Nicole by OPI: Drying Drops - for the "on-the-go" girl

I love it when I'm applying my final coat of nail polish and everything looks perfect. I stand back and gaze at the colour on my nails. I wave my hands in the air 2 times, hoping that it would increase the drying time. I blow on my nails, each and every one, hoping that the polish would dry quicker.
I then carefully read a magazine or attempt to go on my laptop. In the end, SOMETHING HAPPENS. One of my nails has speared polish on it! This drives me insane.

Since then, I have been extra careful with drying my nails to have the perfect manicure. To help speed the process of drying time, Nicole by OPI's Drying Drops have done the trick! This small bottle is found at Wal-Mart right beside the Justine Beiber nail polish collection (FYI, even though I do have Beiber Fever, I did not purchase his pack of purple nail polishes; they were not splurge worthy). The small bottle cost approximately $10 in Canadian.

The bottle contains 15 mL or 0.5 fl. oz of product. The instructions on the back says to apply 1-2 drops 1 minute after applying the final coat of your nail polish.

Long story short, this product does work. When applied accordingly (1-2 drops) after your final coat of polish, the drying drops thins out the polish an drys them within 5 minutes!

I have experimented with this. Even with 1 base coat, 3 coats of colour polish, one top coat and 1 drop of Drying Drops, my polish is smooth and shiny. After 5 mintues, the polish is dried!

This is perfect for the girls who are always "on-the-go" and don't have the time to wait 20-25 minutes waiting for their nails to completely dry. Or, it's also perfect for nail polish addicts (like me!).

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OPI's Mod About You

If you haven't heard, OPI's Mod About You is flashing everywhere on everyone's toes and nails this summer! On OPI's website, the colour is described as a "totally mod-ern light pink". More simply, this polish is the perfect milky pale pink colour.

Mod About You

With tan, glowly skin from the summer sun, it looks amazing on nails, and even more amazing on toes! Because the colour is a pale pink, the colour makes your skin tone look even more tanned!

I usually wear this colour on short, square-cut nails simply because this colour also makes your fingers look longer than usual. However, if you enjoy wearing colours on longer nails, go for it!

For this summer of 2011, grab a bottle of Mod About You from your local nail salon, and treat yourself to a mani and pedi with this gorgeous milky pale pink colour!
You will not regret it.

For those who are interested, I am currently wearing Essie's Topless & Barefoot. To see more about the colour and my opinion of the polish, check out my Essie's Topless & Barefoot review

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Essie's TOPLESS & BAREFOOT - the best nude

I know it's the summer, and normally, I would go for a bright colour, but who says you can't wear a nude colour polish loud and proud?!

I have found THE PERFECT nude polish: 

Essie's TOPLESS & BAREFOOT

Topless and Barefoot

It has been difficult looking for the right shade of nude for my nails, but with Essie's Topless & Barefoot, this polish has solved all my problems.... so far! On their website, it's described as a "barely there soft beige pink". Much more simply for you to picture, it's a nude colour polish!

With 1 coat, this polish is not streaky at all. With 2 coats, it becomes the perfect nude!

Tans come naturally during the summer, and with a nude colour polish, I promise you, you'll enjoy the nude colour contrasted against your tanned, golden skin!

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Laura Mercier OIL-FREE Foundation Primer

It's the time of the year again where the days are longer and applying make-up gets annoying when the sun is melting our faces! 

IT'S SUMMER TIME, LADIES

I want to share with you my new foundation love from Laura Mercier: their OIL FREE foundation primer. A primer is a lotion applied after our daily morning moisturizer and before our foundation application. A primer is not mandatory for any make-up application; it's a luxury to have!
However, if you have oily skin and acne prone skin, I highly suggest using a oil free foundation primer. A primer provides a smooth canvas for your make-up application, making sure that it's applied smoothly and thoroughly on your face. For individuals with oily and acne prone skin, a primer can control oil excretion. Less oil excretion means less shiny-ness on a hot, summer day!

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer

This is my third bottle that I have purchased from Sephora, and I absolutely love Laura Mercier's oil free foundation. Although it is pricey ($40 Canadian), I think 1.7 fl. oz is plenty of product. Besides, you don't need a large amount for your face. A dime-size is enough to work magic! For me, the 1.7 fl oz lasts for about 3.5 months.

