April Favourites 2013 ♥

I am going to have a stereotypical moment here, but I literally cannot believe how fast the month of April went by! May is now here, and in 4 short months I will but hauling my a$$ to university and starting a brand new chapter of my life! CRAZY! But before I go off on a tangent about becoming an adult, I figured I would share with you some things I have been LOVING over the month of April! So, without any further adieu, here are my favourites!

Makeup Favourite: Kirkland Signature by Borghese Dense Kabuki Brush

I got this little sucker a while a go in a holiday makeup set my mom got from the beloved Costco. I use this brush everyday to buff in my foundation, concealer, powder and even blush! It is truly amaze-ballz! Honestly, it gives my face makeup such a flawless finish, I can't even believe it. I would seriously recommend to all of you to look for a dense, kabuki style brush; it makes such a difference in the application of foundation and is definitely worth an investment. I don't think this exact brush is available, but every year Costco comes out with a new brush set, so keep your eyes peeled because they are really great quality and a really great price! 

Hair Favourite: Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

I know I have talked about this product previously, so I won't drown on about it; however, I have to say that it is really fantastic. My hair feels so soft and looks so shiny after using it and I really do think it helps to prevent and repair split ends. I think the best part is the smell; coconut reminds me of warm weather and days spent in the sunshine! So if your ends are looking a little worse for wear, I would recommend this wondrous product from Organix. It is only about $8.00 and you can get it from basically any drugstore, grocery store, etc. If you are interested in reading more of my thoughts on this product, as well as other products from Organix, check out my review!

Nail Polish Favourite: Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in "Iced Queen"

My-oh-my, this sure is a purdy colour! If you have fair skin like me, you might be able to empathize with the fact that a lot of bright colours, that tend to be popular in the spring and summer, don't always go well with your complection (especially if you are also a ginger kid). I feel like this colour compliments my skin tone beautifully, and is still very appropriate for the this particular time of year. And bonus, these polishes are very inexpensive! If you want to know more about them, and see what other colours I have, check out my review!

Skin Care Favourite: Neutrogena Naturals Face Cleansing + Makeup Remover

                                                                                                                   

I am just going to start off with, I have a review on this product also, so if you are wanting a more in-depth look a this product, click right ---> here. Any-who, HOLY CRAP! What a fantastic cleanser, and what wonders it has done for my skin. Ever since I started using this I have notice a dramatic difference my skin, from the amount of breakouts I have to the overall brightness and freshness of my complection. If your skin is looking dull and tired, I suggest picking up a bottle of this.

Body Care Favourite: Dial Naturals Moisturizing Body Wash in Tangerine & Guava 

Live Luxe by Jennifer Lopez. If you know that perfume and love that perfume, you need this body wash in your life. When I say it smells exactly like it, I mean it smells exactly like it. And if you do not know what that perfume smells like, it doesn't matter, because you will love this regardless. This fresh, fruity body wash with a hint of floral will invigorate you first thing in the morning and instantly brighten your mood. Plus, this product is actually very moisturizing and very inexpensive - what have you got to lose? 

Fragrance Favourite: Country Chic from Bath and Body Works

OH MY LANTA!...Did the previous favourite count as a fragrance favourite? Hmm...I don't care! OH MY LANTA! Hold on to your panties, we have another perfume dupe! In the 10th grade I got a sample of Sarah Jessica Parker's NYC perfume from the perfume counter at the Bay, and ever since then I have been in love with it. But perfume is so f$%@ing expensive that I can never, ever justify buying a bottle of even the "inexpensive" perfumes ($30.00 is still a bit of a stretch). But Country Chic, from the ever popular Bath & Body Works, smells so much like NYC by SJP, that  now I will never half to buy the actual perfume because I can get the fragrance mist for 40 bucks cheaper! And if you have no idea what I am talking about, this body spray has a primarily citrus scent with notes of lovely springtime blossoms mixed in. Simply gorgeous! 

Fashion Favourite: 90s Maxi Dress

I got this dress for 50 cents at a second hand store in my town. Ever since then, I have been completely in love with it, and have, particularly, over the month of April. It is so easy to style, and I can dress it up and dress it down. It works in cooler weather and warmer weather, and is so comfortable that I have even sometimes slept in it! I believe it was originally from Sears, but it doesn't matter, this is certainly the best thrift store purchase I have ever made. 

