Red Lip Gloss

My First Youtube Video - BoxyCharm Unboxing March 2018

2018-03-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Glossers - today I did something different, and a bit scary for me. I posted a video, on YOUTUBE, of my boxycharm unboxing. For those that are avid youtubers, I realize that I filmed in portrait and not landscape (shame on me...) so I will esure that my next video is better.

Tell me all what you think? Do you prefer watching a video than reading? Thoughts?

Happy Thursday everyone.

ISH Statement Lip Palette - Review and Swatches

2018-03-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

As most of us beauty junkies know, lip palettes are a bad investment.

Usually, the included colors are colors that wouldn't sell as a single tube of lipstick or gloss and typically the product formulation is less than stellar. I have tried many a lip palettes in my past, always going in with the best intentions, but realize after one application that they are too tacky, too sticky, too orange and all-around a bad idea.

Until I met this one, I had labelled all lip palettes the same. However, I am very impressed with the colors, the application and the longevity of the ISH Statement Lip Palette.

Let's chat colors. On first impression, I was excited to see nude shades in palette as well as more reds than pinks. The best part of this palette - the nude shades are actually nude and NOT orange. I also love that each one can be mixed together to create your own unique shades. Also included in the palette is a tinted lip topper to give your lips a hint of sheen should you like that glossy look.

Here are the colors from left to right (top row; excluding the first shade which is a tinted lip topper).

Middle row from left to right. Check out how gorgeous these pink shades are!

Bottom row from left to right. I am LOVING the last berry color.

I am really impressed with how fantastic the last nude color (in the top row) is. I have it on here and it's almost as if this nude shade was made for my skin tone. I am absolutely loving it. I will also say that it went on very easily, is super pigmented and the colors blend well, as I moved on to the berry shade after this.

I didn't take off the nude shade prior to applying the berry color (last color in the bottom row) but still the pigment is amazing. Perfect color for my skin tone and definitely easy to apply.

I am thrilled with this palette and will now eat my words about lip palettes. Ha

FabFitFun Spring 2018: Review

2018-03-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

I was ready to cancel my FabFitFun subscription until I received this season's box. Thank goodness it didn't have another scarf or poncho in it.

Actually, I am really really loving all the items I received.

For those that don't know, FabFitFun is a women's subscription box that comes every quarter. The cost is $49.99 USD per quarter and, as a rule, will contain more than $250 USD in beauty, wellness and personal products.

Something to know about me, I ALWAYS search the internet for spoilers. Like, all the time. So I knew about 4 of the items in this box about a month and a half ago. However, that didn't deter my excitement when I received it!

First up, one of the beauty choice items which is Korres Guava Body Butter. As a member, you can choose a couple items (if you are a yearly subscriber, you can customize more than 2 items) and I chose this product over the Collagen Infused Lip Masks, which I'd received in a Boxycharm box before. This has a price tag of $24 USD and literally smells like a tropical island. Love it.

The next item is Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Makeover Concealing Ridge Filler which I will absolutely not use, ever. Since I get my nails done, this nail filler product is a no-go for me. The price tag is $18 USD.

The lone wellness (Fit) product is the Physique 57 Massage Roller which is actually kind of neat. Since I am terrible at massaging, this will help work out both mine and Allan's knots. The price point on this product is $20 USD.

I love that this is the month of moisturizers, since I was running out! This oil-free moisturizer is by Murad and it's called the Skin Perfecting Lotion. I am a huge Murad fan and have alreadystarting using this one. It's perfect under my makeup and doesn't leave a greasy feel on the skin. The price for this item is $40 USD.

There was a jewellry choice this month and I chose this rose gold bracelet by Maya Brenner Designs. It's so gorgeous, feminine and simple. I love it. Plus, it came with a hefty price tag of $65 USD.

FabFitFun also allows you to pay an additional $10 USD and receive the other choice items, providing the items are available. I chose to pay the money for the tassel earrings and think they are okay. They look a bit cheap but hoping with the right outfit, they will be okay. The price tag on the earrings was $58 USD.

This season's box also came with a glorious smelling candle in Fresh Linen (one of 3 scents) by Anderson Lilley. The price on the candle is $45 USD.

This next product I saw as a spoiler and was so excited. It's the ISH Lip Stateement Palette and I am a big ISH fan already, so this is the perfect product for me. I will be doing some swatches of this palette tomorrow for you all. The price is $42 USD.

This next item, I adore, and is a reversible clutch. I actually ended up getting the color I wanted to I was really excited about that. The price tag on this bad boy is $60 USD.

Lastly, I got a Free People X Understated Leather Starry Eyed Travel Eye Mask that cost $40 USD. I am loving the color I received, the fact that it's leather AND that it has a cooling gel pack inside that you can put into the freezer to cool down. Honestly, I wish I had this for our overseas trip.

If you were adding up as we went, the value of my box is $354 USD or $463 CAD. (this does not include the tassel earrings as I ordered them as a bonus item). LOVE this season's box.

What are your thoughts?

Lookfantastic Beauty Box: March 2018 Review

2018-03-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

Of all the beauty boxes I subscribe to, one of my favorite ones is Lookfantasic. Which is odd because the majority of the products received are deluxe sample size. However, there is something extra special about this UK beauty box - maybe it's the magazine that comes with every box, or the price point but I seem to use every single item I receive, every month. For me, this is an amazing feat.

This month's box is GORGEOUS and I've even read that March's box was the year's first special edition box. The theme of the month is Beauty Empowered and it's very heavy! As you can see, each box comes with the Lookfantastic Beauty Box catalogue that explains the prodicts and a purse-size Elle UK magazine. So handy for your lunch room read!

Ooooo, look at all the goodies! I can't wait to dig in and see them all.

First up is SkinChemists Rose Quartz Lip Plump. I am so excited for this product! I've heard of beauty bloggers raving about this product and am surprised to see it in a $20 CAD/month beauty box as this has a retalu value of over $150 CAD. (FYI, this product is full-size at 8ml, which all subscribers received). Love love love.

Just as I was running out of my daily moisturizer, I end up receiving an almost full-size (30ml) balancing moisturizer by a brand called Omorovicza. This Hungarin brand has won awards all over the world for it's spa-like skincare. I am SO EXCITED to try it. The price point on this size is just over $100 CAD.

Next up is Renu Advanced Anti-Ageing Flash Relax Mask (30 ml) and it's worth about $19 CAD. As you all know, I love receiving any anti-aging product so this one will absolutely be used, soon.

On first look, I assumed this was a sheet mask but it's actually a foot mask which I will absolutely be using tonight as my feet are so dry. The price point on this mask is $18 CAD and the mask actually gors on like a pair of socks. Can not wait to try this out!

