Sephora Favourites Glitz & Glam Party Sampler

For Christmas my grandmother got me this awesome set from Sephora, which I absolutely adore! It retails for 45$ from Sephora and includes 9 shimmery products. All of them in full size or close to it.

Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a picture before tearing off the packaging and throwing it out (whoops) but I did get a picture of everything in the fabulous bag it was included in; isn't it gorgeous?!

First up was bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Trail Blaze (0.15 oz)

From the Sephora website.. "This high-shine, hydrating lip gloss contains a nourishing blend of shea, avocado, and murumuru butters. Achieve fuller-looking, pillowy lips and lasting color with this gentle formula."  This is a full size product and retails for 23$ from the Sephora website. I've yet to try this as I never really use gloss, but  I quite lip the tip of it. It's a nude gloss with flecks of gold for a bit of shimmer.

Next is the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Starfish (0.01 oz)

I'm not an eye liner junkie in the slightest; I actually use powder for my eyeliner because eye liner just doesn't do it for me. If you're intrigued by this, I'll get back to it on a future post. Anyway! To me, it just goes on like your average eye liner but I love the texture of it and I quite like how it's got flecks of gold in it for a bit of added shimmer, it really makes my hazel eyes pop! It's a full size product as well which is awesome. It retails on the Sephora website for 26$.

A swatch of the eye liner..

And here we have the Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color - Wet/Dry in Black Karat (0.018 oz)

I think this is such a pretty eye shadow, however I'm not sure it's one I'll be getting much use out of it as the only eyeshadows I wear are nudes. It's a charcoal-y based eyeshadow with bits of gold glitter in it. There is quite a lot of glitter in this, and I'd say the ratio of glitter to shadow is in glitters favour. It retails for 27$ on the Sephora website for 0.06, which is three times the size of the included sample. I don't go through eye shadows as a whole, so this still was quite a generous sample that will take me awhile to get through. On another note, I like the packaging on this one more than the full size.

As you can tell by the swatch, it's not overly pigmented but you really get a nice burst of shimmer

Next is the Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara in Black (0.11 oz)

To be completely honest, this mascara just didn't do anything for me. personally I quite like my lashes to be very noticeable. This to me just didn't achieve the dramatic look I like. However, if you like a subtle lash I think this would be perfect for you. It's a bristle brush so it grabs all of the lashes, I just wish it had more length/volume. This mascara retails for 26$ on the Sephora website for the full size, which is 0.34 oz. Something I found interesting about this; they've teamed up with City of Hope (a cancer institution) where the Get One Give One campaign was created (get it.. GOGO mascara!) so basically you buy one, they give one to a cancer patient. Limited to a certain unit, afterwards it's 1$ from each mascara. Cool, right? All the more reason to buy :)

And here we have Stila All Shimmer Duo in Kitten (0.09 oz)
This is another generous size, it's half of the retailed size which is 0.18 oz and retails on the Sephora website for 29$. I was quite pleased with these shadows, they're extremely pigmented and I love the shimmer in them. The one on the left works well for a highlighter type shadow.

Some swatches of the shimmer duo; very very pigmented. (The swatch on the left is the shadow on the right, and the swatch on the right is the shadow on the left.. sorry, I didn't think about my finger positioning before swiping, oops!)

Here I have the bareMinerals eye colour in Good Fortune (0.02 oz)

I think this is such a gorgeous colour, reminds me of terracotta, or a sunset. I think I'll get more use out of this as a summer colour as opposed to this season, because to me it seems kind of like a bronzing colour, if that makes sense.. It retails for 16$ on the Sephora website, and this is the full size product.

Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in 'Looks like Rain Dear' (0.125)
This is an opaque gold with a mix of chunky and micro iridescent glitter pieces. I've actually been eyeing this colour for awhile, so I'm glad I never purchased it and that it was included! I don't have a swatch since I only tried it on paper, but the gold is quite opaque, considering it's a glitter polish, and I really like the glitter mix. I'd recommend more than one coat or layering it over another. The full sized 0.5 oz retails for 12$ on the Sephora website, just like their other polishes.

Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre Gold (0.17 oz)

If you like added shimmer, I'd definitely recommend this. The colour is gorgeous and it's something that I feel would look great on all skin tones. It's very pigmented, yet very subtle if that makes sense.. I'm really looking forward to using this on my eyes for New Years Eve :) This is another full size product which retails for 21$ on the Sephora website.

This is the product applied with one drop straight onto my hand.

Annnnd here it is all rubbed in.

This is what my finger looked like after rubbing it in which I thought was really pretty, so I had to include it.

And finally Nars Body Glow (1 oz)

I haven't used this product yet because honestly I don't really know how.. the bottle I received was not mixed in the slightest, I tried mixing it with a toothpick and didn't have much luck, so I don't think I'll get much use out of it. I think it's such a pretty colour though, and it smells so good so I'm hoping I'll get to try it, because the reviews seem quite good as well. This is still a large bottle, yet it's only a fourth of the full size, which is 4 oz and retails for 80$ on the Sephora website.

However, it didn't seem to withstand much travelling.. oops! I read if you place it in warm water it'll liquify a bit, so I'll definitely have to try that.

Overall, I definitely feel like you get the value in this.. I'd value the products as following:

• 23$ - bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie lipgloss (0.15 oz)
• 26$ - Stila Smudge Stick Eye Liner (0.01 oz)
• 9$ - Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color - Wet/Dry in Black Karat (0.018 oz)
• 9$ - Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara in Black (0.11 oz)
• 15$ - Stila All Shimmer Duo in Kitten (0.09 oz)
• 16$ - bareMinerals eye colour in Good Fortune (0.02 oz)
• 3$ - Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in 'Looks like Rain Dear' (0.125)
• 21$ - Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre Gold (0.17 oz)
• 20$ - Nars Body Glow (1 oz)
• 142$ TOTAL

DEFINITELY got the product face value and SO much more, which is why I love stuff like this. You get to try a bunch of products and be exposed to new brands for super cheap! 

An added bit of a bonus, I got these glimmersticks from AVON from another grandmother. They're so cute and mini, I'm in love with them :) perfect for travel! xx

xLB

The Ultimate Series of Hair Appliances

Hello, hello! Hope you've all had the loveliest of holidays!
Today I am writing to you about my new favourite line of appliances. As you may or may not know, I might have long, luscious hair, however it doesn't like doing what it's told one bit! So barely any hair appliances so much as leave a dent on my hair. I've tried absolutely everything, from CHI to whatever I could pick up.
That being said, I've recently found a line of miracle appliances, the best part? They all retail for on average of 25$ a pop at stores like Target! The brand? *drumroll please* Remington!

Two years ago on a whim I picked up the Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron, which retails for 18.69$ from the Remington website.

Basically with this you have the option to straighten your hair from either wet or straight. I'm absolutely horrid at blowdrying my hair, but my hair only stays styled once I do it from it being wet, so this was absolutely perfect! A lot of the reactions I've gotten from explaining how it works and using it from wet are all along the lines of 'well wouldn't that do crazy damage to your hair?' my answer, 'have you seen mine?' I've been using this for years now, and by no means and I'm trying to brag, but I have some of the healthiest hair, especially considering the length of it, and I seldom do treatments, etc. That being said, I do not think it does much damage at all. None noticeable, on myself at least. This product has been a lifesaver and has cut my straight hair routine in half! I'd DEFINITELY recommend it!

For Christmas, what my sister asked for was a curling wand. Me being me, I hopped on the Target website (because I wanted to keep it budget friendly, but still something that was going to last) and saw the Remington brand there as well, so I figured I'd give it a go. The Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand retails on the Remington website for 24.99$.