If you do not have oily skin, Laura Mercier also has different types of foundation primers designed for different types of skin: one of their famous primers also include Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer.

Definitely check out your nearest Sephora location to try a sample of foundation primer that is appropriate for your skin type.

For those who have tried it, how do you like the product?

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Physicians Formula: Valentine Themed Highlighter

I recently picked this product up from my local Shoppers Drug mart. It was approximately $20 Canadian (with tax).

Physicians Formula is a drugstore brand well known for their good quality products made especially for people with sensitive skin. I have tried a couple of items from their line, and because they more more expensive than most drugstore brands, their quality is definitely better. The product packaging is more durable than most and the formula applies better and lasts longer on your face.

To celebrate Valentine's Day, I picked up their newest item:  

Happy Booster: Glow & Mood Boosting Powder  

(in Translucent).

Bottom view of product

This powder comes in various other shades including Beige, Light Bronzer and Bronzer.
I got the lightest colour (Translucent) because I wasn't looking for a face powder; I was looking for more of a highlighter. The Beige colour could be used for powder, and the light and bronzer colours are darker powders that can be used for .... well, bronzer of course.

What attracted me most to this product was their packing. If you have seen Physicians Formula, their packaging is nothing SPECTACULAR. However, their newest Happy Booster has the cutest packaging that I had to purchase it! It comes in a cute, metallic hot pink package with cute hearts as the powder.
The product has 2 separate sections. The top is the powder, while the bottom section has a mirror and comes with a small brush applicator.

Happy Booster: Glow & Mood Boosting Powder in Translucent colour

According to Physicians Formula's website, Happy Booster does the following:

• Ultra-smooth, perfecting powder in a complementary palette of color blends together to even out skin tone with a flawless radiance. 
• Vibrant pink heart gives cheeks a healthy pop of color.
• Infused with our Happy Boost Blend, featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress.
• The sweet scent of Violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply.
• Hypoallergenic
• Paraben free
• Dermatologist approved & Non-Comedogenic.

Keep in mind that I purchased the lightest colour because I wanted to use this product as a highlighter (NOT FACE POWDER!)
Because there are various, shiny colours in the packaging, it was a perfect blend for a highlighter for my face. However, their claim with their "Happy Boost Blend" featuring Euphoryl to promote a feeling of happiness is just an exaggeration. I mean, feeling upset one minute and applying the product on your face, is not going to turn your frown upside down! (it's going to take more than Euphoryl and natural plant extracts to do that!)

Their promotion of saying that their product has a scent of Violet is accurate! The smell is pleasant and very light. And no, people will not be able to smell the Violet scent if you have the product on your face (for those silly bugs who are wondering).

The packaging is extra cute because it does come with a small applicator brush that's pink and red (Valentine Day themed!). Although the brush is not exactly the best quality brush out there, it does apply the product effectively! With the brush included, it's a more convenient way of applying the product when you're going out.

Brush applicator located on the bottom section of the product

I am not entirely sure if this product is a limited edition just for Valentine's Day! However, on their website, it says nothing of the sort, so hopefully it is a permanent item in their line. If you do get the chance, definitely take a swatch from Physicians Formula's latest product.

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Carrie Bradshaw

"The most exciting, challenging, significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you that you love... well, that's just fabulous!"

- Carrie Bradshaw

GARNIER Skin Renew: Anti-puff eye roller

As a University or college student, you would probably understand that drinking coffee is a daily routine, and that you are totally deprived from sleep!! This is especially during midterm and exam season.

What I hate the most is waking up in the morning, after 4-5.5 hours of sleep, and finding those dreaded, dark, puffy under eye circles!! Come on, it's embarrassing to admit, but everyone does get those once in a while...

A good moisturizing concealer can hide those dark imperfections, but when you have puffy under eye circles, using concealer doesn't really help decrease the puffiness.