Of all the products received, I am least excited about this one. I have a brush similar to this one and find that it's not one I grab on a day-to-day basis. However, this one is a great size and perfect for travel. The price point is around $9 CAD.

Lastly, I received two single eyeshadows by Doucce. Both are colors I will use however, they are singles and I don't have a case they will fit in which makes them virtually useless to me. I guess they are the perfect size to throw in your purse for a night out. The two colors received are Kate and Tenley. The price point is about $13 each so $26 for the duo.

The beauty catalogue is fantastic. It's full of information on the products received, new skin care products around the globe and some really interesting articles.

Oh, did I mention that I only pay about $21 CAD for this subscription???? If you are interested, you can sign up HERE using my link. https://www.lookfantastic.com/referrals.list?applyCode=CHRISTINA-R42E&li

March's beauty box had a grand total of ------- $322 CAD which is astounding.

FOTD: Easy Breezy Work Look

2018-03-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Good morning! My typical weekend look...

Ever since moving from Vancouver, BC to Airdrie, AB, my look has drastically changed.

Just another weekend pic....

As you all know, my sister is an amazing stylist here in Alberta and is very highly sought after. She's been convincing me to go blonde(r) for the past couple years and, within the past few months, my hair is extremely blonde and very long. Having such a different shade of hair means that my makeup look has had to change as well - I find that I am doing less smoky eyes and more dark, dark lips but that could be the weather here too!

With this in mind, I do try to tone my look done for weekdays as bolder is NOT always better. Here's a typical look I wear in to the office every day.

I always have my winged liner on, for work, and do not leave home without some form of blush/contour/bronzer combo going on.

Glossers, what is your typical weekday look?

How-To: Packing a Carry-On Makeup Bag for 3 Weeks in Cambodia and Thailand

2018-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Angkor Thom. Taken by me 4 years ago

Everytime I pack my backpack for a trip, I become a bit of a hippie.

All of sudden I start looking for my longest necklaces (that jingle), my many layered bracelets and all my fringe outfits. Honestly, there is something so freeing to replacing my coporate suit jackets with aztec-print rompers and long, flowy maxi dresses. I love it!

As I mentioned in my last How-To Packing a Carry-On Bag post, I needed a separate post to discuss my jewellry and makeup because these are always the hardest little bags for me to pack. As you all know, I adore makeup so much that limiting myself to one cosmetic bag used to be TORTURE. Most of the time, I can barely close my cosmetic bags but this time, I vowed to only use ONE bag for makeup/hair products and another little one for jewellry.

This is it, my friends. The "Beach Please" bag is my makeup and hair items. The little black Sephora is my jewellry.

My jewellry bag consists of 3 long necklaces, 6 pairs of earrings, 5 bracelets and 2 headbands. I should also mention that Cambodia and Thailand are a great place to buy gemstones so I have lot a ton of room to shop!

On to the fun stuff - my makeup! As you saw in my December Wrap-Up post, the Bon Voyage palette is full of shadows, blush, bronzer and highlighter making this the only palette I am bringing with me. I also have my benefit powder, my MAC powder, MAC concealer, and all my brishes.

Also included in this bag are 4 lipsticks (two different nude shades, one berry and one red), my Dr. Pepper lipsmackers that I NEVER leave home without, two different mascaras, two different brow pencils (one is a pommade), two eyeliners (one black and one grey), my silicone sponge, my powder sponge, a Tarte highlighter (because I love the gold color), a pixi bronzer, an eyebrow brush and a coral blush.

Lastly, I have my toothbrush, bobbie pins, elastic bands, two small toothpastes, razor and two hair clips. Pefect when styling my hair or for the beach.

NOTE: I'm bringing a curling iron. I made the decision to leave my hair wavy for the trip thus only needing one hot tool. I also never use a blowdrier so this was easy to leave at home.

Things I Did Not Show

There are certain items you can't find overseas making them necessary to pack. Here is my ever-growing list:

Tampons and a Diva Cup: Always be prepared - These items are virtually impossible to find in Cambodia and Thailand
Wet Wipes: Always have a pack with you - I carry them in my purse at all times. They are also perfect for a quick wipe down during your layover
Your Favorite Deodrant: This is a must - it's hot there and their products can be quite harsh for sensitive skin (mainly due to the perfume additives)
Small Monetary Bills: People forget this, especially when the bank is handing you a wad of cash. Order some local currency (from your bank) in advance and ask for small bills. Tuk-Tuk drivers and street food merchants will not have change for you!

Coming up in another post - my carry-on liquid bag and my plane outfit. Stay tuned!

How-To: MakeupDrop Silicone Beauty Applicator

2018-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am probably the only person in the entire world that dislikes the Beauty Blender.

There, I said it. Whew, I feel like a huge load has been lifted from my shoulders! I just never jumped on the band wagon, at all. Don't get me wrong, I tried them many times but felt that my makeup looked too thick, or the coverage was too heavy in some parts and light in others. Plus, I hated the feeling of applying my foundation using a wet sponge. Nope, just not for me.

However, I'm in love with the beauty blender's silicone sister.

I received two of these silicone blenders from different subscription boxes and have been using one ever since. The brand is MakeupDrop and it has created a fantastic silicone makeup sponge that - here's the kicker - eliminates wasted makeup. It's not porous thus does not soak up any product and is a dream to clean.

I will say that it took me a little while to figure out the best way to apply my makeup. Once the routine was figured out, though, my skin looks so much more flawless after I use it. To save you all the headache, check out this video MakeupDrop made to show how to use these new applicators.

What do you think Glossers? Anyone else tossed their old Beauty Blender in favor of the Silicone Sister?

SPOILER ALERT: January Subscription Box Spoilers

2018-01-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do after the first of the month, is search instagram and facebook to spoilers for my favorite beauty boxes. I adore seeing the items I'll be getting in my boxes - especially if they contain palettes!!

Here are the known spoilers for the Beauty Subscription Boxes I subscribe to:

BoxyCharm

Variation #1

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil - Value $24 USD (in all boxes)
Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Luminizer Primer - Value $38 USD (in all boxes)
Crown Glam Metals Palette - Value $25 USD (in all boxes)
PUR Bronze and Brighten Face Palette (possible item though all boxes will contain a face palette)
Girlactik Lippie (possible item)

Variation #2

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil - Value $24 USD (in all boxes)
Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Luminizer Primer - Value $38 USD (in all boxes)
Crown Glam Metals Palette - Value $25 USD (in all boxes)
PUR Bronze and Brighten Face Palette (possible item though all boxes will contain a face palette)
Grande Lip Hydrating Lip Plumper - Value $27 USD (possible item)

GlossyBox

And the other two items have been revealed...

