.

Getting back into the habit of curling my lashes for this review has made me remember how much more oomph I get from my lashes when I take the time to curl my lashes. I even find that I can wear less makeup when my lashes have more impact.

About:

• An eyelash curler to give a graceful and beautiful curl to real or false eyelashes.
• The curler's handles are designed based on how women actually hold them.
• Premium steel design to suit all eye shapes and sizes.
• 100% Guarantee: Unconditional money-back guarantee. If you're unsatisfied with this item for any reason, we'll immediately refund your purchase price.

Before and after using eyelash curler and mascara

The Jeindeer eyelash curler comes in a box with a replacement pad which is always appreciated. The curler is sturdy and well made. Because of the sleek design of this curler, I am able to get right to the base/root of my lashes and therefore get more lift out of my lashes.

It only takes about 5 seconds per eye to get a good curl that lasts all day.

One of the best anti-aging tips I've received is that you can get the look of an eye lift by using an eyelash curler and mascara. One look at my before and after picture (above) is proof that it really does give the illusion of an eye lift.

As we age, everything goes south, lifting the lashes up using a good eyelash curler and mascara lifts everything up, giving us a more youthful look. Curling and lifting the lashes is also a great tip for hooded eyes or if you're just trying to look more awake and refreshed.

I like that this product comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee. This always makes me feel more confident when purchasing a product.

This product retails for $9.99 USD currently and is available for purchase on the following sites (not affiliate links): Amazon USA Amazon UK Amazon DE

*not sponsored. product provided as PR. All opinions are my own. No affiliate links used in this post

Paula's Choice Sale | Free Makeup #crueltyfree

Don't miss out on this Paula's Choice sale if there is something you've had your eye on. This is the final week of the sale. These are the sales that I wait for!

Right now she is having a FREE makeup item with any $50 purchase plus FREE shipping (use code "MAKEUP")! Plus, if you are new to Paula's Choice you can also get $10 off with this link. *(This is a referral link and we will both get a credit with Paula's choice if you use it).

Note: you get to choose your makeup item and she has now included her Gorgeous On The Go Makeup palette as one of the free choices. It's a $45 value!

I can't wait to get my order and try out some new skincare and makeup. They have great reviews on her site.

Paula's Choice is cruelty free!

*minimum purchase of $15 for $10 off 

Happy shopping!

New! Essence Satin Touch Blush in Satin Love | Review with Swatches

I'm a huge fan of Essence cosmetics. They are so affordable, accessible, and they make some pretty awesome products. Not to mention they are cruelty-free!

I have several of their Silky Touch blushes and love them! So, when they came out with some new blushes, you know I had to try at least one.

I picked mine up at Shoppers Drug Mart, and by the time I got there the only shade left was this one in Satin Love (it comes in 3 shades). It's the shade I had in mind anyway. It was only $3.99.

This shade looks like a rosy nude shade in the pan. Applied to my face I get a natural flush of colour as if I worked out or was out in the cold. It's the kind of shade that goes with any makeup look.

I was surprised when I came home and got to swatching and realized that I have nothing like it in my collection. That's always a great thing when you have a rather large makeup collection. 😊

The shade almost morphs itself. At times it looks rosy nude and other times it appears peachy nude but either way, it will end up going with whatever makeup look you choose. I love that!

This blush is very pigmented, you really need a light hand if you have fair skin. I'm sure it would look just beautiful on medium to darker skin tones as well as it is so pigmented. I didn't realize how dark it is until I compared it to my other blushes at home.

I find that I can use this as a sort of blush/bronzer too. I think it's going to look even better on me when I have a tan.

It's also very long-lasting. It stays on until I wash my makeup off at the end of the day! Pretty incredible for only $3.99. It acts like a high-end blush in my opinion.

This product is another winner from Essence (linked here)  Now I'm curious about the other shades!

Have you tried any of these new Satin Touch Blushes?! If so, which one?

*not sponsored. no affiliate links. purchased by me and all thoughts are my own.

New! Real Techniques Multitask Limited Edition Set, 3 Brushes + Case #crueltyfree

I wanted to share this deal with you all asap, as I know I'd be upset if I missed out on it. I know many of my readers love makeup and beauty products like I do, and who doesn't love a deal.

