I have an obsession with anything related to hair, so find myself buying stuff all the time. I own an excess amount of products for my hair and told myself that I have to use most of them up before buying more. The only way I’m allowed to buy something new is if I run out of a product completely and don’t have something to replace it with. 

If you want to see what my hair looks like you can look on my Instagram or Twitter.

Here is a list of everything is use to keep my hair long and blonde and why…

Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo + Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Conditioner

While looking this up I noticed that they changed the look of their packaging. I really hope they didn’t change their formula. I LOVE this shampoo and conditioner. It smells great, lathers well and really does make my hair feel smooth. It’s probably one of the best shampoos and conditioners that I’ve ever used. I usually buy it at Ulta when they have their sale. That’s when I bought these massive bottles that have taken me forever to use. They are pretty much empty now. 

TIGI Catwalk Fashionista Violet Shampoo

I have blonde hair and use this shampoo occasionally to keep my blonde looking fresh. I love this shampoo almost as much as I love the Matrix one. I’m going to buy a TIGI shampoo and conditioner once I use up some of my other products in hopes that it is as nice as their violet shampoo. I use this probably once every two weeks or when I feel like my hair is looking dull. I purchased this shampoo at Ulta as well when they were having one of their hair care sales.

REDKEN All Soft Heavy Cream Super Treatment and the REDKEN Extreme Strength Builder Plus

I love both of these, I’m still not sure which one I like more. I used up the REDKEN Extreme Strength Builder Plus already so it’s not in the picture, but wanted to make sure I mention it as well. 

I try to use either of these once a week. I usually wash my hair with a good shampoo and then apply one of these, put a towel on my head and leave it on there for 30-40 minutes. Then I jump back in the shower and wash it out. It gives my hair a deep conditioning treatment and my hair loves it. I will admit, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve done this. It’s hard to find the time to do that long of a treatment. But I highly recommend you do and I notice a difference in my hair when I keep up with it. I buy these at Ulta as well when they are having their hair sale.. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner

I’ve been using this product the longest, probably for half of my life or more. I love this deep conditioner and use it about once a week. I just apply it to my hair and let it sit for a few minutes while I shave and wash my body. Then rinse. I’m not set on any of the versions, one used to smell better than the others but now I don’t notice ever since they changed the formula like 5 years ago. I don’t think it’s as great as it used to be but I still use it. I usually buy this at Wal-Mart for like $3. This product is a great option for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their hair. This old blog post about the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner proves that I’ve been using it for a long time. 

REDKEN Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer

I haven’t been using this product for that long but like it. It’s a heat protectant that helps prevent breakage. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it more than the TRESemme heat protectant but decided a few weeks ago that I do. I love the smell, it’s great for second day hair. I spray it on my hair before styling it and it keeps my hair smelling fresh all day long. I purchased this product at.. yup, you guessed it.. Ulta, when they were having their sale.

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray

I’ve been using this product for years. I still don’t know if heat protectors do anything for your hair. I always wonder why hairdressers don’t apply it to my hair when they do my hair? Anyways, I’m too scared not to use one. This one is great and very inexpensive for around $4. I always buy mine at Wal-Mart. 

REDKEN Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Fortifier

I’ve been using this for a few years now. My boyfriend’s parents actually bought it for me one Christmas along with a few of the other REDKEN products I already talked about. I’ve went through a few bottles since. I don’t use it every day. Maybe once or twice a week on my wet hair. But I do think it helps prevent breakage. Either that, or my hair grows like a weed. I purchase this product at Ulta as well during their buy 2 get 1 free sales.

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus

This stuff is fabulous! I think what I like most about it is the scent, it smells amazing! I wish every hair product had this scent. I use this product on my wet hair and spray it into my roots. It helps give volume to my long, flat hair. If I don’t use it I notice a big different in how my hair looks. This product works in more than one way, it gives my hair volume, makes my hair smell nice and also works as a dry shampoo. I find that whenever I use the Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus on my hair my roots look nice the next day. It’s like the product soaks up all the oils. So whenever I use it I don’t need dry shampoo. 

Orofluido Beauty Elixir 

I’ve been using this product for… hmm… it has to be 10 years now. I LOVE this stuff. I never hear anyone talk about it. I wrote a review on Orofluido years ago, you can read it here, I updated it a year ago again because my original review was awful haha. It’s similar to Moroccanoil, but I like it better. I use it on damp and dry hair. It works great for smoothing out next day hair. 

The Wet Brush

I put my brush in the picture as well, you can read my full review on it here. 

So there you go, those are my go-to hair products. I honestly have about 30 other products that I use and rotate between them all. But these are my favourite products that I will repurchase over and over again for years to come. 

What are you favourite hair products? 

The post Current Favourite Hair Care Products appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

The SkinStore kindly offered to send me Caudalie’s new VineActiv range to try out. When I opened the box I was thrilled to see 4 full sized products from Caudalie. I wasn’t expecting that at all. 

Here’s what I received…

Caudalie VineActiv Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum 

Price: $52.00 for 30 ml

Caudalie VineActiv 3-in-1 Moisturiser 

Price: $44.00 for 40 ml 

Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil

Price: $50.00 for 30 ml

Caudalie VineActiv Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream

Price: $39.00 for 15 ml

I’ve been using the skin care line for about 2 months now and really have nothing negative to say about the products. 🙂

The VineActiv line was formulated to fight the effects of a hectic lifestyle and to help correct the intital signs of aging. It’s just what I need in my life.

Every morning I apply the Caudalie VineActiv Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream around my eye area first. Then I apply the serum to my entire face and neck. After that soaks in I apply the Caudalie VineActiv 3-in-1 Moisturiser. 

Before bed I apply the eye cream and then the Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil. If I feel like my skin needs some extra moisture then I will apply the Caudalie VineActiv 3-in-1 Moisturiser before the detox oil.

I got into the routine of applying my eye cream first when started using this skin care line as the detox oil contains essential oils that should be avoided around the eye area.

All the products sink into my skin very quickly and don’t leave a film or greasy feel. Even the oil sinks in right away. I’ve experienced 0 breakouts since using the line. I break out easily so wasn’t sure how the dry oil would work for me. 

My favourite product of the four is the Caudalie VineActiv Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum. I use it in the morning as I said and really feel that it brightens my skin and adds a glow. 

The products have lasted me quite some time, my bottles are still half full. I initially didn’t like the price tag but don’t think it’s too bad for the quality of the products and also the fact that a little goes along way. 

I should mention that I took the skincare line to me with Iceland and the detox oil didn’t travel too well. The jar opened and leaked into my toiletry bag. I was upset that some of the oil was wasted. I actually travelled with it a few times and it only opened once. But thought I should let you know as I wouldn’t want it to happen to you. 

Until now I had no idea that Caudalie’s products were more “green”. It makes me even more interested in the brand. All of their products are free of… 

• Parabens
• Phenoxyethanol
• Mineral oils
• Paraffin
• Sodium laureth sulfate
• Phthalates
• Animal-derived raw materials

I’m really enjoying this skincare line and might repurchase it myself again in the future. There’s so many products to try and it’s hard for me to stick to one product forever.

If you are interested in trying the line you can find it at the SkinStore.  

The post My Review of the Caudalie VineActiv Range appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Fiona hasn’t had her eyelash extension boutique open for very long so she is looking to build her clientele and gain exposure in the highly competitive market. She reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try her services and I couldn’t pass it up.

We chatted a bit and decided that I’d get full volume eyelash extensions. Go big or go home right? 

Fiona booked me in the following weekend. She typically takes clients in on evenings and weekends because she works full-time during the day. This is very convenient for most people as you can come to her after work and get glammed up.

I drove to her location (although I could have taken the skytrain right to her door). She met me downstairs and we went up to her apartment. I was greeted by her lovely labrador. I LOVE dogs so this was an added bonus for me. 

She has a cute studio set up in a spare room in her apartment. Fiona first examined my eye shape and told me some options. I asked her to go full especially on the edges. 

The volume set takes quite some time, 2-3 hours she said. I believe it ended up taking 3 hours for mine. Most people fall asleep during the application, I almost did. It was a perfect time to relax and unwind with the soft music playing.

I was anxious the entire time Fiona was working on my lashes, I was excited to see how my lashes looked…

When she was done I looked in the mirror and was amazed! My lashes were so full and looked absolutely gorgeous!

Fiona said that some of my lashes were 8D. That means that one single lash would have 8 extensions added to them. That’s crazy, I don’t think I would have the patience or preciseness to stick 8 extensions to a single lash. She’s a pro!

It’s been over a week now since I’ve had my eyelash extensions. I’ve received so many compliments on them and love that when I roll out of bed I look glam. 

They’ve been fairly easy to maintain. I’ve just been brushing them morning, evening and whenever they look like they need to be brushed. Maybe once or twice during the day. I have a lot of lashes on my eyes so Fiona said it’s important to make sure they don’t get crisscrossed or they won’t last as long.

My makeup takes me no time at all. I just do my face makeup and use nothing on my eyes. Maybe some eyeshadow if I feel like dressing it up a bit. My eyelashes are so pronounced that I don’t need any liner. You don’t wear mascara with eyelash extensions, and I definitely don’t need it. 

I just LOVE the look of my eyelashes, it’s going to be strange when they all fall off. A few have fallen out, but they still look amazing. 

If you are looking to get eyelash extensions in the Burnaby area, I recommend contacting Fiona at Lady F Boutique. Her pricing is competitive and she does a great job! 

Follow Lady F Boutique on Instagram to see her work.

Do you get eyelash extensions regularly? What are your tips for making them last? 

The post My Volume Eyelash Extensions appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I came across the brand S.W. Basics and was intrigued by what they have to offer. Their products are simple and only contain a few ingredients. I had been looking for a more natural cleanser, eye makeup remover and moisturizer for the past while and decided that I should try some of their products. I found the S.W. Basics Starter Mini Kit ($27) on their website and decided it would be the perfect chance to try out their products.  I also picked up a full size of their Makeup Remover ($14).

The S.W. Basics Starter Mini Kit comes with..

• Mini Cleanser (1 fluid ounce)
• Mini Toner (1 fluid ounce)
• Mini Cream (0.7 ounces)

The three products in the Starter Mini Kit are all USDA Organic. I’ve been trying to buy organic whenever I can so I really liked that the products were certified organic. 

I really like the packing of the products, they are all in cute, glass containers. I used up the cleanser and toner fairly quickly and still have half of the mini cream left. Let me go into depth on each product so you can decide if you want to try the products too.

S.W. Basics Cleanser

The S.W. Basics Cleanser has just three ingredients in it…

1. Organic rosewater
2. Organic vegetable glycerine
3. Organic tea tree oil

The cleanser smells very herbal, so if you don’t like the natural, herbal smell then these products won’t be for you. This cleanser is a clear liquid and to use it you apply it to your face with a cotton pad and then rinse your face clean. The cleanser worked very well, sometimes I went over my face more than once depending on how much makeup I had on. I only used this cleanser in the morning because it wasn’t something I could really take into the shower with me. To conserve the cleanser I would often use a makeup remover wipe before hand to take off my makeup. I really like this cleanser, but it is expensive and I feel like I could make something very similar, if not the same at home for a fraction of the price. The bottle ran out very quickly and I don’t think I’d purchase it again because of the price point and the fact that I could make it at home. It is a great product though, so if you aren’t a person that likes to do-it-yourself then buy it instead.

S.W. Basics Toner

The S.W. Basics Toner has a total of five ingredients, all organic…

1. Water
2. Organic, raw apple cider vinegar
3. Organic witch hazel
4. Clary sage essential oil
5. Sandalwood essential oil

I really like the S.W. Basics toner, it works well and gets the job done. Once again, I don’t think I’d buy it again because I could make it at home for a fraction of the price. I really did enjoy it though and if you don’t feel like making your own then buy it yourself as it does work great.

S.W. Basics Cream

The S.W. Basics cream is also certified USDA organic and contains only three ingredients

1. Fair trade shea butter
2. Organic coconut oil
3. Organic olive oil

I was a little scared to use this cream as it contains coconut oil and olive oil. These two products can cause breakouts and I have sensitive skin. The cream has a strange scent due to the oils, so it might not be for everyone, it kinda lingers around too. This cream definitely moisturizes my face, I even use it on my lips. I do find that it’s a little greasy so beware of that. I do like the cream but have to use is sparingly or I start to see my skin flare up with breakouts. I wouldn’t buy it again as I’m not too fond of the ingredients for my face. I wouldn’t mind using these oils on my body but don’t want to clog up the pores on my face. If you are interested, this website has a great list of non-comedogenic oils. 

SW Basics Makeup Remover

As mentioned before, I purchased the S.W. Basics Makeup Remover by itself and it didn’t come in the kit. The makeup remover is made up of only 3 ingredients…

1. Organic Sweet Almond Oil
2. Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
3. Organic jojoba Oil

This was my least favourite product that I tried. I didn’t like it at all. It didn’t remove my eye makeup and just left a greasy mess on my face. In the past, I’ve tried these oils on their own as eye makeup remover and didn’t like them; so I’m not sure why I thought this makeup remover would work for me. This makeup remover has really great reviews but I absolutely hated it. I’m not sure why the reviews are so positive. You could also make this on your own if you wanted to, it’s a very simple mixture. I still have the entire bottle and have been using it occasionally as a moisturizer on my face around my nose when I get extra dry.

Overall, I think the products are decent with the exception of the makeup remover. I do think they are expensive and something anyone could make themselves if they wanted to. But like I said before, if you aren’t into making your own products than you may want to give S.W. Basics a go. 

The post Review of S.W. Basics appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I’ve been receiving my treatments from Ellie at NuAGE Laser in Vancouver, B.C. She recently moved into a new building which I got to see the last time I visited. Her new office is gorgeous, she did a great job designing it. She even installed TVs so you can watch Netflix while you get your treatments. 🙂

It’s been two weeks since I’ve had my six treatment. All the hairs that were treated have fallen out and I’m noticing even less hair regrowth. I haven’t shaved for five days! 🙂 YAY! If you don’t already know, I spend a lot of time on the water, camping and doing all sorts of activities and I love that I don’t have to worry about shaving daily.

You won’t see results instantly when you get laser hair removal. The laser triggers the hair follicles and disables them and the hairs that have already started growing still have to push out of your skin. You can actually pull the hairs out yourself, but resist the urge because it could hinder your results. Once all the hairs fall out you will start to notice less hair regrowth. Then you have to go back for another treatment around six-eight weeks later and treat the new regrowth. It’s important to get the timing right to trigger the new hairs. 