Lumene Lahde Purity Dew Drops (in all boxes)
Dr. Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil (in all boxes)
Buxom Big Tease Plumping Mascara (in all boxes)
Theorie Marula Oil (in all boxes)
Steve Laurent Beauty Lip Tint in Dusty Rose (in all boxes)

LookFantastic

ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud - Travel size
ModelCo 3D Lash Primer - Full size
Monuspa Warming Ginger Body Oil - Travel size
Erno Laszlo White Marble Essence Lotion - Travel size
Balance Me Congested Skin Serum - Travel size
Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser - Travel size

Lola Beauty Box

Kokie Cosmetics Powder Contour Palette - Value $15 USD
Feel Beauty Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask (4) - Value $38 USD
LASplash Cosmetics Karina Mascara Cat Walk - Value $18 USD
RMS Beauty Nail Polish - Value $15 USD
Doucce Click Click Lipstick - Value $24 USD

Well, I am rather underwhelmed this month. There are a ton of skincare items and some very small sizes.

What are your thoughts of the spoilers for this month?

**Thank you to mysubscriptionaddicition for some of the photos**

DIY Beauty Fridays: 8 Beauty Tips for Exterminating Zits

2018-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

It seems that the older I get, the more I breakout.

I don't get it - I thought that the older you get, the nicer your skin would be. It appears to have gone in the opposite direction for me.

I stumbled on this COOL pop-up art on Pinterest for exterminating zits and knew I had to share it with you all. ENJOY.

Picture found on Pinterest. Website link is https://thesecretyumiverse.wonderhowto.com/

What are your favorite DIY pimple remedies? Anything I should be trying?

Happy Friday Glossers.

How-To: Packing a Carry-On Backpack for 3 Weeks in Cambodia and Thailand

2018-01-11T04:44:00.001-08:00

It's official - I have finally become an amazing packer. It's taken me years, and a TON of overweight baggage charges, to perfect but I feel as though I'm a professional.

Every trip I take, I've been trying to pair down my items/necessities. My most frequent trip, Mexico in October for one week, I packed only one little carry-on which included a ton of dresses, rompers and even a pair of heels. The challenge this time was the amount of time I'm gone for - 3 WEEKS.

I should begin by saying that I prefer dresses and rompers to shorts. I prefer short dresses and short rompers to long dresses. Given this, I also wanted to ensure I had enough mix and match items to make outfits for the daytime and enough "going out" outfits for the evenings. I find that I change my clothes rather often, as I get warm, so the outfits I wear during the day are not typically what I wear in the evenings.

Here's an itemized list of what I'm bringing to Cambodia and Thailand:

Packing Cube #1 - Rompers, Bathing Suits and Bathing Suit Covers
4 x bathing suits and one extra black bathing suit top
2 x bathing suit covers
5 x rompers

Packing Cube #2 - Dresses and Underwear
3 x bandeau bras
Undies not shown!!
6 x dresses (two are maxi dresses)
1 x belt

Packing Cube #3 - Shorts, Tanks, Skirts and Leggings
2 x shorts
1 x pull-on skirt
5 x tank tops
1 x black leggings

Extras - Not In a Packing Cube
1 x day purse
1 x beach bag
2 x sandals (one pair of flip flops)
1 x wireless speaker (no beach day is complete without music)
1 x makeup bag (Beach Please!)
1 x jewellry bag

Yes, I used packing cubes and actually found these on Amazon.ca for next to nothing. I like the organization when using cubes - everything has a specific space and you can pull out one cube at a time instead of disrupting the entire bag when pulling out an item.

Now, on to the backpack. After doing extensive research I found this carry-on backpack from eBags.com. I selected this one specifically for its numerous compartments, space and the various secret pouches. After backpacking for a few months in Southeast Asia before, you realize what comes in handy and what doesn't. Plus, the price - the price is phenomenal for this bag. The one I selected is called eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible. You can check it out here

NOTE: As you can tell, I have not discussed my Makeup/Hair Products bag, carry-on liquid bag, carry-on purse or my jewellry bag. I will be doing this in a later post. I will also do a later post on my travel outfit!!

Happy Thursday Glossers!

Beauty Subscription Box Breakdown - What I Receive and How Much It Costs

2018-01-09T05:35:00.001-08:00

My Beauty Subscription Boxes by redlipgloss on Polyvore

I'm obsessed with Beauty Subscription Boxes...

It's moved from being a "love" into a full-out obsession. I adore watching people opening their boxes on YouTube. I adore checking the mail for new boxes per month. Everything about these little boxes makes me so blissful.

However, they come with a cost. And if you're not careful, they can add up quite quickly, depending on which boxes you receive per month or quarter.

Here are the boxes I subscribe to monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly:

Monthly Subscription Boxes

BoxyCharm

BoxyCharm is one of the best monthly beauty subscription boxes on the market. The box value is always much greater than the cost and you receive a multitude of top brands and lines. There is currently a wait-list for BoxyCharm because it is so high in demand, people will wait months to receive it. This is one box I will never, ever cancel.

The Cost: $21 USD/month (equates to about $30 CAD/month with shipping)

The Box: 4 - 5 full-sized products per month

The Verdict: 5/5

To Subscribe: https://boxycharm.com/refer/Chris-XHGANRFH

GlossyBox

GlossyBox is quite similar to BoxyCharm though I find I receive more skincare and hair care items than beauty products. I love the packaging of GlossyBox and their product card is much more detailed than BoxyCharm. However, it does not contain the same amount of full-sized products as BoxyCharm does. All in all, I enjoy this box and will continue with it for another few months before I think about cancelling.

The Cost: $21 USD/month (equates to about $30 CAD/month with shipping)

The Box: 5 products (with a selection of full-size and deluxe sample sizes)

The Verdict: 3.5/5

To Subscribe: https://www.glossybox.com/referrals.list?applyCode=CHRISTINA-R3V&li

LookFantastic

I used to subscribe to Ipsy back in the day and hated that everything was so small. I since realized how handy it is to have a smaller sized subscription box after running out of these sizes when packing for a trip. So my love affair with LookFantastic started. First off, it's directly from the UK and you get mini-magazine with it every month. They even occasionally through in a full-size product or two. I adore this little box and love that I get to try brands that I wouldn't normally have access to.

