Enhancing Natural Beauty

I came across the brand Glossier and I was inspired by their idea about enhancing natural beauty. I decided to write a post about the product I use to enhance my natural beauty.

First thing first, I believe taking great care of your skin is the first step in enhancing natural beauty.

About 4 to 5 months ago I purchased the Foreo LUNA mini ( I wrote about it in this favorites post). This cleansing brush has completely changed my skin. It removes make up and dirt that has settled in to pores but it super gentle.


Another skin product that has completely changed my skin is the Clinique Smart Serum. This serum targets the need of your skin making this serum ideal for almost everyone. I find that this serum makes my skin softer, not as dry and it tones down the redness in my skin. The only down side to this serum is it is pretty pricey.




I also always make sure to keep my skin hydrated. I use the GlamGlow Thirstymud when my skin feels super dry and needs a boost of hydration.




During my night time skin care routine, I either use the Origins Night-A-Mins or the Josie Maran Argan Milk with her Argan Oil.








Onto makeup.

If I'm not going anywhere for the day, I usually go makeup free. But if I do have to go somewhere, like to run an errand, I usually wear the Bourjois Paris Healthy Serum Foundation. This foundation is a light to medium coverage foundation but what I like about the foundation is it has a serum built in so I feel like it is taking care of my skin at the same time.




Usually when I just wear foundation to run an errand, I always fill in my brows. I love using the Benefit Gimme Brow as it gives a very natural look to the brow. Brows always make an the face looks put together. I also love my eyes so filling my brows in draws eyes to my eyes.



I finish this easy and light makeup look with whatever mascara I am using at the moment and the Bare Minerals Pop of Passion Lip Oil Balm. This lip product is super hydrating. I have this product in Plumberry Pop. This product can be applied sheer or built up. The colour Plumberry Pop is not a neutral/ natural colour at all, but I personally feel the most confident in a bright lip.

Swatch of Plumberry Pop

Glossier is an American beauty company that specializes in skin care and enhancing women's natural beauty. You can check out Glossier beauty products here. Unfortunately they do not ship to Canada.

What products do you use to highlight your natural beauty? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Empties - Skin Care Edition

I have accumulated so many empties it isn't even funny. So I've broken them down into categories to help make these posts a little shorter! First up skin care.


Sephora Sheet Masks - Pearl and Green Tea

I did a whole post dedicated to these masks (here). The pearl mask is supposed to perfect and brighten the skin and it really did make my dull skin brighter. The Green tea mask is mattifying and anti-blemish and it lives up to its claims. I also find the green tea one helps with redness as well.

Nivea Gentle Toner

This toner is formulated for dry and sensitive skin (they do have ones formulated for oily skin as well!) I find that this toner really hydrates and soothes my skin. I have found that this really helps to calm my skin down as well.





Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins

I received this in a 500 point perk from Sephora. First off, I was super happy with the size of this sample as it was 1 oz. - almost full size considering the full size is 1.7 oz. This moisturizer describes it self as a mineral rich renewal cream and I have to agree! it is super thick so a little goes a long way and it smells like citrus fruit! I found that this really helps to soothe my skin and get rid of any dry patches I have.

Clinique Custom Repair Serum

This is a completely new discover and I am super happy I found it. This serum responds to what your skin needs so anyone can use this. it is also 100% fragrance free. I have noticed that this product has completely changed my skin - it makes it feel softer, evens out my skin tone while also toning down the redness. A little goes a long way with this product, which is really good because this product is expensive!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

When I saw this product, I was stoked to try it out as a face moisturizer hoping it would help my dry skin. I hated this on my face as it felt super heavy to me BUT using this as a body moisturizer is the best thing ever! This product is formulated as intense hydration for dry parched skin. I have repurchased the smaller size of this product as this tub was a little too much for me.

Garnier Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser

I loved this product! This cleanser is made for sensitive skin (they do have ones for oily and combo skin!) This cleanser gently removes makeup while calming and comforting the skin. It also apparently removes waterproof mascara but I haven't tried this on my eyes. This cleanser is formulated to be applied to dry skin and then rinsed clean. I did repurchase this product in the gel cleanser form and I don't like it as much as the lotion version.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

This product really helps to soothe my skin. I spray this product before my moisturizer at night and I also use it whenever my skin feels tight or uncomfortable under makeup. I will say this product has a really strong smell (it's not terrible but it is not great), I only smell it when I am spraying it on.

GlamGlow ThristyMud Hydrating Treatment

This was a little sample I got in a Sephora skin care pack. I LOVE this product. I typically use this product when my skin is feeling extra dry (aka Canadian winters) or if I wore a matte foundation. I apply a even layer and let it stay on my skin for awhile (usually 15-30 minutes). A Sephora employee told me you can also wear this mask overnight. This mask also smells like coconut to me. I don't think I'll ever purchase the full size because of how expensive it is, but I will purchase the travel sizes.