Favourite Tea: Walters Bay & Co. Lemon Tea

I had been quite congested over past month (likely from the up again, down again weather), and I needed something to help sooth and clear my throat. I ran out of peppermint tea (which normally does the trick), so I had to resort to lemon. Long story short, I ended up really loving this tea, and it really helped my voice to recover from the manliness it had acquired throughout my various instances of illnesses. Yay for tea!

Favourite Movie: Across the Universe

I don`t want to spoil this for anyone who hasn't seen this beautiful movie, so all I am going to say is, GO WATCH IT.

Favourite Band: Metric 

I don't feel like I really have to say much here. Metric has been one of my favourite bands for years, and this past month I rediscovered the glory and beauty of their music. All I have to say that if you are a fan of indie-alternative-rock, you have to listen to Metric. That is all.

Favourite Youtuber(s): VerbalClouds and KendallsPlace

Christie is probably the cutest, most adorable Korean girl on the internet! Her Youtube videos are so professional and informative and I just love watching them! She has an amazing style and is so sweet that you have to check out her channel because I know that you will love her just as much as I do! :D

Go to her channel right meow! VerbalClouds

I have been watching Kendall since she started her first channel (at least I think it was her first...), regardless, I love her. She is one of the most honest, genuine people on YouTube. Her videos are very helpful and informative while still being entertaining and funny. She is just so real, and I really love that. You need to watch her videos, even if it is just for a laugh (and I mean that in the best possible way :)).

Subscribe to Kendall! KendallsPlace

ALRIGHT FOLKS! That wraps up my favourites for the month of April. I didn't have all that many favourites, but I still hope you enjoyed reading this! I hope you all had a fantastic month, and together let's reign in May! Hallelujah, I feel like spring is finally in full force!  

Talk to you all later! Love you!

xoxo, Erin

Review: Neutrogena Naturals Skin Care Line

Hello beautiful creatures! It seems like forever since I have posted on my blog (well...that may be because it has been forever!). Anyways, today I am going to be reviewing some skin care products from Neutrogena's "natural" skin care line. These products have been doing absolute wonders for my skin so I just had to share them with you!

Fresh Cleansing + Make-Up Remover

Overview

• 86% naturally derived
• Not tested on animals
• Packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastic
• Supports clean water & renewable energy 
• Contains no harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates or dyes
• Good Guide Rating: 6.3
• Price: $7.49 CAN (prices may vary)

This first product is my favourite out of the three, and the one that I have been using the longest. The Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Make-Up Remover is an excellent all around cleanser; it cleans your face wonderfully without stripping away all of the natural oils integral to maintaining balanced skin. I use this at night to remove all of my makeup - even my waterproof mascara - and let me tell you it does an amazing job. With just this product I am able to remove every spec of makeup on my face and deep cleanse my pores at the same time. On nights when I am too tired to go through with my entire nightly skin-care routine, I simply wash my face with this and I don't have to worry about waking up in the morning with angry breakouts caused by left over makeup and dirt, clogging my pores. It is truly a magical product. 

And this is gentle enough for sensitive skin! Because this product has extracts of coconut oil and vegetable glycerin (a water-retaining substance (humectant) that is used to make gentle soaps), it has moisturizing properties that will help to soften your skin and not completely dehydrate it. It also doesn't contain sulfates, parabens, harsh chemicals or dyes, therefore it is less likely to cause skin irritations.

The one complaint I have about this product is that it does have a light fragrance that could potentially bother some people. Just a caution to those of us who can be rather sensitive to fragrances. 

OVERALL RATING: 8.5/10

Purifying Pore Scrub

Overview: 

• 94% naturally derived 
• Not tested on animals
• Packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastic
• Supports clean water & renewable energy 
• Contains no harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates or dyes
• Good Guide Rating: 6.3
• Price: $7.49 CAN (prices may vary)

This has to be one of my all time favourite exfoliants; it is gentle enough for everyday and leaves my skin feeling smooth, soft and clean. As we all know exfoliation is essential for achieving clean skin, because it buffs away dead skin cells which trap dirt, oil and makeup in your pores. The tiny granules in this product do a great job at removing dead skin and other impurities without being too abrasive. 

This product also contains willowbark, which, for those of you who didn't take chemistry in high school, is what salicylic acid was originally derived from. The native people of North America used this for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, and now it is used in a wide variety of products, including acne cleansers, creams and toners. Therefore, this scrub has some amazing acne clearing properties!

Like the cleanser, this scrub does have a bit of a fragrance. Nothing too extreme but hey, I just want to give you the facts - straight up! 