The Cost: $20 CAD/month (Sign up for a year; this gives a discount on the monthly price)

The Box: 5 - 6 products (deluxe sample size with some full-size items)

The Verdict: 4/5

To Subscribe: https://us.lookfantastic.com/referrals.list?applyCode=CHRISTINA-R42E&li

Lola Beauty Box

This is a newer beauty box for me and I am very, very impressed already. I received December as my first box and it is very similar to BoxyCharm in the sense of all the full-sized goodies. I also love that it is mainly beauty product related. I would actually go as far to say that this is at the same level as BoxyCharm for me.

The Cost: $21 USD/month (equates to about $30 CAD/month with shipping)

The Box: 4 - 5 full-sized products per month

The Verdict: 5/5

To Subscribe: https://lolabeautybox.cratejoy.com/refer/Chris-ZSVVBNOK?from_email=1

LipMonthly

This is an all-lip product monthly subscription box though I find that you will typically receive 3 lip products and one wild card product that can be anything from an eyeshadow to a highlighter. I have subscribed to this one for a very long time and can't seem to cancel it even though I have SO MANY lip products. I like this one though find that it can sometimes be a bit inconsistent - however, I have received a lot of great products from this one.

The Cost: $12.95 USD/month (equates to about $17 CAD/month with shipping)

The Box: 4 full-sized lip products per month

The Verdict: 4/5

To Subscribe: https://lipmonthly.com/referral/HJ9-z4Kxs6Se

Bi-Monthly Subscription Boxes

Deck of Scarlet

Never have I ever seen a palette subscription box before. Especially one that is bi-monthly AND you have the option of skipping if you don't like the palette colors. I adore this subscription but haven't liked the last 3 palettes so I skipped them. The price point is absolutely astonishing and the packaging is gorgeous. I recommend this subscription service to everyone I find!

The Cost: $29.95 USD bi-monthly (equates to about $40 CAD/bi-monthly with shipping)

The Box: One full palette including 3 shadows, two blushes/bronzer/highlighter and 2 lip glosses (it will usually come with a lip liner or eye liner too)

The Verdict: 6/5

To Subscribe: www.deckofscarlet.com

Quarterly Subscription Boxes

FabFitFun

FabFitFun is a great full-sized subscription box. It combines products ranging from beauty, skincare, fitness and home items in one great seasonal box. The company always says that there is a minimum of $200 USD per box though my winter box was priced at $427 USD which is astronomical. I find that the skincare products are the best and I think I continue with this box because of the price point o those items but I dislike the fitness products altogether.

The Cost: $49.99 USD per season (equates to about $60 CAD/quarter with shipping)

The Box: All items are full-sized and the box usually contains about 12 items at least

The Verdict: 4.5/5

To Subscribe: http://xo.fff.me/eyTX0

What boxes do you subscribe to Glossers? Anything I should be receiving but don't?

December 2017 Wrap Up - My New Beauty Products

2018-01-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

2017 Wrap Up by redlipgloss on Polyvore

I'm still blown away that 2017 is over and we are on to another year. However, I am actually happy that the holidays are done.

I know, I know, weird for me, right? I usually love the holidays and the chaos and I did, but to a point. Good things - Benjamin finally understood what Christmas was this past year (and loves Santa), time with family, good food, good friends and Christmas parties. Despite the good things, it was SO BITTERLY COLD. I am definitely not used to these temperatures and Alberta was getting to minus 35 and 40. With the cold, it meant a lot of time was spent indoors and my little guy really likes to be outside so it was pretty hectic most of the time.

Morning Glossers!

However I did manage to get some very, very nice things this month, especially in the beauty department. Check these out:

Ofra Cosmetics Holiday Glow Palette

Oh ladies, it's gorgeous. I have a very fantastic best friend who knows exactly what I like. If you haven't tried an Ofra highlighter, you need to run out and get one ASAP. It lasts all day, the pigment is perfect and a little goes a long way. This is the perfect palette to bring on a fancy trip as it contains everything you will need to create multiple looks.

Too Faced Boss Lady Beauty Agenda

I bought this on a whim with my Sephora Rouge coupon, mainly because I wanted the agenda. The agenda is adorable and I've started using it but am finding it a bit too large for carrying around all the time. (CORRECTION - I am LOVING my new planner and adore all the makeup stickers it came with). Also, the shadows - gorgeous colors and names (Plum Pudding, etc) but it's so big and bulky. I can honestly say that this may not have been the best buy but at least it's pretty to look at.

The Balm Cosmetics Voyage vol. 2

Quite possibly my best buy yet. This is the only palette I'm bringing to Cambodia and Thailand which, for anyone who knows me knows, is a very big deal. This palette has 9 shadows, one highlighter, one bronzer, 2 blushes and 2 lip glosses. A very cute addition is the last flap which features "how-to" looks using the palette. I am so eager to assess this on the trip and tell you all about it.

Aside from my multiple Beauty Subscription boxes, this was all the makeup I bought/received in December. What did you glossers get?

DIY Beauty Fridays: Coconut Oil and Your Dry Winter Skin

2018-01-05T06:12:00.001-08:00

Calgary in the wintertime - SO COLD!!

Since moving from BC to Alberta, my skin has taken a beating. It's dry, flaky (sometimes) and I even get these little dry patches if I forget to moisturize one day. It's a huge change to the dampness of the Lower Mainland - I can't get over how dry it is here!

I know that it will take some time to adjust to my new climate here but in the meantime, I am so thankful that coconut oil is readily available. For those that aren't aware, coconut oil is a miracle in a jar. Truly - it will save your life!! (Maybe that's a slight exaggeration but still...)

Here are some of my top, favorite, uses for coconut oil:

1. Shiny Hair - run a pea-size amount through your wet hair, after shampooing, and your hair will be so shiny and moisturized.

2. Moisturizer - Dab some coconut oil on your dry spots (or all over to fully moisturize) and your skin will be dewy, full of life and those dry patches will be gone.

3. Makeup Remover - Put some coconut oil on a cloth or cotton pad and swipe over your face and eyes to remove all your makeup. Truly, this works wonders.

4. Toothpaste - Mix some coconut oil with baking soda and brush away. I've used this a couple times and it does your teeth clean but I miss the minty flavor of my usual toothpaste.

5. Lip Balm - use a bit, similar to a Vaseline, on your lips if they are super dry. Leave overnight and your lips will feel completely transformed.

What are your favorite uses for coconut oil? Anything I may have missed from the list?

Happy Friday Glossers.

Say Bon Voyage to Bad Skin: Skincare Tips for Winter Travelers

2018-01-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a VERY long time since I last posted but I have some exciting news, and new posts, to share. First off, we are going back to Cambodia and Thailand and leave in less than a month!!