I have heard amazing reviews on Garnier Skin Renew: anti-puff roller. At my local Shoppers Drugmart (or it could be found at Wal-Mart), this product costs about $25 (Canadian with tax). If you haven't ever seen the bottle, it is quite small, with only 15 mL of product. I was NOT going to pay $25 for 15 mL of product. NO WAY... this product was not worth it.

However, one weekend, Shoppers Drugmart had a sale on all Garnier products, where they were all 40% OFF! The first thing I did that morning was head to Shoppers Drug mart and grabbed 2 packages of the anti-puff eye roller; I wanted to make sure that the local drugstore had the product before anyone else got their hands on them.

Hasn't anyone heard of the famous quote where "the early bird gets the worm?" 

The anti-puff eye roller reduces the look of puffiness and dark circles for refreshes, awakened eyes
 (according to the packaging). The product also has a hydrating ingredient, Pro-Vitamin B5 and caffeine that diminishes the look of puffiness.
With continued use of the product, the package claims that it will reduce the appearance of dark circles and the degree of puffiness (results when using Skin Renew anti-puff eye roller twice a day).

The packaging is simple. Garnier's classic green packing. The tube holds the 15 mL of product. The unique part of this product that received so much rave was their massage roller.

Massaging Roller

When first applied, the product is extremely re freshening for your eyes; it doesn't burn or irritate your eyes though. The product has no particular scent to it, and it dispenses from the massaging roller when you roll the product under and around your eyes. The package does suggest using it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night), but I tend to use it only once in the morning. At night, I use a more hydrating lotion for my eyes.
I usually apply this product in the morning right after I've finished washing my face, before make-up application. Making sure that your eyes are hydrated ensures smoother application of your under-eye concealer!

In terms of decreasing puffiness and under eye darkness, you obviously won't expect drastic changes the very next day. I've been using this product for 1.5 months now, and I do see results! As well, because it has Pro-Vitamin B5 for hydration, I've noticed that applying concealer is easier and it lasts longer throughout the day.

Original packaging with product right beside it

This product is definitely a must have if you are not willing to spend loads of money on high-end eye makeup. Some products from drugstores work just as well and they're more affordable!
University or college students who are suffering from dreaded, tired looks should definitely try this product out!

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My Love-Hate Relationship: L'OREAL's Voluminous Million Lashes

When you see Eva Longoria modeling this mascara, you can't help but notice her fantastic, voluminous, elegant lashes! I mean, who doesn't want luscious eyelashes?! Obviously, I got sucked into purchasing this product! The colour that I purchased is in Blackest Black (number 635).

This mascara claims to do the following:

• No clump formula - buildable formula that amplifies each lash instantly. It glides on smoothly and lasts all day, while thickening and separating every lash
• Millionizer Brush - uniquely designed to amplify and separate lashes from corner to corner while building breathtaking volume
• Clean Sweep Wiping System - built-in wiper ensure that just the right amount of formula is deposited on the brush for the ultra-volumized, defined lashes.
• suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes
• fragrance-free
• allergy tested

I have a love-hate relationship with this product. Some make-up gurus swear by this product, while others dislike it! 

I must say that the packaging is quite glamorous- a very different option for most L'oreal mascara products. The sleek, gold reflecting plastic tube makes it easy to locate in a large make-up bag. Out of all the drugstore mascaras that I have ever purchased, by far, this mascara has the best packaging. 

I was sucked into purchasing L'oreal's newest mascara because it had the "clean sweep wiping system". My biggest pet peeve for mascaras is definitely a formula that creates uncessary clumps on the brush. When L'oreal came out for their newest idea of having a sweep wiping system that ensures the perfect amount of formula being deposited on the brush, I knew I had to try it out.

The mascara does not clump at all! This is one of the mascaras that I have ever tried that doesn't clump at all when you pull out the wand from the tube! Therefore, L'oreal's new wiper system definitely works.

In terms of providing volume, the formula is very wet. I find that wet mascaras do not provide as much volume as dry-based mascaras.  In fact, they do not work well for skimpy, thin, short eyelashes; it's the dry mascaras that are helpful and provides the necessary lengthening and volume! So, because the formula was quite wet, I did not enjoy applying this to my lashes.

