Best Holiday Value Sets - Sephora

My most favourite time of the year is finally in full swing; the Toronto Christmas Market is up and running, I have Christmas lights and decorations up, and most of my Christmas shopping is even done. I know, impressive right! One of the best things about the Holiday Season are the Value Sets and Holiday Releases that most, if not all, brands at Sephora release every year, offering multiple items at unbeatable value. They are not only great gift ideas on their own, but purchasing multiple sets and mixing and matching products is my go to! Not to mention just flat out purchasing them for myself or giving a loved one your "Loves" list to purchase for you... you can't forget to treat yourself, right? There really is something for every budget, skin type, hair type, and make up lover on your Holiday List. Below are some of my personal favourites, which I have already shopped for myself or as a gift, covering most price points and categories. Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!!

Under $30:

Bite Beauty: The Perfect Bite Amuse Bouche Lipstick Set $29 ($68 Value) | Philosophy: Candy Cane Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath $22 | Too Cool For School: My Skin-licious Secret Pantry $30 ($40 Value)

Under $40:

 

Colour Pop: Polite AF Super Shock Shadow Collection $39 ($42 Value) | MoroccanOil: Volume Travel Kit $48 | Origins: #ORIGINSMASK Mini Mask Set $37

Above $50:

L'Occitane: Almond Home & Away $52 | Fresh: Sugar Lip Beauty Box $54 ($87 Value) | Alterna Haircare: Caviar Repair Duo $67 ($80 Value)

 NOTE: Another perk of shopping online with Sephora, besides the convenience, is using Ebates! If you do not know/use Ebates you are missing out on additional Cash Back on everyday purchases. If you are still not signed up for Ebates click HERE!

Shop San Francisco

While I was in San Francisco over Labour Day weekend I came across a boutique on Hayes Street called Amour Vert that has quickly become one of my go to places to shop. Amour Vert is an American company proving that clothing can still be fashionable without destroying the environment in the process. All of their clothing is manufactured in the USA, from sustainable fabrics, with a no waste mentality, and using non-toxic dyes. Also, they have a Tees = Trees Program, where with every purchase of a t-shirt they will plant a tree within North American with their partners American Forest. On top of all that, their clothing is simply amazing. Great styles. Great quality. Great prices. They carry everything from silk blouses to wool dresses, leather booties to dainty jewelry, which makes there something for everyone. Check out some of my fav pieces from their current collection below, and be sure to visit their website by clicking here or 1 of their 8 gorgeous locations across California; click here for store locations. I know what I'm going to be doing tonight! Do you?

Sadie Blouse $128 USD | Coclico Joy Bootie $445 USD

Cory Sweater $188 USD | Hadley Jumpsuit $218 USD

Embroidered Halley Dress $218 USD | Long Crop Pant $148 USD

Embroidered Casey Tee $68 USD | Herkimer Pendant $58 USD
Images Obtained from the Amour Vert website.

SMS - Save My Skin (Winter Edition)

Winter is officially here in Toronto, and with that so is my dry, itchy, cracked skin. So out come my deep moisturizers and exfoliants to help me battle the next few frigid Winter months. Although being a beauty blogger and getting the opportunity to test and surround myself with some of the best and worst products on the market, I always end up going back and repurchasing these 2, very accessible and inexpensive, products. I know, you are probably surprised to see a Bath & Body Works Body Cream and The Body Shop Body Scrub, but guys these are honestly the best! The Bath & Body Works Body Cream contains some of the most hydrating ingredients ever to give the skin 24 hours of moisture, but for me the golden ticket is the consistency. Although thick it melts right into my skin, leaving a non-greasy yet extremely moisturizing feel, which can all be thanks to the following ingredients: Aloe Butter, Shea Butter, and Cocoa Butter. This cream is perfect for after the shower, however I also put some on extra dry or itchy areas right before bed to try and avoid my skin from cracking. I highly recommend this product and for around $15, sometimes even under $10 if you get it on promotion, you can't go wrong! However, before even thinking of moisturizing your skin post shower, you need a great exfoliant to get rid of any dead skin and add additional moisture you cannot get from any ordinary body wash. The Exfoliating Body Scrubs from The Body Shop are insanely good! I literally cannot recommend them enough, you just can't go wrong with either formula, whether the Gel or Cream. This scrub is extremely light on the skin, however gives the skin a fairly intense exfoliate. I usually use it 2-3 times a week, depending on how cold and dry the weather is and how that's affecting my skin. My only tip is to make sure to buy these when there's some sort of sale going on. The Body Shop does some AMAZING promotions, Buy 3 Get 3 is my personal fav and for good reason. Why wouldn't you want to get 6 scrubs for $66? That's $11 per scrub! It is also a great opportunity to stock up and/or try different/multiple scents. These two products do the trick and get me through the Winter, what are some of your Winter Skin go-tos? Be sure to leave your recommendations and favourites in the comments below!