I received this article and thought how fitting it was as airplane travel wrecks havoc on your skin. Anyway, check out these tips and stay tuned for some amazing new posts.

Another winter is upon us and with it comes the escape to warmer climates. However, traveling puts additional stress on you and your skin. Regardless of whether you are traveling by car or plane, for business or pleasure, board certified dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis', must-know skin tips for winter travelers will help make your time away more relaxing and leave your skin rosy on arrival.

Why is it so dry in the sky?

The re-circulated air on planes combined with the lack of humidity is incredibly drying to skin. The air inside the cabin of a plane usually has a humidity level of 10 to 20 percent, much lower than a comfortable typical indoor humidity of 30 to 65 percent. This leaves skin in desperate need of moisture.

“Most people notice their skin may dry out or even breakout when they travel by air but they may not know why,” says Dr. Lolis. “Whenever the environment is moisture-free such as with recirculated air in a plane cabin, the air actually draws moisture from wherever it can, including the skin. Dry skin will tend to get drier and oily skin will get even oilier to compensate for dehydration. This is why it’s so important to use moisturizer with hyaluronic acid that does a great job of pulling moisture and keeping it on the skin.”

Pass on the booze and drink water instead.

“Alcohol is very dehydrating. While it may help to relax you if you're nervous about flying, the effect of alcohol will be dry skin,” says Dr. Lolis. “Drink water, infused with fruit and read a magazine or book, enjoy an in-flight movie or podcast. Having something to distract you will serve your skin better than a glass of wine.”

Dr. Margarita Lolis, MD

Prep for in-flight moisture maintenance. A hydrating mist is perfect for in flight application. Dr. Lolis recommends spraying a couple of pumps onto your face for instant hydration. It also feels great and helps cool you down if you're on a warm airplane.

Skip the salty snacks. Airport food is not very skin-friendly. “While peanuts and pretzels may look delicious, salt can cause swelling,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Instead, snack on dried fruits and prepack chopped veggies in baggies such as peppers, cherry tomatoes and celery, which are filled with water.”

It’s time to take off your makeup! If you regularly wear makeup, keep it to a minimum on the flight. “Dry airplane air combined with foundation and powders is a recipe for disaster to your pores. To avoid clogged pores and subsequent breakouts, opt for tinted moisturizer with concealer. Also use a tinted lip balm in lieu of lipstick. Dry cabin air only makes lips dryer,” recommends Lolis.

Puffy Eyes. Jet lag always shows through your skin but mostly in the eyes. Lack of sleep due to possible time changes can have you looking sleepy and puffy. Bring an eye cream in your carry-on that contains caffeine. Another option? “Bring two green tea bags with you on the plane,” says Dr. Lolis. “A half hour before landing, ask the flight attendant for hot water and soak a few minutes. Then add ice to cool down the bags, and apply them to your eyelids before landing. The green tea has antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to decrease puffiness so you'll look your best when you land.”

Weather-Proof Your Skincare Products. Pick and pack skin products based on the climate of your destination. “For snowbirds, when going to a warm, humid destination, pay extra attention to exfoliation in order to reduce the dead skin cells trapped by excess moisture, and pack a cleanser with salicylic acid,” suggests Dr. Lolis. If traveling to a colder climate extra moisture and skin protection from the elements is key. “To function properly, the epidermis needs to maintain a certain moisture level; in the winter, low temperatures, low humidity, and strong wind deplete skin of its natural protective barrier, allowing that level to drop,” says Dr. Lolis. “Sunscreen is always a must regardless of climate you may be traveling to,” she adds.

Don’t rely on Hotel Beauty Products: People often breakout when they're on vacation, because hotel products are typically made for people with normal to dry skin. In lieu of using hotel toiletries while traveling, consider packing a few key essentials in your travel beauty bag. “Hotel soaps can be very drying and overly scented,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Beware if you have sensitive skin and remember to bring your own toiletries.”

December 2016 Wrap Up - What I Bought This Month

2016-12-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

Wrap Up by redlipgloss featuring Stila

I can't believe December is coming to an end, along with 2016 - the year, and the Holidays, have flown by! I think its definitely time to recap what I bought this month.

In November, with the help of Allan and my bestie, I decided to cancel the majority of my monthly beauty subscription boxes. I was so tired of receiving the same items, all the time, and also hardly ever receiving full-sized products. I ended my long time relationship with a few of them and signed up for only two monthly boxes - knowing that they ONLY send full-sized items. Here's the lowdown on what I purchased this month:

BoxyCharm (New Subscription)

You have all seen the post about this box already but I can't stop raving to all my friends about it. The products are only ever full-sized and they are really great items too. My box had a total value $178.50 USD and only costs me $35 CAD per month. I received:

Pure Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette in Buff - $50 USD

Model Co Shimmer Bronzing Powder - $24 USD

OFRA Metallic Liquid Lipstick in Napa Valley - $19.98 USD

Purlisse Pur-Eye Adore Serum - $65 USD

Starlooks Ultra Longwear Mechanical Lip Pencil - $19.50 USD

Verdict: AMAZEBALLS. If you can only have one monthly subscription box, this is the one to get.

Ipsy (Cancelled)

This month was my last Ipsy bag as I have cancelled my subscription. I paid about $19 CAD a month for this and HATE that everything is little. Plus, there are only so many cosmetic bags a gal can have. This month, I received:

Tarte Maracuja Oil

Briogeo Curl Charisma

Ciate London Liquid Velvet Lipstick in Pin Up

NYX Prismatic Shadow in Punk Heart

Cake Heavy Cream Intensive Hand Repair Balm

Verdict - FAIL. Yes, the eyeshadow is really cute but for $19 CAD a month, this is not a good value at all. Everything is way too small.

Beauty Box 5 (Cancelled)

This was my introductory beauty box as I am still waiting for December's. Shipping was delayed and I don't actually know when my first box will be in. Either way, I've cancelled it. Items are small and for $20 CAD a month, it's just not worth the price. This box contains:

HappyFace Makeup Cleansing Cloth

Scratch Nail Wraps

Knotty Think Pink Elastics

Austrailian Gold Hemp Nation Body Wash

Tints & Sass Lip and Cheek Stain

Verdict: Just, no. Items are way too small and as much as I love the robin's egg blue box, it's not worth the money.