However, their "Millionizer Brush" is the downfall of this product. Their brush claims to amplify and separate lashes from corner to corner while building breathtaking volume, but I tend to disagree with that. The brush is very flimsy! It's so flimsy that even putting the mascara brush back into the tube is a hassle. The brush and wand itself BENDS! I remember the first time I finished using the product and was placing it back inside the tube.... I almost snapped the wand! For such elegant packaging, L'oreal definitely did not spend the time and money on their brush and wand.

L'oreal's Voluminous Million Lashes in Blackest Black colour

I will still continue to use this mascara and try to finish the product. If I do start to love this mascara, I will definitely make a comment! For now, it's still a love-hate relationship.

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C.O. BIGELOW Rose Salve

For those who are enjoy Korres lip butter, I've got another fantastic lip product!
I purchased this recently form Bath & Body Works, and I've been reaching for this product every 3 hours.

C.O Bigelow's Rose Salve was approximately $7 (Canadian) from Bath & Body Works. It's a more affordable option compared to Korres lip butter, which costs approximately $15-18 (Canadian).

This product can be used for anything & everything. According to the packaging, you can use it for lips (which is what I've been doing), cuticles, face, knees or anything that needs extra moisture during these cold months. Basically, it's like your all-in-one product, which is perfect for everybody.
I have actually applied the product on my elbows and knees after my shower, and it works exactly like a hydrating body lotion. Using this product on your cuticles is another benefit- you get to save $10-15 from buying cuticle oil (who doesn't want to save some extra money these days?!)

The product does have rose extract (hence the name and 9%, to be exact). It's not a strong fragrant, but some people hate the smell. For me, I love it and I've definitely gotten use to the scent. For those who dislike the rose scent, Bath & Body Works has informed me that there will be more C.O. Bigelow products in the Spring (VERY SOON!). The new flavours will most likely be along the lines of berries.

The packaging is adorable. It comes in a small tin case, but the case is sometimes hard to open- especially if you've applied lotion on your hands before. As well, you need to use your fingers to apply the product, so that's another downside to the product. Using your fingers to apply lip balm on your lips may spread bacteria.

I bring up the product of Korres lip butter because C.o Bigelow's Rose Salve actually reminds me of it. The packaging and especially the formula of the product are almost identical! These products are both moisturizing and lasts long your lips. However, Korres lip butter is much thicker compared to Rose Salve. There's a tint to both products, but I would say that Rose Salve's tint is not as pigmented as Korres lip butter.

So, for those who are looking for a more affordable lip product, definitely try out C.O. Bigelow's Rose Salve (or any of their products!) You can check out their website here at Bigelow Chemists.
For my Korres lip butter review, check out this link: Korres Lip Butter.

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Essie's Secret Affair

I've been on the hunt for the perfect nude, with a hint of shimmer. In other words, I was looking for your typical "pearl" colour ... for your nails.

I started searching in the summer and after I awhile, I just gave up! 

But recently, I purchased a new Essie colour,  
Secret Affair and
I HAVE FOUND THE PERFECT "PEARL" COLOUR.

Secret Affair by Essie

The colour actually came out in Essie's Spring 2007 collection. I may be a tad bit late on discovering this gorgeous colour, but it's better late than never, right?
It's a permanent colour, so be sure to check it out when you can!

FYI, I always wear a base coat (by OPI) and a top coat (by OPI as well).


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Perfect Scent for Valentine's Day

As you may or may not know, I am THE BIGGEST fan of Bath & Body Work's scent, Sweet Pea (for those who haven't ever smelled Sweet Pea, you should definitely check it out!). I have their whole collection from body splash to shampoo! (yes, even the shampoo. It was on sale during Boxing week, and I had to try it out!)

Bath & Body Work's newest scent comes on FEBRUARY 7, 2011... a week before Valentine's Day! However, they previewed their scent just this weekend in miniature travel bottle sizes for just ONE DOLLAR. I snatched two bottles. Keep in mind that this scent is part of their new signature collection, so you can always purchase it at any location of Bath & Body Works!

Their newest scent is called CARRIED AWAY. The miniature travel bottle is their body lotion with vitmin E, jojoba and shea butter. Vitamin E or not, the scent smells amazing. 
When I first smelled it, it reminded me of Sweet Pea. I thought I was hallucinating... but even the sales person said it was a remix of sweet pea.