I’d say that after six laser hair removal treatments that I’m seeing about 60% less hair regrowth, or more. It’s hard to say, I think I will have a more accurate percentage in a month. it’s been about a year since I started the treatments and love that I don’t have to shave everyday. Sometimes I even forget to check. 

Ellie said she’d like me to come in for a couple more treatments so I can see even more results so I will be making an appointment to go back again. Typically you need six-eight treatments to see full results. Ellie also recommends coming back once a year for touch ups if required.

I plan to start saving to have my legs treated as well. I priced it out and it would be about the same price as getting my hair done regularly. And since I haven’t had my hair done for over 5 months, then why not get more laser hair removal treatments?

I always tell my friends about my laser hair treatments because it’s something I’ve always been curious about and am extremely happy with the results. Everyone always asks if it’s really worth it. And YES, it is.

I think that laser hair removal has become more affordable as there are more places that offer it and it’s becoming quite popular. But please make sure you pick a reputable place in your area such as NuAGE Laser. Ellie has treated thousands of people and she is very knowledgeable on the subject. 

I’m sorry, I don’t have any pictures to show before and afters. I find it to be a little personal, underarms and bikini area. You’ll just have to trust me. 🙂 

If you are interested in visiting NuAGE Laser, make sure to stop on by their promotions area on their website. Ellie is always having some sort of sale so you can get more for your money. 🙂

Have you ever had laser hair removal treatments? What was your experience like? 

The post Laser Hair Removal Update appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover

I’ve been using this eye makeup remover for a few years, it’s one of my favourites. I’m always on the hunt for a better makeup remover and have yet to find a product that removes all of my eye makeup. I don’t even wear that much makeup so would like to know how people remove their makeup that wear a ton. No matter what I always seem to have black under my eyes the next day. I recently purchased the Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover and think that the Sonia Kashuk one performs better. Do you have a favourite makeup remover? Let me know in the comments. 

The price on Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover has slowly gone up over the years. Right now it retails for $10.99 and it’s only available at Target which is a pain. 

Gabriel Organics Seaweed Nourishing Moisturizer

I take forever to use up skincare because I always have around 5-10 moisturizers open on the go. I’m trying to get better about it and have stopped myself from purchasing anything new until I use up what I have. 

I like this moisturizer, it hydrates, it’s lightweight and doesn’t break me out. I would recommend it, but just so you know, this moisturizer doesn’t contain all organic ingredients, the name can be misleading. I already have a full review on my blog about the Gabriel Organics Seaweed Nourishing Moisturizer that you can read here if interested.

LUMINESCE Daily Moisturizing Complex

My Mom gave me the LUMINESCE Daily Moisturizing Complex as she is a distributor for it. She absolutely loves this moisturizer, but it didn’t perform as well with my skin type. I have sensitive skin and I found that this product broke me out. I didn’t try it out long-term to see any of the benefits because I didn’t want to deal with breakouts. I ended up using up the bottle on my neck area as I don’t break out there. I do like the packaging, but it’s not the best for traveling as it doesn’t close back up. She also gave me the LUMINESCE cleanser to try out, which I do like. It takes all my makeup off, even eye makeup. If you want to learn more about this line you can stop on by my Mom’s website here.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil

I really like the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil, I’m a huge fan of Palmer’s products, read my full review on this product here. This leaves my skin so soft, especially when I use it on my feet. It has a distinct smell that my boyfriend hates, so if you don’t like the smell of Palmer’s products then you won’t enjoy this. The only thing I dislike about this oil is that it’s messy, just like any oil. Or maybe I’m just the messy one. Anyways, I’ll probably buy another bottle of this as I love how soft it leaves my skin. 

Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil for the Face

I was going to do a whole review on this product but just decided to put it here. Again, another Palmer’s product… I seriously can’t get enough. The Palmer’s face oil includes ten pure oils to help moisturize and smooth fine lines and wrinkles while the Retinol and Vitamin C help improve and brighten tone and texture. This product lived up to my expectations, it’s moisturizing and doesn’t break me out. It leaves my skin feeling soft and creates a great base for my foundation. Just make sure to let it all sink in before applying your makeup. I use this product on my entire face, including the eye area and have had no issues with irritation.  Highly recommend the Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil for the Face.

I have a few other skincare products that are almost empty, make sure to like my Facebook Page as I post the majority of my empties on there.

The post Skincare Empties & Reviews appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

SkinStore contacted me about 2 months ago and asked if I’d be interested in trying out the FOREO LUNA 2. I’ve heard of it before but had no plans on purchasing it as I already own the Clarisonic. They said they’d send one over to me to try and one to give away to my readers. I was pretty excited about it as I love anything to do with skincare plus there was the added bonus of giving away a LUNA 2 to one of you.. 

The LUNA 2 comes in a sleek, white box. It reminds me of Apple’s packaging. When you open it up; inside you will find the Luna 2, a USB charging cord and also a travel bag. It doesn’t come with the actual charger adapter that plugs into the wall so I just used the one that came with my iPhone.

When you first get it you have to charge it. It doesn’t take long to charge and apparently the charge will last 7 whole months! I haven’t owned my Luna 2 for that long so can’t say if that is accurate. But I haven’t had to charge it as of yet and have been using it for a month. 

Some interesting facts about the Foreo Luna 2

• Made out of ultra-hygienic silicone that is quick-drying and non-porus to prevent bacteria buildup
• It has t-sonic pulsations at 8,000 pulsations per minute for deep and effective cleansing in 12 speeds
• Purifies skin by removing 99.5% of dirt, oil and makeup residue
• It is 100% waterproof
• One full charge last seven months
• 2 year limited warranty

It took me a few goes to actually use this device properly as it has both a cleansing mode and an anti-ageing mode. First, apply your favourite cleanser and use press the start button. Then you can gently move it around your face to cleanse. It beeps every 15 seconds so you can move it to another spot on your face. Once the minute is up it buzzes a few times to tell you to switch to the anti-ageing mode. You can then press the middle button and it will stop. At that time I rinse of my face and then press the start button again to use the anti-ageing mode. The anti-ageing mode pulses slower and buzzes every 12 seconds to tell you to move to another area on your face. If I’m in a hurry, sometimes I’ll skip the anti-ageing mode.

The anti-ageing mode soothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and also helps leave the skin looking more firm. I’ll try just about anything to diminish my fine lines. Can’t really tell if it works yet, but I assume you have to use it for quite sometime to see the benefits. 

The LUNA 2 has several levels of intensity so you can use the + or – buttons to adjust that. I’ve kept mine on the default level and it works perfectly for me. 

I think that the FOREO LUNA 2 would be great for people with sensitive skin. I find it a lot more gentle on my skin than my Clarisonic. If you found that the Clarisonic irritated your skin then try the LUNA 2. 

Each time after using the LUNA 2 my skin feels incredibly smooth and soft. I really enjoy using the cleansing device and keep it in my shower to use daily. It’s very easy to clean as it is made out a silicone. It works great for traveling as I don’t have to wait for a brush head to dry. I can just wipe the LUNA 2 down and it’s dry. Plus I won’t ever need to bring the charger, and if I do it’s just a small cord anyways.

If you are in the market for a cleansing device, this one is a great option. It does cost more than the Clarisonic, but you don’t have to buy brush heads for it every few months. So in the end, it costs less.

Have you ever tried any of the facial cleansing devices? I really like using them and can’t imagine life without one now. 

If you’ve never tried one before, here’s your chance as I have a giveaway for you…

Win a FOREO LUNA 2!!!

The Skin Store was kind enough to offer up another Foreo Luna 2 for me to give away to my readers. If you were to purchase a LUNA 2 in stores it would cost you $199 plus tax, but you can win one for free!

All you have to do is retweet my post below on Twitter and follow both myself, @ImLovingThis and @SkinStore on Twitter. 

WIN a #FOREO LUNA 2, courtesy of #SkinStore! RT & follow @SkinStore & @ImLovingThis. USA residents only. Ends 10/17 12am EDT pic.twitter.com/m5s8FKrwhh

— Danielle! (@ImLovingThis) October 6, 2016

Winner Announced!

Thanks to all who participated in our @FOREO comp! Congrats to winner @MAKEmeUPLamour. DM us your details to claim your prize🎉 @ImLovingThis https://t.co/1zD1IgPFV3

— SkinStore.com (@SkinStore) October 17, 2016

The post FOREO LUNA 2 Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Sorry about the horrible quality. I literally filmed this while on the boat with my iPhone. It was spur of the moment. 

Products Mentioned:

Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner

The Wet Brush

The post Must Have Hair Products for the Boat or Beach appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

In the Kat Von D Lock-It VoxBox I received 5 products totalling 144 USD. Super exciting! 🙂

Kat Von D does not test on animals and their products are free of animal-derived ingredients. They are also free of Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates.

Let’s get into what I received and what I thought about each product.

Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème

I received 2 shades of the Lock-It Concealer Crème, #5 Neutral and #11 Neutral. The shades work pretty well with my skintone. The #11 is a little light for me but I made it work. There are a lot of shades in the line and I’m sure you can find one or two shades that will work for you. 

I like the packaging and it has a doe foot applicator for easy application. 

The product claims to be a rich and creamy concealer with 24-hour wear and instant full coverage.

This product works well for my scars, spots and redness. It’s full-coverage and is also buildable. I didn’t like how it performed under my eyes. I’m about to turn 30 and do have fine lines under my eyes. This concealer immediately sinks into them and makes me look older. 

It lasts all day on my face and I would recommend it for covering scars, redness or discolouration. If you are young it may work for under your eyes as well.

The Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème retails for $26.00 and you get 6.25 grams of product.

Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder

I’ve been looking for a translucent setting powder so was excited about this one. 

The product claims to be a weightless translucent loose powder, formulated with Micro-Blurring Technology™, to set and perfect for a flawless, locked-in finish.

You get a ton of product here, 19 grams for $30.00. It’s very finely milled and blends out nicely.

I honestly don’t notice a difference whether I use the setting powder or not. I actually applied it to half my face yesterday just to see if I was imagining no difference, and at the end of the day my face looked the same.

I recently tried the raved about Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and returned it to Sephora because I didn’t like it. I found it sank into my fine lines and I didn’t see any difference except the fact that it made me look older. Still don’t know why people rave about that product. 

Anyways, what I’m getting at is the Kat Von D Lock-It Translucent Powder did not sink into my fine lines. So if you like translucent powders and are older, this one might be a good one for you.

I’ve come to the conclusion that translucent setting powders just aren’t for me. Now I’m on the hunt for a powder with some colour to it that I can use to set my foundation or use stand alone when I don’t feel like using my liquid foundation.

Kat Von D Lock-It Edge Concealer Brush

No one can ever have too many makeup brushes right? The Kat Von D Lock-It Edge Concealer Brush is a fabulous brush and makes me want to purchase more of her brushes.

This product claims to be a high-performance concealer brush with an exclusive sculpted shape to seamlessly blend under eye concealer and instantly cover blemishes.

The concealer brush has soft, synthetic bristles and blends out the Lock-It Concealer beautifully, and actually any other concealer I own. I own a few concealer brushes and never use them because they are horrible. This brush is now my go-to concealer brush.

The brush is dense and the shape allows me to get into all the areas around my eyes and nose. It could also be used to contour the nose or even apply eyeshadow. 

The Kat Von D Lock-It Edge Concealer Brush retails for $24.00 and I recommend getting it if you are looking for a good concealer brush. 

Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder Brush

Yay, another brush! I’ve actually been meaning to buy myself a new powder brush and now I don’t have to! The Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder Brush is just as nice as the concealer brush. 

The brush claims to be an ultimate loose powder brush for setting and perfecting the entire face.

The brush is so soft and the bristles are flexible. It has a dome shape so it’s perfect for getting into all areas of your face. I love this brush! 

I don’t really know what else to say about it except that it does exactly what it’s made to do.

The Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder Brush retails for $38.00

So overall as you can tell, I enjoyed the brushes more than the products. But that is just my personal preference. I think Kat Von D’s products are very well made and if you have the right skin-type they will work for you. I will be using up the concealers for breakouts or redness and use the setting powder to set my makeup. Who knows, maybe the setting powder will grow on me. 

Have you tried Kat Von D’s products? Which ones are your favourites?

I’ve been eyeing her Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette for what seems like forever…

The post Review of the Kat Von D Lock-It Line appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

The Island Girl Hawaii Scented Cuticle Oil is probably one of the most beautiful beauty products around. The oil comes in a nice glass bottle, and inside the oil there are REAL flowers. Yes real. 

The 3 pack that I have retails for $13.99, that is a fabulous price in my opinion. Each bottle is 1 fluid ounce, so you get 3 fluid ounces for $13.99.

The package has 3 different scents, I’m not sure if the same scents come in every package but mine came with Lilac, Jasmine and Honeysuckle. 

The oils smell amazing, like fresh cut flowers. 

I use the Island Girl Hawaii Scented Cuticle Oil every time I paint my nails. Sometimes I use it alone when i feel like my cuticles need some extra nourishment. The oil really helps nourish my cuticles and I think they’ve improved the condition of my nails as well. 

I love the Island Girl Hawaii Scented Cuticle Oils and recommend picking some up if you are in Hawaii or you can find them on the ABC Stores website. 

The post Island Girl Hawaii Scented Cuticle Oil Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Palmers recently came out with a cleansing oil for the face. I’ve never used a cleansing oil before this because they just seem like more work than a regular cleanser. I decided to give the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil a go and was pleasantly surprised.

Typically I remove my eye makeup with eye makeup remover and then I use a facial cleansing wipe to remove my foundation. Then after that, I use whatever cleanser I’m using at the moment to remove the rest and cleanse my face.

I decided to skip all my cleansing steps and use the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil alone to see how it performed. I couldn’t believe how easily the cleanser removed my eye makeup remover. I’ve never found a remover that will remove all my eye makeup completely. I’ve tried drugstore ones, high-end ones and no matter what I do I’m always left with some black under my eyes. The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil took off all my eye makeup. I was amazed! I didn’t have to stand there and rub my eyes for five minutes and use up a pile of cotton pads. Plus, the next morning when I took a shower I didn’t wake up with black under my eyes. YAY!

The cleansing oil rinses off my face after only about 3-4 splashes of water. My skin feels silky and smooth every time I use it. There isn’t any residue left behind after using it.

After I used the cleansing oil for the very first time I did a test and took a facial cleansing wipe and wiped my face down to see if there was any foundation left. To my surprise there was none, the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil removed all my makeup in one go.