OVERALL RATING: 8/10

Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream

Overview

• 97% naturally derived 
• Not tested on animals
• Packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastic & 100% recycled plastic
• Supports clean water & renewable energy 
• Contains no harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates or dyes
• Good Guide Rating: N/A
• Price: $13.99 - $21.99 CAN (prices may vary)

Now, out of the products that I have tried from this line, the Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Nigh Cream is my least favourite. This isn't a terrible product, I just don't think it is worth 14-22 dollars. 

It is decently hydrating, and absorbs quickly into the skin; however, I think it works better as a day cream. I like my night creams to be thick and intensely moisturizing, and although this is jammed packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants, it still doesn't compare to good ole' fashion Nivea cold cream. 

If you are willing to shell out the money, it may be worth trying if you are just getting into night creams and want something light. This also might be nice in the summer months when it is just too unbearably hot to put a layer of lard over your face before you go to sleep. But, I'd still rather pick up a pot of Ponds and call it a day (or...night). 

OVERALL RATING: 6/10

Other products in this line include...

• Acne Spot Treatment
• Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer  
• Acne Cream Cleanser 
• Acne Foaming Scrub
• Purifying Facial Cleanser
• Lip Balm
• Face and Body Bar

So that is all for today folks. I hope you found this review helpful. Please leave any questions in the comments below and remember to check out my YouTube channel for more awesomeness!

If you are interested in seeing how harmful (or not) the products you are using are, then look them up on one of these awesome websites!

Good Guide
Skin Deep

Tootles for now! Remember you are beautiful :)

xoxo, Erin

BYYYYYYYYE

Review: Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquers

The seasons are turning and spring is almost here. It is time to dust off your sandals and open toe shoes and let yourself breathe. But wait! After coming out of months of dormancy you realize your toes (and fingernails!) aren't looking so great...It's time for some new nail polishes to brighten up your days! 

I'm not usually a nail polish kind of girl, but the warm spring air always gets me in the mood to paint my phalanges (plus springtime colours are always so gosh darn pretty!). However, nail polish can be expensive! 

Sure, the colours are gorgeous, but at 8+ dollars a bottle I am half way to a new shirt...or could treat myself and my best-friend to a chai tea latte! 

But, as luck would have it, I have found a pretty amazing nail polish steal! And, from an old and trusted brand...

Left to Right: Coral Crush, Green With Envy, Iced Queen

The Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquers came out sometime in early 2012, but I really haven't heard all that much about them since. So when I was out and about looking for some new nail polishes for the upcoming season, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were on sale for $2.50 each (normally $2.97 at Wal-Mart). 

I picked out three colours and these are the results...

190 Coral Crush

This is a really pretty true coral colour that is very popular during the warmer months. I found it a tad streaky at first but was able to get a beautiful opaque colour after the second coat. 

Top: Coat 1
Bottom: Coat 2

320 Green With Envy

Mint green is one of the most loved colours for the spring months. Some popular mint polishes include: Essie's Mint Candy Apple, Sally Hansen's Mint Sorbet, China Glaze's Re-Fresh-Mint and Revlon's Minted. I thought that this green from Maybelline (ha ha, green from Maybelline - that rhymed!) was a cross between mint and pistachio - the perfect pastel polish that isn't too bright and would compliment a number of skin tones. This is a creamy, opaque polish with a beautiful glossy finish! 

Top: Coat 1
Bottom: Coat 2

310 Iced Queen

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! This colour, this colour! I don't know what it is, but I find that blue-toned purples compliment fair skin so nicely and is so are wearable all year round (but are obviously best in the spring). This is a gorgeous almost lavender purple (not quite blue enough to be a true lavender) that would look good on virtually everybody (but if you are a pale, red-head like myself, I would especially recommend this polish for you). I think this may just be my new go-to polish!

Top: Coat 1
Bottom: Coat 2

So, some general notes about these polishes...

1.) They are extremely affordable (ranging from $2.97 CAN to about $3.99 CAN, depending on where you buy them).

2.) They are creamy and opaque, only needing 2 coats to get a good, solid colour (although you could totally get away with 1 coat).

3.) They dry relatively quickly. I painted two coats on my nails and 30 minutes later I was able to pull up my pants without smudging or ruining my nails in any way (which is a true test of how dry your nails are).

4.) They come in a wide variety of colours from darks to metallics, brights to pastels, neutrals to glitters. 