The miniature bottle of Carried Away

The key fragrance notes of Sweet Pea include: Sweet Pea Petals, Watery Pear, Freesia, Fresh Raspberry, Soft Musk


The key fragrance notes of Carried Away include: Lush Raspberries, White Jasmine and Whipped Vanilla. 
 
Maybe it's the similar notes of raspberry that makes the two scent smell very similar. However, I would say that Carried Away smells a little more fruity and sweeter than Sweet Pea.

On top of that, their packaging is absolutely adorable. I will for sure be getting the full sized body lotion the next time I get the chance.

I love Bath & Body Work's newest scent for Valentine's Day. If you do get the chance to go to a nearby Bath & Body Work's, do check out Carried Away! 

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The Body Shop: Vitamin E Moisture Cream

I actually received this product for free when I purchased some items from The Body Shop.
The container is quite small, with only 15 mL of product.

 

I received a sample size of this product, but I know and have seen that the regular sized products have exactly the same  packaging. With the regular sized products, I believe that a pump should be implemented for more hygienic and sufficient reasons.

The product doesn't say specifically where to apply the cream, but because the product is light, creamy and very hydrating, applying it as a moisturizer could be opinion. As well, using this product as an eye cream could be beneficial as it does have Vitamin E and hydrating ingredients.

Vitamin E can do the following for your skin:

• High in antioxidant activity, 
• Protects skin cells from ultra violet light, pollution, drugs
• Plays a role in anti-aging 
• Prevents the appearance of age spots
• Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
• Helps to maintain the skin’s oil balance during the cleansing process (as we cleanse our face daily, oils are lost

The texture is light, but creamy. Not oil-free.

The product does have a scent to it- it smells like the Johnson's baby lotion; a fresh scent!

For individuals who have oily skin, I don't recommend using this as a moisturizer. This is because the lotion is NOT oil-free and for those who have oily skin, using a gel moisturizer or oil-free product is actually better for the skin. However, all hope is not lost - if you do need a moisturizing and refreshing eye cream, this product can be used for that as well!

For those who have dry to normal skin, I highly recommend purchasing this product. The thin, but extremely hydrating formula will definitely keep your skin smooth and refreshed throughout the day! Forget about the dry, annoying flakes consistently appearing on your face.

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Nothing to do with make-up: BIBLICAL VERSE OF THE DAY

I found this Bible verse randomly today, and I thought I would share this with everyone:

1 Samuel 16:7

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

 
Such a simple message, but the verse carries such a deep, powerful meaning. 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara

First off, I am a mascara fanatic! I wear mascara every single day to give my eyes that POP! Sometimes, I find out some mascaras tend to dry out my lashes and create more fall-out. Since then, I've been on the hunt for a good mascara with conditioning properties. 

I have purchased various ranges of drugstore mascaras, but I brought Lancome's Definicils Precious Cells mascara when I heard great reviews online and in blogs.

Obviously, I had to try it out myself!

This product comes in only 2 colours: black, which I've purchased or brown.

Lancome Definicils Precious Cells mascara in brown colour

The benefits of using Lancome's Definicils Precious Cells mascara includes the following:

• Regenerates the condition of lashes on contact
• Fortifies lashes to ensure minimized lash fall-out
• Defines and thickens for a lash-by-lash fullness
• Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers

I have found that it does regenerate and condition my lashes with their new formula, and since I wear contact lens throughout the day, it doesn't irritate my eyes (like some mascaras) at all. And most definitely, with 3 months of using this mascara, I have noticed that the product minimized lash fall-out.
In terms of thickening and defining my lashes, I do have the skimpiest, thinnest eye lashes known to human kind! I did notice that it thickened my lashes, but not as much compared to Maybelline's Falsies mascara!

The technology behind Lancome's Definicils Precious Cells mascara sounds extra complex, but it's simple:

• Hyaluronic acid known for hydration
• Madecassoside, an ingredient known for its strengthening properties
• Arginine, an amino acid known for its nourishing properties
• Multi-faceted brush designed to deliver optimal amount of product, while delivering lash by lash separation

The brush is very unique as well- the bristles are small, but it does its job effectively! It grabs onto your lashes and defines them lash by lash.