Benevolent Beauty Box (New Subscription)

This box made me very happy. First, this box commits to sending only cruelty-free, mainly vegan, beauty products and the boxes will always be over $100 USD. (At least that's what they say). This company only emerged in May 2016 and have made a lot of women so happy with the variety of products they send out. Oh, did I mention that everything is always full-sized? Here's what I received:

Beautiful Birdie Full Lash Mascara - $22 USD

Dirty Lamb Coffee Scrub - $8 USD

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Face Wash - $4.50 USD

Girlactik Sparkle Eyeliner and Base set - $27 USD

Tat2u Matte Lipstick in New Generation - FREE upon signup

Bunny Bath and Body Morning Jolt Caffeine Serum - $7 USD

Manna Kadar Blush in Paradise - $19 USD

Verdict: Undecided at the moment. I love my free lipstick and the mascara is actually fantastic but the total value was only $87.50 USD. This monthly subscription is $29.95 USD per month plus another $8 shipping - with exchange, I just haven't decided if this is a good deal or not. I will stay for another month and decide.

I also purchased a couple items from Sephora this month to ensure I took advantage of the $25 off coupon for being VIB Rouge.

I am loving this new little blush palette and have already been using it most days. Such a good deal as this was only $12 CAD.

I ran out of my favorite facial oil/serum and had to order more. LOVE this brand. Also a steal as I used a separate $25 coupon for this and only paid about $70.

Now on to the fun stuff (ha) - the gifts! I have the best friends and family, truly. Here are some of the great goodies I received this year.

I have never tried Bliss products before but my bestie, Carmen, said they are the best. Thanks to her I get to try them out!

My other bestie saw these shot glasses and instantly thought of me - I wonder why. Thanks Bronwen, they are fabulous.

Also thanks to B, I get the Stila "Spirit" Eyes Are the Window Shadow Palette to play with!

And then Carmen found this adorable little NudeStix Lip and Cheek Pencil set. The set contains 3 chubby stix, a sharpener and a really cute tin.

We did a secret santa gift exchange with all the friends and I got the vanilla chai scented lotions, scrubs and body wash from the Body Shop. The scent reminds me of Bali!

As usual, I was spoiled. Allan and Ben bought me a beautiful birthstone necklace as Ben's birthstone is emerald and my mom sent me a lovely perfume set. Plus, I got oddles of Sephora gift cards...yay!

Hope you all had a great Holiday. What was your favorite item you received?

DIY Facial Oil - Only 3 Ingredients Needed!

2016-12-27T08:46:00.001-08:00

So you all know that I typically post DIY beauty tips on Fridays and I also ALWAYS try them before I post. However, this one was way too good not to post today and I am in the process of making it.

I adore facial oils. Truly, I don't think there is a better way to keep your skin moisturized and make your skin more supple. I recommend oils to everyone I know because they actually work and do exactly what they say they are going to.

What I don't like about the oils on the market is the pricetag. An ounce of facial oil can set you back about $100 and, though there are some fantastic oils on the market, the investment is just not worth it. Especially when you can make your own for less than $20.

I found this site today and had to share - check out the post and let me know if you end up making this as well. I can't wait to hear your results after using your DIY facial oil!

http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/diy-face-oil/

My Very First BOXYCHARM Beauty Box - December 2016

2016-12-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

I adore beauty subscription boxes and subscribe to a number of different ones. This past month, though, I made a change and began subscribing to BOXYCHARM and cancelled Ipsy, Beauty Box 5 and Lip Monthly. I realized after receiving so many sample sizes that I only want to receive full-size items.

Ladies - I am SO HAPPY I made the swap, seriously. BOXYCHARM is, without a doubt, the best box I have ever seen.

The theme this month was "Makeup on Pointe" and for all you glossers out there who know me, the theme is very dear to me as I was a ballet dancer for most of my life. All items received had a glampy ballerina-esque vibe to them.

Did I mention that everything I received was FULL-SIZED???? My box was filled with a Pure Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette in Buff, Model Co. Shimmer Bronzer, Starlooks Ultra Longwear Mechanical Lip Pencil in Charmed, OFRA Metallic Liquid Lipstick in Napa Valley and Pur-Lisse Pur-Eye Adore Serum.

Drum roll please - onto the prcing. Including shipping and exchange, I paid $35 CAD for this box. The total value on my BOXYCHARM was $178.50 USD which is absolutely OUTRAGEOUS. I can't believe how amazing this was!!

See how shocked I am!! I am loving this box so much and can't wait to try the palette and the eye serum. They are, by far, my favorite additions. What did you get in your BOXYCHARM?

For those interested in signing up for BOXYCHARM, here is my referral link. No pressure, of course, but truly, this box is so worth it. https://boxycharm.com/refer/Chris-XHGANRFH

Too Faced Dupes: Makeup Revolution Chocolate Palettes

2016-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my Too Faced Chocolate and Bon-Bons palettes. Their smell alone is worth the investment but they are so popular with me because the colors are fantastic, the wear so well, last all day and the palettes are filled with the greatest colors.

However, I have found the most amazing dupes for those that just can't bite the Too Faced price tag.

Makeup Revolution, ladies! This UK brand (also sold at Ulta) has fantastic pricing and also ships to Canada. Plus, their chocolate palettes retail for under $13 CAD. Seriously, you can not beat this price.

Up first is the Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar palette compared to Makeup Revolution I Heart Chocolate Salted Caramel.

You can even see from the packaging that Makeup Revolution has embraced the chocolate bar look. However, one thing to mention is the smell - Too Faced definitely got the chocolate smell down whereas the Makeup Revolution palette, though scented, smells slightly more processed.

But, check out how close the colors are. Though the layout of the colors on the Makeup Revolution palette (right) is not in the exact same place as the Too Faced palette, the colors are virtually identical.

Color test! The blue shadow is one of my favorites in my Semi-Sweet palette (Blueberry Swirl) so it's fitting to use this one as a comparison (left is Too Faced) to Crunch in the Makeup Revolution palette. The colors both seem to be almost identical.

Up next is the Too Faced Chocolate Bar (Original) compared to Makeup Revolution I Heart Chocolate palette.

I really do love the Makeup Revolution packaging. Truly, it's a work of art in itself.

Look at these colors though. These palettes are virtually the same.

In sticking with my favorite color in my Chocolate Bar, I chose to compare the dark burgandy shade. The left one is the color from my Too Faced palette (Cherry Cordial) and it's compared to What A Way to Go. I must say, I greatly prefer the color in the Makeup Revolution palette - it's brighter, more burgandy in color and even has a better shimmer.

I am blown away by how similar these palettes are. Truly, similar in smell, texture, durability and color. This is, by far, one of the best dupes I have ever found.

What are your thoughts ladies?