5.) I find them to be super glossy and shiny even without a top coat. 

Overall I would rate these polishes an 8/10....only because I am not sure how durable they are. However, chipping and fading is nothing a good top coat can't fix. 

Can be purchased wherever Maybelline products are sold

I hope that you enjoyed this review! Please remember to check out my You Tube channel for more awesome Tea-Time madness! 

BYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYE!

xoxo, Erin ♥

Makeup Look No.1: Indian Summer

This look is inspired by hot summer days and bright vibrant spices of the far East. Featuring Avon's True Colour Eye-shadow Quad in Vibrant Spice. I hope you enjoy this easy yet beautiful make-up look!

Click here to purchase this eye shadow quad! 

Step 1

With a fluffy shader-brush, pack a golden mustard yellow colour ("Gold Sand" in the Avon quad) all over your lid - even the inner corner of your eye. 

Step 2

Take a fluffy dome brush (aka. blending brush) and blend an orange-y copper colour ("Shimmering Copper" in the Avon quad) above the yellow, on the bottom part of your brow-bone, just above your eye socket. The colour should stop half way between the crease of your eye and your eyebrow. 

Step 3

With a tapered crease brush, run a bright violet colour ("Lush Lavender" in the Avon quad) through your crease (aka. eye socket), concentrating the colour on the outer third of your eye. The colour shouldn't go more than 2/3's of the way through your crease - keep the inner eye clear of purple! Once you have placed the colour you can go back with a fluffy blending brush and bled away the harsh lines. Remember to keep the intensity! 

Step 4

With a thin, angled eye-shadow brush, run the mustard yellow you used on your lids along the inner half of your lower lash-line. Do with same with the purple colour from the crease on the outer half of your lash-line. 

Step 5

With the same angled brush from before, take a deep plum-brown ("Caramelized Plum" in the Avon quad) and place that along the outer 2/3's of your upper lash-line to act as a soft eyeliner and define your eyes slightly. 

Step 6

Blend out the edges of the copper with a shimmery-white shadow on a blending brush. Blend the white up to your eyebrow to act as a brow-bone "highlight" (to open your eyes and make them appear bigger and brighter). 

Step 7

Apply a few coats of your favourite mascaras! Thick, long lashes look great with bold eyes!

Cover Girl's LastBlash Fusion and Avon's Super Extend Extreme

Step 8

Since there is a lot going on with the eyes I kept my face makeup pretty simple. I used a natural, rose-y blush and applied that lightly with an angled blush brush along my cheekbones. I didn't concentrate any colour on the apples of my cheeks; I just wanted to add subtle warmth to my complection.

Step 9

Finally for lips I mixed the Rimmel London lipstick from the Kate Moss collection in number 012, and the CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Bomb in number 215 Hibiscus. I then topped those colours off with my favourite Lipsmackers lip-gloss! 

And then your done!

I hope you enjoyed this makeup look! It's a great way to switch it up and add some colour to your daily look! This is also a great look for Spring and Summer! Let me know if you are interested in seeing more makeup idea from me :D♥

BYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEE

xoxo, Erin 

  

February Favourites 2013 ♥

Hola! I hope everyone is doing well! I feel as if I have not made a post in FOREVER. Oh well, what can ya' do? Anywhooooo, I figured I should share with you all of my favourite things from the month of February! So without further adieu, let's get started!   

Makeup Favourite: L'Oreal True Match Foundation in C1 Alabaster 

I have really been enjoying this light weight foundation from L'Oreal. It comes in a wide variety of shades for warm, cool and neutral skin tones. Don't let it's liquid-y texture fool you! I find this foundation dries fairly matte, yet it does not accentuate the dry patches on my face. This foundation lasts all day and matches my skin very nicely. A 10/10 for True Match!

Hair Favourite: BioSilk Silk Therapy 

As many of you may know, I have extremely dry hair, so this month BioSilk has been a life saver! This hair oil is great for dry damaged hair, as well as hair that lacks luster because it adds a lot of shine. This product can be used as a leave in treatment for wet or dry hair, and can also act has a heat-protector when curling or straightening your hair! I also reaaalllly love the smell.

Skin Care Favourite: Nivea Light Replenishing Night Cream 

This moisturizer from Nivea is great for if you want some extra moisture while you sleep but do not want   an extremely thick or greasy cream. I apply this after cleansing and my skin feels soft and refreshed when I wake up in the morning!