The only thing that I didn’t like about the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil for the Face is that it has a strong Rose Hip Oil scent. I’m used to it now, but when I first started using it the scent was overbearing. You can even taste it if you get some on your lips, which is bound to happen.

Did it Cause Breakouts?

I have combination skin, I’m more oily in the t-zone. Plus my skin tends to be more oily in the summer and is typically drier in the winter. It’s summer right now and I’ve been using the cleansing oil for over a month and haven’t had any abnormal breakouts. I had a hormonal breakout, but that is normal for me and has nothing to do with my skincare routine. So no, I haven’t had any breakouts caused by the cleansing oil. It claims that it is for all skin types and that it won’t clog pores.

How to Use the Cleansing Oil

Apply Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil to your dry face with damp hands. Massage it gently into the skin and emulsify with water. Close your eyes to remove your eye makeup and then rinse with water.

What Oils are in the Cleansing Oil?

The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil contains Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C. It is ophthalmologist tested and won’t clog pores. It’s Mineral Oil-Free, Sulfate-Free, and Paraben-Free. Palmer’s is also against animal testing for those who love furry creatures. 🙂

How Much Does it Cost?

The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil retails for $9.00 for 190 ml. You can find Palmer’s products Wal-Mart (that is where I always purchase mine) and similar stores.

Final Thoughts

I really like the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil and will probably purchase it again for my nighttime cleanser. It works well, it’s inexpensive and the bottle lasts a long time. Also, I will save a lot of money on expensive eye makeup removers and facial cleansing wipes by just using this one product to remove my makeup.

I have been using the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil along with the Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil for the Face so stay tuned for a possible review on that in the future. I haven’t been using the oil long enough to give an honest review. I like to use skin care for a long period of time before doing a review.

Do you use cleansing oils? What one is your favourite?

The post Review of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil Face appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I have a similar problem with tangles today, although it’s not as bad as it used to be. You probably wouldn’t know by looking at my hair but I used to have full-on ringlets. Then my hair turned curly, then it changed to wavy. And today my hair is fairly straight, with a few wavy spots that frame my face. 

Even though my hair is fairly straight I still struggle with tangles, especially when it is wet. My hair is also prone to breakage as I get blonde highlights put in about 3 times a year. My hairs very long as well, goes down to the top of my ass. I use a ton of conditioner and hair treatments to keep my hair silky smooth but I still end up up with tangles after a shower. My hair has been getting more thin as I age and I’m noticing that it’s been tangling up more as well. I’ve tried several different combs and brushes but have finally settled on one that I love, the Wet Brush.

I discovered the Wet Brush a few years ago when I was at the hair salon getting some highlights put in while living in Oklahoma. It was always windy in Oklahoma so my hair was always in shambles. After washing my hair the hair dresser pulled out the Wet Brush and brushed through my hair like it was nothing. I was like WOW?! And told her I’ve never been able to brush my hair that easily. She told me it was a special brush called the “Wet Brush” and said it was pretty awesome. 

Immediately after that appointment I googled “The Wet Brush” and expected the brush to be some $100 miracle brush but it was only $9.99. I went ahead and ordered the Wet Brush Standard and Squirt Combo, it came with a full-size Wet Brush and a mini one. I wanted the mini one to keep on our boat. 

I use my Wet Brush every day, I even use it on my dry hair. It’s become my full-time hairbrush. I absolutely love it! You need a Wet Brush in your life too! Not only does it make your hair easier to brush out, but it helps prevent breakage. It’s very easy to damage and break hair if you brush it while it’s wet.

You can get a Wet Brush for under $10 on their website. They always have sales too. You can usually find the Wet Brush at hair salons too and I even saw it at Sally Beauty Supply last week. I actually just ordered a new one and received it already in the mail. I purchased the Naturals Wet Brush, as my old pink one was hurting. I travel so much so the bristles on my hair brushes always get bent and ruined. They have all sorts of colours and styles on their website so I’m sure you can find a brush that suits you.  

Once we find a new place to live I’m probably going to order their paddle brush too. That will be great for blow-drying my hair. I already used my Original Wet Brush to blow dry my hair but want a paddle brush too. I’d also like to get the Pop Fold brush for traveling. What can I say? I love anything to do with hair. 

If you don’t have one already then I suggest getting yourself a wet brush and if you have kids, get one for them too. Even if you don’t have tangle-prone hair you should use one as it’s very easy to damage your hair if you brush it while it is wet. The Wet Brush really does help prevent breakage and eliminate pain while brushing. 

Do you own a Wet Brush?

The post Best Hair Brush for My Long, Tangle-Prone Hair appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

If you want to learn more about Lisap, you can check out my other blog post here where I go into more depth about the company. 

The products I have are…

• Lisap Hair & Body After Sun Shampoo – Retails for $18.95
• Lisap After Sun Mask – Retails for $20.95
• Lisap After Sun Body Milk – Retails for $26.50

I took the products with me to Hawaii, even though they aren’t travel sized. I just thought it would be the best way to test them. What better way to test a summer hair care line? 

First off… I LOVE the packaging. The colours scream summer to me. 

I think the line smells very similar to their Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System. Because I’m horrible at describing scents I’m just going to tell you that it has notes of bergamot (my favourite), mandarin (also love), white amber, tonka beans (yes!), heady salty flowers, jasmine and orange blossom. 

The Lisap Summer Care Line is formulated for anyone who desires healthy, glossy hair that withstands the effects of the sun and also wants to have hydrated skin. Perfect for me and for summer vacations.

Their formula is Paraben and Silicon free and is enriched with Babassu Oil, Extract of Pomegranate and Aloe Vera to cleanse, moisturize and protect both hair and skin. Also I just want to note that the body milk is not Silicone free. 

I found myself washing my hair more often while in Hawaii because I’d look like a hot mess by the end of each day. I typically wash my hair every other day. But was washing it daily while in Hawaii. The shampoo and conditioner didn’t strip my hair with my excessive washing. It actually made my hair feel great!

Lisap Summer Care Hair and Body gives my hair a lot of volume. I’d say it’s the most voluminous line that I’ve ever tried. I was very surprised by the effect as it doesn’t claim to give your hair volume. 

I really like the Summer Care Line and would purchase it myself in the future. It makes my hair feel clean, moisturized and doesn’t weigh it down. My hair has become more thin over the years and it’s important to me to use products that don’t weigh down my hair. 

I also enjoyed using the Lisap After Sun Body Milk. It soothed my skin after excess sun exposure while in Hawaii. I used it every evening after spending the day in the sun and my skin stayed hydrated. Although I do really like the Body Milk, I wouldn’t purchase it myself. At $26.50, it’s way more than I’d ever spend on a moisturizer. My all-time favourite lotion is the very inexpensive Palmers Cocoa Butter which I use daily and always apply it after spending time in the sun.

I wasn’t sent the Lisap Sun Protective Oil Spray so can’t tell you how that product preformed. But if it’s anything like the other products then it’s probably great!

Overall I really enjoy the Lisap Summer Care Line and am still using it up right now. I think I actually prefer it over my Redken All Soft, which is what I was using before trying the Lisap line. I recommend trying it if you can get your hands on it. It’s hard to find as it’s only available in select salons. Hopefully one day they will sell their products online. 

What’s your favourite hair care line?

I’m almost out of this line and would love to try something new as Lisap isn’t available near me.

Let me know in the comments below. 

** I was sent the Lisap Summer Care line to try out. I was not paid to write this post and decided to share the products with you because I truly love them. 

The post Lisap Summer Care Hair and Body Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I try not to review products that I don’t like as my blog is called “I’m Loving This”, but there are so many products that I dislike and feel like people should hear about them as well. I do have an entire page with mini reviews of products that let me down if you are interested. 

The TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Line claims to rewrite the rules of voluminous hair by reversing the traditional haircare routine. TRESemmé says that when you use conditioner after your shampoo it weighs down hair and leaves it flat. With this line you condition first to soften the hair and shampoo second to wash away the weight. It says that your hair will be left smooth, polished and full of bounce. 

I was intrigued by the idea as I’ve never used a reverse system like this and I’m always looking for ways to add volume to my hair. 

I have three products in the line… 

• TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner
• TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Shampoo
• TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Hair Maximizer

TRESemmé products are very affordable and I use them occasionally. One of my favourite shampoos and conditioners were the Thermal Recovery ones, which they discontinued. I believe they replaced it with the Keratin Smooth line, which isn’t as good. 🙁  I hate when companies discontinue something I love. 

I found it very strange using the TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner first. It just didn’t feel right. My scalp didn’t feel clean, like you know that refreshing feeling you get when you shampoo your hair. I didn’t get that initially, and I didn’t like it. It says to only use 2-3 pumps, but I needed like 6 or more with my long hair. The conditioner bottle is quite a bit smaller than the shampoo bottle. Why do they always do that? I always use much more conditioner than shampoo. Anyways, my hair did feel smooth after rinsing out the conditioner, but that didn’t last long.

Next I used the TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Shampoo. It then felt like I was actually cleaning my hair and it seemed normal. BUT, my hair didn’t feel conditioned after. My hair turned into a complete rat’s nest. And this happened every time I used this line. The shampoo really stripped my hair, it was pretty horrible actually. 

Once my hair was towel dried I’d apply the TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Hair Maximizer throughout my hair. I forgot to use this product once and I didn’t notice any difference. I don’t really see the point of this product. 

The TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Hair line made my hair difficult to brush out both wet and dry, even when using my trusty Wet Brush. I tried using the three products together a few times to see what I thought about the line. But after my initial impressions were made I always had to put quite a few products in my hair to get it back to it’s normal state whenever I used the line. I’ve stopped using it now, it’s just not worth it to me. 

I didn’t notice any volume added from using the TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Line. All I noticed was that my hair tangled up a lot more. Maybe that is how it gives volume, cause your hairs all tangled and frizzy.

Pros: The line smells good, but I found all the products to have a different scent. The shampoo, smells like green apples. Not sure if it’s just me? The only other pro is that this line is affordable. 

I do not recommend this line, imagine what it would do to curly hair?! Yikes! Maybe I just had a bad experience with it? I don’t know? I find it hard to believe that a huge company like TRESemmé would release such a horrible product. It must have worked for someone right? 

Have you tried the TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Hair line? Did it work for you? 

The post TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Line Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

The Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask is inspired by pampering and relaxing ingredients known to hydrate and condition the hair. It’s paraben free, mineral oil free and made in Thailand. 

The product retails for $11.99 at Target but I always see it on sale for buy one get one. You get 180 grams of product. I will warn you now… Don’t do what I did and buy the entire line because of the buy one get one. I didn’t like the shampoo and conditioner and am still struggling to use up the bottles… 

I use the Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask about once a week. I just use it along with whatever shampoo I feel like using that day. I usually just leave it on while I shave and wash my body. You could leave it on even longer for a deep conditioning treatment.

The hair mask smells really nice. I assume it smells like honey and apricot as that is what it says it smells like, but I can’t confirm as I don’t eat either of those things. 

After I wash the Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask out, my hair feels so silky and smooth and less tangled. After I dry my hair it still feels soft and looks healthy. The scent lingers all day, which I enjoy. I don’t find that the mask weighs down my hair at all. 

I highlight my hair and the ends get pretty dry at times if I go too long without a cut. The Clairol mask really helps moisturize my dry, blonde hair. I have oily roots as well, and I don’t find that this product increases the oil at all. It’s well balanced.

The only thing I dislike about the Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask is how quick I go through it. I wish the bottle was larger so I didn’t have to repurchase it so often. 

I really enjoy the Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask and will continue using it unless something better comes along. I recommend picking it up if you see it in stores. I’ve only ever seen it in Target, but haven’t really looked around for it as I always grab it at Target anytime I’m there. I even bring this product back to Canada with me. I’m actually on my last bottle now so will have to restock when I go back to the states. Speaking of traveling, this bottle travels very well. 🙂

What’s your favourite hair mask?

The post Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I shave every single day and have always been intrigued by the idea of laser hair removal. It’s probably something in the back of every girl’s mind. Who wants to waste their time shaving every single day?

Life is too short to waste it shaving. 

I was given the opportunity to try laser hair removal at NuAGE Laser in Vancouver. I was ecstatic to learn more about the procedure and see how it all worked. 

I went into NuAGE Laser to meet with Ellie, the owner for a consultation and possible treatment if I was ready.

Ellie was/is great and explained the whole process in depth. Including how our hair grows, the different types of lasers and what I could expect. I decided I would go ahead with the laser hair removal. Why would anyone say no? Ellie has been a laser technician for 11 years and I felt extremely comfortable letting her treat me.

Ellie gave me a white wrap type gown to put on and I removed my clothes and laid down. We were planning on doing my underarms and bikini area if I felt comfortable with the laser. 

We started with my under arms and would see how I felt before moving on. Ellie started the laser on the lowest setting to test my pain level and then adjusted it accordingly.

I didn’t even feel anything on the first level. So she turned it up a bit, I didn’t really feel anything on that level either. So she turned it up more…

I didn’t really feel anything again, it was a breeze.

The only time I felt something was when she was doing an area where the hair was more coarse. But it was very minor. If I did feel anything it kinda felt like when you get that static shock when you touch something. It lasts for less than a second so I didn’t ever really notice or have time to process it. It was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. Ellie said I did great for a first timer, so maybe it was just me that didn’t feel anything… 

I got my underarms and a full brazilian done. The entire appointment took less than an hour and that included my consultation which was around 20-30 minutes. 

Ellie was very personable and easy to talk to. I didn’t feel awkward at all while she was lasering me in places only my boyfriend visits. 

I was very pleased with my appointment and already feel like I’m addicted to the process even though I won’t see any results for 2 weeks. It takes about 2 weeks for the hairs to push out from where they have been lasered off. 

I am due back in 4 weeks for my second treatment. You need to do about 6-8 treatments to see full results. Ellie explains why during the free consultation so I suggest going in for one if you’d like to learn all about laser hair removal. Basically, your hairs grow in three cycles. The laser only gets the hairs that are currently active. So since the hairs aren’t all active you have to treat the hairs at different times. Once you get the initial 6-8 treatments Ellie recommends going back once a year to get any new hairs that appear over time. 

NuAGE Laser has several different lasers to treat a variety of skin types. If you are interested in laser hair removal then book a free consultation with Ellie.

If you visit NuAGE Laser, make sure to mention my name, Danielle Beauchemin and we will both get a $50 gift certificate towards treatment. 