My sister was more than pleased with this, and after seeing it's results and how long it lasted I figured I'd give it a go. So my sister kindly allowed me to bring it back to Toronto with me for a few days so I could test it out. With my hair, 98% of curling products don't do anything, I don't know what it is. But they will always curl nicely, then 10 minutes later my hair is left in droopy waves, so I'd given up completely on curling irons/wands. However, I was completely shocked that even after a walk in the frigid cold to work, and entire shift at work AND sleeping on it, the curls were STILL intact. I'm so impressed with this wand, it's not even funny. It heats up to 410, however I normally keep it around the 350 point, and I only leave it on for about 10 seconds per piece and VOILA beautiful curls! I've had so much luck with this one that I'm definitely going to head over to Target in the coming weeks and pick one up for myself! A cool little tidbit on this one; the pink ceramic barrel is made out of crushed pearls, which I think definitely adds to the allure and final result. So cool! 

Anyway, if you're ever searching for a straightener or curling wand these would be my suggestion, as well as anything else from the range. I feel as though a lot of hair brands are only good in one sector, whether it is straighteners or curlers, however this is great in both! I'd recommend these over many luxury brands any day!

Try them out and let me know your results :~)

xLB

Boxing Day Mini-Haul

Hello hello! Hope you're all having a lovely holiday, I know I am! So today being Boxing Day, and me being off work, I decided to wake up at the crack of dawn and head to my local mall! I'm not super into Boxing Day, especially with online shopping existing, so I wasn't up to driving far.

Unfortunately MAC doesn't have sales, as I'm sure you know, but I had a gift card to use so I figured I'd drop in anyway.

First up I got a Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Plus. However she ended up giving me a natural instead of the MSF highlighter type thing which I was after, so I'm thinking about going back and exchanging once I got to another mall with MAC in it this weekend (while I'm at work). It's a really nice finish, but personally I don't see much of a difference between this and the SS Pressed Power with the exception of the 5$ price difference and 2g less off powder. Soooo exchange it is.

Next up I had to get a lipstick, me being me. MAC lipsticks are my absolute favourite lipsticks. They're so pigmented and so creamy and I find they have really good staying power and seldom bleed, which is my favourite thing. So this trip I got 'Girl About Town' which is one of the darkest pinks MAC has. It's a blue toned fuchsia which I quite love. It's also a creme finish which is my absolute favourite, I find they have the longest staying power and is very creamy and glides right on!

Next up, H&M. So I went into H&M totally expecting to score, however I was really disappointed in their sales. People at the mall I work at were lined up hours before the mall opened which I don't understand because the sales were absolute rubbish. I felt like I found more accessories than clothes that I wanted, so I only grabbed a few things because I don't need anymore costume jewellery.. but it's a weakness.

These necklaces were 7$ each and are super cute. They aren't long, which I like too. They come to around the collarbone area, I'm sure you'll see them in some OOTD posts once I get back into the swing of things and get back to school!

This sweater was probably my favourite score of the day; it was regularly priced for 30$ and I got it for 10$! It has a boat neck collar and is knit with flecks of shimmer. It's an off-white colour and has a dip hem. It also zips up in the back for about 4 inches. I lovelovelove it, it looks great with my legging type pants and I'm so excited to wear it next semester! 

Next up was Old Navy. In case you aren't familiar with Old Navy it's part of a group which includes other stores like GAP and Banana Republic. It's very budget friendly, I pretty much only go there for basics and the clearance section. Their clearance section is fantastic, so I'd recommend checking it out if you have an Old Navy in your area. I know when I was younger it was very 'uncool' to shop there, so I think they have a bad reputation, however I've noticed a drastic improvement over the past two years or so.

These are pretty ho-hum, just two basic tank tops. I use these types of tank tops a lot since I have quite a few sheer, billowy blouses so these are great for underneath. I got a black one and a white one and they were 5$ each from I believe 10$.

These were another score. Majority of their pyjamas were 70% which was i n c r e d i b l e. The owl ones are fleecy and are so comfortable, I actually got an animal print version for christmas. They were originally 15$ or so, and came to around 4.5$ which was awesome. The ones on the right I thought were so cute! The ones on the right are adorable as well, I am quite the pyjama bottom connoisseur, but prior I didn't own any plaid, oddly enough, so for around 3$ I had to get these! They also have a bit of glitter in them which I love. Unfortunately majority of the pyjamas they had were two sizes bigger than what I normally get, including these on the right. So they'll be quite large, but I'm only wearing them around the house, so who will even know!