Body Care Favourite: Live Clean Exotic Nectar Replenishing Body Lotion 

This is a very hydrating body lotion with a great smell! It's also not tested on animals, contains no sulphates or parabens, is petroleum free and it's packaging is 100% recyclable. Not to mention it is fairly inexpensive and made in Canada!

Nail Polish Favourite: Revlon Nail Polish in "Popular"

This pretty polish is sweet, girly and perfect for spring. It is a very pale pink with big and small silver glitters. It adds a subtle hint of sparkle while still looking sophisticated and classy. I have a feeling this will be a "popular" shade in the upcoming months! 

Scent Favourite: Twilight Woods from Bath & Body Works 

Twilight Woods is musky, sexy but still feminine. It's not too sweet or overbearing, so won't give you a fragrance migraine. I find that this scent lingers on my skin and makes me feel warm in cozy on those cold, Canadian winter days. (Not to mention, boys love it too!).

Fashion Favourite: Brown Pants from Bluenotes 

I have really been digging the "preppy" style lately, and by that I mean I have been enjoying dressing like a 1960's British boy. These pants from Bluenotes are seriously my favourite pair of pants that I own. They are comfy and go with everything! They clean up and outfit and look more sophisticated than just regular old clue jeans or leggings. I would recommend hittin' up Bluenotes if you are interested in a pair of these bad boys. I believe I got these for 2 for $50 - a steal if you ask me!

Tea Favourite: Pumpkin Chai from DAVIDsTEA

Pumpkin Chai is the perfect tea for a cold day. It is warm yet sweet and smells divine. Go to DAVIDsTEA now and taste this marvelous creation! You will not regret it! 

Food Favourite: Quakers Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal and Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Acai Bluberries 

Flavoured oatmeal is great if  you are craving something sweet but want a healthy option. And this chocolate covered blueberries from Brookside are delicious, and are a great treat if you are feeling a little blue (ha!). I got a big thing of oatmeal and these blueberries from Costco. 

Favourite Drink: Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks

I don't always pay $5 for a coffee, but when I do, I get a caramel macchiato. If you are just getting into coffee I would seriously recommend this Starbucks drink. It has just the right sweetness to bitterness ration and is just so gosh darn delicious! You can also get this iced which is nice for the summer months. 

Favourite T.V Show: Supernatural & River Monsters

Jesen Ackles, need I say more? Supernatural has had it's ups and downs, but I thought season 7 showed a vast improvement from the fuckery of season 6. I am very much looking forward to season 8 and Dean's escape from purgatory. Also, does Lucifer come back? Because they left that plot line very open ended...

My boyfriend and I have also been loving River Monsters. If you like learning about big, scary fish, than you should check out this show on Netflix!

Favourite Songs: "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" & "Nobody Does It Better"

Who doesn't love Simon & Garfunkel, like really?

The theme song from the 1977 James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me", and the perfect song to belt out in the shower.














Favourite Blogger: Zoella

Zoey has been one of my favourite You-Tubers for a long time, but ever since I started blogging, I have been addicted to her blog. She is witty and charming with just the right amount of weirdness  I seriously recommend checking her out if you haven't already!







Favourite You Tubers: jadorefashionxoxo & beautytwins124

Crystal is so sweet and adorable and makes really amazing videos about beauty, fashion, and other wondrous things! She has a great, laid back personality and I find her to be quite funny. Her videos are well thought out and extremely well done; she consistently produces quality content that is enjoyable to watch. She's also a fellow Canadian so, woot-woot!

Double the trouble, double the fun. Jenna and Jess are spunky, hilarious twins from Connecticut and make amazing videos about fashion, hair, makeup and all things girly. Although they may look the same, their personalities are quite different, giving their channel a vast amount of variety. And the fact that they are twins, sharing their, channel makes them very unique compared to other You Tube "beauty gurus".



Human Favourite: My Boyfriend

Thom is always my favourite, but this month especially since I have had to travel a fair bit because of auditions, and he has been there for all of them. He is the nicest guy I have ever met and I appreciate all he has done for me. It really takes a special kind of person to put up with a crazy gal like me!

He is also super funny, and one day going to be a big star, so follow him on twitter: @pardonkadonk.







Favourite Event: Going to Toronto 

I got to go to Toronto twice this month, and each time was an adventure. I cannot wait to live in this lovely city!

I hope you enjoyed my 2013 February Favourites! Talk to you all soon;

xoxo, Erin ♥