Lancomes's Definicils Precious Cells mascara in black

There is a particular smell to this mascara, but then again, what kind of mascara doesn't?! I guess it's just something we all have to get used to when applying mascara!


Overall, the product's formula is great. it separates my lashes without clumping. It honestly does have nourishing products, for I've noticed less lash fall out when I'm taking off my mascara.
Because I have skimpy, thin eye lashes, Lancome's Definicils Precious Cells mascara has a rather dry formula (compared to other ones), which is the best for defining thin eye lashes.

It may seem like any mascara is perfect for everybody, but there are specific mascaras that certain individuals should pay more attention to. For an example, if you have thick lashes, a wet formula is best for application! As well, the brush of the mascara is obviously very important in terms of what you want for your eye lashes.

If you do have the budget of investing in a more high-end mascara, then you should definitely try Lancome's Definicils Precious Cells mascara!

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The BEST CURE since chicken noodle soup

For those of you who are always getting sick, having a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup is probably your favourite meal of the day!

Obviously besides drinking chicken noodle soup and eating tylenol like no other, some may also have resided to eating Halls candies, the "candy" that soothes sore throats, relives coughs and nasal congestion.

Halls candies come in different flavours - but my absolute favourite that I have found over the Christmas holidays include the Halls KIWI APPLE

This flavour can be found at any local drugstore (Shoppers Drug Mart), grocery store, or places such as Wal-mart! It's by far my favourite flavour so far! Sometimes, it's tempting to eat them like candy, but I've managed to control myself pretty well.

So, for those who are spreading highly contagious germs at the moment, reside to eating Halls Kiwi Apple. This candy will be one of the few things that will for sure help you with sore throat, coughs and nasal congestion.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: Clean&Clear Pore Perfecting Moisturizer

When it comes to skincare, everyone's skin is different. We've got the normal skin, the combination skin, the dry skin, the sensitive skin, and who can forget the grease balls!?! (oily skin)

Because everyone's skin is so different, we react to various products differently.
If you have dry skin, sticking to something moisturizing with the extra oils can benefit your skin. However, if you have oily skin, your moisturizer should be a gel form, and an oil-free moisturizer is recommended.
If you have sensitive skin, testing out various products is highly important, for your skin may react differently to each and every one. 


I have been on the hunt for many years for THE PERFECT moisturizer for my skin. I don't think I have found it YET, but this one may be a possibility!

The original packaging

Clean & Clear's Pore Perfecting Moisturizer is affordable. It can be found at any local drugstore or Wal-mart locations. It cost approximately $12 Canadian, and sometimes you can even grab the product at a lower price!

There has been mixed reviews on Clean & Clear's Pore Perfecting Moisturizer. Some people hate it because it reacted poorly with their skin, but others love it. I'm the individual that loved it!

The pore perfecting moisturizer claims to minimize the look of pores with light diffusing minerals. The product also has SPF 15. And the best part, this moisturizer is OIL-FREE!

Because of the light diffusing particles, it does brighten up your face! Therefore, I highly suggest using this in the morning before your make-up application. 

I don't have extremely large pores, so with this product, I didn't seem to notice any change with my pores. However, I brought this product because it was an oil-free moisturizer.

The formula is heavier than a gel moisturizer, but lighter than a foundation formula. It's light weight, applies on smoothly, and keeps the oil away!
This product does have a particular smell to it - it smells like sunscreen, but I've looked past the smell on this product because it's that amazing.


A little goes a long way for this product. If you apply too much on your face, you will tend to look like a grease ball faster. However, applying a small amount is sufficient enough.


Allot of people use this product as a primer, but if you do have oily skin, do NOT try this! In my opinion, some people used this as a primer simply because they have extremely dry skin.


As for the SPF ingredient, this product offers SPF 15. This amount is not sufficient enough for a bright, summer, July day, but the small amount is perfect for protecting your skin from the harmful rays during the winter months (Yes, there still is UV during the winter!).
Keep in mind that SPF will cause unnecessary shine in photos. So, if you're going to be taking photos that day, using a different moisturizer WITHOUT SPF is highly recommended; you don't want unnecessary shine for your amazing night out. 