Bath & Body Works Ultra Shea Body Cream $13.50 USD

The Body Shop Exforliating Body Scrub $22 CDN

NOTE: Another perk of shopping online with Bath & Body Works and The Body Shop, besides the convenience, is using Ebates! If you do not know/use Ebates you are missing out on additional Cash Back on every purchases. If you are still not signed up for Ebates click HERE to sign up!

Style Moment - Jessica Biel

I have been going nuts over Jessica Biel's style recently, both on and off the Red Carpet. Her style is so effortless chic but always glamorous! Below are two looks I have been obsessing over these last couple of weeks. What do you think of Jessica Biel's style? Love or Hate?

 

 Baby2Baby Gala 2017

Dress: Giambattista Valli | Panties: Commando | Clutch: Tyler Ellis | 

Sandals: Stuart Weitzman | Jewelry: Tiffany & Co.

Hair Stylist: Johnnie Sapong | Make Up Artist: Kindra Mann | Manicurist: Tom Bachik

Stylist: Rob Zangardi & Mariel Haenn

NBCUniversal LA Press Junket 

Jumpsuit: Zuhair Murad | Headband: Jennifer Behr

Hair Stylist: Christopher Naselli | Make Up Artist: Kindra Mann

Stylist: Rob Zangardi & Mariel Haenn

Mini Review - Tarte Color Wheel

I have been obsessed with my Tarte Color Wheel - Amazonian Clay Blush Palette lately, and needed to share my love for this amazing Palette with you all while the Sephora VIB Sale (VIB Rouge 20% off / Beauty Insider 15% off) is still going on, FYI the Sale ends tomorrow, November 15th. I will admit that this is last year's Palette, however this year's Limited Edition Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay Blush Palette is equally, if not better than last year's. (Click here to see for yourself!) And if I didn't have the self control I do, I would be purchasing it as well, let's be honest! The Blush Palettes contain 8 of their infamous Amazonian Clay Blushes and 2 of their Amazonian Clay Highlighters. Although they are all around half the size of their full size versions (2.4g compared to 5.6g), you are getting 10, YES 10, shades valued at $180 for ONLY $57! It is such a great way to try multiple shades without spending a ton of money on individual Blushes/Highlights. As you can see my Palette is very well loved, it is truly a 365 day a year palette. I LOVE to use the top shades, Mod, Deco, Surreal, Culture, and Idol during the Spring/Summer months, as well as on vacations and when I am tanned. The brighter pink shades are some of my favourites and this palette offers a great variety of colour ranges, let alone finishes. Unfortunately, now that we're into the Winter months I am not reaching for these bright shades as much anymore, but that's the great thing about this palette, there's the entire other side that offers darker plumy/mauve shades, which are perfect for the Fall/Winter months. And too be honest, if it wasn't for this palette I would have never found my love for darker Blushes, which I am now currently using everyday! My daily Blush routine currently consists of either Icon, Montage, or Crafty, and I am super excited for Holiday Season to dive into Ironic, the darkest shade, and Concept, the most glittery shade. Overall I highly recommend this Palette, and strongly believe you won't be disappointed! It is great all year round, saves so much space within your collection, and is perfect for travel wherever/whenever you go.