I've been using Real Techniques brushes for years and love all the ones I have, so I had to jump on this deal for this LE set while it's on sale! I ordered this set on Thursday and received it today!

This Real Techniques 4 piece set is limited edition and includes 3 brushes and a carrying case. I saw this set listed on Walmart.ca for around $35. It's on sale right now on iHerb.com for $10.99 USD. This price is good until Wednesday, March 29th, 10am PST. After that, I believe it will still be on sale for approximately $12.21 USD but right now they are offering an additional 10% off, making it only $10.99 USD. The regular price on iHerb is $19.99 USD.

Actually, ALL of the Real Techniques products are an extra 10% off until l March 29, 2017, 10am PST.

What's included:

This limited edition multitask set simplifies your makeup routine. 
The collection has 3 brand new, exclusive brushes with unique cuts and sizes, 
to make you a multitasking pro. These versatile brushes are ideal for liquids, powders, or creams.

1. exclusive multitask face brush: angled cut can be used to set powder, 
apply bronzer and contour face
2. exclusive multitask cheek brush: extreme tapered cut can be used to apply color to apples 
of the cheeks, highlight the cheekbone and contour
3. exclusive multitask eye brush: soft tapered cut can be used to apply color to the crease, 
highlight the brow bone and softly smudge along lash line
4. exclusive design panoramic case: dual carrier and stand keeps brushes organized 
on your counter or on the go

When you order from iHerb, you will receive a 5% credit of your order total towards a future purchase. I had a $2.50 credit from my last order, so that brought my total down as well.

If you want to get this set you can click here to order. 

I'm really looking forward to using this set. I will probably review this set in an upcoming post.

Have a fabulous week!

ps. Real Techniques is cruelty-free!

*Not sponsored. Product(s) purchased by me. Referral links in this post, thank you if you choose to use them!

How to Remove Brassiness From Blonde Hair | Pravana Toning Masque Review

Featured Product:

Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Masque/ 5 OZ / Retail Approx $23 USD

Recommended use: 

Once a week for 5 minutes

About:

• Dual ultra-violet dye system increased levels of pigment in this hard-working masque immediately eliminates any yellow or brass
• coconut oil infuses strength, incredible shine and moisturizes

I was looking for an alternative to my purple shampoo, which I like but it can be drying. I've heard that this toning conditioner by Pravana is not only better for your hair but that it's a pretty potent product and really gets the brassiness out of blonde hair. 

You'll see in the photos that I have many tones of blonde and even some brown in my hair.

Here are my results after using the product one time for 5 minutes.

I followed the directions and applied the Perfect Blonde conditioner for 5 minutes after shampooing. The product is a very deep purple, almost indigo colour and you can tell how potent and pigmented it is as you're applying it. 

After towel drying my hair, I swear that I could already see that it had been toned, so I was getting excited. After a quick blow dry. my hair definitely looked toned, but I didn't know how much until I saw the before and after photos that I took (shown below).

Before and after photos are both on the same side and section of my hair. Photos were taken right before treatment and right after the 5-minute Perfect Blonde treatment and quick blow dry. 

After comparing the above before and after photos, you can really see the orange tones in my hair in the before photo, especially on the right-hand side of the photo (just hover over the photo and you'll see what I mean). Then, as you scroll down to the after photo, that entire area is no longer orange, it's been completely toned by the Perfect Blonde conditioner. I'm so happy that I took the photo's, sometimes it's easier to see changes if there are any.

Bleached and/or blonde colour treated hair is notoriously dry from all of the chemical processing. This product is definitely a lot less drying on my hair than my purple shampoo.

I highly recommend this product if you need to tone down any brassiness in your hair. It's much more effective than my usual purple shampoo that I use once a week. By looking at my before picture, it appears that my purple shampoo wasn't doing its job. 

Although it's pricey, I will continue to purchase this product. I spend a lot of money on my hair and by using this product, I can keep it looking fresh and new.

In this line, they also have a daily use purple shampoo and conditioner (different from the masque) which are immediately going on my list of items to try! This may prevent the brassiness in the first place. 😊

ps. It's been 7 months since my last cut and colour, so my hair isn't looking it's healthiest, to say the least. But at least with this product, I've gotten rid of a lot of the brassiness in just one use.

I purchased mine for around $18 on Amazon.

Have you tried this product!?

*Not sponsored. All opinions are mine. No affiliate links.