I absolutely adore this dress. It's a purple coloured shift dress, and looks super cute belted. I scored this one for 10.99, from 30$ which was great! Again, another piece you'll be seeing shortly in an OOTD once I get back to school.

Last up from Old Navy were these flats. They were regularly priced at 24$ each, and I scored them for 12$ each, so pretty my BOGO free! The first pair are grey, and the second pair are leopard print. I actually own quite a few pairs of shoes from Old Navy because they always have such a great variety at such an awesome price. However, I have a hard time with fit of their shoes, I would be a half size if they did have half sizes, so most of the time their shoes are too tight if I go down, yet too big if I go up. And by quite a lot, oddly enough. HOWEVER these have the elasticized form which makes them fit like a dream! Obsessed with these shoes. They had them in so many colours, so I'm definitely considering going back for more!

Last up was a very exciting (kidding) score. I ended up getting a new filter for my water pitcher for only 6$!!! WOOHOO :D

So it wasn't too bad of a shopping trip, but still kind of disappointing considering all the boxing day hype. Forever 21 has a 30% off sweater online feature going, so I'm thinking of shopping online for some jumpers. Other than that, my boxing day shopping is officially done!

Did any of you brave the malls for Boxing Day shopping? Or shop online? If so, I'd love to see what you got x

xLB

Motivational Monday: Courage..

Happy monday, beauty bunnies! Also; HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!! I'm absolutely thrilled that the holidays are now among us!

Noun The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief.

This week, I'm choosing to focus on courage. I feel like one of my biggest problems is not being able to work up the courage to do a lot of things, which definitely holds me back from far too much. The main reason why I have trouble with this is I have a crazy fear of rejection, like most. This week, I'm vowing to be a little more courageous.

A quote that I absolutely love comes from the film 'We Bought a Zoo'.. and it goes "Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery." I strongly stand by this quote. One bold move can change things drastically, but you'll never know the result unless you try.

My goals are to include small steps of bravery into my everyday life. Even the smallest, simplest ways. You never know how far a little bit of courage can take you. An example of a small act of courage on my behalf; recently the hashtag #10AttractiveFollowers has been trending on twitter. So I decided to tag my crush in it.. Something I would never do. But I figured, what do I have to lose? So what do you have to lose?

I hope you too can step up your courage and perform a few acts of bravery.

Hope your holidays are just as lovely as you lot x

xLB

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Review: Cake - Sugar Cookie Decadent Body Lotion

First of all, let me just start off by saying just how DELICIOUS this stuff smells at first whiff! MM so good! Okay, onward! :):)

Cake Sugar Cookie Decadent Body Lotion (22$ CAD)

I was given a lovely sample of this body lotion and decided to give it a whirl! Now I think it's quite difficult to review a lotion.. it either moisturizers or it doesn't when it comes to your body. Well, this one definitely does! I felt as though a little went a long way and the texture of the lotion wasn't too think so it applied rather easily. 

Hours later and my legs still feel silky smooth and smell delicious! Definitely a brand and lotion worth trying.

This lotion is a whipped lotion, which I think adds to light texture of it. Made with ingredients like coconut oil, mango butter, macadamia nut oil and aloe vera it's a great moisturizer for winter skin. Also, the scent isn't overwhelming which I quite like. I could still smell it if I wanted to, but it didn't give me a headache.

Anyway, lovely moisturizer, and everything from this brand smells lovely so I'd suggest giving it a go. This is definitely going to be my holiday moisturizer as it smells quite like Christmas baking! MMM

xLB

Pictures

I was at an event recently for work and brought my sister as my date. They had the cutest photo booth set up and I just got the pictures back and thought I'd share :) they're so funny! xx

OOTD post from the night here

xLB

Review: Kate Somerville EradiKate

The product I'm going to review in this post has received plenty of mixed reviews, from my research. So basically I bought this product on a limb. Sephora has the most incredible return policy ever, so I figured (since they were sold out of my beloved Origins, waaa) I would give it a go! Normally I wouldn't be one to spend 27$ on a product I've never gotten to test, but like I said, Sephora has their incredible return policy so I figured I would try it out!