My First FabFitFun Unboxing: Fall 2016

2016-10-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Despite my girlfriends being subscribers, I've been holding off on getting FabFitFun. My reasoning for this was because I currently subscribe to LipMonthly, Ipsy and Starlooks (since cancelled). However, after receiving my FabFitFun box, I will be a subscriber for LIFE.

Seriously, this box is fantastic.

First off, this box is JAM PACKED with so many great things. I am still in awe that I got all th colors I was hoping for and even the saying on the cup was what I wanted. This box is valued at $240 USD and I paid about $60 CAD for it. SUCH A GREAT DEAL.

My box contained a gorgeous ModCloth Loch and Key Scarf (red/green/blue plaid)at $35, Cottenelle Fresh Care Cleansing Cloths (sponsored), ToeSox Toeless Fitness Socks at $18, Secret Outlast Xtend Clear Gel (sponsored), Skin Laundry Restoring Night Serum at $50, FabFitFun Nature Coloring Book and Pencil Crayons at $14, Pur Cosmetics Nude Collection Eyeshadow at $50, the BrowGal Clear Eyebrow Gel at $20, Mullein & Sparrow French Lavender Body Oil at $18, Spongelle Bulgarian Rose Body Wash Infused Buffer at $16 and the Created Co. To-Go Coffee Mug at $19.

Eeeck, I am IN LOVE with everything but have to pull out this palette to show you how gorgeous the colors are. Check this out.

It looks very similar to a W7 palette I own but this is much better quality. Anyway, I can't wait to try this out. I will absolutely be posting a FOTD with this palette.

If you are like me and contemplating FabFitFun, here's a link to $10 off your first box. Go and get one! http://xo.fff.me/eqJI5

Palmer's: 2 Steps to Beautiful Skin AND Giveaway

2016-09-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am approached, often, from different companies asking me to try this product or that in exchange for review. The majority of the time I actually say no. Yes, I do turn down a lot of free products. I turn them down because my skin can be quite tempermental and does not deal well with change.

However, whenever Palmer's approaches me, I ALWAYS say yes because their products actually work....well, for that matter.

I was sent the Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil and the Skin Therapy Facial Oil, both of which have a delightful rosehip scent. Honestly, there is something so luxurious about smelling like a rose. Sigh, I love this scent.

I immediately gave the Cleansing Oil to my hubby, as he is NOT brand specific and was needing a new cleanser. He has been using this for about a week, solid, and says that his skin texture has drastically improved (he is prone to dryness and this is working wonders) and his beard (yes, he uses this on his beard too) is much softer and less frizzy. He said a downside for him is that the skin has to be dry before applying and since he does this in the shower he seems to use more product BUT aside from that, he is LOVING it.

The Facial Oil is my favorite item. I will say that I typically use a Laneige Brightening Serum but do tend to alternate one at night and one in the morning. The oil is fantastic because it smells super and applies very well plus you dont have to use very much to cover your face, making a bottle last a long time. Best part of this though? The serum works well to fade scarring and redness, leaving behind a revitilized you. Truly, if you are on the hunt for an inexpensive serum, this one must be tried.

Now, for the fun stuff - GIVEAWAY TIME!

Palmer's is giving away 3 facial gift packs that include both a full-sized Cleansing Oil and Facil Oil. If you are wanting to try this amazing brand, now is your time to jump on this giveaway.

Rules: You must be a Canadian Resident and must follow my Facebook page. If you aren't a follower yet, please click HERE and then hit "like". After you have done that, find this blog post on the page and comment with your CURRENT FAVORITE CLEANSER. The first 3 people to do this will win a fantastic gift pack!

Good luck and happy Monday!

EOTD: Sugar Smoke with Too Faced's Chocolate Bon Bons

2016-05-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

As I'm writing this post I realize two things: First, I am very lucky to have such an awesome husband and two, I need to learn to take better close-up pictures of my makeup. Let me explain...

This past Sunday was Mother's Day, my very first one. See, I was still pregnant with Ben this time last year so this was my first REAL Mother's Day. I was so excited to find out my hubby had not only made me breakfast, wrote in TWO cards (one from him and one from "Ben") but he had also planned a date night for just him and I. I was so full of love that whole day and out of nowhere, he surprised me with the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bon Palette I'd been eyeing for months. I'm a lucky girl!

I got all ready that day, full makeup and hair done, in anticipation of our date. I decided to use my new palette and create a look from one of the "how-to's" that accompany the palette. My choice? Sugar Smoke.

I'm always drawn to dark tones and love the way a smoky eye can look if done right. The greatest things about the "Chocolate" palettes are how easy the colors apply, how great they blend AND the smell. Seriously, I smelled like candy and chocolate the whole night. Loved it.

And here's the result WHICH you can hardly see because I am terrible with a camera. I will say that the end result was almost identical to the card and I loved feeling glamorous for the first time in a long time.

I highly recommend this palette if you don't already have it.

My First Ever Starlooks StarBox - April 2016

2016-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

I become quite fascinated with the Starlooks brand through Ipsy. I'd actually never heard of Starlooks before joining Ipsy and can still not believe I had.

Truly, their products are pretty great. And, better yet, they are not overpriced.

They offer two different beauty subscription boxed to both the US and Canada and I recently signed up for the cheaper of the two options. The options are the PerfectSize Starbox Subscription (for a total of $17 USD) or the Full-Size Starbox Subscription (for $23 USD). These prices include shipping. I chose the PerfectSize box as I wanted to ensure I loved all the products before I upgrade my membership.

I received my first box in 2 days after placing the order which was amazing and it came with 3 PerfectSize items and a full-sized item. Total surprise on the full-size item, to be honest.

I received a Starlooks Lip Gloss in Mad Crush, Starlooks Gimme More Volumizing Mascara, Starlooks Lip Liner in Dragon Fruit and a Starlooks Tender Gloss Lipstick in Pooh Bear.

Also, you can see a little card poking out underneath and it's a lifetime discount on all PerfectSize Cosmetics - This little care warrants me $4 off EVERY PerfectSize item I order from their site. Not too shabby, if you ask me.

And, here are the swatches of the products. from left to right we have the lip gloss, liner and the lipstick. I am beyond obsessed with the lipstick as I adore this color for summer. Can't wait to have a tan and sport it.

What do you think of the goodies? Worth the price?

Create A Spa at Home with BV Spa

2016-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've been sent a number of products in my time as a beauty blogger. Some things I've liked and others, well they weren't anything to write home about. That's why these products I received from BV Spa by Bon Vital have completely thrown me for a loop. They are so great, seriously, amazing.