NOTE: The greatest part of shopping online with Sephora, besides the convenience, is using Ebates! If you do not know or use Ebates you are totally missing out on additional Cash Back on everyday purchases. If you are still not signed up for Ebates be sure to sign up by clicking HERE.

Mini Review - Sade Baron

If you are like me and your skin is always dry this is the brand for you. Sade Baron has truly changed by skin drastically over the last couple of months. This Toronto based Vegan Beauty Company is going back to basics (but with a twist) creating a vegan product that is of the highest quality, innovative, and uses nutrients from superfoods as ingredients. Being handcrafted in small batches in-house helps ensure the integrity of their product from start to finish. All products are also made without Silicones, Mineral Oil, Palm Oil, Petrochemicals, Parabens, Polyethylene, Sulfates, GMO's, DEA/TEA, Phthalates, Drying Alcohol, Synthetic Dyes/Fragrances, and Animal by Products. BONUS! I honestly know what "clean, clean" feels like! Be sure to visit their website, HERE, and sign up for their emails. Not only will you get 10% off your first purchase for doing so, you will also  stay up to date with current and upcoming Specials and Events.

 I had the pleasure of trying out 3 of their products, the Body Cream in Lemongrass, the French Pink Clay Soap, and the Coffee Scrub, check out my Mini Reviews below:

Body Cream Lemongrass ($9): This was my go to post sun cream all summer long. It was so thick and creamy, leaving my skin feeling uber moisturized but not greasy. Ideal for after the shower, however my secret was lathering it on and putting on socks or pants, whatever part of your body you are applying it to, and letting it soak into your skin over night. Talk about total hydration! I can't wait to use this in the upcoming Winter months!

French Pink Clay Soap ($12): I am not usually a soap girl, but this one... let me tell you. This literally left my skin feeling like I had just used a body wash. With the help of Ylang Ylang this plant based bar also helps with anti-ageing and skin irritation, which didn't make me think twice if I needed to use it on my face. Last point, the scent... Hallelujah!

Coffee Scrub ($12): The scrub is by far my favourite product of the bunch. To have a product like this in your shower at all times is a must. I have been using this 2-3 times a week, as it is that gentle on the skin but provides subtle exfoliation leaving your skin smooth and clean. I'm not lying when I say you will be replacing your go to exfoliator with the Coffee Scrub.

The Weekend WINEdown - Bubbly!

With my birthday month and the taste of bubbly on my tongue a distant memory, it is time to find another reason to POP! open a bottle of Bubby. Over the past 3-4 years I have gotten more and more into Bubbly, and how there doesn't need to be a reason to enjoy a glass or two! So quick tip for all of you that don't know, Champagne is the common name thrown around when ordering or drinking any sparkling beverage, however it can only be technically called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne Region of France. Countries around the word try to mimic/make their own version of the delicious luxury beverage and therefore have their own proper names; in Italy: Prosecco, Canada: Sparkling Wine, and Spain: Cava. With Toronto about to experience a Summer-like weekend, now is the perfect time to hit up your local liquor store and check out their bubby selection. There is nothing better than a cold glass of bubby on a hot September's day! Now, imagine yourself sitting on your balcony or patio over this Indian Summer weekend sipping on a cold glass of bubbly, doesn't that just sound amazing! Be sure to check out some options and reviews below!

Konzelmann Méthode Cuve Close Riesling 🍷🍷 ($17.95): This Niagara-on-the-Lake Sparkling Riesling is light in colour with notes of minerals, citrus, and floral aromas gives this wine an even balance of acidity and sweetness. Personally, I found the floral over powering, which made me not overly enjoying it.

Key Pairings: Shellfish | Chocolate Strawberries | Smoked Salmon

Naverán Brut Cava 🍷🍷🍷 ($23): Overall an average Cava, easy to drink and a great taste. Sunshine yellow in colour with earthy aromatics and hints of grapefruit, orange peel, nutmeg, and licorice. The interesting part of production is the use of blown out candles that gives it its toasty/nutty flavours. 