NuAGE Laser has a ton of awesome promotions for their customers. They have a loyalty program where you receive all sorts of different perks such as after 6 sessions you get your 7th for free. They also offer financing so you don’t have to break the bank. It’s 0% financing too for 6,10 and 12 months. Make sure to check NuAGE Laser’s website for current promos as they do have a promotions tab. 

Just so you know, NuAGE Laser isn’t limited to laser hair removal. They offer other laser treatments such as for dark spots, acne scars, vein therapy, skin tightening etc. I’m very interested in trying out their skin care laser treatments. I have a few scars on my face from breakouts that I’d like to never see again. I plan to talk to Ellie about it during my next treatment. 

This was my first experience ever with laser hair removal and it was a great experience! I will be keeping you updated during my journey of laser hair removal. I think I’m already addicted even though I haven’t seen the results just yet haha. 

Have you ever tried laser hair removal? What kind of results did you see? 

Quick Update

It’s only been 6 days since my first treatment and I’m already shaving less. I can skip a day shaving my under arms and bikini area which has never been something I’ve been able to do. EXCITING! 

I will keep you guys updated throughout my treatments. Follow me on social media to stay updated in real time, you can find my links at the top of the page. 

Don’t forget to mention my name if you visit NuAGE Laser in Vancouver so that we both get $50 gift certificates towards future treatments.

Want an update on my treatments? Click here to read my Laser Hair Removal update.

Get $50 Towards Laser Treatments

Mention my name when you book your first treatment and we’ll both get a $50 gift certificate to use towards any laser treatment. 

Visit NuAGe Laser

The post My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at NuAGE Laser appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Riversol contains the key ingredient, Beta-Thujaplicin, a rare derivative from the Pacific Red Cedar Tree with potent antioxidant, antibiotic and antiinflammatory properties that help…

• Calm sensitivity and irritation
• Reduce visible signs of aging
• Boost resilience
• diminish redness
• create a healthy, flawless complexion

I’ve been using 3 Riversol products for about 3 weeks now and am very pleased with them. The products I have been using are…

• Riversol Soothing Foaming Gel Cleanser
• Riversol Anti-Aging Reparative Serum
• Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream

I’m going to tell you a little bit about each product and what I think of them. 

Riversol Soothing Foaming Gel Cleanser

The Riversol Soothing Foaming Gel Cleanser gently cleans the skin while removing makeup, excess oil and impurities, without stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier.

I use the Riversol cleanser every night to wash my face. It has a slight scent, a natural scent because it’s for sensitive skin there are no perfumes. It doesn’t really foam up, even though it’s called a foaming gel cleanser. It feels really moisturizing on my skin. After I rinse it off it doesn’t leave my face feeling dry or tight. It’s a really nice cleanser, it is gentle and works well. It doesn’t work well with my Clarisonic, thought I’d mention that in case you have one. The Riversol Soothing Foaming Gel Cleanser retails for $39 and you get 8 fl. ounces. 

Riversol Anti-Aging Reparative Serum

The Riversol Anti-Aging Reparative Serum is a powerful youth activating serum designed for sensitive skin. It is infused with pure Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Beta-T that helps transform the skin in as little as 3 weeks. It claims to improve the signs of aging, sun damage, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and the loss of firmness all while brightening the complexion. 

I’ve been using 1 pump of the Riversol Anti-Aging Reparative Serum twice a day, sometimes just at night as I don’t want to get too crazy with moisturizer on my sensitive, breakout prone skin. They actually mention to introduce it slowly if you have sensitive skin. It smells the same as the cleanser, no scent basically. So far I like the serum, I haven’t seen much of a difference yet but it feels nice on my skin. I can really feel my skin soaking it all up when I apply it. As I said, I’ve only been using it for 3 weeks and the results aren’t suppose to be noticeable until about 3 weeks. I usually stay away from serums because most of them break me out. So far no breakouts with this entire line. 🙂 The serum retails for $109 for 2 fl ounces. 

Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream

The Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream is a rich daily moisturizer for sensitive skin, dry skin. It delivers deep hydration and nourishment while shielding skin against moisture loss. It claims to leaves skin silky-soft, bright and radiant. 

I love the Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream! I’ve never used a moisturizer that makes my skin feel so smooth. Everytime I use it I feel my face after because it’s silky smooth. You don’t need much of this moisturizer, it’s thick and a little goes a long way. The scent is the same as the cleanser and serum, scentless but not really cause it just has that “no scent” smell if that even makes sense… 

I’ve been using the Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream morning and night. It leaves a very smooth base for my foundation. It says that this moisturizer is for dry, sensitive skin. I have combo skin and I don’t find that it makes me oily throughout the day or anything. I’m curious to see how it works in the summer when my skin has more oils. I would love to have this moisturizer in a giant bottle for my entire body. The moisturizer retails for $79 for 2 fl ounces. 

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Riversol skin care line. It is a little expensive, but I think their products are wonderful and worth the price tag if you can afford it.

One thing I’m very happy about is that I haven’t broken out once while using Riversol. A lot of serums and moisturizers break me out. I really thought this line would because it’s so rich, but it didn’t So definitely give this line a go if you struggle with that as well. 

Riversol also has a eye repair cream and I’d really like to try that next. I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect eye cream for a long time. I have added it to my list of beauty products I want to try. I will let you know what I think of it if I buy it in the future. 

What skin care line are you currently using? 

You can purchase Riversol Skin Care on their website or at high-end boutiques in Canada.

The post Riversol Skin Care Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

This time I was sent three products from L’Oreal’s Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil line. I didn’t have high hopes for them as I’ve never been fond of L’Oreal hair products. But I was pleasantly surprised by this line. 🙂

In my VoxBox I received… 

• L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Shampoo
• L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Conditioner
• L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Hair Serum

If you didn’t know by now, I’m a hair product junkie. I always seem to have about 15-20 different shampoos/conditioners on the go. My boyfriend thinks I’m crazy and doesn’t really like that I fill up the shower with so many things… I should really get some more reviews written up about hair products since I’m so into it. I just have a hard time writing a whole blog post about a shampoo. Anyways, let me get onto what I think of these new products…

The L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil products are formulated for silkier, softer, more lustrous hair. They say that the products will eliminate dryness in just 1 wash. The products contain 6 lightweight oils…

• Argan
• Chamomile
• Coconut
• Amla
• Soja
• Sunflower

The line is very affordable, the shampoo and conditioner are about $5 at Wal-Mart. The hair oil is about $7 I believe, which is a steal. 

The L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil line smells great! The scent reminds me of the Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask which I’m a big fan of and always keep in my shower. I’m not even going to try and describe the scent cause I’m horrible at that, just smell it next time you are at the store. I find that the scent lingers in my hair throughout the day which is nice.

The shampoo lathers really well, don’t need to use much of it. I use about the same amount of conditioner as usual. The conditioner leaves my hair feeling very soft and smooth after I rinse it out, which is always a good sign because my hair tangles like crazy.

The L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Hair Serum is alright, I wasn’t expecting much. I find myself reaching for it even when I’m using other brands of shampoo/conditioner. You don’t need much of the oil, like most oils, if you overdo it you’ll be a grease ball. I still prefer my Orofluido hair oil. But the L’Oreal one is a very good drugstore brand hair oil and I’d recommend it if you are looking for a less-expensive oil that works. It gives my hair added shine and smooths down hair which can get frizzy. It does what it claims. 

Overall, I really like this line and I’d purchase it myself in the future. It really does what it claims and leaves my hair feeling extremely soft and smooth. I recommend trying it out if you are looking for something new, my brother’s girlfriend even bought it when she smelled my bottles.

If you try it let me know what you think of it in the comments below. 

The post L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Line Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Some breakfasts that I ate in the past are…

• Activia yogurt with berries and granola. (Activia seems to be the only brand I like and it’s hard to find in the USA for some reason)
• Boiled egg, yogurt, apple or banana
• poached egg and toast with a piece of fruit

The breakfasts I listed above never really filled me up for long.  I’m also trying to cut eggs out of my diet as much as possible cause they don’t make me feel the greatest. Plus I’m trying to eat more “natural” and cut down on the bread.

I’ve never enjoyed oatmeal, I find it disgusting. The texture, the taste, everything about it. When I first made this breakfast I bought a canister of organic rolled oats. I cooked them up and couldn’t even finish the bowl. The texture was just too much for me. Into the garbage it went.

I did some googling and found out that steel cut oats are the way to go. So I went to the store and spent $9 on a small bag of organic steel cut oats… Wasn’t happy about that, but it’s expensive to live in Canada. 

I recreated my recipe with the steel cut oats and I was pleased with the end result. It wasn’t all mushy and it tasted really good. It keeps me full for quite awhile, no snacks needed before lunch, although I’m not really a snacker.

I’ve been making this same breakfast all week and hope that I don’t get sick of it anytime soon. Does anyone else get sick of breakfast meals and need a change every few weeks? At least with the oatmeal I can customize it and rotate in different fruits and nuts and hopefully change the taste quite a bit. 

Anyways, enough of my rambling, here’s the recipe for my healthy, organic oatmeal bowl…

Delicious and Healthy Oatmeal Recipe 

This recipe makes enough to fill me up, but feel free to adjust it to your needs

• 1 cup of water
• 1/3 cup of organic steel cut oats (I used Bob’s Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats)
• dash of organic pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon
• allspice (optional)
• 1 organic apple
• handful of organic blueberries
• small handful pecans
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions:

These directions are more of a guideline, you can customize this completely to your own liking. 

Cook your steel cut oats as per the directions on the package. The ones I have say 3 parts water 1 part oats so that is what I did. I cook mine on the stove for about 10-12 minutes, cook them to your desired texture. While they are cooking you can prepare your fruit. Once they are cooked I pour the oats into a fine mesh strainer because I don’t like them to have any extra liquid. Once drained, I put them back into the original pot and pour in a small amount of organic pure maple syrup. Then I dump in a pile of cinnamon, I LOVE cinnamon so add as much or as little as you like. I probably add around 2 tablespoons to mine… Sometimes I also add some allspice if I remember.  Mix that all up and pour it into your bowl. 

Add the cut up apple along with the blueberries and pecans to the bowl. Top with a tablespoon or so or chia seeds. Mix and enjoy.

Let me know what you think in the comments below. If you try the recipe I’d love to see a picture so tweet it to me on Twitter, @ImLovingThis, share it on my Facebook Page or tag me on Instagram @ImLovingThis.

What’s your go-to healthy breakfast? 

The post Delicious Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product claims to be a miracle product that does 10 things instantly… 

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product (original)

1. Repairs, dry, damaged hair
2. Adds shine
3. Detangles
4. Controls frizz
5. Seals & protects hair color
6. Prevents split ends
7. Stops hair breakage
8. Creates silkiness
9. Enchances natural body
10. Flat iron spray & thermal protector

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In for Blondes

1. Tones hair
2. Enhances brilliance
3. Reduces fading/extends vibrancy
4. Adds shine & restores moisture
5. Restores elasticity & strength
6. Detangles and defrizzes
7. Seals the cuticle
8. Thermal protector
9. UV protectant
10. Designed for all blondes

The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is expensive. In the USA it is $18 for 4 fl ounces and $36 for 10 fl ounces.

What I think of It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product…

I will warn you right now… this is going to be a negative post.

I instantly hated the it’s a It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product because of the scent. I have no idea why people love the scent, it’s awful in my opinion. The scent of the blonde one is just as bad as the original. I rarely ever use either version because of their scent.

The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product doesn’t really do anything for my hair. It doesn’t leave it soft or frizz-free. I actually feel like it leaves a residue in my hair and weighs it down. I tried using less, more and was never happy with the result. Plus the scent is unbearable and it lingers ALL day. I assume the thermal protection in both of the versions work, but I’d never know the difference. I much rather use a few products than just this one single product. I don’t like it, it was a waste of my money. 

I just don’t understand the hype. 

Why do people like the it’s a It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product? Explain… please. 

I don’t find the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In for Blondes version to be much different than the original. It has a slight purple tinge to it, I assume to help tone blonde hair. Not sure if it has enough to actually make a difference or not. I find the formula to be thicker than the original one and it’s difficult to spray out of the bottle.

The last benefit of the blonde version makes me roll my eyes because it says… ‘designed for all blondes’. Is that really a benefit? I guess it is, but it doesn’t really fit with the other benefits. I also feel like benefit 1, 2 and 3 are basically the same. So it should be called It’s a 7 Miracle Leave-In for Blondes. 

I will admit, I haven’t used either of these products on a regular basis because I can’t handle the scent. Plus it’s hard for me to use something continuously that I don’t enjoy.

The only benefit to these products for me is that they are an all-in-one so they have been packed in my luggage quite a few times. I honestly don’t know why I bring either of them along because I dislike them. When packing I tell myself it’s a way to bring less products. But then I end up bringing my favourite products too because I dislike the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product so much. 

Like I said, I don’t understand the hype around this product. It confuses me. It makes me wonder what other products people have tried? Maybe this is the first time they used a product in their hair? That must be the reason, right? I even like the $3.99 Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner Spray more than the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product.

Have you ever used the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product for Blondes or the original? Let me know what you think of it. 

Also, please share your favourite hair treatments, because you all know I have an obsession with hair products. 

The post It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

The NYX Eyebrow Gel claims to be…

• Waterproof
• Long-lasting
• Smudge-proof

The NYX Eyebrow Gel lives up to all three of it’s claims. 

It doesn’t take much product to fill in my eyebrows. I just squeeze a small amount onto the top of my hand and apply it with an angled brush. The gel dries quickly, so make sure you work fast. I never use all of what I squeeze out of the tube but I don’t mind wasting a little bit as the product is fairly inexpensive. Once I’m done filling in my brows I’m quick to wipe the excess off my hand. It can be a bit tricky to remove because the product is waterproof and smudge-proof. You might want to consider using a piece of plastic instead of the back your hand, cause it can be a pain to remove. 

It only takes a few seconds to achieve full, defined brows.

I love using the NYX Eyebrow Gel to fill in my brows. The product applies smoothly and looks natural. It is easy to overdo it, you don’t need much so be careful when you first use the gel. It’s build-able so start with a little and add more. 

The blonde shade matches perfect with my ashy toned brows. If you have true blonde brows then the shade would probably be too dark for you. 

The product lasts all day, it outlasts all the other makeup I apply. It’s truly amazing how well the NYX Eyebrow Gel stays put! You could probably go swimming with the stuff on, although I haven’t tried it yet. I have been out in the rain in it and it didn’t budge.

