Caprina Product Skincare Review*


Caprina products are made with Fresh Goat's Milk which makes it naturally rich in vitamins, mineral and protein. The company does not include phosphates in their products, nor dyes, colorants and lastly they do not test on animals. I have used their products for a few years now, and was first introduced to it by my grandmother. They have an extensive line of products ranging from hand creams, lotions, soaps to baby products and natural products. 

I had previously tried a broad range of their products and loved it, this time I was really intrigued with their new scent - Eucalyptus Mint and they were kind enough to send me additional products including those to try! Also, they were so sweet and sent me some baby items as well to try out on my baby boy soon and I definitely will and will post a review once that is up, so stay tuned!


Their products come in a variety of scents/formulations - fragrance free (of course), Original, Shea Butter, Lavender Oil, Orchid Oil, Olive Oil & Wheat Protein and now Eucalyptus Mint. I wish I could pick a favorite scent, but I do enjoy them all for different reasons. For example, Lavender Oil is great for before bed, Eucalyptus Mint for when you want to relax, Orchid Oil and Olive Oil for everyday. 

Eucalyptus Mint - Foaming Milk Bath and Body Wash
I would love to try the bubble bath, but have been avoiding taking them being quite pregnant before and now in the afterbirth phase. Once time allows, I will definitely be using it to relax. As for the body wash, I AM IN LOVE! Their body washes are now 42% bigger, and priced the same as the smaller bottle before (double win!). It smells so wonderful and makes me feel fresh and prepped up! It cleansed my skin and hydrated it and did not leave behind any residue. 

Lavender Oil - Hand Soap and Body Lotion
I have previously used these products before and they're great. The soap does a great job cleansing the hands - I leave this in my guest bathroom, and the Body Lotion has been great with my alligator skin legs from the winter. The Lavender scent is very subtle, natural and not obnoxious. It just naturally relaxes you and absorbs well into the skin, not leaving your clothes clinging to your skin.

Orchid Oil - Body Wash
This body wash works the same as the Eucalyptus Mint one mentioned above, just in a different scent. This one I like to use them both and it's so hard to pick between them!

Olive Oil & Wheat Protein - Body Lotion and Soap
I found this lotion even more hydrating than the Lavender one mentioned above because of the Olive Oil component, being naturally rich in Vitamin E so it really helps with the dry skin and my eczema prone hands. I rarely use bar soap, so I passed this on to my mom and dad :)

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own

New from Origins Original Skin Collection*


I have been a fan of Origins products for many years, and through my blog you will see that I have included product reviews in my empties posts as well as collection/product launch posts (similar to this one).  When I saw that Origins had recently launched these two new products I knew I had to get my hands on it ASAP to try ~ given that I have enjoyed most of the products I've tried from them in the past (and have introduced their items to friends and coworkers), I wanted to see if this lived up to expectations! If you're interested in reading my review, then keep on scrolling below :)

Recommended for those who are seeking Radiance in their skin and is suitable for all skin types

This is a make-up primer in an foam texture that feels cool to the skin when applied. I really enjoyed this product because it is so light weight and it really did a good job evening out my skin and filling in the larger pores near my nose area. This product is also slightly tinted so being a new mom - this is super convenient for me, I just apply a bit of concealer, pat this on and I instantly look more pulled together. I do recommend that you pat this product onto the skin vs. rubbing it on. LOVE this product! and I've never tried anything like it.

Recommended for those who are seeking Radiance in their skin and is suitable for all skin types

This make-up cleanser, though it says is a jelly is more like a "vaseline" type texture when squeezing out of the tube. It becomes a jelly when mixed with water and then turns into a milky texture to instantly wash away the dirt or traces of makeup (including eyeliner and mascara). The only way this product can work effectively is to use it with warm water - so for those of you who enjoy a cold splash to the face, you may find that this product does not break down on your face or work to its full advantage. You need the warm water to help breakdown the texture of this product for it to work. Once rinsed, my skin was soft, supple and glowing ~ it did not feel like there was any residue nor was it stripped. It felt moisturized and hydrated which is great for the colder winter weather.

Until next time ~ XO - M.

*products were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own

Indeed Labs - Snoxin II and Eysilix II review*


Skincare from Indeed Labs are products that I have been using for a long time now. I had previously reviewed the Vitamin C-24 and Boosters, if you're interested in reading about them you can click on the links attached. The products I have tried work, are reliable and even better, they are at a great price point and are Canadian! Their products are paraben free and are suitable for all skin types and is fragrance free. The vitamin c-24 has been my favorite product so far and below you will find the two newest products launched by Indeed Labs.  