I received 4 items ahead of the Canadian launch and the were all in the Lavender & Rosemary scent. The items were body lotion, sugar scrub, salt scrub and a body butter. I LOVE the scent so much as it truly makes me feel like I'm in a spa when I use them. (Lavender has always been my go-to fragrance of choice when visiting a spa).

The body is BY FAR my favorite of the moisturizers. Body lotion, I find, is too thin for my skin and my skin never feels quite hydrated. The body butter, though, is thick, luxurious and slightly greasy, making it the perfect cream to use after a shower or a tub. It's my favorite night-time moisturizer.

What surprised me the most were the scrubs. I've used sugar scrubs for years and am so familiar with the grittiness and moisturizing effects BUT the salt scrub is something that's new for me.

The left is the sugar scrub and right is the salt scrub. From the picture, you can see that they are almost identical in appearance. However, the similarities end here. First, the salt scrub actually smells quite salty (yes, I know, obvious) but the way it makes your skin tingle is a very new effect for me. Plus, as we all know, salt on your skin removes impurities and buffs your skin to create a different type of glow. I have truly been converted. My skin has never been as smooth and, after using the scrub with the body butter, I feel like a whole new person.

Best part about this line is it's to be sold at Shoppers Drug Mart which means no ordering online!! Woohoo. You all have to run out and grab this salt scrub, at the very least.

Dreaming Of: A Weekend Beach Getaway

2016-05-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than making a run from the city over a long weekend, cranking the tunes in the car and singing at the top of your lungs, all the while driving to a beach locale to enjoy the sunshine.

Us Vancouverites are so lucky to live here because we have a ton of different beach venues at our disposal BUT but, of course, not everyone is as fortunate. Sometimes a beach getaway isn't as easy to get to over a long weekend. However, the fact remains that beach vacations are the best.

Piece created on Polyvore by pisces7

When it comes to packing for a beach getaway, I only need the 5 things listed above:
1. My favorite printed bikini
2. A gorgeous floppy hat
3. A very high SPF sunscreen
4. My go-to bronzer
5. A bright orange lipgloss

If I had infinite space, I would be bringing a lot more items but these are definitely what I need for laying at the beach. Once I leave the beach, I would say I need to pack more items like the picture below!

The perfect getaway by glitterlovergurl featuring beach home decor

Whether you're a hop, skip and a jump from the beach OR need to get there via plane, nothing beats a beach vacation. If you're on the market for a getaway you should check out this AMAZING list of the best beaches (articles). You never know where you'll end up next.

What are your 5 go-to items for a beach vacation?

My Makeup Bag Essentials: How To Pack for 10 Days Away

2016-04-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Makeup bag on the left and skincare/hair product bag on the right

Ever since I backpacked around Southeast Asia for 3 months, I've become such a great packer. Before backpacking, I was TERRIBLE. I would literally pack my entire wardrobe and all my makeup in the biggest suitcase I could find even if we were only traveling for 3 days. Seriously, I'm not kidding.

Since I had to carry everything on my back for 3 months, I realized how little you truly need to still look good and feel like yourself. Plus, the benefit of going to Toronto and not Southeast Asia is I can still buy all my needed toiletries if I've forgotten anything, LOL.

The cosmetic bag I chose to use is not the nice new Sephora one I posted about last week but a matching set I bought at Winners. I chose these two bags because I they match (obviously) and they are small enough to fit in my carry-on suitcase.

Best part of this little bag is it came with the travel makeup brushes. Yes, I am bringing a few of my own but to include 5 brushes (and fairly decent ones at that) is a pretty good bargain.

At the bottom of the makeup bag are my face items. They include (from left to right) my ecotools powder brush, Almay Smart Share Anti-Aging Skintone Matching Makeup in Light, NYX Color Correcting Concealer Palette, BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Perfecting Concealer palette, my Bon Voyage Dual-Sided Mirror and Maybelline Fit Me Powder in Classic Ivory.

The next group of items are my blushes and highlighters. They include (from left to right): Model Co Highlighting Trio in Champagne, Peach Bellini & Bronze, Benefit Ooh La Lift, Pixi by Petra Beauty Blush Duo in Rose Gold, Sweet Lei Lani Color Tides Mineral Blushers in Star Fish and ELF All Over Color Stick in Persimmon.

I found packing the eye shadows to be the hardest part. Especially because I didn't have room to bring my Chocolate Bar palette or anything. I settled on the following items (from left to right) Coastal Scents Glamour Eyes Eye Shadow Sampler, Benefit Air Patrol Lid Primer, LOC One and Done Shadow Stick in Day Trip ,NYX 3 Color Shadow Palette (created for IPSY), City Color Eyeshadow Trio in Falling Leaves, Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner, Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara and Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer.

For my lips, I packed (from left to right) Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N50, Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint in Classy, Mirabella Love Velvet Lip Pencil, Jersey Shore Spa Pumpkin Spice Moisture Rich Hydrating Balm, tre'Stique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude and Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie in Maverick.

Also in the bag are the following items (from left to right) Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil, Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Soft Brown, a spoolie brush I made, a sample of Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme, a L'Occitane nail file, a Forever 21 Brush and Comb set, Davines OI All-In-One Hair Milk and a sample of Clean Reserve in Blonde Rose.

The last item in my makeup bag is a clear little pouch filled with my headbands, bobby pins, hair elastics and clips. I don't wear my hair up a lot but it's always nice to have these items just in case.

My skincare/hair product bag is a lot smaller and therefore I had to be very choosy about what was coming with me.

First, I always bring a selection of sample moisturizers. Mainly because mine are too big to pack and also because it's a great way to find new brands that might actually work well. I also packed a coconut face mask for a relaxed night in at the in-laws.

Besides the sample packs of moisturizers, I am only bringing this group of skin care items. They are (from left to right) Clarins Bi-Serum Intensif Anti-Soif, pur-lisse Pur-Delicate Gentle Soymilk Cleanser, Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil (x 2), Elizabeth Arden Prevage Hydrating Fluid, Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner, 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Overnight Firming Mask.

Hair products! From left to right, I packed Moroccan Oil Treatment, Co Lab Dry Shampoo, SG Play It Big Firmer Hair Spray, L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil, Sebastian Professional Color Ignite Multi Shampoo, L'Oreal Excellence Conditioner, L'Occitane Verbana Body Lotion and Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Salt Spray.

And of course, no toiletry case is complete without a toothbrush, deodorant, toothpaste and dental floss.

There you have it ladies! I will say that all my sample/trial sizes from Sephora, Ulta, Birchbox, Luxebox, Ipsy and LipMonthly really helped. Everything I packed (except the toothbrush, toothpaste deodorant, powder, concealer and foundation) were from these monthly subscriptions.