Best Blog Award!

 The very awesome Happy Sloths nominated me for the Best Blog Award! Thanks so much, Jasmine and Angela! Here are my responses to their questions (also make sure to scroll to the bottom for my nominations and questions!):

1. Holographic, magnetic, flakie, shatter, or textured polish?

 I love holographic and flakie polishes! The textured trend isn't for me, nor is magnetic and I think I was interested in shatter for about a month two years ago, haha.


 

Two polish faves: Essie Shine of the Times and Hits Artemis

2. What's your favorite store to shop at?

I love Winners -- it's like a treasure hunt! Also Shoppers. I like Lawtons too but it's a bit out of the way so I hardly get over there. I'm sure I'd love Sephora too if there was actually one here!

3. What is your ideal topping on a hot dog?

Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce.

4. Do you wear heels, how many pairs do you own?

I wear them occasionally. I only own three pairs though! 

Recent shoe purchase from Suzy Shier

 5. Where do you want to live when you retire?

Ooh, that's a tough one. PEI is actually where a lot of people retire, actually. I'm not sure if I'll be retiring here -- I guess it all depends on where I live in the future!

6. If you could take on any occupation in the world, what would it be?

My childhood dream was to be an archaeologist, so I would definitely do that if I had the money for it (most digs have to be self-funded). 

7. What's the most recent movie you saw and what did you think of it?

In theatres? Star Trek: Into Darkness. I liked it, but I wish they had made it more original like the first one, and expanded on some things in the story... I enjoyed it though, and I think it's a fun summer movie.
 

A deleted scene from the movie. You're welcome. (Source)

8. What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe?

My wedding dress?! I also have a Le Chateau cocktail dress which was about $200. I can't justify spending much on clothing!


I Nominate:

1. Cosmetic Proof 
2. Petite Pear Style 
3. Lipstick & Lace 
4. Fun Size Beauty 
5. Personellietea 
6. A Lovely Allure
7. 99Raina99
8. City Girl

My Questions:

1. How long does it usually take you to do your makeup?
2. Cake or pie?
3. If you could be any animal (current or extinct), what would you be?
4. If given the opportunity to visit space, would you?
5. Do you paint your toenails?
6. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for a day, would you and who would you choose?
7. If you had $100 to spend at only one store on anything you want, what store would you choose?
8. You can pick five cosmetics to wear (not counting SPF or moisturizer). What do you choose?
 

Latest Buys from Shoppers and Winners -- butter LONDON, Bioderma, Cover FX & More

For my birthday, my parents got me gift cards to two of my favourite beauty shopping spots: Winners and Shoppers Drug Mart! Here's what I managed to score:


 

Winners

inm Out The Door Top Coat: I've heard so many good things about this top coat, so I decided to try it out! This was $4.99, comparable at $11.00.

 butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Stag Do: My very fist butter LONDON polish! My local store had a couple other shades available but they looked to be solid cremes, and I wanted something more complex. Stag Do is slate blue with green shimmer. I can't wait to try it! It was a little pricey (for Winners) at $12.99, but BL polishes go for $17 in Canada so it was still a good deal.

ORLY Perfect Pair Duo -- "Galaxy Girl" and "Fiesta": Both these polishes are full-size and the duo cost $8.99, comparable at $12. Galaxy Girl is deep purple with teal and green flecks, and Fiesta is hot pink with pink shimmer.

Billion Dollar Brows Brow Gel and pixi Lip & Line in No.1 Pale Petal

pixi Lip & Line in No. 1 Pale Petal: This is lipstick/lip liner duo in a pretty peachy pink shade. The price was only $5.99, comparable at $18!

Billion Dollar Brows Brow Gel: A clear brow gel because I didn't have any. I've heard good things about the brand so I decided to take the plunge. It was $6.99, comparable at $18.

Shoppers Drug Mart

Shiseido Facial Cotton: The best cotton pads in the world. I've used these before and I looove. A bit pricey at $9 a pack, but I usually cut them in half as that's enough to remove my makeup with.

Bioderma Sébium H20 Micelle Solution: Yep, I'm jumping on the bandwagon! I got Sébium H20 instead of Sensibio, as it's supposed to be best for combination skin. This 100ml version cost $6.95 before taxes.

Cover FX Cream Concealer in N X-Light

Cover FX Cream Concealer in N X-Light: I really needed a workhouse concealer, and after hearing good things about this one, I decided to take the plunge. It's $27 for 10ml, but you only need the tiniest bit. I love that it comes in hygienic squeeze packaging (I tried to darken the spout a little so you can actually see it).


I'll be sure to review these items! Have you tried any of these? What have you bought recently?