Garnier Eye Roller

I don't have much to  say about this product except for it felt really cooling on the eyes and that the ball worked great. I'm not sure it really de-puffed my under eyes like it claims to do.


First Aid Beauty Eye Duty

This product is supposed to brighten, depuff and smooth the under eyes. This product did brighten as the product is a salmon pink color. I don't think it de-puffed but the metal applicator did feel great and I'm not sure about smoothing. My biggest issues with this product is that it was very hard to control how much product you got. Where the product came out is right near the metal applicator so sometimes I would be smoothing the product out and accidentally squeeze more product out.

ELF Makeup Removing Cleansing Cloths

This makeup wipes are a great value and they do an incredible job. I didn't use these cloths on my eyes but they did remove face makeup wonderfully. These cloths also didn't dry my skin out which was great.


Boscia Makeup- Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

This product has to be one of my favorite cleanser ever. This product is very gentle but it deep cleans literally dissolving makeup. I also love that this product doesn't leave an oily residue.




ELF Mineral Mist

When I ran out of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, I decided to use this. This mist is supposed to replenish and revitalize skin.  This product did none of that. This mist actually made my skin drier and because of this I barely finished this product.

That is all my skincare empties! What product have you finished up recently?

Stay Beautiful,
Sarah

Beauty Resolutions

Hello my lovely readers! Long time no write. I apologize for my absence, the last month was super busy for me - final projects, exams, mock interviews, holidays etc. Also, I'm thoroughly convinced that I can't remember anything unless I write it down - I forgot my camera when packing to go home for the holidays, can't blog without decent pictures.

All that aside, I hope each and every one of you had an amazing and safe holiday and New Years. I personally did and I also celebrated my 21st birthday (I'm a New Year's Eve baby).

Let's jump into today's post, which is my 10 resolutions for 2016. 10 does seem like a lot but I think its a pretty manageable list.  * these are in no particular order! *

1) Keep posting on my Monday and Friday schedule - stick to it.

2) Be more active on twitter (@beautyjunkiexo) and Instagam (@beautyjunkiesarah)

3) Write things down - Lists are your friend, Sarah

4)  Buy more liquid lipsticks - I really love Kat Von D Everlasting Lipstick in Bauhau5

5) Use the samples you receive or give them away

6) Try to find my perfect nude - I've tried in the past but I need to commit to this

7) USE my eyeshadows

8) Drink more water!

9) Write more reviews

10) Try new beauty trends - baking etc.

What are your resolutions for 2016? Beauty related or not, let me know in the comments!

Stay beautiful,

Sarah

November Ipsy Unboxing

I received my November Ipsy bag. For those who do not know, Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service that is completely customized to you. Each month, they send you a themed cosmetic bag filled with  four to five make up items, tools, shampoo, conditioner etc. It is ten dollars American (For Canadians add 4.95 for shipping).

This month's theme is Beauty Blast and I am liking the galaxy bag.

Here is what I got

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

I'm pretty sure every ipsy subscriber received this mascara. I have tried this mascara before and it was okay, not great but not horrible.







An SLMissGlam Blush Brush

I have never heard of this brush brand before. The brush feels very soft and I am excited to try this because you can never have enough brushes. I really like the little crystals on the ferrule.



INSPR single eyeshadow in Carnival

This eyeshadow is a very pretty copper/bronze colour. It has some great pigmentation and it seems to blend out quite nicely. it does have some glitter in it but it doesn't over power the colour.


Model CO Highlighting Trio

L to R; Highlight Bronzer, Blush

This is a cream product that includes a highlighter (in the shade champagne), a blush (in the shade Peach Bellini) and a bronzer (in the shade Bronze). I have received the Model Co blush in Peach Bellini before so I was a little unhappy to see it included here again but I do enjoy that it is in a cream. I like that the products are clearly divided. The blush and bronzer have great pigmentation, the highlight does need to be built up a bit, but it does look great after that build up. There is some glitter in this product. All of the creams blend out nicely, easily and evenly.

Coolway Strong Hold Hairspray

By now we all know my dislike for hair products so I won't say to much about this product except for the fact I will be passing it along.





That is everything that came in my Ipsy bag. Overall, I am rating this bag 3 and a half stars out of five because I am excited about the eyeshadow, the blush brush and the Model Co trio. The half star is for the Smashbox mascara because I already know I feel about it. This bag lost the star because the hair product.

Are you a subscriber to Ipsy? What did you get in your November bag? Let me know in the comments below.

If you would like to sign up for Ipsy, you can use my link: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1ik8u?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

Stay beautiful
Sarah

*NOTE: The Ipsy link is an affiliated link. It gets me points that I can redeem for an extra product. Thank you*

Avalai Unboxing + Review

This is a monthly subscription for that time of the month. I think these boxes are a great idea and they are always super fun.



A handwritten Card!

Nicely wrapped!

The first item I pulled out of the box was these gluten free pretzels. These pretzels are in garlic herb flavor and they don't taste too bad. Perfect snack for those who crave savory snacks.