Key Pairings: Charcuterie | Canapés

Le Monde Pinot Nero Rosé 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 ($18): This was by far my favourite of the bunch.  This salmon coloured brut produces both sweet and tart aromas of wild cherries, cranberries, roses, and soft bay leaves. I will be buying more of this, thank you Wine Collective for introducing me to this amazing Prosecco Brut!

Key Pairings: Sea Food Appitizers | Aperitif | Cold Cuts

Varicho & Clerc Privillège Blanc de Blancs 🍷🍷🍷 ($23): Another tasty yet ordinary Sparkling Wine, this time from south-east France. This light yellow wine on the noise smells of apples, pears, and plums with a hint of lemon and broiche toast. I'm happy I have another bottle to enjoy,  however probably wouldn't go through the hassle of ordering more.

Key Pairings: Soft Cheeses

Château des Charmes Brut Sparkling 🍷 ($14.95): This Brut makes me so sad because I LOVE Château des Charmes! I wanted to think there was something wrong with my bottle, but unfortunately not. On the noise and tongue hints of lemon, lime, and toasted bread, however all I tasted was vinegar and citrus on my palette. It was way too overpowering. I tried it again at a Wine Event and same overpowering taste. So sad so true...

Key Pairings: Popcorn | Canapés | Brie

Mini-Mascaras = Review Time

1. EM Cosmetic Lash Gallery Mascara - Sample came completely dried up. Could not test. Also, I received a Brown one, which I would not have liked anyways.
2.  Jelly Pong Pong Fairy Lashes Mascara - Sample came completely dried up. Could not test.
3. Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara - Hourglass shaped wand. Lengthening. Thickening. Semi-thick formula. Wand gets every lash from root to tip. Curls and stays.
WOULD PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
4. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - Typical shaped wand, that provides length, volume, and a bold dark lash. I found the application consistent and smooth, covering the lashes from root to tip. WOULD PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
5. Smashbox X-Rated Mascara Volumateur - This mascara is great! It is very black, thickening, lengthening, and holds a curl! The only con is that brush, although I like its full and sturdiness, the bristles are a little sharp and easily pokes you in the eye. WOULD PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
6. Panthera Ultra Flash Mascara - Plastic wand is sturdy and well manufactured, however it doesn't pick up the formula, this is probably because the formula is very thin and lightly pigmented.  I couldn't even finish one lash before reaching for another mascara. 
WOULD NOT PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
7. Nars Audacious Mascara - Plastic wand that is flimsy and bends too much when applying, so it doesn't grab lashes. Very pigmented. Lengthening. Separates lashes. However, because of the flimsy wand it isn't thickening at all. WOULD NOT PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
8. Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara -  Dramatic cone-shaped wand. Gets every single lash from inner to outer corner. Thinner consistency, however very build-able. Separates and lengthens lashes. WOULD PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
9. Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara - Plastic curled wand. Curls lashes. Separates. Thinner formula, however very build-able. Great for lower lashes. 
 WOULD PURCHASE TRAVEL SIZE FOR BOTTOM LASHES ONLY.

10. Pixie Lash Booster Mascara - This sample has completely dried up. Could not test.

11. Guerlain Maxi Lash - I loved the full bristled wand and was really hopeful that it was going to be a great mascara for me, however after using it once I was proved wrong. The formula is thin with no pigment payoff. It made my lashes straight, although I curled and primed my lashes prior.
WOULD NOT PURCHASE FULL SIZE.

12. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara - Full bristle brush. Thick formula, however can become goopy. Smooth application but does not have lengthening benefits. Extremely messy in and out of the tube, literally ends up all over my lids and hands. WOULD NOT PURCHASE FULL SIZE.

13. Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara - Slight hourglass shaped wand. Wand does not grab lashes. Thin formula, that requires multiple layers to achieve darkest black colour.
WOULD NOT PURCHASE FULL SIZE. 
14. CARGO Better-Than-Waterproof Mascara - There was nothing about this mascara I liked. It was the thinnest consistency ever, barely covering my lashes, and needed 10+ coats to be visible. On top of that it took me forever with multiple make up removers to remove the barely there layer I was able to apply. Bioderma and IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Eye couldn't even tackle it. 
WOULD NOT PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
15. Lancôme Hypnose Drama Mascara - Full bristle wave shaped wand. Allows to get from root to tip of every lash. The formula is thick not clumpy, and jet black. I loved everything about this mascara and was sad to see the Sample go. Good thing I have another one :) 
WOULD PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
16. Bare Minerals Lash Domination - The plastic wand has spiral bristles. The worst idea ever! The wand catches random lashes making the application extremely patchy. The formula, for this type of wand, is way too thin. WOULD NOT PURCHASE FULL SIZE.
17. Be A Bombshell Lash Out - Sample came completely dried up. Could not test.
18.MTJ High Definition Mascara - This mascara has an unique plastic wand with multiple bobble like shapes. The wand is somewhat flimsy, however still manages to pick up all lashed from root to tip. It is a semi-thick formula that builds easily. The only downfall is that it dries out quickly becoming chunkier and hard to apply. WOULD PURCHSE FULL SIZE.

My Fashion Love of the Moment

It was quite the fashionable day for Jenna Dewan Tatum, where the starlette was seen in both LA for the "Comrade Detective" Premiere and NYC for Live with Kelly & Ryan and The Talk. However, Jenna showed them who's boss in not 1 but 3 outstanding outfits. This girl's on a roll.

Where: The Talk

Dress: Antonio Marras Resort | Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Hair Stylist: Kristin Ess Hair | Make Up Artist: Patrick Ta
Stylist: Brad Goreski

 Where: "Comrade Detactive" LA Premiere

Dress: Marchesa | Jewelry: Graziela Gems and Arzano 

Hair Stylist: Kristin Ess Hair | Make Up Artist: Patrick Ta

Stylist: Brad Goreski

 Where: Live with Kelly & Ryan

Dress: Lela Rose | Pumps: Jimmy Choss

Hair Stylist: Anthony Campbell | Make Up Artist:Vincent Oquendo

Stylist: Brad Goreski

Cue Blake Lively's Instagram Captions Now

What: Glamour September 2017

Who: Blake Lively

Photographer: Nathaiel Goldberg

Hair Stylist: Rod Ortega | Make Up Artist: Kristofer Buckle | Nail Artist: Elle

Stylist: Jill and Avison

Designers: YSL, Jennifer Fisher Jewelry, Fendi, Ara Vartanian, and Jacquie Aiche.

Movie Premiere's Done Right!

This look is by far Cara Delevingne's best of the "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" press tour. Walking the blue carpet at the London Premiere, Cara opted for a tailored custom suit with dramatic (and gorgeous) diamond body piece. Her short blond pixie cut was accessorized with a black velvet band, her eye were kohl rimmed, and her lip painted berry. I am loving this rocker chic look and I think wearing this in her home town of London couldn't have been a better choice.

Ensemble: Burberry (custom)

Hair Stylist: Mara Roszak | Make Up Artist: Molly R. Stern

Stylists: Rob Zangardi & Mariel Haenn

I Have A Love Hate Relationship w/ KKW

Recently Kim's wardrobe has been all over the place, from tights and heels, to oversized cargo shorts, it's been an interesting ride to say the least. However, this look Kim wore to the Balmain LA Boutique Opening is on point, simple yet the perfect amount of "out there"! I am also loving the pin straight hair and subtle bronze smokey eye. If this Kim K is here to stay, be prepared to see a lot more of her on the blog!