Products were bought with gift cards received as a birthday gift. All opinions are my own.

Culling the Stash, Part 4: May's Empties

Hello! Sorry I haven't been updating this week -- I got a bad cold and I'm just starting to get over it. Here are the products I finished up in May!

1. Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color in 81 Light Blonde*: Pretty nice dye! I'll probably post a review of this soon.
Buy?: Probably will after I get through my other boxes of hair dye.

2. Baléa Legs and Body Ready-to-Use Wax Strips: These were good, even though I find waxing quite painful. :( I love the convenience of wax strips vs. tubs, though. I just wish this included more than two post-depilatory wipes (the package has 10 double-sided wax strips)!
Buy?: I would -- if I gain the courage again to wax.
  
3. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual Black Currant Vanilla Sugar Scrub (full): It did its job, but I found the scent to be overwhelming. It was nice at first, but I quickly grew sick of it.
Buy?: Probably not; there aren't any B&BW locations here and I want to try making my own scrubs.

4. Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45 (7ml): I really liked this sample, especially the high SPF it has. It didn't feel sticky and it provided enough moisture for my combination skin.
Buy?: Maybe. I have another sample tube to go through first.

5. Neutrogena Men Triple Protect Face Lotion SPF 25 (14ml): I didn't actually finish this but it's expired now according to the bottle. It's nice -- similar to the Healthy Defense moisturizer, but I dislike the generic men's scent it has. It makes my eyes water.
Buy?: No.

6. Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara (5.4ml): This is an alright mascara. I don't find it gives as much curl as some other mascaras I've tried, but I have two more mini tubes to get  through!
Buy?: Probably not, unless I have a change of heart after using up the remaining tubes...

7. L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother (1.5ml): The texture of this was so thick. It was kind of like Benefit The Porefessional but so, so thick.
Buy?: No.

8. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser / Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (4ml each): The cleanser was alright but nothing special. I couldn't even finish the moisturizing lotion though because it was so sticky on my face! Really dislike. :(
Buy?: No.

7. Nivea Soft Refreshingly Soft Cream (8ml): A fairly nice cream. I only tried it on my hands and body though, and of course just read it can be used on the face... It's pretty strongly-scented though, as Nivea creams seem to be. I prefer fruity fragrances.
Buy?: Maybe, if someone tells me it's great as a face cream!

8. Lancome Advanced Génefique Youth Activating Concentrate (1ml x 7): I didn't notice much of a difference with these samples; maybe because I'm too young to be "activating youth." Decent moisturization at least.
Buy?: No.

9. Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum (sample): Nothing really special I find. It was a couple years old though.
Buy?: No.


Not a whole lot finished this month, but it's progress! Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?


* items are PR samples. All other items either purchased myself or received as a free sample. All opinions are my own.

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo Review, Photos

This review is very timely -- it's hot and humid where I am, resulting in an icky, unclean feeling. Summer, with its awesome hot, sunny days, can  result in feeling like scrubbing from head to toe when we get inside. The problem is that it's bad to wash your hair every day, as it will only make your scalp produce more oils -- resulting in oilier hair faster. The solution? A good dry shampoo.

You may know Nail Polish Canada as a seller of, obviously, nail polishes -- but did you know they have recently begun selling other beauty items? I was recently offered to review Batiste Dry Shampoo, and now I will share my thoughts with you!

Batiste is a UK brand and makes several different dry shampoos, including ones for darker hair. I'll be reviewing XXL Volume, which claims to give a volume boost while removing excess grease from the hair.

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo (Click to enlarge)

XXL Volume (like all of Batiste's dry shampoos) comes in an aerosol bottle with a nozzle spray. You may love or hate this feature -- I personally like it better than non-spray dry shampoo, but it also gives the user less control over where the shampoo goes. It might take a few uses to get used to the application, but fortunately the shampoo blends easily into the hair.

What I really like about Batiste's packaging is that on the back of the bottle there are illustrations with clear instructions on how to use the product. This is  great feature for to learn how to use the product, and is definitely useful for those new to dry shampoos.

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo instructions

XXL Volume has a pleasant floral/powdery scent that lingers in the hair. I personally don't find it overwhelming or cloying, but it can still be detected a few hours after wear. I don't think Batiste makes any unscented dry shampoos, but there are other fragrance options available.

The shampoo sprays on white, and it does a great job at both removing grease and volumizing. It really does make your hair look freshly washed (or at least very close to it). As I mentioned before, the shampoo is pretty easy to blend into my blonde hair, and I find it's best to follow the pictorial instructions and hold the bottle a few inches away. Try not to get product on the skin where your hair parts -- I found it difficult to blend when it hit that area.