 
$27.99

This is a super-concentrated serum that helps to fight wrinkles and lines. It contains a high dosage of peptides to help smooth out the skin's texture and retain moisture. It contains XEP-018™, a clinically proven peptide that helps minimize muscle contractions and relaxes lines and wrinkles instantly. 

To use, apply a small amount - I usually use about a pea sized amount to be spread on both eyes twice a day on cleansed skin. After this, you resume with your regular skincare routine. Results are said to show as quickly as 2 hours and lasts for the day (approx. 8 hours).
The one major thing I appreciate about this product is that it is a much safer and milder alternative to Botox (and probably cheaper too). 

Key Ingredients (from the Indeed Site):
XEP-018™: A biomimetic peptide that mimics Cone Snail venom from the Indo-West Pacific region. This neuropeptide blocks signals sent from the brain to the facial muscles to contract and just like Botox®, relaxes the muscles instantly. This active provides both an instant and lasting effect as the peptide accumulates and continuously works to help skin repair itself by allowing new collagen to grow and mature thus increasing skin elasticity.
MATRIXYL SYNTHE’6™: A powerful peptide that boosts six skin-building essentials: collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin 5.
PERFECTIONPEPTIDE P3™: Speeds up cell renewal by helping the skin’s natural exfoliation process. By revealing new skin cells, this active works to refine skin texture, reduce wrinkle depth and provide deep hydration, resulting in fresher, more vibrant skin.

$22.99

This is an updated and improved formulation of their current bestselling eye cream. It helps to reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and crow's feet - which is perfect for either mature skin or those around my age, early 30's who are trying to do preventative care. If you are a reader of my blog, you will know that I strongly believe in preventing and treating your skin before it starts to show signs of aging in which it is harder to reverse. 

This product contains essential peptides, ceramids, extracts and probiotics to target your sensitive eye area. Apply this on a clean face and dab a small thin layer around the eye area twice a day.

Key Ingredients (as noted on their website)
NEODERMYL™: A pure source of bio-energy which can naturally diffuse into skin, re-energizing cells, triggering essential elements to produce collagen and elastin. This “needle-free” collagen and elastin filler results in visible reduction of deep wrinkles and improvement in skin firmness.
DERMAXYL®: This active works to repair the skin’s natural barrier function by stimulating cell communication which smooths wrinkles and age related damage.
UPLEVITY™ PEPTIDE SOLUTION: This tetra peptide counteracts sagging and aging effects on the skin by increasing collagen production and functional elastin which allows skin to resume shape after stretching or contracting. The layer beneath the skin (dermis) is significantly more structured and firmer, so it better resists the effects of aging.
REVITAL-EYES: An invigorating complex rich in probiotics, green tea extract, pomegranate extract and caffeine. This active helps protect the eye area from environmental damage while diminishing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

Until next time, XO - M

*products were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own.

Body Shop - Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask and Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Milky Toner review*


I have been a user of The Body Shop products since I was a teen, I remember when Satsuma was all the rage and their body butters were everyone's favorite, including mine - Blueberry one and Shea were my repeated repurchases. 

In the last few years, I have continuously used their body washes as they work really well with my eczema prone skin in the winter time as from my recollection, their body washes do not contain alcohol in them so it actually works well to cleanse and hydrate the skin, vs stripping it. I always make sure to stock up on body washes every time there's a sale so that I am not without it at all times :) My favorites would have to be Raspberry, Blueberry and Olive. 

In addition to the body washes, I have also been a user of their Tea Tree range since my teens, including their Foam Cleanser, Oil and Blemish Stick. They work really well and I have introduced them to friends and family, especially ones that are combating acne or acne-prone skin. 

I was recently given the opportunity to test out two products that I have never tried before, if you're interested in my thoughts, then keep on reading below...



I was quite interested to try this product since I had previously mentioned that I have been a user of the Tea Tree Oil range for many years now. This is a mask that is to be applied at night after cleansing the skin and left on overnight to be washed off in the morning. It is alcohol free and says that it will not stain the pillows. I tried this as a full face mask, as well as a spot treatment and I must say that I prefer using it as a spot treatment. Also, I put this in the fridge so that it was cooling when applied to the face thereby reducing the aggravated spot. 

It helped to mattify the area, calm the flare-up and reduce the puffiness. When I used this, my pimple never came to a head and any irritation was calmed by the morning. 



Toners.. I believe is equally important in a skincare routine as every other step you use. Some people may choose to believe it or not, but honestly even though I can take all the measures to cleanse my face with micellar water, then a cleanser (double cleansing) when I take some toner with a cotton pad to my face afterwards, there is still some residue that may end up on the cotton pad from crevices of the face that you may have missed. 