I highly recommend trying the NYX Eyebrow Gel. It retails for $7.00 for 10 ml on their website but I paid less than that. I think I ordered it when it was buy one get one, so watch for sales. 

Do you fill in your brows?

What’s your go to product?

Let me know in the comments below. 

The post NYX Eyebrow Gel Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I was contacted and asked if I wanted to try the Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System. So as you can image, I said I’d love to. I received the system over a month ago and have been using it regularly since. I’ve come to the end of the bottles so it’s time for a review. 

See what my hair currently looks like on my Instagram.

About Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System

The Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System is a 4-step hair reconstruction system for all hair types. It is a conditioning treatment created for seriously out-of-condition and damaged hair. It nourishes the hair structure from cortex to cuticle, restores body, elasticity and strength. It also provides an anti-aging effect to give hair softness and shine. 

 “The Lisap Easy Build collection was developed as the original Botox for hair,” said Robert Baggio, vice-president Lisap Canada. Lisap products don’t contain contaminants that can be harmful to you, or the environment. The Easy Build Collection retails for approximately $67.00.

The system includes…

Lisap Easy Build 1 Chelating Shampoo. Easy Build 1 is formulated to create synergy between the active ingredients, amino acids, keratin and vitamins to treat the most damaged parts of the hair, leaving it glossy and perfectly manageable. 

Lisap Easy Build 2 Polymeric Reconstructor.

The second step rebuilds the keratin structures internally from deep within the hair shaft. Its formula contains creatine, wheat amino acids and soya proteins that leave the hair looking healthier, glossier and stronger.  

Lisap Easy Build 3 Moisturizing Microemulsion. The red and black marine algae extract formula reinforce and reconstruct the hair fibre internally and externally.  The third step restores vitality and elasticity, giving hair increased body without adding weight.  

Lisap Easy Build 4 Revitalizing Spray. The final step completes the reconstructive treatment by effectively rebuilding the external layers of the hair, preventing split ends and leaving hair feeling like silk.  Additionally, the hydrolyzed proteins, creatine and heat resistant substances moisturize the hair, protecting it from heat and making handling easier and styling longer lasting. 

About the Company, Lisap

Lisap is a family owned business and creates all of its products using the finest and gentlest ingredients in formulations designed to restore the hair’s natural balance and beauty. All Lisap products are dermatologically tested and manufactured in Milan, Italy. Lisap and has been offering quality hair care products for almost 60 years and sells to salons in more than 50 countries. 

How to Use the Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System

I wasn’t too sure how to use the system correctly when I received it. Some of the bottles were in Italian so I didn’t understand the directions. I contacted the company to get the directions.  

1 – Apply Easy Build (1) and massage gently.  Leave for a few minutes, rinse thoroughly with water and repeat application. Rinse and pat dry using a towel to remove excess water. 

2 – Apply Easy Build (2) with a brush, working section by section, massage in the product, wrap with the special towel turban and place under a source of heat (like a lamp) for 10 minutes, then leave to cool for a further 2 minutes. 

3 – Rinse thoroughly with water and apply Easy Build (3), leave on for 2 minutes, and rinse. 

4 – Apply Easy Build (4) on the hair, section by section, before styling: do not rinse.

My Thoughts on the Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System

First off, we all seem to be busy these days and are always looking for ways to speed up our routines, so using a 4-step system might not be ideal for everyone. I found myself not following the directions quite often to save time. Also, step 2 says to wrap your hair in the “special towel turban” which I never received.

I would wash my hair with the shampoo, rinse. Then would apply the Easy Build #2 and leave it on while I shaved and washed my body. Then I would rinse that off and apply Easy Build #3, wash my face and stand there for a minute or so and then rinse again.

I would apply the final product, Easy Build #4 on my damp towel-dried hair before blowdrying. I had to be careful with the final step because sometimes I’d over-spray and my hair would be sticky or a little greasy looking. 

The Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System has a light scent, I can’t really describe it. I think it smells like chocolate, but I don’t know if that is accurate…

It’s hard to tell but I do think that my hair looks more voluminous when using the Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System. My hair feels soft and smooth, but really no more than my Redken All Soft, which I was using before this. 

I did notice that it makes my hair more tangly. Especially when it is wet. I wonder if that has something to do with the “botox” effect. It does make my hair look more voluminous and textured. So maybe that is why it prone to tangling.

I would recommend this hair line for someone that wants more volume in their hair. I think it performs better than any other “volume” hair lines that I’ve tried. 

I personally don’t think I would purchase this line just due to the price point. I find it a little expensive at $67, although you get 4 bottles of product, which would work out to $16.47 a bottle. Plus I don’t enjoy having to do the 3 steps in the shower. I rather just do my shampoo and conditioner and then a deep treatment once a week. 

If you want to see what my hair looks like you can see pictures on my Instagram. 

What’s your favourite shampoo/conditioner to use?

The post Lisap Easy Build Hair Reconstruction System Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I wanted a rustic looking headboard as I’ve always liked that style. We went to a reclaimed wood place on the river but they wouldn’t be able to cut us any wood for at least 4 weeks. So that option was out of the question, off to Home Depot we went…

I wanted to do it fairly inexpensively but didn’t want it to look too cheap. We decided to pick out some pieces of pine as it has character. If you are on a smaller budget you could use just plain 2×4’s or 2×6’s. We decided on 5 pieces, cause I wanted it to be able to see it over my pillows and also take up some wall space.

We also picked up a plastic drop sheet to cover the garage floor, some screws, sanding sponge, gloves and two foam brushes. I had to buy two huge boxes of screws cause I didn’t have any but you might have some on hand that you can use.

I had to decide on a stain for the wood and went with Minwax Wood Finish in Jacobean. I think the colour worked out beautifully, and glad my boyfriend suggested the colour to me.

DIY Headboard Supply List

5 – 1 x 6 x 6 –  pine – $4.61 each – $23.05 total

2 – 1 x 3 x 8 – framing wood – $2.48 each – $4.96

1 qt can of the stain of your choice (I used Minwax Wood Finish Jacobean) – $8.57

1 – 2″ foam brush – $0.98

1 – Sanding sponge, extra fine 220 – $3.97

20 – 6 x 1-1/4 drywall screws – $3.09 for a box of 100 – $0.62 total

2 – 4 6 x 2 drywall screws (optional if you want to screw it into your wall) – $4.98 box of 100  – $0.10 total

gloves (optional but recommended) – $2.77 for package of 10 – $0.55 for two

1 – plastic drop sheet (optional but recommended) – $2.77

an old rag

$45.57 CAD total used in supplies

How we built the rustic headboard

We were building the headboard for a queen bed, so make sure to measure according to your mattress.

First we cut the 6 footers of pine down to 5 1/2 feet. We made them hang a few inches over both sides of the bed.

Next we sanded the two edges of each piece slightly just to smooth them out. Don’t over sand as you want it to look rustic, not fabricated in a factory.

We then put the chopped off pieces onto the floor and laid the pieces of pine across them so we could stain them. It is easier to stain the edges when they are propped up on the floor.

We took the stain and brushed one coat onto the pine wood with the foam brush.

Then we wiped it off with a old rag. Sorry the pictures are crap the lighting was horrible in the garage and it was raining outside.

After that we waited for it to dry completely. It actually took a few days because it was so damp, I was so anxious to put it together.

Once it was dry, it was time to sand. I let my boyfriend do most of the work as he knows what I like and is good at this kinda of stuff. He sanded down the edges of the wood to give it a ‘worn’ look. He also did the edges, length wise, just slightly. Continue sanding until you get your desired looked.

Once we were done sanding we turned the pieces over to the back side to mount them together. 😀

We had to cut down the 1 x 3 x 8’s to our desired height which was around 5 feet. You have to figure out how high you want it in order to make the cuts. Each headboard will have different measurements depending on the bed. I wanted the headboard to start right above my mattress.

Once you cut down the “stand” pieces it’s time to start screwing. We screwed in from the back so no screws would show. We put in 4 screws per plank for a total of 20. I wanted a slight gap in between each piece of wood. To measure the gaps between each piece we used the handle of the foam brush. It worked perfectly.

Now that the headboard is complete it’s time to mount it to the wall. This part is optional. You could also mount it to your bed frame. We just screwed in one screw on each supporting piece into the wall with the 6 x 2 drywall screws. You could do four if you want but two worked for me. You can always add more later. Less holes in the wall, the better.

I was so happy with my headboard! It was quite easy to make and inexpensive. I’ve seen headboards of a similar style for $200-$300. No one can tell that we made my headboard for under $50. I’m absolutely in love with it! 😀

Now time to upgrade the linens…

Want to do it for less? There are several ways you could make this project even more inexpensive

Ways to make the project less expensive

• Purchase only the screws you require. I bought 2 boxes of 100 when my project only required 22 screws.
• Use different wood such as standard 2 x 4’s or 2 x 6’s.
• Use one less plank of wood for a total of 4
• Don’t stain your wood, or use stain you have on hand.

Here is the supply list for the headboard again for you without the pricing breakdown. 

• 5 – 1 x 6 x 6 –  pine
• 2 – 1 x 3 x 8 – framing wood
• 1 qt can of the stain of your choice (I used Minwax Wood Finish Jacobean)
• 1 – 2″ foam brush
• 1 – Sanding sponge, extra fine 220
• 20 – 6 x 1-1/4 drywall screws
• 2 – 4 6 x 2 drywall screws (optional if you want to screw it into your wall)
• gloves (optional but recommended) – $2.77 for package of 10 – $0.55 for two
• 1 – plastic drop sheet (optional but recommended) – $2.77
• an old rag

If you re-create this headboard make sure to tweet me, post it on my Facebook Page so I can see. 😀

The post DIY Rustic Headboard for under $50 Canadian appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I usually try to wear my gel shellac manicure for as long as I can, one time it lasted over 3 weeks long. Although it grew out quite a bit it didn’t chip.  

The worst part about the whole gel shellac manicure is removing it. It’s really bad to peel it off as it could pull layers of your nail off with it. So please don’t do that. I never have because my nails are already so fragile as is. They constantly peel and I’ve tried everything to make them stronger. 

Here is how I remove my gel shellac manicures

First off you need…

• Pure Acetone (I usually pick it up at Sally Beauty Supply)
• Cotton rounds
• Tin foil
• Cuticle pusher
• Nail file

Take the nail file and file the bed of your nails to try and break the top layer of the shellac. This first step really helps save time later so I recommend not skipping it. You don’t need to file to much, you should be able to judge it.

I usually cut my cotton rounds into 2-3 pieces, but do whatever works best for you. Take the cotton rounds and soak them with the acetone, place it over the nail and wrap it in tin foil.

Do this to all your fingers. I typically do one hand at a time cause I find it tricky to do both at the same time. 

Oh and look at these awesome clips I found on Amazon while writing this post. They are clips you can use in place of the tin foil. I’m so ordering these next time I place an Amazon order. Does anyone else build up a list until they reach the free shipping point? 

Anyways, back to the instructions…

Wait about 10 minutes, sometimes 15 and then remove the tin foil and cotton rounds. I usually remove one and see how it looks and judge it that way. 

You should see the shellac lifting off your nails, if it isn’t lifted then you probably didn’t file enough, leave it long enough or didn’t put enough acetone on. You might have to do it again.

I then take my cuticle pusher and gently push the polish off, don’t me rough as you will damage your nails.

After the polish is all off I wash my hands and apply lotion or oil to replenish my nails with moisture. My nails typically look like shit after as you can see in the photo above. It really shows all the damage done by the manicure. My nails are long in this picture, they never grow that long without the shellac overtop. They look long there but are extremely weak and most of them crumbled away by the next day. 🙁 

If you have weak nails like me then you may also want to apply OPI Nail Envy. I usually wait a few days or a week to do it so my nails have time to breathe. It’s a miracle worker! Highly recommend it!

How do you remove your gel shellac manicures? Do you go to the salon? Or do you have another trick for at-home removal? 

Also, if you have weak nails like me I’d love to know how you treat them. 🙂 

The post How to Remove Gel Shellac Manicures at Home appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

It’s very inexpensive on Amazon, less than $10. You can also find it at Ulta for $12.99. I purchased the “dark” version as I like a dark tan, but they also have “medium” for those with lighter skin or for those that don’t want a dramatic tan.

You get 200 ml of product, which is decent and the bottle does last quite some time. 

I applied the St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse using a tanning mitt. Any tanning mitt will do, they do have their own mitt as well you can use.

When I first used the St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse I was impressed, but that didn’t last long. It goes on evenly and doesn’t have too strong of a smell. 

The tanning mousse tint leans a little green to me. I didn’t really like that about it. You can even see the green once some of the mousse dries onto the bottle. 

I also noticed that the tan would wear off unevenly. I’d end up being patchy about 2-3 days in. Once the tan started to fade my skin would look flaky due to the way it fades. The tan kind of peeled off like a sunburn. I always exfoliate before I self-tan with my favourite body scrub so I know it wasn’t user error. I wish I took a few pictures of it but I already threw away the bottle. In case you try a crappy self-tanner here are few tips to help with self-tanning screw ups.

I never did finish the bottle of my Instant Self Tanning Mousse because I prefer using the Norvell Self Tanning Mousse. The colour longer than the St. Moriz one and fades evenly.  I always order my Norvell tanner off Amazon around $15. I think it is worth the extra money as it is superior to the St. Moriz tanner.

I’m not sure why the St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse has such great reviews. Maybe because of the price point or maybe it is because the reviewers haven’t ventured out into the self-tanning world?

I recommend you skip the St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse and opt for something better like the Norvel Self Tanning Mousse. I wan’t to do a review on the Norvel tanner but want to take some before and after pictures first. 

What is your favourite self-tanner? 

You might be interested in…

Amber Sun by Norvell Self Tanning Aerosol Review

The post St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

The Palmer’s product I’ve been using for years is their Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion. They’ve come out with several other products over the years and I’ve tried a few of them. I was recently contacted and asked if I wanted to try some of their products for dry winter skin. I jumped at the chance since I’ve been a fan for half of my life.

The products I’m going to be talking about today are…

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula (the original one that I’m a huge fan of)

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Dry Itchy Skin Soothing Oil

I’ve never tried their oils so was excited to see how they performed. I’ve actually never used body oils, but am a big fan of hair oils.

All three of the products have their signature cocoa scent. I enjoy the scent but my boyfriend can’t stand it and hates when I put the lotion on before bed.