I have very fine hair and I generally forget to use volumizing products as the ones I've tried haven't really worked for me. XXL Volume actually does provide nice volume and lift to my hair -- I'm impressed! I could see myself using this even when my hair is clean just for that extra boost of volume.

I tested the product on my hair that hadn't been washed in two days, which is usually when it gets greasy again. XXL Volume was able to keep the grease away throughout the day. It's definitely a great product to have if you're planning to be on the move all day. The regular size bottle (200 ml) isn't very heavy, so it could be kept in your bag if you do need touch-ups, but there's also a 50 ml version available for even more portability.

I think it's fair to say I pretty much love this dry shampoo! It's easy to see why it's a favourite in the beauty blogosphere. It's definitely a great item to have in your beauty arsenal, even when weather is colder (like 6 months of the year in my part of Canada). My only qualm is that I wish there was a version for darker hair -- though there is still the regular version for dark and deep brown hair.

Nail Polish Canada is having a giveaway of 4 Batiste of your choice! Contest is only open to Canadians (excluding Quebec). Just go to the Batiste page and enter your name and email. Contest ends June 7th. Good luck!

Batiste can be bought at Nail Polish Canada at $9 for 200 ml or $5 for 50 ml. Shipping is free for Canadians on orders over $25, or flat rate $3 for orders under $25. US orders ship free over $50 and is $12 for orders under $50.

INGREDIENTS: BUTANE, ISOBUTANE, PROPANE, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) STARCH, ALCOHOL DENAT., SILICA, TALC, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), LIMONENE, LINALOOL, DISTEARYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDE, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE.

Have you tried Batiste Dry Shampoo or other dry shampoos? Let me know what you think!

Product sent for consideration. No monetary compensation was given. All opinions are my own.

Blog Every Day in May: Day 31 -- A Vivid Memory

It's the last prompt of the challenge! I did it! Yay! I hope you enjoyed reading these posts. I had fun writing them, even if I wasn't always great at posting them on the proper dates. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Day 31: A vivid memory

A lot of my most vivid memories are medical-related and aren't really pleasant, but this one has happy elements! It was the day before my birthday and I was scheduled to have jaw surgery for the second time (the first one was to correct a recessed jaw, and it ended up not healing in the proper position afterwards). I remember dreaming after I was put under, which was odd but apparently normal. I didn't feel anything.

When I woke up, the first thing I heard was a nurse asking the surgeon, "Does she need the blood bag?" Being only semi-lucid I was really confused and upset -- I knew my parents and fiancé were waiting for me and all I could think of is that they must be so worried. I started to cry and the surgeon asked for an anti-anxiety med to be given to me. I didn't like that at the time -- I thought he was overreacting and I wanted to explain why I was upset, though obviously couldn't with my jaw in the state it was.

I was wheeled into an ICU room and one of the happiest moments of my life was seeing my parents and fiancé there, and being able to assure them I was alright. Turns out I had lost 900 CC of blood (almost a litre), and had I lost more, I would have needed a blood transfusion. I'm very fortunate to have dodged that and to have family support!

You can read my previous challenge responses here and see the original challenge post here! 

Blog Every Day in May: Days 28-30 -- Pictures, Songs, Letting Go

Day 28: Only pictures

Birthday bouquet from my husband <3

Birthday cake from my parents <3

I get a kids card because I love cats!

My parents' cat, Tiny, no doubt wondering what I'm doing

Yummy granola I made!

Day 29: Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories. Use Grooveshark or YouTube to include them in the post

1. Q.U.E.E.N. by Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu: I adore this song and its lyrics. The rap at the end is so powerful.
2. Fear and Loathing by Marina and the Diamonds: This song reminds me so much of being in my late teens and moving past severe depression. I especially identify with the lyrics, "Not everyone is out to screw you over/Maybe, yeah, just maybe they just want to get to know ya."
3. Follow my Ruin by Röyksopp: This song makes me think of summer for some reason. I enjoy Röyksopp's music a lot and this is one of the songs I enjoy listening to the most.
4. (Keep Feeling) Fascination by The Human League: Such a fun song! I always want to sing along and it always ends up in my head after listening to it.
5. Eyes on Me by Faye Wong: This was my wedding song. It's from Final Fantasy 8. Both my husband and I love video games, and this is a great song. It always makes me all teary-eyed when I listen to it. /sap

Day 30: React to this term: Letting Go

"Letting go" makes me think of moving on from loss, accepting changes in your life and not dwelling on the past. I often have a hard time letting go of things, though I'm better at it than I was a few years ago. It's important to move on from things and live your life without regrets. Easier said than done, of course! I think it's also important to accept the past as it is and not try to go over and over things in your head of what could have been done differently. That will just lead you down a rabbithole of unhappiness.