This toner contains Chinese rice and ginseng extract with organic sesame seed oil from Nicaragua (though not to fear, you do not actually smell like sesame oil afterwards). With repeated use, I found that it made my skin smoother, softer and brighter. It brought back some life to my otherwise dulled skin from the winter weather. Again, this does not contain alcohol so it will not strip your skin. 

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own

NARS - VELVET LIP GLIDE SET - review and swatches


I had received this lip set for Christmas gift and I am so happy about it because this lip formula is my favorite. It is like a whipped, ultra light-weight, opaque, liquid lipstick type formulation that does not dry down completely but to a hydrated looking finish. It makes your lips look a bit fuller because it does not settle in fine lines but just makes them look healthy. 

The swatches below of the gift set were created with only one swipe. Obviously you could go with two layers effortlessly without it being patchy - but honestly one swipe is enough! 

Before receiving these, my favorite color was Bound, which is a dusty mauvey nude pink - if you like those types of colors, I highly suggest you try it out!


Have you tried these lippies from NARS before? Which is your favorite color above? I'd love to hear from you!!

Until next time, XO - M.

vichy - NEOVADIOL ROSE PLATINIUM review*


Brand new from Vichy, we have the Neovadiol Rose Platinum Cream which retails for $56.95 for 50ml. This product helps to nourish, fortify and revitalize the skin bringing back that youthful glow that you may feel has faded a bit. 

This product is to be used after you cleanse the face and after you have applied your serum (should you use one) and is to be added to your morning skincare routine. 

As you age, your skin will naturally lose its natural radiance, fullness and elasticity. The formulation of the Neovadiol Rose Platinum Cream helps to nourish and stimulate the natural glow to return. It has a very subtle scent of roses, nothing obnoxious or overwhelming. If you look at the photo of the product below, you can see that it is pink toned and almost has a subtle shimmer pigment reflect to it. I believe this to be the mineral pigments that help reflect and bring out the glow to your skin ~ it contains mother of pearl that just melts into your skin. 

As always, Vichy includes their Mineral-Rich Thermal Water in their products, and this is the same for the cream. For those of you who don't know - this thermal water is drawn from a depth of 4000 meters at the natural springs in France. To learn more about it, make sure you visit their website!

Though this product is for women who are of more mature skin, I did appreciate using this product as I am always a fan of anti-aging skincare. If you're a follower of my blog, you will know by now that I believe in preventing lines, wrinkles, signs of aging vs. trying to tackle it when it comes. So far, it has been working! I have used this product for a few weeks and thoroughly enjoy it, however I will also be giving the remainder to my mom to try out too and see what she thinks! 


Until next time, XO - M.

*product was sent to me for review, all opinions are my own.

Pixi - MatteLast Liquid Lip and Rose Infused Skincare*


As we kick off 2018, Pixi Beauty was kind enough to send me over one of the most beautifully packaged PR samples for review which contains their new line of liquid lipsticks ~ MatteLast Liquid Lip, and retails for $14 each. The liquid lipstick is housed in their classic mint pastel green packaging and the formulation is said to be opaque and comfortable. 

Before I share the swatches of the lippies sent to me, I thought I would just quickly show you how pretty the PR package is, complete with a lock and key (which actually works!) I had to use the key to open the lock to see the goodies within.



Inside houses the new liquid lips on the right side, and on the left are rose-infused skincare products


As promised, you will find below 5 of the 6 liquid lips swatched - The last one that I did not receive but is in the collection is a hot or brighter pink shade. The below swatches only took ONE swipe across my arm. It also is a whipped formulation that is honestly as it claims, weightless. It has no weird fragrance and the dry-down is to a true matte. It did not cling to any dry patches on my lips (though did settle in fine lines, which can be easily remedied with a balm beforehand, however it will then dry to a semi-matte) and is comfortable to wear as it contains Vitamin E and Rosehip Oil infused into it. 



Next features the Pixi Caviar Essence (on the left) and the Rose Flash Balm (on the right)

 

I had to take a picture of me holding up the Rose Caviar Essence, so you can see the product within the packaging. It contains encapsulated flower oils, and what looks like petals suspended in the serum gel like "essence" that melts when applied to the skin. This product helps to soften and tone the skin while brightening it at the same time. You apply it after cleansing and gently pat it onto the face, neck and even the upper chest décolletage area if you would like. 