Kate Somerville - EradiKate (27$ CAD)

First thing to be known about this product is that despite what it may look like you are NOT to shake it. Basically the product is separated into two (noticeable) parts. The top part is just a clear liquid, and the bottom part is a pink liquid, the good stuff. The top part is only there to keep the bottom part (the sulphur treatment) solidified. So whatever you do, do not shake this! It's meant to look that way.

To use this product, first I wash my face like normal, apply toner then apply moisturizer. Then what you do is grab a clean cotton swab and dip it straight into the product, all the way down so it touches the pink. Then you lightly dab at any blemishes you have. Since the sulphur treatment is no longer with the water it will dry up once in contact with your skin, thus drying out the blemish. This is recommended as a PM treatment seeing as you are to have pink dots on your face for hours on end. So, apply the treatment, go to sleep, wake up and voila! ..well, not quite.

On the blemishes I tried the product on, they seemed to be gone completely after three applications. No scaring, nothing. I was told you would notice results after one use. I however, did not. This kind of turned me off of the product, but I decided to continue since I had nothing to lose. I'm glad I did! After two more applications (two more nights) the blemishes were gone completely with no marks behind. It was like magic!

That being said, I think you need to have patience in order to use this product. But if you have the money to spend, or a great return policy, I'd definitely give it a shot. It doesn't work for everyone, but if it works, it really works.

xLB

The End of a Legacy.. "New York, I Love You XOXO"

Tonight marked the very sad, but true ending of a legacy. The series finale of Gossip Girl. *tear*

Gossip Girl has been with me for years on end. The books started in 2002 and continued on end until 2011. And when the show started in 2007 I have religiously watched it until it's end, tonight. That being said, it's been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years. 10. Years. That's an entire decade! That's half of my life-time! Thus, a huge part of my life. There were legitimate tears down my face watching this episode, knowing it is the end, and their are also tears as I'm writing this. EMOTIONS!

For those of you unfamiliar, Gossip Girl centres around a group of high school (then college.. then post-college) students from Manhattans Upper-East side in New York City. The series chronicles their lives, romances and scandals for years. Somehow I could never seem to put down the books or pause the episodes, the plots were that enticing.

* warning: spoilers may incur from here on, so if you've yet to see episode 6x10 and don't want any spoilers s t o p right now
** a heads up, the main storyline I'm concerned about is Chuck/Blair, and the ending of the series. So if you're looking for some 'Dair' loving, or a review on how fabulous Serena is, this might bore you.

So, last week's episode ended up with poor (sarcasm) Bart Bass hanging off a New York building, dangling for his life with 'to be continued..' scrolling across the screen. Onto the continuation..

The episode starts with the aftermath of Bart falling from the top of the building. Chuck and Blair leaving the scene in a frenzy while cops arrive to the building after a call on a body. Then cuts to Serena taking off for Los Angeles with Dan's 'Serena' chapter in hand. Then cue to Nate and Sage looking into Gossip Girl, followed by Lily getting the ultimate phone call.. Chuck and Blair then work on sneaking away from the scene. Then, we see the return of our first guest star, Jack Bass! 

The prospect of Blair and Chuck getting married in order for her not to have to testify the death case is decided upon.. with that CHUCK PROPOSES! (by this point some very inhumane noises are coming from my mouth..) Even though they have to get married it's still super romantic and they would obviously get married at some point, so I'm BEYOND happy! 

Then it cuts to Serena and Dan talking.. which then led me to believe Dan was Gossip Girl. Then Dan reminisces on his earliest memories of Serena.