Let me tell you my thoughts on each product…

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula

This is a lotion and like I said I’ve been a huge fan of this product for over 15 years. Here’s some information about it…

• Pure Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E
• Provides 24-hour moisture
• Suitable for eczema-prone skin
• Soothes skin after sun exposure
• Fast absorbing
• Softens and relieves skin
• Smoothes marks and scars
• Paraben-free and Phthalate free

What I think…

The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is a favourite of mine, it’s very inexpensive and can be found at your local drugstore. It moisturizes my skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind. My skin has always been soft and I attribute it to my regular use of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. I can’t give any insight into if it fades scars even though I’ve used this product for 15 years. I don’t have many scars and personally, I don’t believe that a lotion can really fade them.

I also really like using this lotion after spending a day out in the sun. It helps put the moisture back into my skin and prevents it from looking dried out.

I never noticed before that this lotion is free of parabens until I examined the bottle for this review. Even more reasons for me to continue using it.

How much can you really say about a lotion? I just know I love it and if you haven’t tried it then you should. Make sure to smell it first at the store to see if the scent is for you.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil

This oil is fairly similar to the lotion. I think it is the same product, just in an oil formula. You can use this on dry skin, or after your shower/bath on damp skin. You can even pour 1-2 capfuls into your bath. I haven’t tried pouring it into my bath as I rarely take baths.

I’ve been using this oil right after the shower and have really been enjoying it. I thought it would be messy but it’s really easy to work into my skin and soaks in very quickly. My legs have been feeling dry because of the weather and as soon as I put this on they feel moisturized and are no longer itchy. It lasts all day and I don’t need to reapply it till I shower again the next day.

If you are looking for a body oil then you should try the Palmer’s one. I really like it and plan on purchasing it in the future along with the lotion. It’s a large size bottle at 250 ml so it will last a while, and it’s only $4.99 for a bottle.

Last but not least is the…

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Itchy Dry Skin Soothing Oil

This product comes in a 150 ml spray bottle for only $5.99. I find the spray bottle kind of hard for me to use but maybe I’ll get better at it as I use it more. To me, the oil feels the exact same as the last product I talked about. It relieves my itchy, dry legs instantly.

This oil is formulated for women who are pregnant and have dry, itchy skin. I’m not pregnant, but anyone can use it really. You can apply this oil on dry or damp skin as well but it doesn’t say that you can pour it into your bath like the previous oil.

This oil has Vitamin E, Collagen and Elastin so if I was to pick one of the oils to use I’d probably go with the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Itchy Dry Skin Soothing Oil as I like that it helps support skin elasticity and firmness.

I should also mention that Palmer’s does not test on animals for all you animal lovers. 🙂

As I’ve said several times, I’ve always been a fan of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter and it’s definitely underrated. If you see it at your local drugstore pick up a bottle of their lotion or oil depending on your preference and let me know what you think.

The post Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I’ve been using the same deodorant for years, anytime I try something new I go back to my trusted; Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant. 

I’ve never actually used a spray type deodorant so was kind of excited to try one. 

Degree MotionSense Dry Spray claims to…

• Go on instantly dry for cleaner feel with no visible residue
• Provide 48-hour odor and wetness protection
• Includes MotionSense technology designed to respond directly to your body movement, the more you move the more it protects.

My thoughts on their claims…

Goes on dry for a cleaner feel with no visible residue.

This product holds true to this claim. It doesn’t really feel like I’m wearing anything under my arms after I apply it.

Provide 48-hour odor and wetness protection.

Not true. At least for me. It didn’t even last 12 hours on me. Horrible protection for me. Almost like I’m not wearing any protection at all… Which means the next claim did not live up as well. 

More opinions….

Anytime I would apply the Degree MotionSense Dry Spray it was like I inhaled it all. Maybe if you applied it while standing in your back yard you’d be fine. It was awful, I felt like I was inhaling a shitload of chemicals and killing myself. I didn’t want to use it again just because of this. It felt like it was stuck in my throat too. Even if I went to another room, held my breath, sprayed it and then left it would still somehow find it’s way back to me. The spray is very fine, so maybe that has something to do with it.

I will not finish using this antiperspirant and will probably just throw it out, I don’t know if I can donate something used even though it’s in a spray can. I don’t have much more to say about this product as I HATE it. I just did not work for me at all. I’ll stick with my Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant. 

What antiperspirant / deodorant do you use?

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I have three products that I use regularly to treat my breakouts and I find that they work the best for me. I’d love to know what you use as I’m always looking for something better. Make sure to let me know in the comments below what you use. 

Let’s get started…

e.l.f. Acne Fighting Gel 

I have an entire blog post review on the e.l.f. Acne Fighting Gel if you are interested. I use this product most often, it is typically the first one I reach for. This is a fabulous product, I highly recommend it. It’s very inexpensive at only $2.00 for 6 ml.

Like I said this is the first product I use when I start to breakout. I’m never too concerned about where I place this product as it isn’t harsh, I just apply it all around the affected area a few times per day. 

The one thing I don’t like about the e.l.f. Acne Fighting Gel is the packaging. It’s in this cheap plastic rollerball. It actually hurts to roll this over your breakouts. I also think that it’s unsanitary as you roll the product all over your breakouts. Wouldn’t it spread the bacteria around? 

The way I use it is by rolling a bit onto my finger then I apply it directly on to my breakouts. I’d like to pour it into another container so I can apply it easily. Will get around to that one day.  

The e.l.f. Acne Fighting Gel is one of my favourite acne fighting products and it’s a great product for any budget. Often times when I had bad breakouts I throw it into my purse so I can apply it on the go. I think I’ve been through 3 of these since my last review on it. 

If you buy one of the three products in this blog post, try this one. For $2 you can’t go wrong. 🙂 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil is another favourite of mine. It costs quite a bit more than the e.l.f. Acne Fighting Gel but is an essential for me when fighting breakouts. It retails for 10.00 USD on their website, $11.00 in Canada but you can usually get it at a discount. I buy mine on the base exchange in a gift box with a bunch of my other favourite products from The Body Shop so it ends up being very inexpensive that way. You only get 10 ml of product and I do notice it running out fairly quickly. 

I don’t really have any routine to using this product. I pretty much just grab it if I think my skin needs it. It’s more potent than the e.l.f. product so I typically use it when I have a stubborn breakout. 

I definitely notice a difference after I apply The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil. It really does helps soothe my skin and treat my breakouts. 

If you want to try something different than the e.l.f. product, grab this one. I always have it on hand. I actually used it this morning because I have a stubborn spot and it looks better already. I think I’ve been through 6 bottles since discovering it. 

Last but not least is…

100% tea tree oil

It doesn’t really matter what brand, I just grab mine at Walmart for under $10. Just make sure it is 100% pure tea tree oil. 

Tea tree oil has been said to help treat acne because of it’s antibacterial properties so it’s a great product to keep in your vanity.

I use pure tea tree oil as a last resort. If I have a breakout that is raging I will use this. Or if I can tell early on that it is going to be a really bad one I just start right off the bat with 100% tea tree oil. 

I use a q-tip to spot treat with tea tree oil and I make sure to only apply it to my breakouts. I don’t use this as an all over treatment. Tea tree oil can be very drying so you don’t want to spread it all over your face where it isn’t needed.

If you’ve never used tea tree oil before make sure to test it slowly. When I first used it I applied it like 3 times in a day for a few days in a row and my face ended up extremely dry. Now when I use it I just apply it morning and evening. My skins used to it now. You may even want to start out my diluting it with another oil. 

Whenever I use 100% tea tree oil on my breakouts I notice an immediate different. Plus I find that it soothes my skin, which feels good when I’m broken out.

If you aren’t a fan of the scent of tea tree oil then you might want to stay clear of this. I enjoy the scent of tea tree oil and use a lot of products that contain it. All three of the products I mentioned contain tea tree oil.

I should also remind you about another favourite product I use once my breakouts have calmed down. It’s the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion. Such a wonderful product as well. If you want to know more about it, read my review. 

What are you favourite products to treat breakouts? 

The post Products I Use to Spot Treat My Breakouts appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I was contacted by Irresistible Me back in August and asked if I wanted to try out their hair extensions. I wasn’t paid in any way for this review and was just given the extensions to try. My hair extensions were shipped about a week after I was contacted and I received them within a few days.

When I was originally contacted they mentioned that they were based in the fashion district in New York, so I was surprised when my package came from China. The shipping was extremely quick for coming from China.

The Irresistible Me hair extensions come in a clever package which is made for easy returns. It’s a foil zip-lock type bag with two sides. One side has all the extensions and the other side has just one extension. That way you can open the smaller side with the individual hair extension and see if it matches your hair. If it doesn’t you can send it back. Once you open the larger size you can not send it back. The company offers free returns and exchanges so make sure you open the correct side if you think that you might send them back.

Which hair extensions did I pick?

After much debate I decided on the Royal Remy “Golden Blonde #14” colour. I wanted the longest ones available so that they would blend in with my hair so I also asked to receive the 24 inch ones which are 200 grams of hair. The exact pair that I received retail for a whopping $319.

For reference mine are: Royal Remy Golden Blonde #14 – 24 inch – 200 grams

They come with

• 1 pc that is 7.5″ and has 4 clips
• 2 pcs that are 6″ and have 3 clips
• 5 pcs that are 4″ and have 2 clips
• 2 pcs that are 1.2″ and have 1 clip

When I first opened the Irresistible Me extensions I was a little worried that they were too dark for my current colour. But they actually ended up blending in quite nicely. If you ever order the wrong colour you can return them or take them to your hair stylist and they can colour them for you so they match your hair.

They have quite a few different colours to pick from, and I feel like almost anyone would be able to find a match, unless they had a unique hair colour.

My thoughts on the Irresistible Me hair extensions…

I remember it being a little difficult to get the Irresistible Me extensions out of the hair net they put them in and also the rubber elastic, so be careful there. Once I got them out I was surprised by how much hair there was. I didn’t realize how much 200 grams of hair would be. I own another pair of extensions which probably consists of half of the amount of hair.

I noticed right away that some of the strands were black, which kind of bothered me and made me feel weird. The whole idea of wearing another person’s hair kind of freaks me out even though I’ve owned extensions before. So the fact that some pieces weren’t blonde reminded me that I would be wearing another person’s hair. Yes that might be weird, but it’s just how I feel. It would be nice if all the pieces were blonde. The other pair of extensions that I own don’t contain any black strands. No one would ever notice the black stands but I can see them when I look down at my hair while wearing them.

The Golden Blonde worked very well with my hair colour and blended in seamlessly. They actually ended up being the same length of my hair too. The ends were a little curled naturally (probably from how they were packaged) and it helped them blend in even more. I haven’t tried curling the extensions but I imagine that they would curl nicely because they end up curled when I store them wrapped up.

The 200 grams is a lot of hair, and if I was to ever order another pair of extensions I’d probably order less. I put all the extensions in my hair for the sake of pictures and an honest review. But there is way too much hair for my personal preference. Didn’t think I would ever say that. It’s not a negative point at all, I just wanted to let you know that you probably don’t need the 200 grams. Although if you want anything longer than 18 inches you have to buy 200 grams. It would be nice if they offered less hair for the longer extensions. A lot of the time when wearing the hair I’d leave out the largest weft and it felt more natural.

The clips are decent, a few of them were really hard for me to snap shut. They give you a few spares so I might switch the two out that I’m having difficulty with.

I haven’t noticed much shedding with the Irresistible Me hair extensions but haven’t owned them for that long. I shed like a dog myself so it’s hard for me to notice if the extensions are shedding at all.

Washing Irresistible Me hair extensions…

I wash my hair extensions just like I wash my hair. Shampoo, conditioner, let the conditoner sit for a few minutes and rinse. Then I lay them on a towel to air dry. I recommend letting them airdry to pro-long their life. But you can blow dry them if you wish.

I washed half of them to see if there was a difference after washing them. They feel a little less soft (barely noticeable). I prefer their post-wash state. They look more like my natural hair and have more texture. They dry straight with the blow drier and practically straight air dried.

I saw a few pieces shed after washing them but that’s not a big deal and is bound to happen with any hair extensions.

I don’t wash my extensions every time I wear them. Typically I wash them every fifth time unless I wear them out somewhere that I feel I need to wash them after.

Overall thoughts…

I do really like the Irresistible Me hair extensions but can’t see myself spending $319 on a pair of extensions from any company. Maybe I’d feel differently if I had shorter hair. They are nice extensions and I will be wearing these extensions over my other set.

If you are in the market for a pair of hair extensions I recommend taking a look at Irresistible Me.

I will keep you updated down the road if I notice any changes over time.

Oh and if you want to see my hair on a normal day, you can see pictures on my Instagram or on any of my other social networks. 🙂 

Do you wear hair extensions? Why do you wear them and also, what’s your favourite brand?

The post Irresistible Me Hair Extensions Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I was sent Amie Naturally Kind Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash for review quite some time ago but have so many products on the go that I only started using it when I came home from the states. They never asked me to post a blog or anything, but just to try it out and let them know what I think of it. I decided to write a whole blog post as I like telling people about products that I enjoy because maybe they’ll enjoy them too :D. I’ve tried a few of Amie’s products in the past and have liked most of them. Here are my reviews on some of their other products if you are interested…

• Amie’s New Bloom Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes
• Amie’s Morning Light Hydrating Daily Moisturizer
• Amie Bright Eyes Very Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

A little bit about Amie Naturally Kind Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash

Amie Naturally Kind Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash has a gentle formula made from high-quality naturally derived plant extracts. It is terminologically tested, pH-balanced, free from parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, petrochemicals and animal extracts. Their products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

This facial wash claims to remove dirt, oil and make-up leaving skin beautifully soft and refreshed. The mayblossom and elderflower help control oiliness and prevent blemishes while orange blossom and raspberry tone and refresh. It contains natural moisturizers to ensure that your skin is not dried out.

What I think of the facial wash

First off Amie’s skincare line is VERY affordable, very comparable to products in the drugstore. I think it’s hard to find natural products that are inexpensive. I can’t tell you exactly how much this costs in Canada because I can’t remember what the price was when I saw it at Shoppers Drug Mart. Their website has it listed at £4.95. The flip-top bottle has 150 ml, so I think that is a great price.

Amie Naturally Kind Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash has a light scent to it. I’m not big for scented products but really enjoy this scent. I find it very relaxing, I can’t really describe what it smells like but it must be how mayblossom, elderflower, orange blossom and raspberries smell mixed together.

This product works just like any other cream cleanser. You just smooth it over your damp face and then rinse.