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NAIL CARE

It's important to have healthy looking cuticles & nails every day of the year. To do so, it's important that you get all your vitamins and nutrients from your daily diet.

It has been found that lack of vitamin A and calcium in your body causes dryness and brittleness on nails.
If you notice white lines on your nails, it's due to protein deficiency.

Splitting nails is due to a lack of hydrochloric acid in your diet. To include more acidic foods in your diet, plums, prunes, cranberries and yogurt, just to name a few.

If you noticed white spots on your nails, you should probably include more zinc in your diet. Avocados, blackberries and raspberries are fruits that are high in zinc.

If your nails crack easily, it may indicate that you need more liquids in your diet. Try drinking more water instead of sugary drinks.

Hangnails are caused by a lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C. 

A lack of Vitamin B12 can lead to dryness, and darkening of nails. An increase intake of Vitamin B12 can be found in swiss cheese and chicken breast meat.

A poor metabolism of essential fatty acids is seen when there appears to be red skin around your cuticles.

A diet lacking in vitamins and proteins can not only harm the appearance of your nails, but it can overall affect your health in the long run. Make sure you have a healthy, balanced diet!! You want your nails and body to be in tip-top shape.

Here are a list of products that I use when I give myself a manicure:

A basecoat application is important before you apply any nail polish. It makes the polish last longer, decreases chipping and makes the application smoother. Applying a layer of basecoat is especially important when you plan on wearing glittery polish - it's easier to take off in the end! (Trust me, I would know!)

OPI Natural Nail Basecoat 

 Orly Bonder Base Coat 

A top coat application is necessary after the application of polish. This seals in your polish, decreases chipping and ensures that nice, shiny, polished finish for your nails

OPI Top Coat 

Orly Wont Chip Top Coat 

It's also important to use cuticle oil to hydrate and smooth your cuticles daily, or when you find that your cuticles are awfully dry. There are many different types of cuticle oils found in salons, but Essie's cuticle oil is a great option for those dry cuticles

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Essie's SPRING 2011 Collection

Essie is releasing their nail polish collection for Spring 2011.

Rather than having neutral pinks, which they always do, Essie finally created some new, bold colours for their new spring line!

VERMILLIONAIRE

PRETTY EDGY

MISS MATCHED

HAUTE AS HELLO

DEMURE VIXEN

 

 

KNOCKOUT POUT

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It's what we've been ALL waiting for : OPI & KATY PERRY

IT'S FINALLY HERE. 

OPI has never failed to impress.

After OPI collaborated with Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and their most recent, Burlesque (featuring Christina Aguleria), OPI has finally decided to collaborate with a celebrity icon, Katy Perry!

These featured colours are for their Spring 2011 collection. The whole collection features 5 different, unique shades. This new range of nail polishes were inspired and designed by Katy Perry herself  in-conjunction with her latest album, Teenage Dream.

Ever since OPI and Alice in Wonderland's collection came out, their glitter nail polishes (especially Mad as a Hatter) have been sold out everywhere.

Katy Perry's newest collection features 2 glitter polishes, so try and definitely grab those before they are sold out!

LAST FRIDAY NIGHT - a glittery gorgeous blue

TEENAGE DREAM - a glittery pink nail polish filled with small holographic glitter

NOT LIKE THE MOVIES - metallic silver

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY - a deep, raspberry

  

BLACK SHATTER - matte black
This colour has to be applied over a BASE COLOUR, as the result appears to be "cracked" effect (like the bottle top)
You have to try it out to see what I mean!

ZOYA & Black Swan

For those who saw Black Swan starring Natalie Portman, the famous nail polish that she used was Zoya in Bela, a sheer, dreamy, peach-splashed light pink in a milky creme base. Because the colour is so sheer, you can always layer the product on (I'd say, perhaps 3 coats), or the sheer colour could be used for a French manicure. 

Zoya nail polish can be purchased online at http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Nail-Polish-Bela.html














INDULGE.