You can read my previous challenge responses here and see the original challenge post here! 

Annabelle Big Show Lip Shine in Flirt + Metallic Lip Liner in Sparkle Review, Photos, Swatches

Around the beginning of May, I spotted a display of duo Annabelle Big Show Lip Shines and lip liners at Shoppers Drug Mart, for about $9.99 CAD each. There were a few different options, but I decided to go with Flirt Lip Shine and Sparkle Metallic Lip Liner. I'm not sure if the display is still around or if it's at other stores, but it's a great deal as the Lip Shines alone go for $9.50 and the lip liners for $5.95!

Annabelle Metallic Lip Liner in Sparkle

Annabelle's Metallic Lip Liners are available in three shades (there are also regular lip liners in 11 shades, and a waterproof version in 6 shades). They're described as "soft, smooth [in] texture" though I would disagree -- I found Sparkle to be a bit dry on application.  I didn't find it dragged or tugged though, but I did have to go over the lines a couple of times for complete opacity.

The scent of the liner is distinct wooden pencil. It's not my favourite, but it's not terrible, and wears off after a few minutes. There's no discernible flavour.

Annabelle Metallic Lip Liner in Sparkle

The shade is quite pretty, and not overly metallic, which may or may not please you -- I personally like it the way it is, but you may want something with a more metallic finish. Wear time is a few hours. I find it tends to wear off with the Big Show Lip Shine in Flirt, but I've worn it under lipstick and it was mostly intact after the lipstick wore away after a meal.

Annabelle Metallic Lip Liner in Sparkle -- Lip Swatch

Annabelle Big Show Lip Shine in Flirt

Annabelle describes these Lip Shines (which are available in 12 shades) as "natural shimmery sheer to party-ready sparkling semi-sheer" -- Flirt falling into the latter category. They also contain grape seed oil, Omega-6 and Vitamin E. So far, so good!

Flirt is on the sheer side but is buildable. There isn't much of a scent or flavour (Annabelle says the Lip Shines are perfume-free), and the gloss isn't overly sticky. It has a typical doefoot wand, which makes application pretty easy.

Annabelle Big Show Lip Shine in Flirt

 

The sparkles in Flirt are not overly-prominent, and with the semi-sheer colour, this is a good gloss for everyday wear. You could also dress it up for night by wearing it over a pink or fuchsia lipstick.

The wear time is pretty good for me -- about two to three hours, and can hold up through a light snack or cup of coffee. It wears off evenly and doesn't leave any wayward sparkles on your lips.

I think this is a great gloss for all ages -- I could see it being suitable for (pre)teens as it isn't overly flashy, but still has that bit of sparkle for appeal. Of course, anyone of any age who likes a hint of colour and sparkle should try it out!

Annabelle Big Show Lip Shine in Flirt over Annabelle Metallic Lip Liner in Sparkle

L-R: Flirt Lip Shine, Sparkle Metallic Lip Liner

I would purchase both products again, in other shades. While the lip liner formula isn't my favourite, it isn't bad and it does its job -- plus it's just a few cents shy of $6. It's an even better deal if you can find the duos for $9.99!

INGREDIENTS (from Annabelle.ca):

Metallic Lip Liner in Sparkle:
CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2 HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL MYRISTYL ESTERS HYDROGENATED PALM KERNEL GLYCERIDES POLYETHYLENE HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL DECYL ESTERS CANDELILLA CERA/EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX/CIRE DE CANDELILLA HYDROGENATED COTTONSEED OIL CERA CARNAUBA/COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX/CIRE DE CARNAUBA HYDROGENATED PALM GLYCERIDES TOCOPHEROL ASCORBYL PALMITATE MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR : MICA IRON OXIDES TITANIUM DIOXIDE RED 7 LAKE RED 6

Big Show Lip Shine in Flirt:
HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE PETROLATUM OCTYLDODECANOL ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER BUTYLENE/ETHYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE SILICA BENZOPHENONE-3 TOCOPHERYL ACETATE TIN OXIDE MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR: BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE MICA TITANIUM DIOXIDE RED 6 LAKE RED 30 LAKE RED 27 LAKE MANGANESE VIOLET IRON OXIDES RED 6 RED 28 LAKE RED 7 LAKE YELLOW 6 LAKE CARMINE

Annabelle products can be purchased online at Annabelle.ca (ships to Canada and US), and in Canadian drugstores, Loblaws, Target, and Walmart.

Have you tried either of these products? Do you like sparkly lip glosses?


Products purchased myself. All opinions are my own.