Once I rinse it off, my face feels so smooth and moisturized. It feels like I’m washing my face with a moisturizer. It doesn’t leave any residue behind, it just feels really clean and moisturized. I’ve actually never had a cleanser leave my face feeling the way this one does. I don’t even feel the need to put moisturizer on after, but I always do anyways.

I don’t know how well this would work for removing makeup, I haven’t fully put it to the test. I prefer to use these types of cleansers in the morning when I shower, so naturally I wouldn’t have makeup on as I always take it off when I sleep.  Plus I haven’t even had a full face of makeup since I started using this. I will let you know though. It’s so gentle that I have a hard time believing that it would remove all my makeup. But you never know.

I should also mention that the Amie Naturally Kind Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash only has 96.8% natural ingredients. So it isn’t 100% all-natural although you might think it is by quickly reading the bottle. I did. It is 100% soap free though if you are looking for a soap free cleanser. Maybe that is why it feels so soft on my skin.

I really enjoy this cleanser and I would purchase it again. I just can’t get over the fact of how moisturized my skin feels after using it. This is going to be a wonderful cleanser for the winter season. 😀

What is your favourite cleanser? Let me know in the comments below, I love trying out new skincare.

The post Amie Naturally Kind Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

September’s Ipsy Glam bag came in a really cute gold bag. I will be saving this one for sure. I have a pile of these small bags and use them to help sort things when traveling. For example I just flew home on the weekend and put all my cords into one of the Ipsy makeup bags in my carry on. I use another one of their bags as a pencil case. They have actually come in handy.

I’m happy with my bag this month and brought most of it with me to Vancouver. Here’s what I received…

Ipsy Glam Bag September 2015

ACURE Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes

I received a full size sample of the Acure Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes, which is exciting. Who doesn’t like facial cleansing wipes? I use them anytime I’m wearing foundation to remove it before using my cleanser. It might seem like an extra step to some but I find it easier to remove all my foundation that way. These retail for $6.99 and you get 30 in a pack, which is a little over average for pricing. But these towelettes claim to be biodegradable which is good for the environment. 🙂 I haven’t opened them yet cause I just opened a pack so will let you know what I think of them when I try them.

NYX Cosmetics Eye Shadow Trio

I received a full-sized eye shadow trio in the colour IPSYNYX101 which is a special trio designed just for Ipsy members. I’m not going to talk much about the colours as you can’t buy it. I generally like NYX products but am not very impressed with this trio. I’ve actually never purchased any of their trios or palettes. I wonder if they are all the same quality since this one was made for Ipsy members only. I own quite a few of their single eye shadows and love them all. The colours in this trio don’t have very good colour payoff. Especially the black, it goes on more grey. I like the middle bronze colour but don’t see myself ever reaching for this. I wish that I didn’t stick my fingers in it so I could donate it. NYX trio palettes run for $3-$6 depending on where you buy them and if they are having a sale.

Evelyn Iona Cosmetics Cream Blush

I received the colour Ash, which is a dusty-rose type colour. It feels very creamy and blends out beautifully. It’s a very pretty colour and I will be using this up. This blush is natural, organic, free of parabens and cruelty-free. It is also made in the USA. Evelyn Iona Cosmetics donates $1 from every product sold to woman’s organizations. 🙂 The full size of the Evelyn Iona Cosmetics Cream Blush retails for $18.75. I’ve very curious about their concealers, if they are as creamy as their blush then they would be fabulous!

J. Cat Beauty #MOTD Waterproof Slide on Pencil for Eyes.

I received a full-sized eyeliner in the colour bronze. I’m not sure exactly when I’ll wear this eyeliner but the colour is gorgeous! It’s the perfect bronze colour. The tip of my eyeliner fell right out when swatching it onto my hand 🙁 so I haven’t tried it on my eyes yet. I will have to sharpen it down an inch to fix it… J. Cat cosmetics are cruelty-free if you are an animal lover and this eyeliner retails for $3.99.

Crown Brush Oval Concealer Brush (C224)

I received a Crown Brush in my Ipsy bag exactly one year ago (how strange) but don’t reach for it often cause it’s dual ended and doesn’t fit into my homemade makeup brush holder. This is a concealer brush which I’m excited about as I actually don’t own a concealer brush. I usually use my fingers or my beauty blender to apply concealer. I don’t wear concealer often though as I haven’t been able to find one that I like that doesn’t crease or cake up under my eyes. Typically I just layer on extra foundation where needed. I haven’t tried this brush out yet as I haven’t worn makeup in a few days. It seems soft enough and dense with a tapered end. It will be easy to use it for the under eyes or to define your lips or eyebrows. I think it will work well and I will keep you updated. This brush retails for $7.45 on their website, but it’s currently on sale for less than $3.

What did you get in your Ispy bag this month? What was your favourite product?

The post Ipsy Glam Bag September appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Target’s Beauty Box isn’t technically a subscription box, but it reminds me of one. It comes in a box like Birchbox, and it isn’t a subscription service. You have to actually purchase it when they release a new box. You know exactly what you are going to get before you purchase it so you won’t be surprised by anything you receive. I like that cause I can decide if it’s worth spending $7 before hand.

Target typically releases their Beauty Box at the beginning of the month or for a new season. I was lucky and got the one for August and it looks like there’s going to be a box for September as well. I wanted to tell you now about the Target Beauty Box so you can get your hands on the next one.

So far I’ve only purchased one Beauty Box because they have a limited quantity available and it’s hard to say when they will release them. I received an email from Target announcing the August box at the beginning of the month and I purchased it right away before it sold out. I suggest signing up to Target’s newsletter so you will be notified.

Target’s Beauty Box is sold for $7 and that includes shipping. It’s not available in stores so you have to order it on their website.

In August’s Target Beauty Box I received 6 items valued at $35. It came with two full sized products which is pretty amazing!

I’ll quickly tell you what I received, but not going to go into too much depth.

Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask– This was a full-sized product and basically why I bought the box. I’ve been through I believe two of these bottles already, maybe even three. I really like this product and it retails for $11.99 at Target.

I want to mention  I picked up their shampoo and conditioner a month or so ago cause I like the hair mask. I wouldn’t really recommend it, it’s just average.

CoverGirl Super Sizer by Lashblast Mascara – This is also full-sized and is a new mascara that I have never tried. I still haven’t tried it since receiving it because I have too many mascaras open right now. I’m not really a fan of CoverGirl mascara so don’t have high hopes for it but hopefully I like it. Target sells this mascara for $5.99

Fekkai Pré-Soleil Hair Radiance and Protection Mist – This is a really nice sized sample at 50 ml, it comes in a really nice bottle that I know I will reuse. I’ve never used this product before (and still haven’t tried it) but am excited about it. It’s suppose to help nourish and protect your hair from the sun. The full-sized product retails for $18.99 on Target’s website.

Olay Active Botanicals Moisturizing Toner – I haven’t tried this product yet, so don’t have anything to say about it. It doesn’t have much of a smell which I like.  The full size retails for $14.99 on Target’s website.

Olay Active Botanicals Moisturizing Day Lotion – This sample is the same size as the toner and goes with it obviously. I haven’t tried it either as I’m going to save it for traveling.

Crest 3D White Whitestrips 1 Hour Express – This is just one foil packet for one usage. I’ve used Whitestrips before and they do work. Sometimes they cause sensitivity to my teeth and gums so I rarely use them. I actually have a whole package of the Crest 3D White Luxe Supreme Whitestripes under my sink and would recommend those ones. Not sure about these 1 Hour Express Whitestrips though as I haven’t tried them.

So overall, Target’s Beauty Box is awesome! It retails for a lot less than the value and you know exactly what you are going to get before you even order it. The only downsize really is that the quantities are limited and if you miss the release you won’t get your hands on a box. But you can still purchase all the products at Target for full retail price.

The post Target’s Beauty Box appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I’m pretty happy with August’s Birchbox. It did contain a perfume sample and I don’t really like receiving perfumes. There aren’t many perfumes that I enjoy. I think scents are very personal and it’s hard to pick on someone else would like. Although I lucked out and the perfume in this month’s box is decent.

I really like how Birchbox includes an information card so you can learn more about each product. I still wish that Ipsy did the same.

Here’s what I received in my August Birchbox

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil

I’ve received a product from Beauty Protector in Birchbox in the past and I loved it. I think it was the Protect & Detangle that I was given in the past. Their products smell divine, I would love to own their entire range. Beauty Protector is very pricey and that’s the only thing that keeps me from buying their products. I’ll probably use some Birchbox points in the future to buy Beauty Protector products. I haven’t tried this hair oil as I have so many open right now. But I’m pretty sure that I’m going to love it. The hair oil claims to keep your hair healthy and shiny, defend against UV rays, heat and breakage. The full size retails for $25.95 which is a price I’m willing to pay for a good hair oil because they seem to last forever.

Catherine Malandrino Style de Pairs

This scent was created by fashion designer Catherine Malandrino. This is the description of the scent since I’m horrible at describing scents…

Mixed with fun fruits (think: Italian Mandarin, ruby red grapefruit, and Nashi pear). The citrus top notes open up to aromas of lush orange blossom, sweet jasmine, and fresh gardenia. The fragrance rounds out with hints of amber and musk, leaving behind a lovely blend that captures a flirty but refined mood.

Even though I’m never excited about receiving perfumes, this scent is ok. Smells like more of a day-time summer scent. It’s very sweet and I feel like the younger crowd would enjoy it most. I did notice the scent disappeared pretty quick on my body after applying it. Not sure if that’s just me or if that would be the case for everyone. The perfume retails for $80 for 50 ml.

dr. brandt pores no more cleanser

It really bothers me that their name is all lower-case, but that is how it is so that is how I wrote it. I received the pores no more primer in my Birchbox exactly one year ago. I haven’t even finished that primer, as I always forget to use primer and have about 5 open right now… I really liked the primer so hoping I enjoy the cleanser just as much. It smells minty fresh so if you don’t like mint then this cleanser is not for you. I on the other hand love anything mint scented so I’m excited to try this cleanser. The description says it’s an award-winning gel that degunks pores for fewer blackheads and smoother skin. “Award winning” has never persuade me to buy a product, and I can’t find any info on what award it won. The full size retails for $35 which a lot more than I like to spend on cleansers.

LAQA & Co Cheeky Lip

I received the colour Cray-Cray (coral peach) from a set of three that you can purchase called the Charm School Kit. This is a lip / cheek jumbo pencil type product. I don’t own any colours like this and have wanted one. I didn’t like it as a lip product because it instantly made them dry and flakey. I do really like the colour though. I think it will be nicer on my cheeks and am excited to try it that way. The full set of 3 retails for $20 and the colours you receive are Cray-Cray (coral peach), Mixtape (ruby rouge), and Humble Brag (blush pink).

R+Co Park Ave Blow Out Balm

I’ve never used a blow out balm so I’m excited about this product. I don’t really dry my hair with a round brush because it’s so long and I can’t reach. But I might have to attempt it to see how well this performs. I bet it will make my hair look smooth without a round brush but using a round brush is probably the way to achieve the best results. It doesn’t have much of a scent from what I can tell. Maybe I’ll try it tomorrow to see if I like it. The full size retails for $28.

What product are you must excited about in August’s Birchbox?

The post Birchbox Opening and Review August 2015 appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

My Birchbox is in limbo this month so I might not post about it. My credit card was compromised so the payment didn’t go through on the normal date. I have yet to receive any shipping confirmation for it although they took my payment on the 4th…

Anyways, let’s get into what I received in my Ipsy and what I think of all the products. 🙂

Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment – 0.7 fl. oz.

I use oil on my hair daily and typically reach for my Orofluido Beauty Elixir. This oil treatment says it’s lightweight and can be used daily for strong, glossy, frizz-free hair. It’s created with Mediterranean Olive Oil and Moroccan Argan Oil and penetrates deeply to fortify, protect and condition hair. It also contains Vitamin E and Shea Butter to hydrate and soften.

The Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment smells very good and feels nice on my hair. If you are looking for a drugstore hair oil then you might want to try this one. Personally, I’m going to continue using the Orofluido Beauty Elixir. I will gladly use this sample up though. The full size retails for about $8.00.

tarte deluxe LipSurgence™ skintuitive lip gloss in energy – 0.05 ounces

I was really excited to receive this sample as tarte is a high end brand and I’ve never tried their lip glosses before. This lipgloss responds to your skin’s natural pH and energy, giving you a personalized tint that is truly your own unique shade. It is infused with rich antioxidants to help smooth the apperance of fine lines and wrinkles while delivering intense hydration.

The tarte lip gloss turns a nice sheer light pink on my lips, I think it looks gorgeous. I really like this lip gloss, it hydrates and doesn’t make my lips peel. Most lip glosses make my lips peel so am happy to say this one doesn’t. This lip gloss retails for $19.00 and I would purchase it myself with my own money in the future.

Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Liner Pen

This is a full sized product, which is always awesome! This is an eye liner pen obviously, in the colour black. This is a very nice liner pen, it’s so fine which makes it easy to use. This would be a great pen for a beginner. It applies smooth on my hand and dries quickly and doesn’t smudge. I haven’t tried it on my eyes and haven’t been wearing black liner lately. But will let you know when I do try it because it seems like a good product. The pen retails for $19.00 on Starlooks website.

OFRA Comsetics Lip Liner in Wine

Is it weird that I don’t own a single lip liner? I’ve been meaning to pick some up but rarely wear lip products. This liner will go perfect with my new lipstick that I purchased the other day, which I have been loving. In case you are wondering it’s the Maybelline New York ColorSensational Lipcolor in Maple Kiss. I literally just lined my lips using my crappy iPhone camera to see how this OFRA liner feels. It goes on smoothly and looks like it will stay put, it’s a matte colour so might be drying. I will keep you updated on how I feel about this liner. I received a full size product and it retails for #13.

JUARA Skincare Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Facial Mask – 10 ml.

Skin care items are my favourite things to receive in subscription boxes. This face mask says it detoxifies, brightens and strengthens stressed, tired, dull-looking skin in one single application. It is free of Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Gluten and Artificial Colorants.

You can apply it 1-3 times a week or whenever your skin needs a boost. You can also use it as an overnight treatment.

I haven’t used it yet but will probably give it a go tonight. It looks like a nice mask and I can probably get two maybe three applications out of this sample. This full size retails for $35, which is a little over my budget for a face mask. We will see if I feel the same way after trying it.