In the baby pink packaging, is the Rose Flash Balm that is also used to help boost the radiance to your skin when you feel like you are loosing some pep in your face, or that you are looking a bit blah, dull and tired. You apply a thick layer 2-3x a week as a mask if you would like, OR alternatively you can use this daily as a primer which you would obviously apply a thin layer to the skin and then follow with your make-up routine. I personally prefer using this as an actual skincare treatment, as a mask vs. as a primer. 

If you're interested in the products mentioned above, you can find them at Shoppers Drug Mart!

Until next time, XO - M

*products were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own

Reformulated Products from Wet n Wild - Review and Tutorial*


Wet n Wild has always been a very reasonably priced and great quality product offered at the drugstore. I was using Wet n Wild products back when I was a teen and I had never been let down. If you really think about it, being able to purchase products like a liquid lipstick or highligther for $12.99 or makeup brushes for under $10 a piece is amazing and great for those who are starting out with makeup or are on a budget. 

Wet n Wild recently reformulated their shadows, and also launched some cushion products that I have been dying to try out so keep on reading below if you're interested in learning about them! 


The shadows above are the newly reformulated palettes - there is the 10 pan, 4 pan and the singles. All delivering great quality for the price you pay. The glitter, Brass, comes already "tacky" meaning it will stick on the lid when you pat it on without having to additionally purchase glitter glue. The one great thing about the glitter is that it actually stays on until you remove it, and in addition it actually shows up (you can see from the picture below in the look I created).  

I really appreciate that the palettes now come with transition shades as well, that are actually complimentary to the shadows in the pan. Having the ability to just purchase one palette that can do a complete look is smart for the consumer! Sometimes, you find yourself having to purchase a few palettes from other brands in order to get a matte crease color for e.g. a transition shade and then your base/main color. With these ones you can achieve a few looks with one palette alone. 

The highlighters are amazing quality - they are SO pigmented and better than other highlighters that are more than double its price. If I was to suggest one thing you had to try, it would be the highlighters! 


Next we have the items newer to Wet n Wild, which are the cushions ~ there are correctors, contour/bronzers and highlighters. These are the ones I am most excited to try. They worked so well - they are so pigmented and from the swatches below you can see that they really do deliver and does not shy away from doing what it says. The correctors do correct, the highlighters are shimmery and the contour/bronzer is perfect, not too orange not too ashy. I really appreciate how natural these products look when blended out so its perfect for those of you who want a natural look.  


 

Bottom look is created with the Sweet as Candy 4 pan eyeshadow and Pink Electro Gel Lip Liner. 


 Bottom look is created with the Comfort Zone 10 shadow palette and Don't Be A Prune Gel Lip Liner all over the lips and Sand Nudes in the middle (to create a subtle ombre look). The eye look on the left is with just the palette alone and the one on the right has Brass (the glitter shadow) patted on the inner half of the lid. 


One other product I would highly suggest is their Retractable Brow Pencil. It is firm enough to deliver a precise brow shape and the color I'm using, Dark Brown is a perfect match. I did not have to use any gel to set the brow either. I have found my new drugstore brow favorite!!

Until next time, XO - M.

Favorite Make-Up Brushes of 2017


Being a beauty blogger and constantly trying to create looks and tutorials, I often try to find make-up brushes that can help me with what I need to accomplish. I have to say, sometimes I am lucky enough to receive some to try in the mail, but most of the time I do invest in brushes myself to be able to find the staple brushes that do exactly what I need and when. 

As I am so busy with planning for the arrival of my baby boy, I didn't have the time to do a make-up and skincare post of 2017. To make-up for that, I decided to share with you my most reached for and favorite make-up brushes of 2017. I separated them into two sections - Face and Eye. I have also labelled them by brand, name and what I use it for. 

The pictures should be pretty self explanatory in terms of which brush is for what, I figure when it comes to a favorite post, it might be best to just label everything as opposed to writing paragraphs upon paragraphs of each item. 

I am trying to keep my blog posts short, sweet and to the point for 2018 :) I want to be able to keep your attention and interest by just giving you what you need or want to know (hopefully) in the fastest way possible! 

If you do have any questions about the brushes below, please do not hesitate to send me a message, e-mail or comment directly on this post! 



The one thing I have to say, before I end this post is that as you can see, my brushes range widely in terms of price. I have brushes that can be bought for a few dollars on eBay, to hand crafted brushes made by Japanese Artisans (Hakuhodo and Wayne Goss). What I have truly learnt is that a brand or price tag does not define how efficient a brush is, you just have to try out a different variety of brushes and see what works for you :) 

Until next time, XO - M.