                      I then pulled out two boxes of chocolate. The first box is Lindt Truffles in milk chocolate. These truffles are super delicious and always remind me of the holidays (AKA festive feast time at Swiss Chalet. Right Canadian readers?). The second box of chocolates are Godiva truffles. I haven't tried this box of chocolates yet. I really like that this box included chocolate.



The third item I pulled out was a box Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. These jelly beans are in different cocktail flavours (the box points out that there is no alcohol included). I personally don't enjoy jelly beans but these fit the sweet cravings.




The fourth item I pulled out of the box is a cucumber soap. This is a hydrating soap that can be used on the body or face. This soap was also made in Canada. This soap has an amazingly fresh scent to it and it is pretty strong. I was worried that the food items in the box would taste like the soap, since they were packed closely together, but I am very happy to report that this didn't happen.





There was also a variety of Higgins and Burke Tea in the box! Flavours included Green Tea, Peppermint and Camomile.




The final items in the box were a bag of tampons and a travel pouch. You do get a choice between tampons, pads or both.

The only negatives I found with this box is the travel pouch while a great idea, is a bit big for some purses. Also, this box is super huge so if you live in a condo or apartment this box won't fit in the mail box. This is a minor issue but can be a tad annoying to go to a post office to get this.

Overall, this box is great! I loved the variety and everything that was included. Also, a portion of the profits from each Avalai box sold is donated to the Canadian Women's Foundation which helps to empower women and girls in Canada to move out of poverty, violence and into confidence.

You can sign up for Avalai here.

Do you subscribe to boxes like this one? Do you get an Avalai box? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful,
Sarah

*NOTE: This box was provided to me. My opinion was NOT swayed because of this. Please see my disclaimer for more information.*

October Favorites

Hello everyone!! I am alive!!!

For those of you who don't know, I am a full time student who also works and I write this blog. Over the past couple weeks, school has been crazy crazy busy, but I survived and here I am.

It is never too late for monthly favorites right? Right.

Here is a list of everything I have been loving this month.

Foreo LUNA mini

My skin was going through a really bad phase and I decided to pull the trigger on this cleansing brush. This product is like the Clarisonic except it is more gentle and cheaper (you don't need to buy replacement heads). The LUNA is also smaller than the Clarisonic. Since using this, my skin has never looked better!!



Caudalie Beauty Elixier

As my skin was going through this phase, it was also very very dry. I would spritz this all over my skin at night before my moisturizer and/or throughout the day, if my skin needed some refreshing. To be honest, I'm not sure how what this product did but I know it made my skin feel better. Just a heads up, this product smells terrible.

Maybelline Fit Me for Dry and Sensitive Skin

I really fell in love with this foundation this month. I found it had great coverage and didn't cause my already dry skin to get any drier. I will have a Face Off post including this foundation up next week, so I will talk about it more there!




MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

This concealer is absolutely amazing. It covers pretty much anything ad it lasts all through the day. I don't use this under my eyes because it is quite heavy.

That is everything I have been loving during the month of October, it was a pretty slow beauty month because of how crazy busy I was, but I can't wait to share all my favorites for November.

What have you been loving this month?

Stay beautiful,
Sarah

Irresistible Me Hair Extensions Review

Let me start this post off by saying, I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about extensions. I have never really felt the need to wear them or even attempt to because I don't see the need for them.

I usually let my hair grow long and then refuse to cut more than the dead ends off but recently I have been loving my hair to be a little bit below my shoulders.

So when I was giving the opportunity to review the Irresistible Me extensions, I thought it might be fun to try them.

I go the clip in type. The extensions are 140 grams and 14 inches in length. I chose the colour Chocolate Brown.

I found choosing a colour from the online catalogue to be quite difficult, especially when you can't decide between two colours. After quizzing everyone close to me and watching numerous videos, I think I chose the right colour.

I like that this company offers free returns. When you get your extensions, there is one side of the package that you open first. This first side has a piece of clip in extensions so you can test the colour and the length.

Please don't mind the bite marks in the right corner, my cat decided that packaging need to be tasted. He approves.





The extensions came with 7 pieces;

- 1 - 4 clip
- 2 - 3 clip
- 2 - 2 clip
- 2 - 1 clip



Before

After

The first couple times that I wore the extensions, I found the extensions to be very difficult to clip in but the clip in process got easier and easier as I wore them! These extensions can be styled using heated tools and Irresistible Me recommends washing them every 10 to 20 wears.

Overall, I found these extensions to be easy to use once you got the hang of it. I found these extensions to be a good length, as it was too drastic and I found the weight to be good for me. I will say, I don't think the colour I chose was really my "perfect" match, so be careful about that.

I think these extensions are great if you want to wear extensions occasionally or if you are an extension newbie, like myself. However, I think if you wear extensions all the time, I don't think these extensions are for you.

Do you wear extensions? What do you think about them? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay beautiful
Sarah

* NOTE: These extensions were provided to me in exchange for a review. My opinion was NOT swayed because of this. Please see my disclaimer for more information.*