Then cue Blair and Chuck in the courthouse.. GETTING MARRIED TADAAAA. They get the marriage licence and since Chuck isn't willing to compromise Blair's dream wedding off they go to retrieve friends/family. Then, everyone gathers at the Met, Blair walks out in a GORGEOUS Elie Saab gown and on we are! The most beautiful wedding of the century..until the police come thanks to a tip off from some 2 star peasants who called the police after a sight of Chuck. 

Somehow, despite being pulled together in only hours, this was the most beautiful, perfect wedding and I couldn't be happier. Forever a 'Chair' shipper. My feels are in overdrive! 

THEN ALAS GOSSIP GIRL IS REVEALED.. none other than lonely boy himself, Dan Humphrey! Which I'm surprised, yet not surprised at one bit! I was right! Muhahahah! Then our loves Chuck and Blair Bass (eek!) return to the Waldorf residence for a reception, as a innocent man and wife! BEAUTIFUL! 

"It's all over now, we can all grow up and move on.." - Blair says upon the revelation of Gossip Girl (that sounds weird now that we know it's a boy.. lol) which I thought was such a suiting, powerful quote. It really put their high school lives behind them, and finally they were able to get on with their lives! 

Next, a look forward. Nate hopping off the spectator plane with allegations that he is running for mayor. Next, we see Chuck and Blair with a child, Henry Bass. AW. I'm melting, are you? Then, a quick Eric and Jenny cameo as everyone gathers for *drumroll* another wedding! This time of none other than lonely boy and S herself! A Dan/Serena wedding!! At the wedding we also see Rufus with another woman, and Lily back with William.

We don't actually see this in the episode, however here is Serena's wedding dress.. not sure how I feel.

And we end with 'Gossip Girl', "there will always be someone on the outside wanting to get in" with that.. XOXO

xLB

Motivational Monday

Morning Beauty Bunnies, make sure it's another good one! Happy monday :) xx

xLB

This or That tag

I thought this looked like yet another fun way to procrastinate my studies, so here goes!
Taken from the lovely Annabelle!

MAKEUP

Blush or Bronzer – This is tough - lately I've been using bronzer AS blush.. but I'm going to say blush! lol

Eyeliner or Mascara – Eyeliner! I feel like my eyes look naked without it, so without it I look really young.

Lipgloss or Lipstick – Lipstick, without a question!

Foundation or Concealer – Foundation

Neutral or Coloured Eye shadow – Neutral for sure. I'm a sucker for neutral shadows.. who would think there could be so many!?

Pressed or loose eye shadows – Pressed for sure

Brushes or Sponges – Brushes; I'm a failure when it comes to sponges. I just can't seem to get a hang on it.

NAILS

OPI or China Glaze – OPI for sure

Long or Short – I like mine best short, long tends to annoy me. 

Acrylic or Natural – Natural! 

Brights or Darks – Definitely dark.

BODY

Perfume or body spray – Perfume

Body Wash or Soap – Body wash

Lotion or Body Butter – Body butter

FASHION

Jeans or Sweat Pants – Jeans

Long or Short Sleeves – Long at the moment..

Dresses or Skirts – Skirts for this season, but summer/spring definitely dresses

Stripes or Plain – Plain

Flip flops or Sandals – Sandals 

Scarves or Hats – Hats currently

Studs or Dangly Earrings – Studs

Necklaces or Bracelets – tough.. I have my everyday of each and I don't think I could live without either!

Heels or Flats – Flats 

Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots – Riding boots!

Jacket or Jumper – Lately jumper

Abercombie or Hollister – Not a fan of either, if I had to choose, Abercrombie. 

HAIR

Curly or Straight – Curly

Bun or Ponytail -  Bun

Hair Spray or Gel – Hair spray, never touched gel in my life!

Long or Short – Super long!

Light or Dark – Dark, very dark

Side Fringe or Full Fringe – A bit of side fringe, I wouldn't say I have much of any fringe now..

Up or Down – Lately I haven't bothered much with it, so up. But normally down!

Try this one! Fun, fun, fun!
xLB