Garnier Smoothing Treat with Avocado Extract*

 

Brand new to Garnier are these little tubs of hair treatments/masks that are jam packed with super fruits to help you smoothen, strengthen, repair, revive and nourish your hair. These are said to be 98% naturally derived and does not weigh down your hair. The formula is also 94% biodegradable and 100% vegan with no silicones, parabens or artificial colorants. 

There are five different formulations:
1. Smoothing Treat with Avocado Extract ~ for soft and smooth hair
2. Strengthening Treat with Banana Extract ~ for soft, smooth and stronger hair
3. Strengthening Treat with Papaya Extract ~ for soft, smooth and damage repair
4. Strengthening Treat with Goji Extract ~ for soft, smooth hair and adding color vibrancy
5 . Strengthening Treat with Coconut Extract ~ for soft, smooth and manageable hair.

I was sent the Avocado one to try and I really enjoy it - it honestly compares to the more expensive hair masks I've tried in the past that I have unfortunately probably paid more than 2-3x the price of this for. You only need about a loonie sized on the palm of your hand, and apply it to the ends and let it sit for a minute before washing it off. The product stays true to the claims, it does not weigh my hair down at all - it does not make my hair greasy the next day and it actually works well to smooth and hydrate my ends. I blow dry my hair quite often and take a heating/styling tool to it, so this is an excellent find. 

I will definitely be purchasing this in the 4 other formulations as I dye my hair, style my hair and well I just about have use for each of the 5 different formulations. 

Until next time, XO - M

*product was sent to me for review, all opinions are my own. 

Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham Tutorial & Review*


Victoria Beckham, famous for being a fashion designer and singer (back in the 90's with Spice Girls), if you are a fan of her back then and of her creations now, you will know that luxury and classiness is what she represents. When I found out about her collaboration with Estee Lauder a while back, I knew that the match would be perfect. Both represent a timeless beauty and class that cannot be imitated. I had the opportunity to receive some items for review from her second collab with Estee and I decided to create a look with them for you! 

While some of these items are no longer in stores, you can surely find them online still if anything interests you! I stuck to mainly Estee Lauder branded products for this review.

Products used in this tutorial:
1. T-Zone Primer: Estee Lauder - The Mattifier Primer*
2. Primer for the cheeks/nose area: Estee Edit - Pore Vanishing Stick
3. Foundation: Estee Lauder - Perfectionist Youth Infusing Foundation with SPF 25 (3W1 Tawny)*
4. Setting Powder: Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham - Skin Perfecting Powder*
5. Eyeshadow: Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham - Eye Matte Duo 02 Blue Electrique / Nude*
6. Lips: Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham - 03 Black Cassis*

*other products if you're interested: Brows - Benefit, Concealer - NARS, Eyeliner - Kat Von D, Lashes - Ardell. 


For the eyes, I blended the nude shade in the duo on the crease and to buff away any harsh lines set by the blue shadow in the duo. I laid the blue shadow all over the lid and then did a small cat eye with liquid liner and paired it with a pair of fluttery lashes. the shadow was beautiful, the nude blended effortlessly and was buttery, the blue as you can see is very bright, one layer showed pigmentation but with the below look, I did do two layers, which layered fine and was not patchy. I did not even need to use a base shadow which is great.


A quick review of the other items I've used: 
Estee Lauder - The Mattifier Primer  ~ The primer has been in rotation since November, I had included it in a favorites post before (if you're interested in reading it, click here).  It keeps my oily t-zone controlled and I do not have to blot the problem area all day. 

Estee Edit - Pore Vanishing Stick ~ I'm not sure what happened to Estee Edit :( I hope they are rebranding but this stick is amazing! I wish I had bought another. A little goes a long way, I do one swipe on the area on each side of my nose and it helps to blur out any large pores that I may have

Estee Lauder - Perfectionist Youth Infusing Foundation with SPF 25 (3W1 Tawny) ~ I have been using this foundation for a year now, and it makes my skin look very natural and youthful without looking cakey at all. It does not oxidize and offers a satin finish. This is one of those foundations that looks better as you wear it through the day. 

Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham - Skin Perfecting Powder ~ The powder is very densely packed in the pan, I used a stiffer powder brush to pick up the product to apply it all over the face. It worked well to blur out and set the foundation without looking like additional product was adding to the face. 

Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham - 03 Black Cassis ~ The lipstick from the tube looks very intimidating and dark. However when applied you get a rich dark berry wine red. It glides on like butter, does not settle in fine lines and looks quite sophisticated, perfect for an evening out. I do suggest using a liner to give yourself a more precise line. I freehanded it in my look and it's not as perfect as I want it to be! 

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent for review, all opinions are my own