Summary

I’m very pleased with my Ipsy Glam Bag this month. If I had to pick a favourite product in this bag I think I would choose the tarte lip gloss. But the face mask might win as I haven’t tried it yet. I haven’t heard of the last three brands I mentioned and like discovering new brands. The whole reason I’m subscribed to these subscription services is because I enjoy finding new products and this way I don’t have to buy full-sized products to see if I like them. I’m going to continue being a Ipsy subscriber as I’ve been very happy with my bags since I’ve resubscribed.

What’s your favourite thing in your Ipsy bag this month?

See what I received previous months here.

The post Ipsy Glam Bag Opening and Review – August 2015 appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I looked around for awhile for the perfect jar for my brushes. It took awhile actually, some were too short and  some too tall. I finally found the perfect one at Ikea, it’s a rectangle glass vase. I believe it is the REKTANGEL vase on their website for $19.99. I only paid $9.99 for it, so it must have been on sale when I bought it or something?

I then picked up some sand from the same area in Ikea. I used the KULÖRT decoration sand for $1.99 a bottle. I bought about 6 containers but only used half of them. I chose the finest grain and lightest colour.

When I got home I washed and dried the container and filled it with sand. Then stuck my brushes into it and placed it on my counter. It fits perfectly along the side wall of my bathroom counter since the glass container is long and skinny. I like it much better than the round brush holder I used to use.

The entire project cost me less than $20 and I love how it looks. The only negative is that the bottoms of my brush handles get a little dusty from the sand and sometimes when I’m in a hurry I end up flicking sand around. But oh well.

How do you store your makeup brushes?

The post DIY Makeup Brush Holder appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Here’s is what I received in this month’s Birchbox and what I think of all the products.

Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray – 1 fl ounce

I’m thrilled about the Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray as I like Bumble and bumble products. They are expensive so I don’t own any at the moment but want to buy their surf spray after I finish up my current sea salt spray. I haven’t tried this sample yet cause I haven’t curled my hair or anything but hairdressers have used it on me in the past and I’ve always liked it. The full size retails for $9-$29 depending on the size you purchase. The sample size is decent and when I finish it I will save the bottle and use it for traveling.

derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub – 1 ounce

This is a decent sized sample and I will get quite a few uses out of it. It’s all-natural cleanser that says it sloughs off dull skin, fades dark spots and deep cleans pores. It kind of reminds me of a better version of the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It has less exfoliants and is very creamy. I used it last night for the first time and it left my skin feeling very smooth. You don’t need much so this product is going to last me awhile. So far I like this scrub and will continue to use it on a weekly basis. For those of you that care, the derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glyclic Scrub is  100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free. The full size retails for $13.75 on their website.

Harvey Price – Hello

The Birchbox information card says that this is a best selling fragrance that mingles cheerful citrus with floral notes. I don’t really like getting fragrances in my subscription boxes, scents are very personal and I don’t like many of them. Actually, quite a few perfumes give me headaches. I’m not a fan of the smell and the scent doesn’t last on my body for very long. I’ve never heard of Hello by Harvey Price although Birchbox claims that it is a ‘best selling fragrance’.

stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

I received the colour bella #13 which is a bright fuchsia colour. The colour is very intense and I don’t know if or when I’d wear it. The liquid lipstick smells like yummy frosting and glides on smoothly. It’s very opaque and stains your lips. This is definitely long-wearing as stila claims. I’m interested in trying some of their other colours cause I really like this liquid lipstick. The colour I received is actually from their lipstick trio which retails for $20 and comes with the colours; Bella (bright pink), Beso (classic red), and Venezia (bright coral). I kind of wish I received the coral cause I already own a colour similar to the one I received. Oh well. Still happy with it.

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35 – 0.05 fl. ounces.

Birchbox seems to like the brand Supergoop. They have sent me several different samples from their brand in the past. Usually they send different sunscreens but I don’t mind a CC cream. I will use this up during the summer. I wish the sample was a little bigger but you can’t expect much for $10. I received the colour light/medium and it might be a little light for me since I’m tanned at the moment. Will let you know what I think of it after a few uses.

Overall I liked this month’s Birchbox and like I said earlier, I’ll be staying subscribed for another month. Now time to go wash my face with the derma e Anti-wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub.

What did you receive in your Birchbox?

Tweet it to me on Twitter or mention me on Instagram. You can typically find me with the username @ImLovingThis on any social network.

The post Birchbox July Review appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I received 5 products in my Ipsy Glam Bag this month, and three… yes, three of them are full size!

Let’s get into what I received and my thoughts on all the items.

Nicka K New York HQ Quad Eyeshadow in NY075 Sierra

This is an awesome sample, an entire eyeshadow quad. The colours are just gorgeous and will be great for an evening look. The colours are shimmery but look elegant. They go on smooth and are very pigmented. Very impressed with the Nicka K New York HQ Quad Eyeshadow. I thought that this was a high-end product but I just looked it up and it retails for only $4.99. What a deal! I’d be interested in buying one of their quads if they had a neutral, matte one.

Teeez Cosmetics Read My Lips Lipstick

I’ve never heard of Teeez Cosmetics and was also excited about this sample. I received the colour Killing Me Softly which is a coral-pink colour. I believe this is a full-sized lipstick and it retails for $22. I liked the colour in the stick but it didn’t really suit me and made my teeth look a little yellow. I also found that it instantly clung to all the dry patches on my lips. I wouldn’t purchase this product myself but it might work perfectly for someone else. It says it is a long-lasting lipstick that combines the power of highly-pigmented coverage and a unique satin, matte finish. It contains coconut oil extract to nourish and hydrate the lips, with color that lasts for up to 8 hours.

Crown Brush Professional Tweezers

I’ve been using the same pair of tweezers since I started plucking my eyebrows, a pair of Tweezermans. The Crown Brush Professional Tweezers remind me of my Tweezerman ones but aren’t as good. The metal tweezer part isn’t completely smooth and isn’t as thin and pointy as my current pair. If you are looking for a pair of tweezers go with the Tweezerman ones. I don’t know how much these retail for as I couldn’t find the exact pair on the their website but I think they are around $17. I’ll probably end up giving these away to someone as I have no use for them.

pūr~lisse pūr~delicate gentle soymilk cleanser & makeup remover

You all know that I like receiving skincare products. I will be saving this for my travels next weekend. It’s a 4-in-1 sulfate free and non-drying milk cleanser. It is a generous sized sample and I will be able to get a few uses out of this to see if I like it. I will let you know what I think of it when I try it. The full size retails for $36, I don’t really see myself buying it in the future because of the price point.

Coolway Beachy Salt Spray

I’ve been using sea salt sprays quite often this summer and was excited about this sample. It doesn’t have a scent, which I like. Most sea salt sprays I’ve used smell like coconut and I hate coconut. The full size of this sample retails for $12.95 and I would purchase it for that price if I like it enough. I will keep you updated on if I like it or not. As of now I like it, but haven’t tested it fully to know. 🙂 

Even though I didn’t like some of the products in my Ipsy Glam Bag, I am overly impressed. I feel like I received a lot of products for only $10. Can’t expect every product to work for you when you sign up to these types of services. I will continue my membership with Ipsy and hope they continue to impress me. 🙂

What did you receive in your Ipsy?

The post Ipsy Glam Bag July 2015 appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

Before I get started I wanted to stress the importance of keeping your brushes and tools clean. You should wash your tools at least once a week. You can use a mild detergent such as baby soap, facial cleanser or my favourite product to use is the Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge.

Here are the tools I think we should all have for makeup application.

Q-tips

Q-tips have many uses, you can tidy up your mascara, eyeliner and lipstick. You can use them to spot conceal. They are something we all should have on our vanity.

Cotton rounds

Cotton rounds are ideal for applying certain cleansers, toners and for removing eye makeup and nail polish.

Sponges

Can be used to apply foundation and self tanner.

Tweezers

Everyone should have a good pair of tweezers. I still have a pair I got when I was a teenager, they are the Tweezerman ones. They are seriously awesome! Tweezers are great for plucking pesky hairs and also for applying false eyelashes.

Emery boards and cuticle sticks

These are essential tools when giving yourself a manicure.

Pencil sharpener

If you use any sort of pencil liners, eyeshadow or eyebrow pencils then you need to have one of these in your collection. I have one that will sharpen several different sizes of pencils.

Eyelash curler

Use your eyelash curler before applying mascara to widen the appearance of your eyes. Do not curl your lashes after applying mascara, you could break your lashes or even pull them right out. I need a new eyelash curler, if you have any recommendations leave them in the comments below. 🙂

Foundation brush

I don’t always apply my makeup with a brush, I use a BeautyBlender most of the time. Sometimes I use my hands and sometimes I use a brush. But I still always have a good foundation brush on hand.

Powder brush

Use your powder brush to apply finishing powder to face to create a flawless complexion and set your foundation. You can also use it to help blend out your blush and bronzer.

Blush brush

Look for a fluffy brush that is cut on an angle so it will fit comfortably over the cheekbone.

Contour brush

Look for a brush that will fit nicely in the hollows of your cheeks, use it to apply your contour colour to define your cheekbones.

Fan brush

Fan brushes are great for applying highlighter. They allow you to easily apply your highlighter with a light hand. You could also use a fan brush to apply bronzer and blush.

Eyeliner brush

Use a narrow eyeliner brush to line your eyes with gel liner, apply eyeshadow as a liner or smudge your liner.

Eyeshadow brushes

You should have a few in your kit. A flat shader brush is good for applying color all over the lid. A small slanted brush is great for applying a contour colour into the crease. A fluffy brush is great for blending everything out.

Bonus: BeautyBlender

If you have some extra money I highly recommend getting a BeautyBlender. I pretty much use it every time when applying my foundation. I think that it makes my foundation look the most natural and creates a flawless finish.

What types of brushes and tools do you use daily?

The post Beauty Tool Basics appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I’ve had very weak nails for as long as I remember. Mine peel, break and bend all the time. Lately I’ve been able to keep my nails healthier and stronger following these tips…

1.  Don’t clip nails to shorten them. Use a nail file to file nails down to size. Make sure to swipe in only one direct, do not go back and fourth.

2.  Use nail polish infrequently, especially if it contains acetone

3.  Use rubber gloves when nails will be exposed to water or household cleaners. These will quickly dry out nails, leaving them brittle.

4.  Apply moisturizing hand cream as often as possible.

5.  Do not cut the cuticle. Push it back gently with a cuticle stick or a rubber-tipped cuticle pusher.

6.  Never peel or scrape off nail polish or use metal instruments on the nail surface. This will damage the protective cells of the nail.

7.  Drink more water. Frequent nail splitting can indicate dehydration. Drink more fluids and use an oil designed to penetrate the nail plate.

8.  Use a nail strengthener. I’ve tried many and haven’t had any success with nail strengtheners. I started using OPI Nail Envy a few months ago and it actually does work. It’s really improved my nails and they have been stronger and healthier since I’ve been using Nail Envy. I definitely recommend picking it up if you have weak nails like myself. I order mine off Amazon cause they typically have it for the cheapest price.

The post Healthy Nail Care Tips appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.

I’ve always liked Birchbox cause they tend to give more skincare items than Ipsy. Ipsy tends to lean more towards just makeup. 

I wasn’t even going to post this cause I don’t have much to say, but I said in my last post that I was waiting on my Birchbox to come in. So I thought I better share with you what I received…

The box is so pretty, I really like when Birchbox customizes their boxes. I will have to find some use for this box cause I can’t throw it away. This month’s theme is “Say Yes to Adventure”. 

Here’s that I received, I don’t really have an opinion on the products yet cause I haven’t had much chance to use them so bare with me.

Cotz Sensitive SPF 40 Sunscreen – 5 g

I swear I get sunsreen in my Birchbox quite often. I don’t really care to test out sunscreens cause I’ll never pay $20 for a sunscreen. I just buy basic ones at the drug store. I tried to squirt some out of the bottle and it’s pretty much empty, so that’s disappointing. Anyways, it doesn’t really have a scent which is nice but I can’t see myself buying a sunscreen for $20. 

DR. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint – 5 ml

This is a type of product that I enjoy. The shade is a little light for me right now so I’ll probably save it for fall/winter. I’m not sure if they just have one shade or what cause there’s no shade on the bottle. This is the same sized sample as the sunscreen but it has more product in the bottle. The tint smells herbal, which I enjoy, but some others might not. A full bottle goes for $48, which seems a little steep to me. I applied it to my hand and it doesn’t really provide much coverage. I think you could find a better tint in a lower price range. I feel like this post sounds so negative, but I like to be honest with my reviews.

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner – .8 g

Blue Lagoon is a very pretty colour and one I’d probably wear. I have a few liners in similar colours and typically wear them during the summer in my waterline. This liner glides on so smoothly, it like melts into your hand as you apply it. I’m not sure if it’s actually waterproof like it claims or how long it lasts. It’s so buttery that it gives me a feeling that it might wear off quickly. I’ll try it out over the next few days and let you know. As of right now it smudges pretty easily off my hand. The full size is $11 which seems reasonable if it gets the job done although there’s a cheaper alternative such as the L’Oréal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliners.

Temple Sap Good Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner – 25 ml

I like receiving hair treatment or styling products but not so much shampoo and conditioners. I feel like the samples are always too small for me to figure out what I think about them. I have hair that is almost to my ass so I need a decent amount of product when I wash my hair. This line smells very herbal which as you know I like. I bet it feels refreshing on the scalp. The price point isn’t too bad at $14 per bottle. I’m not going to try these now, I’ll save them for a overnight trip somewhere.

Update: I do not recommend this shampoo and conditioner. It left my hair feeling so dry and tangled, I couldn’t even brush through it. I had to apply a ton of restorative styling products to even get my Wet Brush through my hair. Probably one of the worst shampoos and conditioners that I’ve ever used. I couldn’t believe how awful my hair felt after using it. Stay away from this duo. 

L. Erickson Grab & Go Ponytail Holder – 1

It says on the card that they added this pony tail for a “chic pop of color”. Hmmm I received a grey one, not sure how that adds a pop of colour. Anyways, I’m not excited about the hair tie, I guess it’s a bonus item though. I would never pay $18 for a package of hair ties, ever. I’ll try this one out at some point but to be honest I don’t really like it. It’s quite bulky. 

Well that is all I received in my Birchbox. I told myself I’d cancel either Ipsy or Birchbox this month but for some reason I can’t bring myself to cancel one.

Which one you would cancel? 

What did you receive in your Birchbox? 

The post Birchbox June 2015 appeared first on I'm Loving This - Lifestyle Blog, Travel, Product Reviews, Beauty and Health.