Ensemble: Balmain

Hair Stylist: Chris Appleton | Make Up Aritst: Rob Scheppy

The Weekend WINEdown - VQA White Wine

For all you Winos out there, this series is for you! After an amazing trip to Greece and Portugal, and experiencing some of the lesser known Wine Countries, I wanted to create somewhat of a Weekly Wine Series where I share with you mini reviews, where to buy the Wines, and The Weekend WINEdown 5 🍷 Rating of Approval. For the first post of The Weekend WINEdown, and in collaboration with Canada's 150th Birthday, I am focusing on VQA White Wines. Number #1: We need to know what VQA stands for and means? VQA stands for Vintners Quality Assurance and is an independent authority that creates and ensures a strict quality assurance program is followed. However, the main aspect for a wine to be considered a VQA is that the grapes must be 100% Ontario-grown.  Like a lot of different wine regions, the VQA helps define the best grape-growing regions and sets standards for the wines. Number #2: Where can I find Regions producing VQA Wines? Within Ontario there are 2 main Wine Regions, Niagara-On-The-Lake and Prince Edward County. Personally, I am a NOTL kind of girl, however PEC produces equally as good wines. With that being said, the 3 Bottles I'm going to share with you this week are all from the Niagara-On-The-Lake Region, 2 bottles from Konzelmann's and 1 from Flat Rock Cellars.
So pour yourself a glass of wine, or two, and enjoy!

Konzelmann 2015 Pinot Blanc🍷🍷🍷🍷($13.95) : This multi Award Winning Wine is a light, medium-dry wine, giving off notes of banana, pear, and a hint of citrus on the nose. While green apple, a subtle minerality, and a crisp acidity take over your palette. An ideal wine for hot summer days on a patio.
Key Pairings: Shellfish | White Meats | Light Cheeses
Flat Rock Cellars 2014 Twisted🍷🍷🍷($17): This trio of grapes, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer, creates an interesting blend of sweet and acidic with hints of apple, pear, lemon, honey, and spices on the nose.
Key Pairings: Spicy Asian Cuisine | Thai Cuisine | Indian Cuisine | Seafood
Konzelmann 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve🍷🍷🍷🍷($18.95): One of my favourite varietals of White Wine has been done to perfection by Herbert Konzelmann himself. This tasty creation has hints of gooseberry and grass on the nose, which transitions into spicy pear, white pepper, and lemon zest on the palette.
Key Pairings: Canapés | Fish | Goats Cheese

Mini Review: Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream

After years of thinking I had Oily Skin, it took one facial to learn I have been treating my Skin wrong this entire time. So Influenster sending me the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream couldn't have come at a better time. This cream not only left my skin feeling hydrated all day long, it also didn't come with that greasy after feel. Absorbing into my skin within minutes, therefore allowing flawless make-up application. So what makes this cream so special? The Organic Leaf of Life Extract. This natural ingredient is a hydrating activator that helps increase your skin's hyaluronic acid production, or in simpler terms the skin's natural water retention system. Another amazing benefit of this cream is its Anti-Pollution Protection, from outdoor and indoor pollution. So pretty much the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream is the perfect daytime cream. Easily available at your local Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart/Beauty Boutique locations. So there's no excuse not to get your hands on one of these! I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

Clarins Hydra Essentiel Silky Cream ($46)

Don't forget to use your Ebates account to make online purchases as places such as Sephora. Cash back for everyday purchases, who doesn't want that. Sign up for Ebates by clicking HERE.

Kendall Kills Kannes

Chopard x Vanity Fair Party in Cannes

 Dress: Ronald van der Kemp | Earrings: Gucci | Stilettos: Sergio Rossi

Hair Stylist: Jen Atkin | Make Up Artist: Mary Phillips

Stylist: Marni Senofonte

120 Beats Per Minute Red Carpet Premiere

Gown: Giambattista Valli Couture | Jewellery: Chopard | Sockettes: Wolford | Sandals: Jimmy Choo

Hair Stylist: Jen Atkin | Make Up Artist: Mary Phillips

Stylist: Marni Senofonte


On a Yacht in Cannes

Swimsuit: Lisa Marie Fernandez | Hat: Jacquemus

Stylist: Marni Senofonte